Air conditioning system, control method, and program

Abstract

Reflect user preferences in the settings. [Solution] The air conditioning system in this disclosure is an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, comprising: a determination unit that determines a set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device; a user identification unit that identifies a user in the space to be air-conditioned; a determination unit that determines whether or not to adjust the determined set temperature based on the preferences of the identified user; and a setting unit that, if it is determined to adjust the temperature, sets the air conditioning device to a set temperature adjusted based on the user's preferences, and if it is determined not to adjust the temperature, sets the air conditioning device to the determined set temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a management system including a management server communicably connected to a plurality of air conditioners. In the management system, the management server determines an optimal set temperature based on the outside air temperature and the history of changes in the past set temperature, and sets the set temperature in the plurality of air conditioners.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] <苟

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program that can reflect user preferences in settings.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The air conditioning system in the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that air conditions an air-conditioned space by an air conditioner, and includes a determination unit that determines a set temperature to be set in the air conditioner, a user identification unit that identifies a user in the air-conditioned space, a determination unit that determines whether to adjust the determined set temperature based on the preferences of the identified user, and a setting unit that sets the air conditioner to the set temperature adjusted based on the preferences of the user when it is determined to adjust, and sets the determined set temperature in the air conditioner when it is determined not to adjust.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method in this disclosure involves a computer determining a set temperature to be set in an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned, identifying a user in the space to be air-conditioned, determining whether or not to adjust the determined set temperature based on the preferences of the identified user, and if it is determined that adjustment should be made, setting the air conditioning system to the set temperature adjusted based on the user's preferences, or if it is determined that no adjustment should be made, setting the air conditioning system to the determined set temperature.

[0007] Furthermore, the program in this disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: determine a set temperature to be set in an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned; identify a user in the space to be air-conditioned; determine whether or not to adjust the determined set temperature based on the preferences of the identified user; if it is determined that adjustment should be made, set the air conditioning system to the set temperature adjusted based on the user's preferences; and if it is determined that no adjustment should be made, set the air conditioning system to the determined set temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The air conditioning system, control method, and program described herein can reflect user preferences in their settings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example configuration of the management server in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of management data in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the updating of the number of actual results in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the update of the number of changes in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server in Embodiment 1 [Figure 7]Flowchart showing an example of the operation of the decision process in Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] A diagram to explain how to understand user preferences. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating the determination of the set temperature based on user preference. [Figure 10] Flowchart showing an example of the operation of the decision process in Embodiment 2 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology in which a management server determined the optimal set temperature based on the outside temperature and the history of past temperature setting changes, and then set that temperature to the air conditioner. Regarding this set temperature, users have different preferences, such as preferring a setting of around 23°C or around 25°C when cooling. However, the inventors discovered that the conventional technology did not reflect the user's preference in the set temperature. In order to solve this problem, the inventors came to form the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0011] Therefore, this disclosure provides an air conditioning system, control method, and program that can reflect user preferences in the settings.

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0013] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Air Conditioning System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 is a system that air - conditions the conditioned space S by the air conditioner 1. The air - conditioning of the conditioned space S includes cooling, heating, dehumidifying, blowing, ventilation, etc. In this embodiment, the case where the conditioned space S is cooled and heated by the air conditioner 1 will be described. The conditioned space S is a space possessed by the facility H and is a space to be air - conditioned by the air conditioner 1. The facility H includes, for example, a house, an office, a store (including the backyard), a medical facility, a public facility, etc.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1000 includes the air conditioner 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioners 1. Note that the number of air conditioners 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more and may be less than four. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12. The air conditioner 1 performs air - conditioning operation by the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 and air - conditions the conditioned space S where the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioner 1 is connected to the network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network composed of a public line network, a dedicated line, the Internet, or other communication networks.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1000 includes terminal devices 2a and 2b. The terminal device 2a is a terminal used by the administrator P1 who manages the facility H. Note that the administrator P1 is not limited to a person and may be a subject having the management authority of the facility H (for example, a company operating the facility H). The terminal device 2b is a terminal used by the user P2 who uses the facility H.

[0017] In the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device 2a is a laptop computer, but it may also be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone. Also, in the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device 2b is a smartphone, but it may also be a tablet computer or a notebook computer. The terminal devices 2a and 2b are connected to the network NW.

[0018] Terminal device 2a displays information related to the air conditioning system 1, such as power consumption, for each facility H. Terminal device 2a also performs various setting inputs to the management server 3 based on operations by administrator P1. Terminal device 2b is a portable terminal used, for example, by user P2 when using facility H.

[0019] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioning unit 1. The management server 3 is connected to a network NW and processes information with the air conditioning unit 1 and terminal device 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by administrator P1, or it may be a server device not owned by administrator P1.

[0020] The air conditioning system 1000 is equipped with a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service of providing weather data. The weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes at least the forecast value of the outside temperature of facility H. For example, the weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes actual measured values ​​of the outside temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and weather conditions from the past (several hours ago) to the present, and predicted values ​​for the future (several hours later), for a predetermined area associated with the location information of facility H, such as the address and postal code of facility H. The weather server 4 may also calculate and provide pinpoint weather data for facility H from the location information of facility H.

[0021] In each diagram, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are represented by a single block. However, this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are composed of a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may consist of multiple server devices with different processing functions, or they may be composed of the same server device.

[0022] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a detection device 5 for detecting a user P2 within the air-conditioned space S. For example, the detection device 5 is installed at the entrance / exit of the air-conditioned space S and is a user authentication device that authenticates the user when the user P2 enters or leaves the air-conditioned space S. Alternatively, the detection device 5 may be a user authentication device that performs facial recognition of the user P2 inside the air-conditioned space S based on images from an indoor camera that captures images of the air-conditioned space S.

[0023] Furthermore, the detection device 5 may be a communication device installed within the air-conditioned space S that communicates wirelessly with a terminal device 2b held by a user P2 within the air-conditioned space S using BLE (BLE: Bluetooth® Low Energy). The detection device 5 connects to the management server 3 via a network NW.

[0024] [1-1-2. Configuration of Air Conditioning System 1] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 will be described. The air conditioning system 1 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a remote control 13, and a communication device 14. Note that the number of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12 in the air conditioning system 1 may be multiple.

[0025] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. Thus, in the air conditioning system 1, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 constitute a refrigerant cycle.

[0026] The remote control 13 is installed on a wall or the like in the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 13 has multiple operation buttons for the user of the air conditioner 1 to start or stop operation, operate menus, use cursor keys, etc. The remote control 13 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 and the operating status of the indoor unit 11.

[0027] The communication device 14 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the management server 3. The communication device 14 also controls various parts of the air conditioning unit 1. Whenever the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 is changed, the communication device 14 sends operation data RD to the management server 3.

[0028] Operation data RD is data indicating that an operation to change the set temperature has been received. Operation data RD records the air conditioner ID (Identification), date and time of change, type of air conditioner, set temperature before change, and set temperature after change.

[0029] The air conditioner ID is the identification information for air conditioning unit 1. The change date and time is the date and time when the set temperature of air conditioning unit 1 was changed. The air conditioning type is the type of air conditioning performed by air conditioning unit 1, and in this embodiment, it indicates cooling or heating. The set temperature before change is the set temperature of air conditioning unit 1 before the change. The set temperature after change is the set temperature of air conditioning unit 1 after the change.

[0030] The communication device 14 receives configuration data SD from the management server 3. The configuration data SD contains configuration information related to the air conditioning of the air conditioning unit 1. For example, the configuration data SD is data that instructs the setting of the temperature of the air conditioning unit 1, and the temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 is recorded. The communication device 14 operates the air conditioning unit 1 based on the received configuration data SD. For example, the communication device 14 operates the air conditioning unit 1 at the temperature recorded in the configuration data SD.

[0031] [1-1-3. Configuration of Management Server 3] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management server 3 in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, the management server 3 comprises a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31.

[0032] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), server memory 310, and interface circuits to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0033] Server memory 310 is memory that stores programs and data. Server memory 310 stores control programs 311, management database 312, user information database 313, and data processed by the server processor 300. Server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of ​​the server processor 300. Server memory 310 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0034] Management DB312 is a database that manages data related to air conditioning unit 1. Management DB312 has one record R for each air conditioning unit 1. Each record R contains the air conditioner ID, communication information, location of facility H, administrator settings, air conditioning type, current set temperature, management data, and specific user information.

[0035] The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning unit 1, for example, the address information of the communication device 14. The location of facility H is the location of facility H where the air conditioning unit 1 is installed, for example, the address of facility H. The location of facility H also includes information about the detection device 5 installed within facility H (for example, identification information, communication address, etc.).

[0036] The administrator settings are data pre-configured by administrator P1 via terminal device 2a. These administrator settings include various settings for the air conditioning unit 1.

[0037] For example, the administrator settings include a setting that indicates whether or not to reflect user P2's preferences when determining the set temperature (for cooling / heating) to be set for air conditioner 1 during heating or cooling.

[0038] The air conditioning type refers to the type of air conditioning performed by the air conditioning unit 1, and in this embodiment, it indicates either cooling or heating. The current set temperature is the set temperature set on the air conditioning unit 1.

[0039] The management data is data used to manage the operating performance of the air conditioning unit 1 during heating and cooling. Specifically, the management data includes information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of management data in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3, the management data MD records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the management data MD records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the 0:00 to 23:00 time periods. Here, N is an integer from 0 to 23.

[0041] Furthermore, the management data MD records multiple ambient temperatures in 1°C increments. The range of ambient temperatures recorded in the management data MD includes at least the range of temperatures that the ambient air at facility H can reach. Note that the range of ambient temperatures recorded in the management data MD may be the same regardless of the location of facility H, or it may be a different range depending on the location of facility H.

[0042] The management data MD records one collection data AD for each pair of time period and outside temperature. The collection data AD contains information related to the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The collection data AD collects various data within a predetermined range of the set temperature. The set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 is determined from the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collection data AD by the processing of the flowchart described later.

[0043] The collected data AD records the set temperatures of multiple air conditioners 1 in 1°C increments within a predetermined range. In the example in Figure 3, the collected data AD records 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. In other words, in the example in Figure 3, the predetermined range of set temperatures shown in the collected data AD is 23°C to 27°C.

[0044] The collected data AD records the number of actual settings, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each recorded set temperature. In other words, the collected data AD is an example of the set temperature change history. In the example in Figure 3, the collected data AD records the number of actual settings, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each of the following temperatures: 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C.

[0045] The "actual count" indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set to air conditioner 1. The "number of changes" indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was changed to another set temperature. The "probability of changes" indicates the probability that the corresponding set temperature was changed to another set temperature. The probability of changes is calculated, for example, by dividing the corresponding number of changes by the corresponding actual count.

[0046] Returning to Figure 2, the specific user information refers to information indicating user P2 identified by the user identification unit 306 within the air-conditioned space S corresponding to the facility's location. Specifically, the specific user information includes the user ID that identifies user P2 within the air-conditioned space S.

[0047] The User Information DB 313 is a database that stores various information for each user P2. The User Information DB 313 has one record for each user P2. This record includes the user ID of user P2, information about the terminal device 2b owned by user P2 (e.g., terminal ID, communication address), authentication information of user P2 (e.g., authentication code, biometric information, etc.), and information indicating the user's preferred temperature setting. In other words, the User Information DB 313 is an example of a storage unit.

[0048] The information indicating the user's preferred temperature setting may be any information that indicates the preferred temperature setting (for cooling / for heating) during cooling or heating. For example, the information indicating the user's preferred temperature setting may be the value of the preferred temperature setting of the user. The value of the preferred temperature setting of the user may be a relative value to a reference temperature during cooling or heating. This information indicating the user's preferred temperature setting may be estimated by the estimation unit 307 (details will be described later), or it may be set in advance by the user P2 via the terminal device 2b.

[0049] The server communication device 31 is equipped with hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. The server communication device 31 communicates with the air conditioner 1, terminal devices 2a and 2b, weather server 4, and detection device 5 in accordance with the control of the server control device 30.

[0050] The server processor 300 functions as a communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, user identification unit 306, and estimation unit 307 by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310.

[0051] The communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioning unit 1, terminal devices 2a and 2b, weather server 4, and detection device 5 via the server communication device 31.

[0052] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R and acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R being processed. More specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R being processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information is information requesting a forecast value of the outside air temperature for a time period including the current time, and it records the location of the facility H recorded in the record R being processed and the time period for which the request is made. For example, if the current time is H hours and M minutes, the forecast value request information records the time period from H hours and 0 minutes to H+1 hours and 0 minutes. Note that H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59.

[0053] When the communication control unit 301 receives forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 multiple forecast values ​​corresponding to the location and time period of facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 and acquires the calculated average value as the outside temperature. In this embodiment, when the acquisition unit 302 calculates the average value of the forecast values, it either truncates the decimal part or rounds it to the nearest whole number.

[0054] The update unit 303 updates the management DB 312. Every hour at L minutes, the update unit 303 updates the actual count recorded in the collected data AD. The update unit 303 updates the actual count for each record R. Here, L is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. To elaborate on the update of the actual count, every hour at L minutes, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside temperature based on the record R to be processed. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the management data MD of the record R to be processed and identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the set of outside temperature and degree acquired by the acquisition unit 302. Then, the update unit 303 increments the actual count corresponding to the currently set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed from the actual count recorded in the identified collected data AD. The update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented actual count to a change probability that reflects the actual count after the increment.

[0055] Now, with reference to Figure 4, we will explain how to update the actual count. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating how to update the actual count in Embodiment 1.

[0056] The explanation in Figure 4 illustrates a case where the current time when updating the actual count is in the 2 PM hour, and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation in Figure 4 also illustrates a case where the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode. In the case of Figure 4, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period in the 2 PM hour and the outside air temperature of 34°C from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0057] In the explanation of Figure 4, we illustrate the case where the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed is 25°C. That is, in the explanation of Figure 4, we illustrate the case where the set temperature set in the air conditioner 1 is 25°C. In the case of Figure 4, the update unit 303 increments the number of actual occurrences corresponding to 25°C from "4" to "5" among the actual occurrences recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Figure 4, along with the update of the actual occurrences, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5".

[0058] Next, the update of the update unit 303 will be explained. When the communication control unit 301 receives operation data RD, the update unit 303 updates the management DB 312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 identifies the record R containing the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD from the management DB 312. Then, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the air conditioner type of the identified record R to the air conditioner type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0059] Furthermore, the update unit 303 causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R identified by the received operation data RD. Next, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature / degrees acquired by the acquisition unit 302 from the management data MD of the identified record R.

[0060] Next, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD and increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the pre-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0061] Furthermore, the update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to reflect the change probability after the increment.

[0062] Now, with reference to Figure 5, we will explain how to update the number of changes. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating how to update the number of changes in Embodiment 1.

[0063] Figure 5 illustrates a case where the current time when updating the number of changes is in the 2 PM hour, and the outside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. Figure 5 also illustrates a case where the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode. In Figure 5, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the 2 PM hour and the outside temperature of 34°C from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0064] In the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the pre-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25°C. Also in the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the post-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 24°C. In this example, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to 25°C from "3" to "4" among the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD. In addition, in the case of Figure 5, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" along with the update of the number of changes.

[0065] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1. Details of the determination method of the determination unit 304 will be described later.

[0066] The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 to the air conditioner 1. The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature to the air conditioner 1 based on the record R to be processed. More specifically, the setting unit 305 generates setting data SD and outputs the generated setting data SD and the communication information recorded in the record R to be processed to the communication control unit 301. The generated setting data SD contains the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304. Based on the communication information received from the setting unit 305, the communication control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the setting unit 305 to the air conditioner 1.

[0067] The user identification unit 306 identifies user P2 in the air-conditioned space S based on communication with the detection device 5 via the communication control unit 301. Specifically, the user identification unit 306 communicates with the detection device 5 that detects user P2 in the air-conditioned space S of facility H, based on the information about the detection device 5 included in the facility H information of record R.

[0068] Next, the user identification unit 306 obtains authentication information from the detection device 5 when user P2 enters or leaves the air-conditioned space S. The user identification unit 306 identifies user P2 entering or leaving the air-conditioned space S by comparing the acquired authentication information with the authentication information contained in the user information DB 313. For user P2 that has entered the air-conditioned space S, the user identification unit 306 records the user ID that identifies that user P2 in the specific user information of record R. Also, for user P2 that has left the air-conditioned space S, the user identification unit 306 deletes the user ID that identifies that user P2 from the specific user information of record R. In this way, the user identification unit 306 identifies users within the air-conditioned space S by recording the detection results of users entering or leaving the air-conditioned space S in the specific user information.

[0069] Furthermore, the user identification unit 306 obtains information about the terminal device 2b (e.g., terminal ID) acquired by the detection device 5 via wireless communication with the terminal device 2b from the detection device 5. The user identification unit 306 identifies user P2 in the air-conditioned space S by comparing the acquired information about the terminal device 2b with the information about the terminal device 2b contained in the user information DB 313. The user identification unit 306 records the user ID that identifies the identified user P2 in the identified user information of record R. In this way, the user identification unit 306 may also identify user P2 in the air-conditioned space S by detecting user P2 associated with the terminal device 2b based on communication with the terminal device 2b in the air-conditioned space S.

[0070] The estimation unit 307 estimates the user P2's preferred set temperature within the air-conditioned space S by querying the user P2 within the air-conditioned space S, where a predetermined set temperature has been set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0071] Specifically, the estimation unit 307 refers to the current set temperature in record R and specific user information to identify user P2 in the air-conditioned space S where the current set temperature is set in the air conditioning unit 1. Next, the estimation unit 307 refers to the user information DB 313 to identify the information (communication address) of the terminal device 2b owned by the identified user P2. Then, based on the information (communication address) of the identified terminal device 2b, the estimation unit 307 queries the terminal device 2b owned by user P2 via the communication control unit 301 for user P2's evaluation of the current set temperature.

[0072] Next, the estimation unit 307 estimates user P2's preferred temperature setting based on the evaluation results of the user P2's inquiries. For example, based on the user P2's heat level evaluation relative to the current temperature ("a little hot", "hot", "very hot", etc.), the estimation unit 307 estimates that user P2's preferred temperature setting is a lower temperature than the current temperature.

[0073] For example, if the user feels "a little hot," their preferred temperature setting will be 0.5°C lower than the current setting. If they feel "hot," their preferred temperature setting will be 1°C lower than the current setting. If they feel "very hot," their preferred temperature setting will be 1.5°C lower than the current setting.

[0074] Furthermore, the estimation unit 307 estimates that user P2's preferred temperature setting is one that is higher than the current temperature setting, based on the user's evaluation of how cold they feel relative to the current temperature setting ("slightly cold", "cold", "quite cold", etc.).

[0075] For example, if the user feels "a little cold," they will set their preferred temperature to 0.5°C higher than the current setting. If they feel "cold," they will set their preferred temperature to 1°C higher than the current setting. If they feel "quite hot," they will set their preferred temperature to 1.5°C higher than the current setting.

[0076] Furthermore, if the evaluation result is expressed in words rather than as a heat / cold rating scale, the estimation unit 307 may convert it into a heat / cold rating scale by analyzing the evaluation result using known document analysis techniques. Also, if the evaluation result indicates the user P2's preferred temperature setting, the estimation unit 307 may use that temperature setting as is and use it as the user P2's preferred temperature setting. The estimation unit 307 records the user P2's preferred temperature setting, as estimated in this way, in the user information DB 313.

[0077] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0078] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management server 3 in Embodiment 1. The flowchart in Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the management server 3 performed for each air conditioning unit 1. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 6 shows the operation performed for each record R stored in the management DB 312.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature based on the record R to be processed (S1). The process for acquiring the outside temperature (S1) will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. For example, if the current time is 10:00, the forecast value request information will contain time periods such as 10:00 to 11:00, 11:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 1:00, etc. Note that the time periods included in the forecast value request information are, as an example, up to 8 hours ahead of the current time. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 multiple forecast values ​​(for example, a forecast value for 10:00 and a forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the location and time of facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 for each time period and acquires the calculated average value as the outside temperature. For example, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature for the time period from 10:00 to 11:00 by averaging the forecast value for 10:00 and the forecast value for 11:00.

[0080] Next, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD to be processed from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed (S2). The process for identifying the collection data AD (S2) will be described in detail. The determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to each time period and the set of outside temperature obtained in S1 from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0081] Next, the determination unit 304 performs a determination process (S3). The determination process is the process of determining the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 for each time period. In the determination process, the collected data AD identified in S2 is the target of processing.

[0082] The decision process (S3) will be described in detail. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the decision process in Embodiment 1.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7, in the decision process, the decision unit 304 reads the change probability for the set temperature from the collected data AD corresponding to the set temperature set. Then, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the change probability satisfies predetermined conditions (S11). The set temperature identified in this way is an example of a set temperature based on the change history.

[0084] For example, the determination unit 304 identifies a set temperature that has been changed infrequently by the user, i.e., a set temperature below a predetermined threshold. Next, the determination unit 304 identifies a set temperature among the identified set temperatures that will result in less energy consumption (energy saving) during operation of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the determination unit 304 sets the highest temperature among the identified set temperatures as the set temperature during cooling, and conversely, sets the lowest temperature among the identified temperatures as the set temperature during heating. As an example, the collected data AD corresponding to the set of outside temperature degrees is the collected data AD in Figure 3, with a threshold of 10%. In this case, in the collected data AD in Figure 3, 24°C has a change probability of 0%, and 25°C has a change probability of 75%, so 24°C is a temperature that does not exceed the threshold of 10%. Therefore, the determination unit 204 determines 24°C as the set temperature.

[0085] Next, the user identification unit 306 communicates with the detection device 5 via the communication control unit 301 based on the information about the detection device 5 contained in the facility H information of record R, and identifies user P2 in the air-conditioned space S (S12).

[0086] Next, the determination unit 304 obtains the user's preferred temperature setting (temperature) for the identified user P2 by referring to the user information DB 313 (S13).

[0087] Next, the determination unit 304 adjusts the setting temperature identified in S11, i.e., the setting temperature based on the change history, based on the acquired setting temperature preference (temperature), and then determines the setting temperature (S14).

[0088] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating how to understand user P2's preferences. In the example shown in Figure 8, user P2 evaluates a set temperature at a past point in time, and based on that evaluation, user P2's preferred set temperature is stored in the user information DB313. As shown in Figure 8, it is assumed that each user P2's preferred set temperature (temperature) has already been understood (estimated) based on their evaluation of a predetermined set temperature (cooling). Furthermore, it is assumed that in the process of S12 described above, "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E" were identified as users P2 within the air-conditioned space S.

[0089] Figure 9 illustrates the determination of the set temperature based on the user P2's preferences. As shown in Figure 9, the preferred set temperature (temperature) for "Mr. A," "Mr. B," "Mr. C," "Mr. D," and "Mr. E," identified as users P2 in the air-conditioned space S, is as follows: Mr. A: 27°C, Mr. B: 27°C, Mr. C: 26°C, Mr. D: 27°C, and Mr. E: 25°C. The set temperature based on the change history identified in S11 is set to 25°C.

[0090] The determination unit 304 calculates the difference between the set temperature based on the change history and the preferred set temperature (temperature) of each user P2 in the air-conditioned space S. Then, the determination unit 304 adjusts the set temperature based on the change history based on the calculated difference. The determination unit 304 determines the adjusted set temperature as the temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0091] Specifically, the difference between the set temperature based on the change history and the temperature of each user P2 in the air-conditioned space S is as follows: User A: +2°C, User B: +2°C, User C: +1°C, User D: +2°C, User E: ±0°C. Next, the determination unit 304 calculates the average of these differences. The average of the differences obtained is +1.4°C. For example, when adjusting in 1°C increments, the determination unit 304 rounds the average of the differences obtained to the first decimal place, resulting in +1°C. The determination unit 304 adjusts the set temperature by adding the average of the differences, +1°C, to the set temperature of 25°C based on the change history. That is, the determination unit 304 determines that the adjusted set temperature of 26°C will be the temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0092] Returning to Figure 6, in the decision process (S3), the above process is performed for each time period to determine the set temperature for each time period.

[0093] Next, the setting unit 305 sets the determined set temperature for each time period to the air conditioner 1 (S4). Specifically, the setting unit 305 notifies the air conditioner 1 via the communication control unit 301 of the set data SD, which is a set of the outside air temperature and the set temperature for each time period.

[0094] Next, the user identification unit 306 identifies the user P2 in the air-conditioned space S for the air conditioning unit 1 for which the setting unit 305 has set the set temperature (S5), similar to S12.

[0095] Next, the estimation unit 307 queries the terminal device 2b of user P2, identified in S5, for user P2's evaluation of the current set temperature. Then, the estimation unit 307 estimates user P2's preferred set temperature based on the evaluation result of the query to user P2 (S6). Next, the estimation unit 307 records the estimated user P2's preferred set temperature in the user information DB 313.

[0096] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the air conditioning system 1000, the user information DB 313 stores the preferred set temperature of the air conditioner 1 for each user P2. The user identification unit 306 identifies the user P2 in the air-conditioned space S. When the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 based on the change history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, it adjusts the set temperature based on the change history based on the preferred set temperature stored for the identified user P2.

[0097] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can reflect the user P2's preferred temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0098] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 1000, the estimation unit 307 estimates the user P2's preferred temperature setting in the air-conditioned space S based on the evaluation results obtained by querying the user P2 in the air-conditioned space S, where a predetermined set temperature has been set in the air conditioning device 1, for their evaluation of the predetermined set temperature. The user information DB 313 stores the user P2's preferred temperature setting in the air-conditioned space S, as estimated by the estimation unit 307.

[0099] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can reflect the user P2's preferred set temperature, estimated by the estimation unit 307, in the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1.

[0100] Furthermore, the determination unit 304 adjusts the set temperature based on the change history based on the difference between the set temperature based on the change history and the set temperature preference stored for user P2 identified by the user identification unit 306.

[0101] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can adjust the set temperature based on the change history to approximate the user P2's preferred set temperature, based on the difference between the set temperature based on the change history and the user P2's preferred set temperature identified by the user identification unit 306.

[0102] Furthermore, the user identification unit 306 detects users P2 entering and exiting the air-conditioned space S and identifies users P2 within the air-conditioned space S.

[0103] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can identify users P2 within the air-conditioned space S by detecting users P2 entering and exiting the air-conditioned space S, for example, by user authentication at the entrances and exits of the air-conditioned space S.

[0104] Furthermore, the user identification unit 306 detects the user P2 associated with the terminal device 2b based on communication with the terminal device 2b in the air-conditioned space S, and identifies the user P2 in the air-conditioned space S.

[0105] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can identify user P2 within the air-conditioned space S using, for example, wireless communication technology such as BLE.

[0106] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0107] [2-1. Structure] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 1, and a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0108] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it adjusts the set temperature based on the change history using administrator settings, while other processes are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0109] Specifically, in Embodiment 2, based on a setting that indicates whether or not to reflect the preferences of user P2 included in the administrator settings, if user P2's preferences are to be reflected, the set temperature is adjusted based on the change history. In Embodiment 2, if user P2's preferences are not to be reflected, the set temperature based on the change history is determined as the temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1.

[0110] For example, the service that sets the temperature of the air conditioner 1 using the management server 3 has two types: a first service that adjusts the temperature set by the management server 3 according to the user P2's preference, and a second service that sets the temperature as set by the management server 3. These first and second services are, for example, subscription services for which a monthly fee is paid, and the first service has a higher monthly fee because it adjusts according to the user P2's preference. The administrator settings described above are set in advance based on which service, the first or the second, the user has subscribed to. Therefore, in Embodiment 2, based on the administrator settings, the system switches whether or not to adjust the temperature according to the user P2's preference, depending on which service the user has subscribed to.

[0111] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the decision process in Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 10, in the decision process in Embodiment 2, processes S15 and S16 are added to the decision process in Figure 7.

[0112] Specifically, following S11, the decision unit 304 refers to the administrator settings and determines whether or not to adjust the set temperature based on the change history, based on the user P2's preferred temperature (S15).

[0113] When adjusting the set temperature based on the change history (S15: Yes), the server processor 300 performs the processing described in S12 to S14 in Embodiment 1.

[0114] If the set temperature based on the change history is not adjusted (S15: No), the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature identified in S11, i.e., the set temperature based on the change history, as the temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 (S16).

[0115] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in Embodiment 2, the determination unit 304 adjusts the set temperature based on the change history if it reflects the user P2's preferences, based on the administrator settings which indicate whether or not to reflect the user P2's preferences. If it does not reflect the user P2's preferences, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the change history as the temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0116] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can switch control so that, according to administrator settings, it adjusts the set temperature to reflect the user P2's preferences, and does not make such adjustments if it does not reflect the user P2's preferences.

[0117] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 have been explained as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiments 1 and 2. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0118] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the outside air temperature is included as a parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system 1. In other embodiments, the parameter may include, instead of or in conjunction with the outside air temperature, outside air humidity, solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc.

[0119] In other embodiments, the management server 3 may further store the update date and time when updating the number of actual changes or the number of modifications. In these other embodiments, the change probability may be calculated with priority given to updates with more recent update dates and times.

[0120] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD is the range from 23°C to 27°C. However, this predetermined range is merely an example and may be the range of settable temperatures that the air conditioner 1 can set, or it may be the range within the settable temperature range that the air conditioner 1 can set that is expected to be set by the user.

[0121] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the multiple set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set temperatures in 1°C increments. In other embodiments, the increment of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range is not limited to 1°C, but may be, for example, 0.5°C increments.

[0122] In other embodiments, the terminal device 2a may be configured to perform operations related to the management server 3. Specifically, the terminal device 2a comprises a control device corresponding to the server control device 30, a storage device corresponding to the server memory 310, and a communication device corresponding to the server communication device 31. The control device of the terminal device 2a provides the functions of the communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, user identification unit 306, and estimation unit 307 described above. In this case, the control device of the terminal device 2a corresponds to a "computer," and the program executed by the control device of the terminal device 2a corresponds to a "program." Furthermore, regarding the control of the air conditioning system 1, instead of the communication device 14, one of the indoor unit 11, outdoor unit 12, or remote control 13 may be configured to have the functions of the communication device 14 described above.

[0123] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the management data MD is configured to store the number of changes for each pair of time period and ambient temperature. In other embodiments, instead of storing the number of changes for each pair of time period and ambient temperature, the server memory 310 may be configured to store the number of changes for each set temperature for each time period. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0124] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the management data MD is configured to store the number of changes for each pair of time zone and ambient temperature. In other embodiments, instead of storing the number of changes for each set temperature, the server memory 310 may be configured to store the number of changes for each set temperature for each ambient temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0125] In embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the set temperature is determined based on the time period including the current time and the number of changes that match the ambient temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. In other words, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the set temperature is determined based on the number of changes that match the current conditions. In other embodiments, the set temperature may also be determined by considering a number of changes close to the current conditions (for example, a number of changes of ±1°C relative to the ambient temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302).

[0126] The program executed by the management server 3, etc., in this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical recording medium like a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB memory, or a semiconductor memory device like an SSD (Solid State Disk). Alternatively, the program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided or distributed by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the program may be pre-installed in ROM or the like.

[0127] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0128] (Technical 1) An air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, comprising: a determination unit that determines a set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device; a user identification unit that identifies a user in the space to be air-conditioned; a determination unit that determines whether or not to adjust the determined set temperature based on the preferences of the identified user; and a setting unit that, if it is determined to adjust the temperature, sets the air conditioning device to a set temperature adjusted based on the user's preferences, and if it is determined not to adjust the temperature, sets the air conditioning device to the determined set temperature. According to this, when determining the set temperature of an air conditioning system, it is possible to reflect the user's preferred temperature setting within the conditioned space.

[0129] (Technical 2) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, further comprising: an estimation unit that estimates the user's preference for the set temperature in the air-conditioned space based on the evaluation results obtained by querying the user in the air-conditioned space for their evaluation of the predetermined set temperature in the air conditioning device, and a storage unit that stores the estimated preference for the set temperature for each user. According to this, when determining the set temperature of an air conditioning system, it is possible to reflect the estimated user's preferred temperature setting.

[0130] (Technical 3) The air conditioning system according to Technical 2, wherein the determination unit determines the set temperature to be set based on the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning device. According to this, the set temperature can be determined based on the history of changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning system.

[0131] (Technical 4) The air conditioning system according to Technical 3, wherein the determination unit adjusts the set temperature based on the change history based on the difference between the set temperature based on the change history and the set temperature preference stored for the identified user. According to this, based on the difference between the set temperature based on the change history and the user's preferred set temperature, it is possible to adjust the set temperature based on the change history to, for example, bring it closer to the user's preferred set temperature.

[0132] (Technical 5) The air conditioning system according to any one of Technical 1 to 4, wherein the user identification unit detects users entering and leaving the air-conditioned space and identifies users within the air-conditioned space. According to this method, by detecting users entering and exiting the air-conditioned space, it is possible to identify users within the air-conditioned space.

[0133] (Technology 6) The air conditioning system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 4, wherein the user identification unit detects a user associated with a terminal device in the air-conditioned space based on communication with the terminal device in the air-conditioned space and identifies the user in the air-conditioned space. According to this method, by detecting users associated with terminal devices, it is possible to identify users within the air-conditioned space.

[0134] (Technical 7) An air conditioning system according to any one of Technical 1 to 6, wherein the setting unit sets the adjusted set temperature to the air conditioning unit if the user's preference is to be reflected, based on an administrator setting which determines whether or not to reflect the user's preference, and sets the determined set temperature to the air conditioning unit if the user's preference is not to be reflected. According to this, administrator settings can be used to adjust the set temperature to reflect user preferences, or to prevent such adjustments from being made if user preferences are not to be reflected.

[0135] (Technical 8) A control method that performs the following processes: a computer determines a set temperature to be set in an air conditioning system that air conditions a space to be air-conditioned; identifies a user in the space to be air-conditioned; determines whether or not to adjust the determined set temperature based on the preferences of the identified user; if it determines to adjust, sets the air conditioning system to the set temperature adjusted based on the user's preferences; if it determines not to adjust, sets the air conditioning system to the determined set temperature. According to this, it will produce the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1.

[0136] (Technical 8) A program that causes a computer to perform the following processes: determine a set temperature to be set in an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned; identify a user in the space to be air-conditioned; determine whether or not to adjust the determined set temperature based on the preferences of the identified user; if it is determined that adjustment should be made, set the air conditioning system to the set temperature adjusted based on the user's preferences; if it is determined that no adjustment should be made, set the air conditioning system to the determined set temperature. According to this, it will produce the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0137] As described above, the air conditioning system, control method, and program according to the present invention can be used for determining the set temperature to be set in an air conditioning device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1. Air conditioning system 2a Terminal device 2b Terminal device 3. Management Server 4 Weather Server 5. Detection device 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote control 14. Communication equipment 30 Server Control Units 31 Server communication device 300 server processors 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Acquisition Department 303 Update Department 304 Decision Section 305 Settings Section 306 User Identification Section 307 Estimation Department 310 Server Memory 311 Control Program 312 Management DB 313 User Information Database 1000 Air Conditioning Systems AD collected data G1 Presentation Image H Facility MD Management Data NW Network P1 administrator P2 User R Records S Air conditioned space RD operation data SD card configuration data

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to a space using an air conditioning device, A determination unit for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system, A user identification unit that identifies a user within the air-conditioned space, A determination unit that determines whether or not to adjust the determined set temperature based on the preferences of the identified user, If it is determined that adjustment is necessary, the setting unit sets the air conditioner to the set temperature adjusted according to the user's preference, and if it is determined that no adjustment is necessary, the setting unit sets the air conditioner to the determined set temperature. Equipped with, Air conditioning system.

2. An estimation unit estimates the user's preference for a set temperature in the air-conditioned space based on the evaluation results obtained by querying a user in the air-conditioned space for their evaluation of the predetermined set temperature set in the air-conditioned device, The system further includes a storage unit that stores the estimated preferred temperature setting for each user. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit determines the set temperature to be set based on the history of changes to the set temperature of the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit adjusts the set temperature based on the change history based on the difference between the set temperature based on the change history and the preferred set temperature stored for the identified user. The air conditioning system according to claim 3.

5. The user identification unit detects users entering and leaving the air-conditioned space and identifies users within the air-conditioned space. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. The user identification unit identifies the user in the air-conditioned space by detecting the user associated with the terminal device based on communication with the terminal device in the air-conditioned space. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

7. The setting unit, based on administrator settings that indicate whether or not to reflect the user's preferences, sets the adjusted set temperature to the air conditioner if the user's preferences are to be reflected, and sets the determined set temperature to the air conditioner if the user's preferences are not to be reflected. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

8. Computers Determine the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to the space to be air-conditioned. Identify the user in the air-conditioned space, The system determines whether or not to adjust the set temperature based on the identified user's preference. If it is determined that adjustment is necessary, the system will set the air conditioner to the adjusted temperature based on the user's preference. If it is determined that no adjustment is necessary, the system will set the air conditioner to the adjusted temperature. Control method.

9. On the computer, Determine the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to the space to be air-conditioned. Identify the user in the air-conditioned space, The system determines whether or not to adjust the set temperature based on the identified user's preference. If it is determined that adjustment is necessary, the system will set the air conditioner to the adjusted temperature based on the user's preference. If it is determined that no adjustment is necessary, the system will set the air conditioner to the adjusted temperature. program.

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