Communication system and transmitting device

Abstract

To provide a highly convenient apparatus control system that allows a person in a bathroom to satisfy various wishes by using an apparatus outside the bathroom.SOLUTION: An apparatus control system 5001 includes an inside-bathroom operation unit 5300 installed in a bathroom, a living room-side operation unit 5400 installed in a living room outside the bathroom, and a control device 5200. The inside-bathroom operation unit has a microphone 5310. The control device controls a hot water supply heat source apparatus, and an outside-bathroom apparatus disposed outside the bathroom based on an instruction voice received by the microphone and an instruction input received by the living room-side operation unit. The outside-bathroom apparatus is an apparatus different from the hot water supply heat source apparatus that supplies hot water to the bathroom.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication system and a transmitting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices that allow devices to be operated by voice are known, such as those disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2-171098). Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2-171098) relates to a remote control device that remotely controls devices by voice. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] For such remote control devices, if the device itself is equipped with a microphone element that receives voice commands, it is highly convenient because the device can be operated near the device even if the remote control device is not at hand. Also, if the device itself is equipped with a microphone element, problems such as loss of the operating device do not occur, as with portable remote control devices.

[0004] However, if the device is an air conditioner and the microphone element is placed in the indoor unit of the air conditioner, depending on the placement, problems may arise such as the instruction audio not being able to be captured due to the influence of the wind noise from the air blowing out of the indoor unit's air outlet, or the quality of the captured audio being degraded so that the instructions are not recognized correctly.

[0005] The first objective is to provide an air conditioner in which a microphone element that receives voice commands is placed in the indoor unit, and which can acquire the voice commands issued by the operator with high quality and can reliably perform control in accordance with the voice commands issued by the operator.

[0006] <Second issue> Also, as in Patent Document 2 (JP 2010-181064 A), there is known an air conditioner in which the indoor unit has a voice reception unit that receives voice instructions and an air conditioning control device that has a voice analysis means for the voice instructions and controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the results of the voice analysis.This type of air conditioner is highly convenient as it allows the user to operate the air conditioner even if they do not have the remote control at hand.

[0007] However, with this configuration, if air conditioners with and without voice control functions coexist as variations, it is necessary to install / remove the voice reception unit on the indoor unit and change the air conditioning control device for each model. This makes it difficult to simplify the air conditioner manufacturing process. Furthermore, for example, adding voice control functionality to an existing air conditioner that does not have voice control functionality requires relatively major modifications to the indoor unit, making it difficult to meet the needs of users who want to add voice control functionality to existing air conditioners.

[0008] A second object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can easily be configured to have a voice operation function enabled or disabled, and an operating device for the air conditioner that can easily enable voice operation of the air conditioner.

[0009] <Third issue> Also, as in Patent Document 2 (JP Patent Publication No. 2010-181064), an air conditioner is known in which the indoor unit has a voice reception section that receives instruction voices, and an air conditioning control device that has a voice analysis means for the instruction voices and controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the results of the voice analysis.

[0010] Such air conditioners are highly convenient because they can be operated by issuing voice instructions to the indoor unit.

[0011] However, air conditioner users are not always near the indoor unit, and there may be cases where they wish to operate the air conditioner while they are away from the indoor unit. The configuration of Patent Document 2 (JP 2010-181064 A) poses the problem that in such cases, the user must first go near the indoor unit to operate the air conditioner.

[0012] In response to this, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-171098) discloses a remote control device that receives voice and generates commands for equipment based on the recognition results of the received voice. By using a remote control device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-171098), an air conditioner can be operated by voice even if the operator is not near the air conditioner.

[0013] However, in a configuration such as that of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2-171098), advanced processing such as voice recognition is performed on the remote control device side, which tends to make the remote control device expensive and may increase the price of the entire air conditioning system.

[0014] The third problem is to provide an inexpensive air conditioning system that allows the air conditioner to be operated by voice even when not located near the indoor unit, and an air conditioner that can realize this air conditioning system.

[0015] <Fourth Challenge> BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, voice communication (communication of voice data) using a communication line has been widely used.

[0016] Generally, in communications, when the amount of data traveling over a communication line is relatively small compared to the capacity of the line (when traffic is low), communication can be performed smoothly even when relatively large data is transmitted. On the other hand, when the amount of data traveling over a communication line is relatively large compared to the capacity of the line (when traffic is high), various problems can occur when attempting to transmit relatively large data. The same is true for voice communications.

[0017] To address this issue, Patent Document 3 (JP 2001-308961 A) discloses a message communication device that, instead of using voice communication, has a flashcard that associates words with codes on both the sending and receiving sides, and instead of voice communication, selects one or more codes and sends them to the receiving side, which then converts them into text and voice using the flashcard. By using such a device, the amount of communication data can be reduced compared to sending voice data, and communication problems are less likely to occur even when traffic is heavy.

[0018] However, with such devices, it is necessary to create a wordbook that associates words with codes beforehand, and there is a problem that words that are not registered in the wordbook cannot be transmitted. Also, with such devices, it is necessary to select codes from the wordbook to create a message, which, unlike voice communication, means that it takes time and effort to transmit the information you want to convey.

[0019] The fourth problem is to provide a communication system and a transmitting device that can suppress the occurrence of communication problems regardless of the traffic state of the communication line and can transmit the information that you want to send without taking time or effort.

[0020] <Fifth issue> BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, the development of an operating device that can operate a plurality of devices in a unified manner has been considered (see, for example, Patent Document 4 (Utility Model Registration No. 3130081)).

[0021] In recent years, the methods of inputting operations and managing devices have become more diverse. As a result of this diversification, control instructions for each device owned by a user can overlap, which can lead to devices not being controlled properly.

[0022] The fifth challenge is to provide a highly reliable control system.

[0023] <Sixth issue> Conventionally, there has been known an appliance control system that includes a bathroom-mounted remote control that can operate a hot water heat source device outside the bathroom. For example, Patent Document 5 (JP 2002-267252 A) discloses an appliance control system that includes a bathroom-mounted remote control that can operate a hot water heat source device by voice command.

[0024] Such a system is highly convenient because it allows you to operate the hot water heater without leaving the bathroom. Moreover, the system in Patent Document 5 (JP 2002-267252 A) allows you to operate the hot water heater by voice, making it highly usable.

[0025] However, the system disclosed in Patent Document 5 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-267252) is merely a system that can control hot water-related equipment used in the bathroom, and cannot satisfy the various needs of people in the bathroom, such as controlling and monitoring the environment outside the bathroom using equipment outside the bathroom.

[0026] The sixth objective is to provide a highly convenient device control system that allows people in the bathroom to use devices outside the bathroom to fulfill a variety of needs.

[0027] <Seventh Task> In recent years, the use of devices that output sound has been increasing.

[0028] For example, Patent Document 6 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-181064) discloses a device that outputs a voice to a user requesting confirmation of a given instruction as to whether the instruction is correct.

[0029] As the use of such devices that output sound increases, problems such as the annoying overlap of sounds output by multiple devices and difficulty in hearing the sounds output by each device are likely to occur.

[0030] The seventh objective is to provide a device management system that can prevent problems such as annoying overlapping sounds from the devices and difficulty in hearing the sounds from each device, even when there are multiple devices that output sound.

[0031] <8th Task> In recent years, the development of air conditioners that acquire surrounding sound information has been considered. For example, Patent Document 7 (JP 2014-229097 A) discloses an air conditioner with a monitoring function that creates sound analysis information.

[0032] However, in the conventional technology, the information provided may be insufficient to accurately recognize the surrounding environment of the air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0033] <Means for solving the first problem> An air conditioner according to a first aspect includes an indoor unit, a transmitter, and a receiver. The indoor unit has a main body and a microphone element. The main body is formed with an air outlet that blows conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned. The microphone element receives instruction voice captured by the voice capture unit. The voice capture unit is disposed facing the space to be air-conditioned, at a position away from a ventilation space through which air blown out by the air outlet passes. The transmitter transmits a signal based on the instruction voice received by the microphone element to the outside. The receiver receives a command from the outside in accordance with the signal transmitted by the transmitter.

[0034] In the indoor unit of this air conditioner, the audio instruction input section is located outside the ventilation space through which the air blown out from the air outlet passes. This means that the audio instruction input to the microphone element is less affected by wind noise, allowing the microphone element to capture audio instructions with less noise. Even when the operator speaks in a quiet voice, the microphone element is likely to capture clear audio instructions. Then, based on the captured clear audio instructions, a command based on the audio instruction is generated outside the air conditioner and transmitted to the air conditioner. Therefore, even when a variety of audio instructions are given to the air conditioner, for example, malfunctions of the air conditioner (including cases where the air conditioner performs an operation different from the operator's audio instruction, or where the operator's audio instruction is not recognized) are less likely to occur.

[0035] In addition, a functional unit that converts voice-based signals into commands is provided outside the air conditioner, so the air conditioner does not need to have such a function separately, which helps reduce the cost of the air conditioner.

[0036] An air conditioner according to a second aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the air outlet is formed on the underside of the main body and blows out air in a first direction as viewed from the bottom, and the sound capture unit is provided on the underside of the main body at a location other than downstream of the air outlet in the first direction as viewed from the bottom.

[0037] Here, it is possible to provide the voice capture unit while avoiding the ventilation space, and the microphone element can easily capture clear voice instructions.

[0038] An air conditioner according to a third aspect is the air conditioner according to the first or second aspect, wherein the air outlet is formed on a first surface of the main body, and the sound capture unit is provided on a second surface of the main body that intersects with the first surface.

[0039] Here, since the voice capture unit is provided on a plane that intersects with the plane on which the air outlet is formed, it is possible to provide the voice capture unit while avoiding the ventilation space, and clear instruction voices are easily captured by the microphone element.

[0040] An air conditioner according to a fourth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the air outlet is formed in the main body so as to extend with the second direction as its longitudinal direction, and the sound capture unit is provided on an extension of the air outlet in the second direction.

[0041] Here, it is possible to provide the voice capture unit while avoiding the ventilation space, and the microphone element can easily capture clear voice instructions.

[0042] An air conditioner according to a fifth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the main body is further formed with an inlet that draws air from a space to be air-conditioned. The sound capture unit is provided on the main body between the air outlet and the inlet.

[0043] Here, it is possible to provide the voice capture unit while avoiding the ventilation space, and the microphone element can easily capture clear voice instructions.

[0044] An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect is an air conditioner according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the audio capture unit is provided on a surface on the main body that is visible when viewed from the bottom and that intersects with both vertical and horizontal planes.

[0045] Here, the audio capture unit is located on a surface that is visible from the bottom (i.e., facing downward) and intersects with both vertical and horizontal planes (in other words, an inclined surface), making it easy to clearly capture the audio instructions of the operator in the air-conditioned space using the microphone element.

[0046] An air conditioner according to a seventh aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the indoor unit is wall-mounted. The air outlet is formed to extend with the second direction as its longitudinal direction. The indoor unit further has a fan and a fan motor that drives the fan. The fan is housed inside the main body. The fan motor is located inside the main body on one side in the second direction. The audio capture unit is provided on the other side of the main body from the fan motor in the second direction.

[0047] Here, since the sound pickup section of the microphone element is provided farther away from the fan motor, the microphone element is less susceptible to noise from the fan motor, and the microphone element is more likely to pick up clear instruction sounds.

[0048] An air conditioner according to an eighth aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the indoor unit is wall-mounted. The air outlet is formed to extend with the second direction as its longitudinal direction. The indoor unit further has a fan and a fan motor that drives the fan. The fan is housed inside the main body. The fan motor is located inside the main body on one side in the second direction. The audio capture unit is provided on the same side of the main body as the fan motor in the second direction.

[0049] Here, the electrical components including the microphone element and the fan motor can be arranged together on one side of the main body, which reduces the number of wiring steps required when manufacturing the indoor unit.

[0050] An air conditioner according to a ninth aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the indoor unit is a floor-standing type, and the sound capture unit is provided above the center of the main body in the height direction.

[0051] In floor-standing indoor units, the heavy fan motor is generally located at the bottom of the indoor unit. In contrast, here the audio capture unit is located at the top of the indoor unit (above the center of the main body), so the microphone element is less susceptible to noise from the fan motor, making it easier to capture clear audio instructions.

[0052] Furthermore, if the voice capture unit is provided at the bottom of the indoor unit, there is a possibility that the instruction voice given by the operator in a standing or seated position may be obstructed by the presence of obstacles (for example, furniture such as a desk or chair).In contrast, here, the voice capture unit is provided at the top of the indoor unit, so the instruction voice can be easily captured by the voice capture unit without obstruction.

[0053] An air conditioner according to a tenth aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the indoor unit is wall-mounted. The air outlet is formed to extend longitudinally in the second direction. The sound capture unit is provided above the air outlet and in the center of the body in the second direction.

[0054] Here, the audio capture unit is provided in the center of the main body, so even if the audio capture unit is provided in only one location, audio can be acquired from various directions.

[0055] An air conditioner according to an eleventh aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the indoor unit is a wall-mounted type. The indoor unit has two or more pairs of a voice capture unit and a microphone element that receives instruction voice captured by the voice capture unit. The air outlet is formed to extend with the second direction as its longitudinal direction. The voice capture units are provided at least at both ends of the main body in the second direction.

[0056] Here, since the audio capture units are provided at least on both ends of the main body, it is easy to capture audio from various directions.

[0057] An air conditioner according to a twelfth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the indoor unit further includes a voice recognition chip. The voice recognition chip recognizes only specific instruction voices among the instruction voices acquired by the microphone element and generates a predetermined command. The transmitter transmits to the outside a signal based on the instruction voices other than the specific instruction voice among the instruction voices received by the microphone element.

[0058] Here, specific instruction voices can be converted into commands on the air conditioner side without being transmitted to the outside, so specific instruction content can be quickly operated, which is highly convenient.

[0059] An air conditioner according to a thirteenth aspect is the air conditioner according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the indoor unit further includes a control board that controls the operation of the indoor unit. The control board and the voice recognition chip are integrated together.

[0060] This reduces the amount of wiring work required when manufacturing indoor units.

[0061] An air conditioner according to a fourteenth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, in which the transmitter transmits a signal via a network to an analyzer that analyzes the signal, and the receiver receives a command generated based on the result of the analysis of the signal by the analyzer.

[0062] Here, a signal based on the instruction voice is sent to an external analysis device, and commands are generated based on the analysis results of the signal, so that the air conditioner can be operated by voice even when relatively complex operations are to be performed by the air conditioner.

[0063] An air conditioner according to a fifteenth aspect is the air conditioner according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the transmitter further transmits information about state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner and the air-conditioned space to the command generating device, and the receiver receives commands generated by the command generating device based on the results of signal analysis by the analyzer and the information about the state quantities.

[0064] Here, instructions are given to the air conditioner based on the analysis results of the signal based on the instruction voice and on state quantities related to the air conditioner and the space to be air-conditioned, so that appropriate control of the air conditioner can be easily carried out.

[0065] An air conditioner according to a sixteenth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the indoor unit further has a sound capture direction adjustment mechanism that can change the direction in which the sound capture section captures sound.

[0066] Here, because the direction in which sound is captured can be changed, it is possible to avoid the problem of the sound being captured in a direction where people are not normally present (for example, toward a wall), regardless of the indoor unit's installation position, etc. Also, because the direction in which sound is captured can be changed, the microphone element can easily capture clear instruction voice even when the operator speaks softly.

[0067] An air conditioner according to a seventeenth aspect is the air conditioner according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the indoor unit further has a detection unit that detects the position of a person in the air-conditioned space. The sound capture direction adjustment mechanism has an automatic adjustment unit that automatically changes the direction in which the sound capture unit captures sound in accordance with the detection result of the detection unit.

[0068] Here, the direction of voice capture is automatically changed depending on the position of the person within the air-conditioned space, making it easy for the microphone element to capture clear voice instructions no matter where the operator moves within the air-conditioned space.

[0069] <Means for solving the second problem> An air conditioner according to an eighteenth aspect comprises an indoor unit having a main body. The main body is formed with an air outlet that blows conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned. The air conditioner comprises an operation unit, a cable unit, a transmitter, a receiver, and an air conditioner control unit. The operation unit has a voice reception unit. The voice reception unit receives input of voice instructions. The operation unit is disposed outside the main body. The cable unit connects the indoor unit and the operation unit so that they can communicate with each other. The transmitter transmits a signal to the outside based on the voice instructions received by the voice reception unit. The receiver receives commands from the outside in accordance with the signal transmitted by the transmitter. The air conditioner control unit controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the commands.

[0070] In the air conditioner according to the eighteenth aspect, an operation unit for voice operation is attached externally to the indoor unit, and commands are generated externally to the air conditioner based on the instruction voice, so it is easy to change whether or not the voice operation function is attached to the air conditioner according to the needs of the user. Because the operation unit is external, it is also easy to add voice operation function to existing air conditioners that do not have voice operation function.

[0071] Furthermore, in this air conditioner, the operation unit is externally attached to the indoor unit, allowing for a high degree of freedom in the placement of the operation unit. This means that user instructions can be reliably received by the voice reception unit regardless of the location of the indoor unit (for example, even if the indoor unit is located far from the area where the user of the air conditioner mainly spends time).

[0072] Furthermore, in this air conditioner, the indoor unit and the operation unit are connected by wire, which facilitates reliable exchange of signals between these units.

[0073] Preferably, the operation unit includes a notification unit configured to notify reception of the instruction voice by the voice reception unit.

[0074] The notification unit that notifies that the voice reception unit has received the instruction voice can be any of a variety of notification methods, such as a speaker that notifies by sound, a lamp that notifies by light, a vibrator that notifies by vibration, a display that notifies by image (including text), etc. By providing a notification unit in the operation unit, the user can recognize that the voice reception unit has received the voice.

[0075] An air conditioner according to a nineteenth aspect is the air conditioner according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein the transmitter and receiver are mounted on the operation unit.

[0076] Here, the operation unit is equipped with a transmitter and receiver in addition to a voice reception unit and notification unit, making it particularly easy to enable or disable the voice operation function for the air conditioner depending on the user's needs. Also, because the various components required for voice operation are all installed in the operation unit, it is easy to add voice operation functionality to existing air conditioners that do not have it.

[0077] An air conditioner according to a twentieth aspect is an air conditioner according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, wherein the operation unit further has a switch that switches the operating state of the voice receiving section from a sleep state in which command voices are not received to an active state in which command voices can be received.

[0078] Here, the operation unit is provided with a switch that switches the operating state of the voice reception unit to an active state, making it easy to activate the voice reception unit only when you want to input a command voice, preventing the air conditioner from malfunctioning due to voice that is emitted without any intention of giving a command.

[0079] An air conditioner according to a twenty-first aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects, wherein the cable unit functions as a power line that supplies power to the operation unit.

[0080] Here, the cable unit connecting the indoor unit and the operation unit also functions as a power line, so the operation unit can function without having to provide a dedicated power outlet for the operation unit, which is highly convenient.

[0081] An air conditioner according to a 22nd aspect is an air conditioner according to any one of the 18th to 21st aspects, wherein the operating unit extends with the horizontal direction as the longitudinal direction and is attached to the main body or to a wall or ceiling surface facing the space to be air-conditioned.

[0082] This allows for an air conditioner that is aesthetically pleasing.

[0083] An air conditioner according to a twenty-third aspect is the air conditioner according to the twenty-second aspect, wherein the voice receiver has at least two microphone elements, the microphone elements being provided at both ends of the operation unit in at least the longitudinal direction.

[0084] Here, since microphone elements are provided at both ends in the horizontal direction, instructions from the user can be easily received by the voice receiving section no matter where the user is located relative to the operation unit.

[0085] An air conditioner according to a twenty-fourth aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-third aspects, wherein the transmitter transmits the signal via a network to an analyzer that analyzes the signal, and the receiver receives a command generated based on the analysis result of the signal by the analyzer.

[0086] Here, a signal based on the instruction voice is sent to an external analysis device, and commands are generated based on the analysis results, so that the air conditioner can be operated by voice even when relatively complex operations need to be performed by the air conditioner.

[0087] An air conditioner according to a 25th aspect is the air conditioner according to the 24th aspect, wherein the transmitter further transmits information about state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner and the air-conditioned space to the command generating device, and the receiver receives commands generated by the command generating device based on the results of signal analysis by the analyzer and the information about the state quantities.

[0088] Here, instructions are given to the air conditioner based on the analysis results of the instruction voice and information regarding state quantities related to the air conditioner and the space to be air-conditioned, making it easier for the air conditioner to perform appropriate control based on the instruction voice.

[0089] An air conditioner according to a 26th aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the 18th to 25th aspects, further comprising a voice compression unit that compresses the instruction voice received by the voice reception unit. The transmission unit transmits the instruction voice that has been subjected to voice compression processing by the voice compression unit to the outside as a signal.

[0090] Here, the instruction voice is compressed before being transmitted to the outside, thereby realizing efficient communication.

[0091] An air conditioner according to a twenty-seventh aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the eighteenth aspect to the twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the transmitter transmits signals to a plurality of addresses.

[0092] Here, the voice received by the voice receiving unit is sent to multiple addresses, so the acquired voice can be used for various processes.

[0093] An operating device according to a twenty-eighth aspect is an operating device for an air conditioner that is disposed outside the body of an indoor unit of the air conditioner and is connected to the indoor unit by a cable unit. The body of the indoor unit is formed with an air outlet that blows conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned. The operating device includes a voice receiving unit, an alarm unit, a transmitter, a receiver, and a command transmitting unit. The voice receiving unit receives input of voice instructions for the air conditioner. The alarm unit notifies the reception of the voice instructions by the voice receiving unit. The transmitter transmits a signal based on the voice instructions received by the voice receiving unit to the outside. The receiver receives a command from the outside in accordance with the signal transmitted by the transmitter. The command transmitting unit transmits the signal based on the command received by the receiver via the cable unit to an air conditioner control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner.

[0094] This operating device has all the components necessary for voice operation all mounted on it, making it easy to add voice operation functionality to the air conditioner according to the user's needs.

[0095] An operating device according to a twenty-ninth aspect is the operating device of the twenty-eighth aspect, further comprising a switch. The switch switches the operating state of the voice receiving unit from a sleep state in which the instruction voice is not received to an active state in which the instruction voice can be received.

[0096] Here, the operating device has a switch that switches the operating state of the voice reception unit to an active state, making it easy to activate the voice reception unit only when you want to input a command voice, preventing the air conditioner from malfunctioning due to voice that is emitted without any intention of giving a command.

[0097] An operating device according to a thirtieth aspect is the operating device according to the twenty-eighth or twenty-ninth aspect, which receives power supply via a cable unit.

[0098] Here, power is supplied via a cable unit that connects the indoor unit and the operating device, so there is no need to provide a dedicated power outlet for the operating device, which is highly convenient.

[0099] <Means for solving the third problem> An air conditioning system according to a thirty-first aspect includes an air conditioner having a controller, and a voice reception unit. The voice reception unit includes a voice reception section and a first information transmission section. The voice reception section receives voice instructions for the air conditioner. The first information transmission section transmits first information corresponding to the voice instructions received by the voice reception section to the controller via wireless communication. The controller includes a first information reception section, a processing section, a second information transmission section, a command reception section, and an air conditioner control section. The first information reception section receives the first information transmitted by the first information transmission section. The processing section performs specific processing on the first information received by the first information reception section, and generates second information having a smaller amount of information than the first information. The second information transmission section transmits the second information to the outside. The command reception section receives a command from the outside corresponding to the second information transmitted by the second information transmission section. The air conditioner control section controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the command.

[0100] In this air conditioning system, second information based on the instruction voice is transmitted to the outside, and a command based on the transmitted second information is given from the outside. In other words, in this air conditioning system, there is no need for the air conditioner or the voice reception unit to recognize the instruction voice and generate a command for controlling the air conditioner based on the recognition result. This makes it easy to realize an air conditioning system that can operate the air conditioner by voice at low cost.

[0101] Furthermore, in this air conditioning system, the air conditioner controller generates second information with a small amount of information suitable for communication from the first information transmitted by the voice reception unit and transmits this information externally, so the voice reception unit is only required to have simple functions, and the voice reception unit (voice remote control) can be easily realized at low cost. Therefore, even if voice reception units are installed in multiple locations to increase convenience, for example, an air conditioning system can be easily realized at low cost.

[0102] An air conditioning system according to a thirty-second aspect is the air conditioning system according to the thirty-first aspect, wherein the first information is A / D converted audio information.

[0103] Here, the voice reception unit only needs to have the functionality to perform A / D conversion of the instruction voice, so the functions required of the voice reception unit can be simple, making it easy to realize a voice remote control function for the air conditioner at low cost.

[0104] An air conditioning system according to a thirty-third aspect is the air conditioning system according to the thirty-first or thirty-second aspect, wherein the specific processing is format conversion.

[0105] Here, by using format conversion, the first information can be converted into second information with a small amount of information and then transmitted outside the controller, thereby enabling efficient communication between the air conditioning system and components external to the air conditioning system.

[0106] An air conditioning system according to a thirty-fourth aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the thirty-first to thirty-third aspects, wherein the voice receiving unit further includes an annunciation unit. The annunciation unit notifies the reception of the instruction voice by the voice receiving unit.

[0107] The alarm unit that notifies that the voice receiving unit has received the instruction voice can use various types of alarm devices, such as a speaker that notifies by sound, a lamp that notifies by light, a vibrator that notifies by vibration, or a display that notifies by image (including text).

[0108] By providing a notification unit in the voice reception unit, it is possible to recognize that the voice reception unit has received a voice command. Even when a user operates an air conditioner from a location where the air conditioner cannot be seen, the user can recognize that the air conditioner has received the command.

[0109] An air conditioning system according to a 35th aspect is an air conditioning system according to any one of the 31st to 34th aspects, in which the voice receiving unit has a switch that switches the operating state of the voice receiving section from a sleep state in which command voices are not received to an active state in which command voices can be received.

[0110] Here, the voice reception unit is provided with a switch that switches the operating state of the voice reception section to an active state, making it easy to operate the voice reception section only when you want to input a command voice, and preventing the air conditioner from malfunctioning due to voices that are emitted without the intention of giving a command.

[0111] An air conditioning system according to a thirty-sixth aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the thirty-first to thirty-fifth aspects, in which the voice receiving unit is a mobile terminal.

[0112] Here, a mobile device (e.g., smartphone, mobile phone, tablet device, wearable device, etc.) owned by the user and equipped with a voice reception unit can be used as the voice reception unit, making it possible to realize the voice remote control function of the air conditioner at low cost.

[0113] An air conditioning system according to a thirty-seventh aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the thirty-first to thirty-sixth aspects, in which the second information transmitting unit transmits the second information via a network to an analysis device that analyzes the second information, and the command receiving unit receives a command generated based on the analysis result of the second information by the analysis device.

[0114] Here, second information based on the instruction voice is sent to an external analysis device, and commands are generated based on the analysis results, so that the air conditioner can be operated by voice even when relatively complex content is to be executed by the air conditioner.

[0115] An air conditioning system according to a 38th aspect is the air conditioning system according to the 37th aspect, wherein the controller further includes a state quantity information transmitter. The state quantity information transmitter transmits information about state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner and the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner to the command generating device. The command receiving unit receives commands generated by the command generating device based on the analysis results by the analysis device and the information about the state quantities.

[0116] Here, instructions are given to the air conditioner based on the analysis results of the second information based on the instruction voice and on state quantities related to the air conditioner and the space to be air-conditioned, so that the air conditioner is more likely to perform appropriate control based on the instruction voice.

[0117] An air conditioning system according to a thirty-ninth aspect is the air conditioning system according to any one of the thirty-first to thirty-eighth aspects, wherein the second information transmission unit transmits the second information to a plurality of addresses.

[0118] Here, since the second information is transmitted to a plurality of addresses, the second information based on the acquired voice can be used for various processes.

[0119] An air conditioner according to a fortieth aspect includes a first information receiving unit, a processing unit, a second information transmitting unit, a command receiving unit, and an air conditioner control unit. The first information receiving unit receives first information wirelessly transmitted from a voice receiving unit based on a command voice received by the voice receiving unit. The processing unit performs specific processing on the first information received by the first information receiving unit and generates second information having a smaller amount of information than the first information. The second information transmitting unit transmits the second information to the outside. The command receiving unit receives from the outside a command corresponding to the second information transmitted by the second information transmitting unit. The air conditioner control unit controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the command.

[0120] In this air conditioner, second information based on the instruction voice is transmitted to the outside, and commands based on the transmitted second information are given from the outside. In other words, this air conditioner itself does not need to recognize the instruction voice and generate commands for controlling the air conditioner based on the recognition results. This makes it easy to realize a voice-operable air conditioner at low cost.

[0121] Furthermore, this air conditioner generates second information with a small amount of information suitable for communication from the first information sent by the voice reception unit and sends this to the outside, so the voice reception unit that sends the first information based on the instruction voice to this air conditioner only requires simple functions, making it easy to realize a voice reception unit (voice remote control) at low cost.

[0122] <Means for solving the fourth problem> A communication system according to a forty-first aspect includes a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device has a voice receiving unit, a text conversion unit, a transmitting unit, and a switching unit. The voice receiving unit receives voice input. The text conversion unit converts the voice received by the voice receiving unit into text data format. The transmitting unit transmits data based on the voice received by the voice receiving unit via a communication line. The switching unit switches the format of the data transmitted by the transmitting unit between voice data format and text data format. The receiving device has a receiving unit. The receiving unit receives the data transmitted by the transmitting unit of the transmitting device.

[0123] In this communication system, the data format of data based on input voice transmitted from a transmitting device to a receiving device can be switched between voice data format and text data format. Therefore, in this communication system, when traffic is heavy, the data based on input voice can be switched to text data format, which has a smaller data volume than voice data format, and transmitted, thereby suppressing communication problems regardless of the traffic state of the communication line.

[0124] Furthermore, since the input to the transmitting device is voice, it is possible to transmit the information to be transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device without the time and effort required, compared to inputting a code selected from a vocabulary book.

[0125] In addition, since data can be transmitted from the transmitting device in the form of audio data (because the transmittable data format is not limited to text data format), when traffic is small, data can be transmitted to the receiving device in the form of audio data, which is highly convenient.

[0126] A communication system according to a forty-second aspect is the communication system according to the forty-first aspect, wherein the transmitting device further includes a determination unit that determines a traffic state of the communication line, and a switching unit that switches the format of the data transmitted by the transmitting device between audio data and text data based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[0127] Here, the format of the data sent from the transmitting device to the receiving device is switched between audio data format and text data format depending on the traffic status of the communication line, which makes it easier to prevent communication problems from occurring.

[0128] A communication system according to a forty-third aspect is the communication system according to the forty-first or forty-second aspect, wherein the receiving device further includes a recognition unit and a signal output unit. The recognition unit recognizes the content of the received data. The signal output unit outputs a signal based on the recognition result of the recognition unit.

[0129] In this system, the content of the received data is recognized on the receiving device side, and a signal corresponding to this is output. In such a system, in order to enable accurate recognition of the data content, it is preferable that the input voice be transmitted to the receiving device in a state as close as possible to the original data (in the form of voice data with a large amount of information). However, if data is transmitted in voice data format, communication problems may occur, and the data that should reach the receiving device may not arrive, and the processing that should be performed by the receiving device may not be executed.

[0130] In contrast, in this communication system, data based on voice input to the transmitting device can be transmitted in voice data format as well as text data format, so even if the communication line becomes prone to communication problems, it is unlikely that the data will not reach the receiving device and the processing that should be performed by the receiving device will not be executed.

[0131] A communication system according to a 44th aspect is the communication system according to any one of the 41st to 43rd aspects, wherein the receiving device further includes an audio output unit, a storage unit, and a setting unit. The audio output unit converts data in the format of text data received by the receiving unit into audio and outputs the converted audio. The storage unit stores a plurality of voice tone patterns. The setting unit sets the voice tone pattern to be used for output by the audio output unit.

[0132] Here, when data in text data format is output aloud, the tone of voice used for output can be selected from a plurality of tone of voice patterns, so that a listener can hear the content of the data using the tone of voice pattern that is easiest for them to hear.

[0133] For example, by storing the voice tone pattern of a speaker who inputs voice to the transmitting device in a memory unit and using that voice tone pattern for voice output, even when data is transmitted from the transmitting device to the receiving device in text data format, the listener hearing the voice is less likely to feel uncomfortable.

[0134] A transmission device according to a forty-fifth aspect includes a voice receiving unit, a text conversion unit, a transmission unit, and a switching unit. The voice receiving unit receives voice input. The text conversion unit converts the voice received by the voice receiving unit into text data format. The transmission unit transmits data based on the voice received by the voice receiving unit via a communication line. The switching unit switches the format of the data transmitted by the transmission unit between voice data format and text data format.

[0135] In this transmitting device, the data format of the data based on the input voice transmitted from the transmitting device can be switched between the voice data format and the text data format. Therefore, in the case of heavy traffic, the transmitting device can switch the data based on the input voice to the text data format, which has a smaller data volume than the voice data format, and transmit the data, thereby suppressing the occurrence of communication problems regardless of the traffic state of the communication line.

[0136] Furthermore, since the input to the transmitting device is voice, it is possible to transmit the information to be sent from the transmitting device without the time and effort required, compared to when inputting a code selected from a vocabulary book.

[0137] In addition, since data can be transmitted from the transmitting device in the form of audio data (because the transmittable data format is not limited to text data format), when traffic is small, data can be transmitted to the receiving side in the form of audio data, which is highly convenient.

[0138] A transmitting device according to a 46th aspect is the transmitting device according to the 45th aspect, further comprising a determining unit. The determining unit determines a traffic state of a communication line. The switching unit switches the format of the data transmitted by the transmitting unit between audio data and text data based on the determination result of the determining unit.

[0139] Here, the format of the data transmitted from the transmitting device is switched between voice data format and text data format depending on the traffic state of the communication line, which makes it easier to prevent communication problems from occurring.

[0140] <Means for solving the fifth problem> A control system according to a forty-seventh aspect includes an input receiving unit, an input selecting unit, and a control unit. The input receiving unit receives control instructions for a device at least by voice input. When the input receiving unit receives multiple inputs indicating control instructions for a single device, the input selecting unit selects one input from the multiple inputs. The control unit transmits an output command to the device based only on the control instructions corresponding to the input selected by the input selecting unit.

[0141] In the control system according to the 47th aspect, when multiple inputs indicating control instructions for one device are received, one input is selected from the multiple inputs, and the device is controlled based only on the control instructions corresponding to the selected input, thereby enabling the device to be controlled normally. As a result, a highly reliable control system can be provided.

[0142] A control system according to a 48th aspect is a control system according to a 47th aspect, in which, when the input selection unit receives input of a control instruction, it selects one input from among the control instruction inputs received within a predetermined time before and after the input time.

[0143] In the control system according to the 48th aspect, when an input is selected from among the control instruction inputs accepted within a predetermined time after the input time, the control instruction after the predetermined time has elapsed is not accepted, thereby reducing the load on the system. Also, in the control system according to the 48th aspect, when an input is selected from among the control instruction inputs accepted within a predetermined time before the input time, the control instruction before the predetermined time has elapsed is referenced, thereby providing a system with a high degree of flexibility.

[0144] A control system according to a forty-ninth aspect is the control system according to the forty-seventh or forty-eighth aspect, further comprising a selection result notifying unit that notifies the result of selection by the input selecting unit.

[0145] In the control system according to the forty-ninth aspect, the user can be made aware of the control status of the device.

[0146] A control system according to a fiftieth aspect is the control system according to the forty-ninth aspect, wherein the selection result notifying unit notifies the selection result by audio output.

[0147] In the control system according to the fiftieth aspect, the user can be made to recognize the control status of the device by voice.

[0148] A control system according to a fifty-first aspect is the control system according to the forty-ninth or fiftieth aspect, wherein the selection result notifying section notifies information relating to an input that was not selected.

[0149] In the control system according to the fifty-first aspect, a user who has issued duplicate control instructions can be made aware of the controls that will not be executed in the appliance.

[0150] A control system according to a fifty-second aspect is the control system according to any one of the forty-seventh to fifty-first aspects, wherein the input selection section prioritizes control instructions input by voice.

[0151] In the control system according to the fifty-second aspect, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of the control system that controls equipment through voice input.

[0152] A control system according to a fifty-third aspect is the control system according to any one of the forty-seventh to fifty-first aspects, wherein the input selection section prioritizes control instructions by inputs other than voice inputs.

[0153] In the control system according to the fifty-third aspect, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of the control system that controls devices by inputs other than voice inputs.

[0154] A control system according to a 54th aspect is a control system according to any one of the 47th to 53rd aspects, in which the multiple inputs are performed by one or more input receiving devices having an input receiving unit. The control system further includes an input condition storage unit that stores input conditions indicating whether or not to accept an input depending on the input receiving device and / or the type of input, and the input selection unit selects one input based on the input receiving conditions.

[0155] In the control system according to the fifty-fourth aspect, it is possible to provide a control system that can control equipment based on input from a predetermined input receiving device.

[0156] A control system according to a 55th aspect is a control system according to any one of the 47th to 54th aspects, in which, when the input receiving unit receives multiple inputs indicating the same control instruction for one device, the input selection unit selects one input from among the multiple inputs.

[0157] In the control system according to the fifty-fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent duplicate execution of control with the same content.

[0158] A control system according to a 56th aspect is a control system according to any one of the 47th to 54th aspects, in which, when the input receiving unit receives multiple inputs indicating different control instructions for a single device, the input selection unit selects one input from among the multiple inputs.

[0159] In the control system according to the fifty-sixth aspect, frequent switching of control can be suppressed.

[0160] <Means for solving the sixth problem> A fifty-seventh aspect of the present invention provides a device control system including an in-bathroom operation unit installed in a bathroom, a living room operation unit installed in a living room outside the bathroom, and a controller. The in-bathroom operation unit has a microphone. The controller controls the hot water heater and an outside-bathroom device installed outside the bathroom based on audio instructions received by the microphone and instruction input received by the living room operation unit. The outside-bathroom device is a device different from the hot water heater that supplies hot water to the bathroom.

[0161] This system is highly convenient because voice commands received by a microphone in the bathroom can be used to control the operation of the hot water heater installed outside the bathroom, as well as various other devices. Furthermore, various devices outside the bathroom can also be controlled from the operating unit in the living room.

[0162] An equipment control system according to a 58th aspect is an equipment control system according to the 57th aspect, in which the controller controls the equipment outside the bathroom by sending commands to the equipment outside the bathroom via a communication line based on the instruction voice.

[0163] With this equipment control system, outside-bathroom equipment connected to a communication line can be operated from inside the bathroom, and even if the outside-bathroom equipment is not directly connected to the inside-bathroom operating unit via a control signal line, users of the system can control the outside-bathroom equipment from within the bathroom to fulfill a variety of needs.

[0164] A device control system according to a fifty-ninth aspect is the device control system according to the fifty-seventh or fifty-eighth aspect, wherein the living-room operation unit has a living-room microphone and a living-room speaker. The bathroom operation unit further has a speaker. The bathroom operation unit and the living-room operation unit are connected to enable communication.

[0165] This equipment control system is highly convenient as it allows you to communicate with people in your room (people near the room-side control unit) using the microphone on the bathroom control unit, which is used to input voice commands to the equipment outside the bathroom.

[0166] A device control system according to a sixtieth aspect is the device control system according to the fifty-ninth aspect, wherein the bathroom operation unit further includes a command receiving unit and a switching unit. The command receiving unit receives a mode change command that instructs a change in the operation mode of the bathroom operation unit. The switching unit switches the operation mode of the bathroom operation unit between a first mode and a second mode based on the mode change command. In the first mode, the voice received by the microphone is used as the command voice. In the second mode, the voice received by the microphone is used as the voice for communication with the living room operation unit.

[0167] Here, the mode change command switches the microphone's function between a command voice reception function and a communication voice reception function, which helps to prevent situations such as ordinary conversation being recognized as a command voice or commands for equipment outside the bathroom not being transmitted to the controller.

[0168] A device control system according to a 61st aspect is the device control system according to any one of the 57th to 60th aspects, in which the device outside the bathroom includes an infrared-operated device that can be operated by an infrared signal. The living room operation unit has an infrared signal transmission unit that transmits an infrared signal to the infrared-operated device. The controller controls the infrared-operated device by transmitting an infrared signal transmission command to the infrared signal transmission unit based on a command voice and an instruction input accepted by the living room operation unit.

[0169] Here, devices that are operated by infrared signals can also be operated from inside the bathroom, making it easy for system users to control infrared-operated devices while in the bathroom and satisfy a variety of needs.

[0170] A device control system according to a sixty-second aspect is the device control system according to any one of the fifty-seventh to sixty-first aspects, further comprising a voice information transmission unit. The voice information transmission unit transmits the instruction voice received by the microphone to a voice recognition device. The controller controls the device outside the bathroom based on the recognition result of the instruction voice by the voice recognition device.

[0171] Here, voice recognition of instruction voice is performed by a voice recognition device, so the bathroom operation unit does not need to be equipped with a voice recognition function to recognize instructions for equipment outside the bathroom, which reduces system costs.

[0172] An equipment control system according to a sixty-third aspect is the equipment control system according to any one of the fifty-seventh to sixty-second aspects, in which the controller controls the hot water heat source machine based on an instruction voice received by the microphone.

[0173] Here, the bathroom control unit also functions as a control unit for the hot water heat source unit, so there is no need to install multiple control units (a control unit for the hot water heat source unit and a control unit for equipment outside the bathroom that is separate from the control unit for the hot water heat source unit) in the bathroom.

[0174] <Means for solving the seventh problem> A device management system according to a sixty-fourth aspect manages a first device having a first sound output unit that outputs sound, and a second device separate from the first device having a second sound output unit that outputs sound. The device management system includes a determination unit and a sound output control unit. The determination unit determines the positional relationship between the first device and the second device. The sound output control unit controls the on / off of sound output or the output volume of at least one of the first device and the second device based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[0175] Note that the output of sound here does not include the output of meaningless sounds (noise), and also includes speech (language sounds).

[0176] In this device management system, the on / off control or volume control of the sound output of at least one device is performed depending on the relative positions of the first and second devices, thereby preventing problems such as annoying overlapping sounds output by both devices or difficulty in hearing the sounds output by each device.

[0177] A device management system according to a sixty-fifth aspect manages a first device having a first sound output unit that outputs sound, and a second device separate from the first device having a second sound output unit that outputs sound. The device management system includes a determination unit and a sound output control unit. The determination unit determines the degree to which one of the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device interferes with the other of the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device. The sound output control unit controls the on / off of sound output or the output volume of at least one of the first device and the second device based on the determination result of the determination unit.

[0178] The device management system according to the sixty-fifth aspect can prevent problems such as annoying overlapping sounds output by both devices and difficulty in hearing the sounds output by each device.

[0179] A device management system according to a sixty-sixth aspect is the device management system according to the sixty-fourth or sixty-fifth aspect, wherein the first device is a remote control device that controls the operation of the second device. The first sound output unit outputs first information relating to at least the operation of the second device by sound. The second sound output unit outputs second information relating to the operation content and / or status of the second device by sound.

[0180] Here, the first device is a remote control device for a second device that notifies by sound that an operation has been performed on the second device, and the second device is a device that notifies by sound information about its own operation and / or status. In such cases, the on / off control or volume control of the sound output of at least one of the devices is performed, thereby preventing problems such as the annoyance of overlapping sounds output by both devices or confusion for the operator caused by both devices outputting relatively loud sounds.

[0181] A device management system according to a sixty-seventh aspect is the device management system according to the sixty-sixth aspect, in which the first sound output unit further outputs third information unrelated to an operation on the second device by sound. When the determination unit determines that the first device and the second device are in a predetermined positional relationship, or when the determination unit determines that a degree of interference between one of the sounds output by the first device and the second device and the other of the sounds output by the first device and the second device is to a predetermined extent, the sound output control unit controls the first device so as to output the third information at a first volume and not output the first information by sound or to output the first information at a second volume lower than the first volume.

[0182] Here, the case where the first device and the second device are in a predetermined positional relationship refers to a case where the first device and the second device are in a positional relationship where the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device are likely to affect each other. The case where the first device and the second device are in a predetermined positional relationship is not limited to this, but includes, for example, a case where the distance between the first device and the second device is closer than a predetermined distance, or a case where the first device and the second device are located in the same area.

[0183] Here, when it is determined that the first device and the second device are in a predetermined positional relationship, the first information related to the operation of the second device among the information output by the first device is controlled to not be output as sound or to be reduced in volume, thereby preventing problems such as annoying overlapping sounds output by both devices and confusion for the operator caused by both devices outputting relatively loud sounds.

[0184] The device management system according to a 68th aspect is the device management system according to the 67th aspect, wherein the sound output control unit controls the first device to output at least the first information and the third information as sound when the judgment unit determines that the first device and the second device are not in a predetermined positional relationship, or when the judgment unit determines that the degree to which one of the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device interferes with the other of the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device is not to a predetermined degree.

[0185] Here, if it is determined that the first device and the second device are not in a predetermined positional relationship, in other words, if it is determined that the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device do not affect each other, both the first information and the third information are output as sound. Therefore, even if the operator operates the second device using the first device from a position distant from the second device, the operator can easily confirm that the operation on the second device was performed correctly.

[0186] A device management system according to a 69th aspect is the device management system according to the 66th aspect, wherein the sound output control unit controls the first device so that, when the judgment unit judges that the first device and the second device are in a predetermined positional relationship, or when the judgment unit judges that the degree of interference between the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device and the other sound output by the first device is to a predetermined degree, the first information whose content does not overlap with the second information is output at a third volume, and the first information whose content overlaps with the second information is not output as sound or is output at a fourth volume lower than the third volume.

[0187] Here, when it is determined that the first device and the second device are in a predetermined positional relationship, the first information output by the first device regarding the operation of the second device, and the sound that is not output as information by the second device, is output at a relatively loud volume. Therefore, this device management system can prevent the occurrence of a problem in which information that should be communicated is not communicated to the operator.

[0188] A device management system according to a seventieth aspect is the device management system according to any of the sixty-fourth to sixty-ninth aspects, further comprising a storage unit. The storage unit stores position-related information related to the position of at least one of the first device and the second device, or inhibition-related information related to the degree to which one of the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device inhibits the other of the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device. The determination unit determines the positional relationship between the first device and the second device, or the degree to which one of the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device inhibits the other of the sound output by the first device and the sound output by the second device, based on the position-related information or the inhibition-related information stored in the storage unit.

[0189] Here, the positional relationship between the two devices can be easily grasped accurately based on the positional relationship information stored in the memory unit, making it easy to prevent problems such as the sounds output by the two devices overlapping, which can be annoying, or the sounds output by each device being difficult to hear.

[0190] A device management system according to a seventy-first aspect is the device management system according to any one of the sixty-fourth to seventieth aspects, further comprising a detection unit. The detection unit detects the position of at least one of the first device and the second device. The determination unit determines the positional relationship between the first device and the second device based on the detection result of the detection unit.

[0191] Here, the relative positions of the two devices can be easily grasped accurately based on the detection results of the device positions, making it easy to prevent problems such as the annoying overlap of the sounds output by the two devices or difficulty in hearing the sounds output by each device.

[0192] <Means for solving the eighth problem> A sound information analysis system according to a seventy-second aspect includes a first air conditioner, a second air conditioner, and a sound information analysis unit. The first air conditioner is installed outside the space to be air-conditioned and has a first microphone that acquires external sound outside the space to be air-conditioned. The second air conditioner is installed inside the space to be air-conditioned and has a second microphone that acquires internal sound inside the space to be air-conditioned. The sound information analysis unit analyzes information about external sound and information about internal sound. With this configuration, sound information from both outside and inside the space to be air-conditioned is analyzed, making it possible to accurately recognize the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner.

[0193] A sound information analysis system according to a seventy-third aspect is the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-second aspect, further comprising a recording unit. The sound information analysis unit compares the outside sound information with the inside sound information. When the sound information analysis unit determines that a predetermined state is being reached, the recording unit starts recording the outside sound information and the inside sound information. With this configuration, it is possible to save sound information when the state of the air conditioner and / or the environment surrounding the air conditioner reaches a predetermined state.

[0194] A sound information analysis system according to a seventy-fourth aspect is the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-third aspect, wherein when the sound information analysis unit analyzes that the external sound information and the internal sound information contain a specific keyword and / or a specific frequency, the recording unit records the external sound information and the internal sound information. With this configuration, it is possible to recognize the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner when the specific keyword and / or the specific frequency is detected.

[0195] A sound information analysis system according to a seventy-fifth aspect is the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-fourth aspect, in which, when the recording unit starts recording the information on the lateral sound and the information on the medial sound, the sound information analysis unit refers to the information recorded in the recording unit and checks whether a similar sound that satisfies a predetermined condition exists. With this configuration, it is possible to refer to the situation when a similar sound exists.

[0196] A sound information analysis system according to a seventy-sixth aspect is the sound information analysis system according to any one of the seventy-third to seventy-fifth aspects, further comprising a location information acquisition unit that acquires location information of the first air conditioner and / or the second air conditioner. The recording unit then records the outside sound information and the inside sound information in association with the location information. With this configuration, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be accurately recognized even if the location information of the air conditioner is not known in advance.

[0197] A sound information analysis system according to a 77th aspect is the sound information analysis system according to any one of the 72nd to 76th aspects, further comprising a transmitting unit that transmits predetermined information to a specified destination based on the analysis results by the sound information analyzing unit. With this configuration, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be recognized by a manager or the like.

[0198] A sound information analysis system according to a seventy-eighth aspect is the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-seventh aspect, wherein the outside sound information and the inside sound information include sound pressure values. If the sound pressure value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the transmitting unit transmits the predetermined information to a specified destination. With this configuration, it is possible to notify a manager or the like of the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner, focusing on changes in the sound pressure value.

[0199] A sound information analysis system according to a seventy-ninth aspect is the sound information analysis system according to any one of the seventy-second aspect to the seventy-eighth aspect, further comprising an output unit that outputs predetermined information to the air-conditioned space when the sound information analysis unit determines that the difference between the volume of the inside sound and the volume of the outside sound exceeds a predetermined amount. With this configuration, the predetermined information can be communicated to people present in the air-conditioned space.

[0200] A sound information analysis system according to an eightieth aspect is the sound information analysis system according to any one of the seventy-second aspect to the seventy-ninth aspect, further comprising a control unit that controls the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner based on the analysis results by the sound information analysis unit. With this configuration, the air conditioners can be appropriately controlled according to the state of the air conditioners and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioners.

[0201] A sound information analysis system according to an 81st aspect is the sound information analysis system according to any one of the 72nd to 80th aspects, further comprising an information processing device connected to the first air conditioner and / or the second air conditioner. The information processing device also includes the sound information analysis unit. With this configuration, sound information can be analyzed using an external information processing device.

[0202] A sound information analysis system according to an eighty-second aspect includes an air conditioner and an information processing device connected to the air conditioner. The air conditioner has an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a sound information transmission unit. The outdoor unit has a first microphone that acquires external sound outside the air-conditioned space. The indoor unit has a second microphone that acquires internal sound inside the air-conditioned space. The sound information transmission unit transmits information about the external sound and information about the internal sound to the information processing device. The information processing device also has a sound information analysis unit that analyzes the information about the external sound and the internal sound. With this configuration, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be accurately recognized using an external information processing device.

[0203] An air conditioner in an 83rd aspect is connected to an information processing device that analyzes sound information. The air conditioner has an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a sound information transmission unit. The outdoor unit has a first microphone that acquires external sound outside the air-conditioned space. The indoor unit has a second microphone that acquires internal sound inside the air-conditioned space. The sound information transmission unit transmits information about the external sound and information about the internal sound to the information processing device. With this configuration, by using an external information processing device, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be accurately recognized.

[0204] An information processing device according to an eighty-fourth aspect is connected to an air conditioner having an outdoor unit with a first microphone and an indoor unit with a second microphone. The information processing device further includes a sound information analysis unit that analyzes information on external sounds acquired by the first microphone and information on internal sounds acquired by the second microphone. With this configuration, by using the air conditioner, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be accurately recognized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0205] In the air conditioner according to the first aspect, the instruction voice intake unit is disposed in the indoor unit at a position away from the ventilation space through which the air blown out from the air outlet passes. As a result, the instruction voice input to the microphone element is less affected by wind noise, and the microphone element can acquire instruction voice with less noise. Even when the operator speaks in a quiet voice, the microphone element can easily acquire clear instruction voice. Then, based on the acquired clear instruction voice, a command based on the instruction voice is generated outside the air conditioner and transmitted to the air conditioner. Therefore, even when a variety of instructions are given to the air conditioner by voice, for example, the air conditioner is less likely to malfunction.

[0206] In the air conditioner according to any one of the second to seventh aspects or the ninth aspect, clear instruction voices are likely to be acquired by the microphone element.

[0207] In the air conditioner according to the eighth or thirteenth aspect, the number of wiring steps required when manufacturing the indoor unit can be reduced.

[0208] In the air conditioner according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, sounds can be acquired from various directions.

[0209] In the air conditioner according to the twelfth aspect, specific instructions can be quickly operated, and the air conditioner is highly convenient.

[0210] In the air conditioner according to the fourteenth aspect, the air conditioner can be operated by voice even when a relatively complicated operation is to be performed by the air conditioner.

[0211] In the air conditioner according to the fifteenth aspect, appropriate control is likely to be executed in the air conditioner.

[0212] In the air conditioner according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect, clear instruction voices are likely to be acquired by the microphone element.

[0213] In the air conditioner according to the eighteenth aspect, an operation unit for voice operation is attached externally to the indoor unit, and commands are generated externally to the air conditioner based on the instruction voice, so it is easy to change whether or not the voice operation function is attached to the air conditioner according to the needs of the user. Because the operation unit is external, it is also easy to add voice operation function to existing air conditioners that do not have voice operation function.

[0214] In the air conditioner according to the 19th aspect, the various components required for voice operation are all mounted together in the operation unit, making it easy to add voice operation functionality to existing air conditioners that do not have such functionality.

[0215] In the air conditioner according to the twentieth aspect, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the air conditioner due to voices uttered without the intention of giving instructions.

[0216] In the air conditioner according to the twenty-first aspect, the operation unit can be made to function without providing a power outlet dedicated to the operation unit, which is highly convenient.

[0217] In the air conditioner according to the twenty-second aspect, an air conditioner that is also aesthetically pleasing can be realized.

[0218] In the air conditioner according to the twenty-third aspect, instructions from the user are likely to be received by the voice receiving section no matter where the user is located relative to the operation unit.

[0219] In the air conditioner according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the air conditioner can be operated by voice even when a relatively complicated operation is to be performed by the air conditioner.

[0220] In the air conditioner according to the twenty-fifth aspect, appropriate control based on the instruction voice is likely to be executed in the air conditioner.

[0221] In the air conditioner according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the instruction voice is compressed before being transmitted to the outside, thereby realizing efficient communication.

[0222] In the air conditioner according to the twenty-seventh aspect, the acquired voice can be used for various processes.

[0223] In the operating device according to the 28th aspect, the various components necessary for voice operation are all mounted together in the operating device, making it easy to add a voice operation function to the air conditioner according to the needs of the user.

[0224] In the operating device according to the twenty-ninth aspect, it is possible to prevent the air conditioner from malfunctioning due to voices that are uttered without the intention of giving an instruction.

[0225] In the operating device according to the thirtieth aspect, the operating unit can be made to function without providing a power outlet dedicated to the operating unit, and is therefore highly convenient.

[0226] In an air conditioning system according to a thirty-first aspect, second information based on a voice instruction is transmitted to the outside, and a command based on the transmitted second information is given from the outside. In other words, in this air conditioning system, it is not necessary for the air conditioner or the voice reception unit to recognize the voice instruction and generate a command for controlling the air conditioner based on the recognition result. Therefore, an air conditioning system capable of voice-operating an air conditioner can be easily realized at low cost. Furthermore, in this air conditioning system, the air conditioner controller generates second information with a small amount of information suitable for communication from the first information transmitted by the voice reception unit and transmits this to the outside. Therefore, only simple functions are required of the voice reception unit, and the voice reception unit (voice remote control) can be easily realized at low cost. Therefore, for example, even if voice reception units are installed in multiple locations to increase convenience, an air conditioning system can be easily realized at low cost.

[0227] In the air conditioning systems according to the thirty-second and thirty-sixth aspects, a voice remote control function for the air conditioner can be easily realized at low cost.

[0228] In the air conditioning system according to the thirty-third aspect, efficient communication can be achieved between the air conditioning system and a configuration external to the air conditioning system.

[0229] In the air conditioning system according to the thirty-fourth aspect, the user can recognize that the voice has been received by the voice receiving section.

[0230] In the air conditioning system according to the thirty-fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent the air conditioner from malfunctioning due to voices uttered without the intention of giving instructions.

[0231] In the air conditioning system according to the thirty-seventh aspect, the air conditioner can be operated by voice even when a relatively complicated operation is to be performed by the air conditioner.

[0232] In the air conditioning system according to the thirty-eighth aspect, appropriate control based on the instruction voice is likely to be executed in the air conditioner.

[0233] In the air conditioning system according to the thirty-ninth aspect, the acquired voice can be used for various processes.

[0234] In an air conditioner according to a fortieth aspect, second information based on the instruction voice is transmitted to the outside, and commands based on the transmitted second information are given from the outside. In other words, the air conditioner itself does not need to recognize the instruction voice and generate commands for controlling the air conditioner based on the recognition results. This makes it easy to realize a voice-operable air conditioner at low cost. Furthermore, the air conditioner generates second information with a small amount of information suitable for communication from the first information transmitted by the voice reception unit, and transmits this information to the outside. Therefore, only simple functions are required of the voice reception unit that transmits the first information based on the instruction voice to the air conditioner, and it is easy to realize a voice reception unit (voice remote control) at low cost.

[0235] In a communication system according to a forty-first aspect, the data format of data based on input voice transmitted from a transmitting device to a receiving device can be switched between a voice data format and a text data format. Therefore, in this communication system, when traffic is heavy, the data based on input voice can be switched to the text data format, which has a smaller data volume than the voice data format, and transmitted, thereby suppressing the occurrence of communication problems regardless of the traffic state of the communication line.

[0236] In the communication system according to the forty-second aspect, the occurrence of communication problems is likely to be suppressed.

[0237] In the communication system according to the 43rd aspect, even if the communication line is in a state where communication failures are likely to occur, it is unlikely that data will not reach the receiving device and processing that should be performed by the receiving device will not be executed.

[0238] In the communication system according to the forty-fourth aspect, a listener can hear the content of the data using the voice tone pattern that is easiest for the listener to hear.

[0239] In the transmitting device of the 45th aspect, when traffic is heavy, data based on input voice can be switched to a text data format, which has a smaller data volume than the voice data format, and transmitted, thereby suppressing the occurrence of communication problems regardless of the traffic state of the communication line.

[0240] In the transmitting device according to the forty-sixth aspect, the occurrence of communication problems is likely to be suppressed.

[0241] In the control system according to the forty-seventh aspect, a highly reliable control system can be provided.

[0242] In the control system according to the forty-eighth aspect, the load on the system can be reduced, and the degree of freedom can be increased.

[0243] In the control system according to the forty-ninth aspect, the user can be made aware of the control status of the device.

[0244] In the control system according to the fiftieth aspect, the user can be made to recognize the control status of the device by voice.

[0245] In the control system according to the fifty-first aspect, a user who has issued duplicate control instructions can be made aware of the controls that will not be executed in the appliance.

[0246] In the control system according to the fifty-second aspect, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of the control system that controls equipment through voice input.

[0247] In the control system according to the fifty-third aspect, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of the control system that controls devices by inputs other than voice inputs.

[0248] In the control system according to the fifty-fourth aspect, the device can be controlled based on a control instruction from an input device whose acceptance has been set by the setting section.

[0249] In the control system according to the fifty-fifth aspect, it is possible to prevent duplicate execution of control with the same content.

[0250] In the control system according to the fifty-sixth aspect, frequent switching of control can be suppressed.

[0251] The device control system according to the fifty-seventh aspect is highly convenient because it can control the operation of various devices other than the hot water heat source device installed outside the bathroom using voice commands received by a microphone in the bathroom. Also, various devices outside the bathroom can be controlled from a room-side operating unit in the living room.

[0252] In the device control systems according to the fifty-eighth and sixty-first aspects, a user of the system can control devices outside the bathroom while remaining in the bathroom, thereby satisfying a variety of desires.

[0253] In the device control system according to the fifty-ninth aspect, it is possible to communicate with a person in the living room (a person near the room-side operating unit) using the microphone of the operating unit in the bathroom, which is used to input voice commands to the device outside the bathroom.

[0254] In the device control system according to the sixtieth aspect, it is easy to prevent situations such as ordinary conversation being recognized as instruction voice, or instructions to devices outside the bathroom not being transmitted to the controller.

[0255] In the device control system according to the sixty-second aspect, the cost of the system can be reduced.

[0256] In the equipment control system of the 63rd aspect, there is no need to install multiple operating units (an operating unit for the hot water heat source unit and an operating unit for equipment outside the bathroom that is separate from the operating unit for the hot water heat source unit) in the bathroom.

[0257] In the device management system of the 64th aspect, the on / off control or volume control of the sound output of at least one device is performed depending on the relative positions of the first device and the second device, thereby preventing problems such as annoying overlapping sounds output by both devices or difficulty in hearing the sounds output by each device.

[0258] The device management system according to the sixty-fifth aspect can prevent problems such as annoying overlapping sounds output by both devices and difficulty in hearing the sounds output by each device.

[0259] In the device management system according to the 66th, 67th, 70th or 71st aspects, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as annoying overlapping sounds output by the first and second devices, or confusion for the operator caused by the first and second devices outputting relatively loud sounds.

[0260] In the device management system of the 68th aspect, even when the operator operates the second device using the first device from a location away from the second device, the operator can easily confirm that the operation on the second device was performed correctly.

[0261] In the device management system according to the sixty-ninth aspect, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem in which information that should be communicated is not communicated to the operator.

[0262] In the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-second aspect, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be accurately recognized.

[0263] In the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-third aspect, sound information when the state of the air conditioner and / or the environment surrounding the air conditioner reaches a predetermined state can be saved.

[0264] In the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-fourth aspect, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner when a specific keyword and / or a specific frequency is detected can be recognized.

[0265] In the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-fifth aspect, it is possible to refer to the situation when a similar sound exists.

[0266] The sound information analysis system according to the 76th aspect is a sound information analysis system according to the second to fourth aspects, and the first air conditioner and / or the second air conditioner can accurately recognize the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner even if the location information of the air conditioner is not recognized in advance.

[0267] The sound information analysis system according to the seventy-seventh aspect can allow a manager or the like to recognize the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner.

[0268] In the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-eighth aspect, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be notified to a manager or the like, focusing on changes in sound pressure values.

[0269] In the sound information analysis system according to the seventy-ninth aspect, predetermined information can be notified to people present in the air-conditioned space.

[0270] In the sound information analysis system according to the eightieth aspect, the air conditioner can be appropriately controlled according to the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner.

[0271] In the sound information analysis system according to the eighty-first aspect, sound information can be analyzed using an external information processing device.

[0272] In the sound information analysis system according to the eighty-second aspect, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be accurately recognized using an external information processing device.

[0273] In the air conditioner according to the eighty-third aspect, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be accurately recognized by using an external information processing device.

[0274] In the information processing device according to the eighty-fourth aspect, the state of the air conditioner and / or the state of the environment surrounding the air conditioner can be accurately recognized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0275] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a device control system including an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram of the device control system of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, some components of the device control system are not shown. Note that Fig. 2 is also used to explain device control systems including air conditioners according to second to sixth embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a main body of an indoor unit of the air conditioner of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing the state of air being blown out from the air outlet of the main body of the indoor unit in Fig. 3. (a) is a diagram showing the main body as seen from the side, (b) is a diagram showing the main body as seen from below, and (c) is a diagram showing the main body as seen from the front (front side). [Figure 5] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of how a microphone element is attached to the main body of the indoor unit of Fig. 1. In the example (a), the microphone element is housed inside the main body, and an opening formed in the main body serves as the audio pickup unit, with audio captured from the audio pickup unit being received by the microphone element arranged inside the main body. In the example (b), the microphone element is attached so as to be exposed on the surface of the main body, and the part of the microphone element itself facing the space to be air-conditioned serves as the audio pickup unit, with audio captured from the audio pickup unit being received by the microphone element. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of the main body of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Fig. 6. In Fig. 7, the internal equipment of the indoor unit is omitted. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of the state of air being blown out from the air outlet of the main body of the indoor unit when the main body of the indoor unit in FIG. 6 is viewed from below. [Figure 9]It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in Fig. 6. In Fig. 9, the internal equipment of the indoor unit is not shown. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of the main body of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view of the main body of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the main body of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of the main body of the indoor unit of the air conditioner of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the main body of the indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the main body of the indoor unit of the air conditioner according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a sound capture direction adjustment mechanism that can change the direction in which the sound capture section captures sound is provided in an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Modification 1A. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the voice capture direction adjustment mechanism of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 18 is a schematic block diagram of an air conditioner in which the direction in which the audio capture unit captures audio is automatically adjusted by the audio capture direction adjustment mechanism of FIG. 17. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a device control system including an air conditioner according to Embodiment 8. The operation unit for the air conditioner is an example of an operation device for the air conditioner. [Figure 20] 20 is a schematic block diagram of the device control system of Fig. 19. In Fig. 20, some components of the device control system are not shown. [Figure 21A] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the main body and operation unit (operation device) of the wall-mounted indoor unit of the air conditioner of FIG. [Figure 21B] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the main body and operation unit (operation device) of a ceiling-embedded indoor unit of an air conditioner according to another example. [Figure 22]FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a device control system including an air conditioning system / air conditioner according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 23] 23 is a schematic block diagram of the device control system of Fig. 22. In Fig. 23, some components of the device control system are not shown. [Figure 24] FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram of a device operation / communication system as an example of a communication system according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 25] 25 is a schematic block diagram of the device operating / communication system of Fig. 24. In Fig. 25, some components of the device operating / communication system are not shown. [Figure 26] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a control system 4001 according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a control system 4001 according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 4100 according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 29A] FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of a control system 4001 according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 29B] FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of a control system 4001 according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining the concept of a control system 4001 according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device 4100 according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 32] 20 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a control system 4001 according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of an equipment system including a equipment control system according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 34] 34 is a schematic block diagram of the equipment system of Fig. 33. In Fig. 34, some components of the equipment system are not shown. [Figure 35] FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of an equipment system including an equipment management system according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 36] 36 is a schematic block diagram of the equipment system of Fig. 35. In Fig. 36, some components of the equipment system are not shown. [Figure 37A] 36 is an example of positional relationship related information stored in a storage unit of an operation device in the equipment management system of FIG. 35. [Figure 37B] 36 is another example of positional relationship related information stored in the storage unit of the operation device of the equipment management system of FIG. 35. [Figure 38] 36 is an example of sound output items stored in a storage unit of an operation device in the equipment management system of FIG. 35. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of an equipment system including an equipment management system according to Modification 7A. [Figure 40] 40 is a schematic block diagram of an equipment system including an equipment management system according to a fourteenth embodiment, and some components of the equipment system are not shown in FIG. [Figure 41] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sound information analysis system 7001 according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 42] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner 7010 according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 43] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing unit 7070 and an information processing device 7100 according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 44] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sound information analysis DB 7104D according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 45] FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the sound information analysis system 7001 according to the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the concept of a sound information analysis system 7001S according to a 16th embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an information processing unit 7070S according to the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the concept of a sound information analysis system 7001T according to a 17th embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0276] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the embodiments described below may be appropriately combined with the configurations of other embodiments or modified examples to the extent that they are not inconsistent.

[0277] First Embodiment An air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0278] (1) Overview of the equipment control system First, a device control system 1 including an air conditioner 10 will be described with reference mainly to FIGS.

[0279] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a device control system 1 including an air conditioner 10. Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the device control system 1. Note that in Fig. 2, some of the configuration of the device control system 1 is not shown.

[0280] The device control system 1 is a system that controls the air conditioner 10 based on voice instructions from an operator. The device control system 1 is also a system that controls devices 50a, 50b, ... 50n included in a first device group 50 (described later) and devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m included in a second device group 60 (described later) based on voice instructions from an operator.

[0281] The device control system 1 mainly includes an air conditioner 10, a first device group 50, a second device group 60, an infrared output device 40, an analysis server 20, an air conditioner server 30, and a device server 70 (see FIG. 1).

[0282] The air conditioner 10, the first device group 50, the second device group 60, and the infrared output device 40 are devices located in building B (see FIG. 1). For example, building B is a detached house, but is not limited to this. Building B may also be an office building, a commercial facility, a factory, etc. The analysis server 20, the air conditioner server 30, and the device server 70 are usually installed in a location separate from building B, but are not limited to this.

[0283] Note that FIG. 1 depicts only one building B in which the air conditioners 10, the first device group 50, and the second device group 60 whose operation is controlled by the device control system 1 are located. However, there may be multiple buildings B. In other words, the device control system 1 may be a system that controls the operation of the air conditioners 10, the first device group 50, and the second device group 60 that are respectively located in multiple buildings B. Here, for simplicity of explanation, there will be only one building B.

[0284] Furthermore, the number of each of the air conditioner 10, the devices of the first device group 50, the devices of the second device group 60, and the infrared output device 40 arranged in building B may be one or more than one, regardless of the numbers depicted in Fig. 1. Note that, in this explanation, it is assumed that the number of air conditioners 10 and infrared output devices 40 arranged in building B is one, and that the number of devices of the first device group 50 and the second device group 60 arranged in building B is each multiple.

[0285] The air conditioner 10, the first device group 50, the second device group 60, the infrared output device 40, the analysis server 20, the air conditioner server 30, and the device server 70 will be further explained below.

[0286] (1-1)Air conditioner The air conditioner 10 mainly comprises an indoor unit 12, an outdoor unit 14, refrigerant communication piping (not shown) connecting these, a communication unit 16, a controller 18, and a microphone element 140 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The air conditioner 10 is a device that conditions the air of a space to be air-conditioned. The space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a room in building B in which the indoor unit 12 is located.

[0287] The air conditioner 10 is an air conditioner that can be operated by inputting a command voice into the microphone element 140 (see FIG. 2). The command voice is not limited to, but may be, for example, "Turn on air conditioning" or "Set temperature to 25°C." The air conditioner 10 may be configured to be operable not only by voice operation but also by a general remote control.

[0288] In this device control system 1, the microphone element 140 is configured to be able to also receive instruction voices for the devices 50a, 50b, . . . 50n of the first device group 50 and the devices 60a, 60b, .

[0289] Voice operation of the air conditioner 10, the devices 50a, 50b, . . . 50n of the first device group 50, and the devices 60a, 60b, . . . 60m of the second device group 60 will be described later.

[0290] In the air conditioner 10, the indoor unit 12 and the outdoor unit 14 are connected via refrigerant communication piping, and the indoor heat exchanger (not shown) of the indoor unit 12 and the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, etc. (not shown) of the outdoor unit 14 are connected by piping to form a refrigerant circuit. In the air conditioner 10, the space in which the indoor unit 12 is installed is cooled / heated by circulating refrigerant within the refrigerant circuit.

[0291] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 10 performs heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 12 between the refrigerant flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger and the air in the space to be air-conditioned, but the air conditioner is not limited to this type of equipment. For example, the air conditioner 10 may be a device in which heat exchange is performed in the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 12 (fan coil unit) between the cold water / hot water flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger and the air in the space to be air-conditioned.

[0292] The operation of the air conditioner 10 is controlled by a controller 18. The controller 18 includes, for example, a control board 18a provided in the indoor unit 12 and a control board (not shown) provided in the outdoor unit 14. The operation of each component of the indoor unit 12 is mainly controlled by the control board 18a of the indoor unit 12, and the operation of each component of the outdoor unit 14 is mainly controlled by the control board of the outdoor unit 14. The CPUs of the control boards of the indoor unit 12 and the outdoor unit 14 that make up the controller 18 execute an air conditioning control program to control the operation of each part of the air conditioner 10 in accordance with commands C (described below) and the like transmitted from the air conditioner server 30.

[0293] The operating principles and details of the air conditioner 10 that uses the vapor compression refrigeration cycle are widely known, so a description thereof will be omitted here. Note that the air conditioner 10 does not need to be an air conditioner that can perform both cooling and heating of the space to be air-conditioned, and may be an air conditioner that is dedicated to cooling or heating.

[0294] The indoor unit 12 has a voice processing chip 170 as another electronic component of the control board 18a. The voice processing chip 170 is an example of a voice recognition chip. The voice processing chip 170 is also an example of a voice recognition unit. The voice processing chip 170 is an integrated circuit that processes instruction voices acquired by the microphone element 140 and generates a signal S, which will be described later. The voice processing chip 170 is also an integrated circuit that recognizes only specific instruction voices among the instruction voices acquired by the microphone element 140 (that is, it performs voice recognition processing on the instruction voices and recognizes only the specific instruction voices), and generates a predetermined command C0.

[0295] The specific instruction voice is, for example, a voice requesting the air conditioner 10 to prepare for input of the next instruction voice. The predetermined command C0 includes, for example, a command to request the microphone element 140 to accept a subsequent instruction voice. The predetermined command C0 also includes, for example, a command to request the transmitting unit 16a (described later) of the communication unit 16 to prepare for transmission of a signal S based on an instruction voice other than the specific instruction voice (accepted following the specific instruction voice) among the instruction voices accepted by the microphone element 140.

[0296] The specific instruction voice does not have to be a voice that requests the air conditioner 10 to prepare for the input of the next instruction voice. For example, the specific instruction voice may be a voice that requests the air conditioner 10 to perform a basic operation (for example, on / off), and the predetermined command C0 generated in response to this may be a command that requests the controller 18 to start / stop the air conditioner 10. The signal S based on the instruction voice that requests the air conditioner 10 to perform an operation other than a basic operation may be transmitted to the outside (analysis server 20).

[0297] The audio processing chip 170 is preferably integrated with the control board 18a. That is, the indoor unit 12 preferably has a module 180 in which the control board 18a and the audio processing chip 170 are integrated (see FIG. 2).

[0298] The air conditioner 10 has a communication unit 16 for communicating with an analysis server 20 and an air conditioner server 30 external to the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner 10 (communication unit 16) is connected to the analysis server 20 and the air conditioner server 30 via a network 80 (see Figure 1). Here, the network 80 is the Internet, but it may be another WAN. The air conditioner 10 is connected to a router 82 via a wireless LAN, and is connected to the network 80 via the router 82 (see Figure 1). The router 82 has a WAN-side interface and a LAN-side interface, and interconnects the WAN and LAN. The air conditioner 10 and router 82 may also be connected via a wired LAN instead of a wireless LAN.

[0299] The network 80 may also be a LAN.

[0300] The communication unit 16 is, for example, a wireless LAN adapter that performs wireless communication with the router 82. The communication unit 16 has, as functional units, a transmitting unit 16a that transmits information and a receiving unit 16b that receives information (see FIG. 2).

[0301] The transmitter 16a transmits to the outside, for example, a signal S based on the instruction voice received by the microphone element 140 (see FIG. 2). In particular, the transmitter 16a transmits to the outside a signal S based on the instruction voices other than the specific instruction voice among the instruction voices received by the microphone element 140. However, this is not limitative, and the transmitter 16a may transmit to the outside a signal S based on the instruction voice for all instruction voices received by the microphone element 140.

[0302] Here, the signal S is a digital audio signal obtained by AD converting the instruction audio by the audio processing chip 170. Note that the signal S may be, for example, data obtained by further compressing the digital audio signal by the audio processing chip 170 using various audio data compression methods (e.g., MP3, etc.). The signal S may also be data obtained by converting the instruction audio into text by the audio processing chip 170 (data in which audio is replaced with text). It is preferable that the transmission unit 16a transmits the signal S to multiple addresses (e.g., to the analysis server 20 and the air conditioner server 30).

[0303] Furthermore, it is preferable that the transmitter 16a transmits information J about state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner 10 and the space to be air conditioned to the air conditioner server 30 (see FIG. 2). Although not limited thereto, state quantities related to the air conditioner 10 include, for example, the temperature / pressure of the refrigerant measured by sensors (not shown) at various locations in the refrigerant circuit, the rotation speed of the inverter-controlled motor (not shown) of the compressor in the outdoor unit 14, and the opening degree of the expansion valve in the outdoor unit 14. State quantities related to the space to be air conditioned include, but are not limited to, the temperature of the space to be air conditioned measured by a sensor (not shown).

[0304] The receiving unit 16b receives, for example, from the outside, a command C corresponding to the signal S (particularly, the signal S based on the instruction voice related to the control of the air conditioner 10) transmitted by the transmitting unit 16a. More specifically, the receiving unit 16b receives the command C generated based on the result of analysis by the analysis server 20 of the signal S (particularly, the signal S based on the instruction voice related to the control of the air conditioner 10). Preferably, the receiving unit 16b receives the command C generated by the air conditioner server 30 based on the result of analysis by the analysis server 20 of the signal S (particularly, the signal S based on the instruction voice related to the control of the air conditioner 10) and information J about the state quantity transmitted from the transmitting unit 16a to the air conditioner server 30.

[0305] The controller 18 that controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 based on the command C. Although not limited thereto, the command C relates to at least one of, for example, turning the air conditioner 10 on / off, switching the operation mode (cooling / heating / dehumidification / fan, etc.) of the air conditioner 10, changing the set temperature (target temperature of the space to be air-conditioned), the target value of the rotation speed of the inverter-controlled motor (not shown) of the compressor of the outdoor unit 14, the target value of the opening degree of the expansion valve of the outdoor unit 14, and the target value of the rotation speed of the inverter-controlled fan motor 160 of the fan 150 of the indoor unit 12.

[0306] (1-2) First equipment group The devices 50a, 50b,... 50n of the first device group 50 are devices that can be operated by infrared signals. The devices 50a, 50b,... 50n of the first device group 50 include, but are not limited to, electric fans, lighting devices, audio devices, etc. The devices 50a, 50b,... 50n of the first device group 50 do not have to be connected to the network 80.

[0307] The devices 50a, 50b, ..., 50n of the first device group 50 are devices that can be operated by infrared signals transmitted from the infrared output device 40 in response to command voice input to the microphone element 140 of the air conditioner 10. The operations that can be operated by infrared signals include, for example, turning the devices 50a, 50b, ..., 50n on / off, changing the airflow strength of an electric fan, changing the brightness of a lighting device, and changing the volume of an audio device.

[0308] In addition, the devices 50a, 50b, ... 50n of the first device group 50 may be configured to be operable not only by voice operation (in addition to operation by infrared signals transmitted from the infrared output device 40 in response to input of instruction voice), but also by a general infrared remote control or a switch provided on the main body of the device 50a, 50b, ... 50n.

[0309] (1-3)Second equipment group The devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 are devices that can be operated by signals transmitted via the network 80. The devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 include, but are not limited to, televisions, DVD recorders, etc. The devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 have wireless LAN adapters (not shown) and are connected to the network 80 via a router 82 (see FIG. 1). The devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 are connected to at least one of the analysis server 20 and the device server 70 via the network 80 so as to be able to communicate with each other (see FIG. 1). The devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 may be connected to the router 82 via a wired LAN instead of a wireless LAN.

[0310] The devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m of the second device group 60 are operated by signals transmitted from the analysis server 20 or the device server 70 in response to command voice input to the microphone element 140 of the air conditioner 10. The operations that can be operated by signals transmitted from the analysis server 20 or the device server 70 include, for example, turning the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m on / off, changing the channel or volume of a television, and setting a recording reservation on a DVD recorder.

[0311] In addition, the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m of the second device group 60 may be configured to be operable not only by voice operation (in addition to operation by signals transmitted via the network 80 in response to input of command voice), but also by a commonly used remote control or a switch provided on the main body of the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m.

[0312] (1-4) Analysis server The analysis server 20 is an example of an analysis device.

[0313] The analysis server 20 is connected to the air conditioner 10 (communication unit 16) via a network 80. When the microphone element 140 of the air conditioner 10 receives a command voice, as described above, the transmission unit 16a of the air conditioner 10 transmits a signal S based on the command voice to the analysis server 20 via the network 80 (see FIG. 2). The command voice received by the microphone element 140 includes command voice related to control of the air conditioner 10, command voice related to control of the devices 50a, 50b, ... 50n of the first device group 50, and command voice related to control of the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m of the second device group 60. In other words, the analysis server 20 receives a signal S based on the command voice related to control of the air conditioner 10, the devices 50a, 50b, ... 50n, and the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m.

[0314] The analysis server 20 is also connected to the air conditioner server 30, the equipment server 70, and the infrared output device 40 via a network 80 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0315] The analysis server 20 is a computer that executes a program stored in a storage device to analyze the received signal S. Specifically, for example, the analysis server 20 performs speech recognition on the received voice signal.

[0316] In addition to the program, the storage device of the analysis server 20 stores, for example, a list of devices (the air conditioner 10, the devices 50a, 50b, ... 50n of the first device group 50, and the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m of the second device group 60) that can be operated by inputting a command voice to the microphone element 140. In other words, the analysis server 20 knows which devices can be operated by inputting a command voice to the microphone element 140. In addition, for the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m of the second device group 60, information is also stored as to whether the control target devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m are directly controlled by the analysis server 20 (whether they are controlled by the analysis server 20 or the device server 70).

[0317] The analysis server 20 analyzes the speech signal S to determine its features, and generates text information from the features using a speech recognition dictionary including an acoustic model, a language model, and a pronunciation dictionary stored in a storage device. The text information generated by the analysis server 20 is, but is not limited to, text information such as "air conditioner on," "set air conditioner temperature to 25 degrees," "lighting device off," and "television on."

[0318] If the text information relates to the control of the air conditioner 10 (for example, if the text information contains keywords related to the air conditioner), the analysis server 20 transmits the analysis results of the signal S (i.e., the generated text information) to the air conditioner server 30 via the network 80 (see Figure 2).

[0319] If the text information relates to the control of the devices 50a, 50b, ..., 50n of the first device group 50 (for example, if the text information includes a keyword related to the first device group 50), the analysis server 20 transmits to the infrared output device 40 a command to instruct the infrared output device 40 to transmit an infrared signal corresponding to the analysis result of the signal S (i.e., the generated text information). For example, if the text information is information related to lighting devices included in the devices 50a, 50b, ..., 50n of the first device group 50 (for example, "lighting device off"), the analysis server 20 transmits to the infrared output device 40 a command to instruct the infrared output device 40 to transmit an infrared signal instructing the lighting device to turn off. The command for the infrared output device 40 is transmitted from the analysis server 20 to the infrared output device 40 via the network 80.

[0320] If the text information relates to the control of the devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 (for example, if the text information includes a keyword related to the second device group 60), the analysis server 20 transmits a command corresponding to the analysis result of the signal S (i.e., the generated text information) to the devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60. For example, if the text information is information about a television included in the devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 (for example, "TV on"), the analysis server 20 transmits a command to the television to turn it on. The command for the devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 is transmitted from the analysis server 20 to the devices 60a, 60b,... 60m of the second device group 60 via the network 80.

[0321] Note that when the text information relates to the control of the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m of the second device group 60, and the controlled devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m are not directly controlled by the analysis server 20, the text information is transmitted to the device server 70 that controls the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m. Then, a command is transmitted from the device server 70 to the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m via the network 80.

[0322] (1-5) Air conditioner server The air conditioner server 30 is an example of a command generating device.

[0323] The air conditioner server 30 generates a command C based on the results of the analysis of the signal S by the analysis server 20 (i.e., the text information generated by the analysis server 20) transmitted from the analysis server 20, and information J on the state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner 10 and the air-conditioned space transmitted as appropriate from the transmission unit 16a of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioner server 30 then transmits the command C to the reception unit 16b of the air conditioner 10 via the network 80.

[0324] Here, the air conditioner server 30 generates the command C based on the information J in addition to the results of the analysis of the signal S by the analysis server 20, but this is not limited to this. The air conditioner server 30 may also generate the command C based only on the results of the analysis of the signal S by the analysis server 20.

[0325] Furthermore, the air conditioner server 30 accumulates the signal S transmitted from the transmitting unit 16a of the air conditioner 10, and uses the signal S to perform various analyses.

[0326] In this embodiment, the device control system 1 includes an air conditioner server 30, but is not limited to this. For example, if the air conditioner 10 can directly determine the operation content based on the results of analysis of the signal S by the analysis server 20 (i.e., text information generated by the analysis server 20), the air conditioner server 30 does not need to be provided. The results of analysis of the signal S by the analysis server 20 may then be sent as a command C directly to the receiving unit 16b of the air conditioner 10.

[0327] (1-6) Device Server The device server 70 generates commands for the devices 60a, 60b, ..., 60m of the second device group 60 based on the results of the analysis of the signal S by the analysis server 20 (i.e., the text information generated by the analysis server 20) transmitted from the analysis server 20. Then, the device server 70 transmits the commands via the network 80 to the devices 60a, 60b, ..., 60m of the second device group 60 to be operated.

[0328] Although there is only one equipment server 70 in FIG. 1, if there are multiple types of equipment 60a, 60b, ... 60m that are operated by the equipment server 70 (not by commands from the analysis server 20), it is preferable to have as many equipment servers 70 as there are types of equipment.

[0329] Furthermore, if all of the devices 60a, 60b, . . . 60m are operated by commands from the analysis server 20, the device server 70 does not need to exist.

[0330] (1-7) Infrared output device The infrared output device 40 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores infrared signal patterns for control according to the operation content and the devices 50a, 50b, ..., 50n of the first device group 50. The infrared output device 40 uses the infrared signal patterns stored in the storage unit to transmit infrared signals to the devices 50a, 50b, ..., 50n of the first device group 50 that are to be operated, in response to commands transmitted from the analysis server 20.

[0331] (2) Air conditioner indoor unit The indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 10 will be further described with reference to the drawings (mainly with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5).

[0332] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the indoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 10. Fig. 4 is a diagram that schematically illustrates the state of air being blown out from an air outlet 120 of a main body 100 (described later) of the indoor unit 12. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram that illustrates the main body 100 as seen from the side, Fig. 3(b) is a diagram that illustrates the main body 100 as seen from below, and Fig. 3(c) is a diagram that illustrates the main body 100 as seen from the front. Fig. 5 is a diagram that schematically illustrates an example of how the microphone element 140 is attached to the main body 100 of the indoor unit 12.

[0333] In the following, expressions such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "up," and "down" may be used to explain directions and orientations, but unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by these expressions will follow the directions of the arrows in the figures.

[0334] The indoor unit 12 is a wall-mounted type, that is, the rear side of the indoor unit 12 is attached to a wall W (see FIG. 4(a)).

[0335] The indoor unit 12 has a main body 100, a microphone element 140, a fan 150, a fan motor 160, and a module 180 in which a control board 18a and an audio processing chip 170 are integrated (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0336] The main body 100 is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), a fan 150, and a fan motor 160 therein.

[0337] The main body 100 is formed with an air outlet 120 and an air inlet 130 (see FIG. 3).

[0338] Air inlet 130 is an opening for drawing air from the space to be air-conditioned into main body 100. Air inlet 130 extends with the left-right direction as its longitudinal direction. Air inlet 130 is formed from the upper front surface of main body 100 to the top surface of main body 100 (see FIG. 4).

[0339] The air outlet 120 is an opening for blowing conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned. The air outlet 120 is formed on the underside of the main body 100. Here, the underside of the main body 100 refers to the surface that is visible when the main body 100 is viewed from below (directly below). Specifically, the air outlet 120 is formed on an air outlet forming surface F1 at the lower front side of the main body 100. The air outlet forming surface F1 is an inclined surface (a surface inclined with respect to a vertical plane) that is positioned further rearward as it approaches the lower side, as shown in FIG. 4(a). The air outlet 120 is formed to extend with the second direction D2 (here, the left-right direction) as its longitudinal direction (see FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c)). A flap 122 for adjusting the airflow direction in the vertical direction is arranged on the air outlet 120 (see FIG. 3).

[0340] The air blown out from the air outlet 120 mainly passes through the ventilation space A1 (see FIG. 4). The ventilation space A1 is a space that extends from the air outlet 120 in the left-right direction by approximately the same width as the width of the air outlet 120. Note that changes in the air direction due to an airflow direction adjusting blade (not shown) that adjusts the airflow direction in the left-right direction are not considered here. However, if the airflow direction in the left-right direction is adjusted by the airflow direction adjusting blade, the ventilation space A1 will become a space that expands in the left-right direction toward the front. Furthermore, the ventilation space A1 is a space that expands within a range of angle θ in a side view. Here, the ventilation space A1 extends, for example, between a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, and the angle θ is approximately 90°. However, the value of the angle θ varies depending on the shape of the flap 122 and the movable range of the flap 122. The air outlet 120 mainly blows out air in a first direction D1 (forward) in a bottom view (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0341] Fan 150 is used to take air into main body 100 through air inlet 130, exchange heat with a refrigerant in an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), and then blow the conditioned air out of outlet 120. Fan 150 is, for example, a cylindrical crossflow fan. Fan 150 is disposed inside main body 100 so as to extend in the left-right direction (second direction D2, which is the longitudinal direction of outlet 120) (see FIG. 3).

[0342] The fan 150 is driven by an inverter-type fan motor 160. The fan motor 160 is disposed inside the main body 100 on one side (here, the right side) in the left-right direction (second direction D2, which is the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 120). More specifically, the fan motor 160 is disposed inside the main body 100 on one end side (here, the right end side) in the left-right direction (see FIG. 3). Although not shown, a module 180 (a module in which the control board 18a and the audio processing chip 170 are integrated) is disposed on the right end side of the fan motor 160 inside the main body 100.

[0343] The microphone element 140 is a device that receives instruction voice. The number of microphone elements 140 that the indoor unit 12 has may be one, but it is preferable that there are a plurality of microphone elements 140.

[0344] The microphone element 140 is disposed inside the main body 100 (see FIG. 5(a)), or on the main body 100 so as to face the space to be air-conditioned (see FIG. 5(b)).

[0345] When the microphone element 140 is disposed inside the main body 100, an opening 100a is formed in the main body 100 near (for example, at an adjacent position to) the microphone element 140 (see FIG. 5(a)). Although only one opening 100a is depicted in FIG. 5(a), there may be multiple openings 100a. The microphone element 140 uses this opening 100a as a sound capture unit P1 and receives an instruction sound captured from the sound capture unit P1.

[0346] When the microphone element 140 is arranged on the main body 100 so as to face the space to be air-conditioned, the microphone element 140 uses the part facing the space to be air-conditioned (for example, the cover part that covers the diaphragm that detects the sound of the microphone element 140) as the sound capture part P1 and receives the instruction sound captured from the sound capture part P1.

[0347] The voice capture unit P1 is preferably placed in a position where the microphone element 140 can capture high-quality instruction voice (instruction voice with little noise). Furthermore, the voice capture unit P1 is preferably placed in a position where the microphone element 140 can capture the instruction voice even when the volume of the instruction voice uttered by the operator is low or when the operator is located far away from the microphone element 140. The placement of the voice capture unit P1 taking this into consideration will be described below.

[0348] (2-1) Placement of the audio capture unit The voice capture unit P1 is disposed at a position outside the ventilation space A1 through which the air blown out from the air outlet 120 of the main body 100 passes. By disposing the voice capture unit P1 at a position outside the ventilation space A1, it is easier to capture instruction voices with less noise. Furthermore, by disposing the voice capture unit P1 at a position outside the ventilation space A1, it is easier to capture instruction voices even when the volume of the instruction voices is low or when the operator is located far from the microphone element 140.

[0349] However, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P1 is not disposed on the left or right side or rear surface of the main body 100. For example, although the left and right side surfaces of the main body 100 are positioned outside the ventilation space A1, the main body 100 of the indoor unit 12 is often disposed so that either the left or right side surface is adjacent to a wall, and in such cases, it becomes difficult for the microphone element 140 to capture sound.

[0350] Generally, it is preferable that the audio capture unit P1 be placed at a position that satisfies one or more of the following conditions (A) to (E). (A) The sound capture unit is preferably provided on the underside of the main body, in a location other than downstream of the air outlet in the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet (first direction D1) when viewed from the bottom. (B) The sound capture unit is preferably provided on a second surface of the main body that intersects with the air outlet forming surface on which the air outlet is formed. (C) It is preferable that the sound capture unit is provided on an extension of the air outlet in the second direction D2 (the longitudinal direction of the air outlet). (D) It is preferable that the sound capture unit is provided on the main body between the air outlet and the air inlet. (E) It is preferable that the audio capture unit is provided on a plane that is visible when viewed from the bottom and intersects both vertical and horizontal planes.

[0351] Furthermore, in the wall-mounted indoor unit 12, it is generally preferable to position the sound capture section P1 in consideration of the following conditions (E) to (G). (F) It is preferable that the sound capture unit is provided above the air outlet and in the center of the main body in the second direction D2 (the longitudinal direction of the air outlet). In particular, when the number of microphone elements is small (for example, when there is only one), it is preferable that the sound capture unit meets condition (F). (G) When there are two or more sound capture units, it is preferable that the sound capture units P1 are provided at both ends of the main body in the second direction D2 (longitudinal direction of the air outlet).

[0352] Specifically, as variations in the arrangement of the audio capture unit P1, the following arrangements will be described: audio capture units P1a1, P1a2, P1b1, P1b2, P1c, P1d1, P1d2, P1e, P1f1, and P1f2. Note that these arrangements are merely examples, and the audio capture unit P1 may be provided in a location other than those illustrated.

[0353] In the indoor unit 12, the number of pairs of a voice capture unit and a microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured by the voice capture unit may be one or more pairs. However, in order to receive instruction voices uttered from various directions, the number of pairs of a voice capture unit and a microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured by the voice capture unit is preferably two or more pairs. For example, the voice capture unit P1 is preferably provided at two or more of the positions P1a1, P1a2, P1b1, P1b2, P1c, P1d1, P1d2, P1e, P1f1, and P1f2 described below. In addition, by providing a plurality of pairs (preferably three or more pairs) of a voice capture unit and a microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured by the voice capture unit, it is possible to identify the position where the operator uttered the instruction voice and reflect this in various controls (for example, blowing air toward the operator's location).

[0354] The sound capture units P1a1 and P1a2 are provided on an extension of the air outlet 120 in the second direction D2 (left-right direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 120 (see FIG. 3). The sound capture units P1a1 and P1a2 are provided on the underside of the main body 100 in a position other than the downstream side of the air outlet 120 in the first direction D1 (the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 120 in the bottom view, forward in this case) (see FIG. 4(b)). The sound capture units P1a1 and P1a2 are provided on the air outlet forming surface F1 on the main body 100, which is visible in the bottom view and intersects with both the vertical and horizontal planes (see FIG. 4(a)). The sound capture units P1a1 and P1a2 are provided at the ends of the main body 100 in the left-right direction (second direction D2) (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0355] The sound capture units P1b1 and P1b2 are provided on a surface F1a of the main body 100 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F1 on which the air outlet 120 is provided (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the air outlet forming surface F1 is an inclined surface that intersects with both the horizontal and vertical planes, whereas the surface F1a is a generally horizontal surface. The sound capture units P1b1 and P1b2 are provided on the underside of the main body 100, in a position other than the downstream side of the air outlet 120 in the first direction D1 when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 4(b)). The sound capture units P1a1 and P1a2 are provided at the ends of the main body 100 in the left-right direction (second direction D2).

[0356] The sound capture unit P1c is provided on the same air outlet forming surface F1 as the air outlet 120. The sound capture unit P1c is provided on the air outlet forming surface F1 on the main body 100, which is visible when viewed from the bottom and intersects with both the vertical and horizontal planes (see FIG. 4(a)). The sound capture unit P1c is also provided on the main body 100 between the air outlet 120 and the air inlet 130 (see FIG. 4(c)). The sound capture unit P1c is also provided above the air outlet 120, in the center of the main body 100 in the left-right direction (second direction D2) (see FIG. 4(c)).

[0357] The sound capture units P1d1 and P1d2 are provided on a surface F1b of the main body 100 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F1 on which the air outlet 120 is provided (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the air outlet forming surface F1 is an inclined surface that intersects with both a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, whereas the surface F1b is a generally vertical surface. The sound capture units P1d1 and P1d2 are each provided at the end of the main body 100 in the left-right direction (second direction D2) (see FIG. 4(c)).

[0358] The sound capture unit P1e is provided on a surface F1b of the main body 100 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F1 on which the air outlet 120 is provided (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the air outlet forming surface F1 is an inclined surface that intersects with both a horizontal and a vertical plane, whereas the surface F1b is a generally vertical surface. The sound capture unit P1e is also provided on the main body 100 between the air outlet 120 and the air inlet 130 (see FIG. 4(c)). Note that, in order to be less susceptible to the effects of the sound of flowing air, the sound capture unit P1e is preferably disposed on the main body 100 between the air outlet 120 and the air inlet 130, at a position where the distance between the air outlet 120 and the air inlet 130 is generally equal to that between the air outlet 120 and the air inlet 130, or on the side closer to the air inlet 130. The sound capture unit P1e is provided above the air outlet 120, in the center of the main body 100 in the left-right direction (second direction D2) (see FIG. 4(c)).

[0359] The sound capture units P1f1 and P1f2 are provided on a surface F1c of the main body 100 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F1 on which the air outlet 120 is provided (see FIG. 4). Specifically, the air outlet forming surface F1 is an inclined surface that is disposed rearward as it approaches the bottom, whereas the surface F1c is an inclined surface that is disposed forward as it approaches the bottom (see FIG. 4(a)). Furthermore, the sound capture units P1f1 and P1f2 are each provided at the end of the main body 100 in the left-right direction (second direction D2) (see FIG. 4(c)).

[0360] Furthermore, the sound capture units P1a2, P1b2, P1d2, and P1f2 are provided on the other side of the main body 100 in the left-right direction (second direction D2) from the fan motor 160. Specifically, the sound capture units P1a2, P1b2, P1d2, and P1f2 are provided on the left side (left end side) of the main body 100, whereas the fan motor 160 is provided on the right side (right end side) of the main body 100. By providing the sound capture unit P1a2 in such a position, the microphone element 140 is less susceptible to the effects of not only the sound of the air blown out from the air outlet 120, but also the sound of the fan motor 160.

[0361] However, from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of wiring work when assembling the indoor unit 12, the audio input units P1a1, P1b1, P1d1, and P1f1 may be provided on the same side of the main body 100 in the left-right direction (second direction D2) as the fan motor 160 (the side on which electrical components including the module 180 are arranged).

[0362] (3) Air conditioner characteristics (3-1) The air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment includes an indoor unit 12, a transmitter 16a, and a receiver 16b. The indoor unit 12 has a main body 100 and a microphone element 140. The main body 100 is formed with an air outlet 120 that blows conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned. The microphone element 140 receives audio instructions captured by a voice capture unit P1. The voice capture unit P1 is disposed facing the space to be air-conditioned, at a position outside the ventilation space A1 through which the air blown out by the air outlet 120 passes. The transmitter 16a transmits a signal S based on the audio instructions received by the microphone element 140 to the outside. The receiver 16b receives a command C from the outside in accordance with the signal S transmitted by the transmitter 16a.

[0363] In the indoor unit 12 of the present air conditioner 10, the instruction voice capture section is located at a position away from the ventilation space A1 through which air blown out from the air outlet 120 passes. As a result, the instruction voice input to the microphone element 140 is less affected by wind noise, and the microphone element 140 can capture instruction voice with little noise. Even when the operator speaks in a quiet voice, the microphone element 140 can easily capture clear instruction voice. Then, a command based on the instruction voice is generated outside the air conditioner 10 based on the captured clear instruction voice and transmitted to the air conditioner 10. Therefore, even when a variety of instructions are given to the air conditioner 10 by voice, for example, malfunction of the air conditioner 10 is less likely to occur (including cases where the air conditioner performs an operation different from the operator's instruction voice, as well as cases where the operator's instruction voice is not recognized).

[0364] In addition, here, a functional unit that converts a voice-based signal S into a command C is provided outside the air conditioner 10, and since the air conditioner 10 does not need to have such a function individually, the cost of the air conditioner 10 can be reduced.

[0365] (3-2) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the air outlet 120 is formed on the underside of the main body 100 and blows out air in a first direction D1 (forward) when viewed from the bottom. The sound capture units P1a1, P1a2, P1b1, P1b2 are provided on the underside of the main body 100 at locations other than the downstream side of the air outlet 120 in the first direction D1 when viewed from the bottom.

[0366] Here, it is possible to provide the voice capture unit P1 avoiding the ventilation space A1, and the microphone element 140 can easily capture clear instruction voice.

[0367] (3-3) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the air outlet 120 is formed on an air outlet forming surface F1 of the main body 100. The air outlet forming surface F1 is an example of a first surface. The sound capture units P1b1, P1b2, P1d1, P1d2, P1e, P1f1, and P1f2 are provided on surfaces F1a, F1b, and F1c of the main body 100 that intersect with the air outlet forming surface F1. The surfaces F1a, F1b, and F1c are examples of second surfaces.

[0368] Here, since the voice capture unit P1 is provided on a plane that intersects with the plane on which the air outlet 120 is formed, it is possible to provide the voice capture unit P1 while avoiding the ventilation space A1, and clear instruction voices are easily acquired by the microphone element 140.

[0369] (3-4) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the air outlet 120 is formed in the main body 100 so as to extend in the second direction D2 (left-right direction) as its longitudinal direction. The sound capture units P1a1 and P1a2 are provided on an extension of the air outlet 120 in the second direction D2.

[0370] Here, it is possible to provide the voice capture unit P1 avoiding the ventilation space A1, and the microphone element 140 can easily capture clear instruction voice.

[0371] (3-5) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, an intake port 130 that draws air from a space to be air-conditioned is formed in the main body 100. The sound capture units P1c and P1e are provided on the main body 100 between the air outlet 120 and the intake port 130.

[0372] Here, it is possible to provide the voice capture unit P1 avoiding the ventilation space A1, and the microphone element 140 can easily capture clear instruction voice.

[0373] (3-6) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the sound capture units P1a1, P1a2, and P1c are provided on the main body 100 on a surface that is visible when viewed from the bottom and that intersects with both vertical and horizontal planes.

[0374] Here, the audio capture unit P1 is provided on a surface that is visible from the bottom (i.e., facing downward) and intersects with both vertical and horizontal planes (in other words, an inclined surface), so that the audio instructions of the operator in the air-conditioned space can be easily obtained clearly by the microphone element 140.

[0375] (3-7) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit 12 is wall-mounted. The air outlet 120 is formed to extend in the second direction D2 as its longitudinal direction. The indoor unit 12 has a fan 150 and a fan motor 160 that drives the fan 150. The fan 150 is housed inside the main body 100. The fan motor 160 is disposed inside the main body 100 on one side in the second direction D2. The sound capture units P1a2, P1b2, P1d2, and P1f2 are provided on the other side of the main body 100 from the fan motor in the second direction D2.

[0376] Here, since the sound capture section P1 of the microphone element 140 is provided on the far side of the fan motor 160, the microphone element 140 is less susceptible to the noise of the fan motor 160, and the microphone element 140 is more likely to capture clear instruction sounds.

[0377] (3-8) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit 12 is wall-mounted. The air outlet 120 is formed to extend in the second direction D2 as its longitudinal direction. The indoor unit 12 has a fan 150 and a fan motor 160 that drives the fan 150. The fan 150 is housed inside the main body 100. The fan motor 160 is disposed inside the main body 100 on one side in the second direction D2. The audio capture unit P1 is provided on the same side of the main body 100 as the fan motor 160 in the second direction D2.

[0378] Here, the electrical components including the microphone element 140 and the fan motor 160 can be arranged together on one side of the main body 100, and the number of wiring steps during manufacturing of the indoor unit 12 can be reduced.

[0379] (3-9) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit 12 is wall-mounted. The air outlet 120 is formed to extend longitudinally in the second direction D2. The sound capture units P1c and P1e are provided above the air outlet 120, in the center of the main body 100 in the second direction D2.

[0380] Here, the audio capture unit P1 is provided in the center of the main body 100, so even if the audio capture unit P1 is provided in only one location, audio can be acquired from various directions.

[0381] (3-10) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit 12 is wall-mounted. The indoor unit 12 has two or more pairs of a voice capture unit P1 and a microphone element 140 that receives instruction voice captured by the voice capture unit P1. The air outlet 120 is formed to extend with the second direction D2 as its longitudinal direction. The voice capture unit P1 is provided at least at both ends of the main body 100 in the second direction D2.

[0382] Here, since the sound capture units P1 are provided at least on both ends of the main body 100, it is easy to capture sounds from various directions.

[0383] (3-11) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit 12 has a voice processing chip 170. The voice processing chip 170 is an example of a voice recognition chip. The voice processing chip 170 recognizes only specific command voices among the command voices acquired by the microphone element 140, and generates a predetermined command C0. The transmitter 16a transmits to the outside a signal S based on the command voices other than the specific command voices among the command voices received by the microphone element 140.

[0384] Here, specific instruction voices can be converted into commands on the air conditioner 10 side without being transmitted to the outside, so specific instruction content can be quickly operated, which is highly convenient.

[0385] (3-12) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the indoor unit 12 has a control board 18a that controls the operation of the indoor unit 12. The control board 18a and the audio processing chip 170 are integrated together.

[0386] Here, the number of wiring steps required when manufacturing the indoor unit 12 can be reduced.

[0387] (3-13) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the transmitter 16a transmits a signal S via the network 80 to an analysis server 20 that analyzes the signal S. The analysis server 20 is an example of an analysis device. The receiver 16b receives a command C that is generated based on the results of the analysis of the signal S by the analysis server 20.

[0388] Here, a signal S based on the instruction voice is sent to an external analysis server 20, and a command C is generated based on the analysis results of the signal S, so that the air conditioner 10 can be operated by voice even when a relatively complex operation is to be performed by the air conditioner 10.

[0389] Furthermore, it is also easy to operate various types of devices including the air conditioner 10 (the devices in the first device group 50 and the second device group 60) using voice input into the microphone element 140.

[0390] (3-14) In the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, the transmitter 16a transmits information J about state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner 10 and the air-conditioned space to the air conditioner server 30. The air conditioner server 30 is an example of a command generating device. The receiver 16b receives a command C generated by the air conditioner server 30 based on the results of analysis of the signal S by the analysis server 20 and the information J about the state quantities.

[0391] Here, instructions are given to the air conditioner 10 based on the analysis results of the signal S based on the instruction voice and on state quantities related to the air conditioner 10 and the space to be air-conditioned, so that appropriate control of the air conditioner 10 is easily executed.

[0392] Second Embodiment An air conditioner 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. The air conditioner 10 according to the second embodiment is similar to the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment, except for the indoor unit 12a, and therefore descriptions of the units other than the indoor unit 12b will be omitted. Furthermore, the device control system 1 including the air conditioner 10 is similar to that according to the first embodiment, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0393] The air conditioners 10 according to the third to seventh embodiments will be described later, but as with the second embodiment, they are the same as the air conditioner 10 according to the first embodiment except for the indoor unit, and therefore, explanations of parts other than the indoor unit (including explanations of the equipment control system 1 including the air conditioner 10) will be omitted without any particular description.

[0394] (1) Air conditioner indoor unit The indoor unit 12a of the air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 to 9. FIG.

[0395] Fig. 6 is a schematic bottom view of the indoor unit 12a of the air conditioner 10. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the state of air being blown out from the air outlet 220 of the main body 200 of the indoor unit 12a when viewed from below. Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 6. In Figs. 7 and 9, the devices inside the main body 200 of the indoor unit 12a are not shown.

[0396] In the following, expressions such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "up," and "down" may be used to explain directions and orientations, but unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by these expressions will follow the directions of the arrows in the figures.

[0397] The indoor unit 12a is a ceiling-mounted unit. The indoor unit 12a is provided with air outlets 220 at four locations and blows out air in four directions (see FIG. 8).

[0398] The indoor unit 12a has a main body 200, a microphone element 140, a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 260 (see FIGS. 2 and 6).

[0399] The main body 200 is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 260. The main body 200 is formed with an air outlet 220 and an air inlet 230 (see FIG. 6).

[0400] Air inlet 230 is an opening for drawing air from a space to be air-conditioned into main body 200. Air inlet 230 is formed in a square shape (see FIG. 6). Air inlet 230 is formed in the center of main body 200 when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 6).

[0401] The air outlets 220 are openings for blowing conditioned air into the space to be air-conditioned. The air outlets 220 are formed at four locations on the underside of the main body 200. Here, the underside of the main body 200 refers to the surface that is visible when the main body 200 is viewed from below (directly below). Specifically, the air outlets 220 are formed on the air outlet forming surface F2 of the main body 200 near the front edge, rear edge, left edge, and right edge, respectively, along the four sides of the square-shaped main body 200 in a bottom view. The air outlet forming surface F2 is a generally horizontal surface. The air outlets 220 are formed to surround the air inlet 230 located in the center of the main body 200 in a bottom view. Each air outlet 220 is formed to extend with the second direction D2 (left-right direction or front-back direction) as its longitudinal direction (see FIG. 8). A flap (not shown) is arranged in the air outlet 220 to adjust the airflow direction in the vertical direction.

[0402] The air blown out from the air outlet 220 mainly passes through the ventilation space A2 (see FIG. 8). The ventilation space A2 is a space that extends from the air outlet 220 in the second direction D2 (left-right or front-back direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 220, with a width roughly equal to the width of the air outlet 220. Note that here, changes in the air direction due to air direction adjusting blades (not shown) that adjust the air direction in the second direction D2 are not taken into consideration. However, if the air direction in the second direction D2 is adjusted by the air direction adjusting blades, the ventilation space A2 becomes a space that expands in the longitudinal direction of each air outlet 220 (second direction D2) as it moves away from the air outlet 220. Furthermore, the ventilation space A2 is a space that expands within a range of angle θ1 in a side view. The angle θ1 is smaller than 90°. However, the value of angle θ1 varies depending on the shape of a flap (not shown) provided at the air outlet and the movable range of the flap. The air outlet 220 blows out air mainly in a first direction D1 (outward with respect to the main body 200, away from the air inlet 230) in a bottom view (see FIG. 4(b)).

[0403] Fan motor 260 is an inverter-type motor that drives a fan (not shown) so that air is taken into main body 200 from air inlet 230, and the conditioned air that has exchanged heat with a refrigerant in an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) is blown out from air outlet 220. Fan motor 260 is disposed inside main body 200, in the center of main body 200 when viewed from the bottom.

[0404] Similar to the microphone element 140 of the first embodiment, the microphone element 140 is arranged inside the main body 200 or on the main body 200 so as to face the space to be air-conditioned. The microphone element 140 receives instruction voice captured from the voice capture unit P2. The arrangement of the voice capture unit P2 will be described below.

[0405] (1-1) Placement of the audio capture unit Like the sound capture unit P1 of the first embodiment, the sound capture unit P2 is disposed at a position outside the ventilation space A2 through which the air blown out from the air outlet 220 of the main body 200 passes. Moreover, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P2 be disposed at a position that satisfies one or more of the conditions (A) to (E) described in the first embodiment.

[0406] Specifically, as a variation of the arrangement of the audio capture unit P2, the arrangement of audio capture units P2a1, P2a2, P2a3, P2a4, P2b, P2c, P2d, and P2e will be described. Here, for simplicity of explanation, P2b, P2c, and P2d are depicted only at one corner of the square-shaped main body 200 in bottom view, but this is not limitative, and similar audio capture units P2 may be provided at the other three corners. The audio capture unit P2e may also be provided not only on the right edge of the main body 200, but also on the front edge, rear edge, or left edge. The arrangement of the audio capture units P2a1, P2a2, P2a3, P2a4, P2b, P2c, P2d, and P2e is merely an example, and the audio capture unit P2 may be provided in a location other than the illustrated one.

[0407] In the indoor unit 12a, the number of pairs of the voice capture unit and the microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured from this voice capture unit may be one pair or two or more pairs, but is preferably two or more pairs.

[0408] The sound capture units P2a1-4 are provided on the air outlet forming surface F2 on which the air outlet 220 is formed. The sound capture units P2a1-4 are provided on the underside of the main body 200 in a position other than the downstream side of the air outlet 220 in a first direction D1 (the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet 220 in a bottom view, outward (away from the air inlet 230) in this case) (see FIG. 8). In other words, the sound capture units P2a1-4 are provided on the main body 200 more inward than the air outlet 220 (see FIG. 8). The sound capture units P2a1-4 are provided on the main body 200 between the air outlet 220 and the air inlet 230 (see FIG. 8). In order to reduce the influence of the sound of flowing air, it is preferable that the sound capture units P2a1-4 are located on the main body 200 between the air outlet 220 and the air inlet 230, at a position where the distance between the air outlet 220 and the air inlet 230 is approximately equal, or on the side closer to the air inlet 230.

[0409] The sound capture unit P2b is provided on an extension of the air outlet 220 in the second direction D2 (longitudinal direction of the air outlet 220) (see FIG. 8). The sound capture unit P2b is also provided on the underside of the main body 200, in a position other than the downstream side of the air outlet 220 in the blowing direction of the air from the air outlet 220 (first direction D1) in bottom view (see FIG. 8).

[0410] The sound capture unit P2c is provided on the air outlet forming surface F2 on which the air outlet 220 is formed. The sound capture unit P2c is also provided on the underside of the main body 200, in a location other than the downstream side of the air outlet 220 in the direction in which air blows out from the air outlet 220 (first direction D1) in bottom view (see FIG. 8). The sound capture unit P2c is disposed between two air outlets 220 (see FIG. 8). Preferably, the sound capture unit P2c is disposed at a position equidistant from two adjacent air outlets 220 (see FIG. 8).

[0411] The sound capture unit P2d is provided on a surface F2a of the main body 200 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F2 on which the air outlet 220 is formed (see FIG. 8). The sound capture unit P2d is also provided on a surface F2a on the main body 200 that is visible in a bottom view and intersects with both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane (see FIG. 7). The sound capture unit P2d is also provided on the underside of the main body 200, in a location other than the downstream side of the air outlet 220 in the blowing direction (first direction D1) of the air from the air outlet 220 in a bottom view (see FIG. 8).

[0412] The sound capture unit P2e is provided on the underside of the main body 200, downstream of the air outlet 220 in the direction in which air blows out from the air outlet 220 (first direction D1) in a bottom view. However, the sound capture unit P2e is provided at a position higher than the air outlet 220 (a position close to the ceiling surface on which the indoor unit 12a is attached) (see FIG. 9). The sound capture unit P2e is also provided at a position higher than the ventilation space A2 (see FIG. 9). The sound capture unit P2e is also provided on a surface F2b of the main body 200 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F2 on which the air outlet 220 is formed (see FIG. 9). The sound capture unit P2e is also provided on a surface F2b of the main body 200 that is visible in a bottom view and intersects with both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane (see FIG. 9).

[0413] Of the above-described sound capture units, sound capture units P2b, P2c, and P2d in particular are arranged at the corners of main body 200, which is square in bottom view, and are arranged at positions relatively far away from fan motor 260, which is arranged in the center of main body 200. Therefore, not only the sound of air blown out from air outlet 220 but also the sound of fan motor 260 is unlikely to affect the quality of the instruction sound acquired by microphone element 140.

[0414] (2) Air conditioner characteristics The air conditioner 10 of the second embodiment also has the same feature as feature (3-1) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the second embodiment can also have the same features as features (3-2) to (3-6) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment, depending on the arrangement of the voice capture unit P2. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the second embodiment has the same features as features (3-11) to (3-14) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment.

[0415] <Third embodiment> An air conditioner 10 according to the third embodiment will be described.

[0416] (1) Air conditioner indoor unit The indoor unit 12b of the air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 10. Figure 10 is a schematic bottom view of the indoor unit 12b of the air conditioner 10.

[0417] In the following, expressions such as "front," "back," "left," and "right" may be used to explain directions and orientations, but unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by these expressions will follow the directions of the arrows in the figures.

[0418] The indoor unit 12b is a ceiling-mounted unit that blows out air in one direction (see FIG. 10).

[0419] The indoor unit 12b has a main body 300, a microphone element 140, a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 360 (see FIGS. 2 and 10).

[0420] The main body 300 is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 360. The main body 300 is formed with an air outlet 320 and an air inlet 330 (see FIG. 10).

[0421] The air inlet 330 is an opening for drawing air from the space to be air-conditioned into the main body 200. When viewed from the bottom, the air inlet 330 is formed in a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction (see FIG. 10). The air inlet 330 is formed on the air outlet forming surface F3. The air inlet 330 is formed on the rear side of the main body 200 when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 10).

[0422] The air outlet 320 is an opening for blowing out conditioned air to the space to be air-conditioned. The air outlet 320 is formed on the front side of the underside of the main body 300. Here, the underside of the main body 300 refers to the surface that is visible when the main body 300 is viewed from below (directly below). Specifically, the air outlet 320 is formed on the air outlet forming surface F3. The air outlet forming surface F3 is a generally horizontal surface. The air outlet 320 is formed to extend with the second direction D2 (left-right direction) as its longitudinal direction (see FIG. 10). A flap (not shown) is arranged in the air outlet 320 to adjust the airflow direction in the vertical direction.

[0423] The air blown out from the air outlet 320 mainly passes through the ventilation space A3 (see FIG. 10). The ventilation space A3 is a space that extends from the air outlet 320 in the second direction D2, which is the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 320, with a width roughly equal to the width of the air outlet 220. Note that, here, changes in the air direction due to air direction adjusting blades (not shown) that adjust the air direction in the second direction D2 are not taken into consideration. However, if the air direction in the second direction is adjusted by the air direction adjusting blades, the ventilation space A3 becomes a space that expands in the longitudinal direction of each air outlet 320 (second direction D2) as it moves away from the air outlet 320. Furthermore, the ventilation space A3 is a space that expands within a predetermined angular range on the forward side of the air outlet 320 in a side view. The angular range varies depending on the shape of a flap (not shown) provided at the air outlet and the movable range of the flap. The air outlet 320 blows out air mainly in a first direction D1 (forward, away from the air inlet 330) in a bottom view (see FIG. 10).

[0424] Fan motor 360 is an inverter-type motor that drives a fan (not shown) so that air is taken into main body 300 through air inlet 330, and the conditioned air exchanges heat with a refrigerant in an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), and then the air is blown out from outlet 320. Fan motor 360 is disposed inside main body 300, on the left rear side of main body 300 (see FIG. 10).

[0425] Similar to the microphone element 140 of the first embodiment, the microphone element 140 is arranged inside the main body 300 or on the main body 300 so as to face the space to be air-conditioned. The microphone element 140 receives instruction voice captured from the voice capture unit P3. The arrangement of the voice capture unit P3 will be described below.

[0426] (1-1) Placement of the audio capture unit Like the sound capture unit P1 of the first embodiment, the sound capture unit P3 is disposed at a position outside the ventilation space A3 through which the air blown out from the air outlet 320 of the main body 300 passes. Moreover, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P3 be disposed at a position that satisfies one or more of the conditions (A) to (E) described in the first embodiment.

[0427] Specifically, the arrangement of the audio capture units P3a, P3b, and P3c will be described as a variation of the arrangement of the audio capture unit P3. Here, for simplicity of explanation, the audio capture units P3a and P3c are depicted only on one side (the right side) in the second direction D2, but this is not limiting, and a similar audio capture unit P3 may be provided on the other side (the left side) in the second direction D2. The arrangement of the audio capture units P3a, P3b, and P3c is merely an example, and the audio capture unit P3 may be provided in a location other than that illustrated.

[0428] In the indoor unit 12b, the number of pairs of the voice capture unit and the microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured from this voice capture unit may be one pair or two or more pairs, but is preferably two or more pairs.

[0429] The sound capture unit P3a is provided on the air outlet forming surface F3 where the air outlet 320 is formed. The sound capture unit P3a is provided on an extension of the air outlet 320 in the second direction D2 (see FIG. 10). The sound capture unit P3a is also provided on the underside of the main body 300, in a location other than the downstream side of the air outlet 320 in the blowing direction of air from the air outlet 320 (first direction D1) when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 10).

[0430] The sound capture unit P3b is provided on the air outlet forming surface F3 on which the air outlet 320 is formed. The sound capture unit P3b is provided on the underside of the main body 300, in a position other than the downstream side of the air outlet 320 in the direction of airflow from the air outlet 320 (first direction D1) in a bottom view (see FIG. 10). The sound capture unit P3b is also provided on the main body 300 between the air outlet 320 and the air inlet 330 (see FIG. 10). Note that, in order to be less susceptible to the effects of sound caused by flowing air, the sound capture unit P3b is preferably disposed on the main body 300 between the air outlet 320 and the air inlet 330 at a position where the distance between the air outlet 320 and the air inlet 330 is approximately equal to each other, or on the side closer to the air inlet 330. The sound capture unit P3b is also provided in the center in the second direction D2 (left-right direction) (see FIG. 10).

[0431] The sound capture unit P3c is provided on the air outlet forming surface F3 on which the air outlet 320 is formed (see FIG. 10). The sound capture unit P3c is provided on the underside of the main body 300, in a location other than the downstream side of the air outlet 320 in the blowing direction (first direction D1) of the air from the air outlet 320, in a bottom view (see FIG. 10). The sound capture unit P3c is provided on an extension of the air inlet 330 in the longitudinal direction of the air inlet 330 (see FIG. 10).

[0432] In addition, when taking into consideration the influence of the sound from the fan motor 360, it is preferable to position the audio capture unit P3 at a location relatively far away from the fan motor 360 located at the rear left of the main body 300 (for example, on the right side or front left side).

[0433] (2) Air conditioner characteristics The air conditioner 10 of the third embodiment also has the same feature as feature (3-1) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the third embodiment can also have features similar to features (3-2), (3-4), and (3-5) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment, depending on the arrangement of the sound capture unit P3. Furthermore, by providing an inclination on part or all of the air outlet forming surface F3 and arranging the sound capture unit P3 on the inclined surface, it is possible to have features similar to features (3-3) and (3-6) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the third embodiment has the same features as features (3-10) to (3-14) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment.

[0434] <Fourth embodiment> An air conditioner 10 according to a fourth embodiment will be described.

[0435] (1) Air conditioner indoor unit The indoor unit 12c of the air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 11. Figure 11 is a schematic bottom view of the indoor unit 12c of the air conditioner 10.

[0436] In the following, expressions such as "front," "back," "left," and "right" may be used to explain directions and orientations, but unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by these expressions will follow the directions of the arrows in the figures.

[0437] The indoor unit 12c is a ceiling-mounted unit that blows out air in two directions (forward and backward) (see FIG. 11).

[0438] The indoor unit 12c has a main body 400, a microphone element 140, a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 460 (see FIGS. 2 and 11).

[0439] The main body 400 is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 460. The main body 400 is formed with an air outlet 420 and an air inlet 430 (see FIG. 11).

[0440] The air inlets 430 are openings for drawing air from the space to be air-conditioned into the main body 400. The air inlets 430 are formed on the air outlet forming surface F4. The air inlets 430 are formed in two locations, one on the front side and one on the rear side of the main body 400 (see FIG. 11). Each of the air inlets 430 is formed in a rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 11).

[0441] The air outlet 420 is an opening for blowing out conditioned air to the space to be air-conditioned. The air outlet 420 is formed on the front and rear sides of the underside of the main body 400. Here, the underside of the main body 400 is the surface that is visible when the main body 400 is viewed from below (directly below). Specifically, the air outlet 420 is formed on the air outlet forming surface F4. The air outlet forming surface F4 is a substantially horizontal surface. The air outlet 420 is formed to extend with the second direction D2 (left-right direction) as its longitudinal direction (see FIG. 11). A flap (not shown) is arranged in the air outlet 420 to adjust the airflow direction in the vertical direction.

[0442] The air blown out from the air outlet 420 mainly passes through the ventilation space A4 (see FIG. 11). The ventilation space A4 is a space that extends from the air outlet 420 in the second direction D2, which is the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 420, with a width roughly equal to the width of the air outlet 420. Note that, here, changes in the air direction due to airflow direction adjusting blades (not shown) that adjust the airflow direction in the second direction D2 are not taken into consideration. However, if the airflow direction in the second direction is adjusted by the airflow direction adjusting blades, the ventilation space A4 becomes a space that expands in the longitudinal direction (second direction D2) of each air outlet 420 as it moves away from the air outlet 420. Furthermore, the ventilation space A4 is a space that expands within a predetermined angular range toward the air outlet direction of the air outlet 420 in a side view. The angular range varies depending on the shape of a flap (not shown) provided at the air outlet and the movable range of the flap. The air outlet 420 mainly blows out air in the first direction D1 (forward and backward) in a bottom view (see FIG. 11). Air outlet 420 blows air outward (away from inlet 430) relative to main body 400 (see FIG. 11).

[0443] Fan motor 460 is an inverter-type motor that drives a fan (not shown) so that air is taken into main body 400 from air inlet 430, and the conditioned air is blown out from outlet 420 after exchanging heat with a refrigerant in an indoor heat exchanger (not shown). Fan motor 460 is disposed inside main body 400, in the center of main body 400 when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 11).

[0444] Like the microphone element 140 of the first embodiment, the microphone element 140 is arranged inside the main body 400 or on the main body 400 so as to face the space to be air-conditioned. The microphone element 140 receives instruction voice captured from the voice capture unit P4. The arrangement of the voice capture unit P4 will be described below.

[0445] (1-1) Placement of the audio capture unit Like the sound capture unit P1 of the first embodiment, the sound capture unit P4 is disposed at a position outside the ventilation space A4 through which the air blown out from the air outlet 420 of the main body 400 passes. Moreover, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P4 be disposed at a position that satisfies one or more of the conditions (A) to (E) described in the first embodiment.

[0446] Specifically, as an example of a variation in the arrangement of the audio capture unit P4, the arrangement of audio capture units P4a, P4b, P4c, and P4d will be described. Note that, for simplicity of explanation, the audio capture units P4a, P4c, and P4d are depicted only on one side (the right side) in the second direction D2, but this is not limiting, and a similar audio capture unit P4 may be provided on the other side (the left side) in the second direction D2. Note that the arrangement of the audio capture units P4a, P4b, P4c, and P4d is merely an example, and the audio capture unit P4 may be provided in a location other than that illustrated.

[0447] In the indoor unit 12c, the number of pairs of the voice capture unit and the microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured from this voice capture unit may be one pair or two or more pairs, but is preferably two or more pairs.

[0448] The sound capture unit P4a is provided on the air outlet forming surface F4 where the air outlet 420 is formed. The sound capture unit P4a is provided on an extension of the air outlet 420 in the second direction D2 (see FIG. 11). The sound capture unit P4a is also provided on the underside of the main body 400, in a position other than the downstream side of the air outlet 420 in the blowing direction (first direction D1) of the air from the air outlet 420, in bottom view (see FIG. 11).

[0449] The sound capture units P4b and P4c are provided on an air outlet forming surface F4 on which the air outlet 420 is formed. The sound capture units P4b and P4c are provided on the underside of the main body 400, in a bottom view, at locations other than the downstream side of the air outlet 420 in the blowing direction (first direction D1) of the air from the air outlet 420 (see FIG. 11).

[0450] Furthermore, sound capture unit P4b is provided on main body 400 between air outlet 420 and air inlet 430 (see FIG. 11). To reduce the influence of the sound of flowing air, sound capture unit P4b is preferably disposed on main body 400 between air outlet 420 and air inlet 430 at a position where the distance between air outlet 420 and air inlet 430 is approximately equal, or on the side closer to air inlet 430. Furthermore, sound capture unit P4b is provided in the center in second direction D2 (left-right direction) (see FIG. 11).

[0451] Furthermore, sound capture unit P4c is provided on main body 400 between two air inlets 430 (see FIG. 11). Note that, in order to be less susceptible to the effects of the sound of flowing air, sound capture unit P4c is preferably disposed on main body 400 between two air inlets 430 and at a position that is approximately equal distance from the two air inlets 430. Furthermore, in order to be less susceptible to the effects of the sound of fan motor 460, sound capture unit P4c is preferably provided at a position away from the center (near fan motor 460) in second direction D2 (left-right direction) (see FIG. 11).

[0452] Sound capture unit P4d is provided on air outlet forming surface F4 where air outlet 420 is formed (see FIG. 11). Sound capture unit P4d is provided on the underside of main body 400, in a location other than the downstream side of air outlet 420 in the direction in which air blows out from air outlet 420 (first direction D1) when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 11). Sound capture unit P4d is provided on an extension of air inlet 430 in the longitudinal direction of air inlet 430 (see FIG. 11).

[0453] (2) Air conditioner characteristics The air conditioner 10 of the fourth embodiment also has the same feature as feature (3-1) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the fourth embodiment can also have the same features as features (3-2), (3-4), and (3-5) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment, depending on the arrangement of the sound capture unit P4. Furthermore, by providing an inclination on part or the entire air outlet forming surface F4 and arranging the sound capture unit P4 on the inclined surface, it is possible to have the same features as features (3-3) and (3-6) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the fourth embodiment has the same features as features (3-10) to (3-14) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment.

[0454] Fifth Embodiment An air conditioner 10 according to the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0455] (1) Air conditioner indoor unit The indoor unit 12d of the air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 12, and 13. FIG.

[0456] Fig. 12 is a schematic side view of the indoor unit 12d of the air conditioner 10. Fig. 13 is a schematic bottom view of the indoor unit 12d of the air conditioner 10.

[0457] In the following, expressions such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "up," and "down" may be used to explain directions and orientations, but unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by these expressions will follow the directions of the arrows in the figures.

[0458] The indoor unit 12d is a ceiling-suspended unit. The indoor unit 12d is provided with air outlets 520 at four locations and is a unit that blows out air in four directions (see FIG. 13).

[0459] The indoor unit 12d has a main body 500, a microphone element 140, a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 560 (see FIGS. 2 and 13).

[0460] Main body 500 is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 560. Main body 500 is formed with an air outlet 520 and an air inlet 530 (see FIG. 13).

[0461] Air inlet 530 is an opening for drawing air from the space to be air-conditioned into main body 500. Air inlet 530 is formed in a square shape (see FIG. 13). Air inlet 530 is formed in the center of main body 500 when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 13).

[0462] The air outlet 520 is an opening for blowing out conditioned air to the space to be air-conditioned. The air outlets 520 are formed on the front, rear, right and left sides of the main body 500. The air outlets 520 are formed on the air outlet forming surface F5 so as to extend in the left-right or front-rear direction. The air outlet forming surface F5 is a vertical surface. A flap (not shown) is arranged on the air outlet 520 to adjust the airflow direction in the up-down direction.

[0463] The air blown out from the air outlet 520 mainly passes through the ventilation space A5 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). The ventilation space A5 is a space that extends from the air outlet 520 in the second direction D2 (left-right or front-back direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 520, with a width roughly equal to the width of the air outlet 520. Note that here, changes in the air direction due to air direction adjusting blades (not shown) that adjust the air direction in the second direction D2 are not taken into consideration. However, if the air direction in the second direction D2 is adjusted by the air direction adjusting blades, the ventilation space A5 becomes a space that expands in the longitudinal direction of each air outlet 520 (second direction D2) as it moves away from the air outlet 520. Furthermore, the ventilation space A5 is a space that expands within a range of angle θ2 in a side view. The angle θ2 is smaller than 90°. However, the value of the angle θ2 varies depending on the shape of a flap (not shown) provided at the air outlet and the movable range of the flap. Air outlet 520 blows out air in a direction away from main body 500 (see FIG. 13).

[0464] Fan motor 560 is an inverter-type motor that drives a fan (not shown) so that air is taken into main body 500 from air inlet 530, and the conditioned air that has exchanged heat with a refrigerant in an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) is blown out from air outlet 520. Fan motor 560 is disposed inside main body 500, in the center of main body 500 when viewed from the bottom.

[0465] Like the microphone element 140 of the first embodiment, the microphone element 140 is arranged inside the main body 500 or on the main body 500 so as to face the space to be air-conditioned. The microphone element 140 receives instruction voice captured from the voice capture unit P5. The arrangement of the voice capture unit P5 will be described below.

[0466] (1-1) Placement of the audio capture unit Like the sound capture unit P1 of the first embodiment, the sound capture unit P5 is disposed at a position outside the ventilation space A5 through which the air blown out from the air outlet 520 of the main body 500 passes. Moreover, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P5 be disposed at a position that satisfies one or more of the conditions (A) to (E) described in the first embodiment.

[0467] Specifically, the arrangement of the audio capture units P5a, P5b, P5c, P5d, and P5e will be described as a variation of the arrangement of the audio capture unit P5. Note that the arrangement of the audio capture units P5a, P5b, P5c, P5d, and P5e is merely an example, and the audio capture unit P5 may be provided in a location other than the illustrated one. For example, while the audio capture units P5a, P5b, P5c, P5d, and P5e are all shown to be located on the right side of the main body 500 in FIG. 13, this is not limiting. The audio capture unit P5 may also be provided on the left, front, or rear side of the main body 500 in a similar position to the audio capture units P5a, P5b, P5c, P5d, and P5e depicted in FIG. 13.

[0468] In the indoor unit 12d, the number of pairs of the voice capture unit and the microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured from this voice capture unit may be one pair or two or more pairs, but is preferably two or more pairs.

[0469] Sound capture unit P5a is formed on surface F5a on which air inlet 530 is formed (see FIG. 12). Sound capture unit P5a is provided on surface F5a of main body 500 that intersects with air outlet forming surface F5 on which air outlet 520 is formed (see FIG. 12). Sound capture unit P5b is provided on main body 500 between air outlet 520 and air inlet 530 (see FIG. 12).

[0470] The sound capture units P5b and P5e are provided on a plane F5b that intersects with the air outlet forming plane F5 on which the air outlet 520 is formed (see FIG. 12). The sound capture units P5b and P5e are provided on a plane F5b that is visible when viewed from the bottom and intersects with both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane (see FIG. 12).

[0471] Sound capture unit P5b is provided on main body 500 between air outlet 520 and air inlet 530 (see FIG. 13). Preferably, sound capture unit P5b is provided on main body 500 between air outlet 520 and air inlet 530, at a position where the distance between air outlet 520 and air inlet 530 is approximately equal, or on the side closer to air inlet 530. Sound capture unit P4b is provided in the center of the adjacent air outlet 520 in second direction D2 (front-rear direction in FIG. 13).

[0472] Audio capture unit P5e is disposed at a corner of main body 500, which is square in shape when viewed from the bottom, and is disposed at a position relatively distant from fan motor 560, which is disposed at the center of main body 500. Therefore, when audio capture unit P5e is provided at the position of P5e, not only the sound of air blown out from air outlet 520 but also the sound of fan motor 560 is unlikely to affect the quality of the instruction audio acquired by microphone element 140.

[0473] The sound capture section P5d is provided on the air outlet forming surface F5 on which the air outlet 520 is formed. The sound capture section P5d is provided on an extension line of the air outlet 520 in the second direction D2 (front-rear direction in FIG. 13), which is the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 520.

[0474] The sound capture unit P5c is provided on a surface F5c of the main body 500 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F5 on which the air outlet 520 is provided. Specifically, the air outlet forming surface F5 is a vertical surface, whereas the surface F5c is an inclined surface.

[0475] (2) Air conditioner characteristics The air conditioner 10 of the fifth embodiment also has the same feature as feature (3-1) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the fifth embodiment can also have features similar to features (3-3) to (3-6) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment, depending on the arrangement of the voice capture unit P5. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the fifth embodiment has the same features as features (3-10) to (3-14) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment.

[0476] Sixth Embodiment An air conditioner 10 according to a sixth embodiment will be described.

[0477] (1) Air conditioner indoor unit The indoor unit 12e of the air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0478] FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of the indoor unit 12e of the air conditioner 10. As shown in FIG.

[0479] In the following, expressions such as "front," "back," "up," and "down" may be used to explain directions and orientations, but unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by these expressions will follow the directions of the arrows in the figures.

[0480] The indoor unit 12e is a ceiling-suspended unit that blows out air in one direction (forward) (see FIG. 14).

[0481] The indoor unit 12e has a main body 600, a microphone element 140, a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 660 (see FIGS. 2 and 14).

[0482] Main body 600 is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 660. Main body 600 is formed with an air outlet 620 and an air inlet 630 (see FIG. 14).

[0483] Air inlet 630 is an opening for drawing air from the space to be air-conditioned into main body 600. Air inlet 630 is formed on the rear side of the bottom surface of main body 600 (see FIG. 17). Air inlet 630 is formed in a rectangular shape with its longitudinal direction extending in the left-right direction (a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction) (see FIG. 14).

[0484] The air outlet 620 is an opening for blowing out conditioned air to the space to be air-conditioned. The air outlet 620 is formed on the front lower side of the main body 600. The air outlet 620 is formed on the air outlet forming surface F6 so as to extend in the left-right direction (a horizontal direction, a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction). A flap (not shown) is arranged in the air outlet 620 to adjust the airflow direction in the up-down direction.

[0485] The air blown out from the air outlet 620 mainly passes through the ventilation space A6 (see FIG. 14). The ventilation space A6 is a space that extends from the air outlet 620 in the left-right direction, which is the longitudinal direction of the air outlet 620, by a width roughly equal to the width of the air outlet 620. Note that, here, changes in the air direction due to an airflow direction adjusting blade (not shown) that adjusts the airflow direction in the left-right direction are not taken into consideration. However, if the airflow direction in the left-right direction is adjusted by the airflow direction adjusting blade, the ventilation space A6 becomes a space that expands in the left-right direction as it moves away from the air outlet 620. Furthermore, the ventilation space A6 is a space that expands within a range of an angle θ3 in a side view. In this case, the angle θ3 is approximately 90°. However, the value of the angle θ3 varies depending on the shape of a flap (not shown) provided at the air outlet and the movable range of the flap. The air outlet 620 mainly blows out air in a first direction D1 (forward) in a bottom view (see FIG. 14).

[0486] Fan motor 660 is an inverter motor that drives a fan (not shown) so that air is taken into main body 600 from air inlet 630, and the conditioned air exchanges heat with a refrigerant in an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), and is then blown out from air outlet 620. Fan motor 660 is disposed on the rear side inside main body 600 (see FIG. 14).

[0487] Like the microphone element 140 of the first embodiment, the microphone element 140 is arranged inside the main body 600 or on the main body 600 so as to face the space to be air-conditioned. The microphone element 140 receives instruction voice captured from the voice capture unit P6. The arrangement of the voice capture unit P6 will be described below.

[0488] (1-1) Placement of the audio capture unit Like the sound capture unit P1 of the first embodiment, the sound capture unit P6 is disposed at a position outside the ventilation space A6 through which the air blown out from the air outlet 620 of the main body 600 passes. Moreover, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P6 be disposed at a position that satisfies one or more of the conditions (A) to (E) described in the first embodiment.

[0489] Specifically, as a variation of the arrangement of the audio capture unit P6, the arrangement of the audio capture units P6a, P6b, and P6c will be described. Note that the arrangement of P6a, P6b, and P6c is merely an example, and the audio capture unit P6 may be provided in a location other than that illustrated.

[0490] In the indoor unit 12e, the number of pairs of the voice capture unit and the microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured from this voice capture unit may be one pair or two or more pairs, but is preferably two or more pairs.

[0491] The sound capture section P6a is provided on a surface F6a of the main body 600 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F6 on which the air outlet 620 is formed (see FIG. 14).

[0492] The sound capture unit P6b is provided on a surface F6b of the main body 600 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F6 on which the air outlet 620 is formed (see FIG. 14). The sound capture unit P6b is also provided on the main body 600 between the air outlet 620 and the air inlet 630 (see FIG. 14). The sound capture unit P6b is also provided on a surface F6b on the main body 600 that is visible when viewed from the bottom and intersects with both a vertical plane and a horizontal plane (see FIG. 14).

[0493] The sound capture unit P6c is provided on a surface F6c of the main body 600 that intersects with the air outlet forming surface F6 on which the air outlet 620 is formed (see FIG. 14). The sound capture unit P6c is also provided on the main body 600 between the air outlet 620 and the air inlet 630 (see FIG. 14).

[0494] (2) Air conditioner characteristics The air conditioner 10 of the sixth embodiment also has the same feature as feature (3-1) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the sixth embodiment can also have the same features as features (3-2) to (3-6) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment, depending on the arrangement of the voice capture unit P6. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the sixth embodiment has the same features as features (3-10) to (3-14) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment.

[0495] Seventh Embodiment An air conditioner 10 according to the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0496] (1) Air conditioner indoor unit The indoor unit 12f of the air conditioner 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0497] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of the indoor unit 12f of the air conditioner 10. As shown in FIG.

[0498] In the following, expressions such as "right," "left," "up," and "down" may be used to explain directions and orientations, but the directions indicated by these expressions will follow the directions of the arrows in the figures unless otherwise specified.

[0499] The indoor unit 12f is a floor-standing unit that blows air out to the front (see FIG. 15).

[0500] The indoor unit 12f has a main body 700, a microphone element 140, a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 760 (see FIGS. 2 and 15).

[0501] The main body 700 is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), a fan (not shown), and a fan motor 760. The main body 700 is formed with an air outlet 720 and an air inlet 730 (see FIG. 15).

[0502] Air inlet 730 is an opening for drawing air from the space to be air-conditioned into main body 700. Air inlet 730 is formed in the lower front portion of main body 700 (see FIG. 15). Air inlet 730 is also formed in the lower portions of the left and right side surfaces of main body 700 (not shown).

[0503] The air outlet 720 is an opening for blowing out conditioned air to the space to be air-conditioned. The air outlet 720 is formed in the upper front part of the main body 700. The air outlet 720 is formed on the air outlet forming surface F7. The air outlet 720 extends with the vertical direction (second direction D2) as its longitudinal direction. A flap (not shown) is arranged in the air outlet 720 to adjust the airflow direction in the horizontal direction.

[0504] The air blown out from the air outlet 720 mainly passes through ventilation space A7 (see FIG. 15). The ventilation space A7 is a space that extends from the air outlet 720 in the left-right direction by approximately the same width as the width of the air outlet 720. Note that here, changes in the air direction due to air direction adjusting blades (not shown) that adjust the air direction in the left-right direction are not taken into consideration, but if the air direction in the left-right direction is adjusted by the air direction adjusting blades, the ventilation space A7 becomes a space that expands in the left-right direction as it moves away from the air outlet 720. Note that here, changes in the air direction due to air direction adjusting blades (not shown) that adjust the air direction in the up-down direction are not taken into consideration, but if the air direction in the up-down direction is adjusted by the air direction adjusting blades, the ventilation space A7 becomes a space that expands in the up-down direction as it moves away from the air outlet 720.

[0505] Fan motor 760 is an inverter-type motor that drives a fan (not shown) so that air is taken into main body 700 from air inlet 730, and the conditioned air that has exchanged heat with a refrigerant in an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) is blown out from air outlet 720. Fan motor 760 is disposed on the lower side of main body 700.

[0506] Like the microphone element 140 of the first embodiment, the microphone element 140 is arranged inside the main body 700 or on the main body 700 so as to face the space to be air-conditioned. The microphone element 140 receives instruction voice captured from the voice capture unit P7. The arrangement of the voice capture unit P7 will be described below.

[0507] (1-1) Placement of the audio capture unit The sound capture unit P7 is disposed at a position outside the ventilation space A7 through which the air blown out from the air outlet 720 of the main body 700 passes, similar to the sound capture unit P1 of the first embodiment.

[0508] However, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P7 is not disposed on the left or right side or rear surface of the main body 700. For example, although the left and right side surfaces of the main body 700 are positioned outside the ventilation space A7, the main body 700 of the indoor unit 12f is often disposed so that either the left or right side surface is adjacent to a wall, and in such cases, it is difficult for the microphone element 140 to capture sound.

[0509] Moreover, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P7 is disposed at a position that satisfies one or more of the conditions (A) to (E) described in the first embodiment. Furthermore, it is preferable that the sound capture unit P7 is disposed above the center M (see FIG. 15) of the main body 700 in the height direction.

[0510] In a floor-standing indoor unit 12f, the fan motor 760, which is a heavy object, is generally disposed at the bottom of the indoor unit 12f as shown in Fig. 15. In contrast, by providing the voice capture unit P7 at the top of the indoor unit 12f (above the center M of the main body 700), the microphone element 140 is less susceptible to the sound of the fan motor 760, and clear voice instructions are more likely to be acquired. Furthermore, if the voice capture unit P7 were provided at the bottom of the indoor unit 12f, the voice instructions uttered by an operator in a standing or seated position could be obstructed by the presence of obstacles (for example, furniture such as a desk or chair), whereas in this case, the voice capture unit P7 is provided at the top of the indoor unit 12f, so the voice instructions are more likely to be captured by the voice capture unit P7 without obstruction.

[0511] Specifically, the arrangement of audio capture units P7a and P7b will be described as a variation of the arrangement of audio capture unit P7. Note that the arrangement of audio capture units P7a and P7b is merely an example, and audio capture unit P7 may be provided in a location other than that illustrated. For example, here, for the sake of simplicity, audio capture unit P7a is depicted only on one side (the right side) in the left-right direction, but this is not limiting, and a similar audio capture unit P7 may be provided on the other side (the left side) in the left-right direction.

[0512] In the indoor unit 12f, the number of pairs of the voice capture unit and the microphone element 140 that receives the instruction voice captured from this voice capture unit may be one pair or two or more pairs, but is preferably two or more pairs.

[0513] The sound capture units P7a and P7b are provided above the center M of the main body 700 in the height direction (see FIG. 15).

[0514] Furthermore, sound capture unit P7b is provided on main body 700 between air outlet 720 and air inlet 730 (see FIG. 15). Furthermore, sound capture unit P7b is provided on an extension line of air outlet 720 in second direction D2 (vertical direction), which is the longitudinal direction of air outlet 720 (see FIG. 15).

[0515] (2) Air conditioner characteristics The air conditioner 10 of the seventh embodiment also has the same feature as feature (3-1) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the seventh embodiment can also have features similar to features (3-1), (3-3) to (3-6) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment, depending on the arrangement of the voice capture unit P3. Furthermore, the air conditioner 10 of the seventh embodiment has the same features as features (3-10) to (3-14) described for the air conditioner 10 of the first embodiment.

[0516] <Modification> Modifications of the first to seventh embodiments will be described below.

[0517] (1) Variation 1A In any of the configurations of the above embodiments, it is preferable that the indoor units 12, 12a to 12f further include a sound capture direction adjustment mechanism 190 that can change the direction in which the sound capture sections P1 to P7 capture sound.

[0518] For example, in the first embodiment, if a circular opening 100a is formed near (e.g., adjacent to) the microphone element 140 of the main body 100 and the opening 100a functions as the sound capture unit P1, a plate member 192 may be provided in the opening 100a to change the sound capture direction (to make it easier to input sound from a specific direction) (see FIG. 16). The plate member 192, for example, reflects sound to change the traveling direction of sound waves. The plate member 192 can be manually rotated so that it moves into the opening 100a or moves away from the opening 100a. Furthermore, by manually rotating the plate member 192 in the circumferential direction of the opening 100a, the direction in which the sound capture units P1 to P7 capture sound can be changed (see FIG. 17).

[0519] By making it possible to change the direction in which sound is captured, it is possible to avoid the problem of the sound being captured in a direction where people are not normally present (for example, toward a wall), regardless of the installation position of the indoor unit 12. Furthermore, because the direction in which sound is captured can be changed, the microphone element can easily capture clear instruction voice even when the operator speaks softly.

[0520] Furthermore, for example, the indoor units 12, 12a to 12f may further include a detection unit that detects the position of a person in the air-conditioned space. The sound capture direction adjustment mechanism 190 may also include an automatic adjustment unit 194 (see FIG. 18) that automatically changes the direction in which the sound capture units P1 to P7 capture sound according to the detection results of the detection unit.

[0521] Specifically, for example, the detection unit may be a plurality of microphone elements 140, and the position of the person (who spoke) may be detected based on which audio capture unit captured the instruction audio with the loudest volume. Furthermore, the indoor units 12, 12a to 12f may each have a human presence sensor that detects the movement of a heating element, and the position of the person may be detected using this human presence sensor. The controller 18 may then be configured to control a motor, which is an example of the automatic adjustment unit 194, in accordance with the result of human detection, to operate the plate member 192.

[0522] By configuring it in this way, the direction of voice capture is automatically changed depending on the position of the person within the air-conditioned space, making it easy for the microphone element 140 to capture clear instruction voice no matter where the operator moves within the air-conditioned space.

[0523] Although the above description has been given of an example of sound capture direction adjustment mechanism 190 in which plate member 192 provided in opening 100a as sound capture units P1 to P7 is operated, the form of the sound capture direction adjustment mechanism is not limited to this. For example, sound capture direction adjustment mechanism 190 may be configured to change the direction in which sound capture is performed by sound capture units P1 to P7 by changing the orientation of microphone element 140.

[0524] (2) Variation 1B In the above embodiment, the device control system 1 is a system that can operate the operations of the first device group 50 and the second device group 60 by command voice, but is not limited to this. The device control system 1 may be a system that does not control the operations of either the first device group 50 or the second device group 60, or both the first device group 50 and the second device group 60. The device control system 1 may not include the device groups 50, 60 that are not operated by command voice, or the infrared output device 40 and device server 70 required to control the device groups 50, 60.

[0525] (3) Variation 1C In the above embodiment, the analysis server 20, the air conditioner server 30, and the device server 70 of the device control system 1 are separate servers, but this is not limited to this. For example, one server may function as the analysis server 20 and the air conditioner server 30, or as the analysis server 20, the air conditioner server 30, and the device server 70.

[0526] Conversely, the functions of the analysis server 20, the air conditioner server 30, and the equipment server 70 described in the above embodiment may be achieved by a plurality of servers rather than by a single server.

[0527] In addition, in the above embodiment, the signal S transmitted by the transmitter 16a is received by the analysis server 20, but this is not limited to this. For example, the transmitter 16a may transmit the signal S to the air conditioner server 30, and the signal S may be transmitted from the air conditioner server 30 to the analysis server 20.

[0528] (4) Variation 1D In the above embodiment, the air conditioner has been described as an example of a device that mainly adjusts the temperature and humidity of air, but the air conditioner is not limited to this type of device. The air conditioner may also be an air purifier that removes dust and other particles from the air and blows out purified air, or an airflow adjustment device that adjusts the airflow in the space to be air-conditioned.

[0529] (5) Variation 1E In the above embodiment, the placement of the microphone element 140 is determined taking into consideration the sound of air blowing out from the air outlet of the main body of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 10, and more preferably the sound of the fan motor. However, it is more preferable that the placement of the microphone element 140 be determined taking into consideration not only these sound sources but also other sound sources that may affect the capture of instruction voice by the microphone element 140. For example, if the indoor unit of the air conditioner 10 has an audio output unit (such as a speaker) that emits beeps, buzzers, etc., the microphone element 140 is preferably provided farther away from the audio output unit (for example, if the audio output unit is installed on the right side of the main body, the microphone element 140 should be installed on the left side of the main body).

[0530] Furthermore, for example, if the indoor unit of the air conditioner 10 has a drive unit (e.g., a stepping motor, etc.) for operating a moving part of an automatic cleaning mechanism for a flap or filter provided at an air outlet, etc., the microphone element 140 is preferably provided on the far side of the drive unit (for example, if the drive unit is installed at the top of the indoor unit, the microphone element 140 is arranged at the bottom of the main body, etc.).

[0531] Furthermore, for example, if the indoor unit of the air conditioner 10 has an operating component such as an electric valve, the microphone element 140 is preferably provided on the far side of the component such as the electric valve (for example, if the component such as the electric valve is installed on the back side of the main body, the microphone element 140 is arranged on the front side of the main body, etc.).

[0532] In this way, by determining the position of the microphone element 140 taking into consideration at least some of the sound sources such as the audio output unit, drive unit, and components such as the motorized valve, the microphone element 140 can capture clearer audio.

[0533] Eighth Embodiment An air conditioner 1010 according to the eighth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. An embodiment of an operating device for an air conditioner will also be described below with reference to the drawings. The operating unit 1200 for the air conditioner 1010 is an example of a control device for an air conditioner.

[0534] (1) Overview of the equipment control system First, a device control system 1001 including an air conditioner 1010 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0535] Fig. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of a device control system 1001 including an air conditioner 1010. Fig. 20 is a schematic block diagram of the device control system 1001. Note that in Fig. 20, some of the configuration of the device control system 1001 is not shown.

[0536] The device control system 1001 is a system that controls an air conditioner 1010 based on voice instructions from an operator. The device control system 1001 is also a system that controls devices 1050a, 1050b, ... 1050n included in a first device group 1050 (described later) and devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m included in a second device group 1060 (described later) based on voice instructions from an operator.

[0537] The device control system 1001 mainly includes an air conditioner 1010, a first device group 1050, a second device group 1060, an infrared output device 1040, an analysis server 1020, an air conditioner server 1030, and a device server 1070 (see FIG. 19).

[0538] The air conditioner 1010, the first device group 1050, the second device group 1060, and the infrared output device 1040 are devices installed in a building 1000B (see FIG. 19). For example, the building 1000B is a detached house, but is not limited to this. The building 1000B may be an office building, a commercial facility, a factory, etc. The analysis server 1020, the air conditioner server 1030, and the device server 1070 are typically installed in a location separate from the building 1000B, but are not limited to this.

[0539] 19 depicts only one building 1000B in which an air conditioner 1010, a first device group 1050, and a second device group 1060 whose operation is controlled by the device control system 1001 are located. However, there may be multiple buildings 1000B. In other words, the device control system 1001 may be a system that controls the operation of the air conditioners 1010, the first device group 1050, and the second device group 1060 that are located in multiple buildings 1000B. Here, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that there is only one building 1000B.

[0540] Furthermore, the number of each of the air conditioner 1010, the devices of the first device group 1050, the devices of the second device group 1060, and the infrared output device 1040 arranged in the building 1000B may be one or more than one, regardless of the numbers depicted in Fig. 19. Note that the following description will be given assuming that the number of air conditioners 1010 and infrared output devices 1040 arranged in the building 1000B is one, and that the number of devices of the first device group 1050 and the second device group 1060 arranged in the building 1000B is multiple.

[0541] The air conditioner 1010, the first device group 1050, the second device group 1060, the infrared output device 1040, the analysis server 1020, the air conditioner server 1030, and the device server 1070 will be further described below.

[0542] (1-1)Air conditioner The air conditioner 1010 mainly comprises an indoor unit 1012, an outdoor unit 1014, refrigerant communication piping (not shown) connecting these, a controller 1018, an operation unit 1200, and a cable unit 1300 (see Figures 19 and 20). The air conditioner 1010 is a device that conditions the air of a space to be air-conditioned. The space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a room in a building 1000B in which the indoor unit 1012 is located.

[0543] The air conditioner 1010 is an air conditioner that can be operated by inputting voice commands into a voice receiving unit 1210 (described later) of the operation unit 1200. The voice commands are not limited to, but include, for example, "Turn on air conditioning" or "Set temperature to 25°C." The air conditioner 1010 may be configured to be operable not only by voice operation but also by a general remote control.

[0544] In this device control system 1001, the voice receiving section 1210 of the operation unit 1200 is configured to be able to also receive voice instructions for the devices 1050a, 1050b, ... 1050n of the first device group 1050 and the devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m of the second device group 1060.

[0545] Voice operation of the air conditioner 1010, the devices 1050a, 1050b, . . . 1050n of the first device group 1050, and the devices 1060a, 1060b, . . . 1060m of the second device group 1060 will be described later.

[0546] In the air conditioner 1010, the indoor unit 1012 and the outdoor unit 1014 are connected via a refrigerant communication pipe, and thus an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) of the indoor unit 1012 and a compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, etc. (not shown) of the outdoor unit 1014 are connected by piping to form a refrigerant circuit. In the air conditioner 1010, the space in which the indoor unit 1012 is installed is cooled / heated by circulating the refrigerant within the refrigerant circuit.

[0547] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1010 exchanges heat in the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 1012 between the refrigerant flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger and the air in the space to be air-conditioned, but the air conditioner is not limited to this type of equipment. For example, the air conditioner 1010 may be a device in which heat is exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 1012 (fan coil unit) between the cold water / hot water flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger and the air in the space to be air-conditioned.

[0548] The operation of the air conditioner 1010 is controlled by a controller 1018. The controller 1018 includes, for example, a control board (not shown) included in the indoor unit 1012 and a control board (not shown) included in the outdoor unit 1014. The operation of each component of the indoor unit 1012 is mainly controlled by the control board of the indoor unit 1012, and the operation of each component of the outdoor unit 1014 is mainly controlled by the control board of the outdoor unit 1014. CPUs on the control boards of the indoor unit 1012 and the outdoor unit 1014 that make up the controller 1018 execute an air conditioning control program to control the operation of each component of the air conditioner 1010 in accordance with commands 1000C (described later) and the like transmitted from the air conditioner server 1030. In other words, the controller 1018 is an example of a control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner 1010 based on commands 1000C.

[0549] The operating principles and details of the air conditioner 1010 that uses a vapor compression refrigeration cycle are widely known, and therefore will not be described here. The air conditioner 1010 does not need to be an air conditioner that can perform both cooling and heating of the space to be air-conditioned, but may be an air conditioner that is dedicated to cooling or heating. The operation unit 1200 is a unit for operating the air conditioner 1010 by voice. The operation unit 1200 is an example of an operation device for the air conditioner 1010. The operation unit 1200 also functions as an operation device for operating devices other than the air conditioner 1010 (devices in the first device group 1050 and the second device group 1060). The operation unit 1200 will be described later.

[0550] The air conditioner 1010 has a communication unit 1230 for communicating with an analysis server 1020 and an air conditioner server 1030 external to the air conditioner 1010 (see FIG. 20).

[0551] In this embodiment, the communication unit 1230 is mounted on the operation unit 1200 of the air conditioner 1010. However, this is not limited to this, and the communication unit 1230 may be mounted on, for example, the indoor unit 1012 or the outdoor unit 1014. Furthermore, the air conditioner 1010 may have a communication unit separate from the indoor unit 1012, the outdoor unit 1014, and the operation unit 1200. However, when incorporating the voice operation function described in this embodiment into an existing air conditioner that does not have a communication function, it is preferable that the operation unit 1200 has the communication unit 1230.

[0552] The air conditioner 1010 (communication unit 1230) is connected to the analysis server 1020 and air conditioner server 1030 via a network 1080 (see FIG. 19). Here, the network 1080 is the Internet, but it may be another WAN. The air conditioner 1010 is connected to a router 1082 via a wireless LAN, and is connected to the network 1080 via the router 1082 (see FIG. 19). The router 1082 has a WAN-side interface and a LAN-side interface, and interconnects the WAN and LAN. The air conditioner 1010 and router 1082 may also be connected via a wired LAN instead of a wireless LAN.

[0553] The network 1080 may also be a LAN.

[0554] The communication unit 1230 is, for example, a wireless LAN adapter that performs wireless communication with the router 1082. The communication unit 1230 has, as functional units, a transmission unit 1230a that transmits information and a reception unit 1230b that receives information (see FIG. 20).

[0555] The transmitter 1230a transmits to the outside, for example, a signal 1000S based on an instruction voice received by a voice receiving unit 1210 of the operation unit 1200, which will be described later (see FIG. 20). In particular, the transmitter 1230a transmits to the outside a signal 1000S based on an instruction voice other than a specific instruction voice (which will be described later) among the instruction voices received by the voice receiving unit 1210. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transmitter 1230a may transmit to the outside a signal 1000S based on an instruction voice for all instruction voices received by the microphone element 1210a.

[0556] The transmitting unit 1230a transmits the signal 1000S based on the instruction voices other than the specific instruction voices among the instruction voices received by the voice receiving unit 1210 to the analysis server 1020 that analyzes the signal 1000S. It is also preferable that the transmitting unit 1230a transmits the signal 1000S based on the instruction voices other than the specific instruction voices among the instruction voices received by the voice receiving unit 1210 to the air conditioner server 1030 and the device server 1070. In other words, it is preferable that the transmitting unit 1230a transmits the signal 1000S to multiple addresses (for example, to the analysis server 1020 and the air conditioner server 1030).

[0557] Here, the signal 1000S is a digital audio signal obtained by AD converting the instruction audio by the audio processing unit 1240 (described later) of the operation unit 1200. Note that the signal 1000S may be, for example, data obtained by further compressing the digital audio signal by the audio processing unit 1240 using various audio data compression methods (e.g., MP3, etc.). The signal 1000S may also be data obtained by converting the instruction audio into text by the audio processing unit 1240 (data in which audio is replaced with text).

[0558] Furthermore, it is preferable that the transmission unit 1230a transmits information 1000J about state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner 1010 and the air-conditioned space to the air conditioner server 1030 (see FIG. 20). The state quantities related to the air conditioner 1010 include, but are not limited to, the temperature / pressure of the refrigerant measured by sensors (not shown) at various locations in the refrigerant circuit, the rotation speed of the inverter-controlled motor (not shown) of the compressor in the outdoor unit 1014, and the opening degree of the expansion valve in the outdoor unit 1014. The state quantities related to the air-conditioned space include, but are not limited to, the temperature of the air-conditioned space measured by a sensor (not shown). The information 1000J about the state quantities related to the air conditioner 1010 and the air-conditioned space is transmitted, for example, from the air conditioner controller 1018 to the operation unit 1200, and then transmitted from the transmission unit 1230a.

[0559] The receiving unit 1230b receives, for example, from the outside, a command 1000C corresponding to the signal 1000S (particularly, the signal 1000S based on the instruction voice related to the control of the air conditioner 1010) transmitted by the transmitting unit 1230a. More specifically, the receiving unit 1230b receives the command 1000C generated based on the result of analysis of the signal 1000S (particularly, the signal 1000S based on the instruction voice related to the control of the air conditioner 1010) by the analysis server 1020. Preferably, the receiving unit 1230b receives the command 1000C generated by the air conditioner server 1030 based on the result of analysis of the signal 1000S (particularly, the signal 1000S based on the instruction voice related to the control of the air conditioner 1010) by the analysis server 1020 and information 1000J on the state quantity transmitted from the transmitting unit 1230a to the air conditioner server 1030.

[0560] A controller 1018 (a control unit of the air conditioner 1010) that controls the operation of the air conditioner 1010 controls the operation of the air conditioner 1010 based on the command 1000C. Although not limited thereto, the command 1000C relates to at least one of, for example, turning the air conditioner 1010 on / off, switching the operation mode (cooling / heating / dehumidification / fan, etc.) of the air conditioner 1010, changing the set temperature (target temperature of the space to be air-conditioned), a target value of the rotation speed of an inverter-controlled motor (not shown) of the compressor of the outdoor unit 1014, a target value of the opening degree of the expansion valve of the outdoor unit 1014, and a target value of the rotation speed of an inverter-controlled fan motor of the indoor unit 1012.

[0561] In this embodiment, the receiver 1230b is provided in the operation unit 1200. Therefore, the operation unit 1200 transmits a signal based on the command 1000C received by the receiver 1230b to the controller 1018 that controls the operation of the air conditioner 1010 via the cable unit 1300. The signal based on the command 1000C received by the receiver 1230b may be the signal of the command 1000C itself, or may be a signal (corresponding to the command 1000C) generated by the operation unit 1200 based on the command 1000C.

[0562] The cable unit 1300 is a unit that includes a communication wire that connects the indoor unit 1012 and the operation unit 1200 so that they can communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the cable unit 1300 also functions as a power line that supplies power from the indoor unit 1012 to the operation unit 1200. For example, the cable unit 1300 is a bus-powered USB cable that receives power from a USB port (not shown) on the indoor unit 1012. However, the operation unit 1200 may receive power via another power line instead of via the cable unit 1300.

[0563] (1-2) First equipment group The devices 1050a, 1050b, ..., 1050n of the first device group 1050 are devices that can be operated by infrared signals. The devices 1050a, 1050b, ..., 1050n of the first device group 1050 can be operated by infrared signals transmitted from the infrared output device 1040 in response to input of instruction voice to the operation unit 1200. The devices 1050a, 1050b, ..., 1050n of the first device group 1050 are similar to the devices 50a, 50b, ..., 50n of the first device group 50 in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0564] (1-3)Second equipment group The devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m of the second device group 1060 are devices that can be operated by signals transmitted via the network 1080. The devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m of the second device group 1060 are operated by signals transmitted from the analysis server 1020 or the device server 1070 in response to input of instruction voice to the operation unit 1200. The devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m of the second device group 1060 are similar to the devices 60a, 60b, ... 60m of the second device group 60 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0565] (1-4) Analysis server Analysis server 1020 is an example of an analysis device.

[0566] The analysis server 1020 is connected to the air conditioner 1010 (communication unit 1230) via a network 1080. When the operation unit 1200 of the air conditioner 1010 receives a command voice, as described above, the transmission unit 1230a of the air conditioner 1010 transmits a signal 1000S based on the command voice to the analysis server 1020 via the network 1080 (see FIG. 20 ). The command voice received by the operation unit 1200 includes command voice related to control of the air conditioner 1010, command voice related to control of the devices 1050a, 1050b, ... 1050n of the first device group 1050, and command voice related to control of the devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m of the second device group 1060. In other words, the analysis server 1020 receives the signal 1000S based on the instruction voice relating to the control of the air conditioner 1010, the devices 1050a, 1050b, . . . 1050n, and the devices 1060a, 1060b, . . . 1060m.

[0567] The analysis server 1020 is also connected to an air conditioner server 1030, an equipment server 1070, and an infrared output device 1040 via a network 1080 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0568] The analysis server 1020 is a computer that executes a program stored in a storage device to analyze the received signal 1000S. Specifically, for example, the analysis server 1020 performs speech recognition on the received audio signal.

[0569] In addition to the programs, the storage device of the analysis server 1020 stores, for example, a list of devices that can be operated by each operation unit 1200 (the air conditioner 1010, the devices 1050a, 1050b, ... 1050n of the first device group 1050, and the devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m of the second device group 1060). In other words, the analysis server 1020 knows which devices can be operated from each operation unit 1200. Furthermore, for the devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m of the second device group 1060, information is also stored as to whether the controlled devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m are directly controlled by the analysis server 1020 (whether they are controlled by the analysis server 1020 or the device server 1070).

[0570] The analysis server 1020 analyzes the speech signal 1000S to determine its features, and generates text information from the features using a speech recognition dictionary including an acoustic model, a language model, and a pronunciation dictionary stored in a storage device. The text information generated by the analysis server 1020 is, but is not limited to, text information such as "air conditioner on," "set air conditioner temperature to 25 degrees," "lighting device off," and "television on."

[0571] If the text information relates to the control of the air conditioner 1010 (for example, if the text information contains keywords related to the air conditioner), the analysis server 1020 transmits the analysis results of the signal 1000S (i.e., the generated text information) to the air conditioner server 1030 via the network 1080 (see Figure 20).

[0572] If the text information relates to the control of the devices 1050a, 1050b, ..., 1050n of the first device group 1050 (for example, if the text information includes a keyword related to the first device group 1050), the analysis server 1020 transmits to the infrared output device 1040 a command to instruct the infrared output device 1040 to transmit an infrared signal corresponding to the analysis result of the signal 1000S (i.e., the generated text information). For example, if the text information is information related to lighting devices included in the devices 1050a, 1050b, ..., 1050n of the first device group 1050 (for example, "lighting device off"), the analysis server 1020 transmits to the infrared output device 1040 a command to instruct the infrared output device 1040 to transmit an infrared signal instructing the lighting device to turn off. The command for the infrared output device 1040 is transmitted from the analysis server 1020 to the infrared output device 1040 via the network 1080.

[0573] If the text information relates to the control of the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m of the second device group 1060 (for example, if the text information includes a keyword related to the second device group 1060), the analysis server 1020 transmits a command corresponding to the analysis result of the signal 1000S (i.e., the generated text information) to the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m of the second device group 1060. For example, if the text information is information about a television included in the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m of the second device group 1060 (for example, "TV on"), the analysis server 1020 transmits a command to the television to turn it on. Commands for the devices 1060a, 1060b, . . . 1060m of the second device group 1060 are transmitted from the analysis server 1020 to the devices 1060a, 1060b, . . . 1060m of the second device group 1060 via the network 1080.

[0574] Note that if the text information relates to the control of the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m of the second device group 1060, and the controlled devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m are not directly controlled by the analysis server 1020, the text information is transmitted to the device server 1070 that controls the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m. Then, a command is transmitted from the device server 1070 to the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m via the network 1080.

[0575] (1-5) Air conditioner server The air conditioner server 1030 is an example of a command generating device.

[0576] The air conditioner server 1030 generates a command 1000C based on the results of analysis of the signal 1000S by the analysis server 1020 (i.e., text information generated by the analysis server 1020) transmitted from the analysis server 1020, and information 1000J on state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner 1010 and the air-conditioned space transmitted as appropriate from the transmission unit 1230a of the air conditioner 1010. The air conditioner server 1030 then transmits the command 1000C to the reception unit 1230b of the air conditioner 1010 via the network 1080. For example, without limitation, when the air conditioner server 1030 receives a command to "turn on air conditioner" as text information, it determines the operation of each unit of the air conditioner 1010 based on the current temperature of the air-conditioned space, etc., and transmits this as command 1000C.

[0577] Here, the air conditioner server 1030 generates the command 1000C based on the information 1000J in addition to the results of the analysis of the signal 1000S by the analysis server 1020, but this is not limited to this. The air conditioner server 1030 may also generate the command 1000C based only on the results of the analysis of the signal 1000S by the analysis server 1020.

[0578] Furthermore, the air conditioner server 1030 accumulates the signal 1000S transmitted from the transmission unit 1230a of the air conditioner 1010, and performs various analyses using the signal 1000S.

[0579] In this embodiment, the device control system 1001 includes an air conditioner server 1030, but is not limited to this. For example, if the air conditioner 1010 can directly determine the operation content based on the analysis result of the signal 1000S by the analysis server 1020 (i.e., text information generated by the analysis server 1020), the air conditioner server 1030 does not need to be provided. The analysis result of the signal 1000S by the analysis server 1020 may then be sent directly to the receiving unit 1230b of the air conditioner 1010 as a command 1000C.

[0580] (1-6) Device Server The device server 1070 generates a command for the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m of the second device group 1060 based on the result of analysis of the signal 1000S by the analysis server 1020 (i.e., text information generated by the analysis server 1020) transmitted from the analysis server 1020. Then, the device server 1070 transmits the command via the network 1080 to the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m of the second device group 1060 that are to be operated.

[0581] Although there is only one device server 1070 in FIG. 19, if there are multiple types of devices 1060a, 1060b, ... 1060m that are operated by the device server 1070 (not by commands from the analysis server 1020), it is preferable to have as many device servers 1070 as there are types.

[0582] Furthermore, if all of the devices 1060a, 1060b, . . . 1060m are operated by commands from the analysis server 1020, the device server 1070 does not need to exist.

[0583] (1-7) Infrared output device The infrared output device 1040 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores infrared signal patterns for control according to the operation content and the devices 1050a, 1050b, ..., 1050n of the first device group 1050. The infrared output device 1040 uses the infrared signal patterns stored in the storage unit to transmit infrared signals to the devices 1050a, 1050b, ..., 1050n of the first device group 1050 that are to be operated, in response to commands transmitted from the analysis server 1020.

[0584] (2) Air conditioner indoor unit The indoor unit 1012 of the air conditioner 1010 will be further described with reference to the drawings.

[0585] 21A is a schematic front view of the indoor unit 1012 of the air conditioner 1010. Fig. 21B is a schematic bottom view of another type of indoor unit 1012', which is a different type of indoor unit 1012. Figs. 21A and 21B also illustrate an operation unit 1200 of the air conditioner 1010.

[0586] In the following, expressions such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "up," and "down" may be used to explain directions and orientations, but unless otherwise specified, the directions indicated by these expressions will follow the directions of the arrows in the figures.

[0587] The indoor unit 1012 according to this embodiment is a wall-mounted type.

[0588] The indoor unit 1012 has a main body 1100 whose rear side is attached to a wall (see FIGS. 19 and 21A). The main body 1100 is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger, a fan, and a fan motor (not shown).

[0589] The main body 1100 is formed with an air outlet 1120 and an air inlet 1130 (see FIGS. 19 and 21A).

[0590] Air inlet 1130 is an opening for drawing air from the space to be air-conditioned into main body 1100. Air inlet 1130 extends with the longitudinal direction being the left-right direction when viewed from the front (see FIG. 21). Air inlet 1130 is formed from the upper front surface of main body 1100 to the top surface of main body 1100.

[0591] Air outlet 1120 is an opening for blowing out conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned. Air outlet 1120 is formed in the lower part of main body 1100. Air outlet 1120 is provided with a flap 1122 for adjusting the air direction in the vertical direction (see FIG. 19).

[0592] However, the type of indoor unit of the air conditioner is not limited to the wall-mounted type. For example, the air conditioner may be one that uses a ceiling-mounted indoor unit 1012' as shown in Figure 21B.

[0593] Another example of an indoor unit 1012' is, but is not limited to, a unit that blows out air in four directions (see FIG. 21B).

[0594] The indoor unit 1012' has a main body 1100' (see FIG. 21B). The main body 1100' is a housing that houses an indoor heat exchanger, a fan, and a fan motor (not shown). The main body 1100' has an air outlet 1120' and an air inlet 1130' (see FIG. 21B).

[0595] In main body 1100', suction port 1130' is formed in a square shape (see FIG. 21B). Suction port 1130' is formed in the center of main body 1100' when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 21B).

[0596] Furthermore, main body 1100' has air outlets 1120' formed at four locations on the underside of main body 1100'. Air outlets 1120' are formed near the front edge, rear edge, left edge, and right edge, respectively, along the four sides of square-shaped main body 1100' in bottom view. Air outlets 1120' are formed to surround air inlet 1130' located in the center of main body 1100' in bottom view.

[0597] Although not shown and described, the indoor unit of the air conditioner may be a ceiling-suspended type or a floor-standing type in addition to those described here.

[0598] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may be a built-in unit whose main body is not exposed to the space to be air-conditioned, or is exposed only slightly to the space to be air-conditioned. A built-in unit has its main body installed inside a wall or in the ceiling. For example, in a built-in unit, air blown out from an outlet of the main body is sent through a duct to an opening in the wall or ceiling, and then blown into the space to be air-conditioned.

[0599] The following description will be given taking the indoor unit 1012 of this embodiment as an example, but the indoor unit 1012' may also be configured in the same way.

[0600] A control board (not shown) of the indoor unit 1012 is housed inside the main body 1100. The control board of the indoor unit 1012 is connected to the operation unit 1200 by a cable unit 1300 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0601] The cable unit 1300 may be directly connected to the control board of the indoor unit 1012. Alternatively, the cable unit 1300 may be a USB cable, and the control board of the indoor unit 1012 and the operation unit 1200 may be communicably connected by connecting a USB terminal to a USB port provided in the indoor unit 1012.

[0602] (3) Operation unit The operation unit 1200 is a unit for voice operation of the air conditioner 1010. The operation unit 1200 is also an example of an operation device for the air conditioner 1010.

[0603] The operation unit 1200 includes a CPU (not shown) that executes various processes, and a storage device (not shown) that stores programs executed by the CPU and various information. The operation unit 1200 also includes a microphone element 1210a included in the voice reception unit 1210, a speaker as the notification unit 1220, a voice processing chip that performs various processes on the voice acquired by the microphone element 1210a, a wireless LAN adapter that functions as the communication unit 1230, etc.

[0604] The operation unit 1200 is disposed outside the main body 1100 of the indoor unit 1012 .

[0605] For example, the operation unit 1200 is attached to a wall surface facing the space to be air-conditioned (see the operation unit 1200 drawn with a solid line in FIG. 21A). Also, for example, the operation unit 1200 may be attached to the main body 1100 (on the surface of the main body 1100) (see the operation unit 1200 drawn with a dashed line in FIG. 21A and the operation unit 1200 drawn with a solid line in FIG. 21B). Also, the operation unit 1200 may be attached to a ceiling surface facing the space to be air-conditioned (see the operation unit 1200 drawn with a dashed line or a broken line in FIG. 21B).

[0606] Here, the operation unit 1200 is attached to a wall surface near the wall-mounted indoor unit 1012 or on the main body 1100 of the indoor unit 1012 (see FIG. 21A), and the operation unit 1200 is attached to a ceiling surface near the ceiling-embedded indoor unit 1012' or on the main body 1100' of the indoor unit 1012', but this is not limiting. For example, when a wall-mounted indoor unit 1012 is used, the operation unit 1200 may be attached to a ceiling surface facing the space to be air-conditioned. Furthermore, for example, when a ceiling-embedded indoor unit 1012' is used, the operation unit 1200 may be attached to a wall surface facing the space to be air-conditioned.

[0607] The operation unit 1200 includes a main body 1270 , a voice reception unit 1210 , a notification unit 1220 , a communication unit 1230 , a voice processing unit 1240 , a command transmission unit 1250 , and a switch 1260 .

[0608] (3-1) Main body The main body 1270 is a housing of the operation unit 1200, in which various components of the operation unit 1200 are housed and to which various components of the operation unit 1200 are attached on the surface.

[0609] The shape of the main body 1270 is not limited, but for example, it is formed in a long and narrow rectangle (see the operation unit 1200 drawn in FIG. 21A and the operation unit 1200 drawn in solid or dashed lines in FIG. 21B). The main body 1270 extends with the horizontal direction as the longitudinal direction when attached to the main body 1100 of the indoor unit 1012 or when attached to the wall or ceiling surface facing the space to be air-conditioned.

[0610] Note that main body 1270 may be formed in a square shape, for example, as depicted by the dashed line in Fig. 21B. Also, main body 1270 may be formed in a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape other than a square, or the like.

[0611] As described above, the main body 1270 is preferably attached to the main body 1100, 1100' of the indoor unit 1012, or to a wall or ceiling surface facing the space to be air-conditioned. For example, the main body 1270 depicted in solid lines in FIG. 21A is attached to a wall surface below the main body 1100. The main body 1270 depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 21A is attached to the front of the main body 1100, between the air outlet 1120 and the air inlet 1130. The main body 1270 depicted in solid lines in FIG. 21B is attached to the underside of the main body 1100, between the air outlet 1120' and the air inlet 1130'. The main body 1270 depicted in dashed lines in FIG. 21B is attached to the ceiling surface near a corner of the substantially square-shaped main body 1100'. Furthermore, main body 1270, which is depicted by a broken line in FIG. 21B, is also attached to the ceiling surface near a corner of approximately square-shaped main body 1100'.

[0612] In order to prevent the input of instruction voice from being affected by noise, it is preferable that the main body 1270 is installed so that at least the voice receiving unit 1210 provided in the main body 1270 is near the air outlets 1120, 1120' of the indoor unit 1012, but is not placed in a location where it is directly exposed to the air blown out from the air outlets 1120, 1120'.

[0613] (3-2) Voice Reception Section The voice receiving unit 1210 receives input of voice instructions for the air conditioner 1010. The voice receiving unit 1210 is also configured to be able to receive input of voice instructions for the devices 1050a, 1050b, ..., 1050n of the first device group 1050 and the devices 1060a, 1060b, ..., 1060m of the second device group 1060.

[0614] The voice receiving unit 1210 has a microphone element 1210a that receives a command voice.

[0615] The number of microphone elements 1210a included in the voice receiving unit 1210 may be one, as in the operation unit 1200 drawn by the dashed line in Fig. 21B. However, it is preferable that the number of microphone elements 1210a included in the voice receiving unit 1210 is at least two or more (see the operation unit 1200 drawn in Fig. 21A and the operation unit 1200 drawn by the solid line and dashed line in Fig. 21B).

[0616] By providing two or more microphone elements 1210a and arranging them so that instruction voices can be easily acquired from different locations, instruction voices can be more reliably acquired by the voice receiving unit 1210 regardless of the location of the operator (speaker). Also, by providing two or more microphone elements 1210a and arranging them so that instruction voices can be easily acquired from different locations, it is possible to detect the position of the person (operator) from the detection results and control the air conditioner 1010 based on this information.

[0617] Furthermore, when main body 1270 has a shape extending in the horizontal direction as the longitudinal direction, like operation unit 1200 drawn in FIG. 21A and operation unit 1200 drawn with solid lines and dashed lines in FIG. 21B, and there are two or more microphone elements 1210a, it is preferable that microphone elements 1210a are provided at least at both ends of operation unit 1200 (main body 1270) in the longitudinal direction.

[0618] (3-3) Notification Department The notification unit 1220 is a speaker here.

[0619] The notification unit 1220 mainly notifies the reception of a voice instruction by the voice reception unit 1210. For example, specifically, when the voice reception unit 1210 receives a voice instruction, the notification unit 1220 notifies the reception of the voice instruction by the voice reception unit 1210 by uttering a sentence such as "Voice has been received" or by repeating the received voice instruction. Furthermore, the notification unit 1220 may be configured to notify the content of the operation (for example, a sentence such as "operation will start") when the air conditioner 1010 performs various operations. Furthermore, the notification unit 1220 may be configured to notify the content of the operation when the devices of the first device group 1050 and the second device group 1060 perform various operations.

[0620] It should be noted that the speaker serving as the notification unit 1220 does not need to notify by uttering sentences or words, and may notify by beeps or the like.

[0621] Furthermore, the notification unit 1220 does not have to be a speaker. For example, the notification unit 1220 can be an alarm of another notification type, such as a lamp that notifies by light, a vibrator that notifies by vibration, or a display that displays information. By providing the notification unit in the operation unit, the user can recognize that the voice has been received by the voice receiving unit.

[0622] (3-4) Communications Department The communication unit 1230 is, for example, a wireless LAN adapter that performs wireless communication with the router 1082. The communication unit 1230 may also be a network adapter that is connected to the router 1082 via a wired LAN. The communication unit 1230 has, as functional units, a transmission unit 1230a that transmits information and a reception unit 1230b that receives information (see FIG. 20). The communication unit 1230 including the transmission unit 1230a and the reception unit 1230b has already been described, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0623] (3-5) Audio processing unit The voice processing unit 1240 processes the instruction voice received by the microphone element 1210a of the voice receiving unit 1210 to generate a signal 1000S. The voice processing unit 1240 also recognizes only the specific instruction voice among the instruction voices received by the microphone element 1210a, and generates a predetermined command 1000C0. The voice processing unit 1240 is, for example, an integrated circuit that performs these functions.

[0624] The audio processing unit 1240 performs AD conversion on the instruction audio to generate a digital audio signal, which is an example of the signal 1000S. Preferably, the audio processing unit 1240 generates the signal 1000S by further compressing the AD-converted instruction audio using various audio data compression methods (e.g., MP3, etc.). In another embodiment, the audio processing unit 1240 may generate the signal 1000S by converting the instruction audio into text (data in which the instruction audio is replaced with text).

[0625] The transmitting unit 1230a transmits the signal 1000S generated by the audio processing unit 1240 (for example, the instruction audio that has been subjected to audio compression processing by the audio processing unit 1240) to the outside (to the analysis server 1020, etc.).

[0626] The specific instruction voice recognized by the voice processing unit 1240 is, for example, a voice requesting the operation unit 1200 to prepare for input of the next instruction voice. The predetermined command 1000C0 includes, for example, a command requesting the voice receiving unit 1210 to receive a subsequent instruction voice. The predetermined command 1000C0 also includes, for example, a command requesting the transmission unit 1230a of the communication unit 1230 to prepare for transmission of the signal 1000S based on an instruction voice other than the specific instruction voice (received following the specific instruction voice) among the instruction voices received by the voice receiving unit 1210.

[0627] The specific instruction voice does not have to be a voice requesting that the operation unit 1200 prepare for the input of the next instruction voice. For example, the specific instruction voice may be a voice requesting the execution of a basic operation (e.g., on / off) of the air conditioner 1010, and the predetermined command 1000C0 generated in response to this may be a command requesting the controller 1018 to start / stop the air conditioner 1010. Then, the signal 1000S based on the instruction voice requesting the execution of an operation of the air conditioner 1010 other than a basic operation may be transmitted to the outside (analysis server 1020).

[0628] In this embodiment, the sound processing unit 1240 is provided in the operation unit 1200, but this is not limiting. For example, the sound processing unit 1240 may be provided in the indoor unit 1012 of the air conditioner 1010.

[0629] (3-6) Switch The switch 1260 is a switch for switching the operating state of the voice receiving unit 1210 .

[0630] The switch 1260 is provided, for example, on the main body 1270 (see the operation unit 1200 drawn with a solid line in FIG. 21A).

[0631] In addition, when the main body 1270 is installed in a position that is difficult for people to reach (for example, a high place), the switch 1260, which is separate from the main body 1270 in which the voice receiving unit 1210 is installed, may be installed in a position away from the main body 1270 (see the operation unit 1200 drawn by the dashed line in FIG. 21A). Although the illustration of the switch 1260 is omitted in FIG. 21B, since it is assumed in FIG. 21B that the main body 1270 is installed near the ceiling, the switch 1260 is arranged, for example, in a position away from the main body 1270 (for example, on a wall surface). When the switch 1260 is installed in a position away from the main body 1270, the switch 1260 and the main body 1270 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly.

[0632] Although not limited to this, the switch 1260 is a push button switch. By pressing the switch 1260, the operating state of the voice receiving unit 1210 is switched between a sleep state in which a command voice is not received and an active state in which a command voice can be received.

[0633] Note that the operating state of the voice receiving unit 1210 may be switched between a sleep state and an active state each time the switch 1260 is pressed. Also, when the switch 1260 is pressed, the operating state of the voice receiving unit 1210 may be switched from the sleep state to the active state for a predetermined period of time.

[0634] The operation unit 1200 may not have the switch 1260, and the operating state of the voice reception unit 1210 may always be set to the active state. However, in order to prevent the voice reception unit 1210 from receiving voice at an unintended timing (to prevent the air conditioner 1010 and the devices in the first device group 1050 and the second device group 1060 from unintendedly malfunctioning), it is preferable that the operation unit 1200 be provided with the switch 1260.

[0635] (3-7) Command transmission unit The command transmitting unit 1250 transmits various commands to the controller 1018 of the air conditioner 1010. For example, the command transmitting unit 1250 transmits a signal based on the command 1000C received by the receiving unit 1230b from the air conditioner server 1030, via the cable unit 1300, to the controller 1018 of the air conditioner 1010 that controls the operation of the air conditioner 1010. Furthermore, the command transmitting unit 1250 transmits a predetermined command 1000C0 generated by the voice processing unit 1240 as necessary, via the cable unit 1300, to the controller 1018 of the air conditioner 1010 that controls the operation of the air conditioner 1010.

[0636] (4) Features of the air conditioner and operation unit (operating device) (4-1) The air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment includes an indoor unit 1012 having a main body 1100. The main body 1100 is formed with an air outlet 1120 that blows conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned. The air conditioner 1010 includes an operation unit 1200, a cable unit 1300, a transmitter 1230a, a receiver 1230b, and a controller 1018 as an example of an air conditioner control unit. The operation unit 1200 includes a voice receiver 1210. The voice receiver 1210 receives input of voice commands. The operation unit 1200 is disposed outside the main body 1100. The cable unit 1300 connects the indoor unit 1012 and the operation unit 1200 so that they can communicate with each other. The transmitter 1230a transmits a signal 1000S based on the voice commands received by the voice receiver 1210 to the outside. The receiving unit 1230b receives from the outside a command 1000C corresponding to the signal 1000S transmitted by the transmitting unit 1230a. The controller 1018 controls the operation of the air conditioner 1010 based on the command 1000C.

[0637] In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, an operation unit 1200 for voice operation is attached externally to the indoor unit 1012, and a command 1000C is generated outside the air conditioner 1010 based on the instruction voice, so it is easy to change whether or not to attach a voice operation function to the air conditioner 1010 according to the user's needs. Because the operation unit 1200 is attached externally, it is also easy to add a voice operation function to an existing air conditioner that does not have one.

[0638] Furthermore, in this air conditioner 1010, the operation unit 1200 is externally attached to the indoor unit 1012, which allows for a high degree of freedom in the placement of the operation unit 1200. Therefore, regardless of the placement location of the indoor unit 1012 (for example, even if the placement location of the indoor unit 1012 is far from the location where the user of the air conditioner 1010 mainly works), instructions from the user can be reliably received by the voice receiving unit 1210.

[0639] Furthermore, in this air conditioner 1010, the indoor unit 1012 and the operation unit 1200 are connected by wire, so signals 1000S can be reliably exchanged between these units.

[0640] Preferably, the operation unit 1200 includes a notification unit 1220. The notification unit 1220 notifies the reception of the instruction voice by the voice reception unit 1210.

[0641] (4-2) In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, the transmission section 1230a and the reception section 1230b are mounted on the operation unit 1200.

[0642] Here, operation unit 1200 is equipped with transmission unit 1230a and reception unit 1230b in addition to voice reception unit 1210 and notification unit 1220, making it particularly easy to enable or disable the voice operation function for air conditioner 1010 according to the user's needs. Also, because the various components required for voice operation are all installed together in operation unit 1200, it is easy to add a voice operation function to existing air conditioners that do not have one.

[0643] (4-3) In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, the operation unit 1200 has a switch 1260 that switches the operating state of the voice reception section 1210 from a sleep state in which voice instructions are not received to an active state in which voice instructions can be received.

[0644] Here, operation unit 1200 is provided with switch 1260 for switching the operating state of voice reception unit 1210 to an active state, making it easy to operate voice reception unit 1210 only when it is desired to input a voice command. As a result, this air conditioner 1010 can prevent malfunction of air conditioner 1010 due to voices uttered without the intention of giving a command.

[0645] (4-4) In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, the cable unit 1300 functions as a power line that supplies power to the operation unit 1200.

[0646] Here, the cable unit 1300 that connects the indoor unit 1012 and the operation unit 1200 also functions as a power line, so the operation unit 1200 can function without having to provide a power outlet dedicated to the operation unit 1200, which is highly convenient.

[0647] (4-5) In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, the operation unit 1200 extends with its longitudinal direction in the horizontal direction, and is attached to the main body 1100 or to a wall or ceiling surface facing the space to be air conditioned.

[0648] This makes it possible to realize an air conditioner 1010 that is aesthetically pleasing.

[0649] (4-6) In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, the voice receiving section 1210 has at least two microphone elements 1210a. The microphone elements 1210a are provided at both ends of the operation unit 1200 at least in the longitudinal direction.

[0650] Here, since microphone elements 1210a are provided at both ends in the horizontal direction, instructions from the user can be easily received by voice receiving section 1210 no matter where the user is located relative to operation unit 1200.

[0651] (4-7) In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, the transmitter 1230a transmits a signal 1000S to an analysis server 1020, which is an example of an analysis device that analyzes the signal 1000S, via the network 1080. The receiver 1230b receives a command 1000C generated based on the results of the analysis of the signal 1000S by the analysis server 1020.

[0652] Here, the instruction voice is sent to an external analysis server 1020, and a command 1000C is generated based on the analysis results, so that the air conditioner can be operated by voice even when a relatively complex operation is to be performed by the air conditioner.

[0653] Furthermore, using the operation unit 1200, it is easy to operate various types of devices including the air conditioner 1010 (the devices in the first device group 1050 and the second device group 1060) by voice.

[0654] (4-8) In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, the transmitter 1230a transmits information 1000J about state quantities related to at least one of the air conditioner 1010 and the air-conditioned space to an air conditioner server 1030, which is an example of a command generating device. The receiver 1230b receives a command 1000C generated by the air conditioner server 1030 based on the results of analysis of the signal 1000S by the analysis server 1020 and the information 1000J about the state quantities.

[0655] Here, instructions are given to the air conditioner 1010 based on the analysis results of the instruction voice and information regarding state quantities related to the air conditioner 1010 and the space to be air-conditioned, so that the air conditioner 1010 is more likely to perform appropriate control based on the instruction voice.

[0656] (4-9) The air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment further includes an audio processing unit 1240 as an example of an audio compression unit that compresses the instruction audio received by the audio receiving unit 1210. The transmitting unit 1230a transmits the instruction audio that has been subjected to audio compression processing by the audio processing unit 1240 to the outside as a signal 1000S.

[0657] Here, the instruction voice is compressed before being transmitted to the outside, thereby realizing efficient communication.

[0658] (4-10) In the air conditioner 1010 according to this embodiment, the transmission unit 1230a transmits the signal 1000S to a plurality of addresses.

[0659] Here, the voice received by the voice receiving unit 1210 is sent to multiple addresses, so that the acquired voice can be used for various processes.

[0660] (4-11) An operation unit 1200 as an example of an operation device according to this embodiment is the operation unit 1200 of the air conditioner 1010, which is disposed outside the main body 1100 of the indoor unit 1012 of the air conditioner 1010 and connected to the indoor unit 1012 via a cable unit 1300. The main body 1100 of the indoor unit 1012 is formed with an air outlet 1120 that blows conditioned air into a space to be air-conditioned. The operation unit 1200 includes a voice receiving unit 1210, an alarm unit 1220, a transmitter 1230a, a receiver 1230b, and a command transmitter 1250. The voice receiving unit 1210 receives input of voice instructions for the air conditioner 1010. The alarm unit 1220 notifies the reception of the voice instructions by the voice receiving unit 1210. The transmitter 1230a transmits to the outside a signal 1000S based on the instruction voice received by the voice receiver 1210. The receiver 1230b receives from the outside a command 1000C corresponding to the signal 1000S transmitted by the transmitter 1230a. The command transmitter 1250 transmits the signal based on the command 1000C received by the receiver 1230b via the cable unit 1300 to the controller 1018 of the air conditioner 1010, which controls the operation of the air conditioner 1010.

[0661] In this operation unit 1200, the various components required for voice operation are all mounted together in the operation unit 1200, so it is easy to add a voice operation function to the air conditioner 1010 according to the needs of the user.

[0662] (4-12) The operation unit 1200 according to this embodiment includes a switch 1260. The switch 1260 switches the operating state of the voice receiving unit 1210 from a sleep state in which an instruction voice is not received to an active state in which an instruction voice can be received.

[0663] Here, operation unit 1200 has switch 1260 that switches the operating state of voice reception unit 1210 to the active state, making it easy to operate voice reception unit 1210 only when you want to input a voice command. This makes it possible to prevent malfunction of air conditioner 1010 due to voices that are uttered without the intention of giving a command.

[0664] (4-13) The operation unit 1200 according to this embodiment receives power supply via a cable unit 1300 .

[0665] Here, power is supplied via the cable unit 1300 that connects the indoor unit 1012 and the operation unit 1200, so there is no need to provide a dedicated power outlet for the operation unit 1200, which is highly convenient.

[0666] (5) Variations Modifications of the above embodiment are shown below. The modifications may be combined with each other as appropriate within a range that does not cause contradictions.

[0667] (5-1) Variation 2A In the above embodiment, the device control system 1001 is a system that can operate devices in the first device group 1050 and the second device group 1060 by command voice, but the present invention is not limited to this. The device control system 1001 may be a system that does not control the operation of either the first device group 1050 or the second device group 1060, or both the first device group 1050 and the second device group 1060. The device control system 1001 may not include the device groups 1050 and 1060 that are not operated by command voice, or the infrared output device 1040 and device server 1070 required to control the device groups 1050 and 1060.

[0668] (5-2) Variation 2B In the above embodiment, the analysis server 1020, the air conditioner server 1030, and the device server 1070 of the device control system 1001 are separate servers, but this is not limiting. For example, one server may function as the analysis server 1020 and the air conditioner server 1030, or as the analysis server 1020, the air conditioner server 1030, and the device server 1070.

[0669] Conversely, the functions of the analysis server 1020, the air conditioner server 1030, and the equipment server 1070 described in the above embodiment may be achieved by a plurality of servers rather than by a single server.

[0670] In addition, in the above embodiment, the signal 1000S transmitted by the transmission unit 1230a is received by the analysis server 1020, but this is not limited to this. For example, the transmission unit 1230a may transmit the signal 1000S to the air conditioner server 1030, and the signal 1000S may be transmitted from the air conditioner server 1030 to the analysis server 1020.

[0671] (5-3) Variation 2C In the above embodiment, the air conditioner has been described as an example of a device that mainly adjusts the temperature and humidity of air, but the air conditioner is not limited to this type of device. The air conditioner may also be an air purifier that removes dust and other particles from the air and blows out purified air, or an airflow adjustment device that adjusts the airflow in the space to be air-conditioned.

[0672] Ninth Embodiment An air conditioning system 2010a according to the ninth embodiment and an air conditioner 2010 according to one embodiment of the air conditioner will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0673] (1) Overview of the equipment control system First, a device control system 2001 including an air conditioning system 2010a will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0674] Fig. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of a device control system 2001 including an air conditioning system 2010a. Fig. 23 is a schematic block diagram of the device control system 2001. Note that in Fig. 23, some components of the device control system 2001 are not shown.

[0675] The air conditioning system 2010a constitutes a part of the device control system 2001. The air conditioning system 2010a mainly includes an air conditioner 2010 and an operation unit 2200. The operation unit 2200 is an example of a voice reception unit. The operation unit 2200 is used to input voice instructions to the air conditioner 2010.

[0676] The device control system 2001 is a system that can control devices 2050a, 2050b, ... 2050n included in a first device group 2050 and devices 2060a, 2060b, ... 2060m included in a second device group 2060, which will be described later, in addition to the air conditioner 2010, by voice instructions from an operator. The device control system 2001 is configured so that devices in the first device group 2050 and the second device group 2060, in addition to the air conditioner 2010, can be operated by inputting voice instructions to an operation unit 2200 of the air conditioning system 2010a.

[0677] The device control system 2001 mainly includes an air conditioning system 2010a including an air conditioner 2010, a first device group 2050, a second device group 2060, an infrared output device 2040, an analysis server 2020, an air conditioner server 2030, and an device server 2070 (see FIG. 22).

[0678] The air conditioner 2010, the first device group 2050, the second device group 2060, and the infrared output device 2040 are devices installed in a building 2000B (see FIG. 22). For example, the building 2000B is a detached house, but is not limited to this. The building 2000B may be an office building, a commercial facility, a factory, etc. The analysis server 2020, the air conditioner server 2030, and the device server 2070 are typically installed in a location separate from the building 2000B, but are not limited to this.

[0679] 22 depicts only one building 2000B in which an air conditioner 2010, a first device group 2050, and a second device group 2060 whose operation is controlled by the device control system 2001 are located. However, there may be multiple buildings 2000B. In other words, the device control system 2001 may be a system that controls the operation of the air conditioners 2010, the first device group 2050, and the second device group 2060 that are respectively located in multiple buildings 2000B. Here, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that there is only one building 2000B.

[0680] Furthermore, the number of each of the air conditioner 2010, the devices of the first device group 2050, the devices of the second device group 2060, and the infrared output device 2040 arranged in the building 2000B may be one or more, regardless of the numbers depicted in Fig. 22. Note that, in this explanation, it is assumed that the number of the air conditioner 2010 and the infrared output device 2040 arranged in the building 2000B is one, and that the number of the devices of the first device group 2050 and the second device group 2060 arranged in the building 2000B is each more than one.

[0681] 22 and 23 show only one operation unit 2200 included in the air conditioning system 2010a, but the present invention is not limited to this and there may be multiple operation units 2200. For example, the operation units 2200 may be installed in multiple locations within the building 2000B.

[0682] The air conditioning system 2010a having the air conditioner 2010, the first device group 2050, the second device group 2060, the infrared output device 2040, the analysis server 2020, the air conditioner server 2030, and the device server 2070 will be further described below.

[0683] (1-1) Air conditioning system The air conditioner 2010 and the operation unit 2200 of the air conditioning system 2010a will be described below.

[0684] (A) Operation unit The operation unit 2200 is a unit for voice operation of the air conditioner 2010. The operation unit 2200 is also a unit for voice operation of devices 2050a, 2050b, ... 2050n included in a first device group 2050 and devices 2060a, 2060b, ... 2060m included in a second device group 2060, which will be described later.

[0685] The operation unit 2200 is installed, for example, in the building 2000B (for example, fixed to a wall surface or the like). The operation unit 2200 may be a unit having the functions described below and used exclusively for inputting voice commands, or may be a device having other functions (for example, a function as a clock or a function as a music player).

[0686] Furthermore, the operation unit 2200 may be a mobile terminal. While not limited to a specific type, the mobile terminal may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or the like, which has a voice reception unit. For example, the operation unit 2200 is a wristwatch-type device that the operator wears on their wrist.

[0687] When a plurality of operation units 2200 are used, each of the operation units 2200 may be of a different type from the other operation units 2200.

[0688] The operation unit 2200 includes a CPU (not shown) that executes various processes, and a storage device (not shown) that stores programs executed by the CPU and various information. The operation unit 2200 also includes a microphone element 2210a of the voice receiving unit 2210, a speaker as the notification unit 2220, an A / D conversion circuit that performs A / D conversion processing on the voice acquired by the microphone element 2210a, and the like.

[0689] The operation unit 2200 includes a voice receiving unit 2210 , a notification unit 2220 , a voice processing unit 2230 , a first information transmitting unit 2250 , and a switch 2260 .

[0690] (A-1) Voice Reception Section The voice receiving unit 2210 receives input of voice instructions for the air conditioner 2010. The voice receiving unit 2210 is also configured to be able to receive input of voice instructions for the devices in the first device group 2050 and the second device group 2060.

[0691] The voice receiving unit 2210 has a microphone element 2210a that receives an instruction voice. The number of microphone elements 2210a may be one or more (in FIG. 23, the number of microphone elements 2210a is two).

[0692] For example, when the operation unit 2200 is a stationary device, by providing a plurality of microphone elements 2210a and arranging the microphone elements 2210a so that instruction voices can be easily acquired from different locations, the instruction voice can be more reliably acquired by the voice receiving unit 2210 regardless of the location of the operator (speaker). Also, by providing a plurality of microphone elements 2210a and arranging them so that instruction voices can be easily acquired from different locations, the position of the person (operator) can be detected from the detection results, and the air conditioner 2010 can be controlled based on this information.

[0693] (A-2) Notification Department The notification unit 2220 is a speaker here.

[0694] The notification unit 2220 mainly notifies the reception of a voice instruction by the voice reception unit 2210. For example, specifically, when the voice reception unit 2210 receives a voice instruction, the notification unit 2220 notifies the reception of the voice instruction by the voice reception unit 2210 by uttering a sentence such as "Voice has been received" or by repeating the received voice instruction. Furthermore, the notification unit 2220 may be configured to notify the content of the operation (for example, a sentence such as "operation will start") when the air conditioner 2010 performs various operations. Furthermore, the notification unit 2220 may be configured to notify the content of the operation when the devices of the first device group 2050 and the second device group 2060 perform various operations.

[0695] It should be noted that the speaker serving as the notification unit 2220 does not need to notify by uttering sentences or words, and may notify by beeps or the like.

[0696] Furthermore, the notification unit 2220 does not have to be a speaker. For example, the notification unit 2220 can be a notification device of another notification type, such as a lamp that notifies by light, a vibrator that notifies by vibration, or a display that notifies by displaying information. By providing the notification unit in the operation unit, the user can recognize that the voice has been received by the voice receiving unit.

[0697] (A-3) Audio processing unit The audio processing unit 2230 is a functional unit that processes the instruction audio received by the microphone element 2210a of the audio receiving unit 2210 and generates the first information 2000S1. The audio processing unit 2230 is realized by, for example, an A / D conversion circuit. The audio processing unit 2230 performs A / D conversion on the instruction audio to generate a digital audio signal, which is an example of the first information 2000S1. That is, in one embodiment, the first information 2000S1 is A / D converted audio information.

[0698] In addition, if the instruction voice received by the voice receiving unit 2210 is transmitted to the controller 2150 of the air conditioner 2010 as an analog voice signal (i.e., if the first information 2000S1 is analog voice information), the operation unit 2200 does not need to have the voice processing unit 2230.

[0699] (A-4) First information transmission unit The first information transmitting unit 2250 is a transmitter that transmits first information 2000S1 corresponding to the instruction voice received by the voice receiving unit 2210 to the controller 2150 of the air conditioner 2010 via wireless communication.

[0700] For example, the first information transmission unit 2250 transmits the first information 2000S1 to the controller 2150 by radio waves (for example, by Bluetooth (registered trademark) method). Alternatively, the first information transmission unit 2250 may transmit the first information 2000S1 to the controller 2150 by an infrared signal.

[0701] (A-5) Switch The switch 2260 is a switch for switching the operating state of the voice receiving unit 2210 .

[0702] Although not limited to this, switch 2260 is a push button switch. By pressing switch 2260, the operating state of voice receiving unit 2210 is switched between a sleep state in which command voice is not received and an active state in which command voice can be received.

[0703] The operating state of the voice receiving unit 2210 may be switched between a sleep state and an active state each time the switch 2260 is pressed. Furthermore, when the switch 2260 is pressed, the operating state of the voice receiving unit 2210 may be switched from the sleep state to the active state for a predetermined period of time.

[0704] The operation unit 2200 may not have the switch 2260, and the operation state of the voice reception unit 2210 may always be set to the active state. However, to prevent the voice reception unit 2210 from receiving voice at an unintended timing (to prevent the air conditioner 2010 and the devices in the first device group 2050 and the second device group 2060 from unintendedly malfunctioning), it is preferable that the operation unit 2200 be provided with the switch 2260.

[0705] (B)Air conditioner The air conditioner 2010 is an air conditioner that can be operated by inputting a voice command into the voice receiving unit 2210 of the operation unit 2200. The voice command is not limited to, but may be, for example, "Turn on air conditioning" or "Set temperature to 25°C." The air conditioner 2010 may be configured to be operable not only by voice operation but also by a general remote control.

[0706] The air conditioner 2010 mainly has an indoor unit 2012, an outdoor unit 2014, refrigerant communication piping (not shown) connecting these, and a controller 2150 (see FIGS. 22 and 23). The air conditioner 2010 is a device that conditions the air of a space to be air-conditioned. The space to be air-conditioned is, for example, a room in the building 2000B in which the indoor unit 2012 is placed. The type of the indoor unit 2012 is not particularly limited. For example, a wall-mounted type, a ceiling-embedded type, a ceiling-suspended type, a floor-standing type, a built-in type (in which the main body of the indoor unit 2012 is placed inside a wall or above the ceiling), or the like can be applied to the air conditioner 2010.

[0707] In the air conditioner 2010, the indoor unit 2012 and the outdoor unit 2014 are connected via a refrigerant communication pipe, and thus an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) of the indoor unit 2012 and a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, etc. (not shown) of the outdoor unit 2014 are connected by piping to form a refrigerant circuit. In the air conditioner 2010, the space in which the indoor unit 2012 is installed is cooled / heated by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0708] The operating principles and details of the air conditioner 2010 using the vapor compression refrigeration cycle are widely known, and therefore will not be described here. The air conditioner 2010 does not need to be an air conditioner capable of both cooling and heating the space to be air-conditioned, but may be an air conditioner dedicated to cooling or heating. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 2010 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 2012 and the air in the space to be air-conditioned, but the air conditioner is not limited to this type of equipment. For example, the air conditioner 2010 may be an apparatus in which the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit 2012 (fan coil unit) exchanges heat between the cold water / hot water flowing inside the indoor heat exchanger and the air in the space to be air-conditioned.

[0709] Furthermore, the air conditioner is not limited to a device that adjusts the temperature and humidity of air, but may also be an air purifier that removes dust and other particles from the air and blows out purified air, or an airflow adjustment device that adjusts the airflow in the space to be air-conditioned.

[0710] (B-1) Controller The controller 2150 controls the operation of the air conditioner 2010 .

[0711] The controller 2150 also has a function that enables voice control of the air conditioner 2010. The controller 2150 enables voice control of the air conditioner 2010 by generally performing the following processing.

[0712] The controller 2150 receives first information 2000S1 transmitted from the first information transmis...

Claims

[Claim 1] A transmitting device (3200) having a voice receiving unit (3210) that receives input of voice instructions for an operation target device having a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, a text conversion unit (3230) that converts the voice received by the voice receiving unit into a text data format, a transmitting unit (3250) that transmits data based on the voice received by the voice receiving unit via a communication line (3080), and a switching unit (3240) that switches the format of the data transmitted by the transmitting unit between a voice data format and a text data format; a receiving device (3020, 3030) having a receiving unit that receives at least one of the temperature and / or pressure of a refrigerant measured by a sensor provided in the refrigeration cycle, the number of revolutions of a motor of a compressor of the refrigeration cycle, and the opening degree of an expansion valve of the refrigeration cycle as information on the state quantity of the operation target device, and the data transmitted by the transmitting unit of the transmitting device, and a recognizing unit (3022) that recognizes the content of the received data; Equipped with The transmitting device further includes a determining unit (3270) for determining a traffic state of the communication line, the switching unit switches the format of the data transmitted by the transmission unit between the audio data format and the text data format based on a determination result of the determination unit; the receiving device generates a command for the operation target device based on the recognition result of the recognition unit and information regarding a state quantity of the operation target device, and transmits the command to the operation target device. A communication system (3001).

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