Air conditioning system

Abstract

This invention provides an air conditioning system that controls the thermal environment based on the biological rhythms of individuals in a given space. [Solution] The air conditioning system for air conditioning a target space (S) comprises a detection unit (54) that detects the physiological amount of a subject in the target space (S), an estimation unit (62) that estimates the subject's biological rhythm based on the physiological amount, and a control unit (C2) that controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) in synchronization with the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] Humans have biological rhythms such as the circadian rhythm. For example, in the circadian rhythm, physiological phenomena such as body temperature and hormone balance change in a cycle of about 24 hours. It is recognized in both children and adults that disruption of the biological rhythm leads to disruption of the daily rhythm (sleep or activity).

[0003] Light, diet, and melatonin have been spotlighted as three elements for adjusting the disruption of the biological rhythm, but in recent years, the importance of heat has also been pointed out. In Patent Document 1, an air conditioning control system that creates a heat environment based on the daily biological rhythm is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The air conditioning control system of Patent Document 1 performs temperature control of the air conditioner based on the change in the heat dissipation amount, but it is not based on the biological rhythm of the person in the indoor space to be air-conditioned.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that controls the heat environment based on the biological rhythm of the subject in the target space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The first aspect is an air conditioning system that air-conditions a target space (S), A detection unit (54) that detects the physiological volume of a subject (E) in the aforementioned target space (S), An estimation unit (62) that estimates the biological rhythm of the subject (E) based on the physiological amount, The air conditioning system comprises a control unit (C2) that controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) in synchronization with the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62).

[0008] In the first embodiment, the thermal environment of the target space (S) can be controlled based on the biological rhythm of the subject (E). For example, if the subject (E) is an infant, the thermal environment of the target space (S) can be controlled to synchronize with the infant's biological rhythm. By performing thermal control in this manner, the infant can be given restful sleep.

[0009] A second aspect is, in the first aspect, The system further includes an input unit (64) into which the age information or age in months of the subject (E) is entered.

[0010] In the second embodiment, the age information or lunar age information of the subject (E) can be used to control the thermal environment.

[0011] A third aspect is, in the second aspect, The control unit (C2) determines whether the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal, based on the age information or lunar age information of the subject (E).

[0012] In the third embodiment, the subject's (E) biological rhythm can be compared with the standard biological rhythm for the subject's (E) age or month of birth to determine if the subject's (E) biological rhythm is abnormal.

[0013] The fourth aspect is as described in the first to third aspects. The estimation unit (62) estimates the depth of sleep of the subject (E) based on the physiological amount, The control unit (C2) adjusts the temperature range of the target space (S) based on the depth of sleep of the subject (E).

[0014] In the fourth aspect, for example, in infants who sleep during the day and at night, the depth of sleep is different between day and night. Therefore, by adjusting the temperature range of the target space (S) according to such depth of sleep, a comfortable sleep can be given to the target person (E).

[0015] The fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, The estimation unit (62) estimates the biological rhythm of the target person (E) based on the body temperature change of the target person (E) over a predetermined period.

[0016] The biological rhythm shows fluctuations in periodic physiological quantities. In the fifth aspect, the biological rhythm can be estimated more accurately based on the biological rhythms for a plurality of cycles over a predetermined period.

[0017] The sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, The target person (E) is a child under 3 years old after birth.

[0018] In the sixth aspect, for example, in infants, the biological rhythm is not 24 hours. Therefore, the biological rhythm unique to infants can be estimated, and a comfortable sleep can be given to the infants by thermoregulation based on the biological rhythm.

[0019] The seventh aspect is an infant bedding including an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0020] In the seventh aspect, for example, an incubator or a baby bed including the air conditioning system of the present disclosure can be provided.

[0021] The eighth aspect is An air conditioning system for air conditioning the target space (S), A detection unit (54) for detecting the physiological quantity of the target person (E) in the target space (S), An estimation unit (62) for estimating the biological rhythm of the target person (E) based on the physiological quantity, When the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal, the air conditioning system includes a control unit (C2) that controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) so as to correct the biological rhythm of the subject (E).

[0022] In the eighth aspect, even if the biological rhythm of the subject (E) is disrupted, the biological rhythm can be normalized.

[0023] The ninth aspect is the aspect in the eighth aspect, The control unit (C2) determines an abnormality in the amplitude of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62).

[0024] In the ninth aspect, an abnormality in the biological rhythm is determined based on the amplitude of the biological rhythm of the subject (E).

[0025] The tenth aspect is the aspect in the ninth aspect, When the control unit (C2) determines that the amplitude of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal, the control unit (C2) controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) so that the amplitude synchronizes with a predetermined reference rhythm of the biological rhythm.

[0026] In the tenth aspect, the amplitude of the biological rhythm of the subject (E) can be corrected so as to synchronize with a predetermined reference rhythm.

[0027] The eleventh aspect is the aspect in the eighth aspect, The control unit (C2) determines an abnormality in the period of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62).

[0028] In the eleventh aspect, an abnormality in the biological rhythm is determined based on the period of the biological rhythm of the subject (E).

[0029] The twelfth aspect is the aspect in the eleventh aspect, When the control unit (C2) determines that the period of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal, the control unit (C2) controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) so that the period synchronizes with a predetermined reference rhythm of the biological rhythm.

[0030] In the twelfth embodiment, the period of the subject's (E) biological rhythm can be corrected to synchronize with a predetermined reference rhythm.

[0031] The 13th aspect is, in the 8th aspect, The control unit (C2) determines an abnormality in the phase of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62).

[0032] In the 13th aspect, an abnormality in the biological rhythm is determined based on the phase of the subject's (E) biological rhythm.

[0033] The 14th aspect is as follows, in the 13th aspect: The subject (E) includes the first subject (E1), the second subject (E2), and the third subject (E3) who reside together in the subject space (S), The control unit (C2) determines an abnormality in the phase of the biological rhythm of the first subject (E1) estimated by the estimation unit (62), based on the phases of the biological rhythms of the second subject (E2) and the third subject (E3) estimated by the estimation unit (62).

[0034] In the 14th embodiment, for example, the phase of the biological rhythm of a family member living together can be compared with the phase of the biological rhythm of the subject (E), and an abnormality in the biological rhythm of the subject (E) can be determined based on the phase difference.

[0035] The 15th aspect is, in the 13th or 14th aspect, If the control unit (C2) determines that the phase of the biological rhythm of the subject (E), which has been determined to be abnormal, is shifted forward in time, it adjusts the temperature of the subject space (S) to lower it.

[0036] In the 15th embodiment, lowering the temperature of the target space (S) causes peripheral blood vessels to constrict, maintaining wakefulness. This corrects the phase shift in the subject's (E) biological rhythm.

[0037] The sixteenth aspect is, in the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, If the control unit (C2) determines that the phase of the biological rhythm of the subject (E), which has been determined to be abnormal, is shifted to a later phase in time, it adjusts the temperature of the subject space (S) to increase.

[0038] In the 16th embodiment, raising the temperature of the target space (S) increases metabolism and dilates peripheral blood vessels, thereby promoting sleep onset. This corrects the phase shift in the subject's (E) biological rhythm.

[0039] The 17th aspect is, An air conditioning system for air conditioning a target space (S), A memory unit (61) that stores biological rhythms corresponding to a person's age, sex, or metabolic rate, A reception unit (65) that receives information indicating the age, gender, or metabolic rate of the subject (E) in the target space (S), The system includes a control unit (C2) that, based on the information of the subject (E) received by the reception unit (65), selects a biological rhythm stored in the memory unit (61) and controls the thermal environment to synchronize with the selected biological rhythm.

[0040] In the 17th embodiment, a thermal environment suitable for the biological rhythm of a subject (E) can be provided based on information about the subject (E) in the target space (S). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a target space to which the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 is applied. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram of the air conditioning system's piping. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the control device of the air conditioning system and various other devices. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating biological rhythms. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control of an air conditioning system. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the control device and various devices of an air conditioning system according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control of an air conditioning system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of the target space to which the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 is applied. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control of an air conditioning system when detecting abnormalities in the amplitude of biological rhythms. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the relationship between the biological rhythm with abnormal amplitude and the biological rhythm after correction. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the control of an air conditioning system when detecting an abnormality in the period of a biological rhythm. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the relationship between the biological rhythm with a periodic abnormality and the biological rhythm after correction. (A) shows the case where the period of the biological rhythm is shorter than the reference rhythm. (B) shows the case where the period of the biological rhythm is longer than the reference rhythm. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the control of an air conditioning system when detecting an abnormality in the phase of a biological rhythm. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the relationship between the biological rhythm with phase abnormalities and the biological rhythm after correction. (A) shows the case where the phase of the biological rhythm is shifted ahead in time compared to the phase of the reference rhythm. (B) shows the case where the phase of the biological rhythm is shifted behind in time compared to the phase of the reference rhythm. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the control device and various devices according to a modified example of Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the relationship between the control device according to Embodiment 3 and various devices. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a table showing the relationship between the subject information stored in the air conditioning system's memory unit and each parameter of the biological rhythm. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the control of an air conditioning system. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a table showing the biological rhythms of the memory unit according to a modified example of Embodiment 3. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows the relationship between the circadian rhythm with periodic abnormalities and the circadian rhythm after correction according to other embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the embodiments, modifications, and other examples described below can be combined or partially replaced to the extent that the present invention is implementable.

[0043] (1) Air conditioning system As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment is applied to a subject (E) in an indoor space (S). The subject (E) is, for example, a child under 3 years of age. In this embodiment, the subject (E) is an infant under 12 months of age. In infants under 12 months of age, the biological rhythm has not yet fully developed into a 24-hour cycle. Details of the biological rhythm will be described later.

[0044] The air conditioning system (1) controls the thermal environment of the indoor space (S) based on the biological rhythm of the subject (E). The indoor space (S) is an example of the target space (S). Specifically, the air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment will be described below.

[0045] (2) Air conditioning system As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment has an air conditioning device (10) that air-conditions an indoor space (S). The air conditioning device (10) air-conditions the indoor space (S).

[0046] The air conditioning unit (10) has an outdoor unit (20) and an indoor unit (30). The outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) are connected to each other via two connecting pipes (liquid connecting pipe (11) and gas connecting pipe (12)). This constitutes a refrigerant circuit (R) in the air conditioning unit (10). The refrigerant circuit (R) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (R) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant.

[0047] (2-1) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit (20) is located outdoors. The outdoor unit (20) has an outdoor fan (21). The outdoor unit (20) has a compressor (22), an outdoor heat exchanger (23), a switching mechanism (24), and an expansion valve (25) as elements connected to the refrigerant circuit (R).

[0048] The compressor (22) compresses the inhaled refrigerant. The compressor (22) discharges the compressed refrigerant. The compressor (22) is inverter type, and the rotational speed (operating frequency) of the compressor (22) is regulated.

[0049] The outdoor heat exchanger (23) is of the fin and tube type. The outdoor heat exchanger (23) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside it and the outdoor air transported by the outdoor fan (21).

[0050] The switching mechanism (24) is a four-way switching valve that changes the flow path of the refrigerant circuit (R) to switch between cooling operation and heating operation of the air conditioning unit (10). The switching mechanism (24) has a first port (P1), a second port (P2), a third port (P3), and a fourth port (P4). In cooling operation, the first port (P1) and the fourth port (P4) are in communication, and the second port (P2) and the third port (P3) are in communication (solid line in Figure 2). In heating operation, the first port (P1) and the third port (P3) are in communication, and the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4) are in communication (dashed line in Figure 2).

[0051] The expansion valve (25) is positioned between the liquid-side end of the outdoor heat exchanger (23) and the liquid-side end of the indoor heat exchanger (33). The expansion valve (25) is an electronically controlled expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.

[0052] (2-2) Indoor Unit The indoor unit (30) is installed in an indoor space (S). The indoor unit (30) is, for example, a wall-mounted indoor air conditioner. The indoor unit (30) has an indoor heat exchanger (33) and an indoor fan (32). The indoor heat exchanger (33) is connected to a refrigerant circuit (R).

[0053] The indoor heat exchanger (33) is of the fin and tube type. The indoor heat exchanger (33) exchanges heat between the air transported by the indoor fan (32) and the refrigerant.

[0054] The indoor fan (32) is a cross-flow fan. The rotational speed of the indoor fan (32) is variable. In other words, the airflow of the indoor fan (32) is variable.

[0055] The indoor unit (30) has an intake port (30a) and an outlet port (30b). Air drawn in through the intake port (30a) (arrow in Figure 1) is conditioned by the indoor heat exchanger (33) and blown out through the outlet port (30b) (arrow in Figure 1).

[0056] (2-3) Sensors The air conditioning unit (10) has an indoor temperature sensor (41). The indoor temperature sensor (41) detects the temperature (room temperature) of the indoor space (S). The indoor temperature sensor (41) is located at the intake port (30a) of the indoor unit (30).

[0057] (2-4) Biosensors The air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment has a biosensor (54). The biosensor (54) detects the skin temperature of a subject (E) in an indoor space (S). Skin temperature is an example of a physiological quantity. The biosensor (54) is, for example, a wearable sensor integrated with a wristwatch. The biosensor (54) is attached to the arm of the subject (E). The biosensor (54) outputs a signal indicating the detected skin temperature of the subject (E) to a control device (C) which will be described later. The biosensor (54) is an example of a detection unit (54).

[0058] (2-5) Remote controller The air conditioning system (10) has a remote controller (35). The remote controller (35) receives predetermined information based on the operation of a person (H). This predetermined information includes the start of heating operation, the start of cooling operation, and the stop of operation. The predetermined information received by the remote controller (35) is output to the indoor unit (30). The remote controller (35) constitutes the control device (C) described later.

[0059] (3) Control device As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment has a control device (C). The control device (C) has a first control device (C1), a second control device (C2), and a third control device (C3). The first control device (C1) is provided in the outdoor unit (20). The second control device (C2) is provided in the indoor unit (30). The third control device (C3) is provided in the remote controller (35). Each control device (C) includes a microcomputer and a memory device that stores software for operating the microcomputer.

[0060] The control device (C) controls the operation of various components of the air conditioning system (10). The control device (C) is connected to the various components of the air conditioning system (10) by wire or wireless connection. The control device (C) includes a memory unit (61), an estimation unit (62), and an operation planning unit (63). In this embodiment, the memory unit (61), estimation unit (62), and operation planning unit (63) are provided in a second control device (C2). The second control device (C2) is an example of a control unit (C2).

[0061] The memory unit (61) stores the body temperature of the subject (E) detected by the biosensor (54) in association with the date and time.

[0062] The estimation unit (62) estimates the subject's (E) biological rhythm based on the skin temperature detected by the biosensor (54). In this embodiment, the biological rhythm is the periodic fluctuation or change in the subject's (E) core body temperature. In this embodiment, the estimation unit (62) estimates the core body temperature using predetermined information that shows the correlation between core body temperature and skin temperature. The predetermined information may be a calculation formula.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the biological rhythm, with time on the horizontal axis and body temperature (core body temperature) on the vertical axis, shows that body temperature (core body temperature) gradually rises to a maximum temperature (first peak), then gradually decreases to a minimum temperature (second peak), and then rises again. In this way, the biological rhythm changes periodically. In the following explanation, the first and second peaks may be referred to as amplitude. For example, a relatively large amplitude means that the first peak is relatively high and the second peak is relatively low. Also, in the following explanation, core body temperature may be simply referred to as body temperature.

[0064] The estimation unit (62) estimates the subject's (E) biological rhythm based on the subject's (E) body temperature changes over a predetermined period. Specifically, the estimation unit (62) estimates the subject's (E) biological rhythm as the average of multiple biological rhythm cycles over the predetermined period stored in the memory unit (61). For example, if the predetermined period is 10 days, and there were 10 biological rhythm cycles over the past 10 days, the estimation unit (62) estimates the subject's (E) biological rhythm as the average of those 10 biological rhythm cycles.

[0065] The operation planning unit (63) creates an operation plan for the air conditioner (10) based on the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62). Specifically, the operation planning unit (63) in this embodiment creates an operation plan that changes the temperature of the indoor space (S) in synchronization with the biological rhythm of the subject (E). For example, the operation plan is created to increase the room temperature during the period when the body temperature rises towards the first peak in the estimated biological rhythm, and to decrease the room temperature during the period when the body temperature falls towards the second peak. The operation planning unit (63) creates an operation plan based on the biological rhythm estimated each time. In other words, the operation planning unit (63) creates an operation plan for the next cycle based on the biological rhythm that is updated each time. In this way, the second control device (C2) controls the room temperature, which is the thermal environment of the indoor space (S), in synchronization with the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62).

[0066] (4) Operation of air conditioning system based on biological rhythms Next, we will explain, using Figure 5, how the air conditioning system (10) controls the room temperature (S) in accordance with the subject's (E) biological rhythm.

[0067] In step S11, the second control device (C2) estimates the subject's (E) biological rhythm based on information about the subject's (E) temperature changes over several days.

[0068] In step S12, the second control unit (C2) creates an operation plan based on the biological rhythm estimated in step S11. The operation of various components of the air conditioning system (10) is planned so that the temperature of the indoor space (S) changes in accordance with this biological rhythm. Specifically, the operation plan is created so that the room temperature changes in sync with the period, amplitude, and phase of the subject's (E) biological rhythm.

[0069] In step S13, the second control device (C2) operates the air conditioner (10) according to the operation plan created in step S12. For example, from the time of the first peak to the time of the second peak (while body temperature is decreasing), the air conditioner (10) lowers the room temperature. This makes it easier for the subject (E)'s surface temperature to be released, promoting the release of heat from the core of the body to the surface, and making it easier for the core body temperature to decrease. As the core body temperature decreases, the subject (E) can get a more comfortable sleep. On the other hand, from the time of the second peak to the time of the first peak (while body temperature is rising), the air conditioner (10) raises the room temperature. This causes the subject (E)'s body temperature (core body temperature) to rise, making it easier for the subject (E) to wake up. In this way, the room temperature is controlled so that the period, amplitude, and phase of the subject's (E) biological rhythm are not disrupted.

[0070] (5) Characteristics (5-1) Feature 1 The air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment includes an air conditioning device (10), a detection unit (54) that detects the body temperature (physiological amount) of a subject (E) in an indoor space (S), an estimation unit (62) that estimates the subject's (E) biological rhythm based on the body temperature (physiological amount), and a second control device (C2) (control unit) that controls the room temperature of the indoor space (S) in synchronization with the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62).

[0071] The subject(E) of this embodiment is an infant with a circadian rhythm of less than 24 hours. Here, body temperature is controlled by a circadian rhythm in which it is relatively low in the early morning and high in the evening. When transitioning from wakefulness to sleep, brain temperature and metabolic rate decrease, and heat production decreases, while sweating increases and skin temperature rises due to vasodilation. These are all regulatory responses aimed at lowering body temperature. Thus, sleep begins in the phase of decreasing body temperature, reaches its lowest point, and awakens when it enters the phase of rising body temperature. The circadian rhythm has such a generally constant period.

[0072] Incidentally, the circadian rhythm of body temperature is hardly observed in the neonatal period and begins to fluctuate around one month of age. In recent years, sleep disorders in infants and young children have become a problem. If the sleep-wake rhythm does not develop normally during infancy and early childhood, which is a period of brain development, and the body clock becomes misaligned, there is a risk of chronic sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to growth and developmental disorders.

[0073] Therefore, it is important to provide a thermal environment that matches the biological rhythm of infants and young children during infancy, before a certain circadian rhythm is established.

[0074] The air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment controls the room temperature (thermal environment) to synchronize with the biological rhythm of the subject (E). For example, the room temperature is lowered from evening to early morning, and then raised from early morning to evening. By providing a room temperature (thermal environment) that corresponds to the biological rhythm of the infant (subject (E)) in this way, it is possible to provide the infant with sleep suitable for growth. As a result, the infant can acquire a normal circadian rhythm and prevent chronic sleep deprivation.

[0075] In particular, when controlling the air conditioning in 24-hour or 12-hour cycles, the room temperature changes out of sync with the biological rhythm of infants whose biological rhythm is not yet 24 hours. However, the air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment estimates the biological rhythm (cycle) of each individual (E) and controls the air conditioning according to that biological rhythm, thereby suppressing the room temperature changes that are out of sync with the actual biological rhythm of infants as described above. As a result, it is possible to provide infants with comfortable sleep and suppress the disruption of their normal development.

[0076] (5-2) Feature 2 The estimation unit (62) of the air conditioning system (1) in this embodiment estimates the biological rhythm of the subject (E) based on the changes in the subject's (E) body temperature over a predetermined period. By taking the average of the cycles of multiple biological rhythms over a predetermined period, a more accurate biological rhythm can be estimated.

[0077] (6) Modified form of Embodiment 1 The air conditioning system (1) in this example determines whether the estimated biological rhythm is abnormal based on the age or lunar age of the subject (E). The following describes a configuration different from Embodiment 1 described above.

[0078] The memory unit (61) of the air conditioning system (1) in this example stores standard biological rhythms corresponding to each age and each month. In this example, these biological rhythms are called standard rhythms. Standard rhythms are, for example, the average biological rhythms for each age and each month. These biological rhythms may be the national average or the average for a specific region.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6, the air conditioning system (1) in this example includes an input unit (64) into which the age information or age in months of the subject (E) is input. The input unit (64) is provided in the second control unit (C2). The input unit (64) receives the age information or age in months of the subject (E) output from the remote controller (35) based on the user's operation.

[0080] The second control device (C2) determines whether the subject (E) has an abnormality in their biological rhythm. Specifically, the second control device (C2) determines the abnormality by comparing the estimated biological rhythm of the subject (E) with the standard rhythm of the subject (E) for the same age or age in months. For example, if the deviation of the amplitude of the subject's (E) biological rhythm from the amplitude of the standard rhythm is not within a predetermined threshold, it is determined to be abnormal. The period and phase of the biological rhythm are determined similarly. The control of the air conditioning system (1) in this example will be explained below with reference to Figure 7.

[0081] In step S21, the second control device (C2) estimates the biological rhythm of the subject (E).

[0082] In step S22, the second control device (C2) reads a standard rhythm from the memory unit (61) based on the age information or lunar age information input to the input unit (64).

[0083] In step S23, the second control device (C2) compares the biological rhythm estimated in step S21 with the standard rhythm read out in step S22 to determine if an abnormality exists. If the biological rhythm is determined to be abnormal (YES in step S23), step S24 is executed. If the biological rhythm is not determined to be abnormal (NO in step S23), step S25 is executed.

[0084] In step S24, the second control unit (C2) creates a first operating plan. The first operating plan is an operating plan that adjusts the room temperature so that the estimated biological rhythm becomes the standard rhythm.

[0085] In step S25, the second control unit (C2) operates the air conditioning unit (10) based on the first operating plan. This corrects the subject's (E) biological rhythm to a standard rhythm.

[0086] In step S26, the second control unit (C2) creates a second operating plan. The second operating plan is an operating plan that controls the thermal environment to synchronize with the estimated biological rhythm.

[0087] In step S27, the second control unit (C2) operates the air conditioning unit (10) based on the second operating plan. This allows the subject (E) to get a more comfortable sleep.

[0088] (7) Embodiment 2 The following describes the configuration of the air conditioning system (1) of Embodiment 2, which differs from Embodiment 1 and its various modifications.

[0089] In this embodiment, the air conditioning system (1) controls the thermal environment of the indoor space (S) to correct the biological rhythm of the subject (E) if the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal. In this embodiment, the thermal environment means room temperature.

[0090] In this example, the second control device (C2) compares the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) with a predetermined reference biological rhythm to determine if the subject's (E) biological rhythm is abnormal. Specifically, abnormalities are determined for the amplitude, period, and phase of the subject's (E) biological rhythm.

[0091] As shown in Figure 8, the abnormality determination is performed by comparing the subject (E) in the indoor space (S) with the family members living with the subject (E). In other words, in this embodiment, the predetermined reference rhythm is the biological rhythm of the family members living together. For example, the subjects (E) in the indoor space (S) are designated as the first subject (E1), the second subject (E2), and the third subject (E3). The first subject (E1) is the subject to determination, and the second subject (E2) and the third subject (E3) are the family members living with the first subject (E1). The second control device (C2) determines whether the biological rhythm of the first subject (E1) is abnormal, based on the biological rhythms of the second subject (E2) and the third subject (E3) estimated by the estimation unit (62). In this embodiment, the biological rhythm of the family members living together is called the reference rhythm.

[0092] Specifically, the first to third subjects (E1 to E3) are each fitted with a biosensor (54). The memory unit (61) in this example stores information on the body temperature of each subject (E) over time. Based on this, the estimation unit (62) estimates the biological rhythm of each subject (E). The estimated biological rhythm of the first subject (E1) is designated as the first biological rhythm, the estimated biological rhythm of the second subject (E2) as the second biological rhythm, and the estimated biological rhythm of the third subject (E3) as the third biological rhythm. In this embodiment as well, each biological rhythm may be estimated based on the changes in the body temperature of each subject (E) over a predetermined period. The control of the air conditioning system (1) in this example will be described below.

[0093] <Regarding the detection of amplitude abnormalities> The process of detecting amplitude abnormalities and correcting biological rhythms will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0094] In step S31, the second control device (C2) acquires the biological rhythms (first to third biological rhythms) of each of the first to third subjects (E) estimated by the estimation unit (62).

[0095] In step S32, the second control device (C2) determines a reference rhythm based on the second and third biological rhythms. In this example, the average of the second and third biological rhythms is used as the reference rhythm.

[0096] In step S33, the second control device (C2) determines whether the amplitude of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal. Specifically, if the amplitude of the first biological rhythm exceeds a predetermined threshold from the first peak of the reference rhythm, or falls below a predetermined threshold from the second peak, the amplitude of the first biological rhythm is determined to be abnormal. On the other hand, if the amplitude of the first biological rhythm falls within a predetermined threshold from the amplitude of the reference rhythm, the amplitude of the first biological rhythm is determined to be normal. If the amplitude of the first biological rhythm is determined to be abnormal (YES in step S33), step S34 is executed. If the amplitude of the first biological rhythm is not determined to be abnormal (NO in step S33), step S36 is executed.

[0097] In step S34, the second control device (C2) creates a third operating plan. The third operating plan is an operating plan that adjusts the room temperature so that the amplitude of the first biological rhythm is synchronized with the amplitude of the reference rhythm. The biological rhythm shown in Figure 4 will be used as the reference rhythm and will be explained in detail below.

[0098] As shown in Figure 10, if the amplitude of the first biological rhythm (dashed line in Figure 10) is smaller than the amplitude of the reference rhythm (i.e., the biological rhythm is flattened), a third operating plan for the air conditioner (10) is created to lower the room temperature from the midpoint between the first and second peaks until reaching the second peak, and then raise the room temperature from the midpoint between the second and first peaks until reaching the first peak. The third operating plan promotes the release of heat from the body surface of the first subject (E1) and the release of heat from the core of the body to the body surface during the transition from the first peak to the second peak. As a result, the body temperature (core body temperature) of the first subject (E1) is more likely to decrease, and the temperature of the second peak is lower than before (solid line in Figure 10). Furthermore, according to the third operational plan, as the body's core temperature rises during the transition from the second peak to the first peak, the core body temperature of the first subject (E1) increases, making it easier for the first subject (E1) to wake up and maintain that wakefulness.

[0099] In step S35, the second control device (C2) operates the air conditioning system (10) based on the third operating plan. When the biological rhythm is flattened, the first subject (E1) is thought to have shallow sleep at night and be drowsy during the day. Therefore, the above operating plan allows for deeper sleep at night and maintains wakefulness during the day. In this way, the biological rhythm can be normalized.

[0100] In step S36, the second control unit (C2) creates a fourth operating plan. The fourth operating plan is an operating plan that adjusts the room temperature to synchronize with the estimated first biological rhythm.

[0101] In step S37, the second control unit (C2) operates the air conditioning unit (10) based on the fourth operating plan.

[0102] <Regarding the detection of abnormal cycles> Next, we will explain the process of detecting amplitude abnormalities and correcting biological rhythms, referring to Figure 11.

[0103] Steps S41 to S42 are the same as steps S31 to S32 above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0104] In step S43, the second control device (C2) determines whether the period of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal. Specifically, if the period of the first biological rhythm is longer or shorter than a predetermined threshold from the period of the reference rhythm, the period of the first biological rhythm is determined to be abnormal. On the other hand, if the period of the first biological rhythm falls within a predetermined threshold from the period of the reference rhythm, the period of the first biological rhythm is determined to be normal. If the period of the first biological rhythm is determined to be abnormal (YES in step S43), step S44 is executed. If the period of the first biological rhythm is not determined to be abnormal (NO in step S43), step S46 is executed.

[0105] In step S44, the second control unit (C2) creates the fifth operating plan. In the fifth operating plan, the air conditioning unit (10) adjusts the room temperature so that the period of the first biological rhythm is synchronized with the period of the reference rhythm. The biological rhythm shown in Figure 4 will be used as the reference rhythm and will be explained in detail below.

[0106] As shown in Figure 12, in the fifth operating plan, when the period of the first biological rhythm is shorter than that of the reference rhythm (dashed line in Figure 12(A)), the room temperature is controlled as follows: First, the room temperature is temporarily lowered just before the first peak of the first biological rhythm, then raised at the first peak of the reference rhythm, and then lowered again after a certain period of time. Subsequently, a low room temperature is maintained at the second peak of the first biological rhythm, and the temperature is raised at the second peak of the reference rhythm.

[0107] According to the fifth operational plan, the timing of the decrease in the body temperature of the first subject (E1) at the first peak of the first biological rhythm is delayed, which delays the time to reach the second peak. Then, the timing of the rise in the body temperature of the first subject (E1) at the second peak is delayed, which delays the time to reach the first peak. As a result, the period of the first biological rhythm can be gradually aligned with the reference rhythm (solid line in Figure 12(A)).

[0108] On the other hand, in the fifth operating plan, when the period of the first biological rhythm is longer than that of the reference rhythm (dashed line in Figure 12(B)), the room temperature is controlled as follows: First, the room temperature is temporarily raised before the first peak of the reference rhythm, and then lowered after a certain period of time. After that, the room temperature is raised during the second peak of the reference rhythm.

[0109] With the fifth operational plan, the timing of the decrease in the core body temperature of the first subject (E1) during the first peak is accelerated, leading to an earlier arrival at the second peak. Conversely, the timing of the rise in the core body temperature of the first subject (E1) during the second peak is accelerated, leading to an earlier arrival at the first peak. As a result, the period of the first biological rhythm can be gradually aligned with the reference rhythm (solid line in Figure 12(B)).

[0110] In step S45, the second control device (C2) operates the air conditioner (10) based on the fifth operating plan. When the period of the first biological rhythm is shorter than the reference rhythm, for example, it may be the case that the time when the first subject (E1) falls asleep is getting earlier day by day. In such cases, by operating the air conditioner (10) based on the fifth operating plan, the body temperature will not drop as easily from the first peak to the second peak, and the time when the person falls asleep can be delayed. Also, when the period of the first biological rhythm is longer than the reference rhythm, for example, it may be the case that the time when the first subject (E1) falls asleep is getting later day by day. In such cases, by operating the air conditioner (10) based on the fifth operating plan, the body temperature will drop more easily from the first peak to the second peak, and the time when the person falls asleep can be advanced.

[0111] Steps S46 to S47 are the same as steps S36 to S37 above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0112] <Regarding the detection of phase anomalies> Next, we will explain the process of detecting phase abnormalities and correcting biological rhythms, referring to Figure 13.

[0113] Steps S51 to S52 are the same as steps S31 to S32 above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0114] In step S53, the second control device (C2) determines whether the phase of the biological rhythm (first biological rhythm) estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal. Specifically, it determines whether the phase of the first biological rhythm is temporally shifted from the phase of the reference rhythm. If it is determined that the phase of the first biological rhythm is abnormal (YES in step S53), step S54 is executed. If it is determined that the phase of the first biological rhythm is not abnormal (NO in step S53), step S59 is executed. Similar to the abnormality determination of amplitude or period described above, it may be determined that there is no abnormality if the phase shift of the first biological rhythm relative to the reference rhythm is within a predetermined threshold.

[0115] In step S54, the second control device (C2) determines whether the phase of the first biological rhythm is shifted ahead in time compared to the phase of the reference rhythm. If it is determined that the phase of the first biological rhythm is shifted ahead in time compared to the phase of the reference rhythm (YES in step S54), step S55 is executed. If it is not determined that the phase of the first biological rhythm is shifted ahead in time compared to the phase of the reference rhythm (NO in step S54), it is determined that the phase of the first biological rhythm is shifted behind in time compared to the phase of the reference rhythm, and step S57 is executed.

[0116] In step S55, the second control device (C2) creates the sixth operating plan. The sixth operating plan is an operating plan in which the air conditioning system (10) adjusts the room temperature so that the phase of the first biological rhythm is synchronized with the phase of the reference rhythm. The biological rhythm shown in Figure 4 will be used as the reference rhythm and will be explained in detail below.

[0117] As shown in Figure 14, the phase of the first biological rhythm is shifted forward in time compared to the phase of the baseline rhythm (dashed line in Figure 14(A)). Therefore, the sixth operating plan is created to temporarily lower the room temperature just before reaching the first peak. When the room temperature is temporarily lowered just before reaching the first peak by the sixth operating plan, blood vessels constrict and blood flow is suppressed, making it more difficult for body temperature to drop, and the timing of reaching the second peak is delayed compared to before. As a result, the timing of reaching the first peak is also delayed compared to before (solid line in Figure 14(A)).

[0118] In step S56, the second control unit (C2) operates the air conditioning unit (10) based on the sixth operating plan. This operation continues until the first biological rhythm synchronizes with the reference rhythm.

[0119] One example of a shift in the phase of the biological rhythm is when sleep begins earlier. Thus, by delaying the first and second peaks, the phase of the first biological rhythm shifts backward in time, resulting in a delay in sleep onset. In other words, the phase of the first biological rhythm can be aligned with the phase of the baseline rhythm.

[0120] In step S57, the second control device (C2) creates the seventh operation plan. The seventh operation plan is an operation plan in which the air conditioning system (10) adjusts the room temperature so that the phase of the first biological rhythm is synchronized with the phase of the reference rhythm. The biological rhythm shown in Figure 4 will be used as the reference rhythm and will be explained in detail below.

[0121] Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the phase of the first biological rhythm is shifted later in time than the phase of the reference rhythm (dashed line in Figure 14(B)). Therefore, the seventh operating plan is created to temporarily raise the room temperature just before reaching the first peak. By temporarily raising the room temperature just before reaching the first peak according to the seventh operating plan, blood vessels dilate and blood flow is promoted, making it easier for body temperature (core body temperature) to decrease, and the timing of reaching the second peak becomes earlier than before. As a result, the timing of reaching the first peak also becomes earlier than before (solid line in Figure 14(B)).

[0122] In step S58, the second control unit (C2) operates the air conditioning unit (10) based on the seventh operating plan. This operation continues until the first biological rhythm synchronizes with the reference rhythm.

[0123] A case where the phase of the biological rhythm shifts later in time is likely to occur when sleep onset is delayed. In this way, by advancing the first and second peaks, the phase of the first biological rhythm advances in time, resulting in an earlier sleep onset time. In other words, the phase of the first biological rhythm can be aligned with the phase of the baseline rhythm.

[0124] Steps S59 to S60 are the same as steps S36 to S37 above, so their explanation is omitted.

[0125] (8) Modification of Embodiment 2 As shown in Figure 15, the air conditioning system (1) of the second embodiment has a notification unit (55) that prompts a target person (E) to take a predetermined action. The notification unit (55) is a speaker (not shown) or a display screen (not shown). The notification unit (55) is provided in the indoor unit (30).

[0126] If the second control device (C2) determines that the air conditioning device (10) has not been able to fully correct the phase shift of the subject (E), the notification unit (55) will show the subject (E) a sign that encourages them to take action to supplement the correction of the phase shift.

[0127] For example, if the phase of the subject's (E) biological rhythm is shifted forward in time compared to the reference rhythm, and the second control device (C2) determines that the air conditioning device (10) has not been able to correct the biological rhythm to the reference rhythm, the notification unit (55) will notify the subject (E) by voice or display that it is being encouraged to take a nap. By taking a nap, the subject (E) can lower its body temperature and shift the phase of its biological rhythm backward in time.

[0128] Furthermore, if the phase of the subject (E) is shifted backward in time, and the second control device (C2) determines that the air conditioning device (10) has not been able to correct the biological rhythm to the standard rhythm, the notification unit (55) will notify the subject (E) by voice or display that it is advising them to use a sauna. By entering the sauna, the subject (E)'s body temperature will rise, which will shift the phase of their biological rhythm forward in time.

[0129] (9) Embodiment 3 As shown in Figure 16, the control device (C) of this embodiment has a reception unit (65). The reception unit (65) receives information indicating the age, gender, or metabolic rate of the subject (E) in the target space (S). The second control device (C2) selects a biological rhythm stored in the memory unit (61) based on the subject (E) information received by the reception unit (65), and controls the thermal environment of the indoor space (S) to synchronize with the selected biological rhythm. A detailed explanation follows below.

[0130] The air conditioning system (1) of this embodiment adjusts the room temperature of the indoor space (S) to match the natural biological rhythm of the subject (E) in the indoor space (S). The natural biological rhythm is a standard biological rhythm set based on information on age, sex, and metabolic rate.

[0131] The reception unit (65) receives information about the subject (E) (age, gender, metabolic rate) based on the user's input. For age, either child or adult is entered. Children may be school-aged children. For metabolic rate, "high" or "low" is selected based on factors such as BMI, activity level, and weight.

[0132] The memory unit (61) stores a biological rhythm set based on the subject's (E) age, sex, and metabolic rate. This biological rhythm is set based on a table showing the relationship between the subject's (E) information (age, sex, metabolic rate) and various parameters of the biological rhythm (amplitude, peak position, and baseline), as shown in Figure 17. Specifically, the amplitude, peak position, and baseline are adjusted based on a standard biological rhythm. In this embodiment, the baseline refers to the average body temperature over one cycle.

[0133] For example, suppose the subject (E) is described as "adult, male, and low metabolic rate." In this case, the circadian rhythm will have a larger amplitude, a more pronounced peak, and a lower baseline compared to the standard circadian rhythm.

[0134] Here, a "small" amplitude means that the first peak is 1°C lower than the reference circadian rhythm and the second peak is 1°C higher than the reference circadian rhythm. A "large" amplitude means that the first peak is 2°C higher than the reference circadian rhythm and the second peak is 2°C lower than the reference circadian rhythm. A "pre-peak" peak position means that the peak is 1.5 hours earlier than the reference circadian rhythm. A "low" baseline means that it is set 1°C lower than the reference circadian rhythm. Here, the peak position refers to the timing or time of the peaks (first and second peaks) of the circadian rhythm (e.g., circadian rhythm) within one cycle.

[0135] The control of the second control device (C2) of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 18.

[0136] In step S61, the second control device (C2) receives various information about the subject (E).

[0137] In step S62, the second control unit (C2) determines the biological rhythm based on the received information. For example, suppose the input unit (64) is input with "adult", "male", and "low metabolic rate". In this case, the second control unit (61) reads a biological rhythm from the standard biological rhythm set to have a "large" amplitude, a "prelude" peak position, and a "low" baseline.

[0138] In step S63, the second control device (C2) controls the air conditioner (10) based on the biological rhythm selected in step S61. The air conditioner (10) adjusts the room temperature to match the selected biological rhythm. In other words, the air conditioner (10) adjusts the room temperature to synchronize with the selected rhythm.

[0139] This allows, for example, people spending time in indoor spaces with minimal temperature fluctuations to be provided with the ideal thermal environment.

[0140] (10) Modified form of Embodiment 3 As shown in Figure 19, the input section (64) in this example accepts seasonal information in addition to the subject's (E) information. The user can select winter, summer, or the intermediate season (spring, autumn). The baseline is set based on the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV). Specifically, the baseline is set to a PMV of 0.0 to 1.0 (warm) in winter, to -1.0 to 1.0 in the intermediate season, and to -1.0 to 0.0 in summer.

[0141] In this way, by air conditioning the indoor space (S) based on biological rhythms that take into account not only the subject's (E) information but also seasonal information, it is possible to provide a thermal environment that matches the biological rhythms appropriate for each season throughout the year.

[0142] (11) Other embodiments In each of the above embodiments and its variations, the biological rhythm may be a periodic fluctuation or change that includes at least one of the following, in addition to the body temperature rhythm (core body temperature, peripheral skin temperature, central temperature): the autonomic nervous system rhythm (blood pressure, heart rate variability), the endocrine rhythm (hormone levels), the immune rhythm (antibody levels, chemical mediator levels, localization of immune cells), or the sleep rhythm (electroencephalogram, electromyogram, eye movements, respiratory rate). When the biological rhythm is the autonomic nervous system rhythm, the physiological amount may be blood pressure or heart rate. When the biological rhythm is the endocrine rhythm, the physiological amount may be a predetermined hormone level. When the biological rhythm is the immune rhythm, the physiological amount may be a predetermined antibody or chemical mediator level, or the localization of a predetermined immune cell. When the biological rhythm is the sleep rhythm, the physiological amount may be an electroencephalogram, electromyogram, eye movements, or respiratory rate.

[0143] In the air conditioning systems (1) of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and their modified forms, the estimation unit (62) may estimate the depth of sleep of the subject (E) based on physiological quantities. The second control device (C2) adjusts the temperature range of the indoor space (S) based on the depth of sleep of the subject (E). Physiological quantities include body temperature, electroencephalogram, electromyogram, eye movement, or respiratory rate. This allows for, for example, the provision of restful sleep to infants who sleep during the day and at night, as their sleep depth differs between day and night, by adjusting the temperature range of the indoor space (S) according to the depth of sleep.

[0144] The air conditioning system (1) of Embodiment 1 and each of its variations may be applied to infant bedding. For example, an incubator (not shown) or a baby crib (not shown) is equipped with the air conditioning system (1). With an infant as the subject (E), the incubator adjusts the temperature inside the incubator to synchronize with the infant's biological rhythm. The incubator also adjusts the temperature inside the incubator to correct the infant's biological rhythm.

[0145] In Embodiment 1 and its modified forms, the air conditioning system (1) may adjust the room temperature of the indoor space (S) taking into consideration the period and amplitude of the biological rhythm. For example, if the biological rhythm of the infant subject (E) is a 12-hour cycle, it is conceivable that there will be a difference between the amplitude of the biological rhythm during the day and the amplitude of the biological rhythm at night. In this case, it is assumed that sleep is more unstable (more frequent awakenings) during the day than at night. If the body temperature of the subject (E) received from the biosensor (54) is higher than the body temperature in the estimated biological rhythm (i.e., the second peak actually measured is higher than the second peak of the estimated biological rhythm), the second control device (C2) determines that the body temperature of the subject (E) has not been sufficiently lowered and raises the room temperature. As a result, the body temperature of the subject (E) temporarily rises. This causes blood vessels to dilate and increases blood flow, releasing core body temperature to the body surface. The second control device (C2) determines that the subject's (E) body temperature has risen above a certain level and controls the air conditioning system (10) to lower the room temperature. This lowers the core body temperature, allowing the subject (E) to achieve stable sleep.

[0146] In a modified example of Embodiment 1, the input unit (64) may receive input for at least one of the following: age or age in months, gender, height, weight, and amount of clothing worn. By setting a standard rhythm based on these multiple parameters, various standard rhythms can be obtained. As a result, abnormalities in the subject's (E) biological rhythm can be detected with greater accuracy.

[0147] As shown in Figure 20, if the period of the first subject (E1) estimated in Embodiment 2 above is half the period of the reference rhythm (dashed line in Figure 20), the following operation plan may be created. The second control device (C2) creates an operation plan to raise the room temperature immediately after the first first peak and lower the room temperature immediately before the next (second) first peak. By raising the room temperature immediately after the first first peak, the decrease in body temperature is suppressed, and the first second peak becomes higher than before (solid line in Figure 20). Also, by lowering the room temperature immediately before the second first peak, the rise in body temperature is suppressed, and the second first peak becomes lower than before (solid line in Figure 20). By repeating this, the first second peak and the second first peak gradually become smaller, making it possible to bring the period of the first subject (E1) closer to the period of the reference rhythm.

[0148] In the second embodiment and its variations, the reference rhythm does not have to be based on the biological rhythm of a cohabiting family member. The reference rhythm may be a standard biological rhythm according to age, gender, etc., as in the third embodiment described above.

[0149] In the third embodiment, there may be multiple subjects (E) in the indoor space (S). In this case, the memory unit (61) has a biological rhythm suitable for all subjects (E) in the indoor space (S). A biological rhythm suitable for all subjects (E) is, for example, a rhythm obtained by taking the average of the amplitude, peak position, and baseline of the biological rhythm that is optimal for each subject (E). The indoor space (S) may be a school classroom, an office, or a hospital room. This makes it possible to provide students, office workers, and hospitalized patients with a thermal environment that corresponds to their natural biological rhythm.

[0150] In the third embodiment, the information of the subject (E) may include at least one of the following: muscle mass, whether or not the person is pregnant, whether or not they are breastfeeding, body surface area, race, climate (thermal environment in which they live), and metabolic diseases (examples of diseases that increase metabolism include hyperfunction of the thyroid, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland, essential hypertension, heart failure, renal failure, leukemia, polycythemia, and febrile diseases, while examples of diseases that decrease metabolism include hypofunction of the thyroid, pituitary gland, and adrenal gland, malnutrition due to diabetes, severe anemia, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and schizophrenia).

[0151] In the third embodiment, if the subject is "female," the menstrual cycle may be taken into consideration for the baseline.

[0152] In each of the embodiments and their respective modifications described above, the air conditioning system (1) may adjust the temperature and humidity of the indoor space (S) based on biological rhythms. In this case, the air conditioning device (10) is equipped with a humidity sensor (not shown).

[0153] In each of the embodiments and their variations described above, the air conditioning system (1) may include a lighting device (not shown), an acoustic device (not shown), and a fragrance generator (not shown) as devices for controlling the thermal environment. The air conditioning system (1) may generate illumination, sound, and fragrance based on the biological rhythm of the subject (E).

[0154] In the modified embodiment of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, and its modified embodiment, it is not necessary to set a predetermined threshold for determining abnormalities in the amplitude, period, or phase of the biological rhythm.

[0155] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functions of the subject matter of this disclosure. The terms “First,” “Second,” etc., used above are used to distinguish the phrases to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of such phrases. [Industrial applicability]

[0156] As explained above, this disclosure is useful for air conditioning systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0157] 1. Air conditioning system 10. Air conditioning system 54. Biosensor (detection unit) 61 Storage section 62 Estimation part 64 Input section 65 Reception Department C2 Second control unit (control unit) E. Target Persons E1 First Target Group E2 Second Target Group E3 Third Target Group S Indoor space (target space)

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for air conditioning a target space (S), A detection unit (54) that detects the physiological volume of a subject in the aforementioned target space (S), A storage unit (61) that stores the changes in the physiological amount over time during a predetermined period in the past, An estimation unit (62) estimates the subject's biological rhythm based on the changes in the physiological quantities over time stored in the memory unit (61), A control unit (C2) controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) in synchronization with the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62), The system includes an operation planning unit (63) that creates an operation plan for an air conditioning system (10) that air-conditions the target space (S) based on the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62), The estimation unit (62) estimates the biological rhythm of an infant whose cycle is less than 24 hours. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

2. The system further comprises an input unit (64) into which the age information or age in months of the subject is entered. The air conditioning system according to feature 1.

3. The control unit (C2) performs an abnormality determination of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) based on the age information of the subject. The air conditioning system according to feature 2.

4. The estimation unit (62) estimates the depth of the subject's sleep based on the physiological amount, The control unit (C2) adjusts the temperature range of the target space (S) based on the depth of the subject's sleep. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

5. The estimation unit (62) estimates the subject's biological rhythm based on the subject's body temperature changes over a predetermined period. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

6. The aforementioned subjects are infants under three years of age. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the features described above.

7. An infant bedding characterized by comprising the air conditioning system described in claim 1 or 2.

8. An air conditioning system for air conditioning a target space (S), A detection unit (54) that detects the physiological volume of a subject in the aforementioned target space (S), A storage unit (61) that stores the changes in the physiological amount over time during a predetermined period in the past, An estimation unit (62) estimates the subject's biological rhythm based on the changes in the physiological quantities over time stored in the memory unit (61), If the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal, the control unit (C2) controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) to correct the biological rhythm of the subject, The system includes an operation planning unit (63) that creates an operation plan for an air conditioning system (10) that air-conditions the target space (S) based on the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62), The estimation unit (62) estimates the biological rhythm of an infant whose cycle is less than 24 hours. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

9. The control unit (C2) determines an abnormality in the amplitude of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62). The air conditioning system according to feature 8.

10. If the control unit (C2) determines that the amplitude of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal, it controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) so that the amplitude synchronizes with a predetermined reference rhythm of the biological rhythm. The air conditioning system according to feature 9.

11. The control unit (C2) determines an abnormality in the period of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62). The air conditioning system according to feature 8.

12. If the control unit (C2) determines that the period of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62) is abnormal, it controls the thermal environment of the target space (S) so that the period synchronizes with a predetermined reference rhythm of the biological rhythm. The air conditioning system according to feature 11.

13. The control unit (C2) determines the phase abnormality of the biological rhythm estimated by the estimation unit (62). The air conditioning system according to feature 8.

14. The aforementioned subject includes the first subject, the second subject, and the third subject who reside together in the aforementioned subject space (S), The control unit (C2) determines an abnormality in the phase of the first subject's biological rhythm, which was estimated by the estimation unit (62), based on the phases of the second and third subjects' biological rhythms estimated by the estimation unit (62). The air conditioning system according to feature 13.

15. If the control unit (C2) determines that the phase of the biological rhythm of the subject, which has been determined to be abnormal, is shifted forward in time, it adjusts the temperature of the target space (S) to lower it. The air conditioning system according to feature 13 or 14.

16. If the control unit (C2) determines that the phase of the biological rhythm of the subject, which has been determined to be abnormal, is shifted to a later phase in time, it adjusts the temperature of the target space (S) to increase. The air conditioning system according to feature 13 or 14.

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