Air conditioning system, air conditioning method, and program

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning system or the like which can improve the usability of an air conditioner.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning system 100 comprises: an acquisition part 110 for acquiring a first time at which air-conditioning control by an air conditioner is started; a calculation part 120 for multiplying a first prescribed value which is larger than 0 and smaller than 1 to past-calculated numerical values corresponding to a plurality of different time zones, and newly calculating numerical values corresponding to the plurality of time zones by adding a second prescribed value which is larger than 0 to numerical values corresponding to the time zones including the first time out of the plurality of time zones; an estimation part 130 for estimating a reference zone being a time zone including a second time at which the air-conditioning control is started out of the plurality of time zones on the basis of a calculation result of the calculation part 120; and a control part 140 for making the air conditioner prepare the execution of the air-conditioning control which is executed in the reference zone.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system that optimizes the operating capacity of an air conditioner or the like by learning using a reward that correlates with the total energy consumption of the air conditioner or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-183862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system and the like that can improve the convenience of air conditioners. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires a first time when air conditioning control by an air conditioner is started; a calculation unit that calculates new numerical values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of different time intervals by multiplying previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals by a first predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and adding a second predetermined value greater than 0 to the numerical value corresponding to a time interval among the plurality of time intervals that includes the first time; an estimation unit that estimates a reference interval among the plurality of time intervals based on the calculation result of the calculation unit, which is a time interval that includes a second time when the air conditioning control is started; and a control unit that causes the air conditioner to prepare for the air conditioning control to be performed during the reference interval.

[0006] Furthermore, an air conditioning method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition step of acquiring a first time when air conditioning control by an air conditioner is started; a calculation step of calculating new numerical values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of different time intervals by multiplying previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals by a first predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and adding a second predetermined value greater than 0 to the numerical value corresponding to a time interval among the plurality of time intervals that includes the first time; an estimation step of estimating a reference interval among the plurality of time intervals that includes a second time when the air conditioning control is started based on the calculation result in the calculation step; and a control step of causing the air conditioner to prepare for the air conditioning control to be performed in the reference interval.

[0007] Furthermore, a program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system or the like that can improve the convenience of an air conditioner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the learning unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for calculating values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for calculating values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals according to a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the reference interval estimation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for calculating values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for calculating values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Background to this disclosure) In air conditioners and other air conditioners, there is a mechanism for learning the time periods in which a user has previously started an air conditioning control such as heating. For example, the number of times that a user has previously started an air conditioning control such as heating is used for learning. The number of times is calculated, for example, by counting up the number of times that a user has previously started an air conditioning control such as heating for each time period.

[0011] According to this, charging operations such as preheating operations are performed before the time period when users often start air conditioning control, so that when the user starts heating with the air conditioner using, for example, a remote controller (hereinafter simply referred to as remote control), warm air is immediately released.

[0012] Here, if the timing at which the user causes the air conditioner to start air conditioning control changes due to changes in the user's lifestyle, simply learning using the number of times calculated by counting up as described above will have a large influence on the past number of times even if repeated learning is performed, and charging operation in accordance with changes in the user's lifestyle may not be performed immediately.

[0013] In consideration of such problems, the inventors of the present application have come to create the air conditioning control system and the like according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangements and connection forms, steps, and step sequences shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims of the present disclosure will be described as optional components.

[0015] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily an exact illustration. In addition, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

[0016] (Embodiment) [composition] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0017] The air conditioning system 100 is a system for adjusting the state of air (also referred to as air conditioning control). The air conditioning system 100 controls, for example, the indoor temperature, humidity, and / or airflow as air conditioning control. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 100 is an air conditioner, and more specifically, an air conditioner.

[0018] The air conditioning system 100 includes an acquisition unit 110, a calculation unit 120, an estimation unit 130, a control unit 140, an air conditioning unit 150, a reception unit 160, and a storage unit 170.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the control unit 140 controls the air conditioning unit 150 to perform heating as the air conditioning control of the air conditioning system 100 (that is, the air conditioner).

[0020] The acquisition unit 110 is a processing unit that acquires a first time when air conditioning control by the air conditioner is started. Specifically, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time (more specifically, first information indicating the first time) which is the time when heating by the air conditioning unit 150 is started. More specifically, when the reception unit 160 receives an instruction from the user to start heating by the air conditioning unit 150, and the control unit 140 causes the air conditioning unit 150 to perform heating, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time when heating is started by the reception unit 160 receiving the instruction, and stores the first time in the storage unit 170.

[0021] The first time may be, for example, information indicating the timing at which the receiving unit 160 received the instruction, or the timing at which the control unit 140 sent a signal to the air conditioning unit 150 to start heating.

[0022] When calculation is performed by calculation unit 120, acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time stored in storage unit 170. More specifically, acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time when air conditioning control is started in response to reception unit 160 receiving an instruction.

[0023] For example, the user operates the remote control to cause the remote control to output an instruction (signal) to cause the air conditioning unit 150 to start heating. The reception unit 160 acquires the instruction. The acquisition unit 110 stores the timing at which the reception unit 160 accepts the instruction as a first time in the storage unit 170. In other words, the acquisition unit 110 stores the timing at which the user turns on the heating using the remote control in the storage unit 170.

[0024] The acquisition unit 110 may store in the storage unit 170, as the first time, the timing at which the air conditioning unit 150 automatically starts heating using a timer or the like set by the user.

[0025] The air conditioning system 100 may also include a timekeeping unit such as an RTC (Real Time Clock) for acquiring the time.

[0026] The calculation unit 120 is a processing unit that calculates new numerical values ​​corresponding to each of multiple time intervals by multiplying previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of multiple different time intervals by a first predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and adding a second predetermined value greater than 0 to the numerical value corresponding to a time interval that includes a first time among the multiple time intervals.

[0027] The time interval is a period that is arbitrarily determined in advance. For example, arbitrary periods such as 6:00 to 6:30, 6:30 to 7:00, and 7:00 to 7:30 are determined as multiple time intervals and stored in the storage unit 170. In this embodiment, the time intervals are set in advance every 30 minutes. Each of the multiple time intervals does not have to be every 30 minutes. Furthermore, each of the multiple time intervals may be the same time interval or may be different time intervals.

[0028] For example, the calculation unit 120 performs a calculation process to calculate, based on the first time acquired by the acquisition unit 110, numerical values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals, the numerical values ​​indicating the number of times that heating was first started within the plurality of time intervals.

[0029] For example, first, the calculation section 120 calculates a numerical value corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals. The numerical values ​​that are initially set for each of the plurality of time intervals may be determined arbitrarily.

[0030] For example, when the acquisition unit 110 has not acquired the first time, the calculation unit 120 calculates values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals, with the values ​​corresponding to a predetermined time interval among the multiple time intervals set as the initial value. That is, when the acquisition unit 110 has not yet acquired the first time, that is, when the user has not yet turned on the heating, the calculation unit 120 sets the values ​​corresponding to the predetermined time interval among the multiple time intervals to an initial value determined in advance. Also, for example, when the user has not yet turned on the heating, the calculation unit 120 sets the values ​​corresponding to time intervals other than the predetermined time interval among the multiple time intervals to 0.

[0031] The predetermined time interval and the initial value may be arbitrarily determined in advance and are not particularly limited.

[0032] Next, when the acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time, the calculation unit 120 calculates new values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals based on the first time. Specifically, the calculation unit 120 weights the values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals indicated by the values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals calculated in the past (previously), to lower the values. Furthermore, the calculation unit 120 calculates new values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals by performing an addition process based on the acquired first time to the weighted values ​​to increase the value corresponding to the time interval in which heating was first started among the multiple time intervals.

[0033] As a result, for example, the calculation unit 120 calculates numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the new multiple time intervals by correcting the numerical values ​​corresponding to the time interval in which heating was first started among the multiple time intervals to be higher, and correcting the numerical values ​​corresponding to the time interval in which heating was not first started among the multiple time intervals to be lower.

[0034] For example, suppose the heating is turned on from 6:00 to 6:30, then turned off again from 6:30 to 7:00, and continues to be turned on from 7:00 to 7:30. In this case, the time period in which the heating first started is 6:00 to 6:30. The calculation unit 120 corrects the numerical value corresponding to the time period from 6:00 to 6:30 to increase it, and corrects the numerical values ​​corresponding to the time periods from 6:30 to 7:00, 7:00 to 7:30, and each of the subsequent time periods to decrease it.

[0035] Note that an upper limit may be set for the correction to increase the numerical value. For example, when correcting a numerical value to increase the numerical value, the calculation unit 120 may maintain the numerical value if the numerical value is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit. For example, when the numerical value corresponding to the time interval in which heating was first started among the multiple time intervals is 50 and the upper limit is 50, the calculation unit 120 may not perform an addition process on the numerical value.

[0036] For example, when correcting a numerical value to decrease it, the calculation unit 120 may maintain the numerical value if the numerical value is equal to or less than a predetermined lower limit (for example, 0).

[0037] Furthermore, the previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals are, for example, numerical values ​​calculated by the calculation process (i.e., the previous calculation process) performed immediately before the calculation process to be performed (i.e., the current calculation process) among the calculation processes repeatedly performed by the calculation unit 120. Alternatively, for example, the previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals are numerical values ​​set for each of the multiple time intervals as 0 or an initial value as described above when the calculation process to be performed is the first calculation process, such as the calculation process immediately after initialization or the calculation process performed for the first time since the user uses the air conditioning system 100.

[0038] Furthermore, the first predetermined value used for weighting is not particularly limited as long as it is greater than 0 and less than 1. In this embodiment, the first predetermined value is 0.8.

[0039] Furthermore, the second predetermined value added in the addition process is not particularly limited as long as it is greater than 0. For example, the second predetermined value may be an integer equal to or greater than 1. In this embodiment, the second predetermined value is 10.

[0040] For example, the calculation unit 120 calculates a numerical value corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals for each day of the week.

[0041] The calculation unit 120 may calculate a numerical value corresponding to each of a plurality of time periods for each of a plurality of scenes showing different time periods.

[0042] For example, the number of scenes and the time periods of the scenes may be arbitrarily determined in advance. For example, a plurality of scenes may be arbitrarily determined in advance to correspond to different time periods such as 3:00 to 10:00, 10:00 to 15:00, and 15:00 to 3:00 the next morning, corresponding to morning, afternoon, and night, and information indicating these scenes is stored in the storage unit 170. For example, the calculation unit 120 calculates, for each day of the week, values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time periods determined for each scene, for 3:00 to 10:00, 10:00 to 15:00, and 15:00 to 3:00 the next morning.

[0043] The estimation unit 130 is a processing unit that estimates a reference interval, which is a time interval including a second time at which air conditioning control will be started, from among the multiple time intervals based on the calculation results of the calculation unit 120. Specifically, the estimation unit 130 estimates (determines) a reference interval, which is a time interval including a second time at which heating will be started in the future, from among the multiple time intervals, based on numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals calculated by the calculation unit 120. That is, for example, the estimation unit 130 estimates a time (time interval) at which the user is likely to turn on heating from now today, based on the time intervals in which heating was turned on from the previous day to this morning. For example, when the acquisition unit 110 acquires a new first time, the calculation unit 120 calculates numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the new multiple time intervals based on the new first time. When the calculation unit 120 calculates numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the new multiple time intervals, the estimation unit 130 newly estimates a reference interval based on the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the new multiple time intervals calculated by the calculation unit 120.

[0044] The estimation unit 130 may estimate the reference interval for each day of the week.

[0045] Furthermore, the estimation unit 130 may estimate a reference section for each of a plurality of scenes.

[0046] The estimation unit 130 may estimate one or more reference intervals. For example, the estimation unit 130 estimates one of multiple time intervals as the reference interval. Also, for example, the estimation unit 130 estimates up to one reference interval for each scene. Also, the estimation unit 130 may estimate that there is no reference interval. In other words, for example, if there is no time interval that satisfies a predetermined condition among multiple time intervals, the estimation unit 130 may estimate that there is no reference interval.

[0047] Furthermore, the estimation unit 130 may store the estimated reference interval (more specifically, information indicating the estimated interval) in the storage unit 170. For example, the estimation unit 130 estimates a reference interval at 3:00 every day, and stores the estimated reference interval, the day of the week immediately preceding the estimated day, and each reference interval for each scene (for example, morning, afternoon, and night) in the storage unit 170.

[0048] The control unit 140 is a processing unit that controls the air conditioning unit 150. For example, when the receiving unit 160 receives an instruction from a user to start air conditioning control, the control unit 140 causes the air conditioner to perform air conditioning control. Also, for example, the control unit 140 causes the air conditioner to perform preparations (preparatory operation) for air conditioning control to be performed in a reference interval. In this embodiment, as preparation, the control unit 140 causes the air conditioner to perform a charge operation to warm or cool a heat exchanger provided in the air conditioner before the reference interval. Specifically, the control unit 140 causes the air conditioning unit 150 to perform a charge operation to warm the heat exchanger as a preparatory operation for heating. By performing the charge operation, the air conditioning unit 150 can immediately blow warm air when, for example, a user turns on the heater.

[0049] The control unit 140 may cause the air conditioning unit 150 to perform a charge operation to cool the heat exchanger as a preparatory operation for air conditioning control such as cooling or dehumidifying operation.

[0050] The charging operation may be performed 30 minutes before the reference section, or 1 hour before, or at any timing.

[0051] Note that the control content and timing when the control unit 140 controls the air conditioning unit 150 based on the reference interval are not limited to charge operation. For example, the control unit 140 may cause the air conditioning unit 150 to perform heating at a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be set arbitrarily. For example, the acquisition unit 110 may store in the storage unit 170 the set temperature set by the user when the user turns on the heating. The control unit 140 may set a temperature lower than the set temperature as the predetermined temperature.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, if the estimation unit 130 estimates that there is no reference interval, the control unit 140 does not cause the air conditioner to perform the preparation.

[0053] Each processing unit of the acquisition unit 110, calculation unit 120, estimation unit 130, and control unit 140 is realized, for example, by a memory, a control program stored in the memory, and a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the control program. These processing units may be realized by a single memory and a single processor, or by multiple memories and multiple processors, which may be different from each other or in any combination. These processing units may also be realized, for example, by dedicated electronic circuits.

[0054] The air conditioning unit 150 is a device for adjusting the state of air and includes, for example, a heat exchanger, a fan, a motor, and a filter.

[0055] Receiving unit 160 is an interface that receives an instruction to start air conditioning control from a user. Receiving unit 160 may be any device that can receive an instruction from a user, such as a wireless communication interface such as a wireless communication circuit that receives radio waves emitted by a remote control operated by the user, an optical sensor that receives near-infrared light emitted by a remote control operated by the user, a button that the user presses, or a touch panel display that the user operates.

[0056] The storage unit 170 is a storage device that stores various information such as the first time, the calculation results of the calculation unit 120 (i.e., numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals), information indicating the multiple time intervals, a first predetermined value, a second predetermined value, an initial value, the predetermined time intervals, and information indicating a scene. In this embodiment, the storage unit 170 is realized by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage unit 170 may also be realized by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory.

[0057] [Operation] Next, a specific example of the operation performed by the air conditioning system 100 will be described.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the learning unit (acquisition unit 110, calculation unit 120, and estimation unit 130) according to the embodiment.

[0059] First, the acquisition unit 110 determines whether or not a learning execution condition is met (S110). The learning execution condition may be determined arbitrarily and is not particularly limited.

[0060] The learning implementation conditions may be met, for example, when the user gives an instruction to execute learning, when the current time can be obtained, when the user turns on the heating, or a combination of these.

[0061] If the acquisition unit 110 determines that the learning execution condition is not met (No in S110), it repeats step S110.

[0062] On the other hand, if it is determined that the learning implementation condition is met (Yes in S110), the acquiring unit 110 acquires on-data (that is, the first time) for each day of the week and for each scene (S120).

[0063] Next, the calculation unit 120 performs weighting on each of the on data (S130). Specifically, weighting (multiplication by a first predetermined value) is performed on each of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals indicated by the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals calculated in the previous calculation process.

[0064] Next, the calculation unit 120 adds a second predetermined value to the value corresponding to the time interval in which heating was first started among the weighted values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals.

[0065] The estimation unit 130 estimates a reference interval for each scene for each day of the week based on the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals newly calculated by the calculation unit 120. In this way, the learning unit performs learning so that, using the first time when the user performed an operation to turn on the heater as input, a reference interval including the second time when the user is likely to turn on the heater in the future is output (S140).

[0066] These learning processes (reference interval estimation processes) may be performed at any timing. For example, if multiple scenes are defined, such as 3:00 to 10:00, 10:00 to 15:00, and 15:00 to 3:00 the next morning, these learning processes may be performed at the break between scenes (for example, 3:00).

[0067] Furthermore, the frequency of these learning operations may be arbitrary. For example, these learning operations may be performed daily. For example, the calculation unit 120 weights the values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals every day, and further, for each scene, if the heating was turned on by the user last week, calculates the values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of new time intervals by adding 10 to the value corresponding to the time interval in which the heating was first turned on.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit 140 according to the embodiment.

[0069] First, the control unit 140 determines whether or not the charge operation condition is met (S210). The charge operation condition may be determined arbitrarily and is not particularly limited.

[0070] The charge operation conditions may be met, for example, when a user gives an instruction to automatically execute charge operation, when no abnormality has occurred in the air conditioning system 100, when the current time can be obtained, when there is an estimated reference interval, when the air temperature is at a predetermined temperature (for example, when the indoor and outdoor temperatures where the air conditioning system 100 is located at the time of ``sampling'' shown in Figure 4 satisfy arbitrarily set air temperature conditions), when air conditioning control such as heating is not being performed by the air conditioning unit 150 and defrost operation is not being performed, or a combination of these.

[0071] When the control unit 140 determines that the charge operation condition is not met (No in S210), it repeats step S210.

[0072] On the other hand, if the control unit 140 determines that the charge operation conditions are met (Yes in S210), it causes the air conditioning unit 150 to perform charge operation based on the learning result performed in step S140, i.e., the estimation result of the estimation unit 130 (S220).

[0073] FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a specific example of the operation of the air conditioning system 100 according to the embodiment. (a) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing the reference interval estimated by the estimation unit 130. (b) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing the period during which the air conditioning unit 150 is scheduled to perform charge operation, determined by the control unit 140 based on the reference interval estimated by the estimation unit 130. (c), (d), and (e) of FIG. 4 are graphs showing the operations actually performed by the air conditioning unit 150. (c) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing the operations for room temperature control actually performed by the air conditioning unit 150. (d) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing the operations for air direction control actually performed by the air conditioning unit 150. (e) of FIG. 4 is a graph showing the operation of the fan motor provided in the air conditioning unit 150. (f) and (g) of FIG. 4 are graphs showing signals transmitted from the control unit 140 to the air conditioning unit 150 to control the air conditioning unit 150. (f) of Fig. 4 is a graph showing a signal transmitted from the control unit 140 to the air conditioning unit 150 to cause the air conditioning unit 150 to perform charge operation. (g) of Fig. 4 is a graph showing a signal transmitted from the control unit 140 to the air conditioning unit 150 to cause the air conditioning unit 150 to perform quick warm-up operation.

[0074] As shown in (a) of FIG. 4, for example, it is assumed that the estimation unit 130 estimates a predetermined period from time t2 as the reference interval. In this case, as shown in (b) of FIG. 4, for example, the control unit 140 determines the charge operation period based on the reference interval shown in (a) of FIG. 4 so that the air conditioning unit 150 performs charge operation for the predetermined period from time t1. The control unit 140 transmits a charge operation request signal to the air conditioning unit 150 to cause the air conditioning unit 150 to perform charge operation for the predetermined period from time t1. As shown in (c), (d), and (e) of FIG. 4, upon receiving the charge operation request signal, the air conditioning unit 150 performs charge operation, adjusts the airflow direction, and adjusts the airflow rate. Here, for example, it is assumed that the reception unit 160 receives an instruction from the user at time t3 to turn on the heater. In this case, the control unit 140 transmits an indoor fast heating operation signal to the air conditioning unit 150 to cause the air conditioning unit 150 to perform fast heating operation. When the air conditioning unit 150 receives the quick warm-up operation request signal, it stops the charge operation, and performs the quick warm-up operation and adjusts the airflow direction and airflow volume according to the quick warm-up operation. For example, in the quick warm-up operation, the air conditioning unit 150 controls the louvers for controlling the airflow direction to widen the opening for discharging the air, and gradually increases the rotation speed of the fan motor to increase the airflow volume, more than in the charge operation.

[0075] The fast heating operation is a heating operation in which control is performed to warm the heat exchanger more than the temperature control performed in normal heating.

[0076] Next, if the control unit 140 determines that the heat exchanger has been sufficiently warmed by the fast warm-up operation, for example, at time t4, it causes the air conditioning unit 150 to perform normal heating. The method by which the control unit 140 determines that the heat exchanger has been sufficiently warmed by the fast warm-up operation may be determined arbitrarily.

[0077] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for calculating values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals according to an embodiment. The example shown in Fig. 5 is an example of a certain scene on a certain day of the week, in which the user turns on the heater at an arbitrary time, and values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals are calculated every week. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the plurality of time intervals are set at 30-minute intervals from 3:00 to 10:00. In the initial state (when the user has not yet turned on the heater), the value corresponding to each time interval is set to 0.

[0078] For example, suppose that a user turns on the heating at 7:15 on a certain day (say, the first day) of a certain weekday. In this case, the calculation unit 120 first multiplies the numerical values ​​corresponding to all time intervals by 0.8. In this example, the numerical values ​​corresponding to all time intervals remain 0. Next, the calculation unit 120 adds 10 to the numerical value corresponding to the time interval from 7:00 to 7:30. As a result, the numerical value corresponding to the time interval from 7:00 to 7:30 becomes 10.

[0079] Also, for example, suppose that the user turns on the heating at 6:45 on the second day, which is the week following the first day. In this case, the calculation unit 120 first multiplies the numerical values ​​corresponding to all time periods by 0.8. In this example, the numerical value corresponding to the time period from 7:00 to 7:30 is set to 8, and the numerical values ​​corresponding to the other time periods are set to 0. Next, the calculation unit 120 adds 10 to the numerical value corresponding to the time period from 6:30 to 7:00. As a result, the numerical value corresponding to the time period from 6:30 to 7:00 is set to 10.

[0080] Also, for example, suppose that the user turns on the heating at 6:15 on the third day, which is the week following the second day. In this case, the calculation unit 120 first multiplies the numerical values ​​corresponding to all time periods by 0.8. In this example, the numerical value corresponding to the time period from 6:30 to 7:00 is set to 8, the numerical value corresponding to the time period from 7:00 to 7:30 is set to 6, and the numerical values ​​corresponding to the other time periods are set to 0. Next, the calculation unit 120 adds 10 to the numerical value corresponding to the time period from 6:00 to 6:30. As a result, the numerical value corresponding to the time period from 6:00 to 6:30 is set to 10.

[0081] Also, for example, suppose that the user turns on the heating at 7:15 on the fourth day, which is the week following the third day. In this case, the calculation unit 120 first multiplies the numerical values ​​corresponding to all time intervals by 0.8. In this example, the numerical value corresponding to the time interval from 6:00 to 6:30 is set to 8, the numerical value corresponding to the time interval from 6:30 to 7:00 is set to 6, the numerical value corresponding to the time interval from 7:00 to 7:30 is set to 4, and the numerical values ​​corresponding to the other time intervals are set to 0. Next, the calculation unit 120 adds 10 to the numerical value corresponding to the time interval from 7:00 to 7:30. As a result, the numerical value corresponding to the time interval from 7:00 to 7:30 is set to 14.

[0082] As described above, in the air conditioning system 100, the above calculations are performed for each scene every week, for example, to calculate the numerical values ​​corresponding to each time interval.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for calculating values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals according to a comparative example. The example shown in FIG. 6 is an example of a certain scene on a certain day of the week, in which the user turns on the heater at an arbitrary time, and values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals are calculated every week. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the plurality of time intervals are set at 30-minute intervals from 3:00 to 10:00. In the initial state (a state in which the user has not yet turned on the heater), the value corresponding to each time interval is set to 0. The count numbers shown in FIG. 6 are the values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals calculated by the calculation unit 120 (i.e., the values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals).

[0084] For example, suppose that the user turns on the heater at 7:15 on a certain day of the week (first day). In this case, in this example, 1 is added to the value corresponding to the time period from 7:00 to 7:30.

[0085] Also, for example, suppose that the user turns on the heating at 6:45 on the second day of the week following the first day. In this case, in this example, 1 is added to the value corresponding to the time period from 6:30 to 7:00. Also, in this example, the value corresponding to the time period from 7:00 to 7:30 remains 1.

[0086] Also, for example, suppose that the user turns on the heating at 6:15 on the third day, which is the week following the second day. In this case, in this example, 1 is added to the value corresponding to the time period from 6:00 to 6:30. Also, in this example, the values ​​corresponding to the time periods from 6:30 to 7:00 and 7:00 to 7:30 remain at 1.

[0087] Also, for example, suppose that the user turns on the heating at 7:15 on the fourth day, which is the week following the third day. In this case, in this example, 1 is added to the value corresponding to the time period from 7:00 to 7:30, and the value corresponding to the time period from 7:00 to 7:30 becomes 2. Also, in this example, the values ​​corresponding to the time periods from 6:00 to 6:30, 6:30 to 7:00, and 7:00 to 7:30 remain 1.

[0088] As described above, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 6 , the numerical value corresponding to the time period in which the user does not use the heater continues to be maintained. Therefore, with this calculation method, the longer the user continues to use the air conditioning system according to the comparative example, for example, if the user's lifestyle changes and the tendency for the user to turn on the heater changes significantly, the influence of the previously calculated numerical value will remain, and the change in the user's lifestyle will not be easily reflected in the numerical value. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 5 , the numerical value corresponding to the time period in which the user does not use the heater is reduced over time. As a result, for time periods in which the user has become less likely to use the heater, the numerical value is reduced over time and approaches the numerical value corresponding to the time period in which the heater was not used. As a result, the numerical value corresponding to the time period can be appropriately changed according to the user's frequency of use of the heater, i.e., the number of times the user first turned on the heater among multiple time periods. Therefore, even if the user's lifestyle changes and the tendency for the user to turn on the heater changes significantly, the change in the user's lifestyle can be more easily reflected in the numerical value.

[0089] The calculated numerical value may be truncated to the nearest integer, may be rounded to the nearest integer, or may be calculated to the nearest integer, and may be any value.

[0090] 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the reference interval estimation process according to the embodiment, in which (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 7 show numerical values ​​corresponding to the multiple time intervals calculated by the calculation unit 120.

[0091] For example, the estimation unit 130 estimates the reference interval based on whether or not the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals satisfy a predetermined condition. In the example shown in (a) of Fig. 7, if the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals are 5 or greater, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the time interval to which the numerical values ​​correspond is a reference interval, and if the numerical values ​​are less than 5, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the time interval to which the numerical values ​​correspond is not a reference interval. In the example shown in (a) of Fig. 7, since there are no numerical values ​​greater than or equal to 5, the estimation unit 130 estimates that there are no reference intervals among the plurality of time intervals.

[0092] In this way, for example, when all of the numerical values ​​corresponding to the multiple time intervals are less than the first threshold value (5 in the example shown in FIG. 7(a)), the estimation unit 130 estimates that there is no reference interval. In this case, for example, the control unit 140 does not cause the air conditioning unit 150 to perform charge operation.

[0093] For example, the estimation unit 130 may estimate the time interval with the largest corresponding numerical value among the plurality of time intervals as the reference interval. In this case, for example, in the example shown in (a) of FIG. 7, the estimation unit 130 estimates 5:00 to 5:30 as the reference interval.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, the estimation unit 130 estimates the reference interval based on the ratio of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals. In the example shown in (b) of Fig. 7, the calculation unit 120 calculates the ratio of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals.

[0095] For example, the calculation unit 120 calculates the total value as 10 + 8 = 18. Furthermore, for example, the calculation unit 120 calculates the proportion of the time period from 6:00 to 6:30 as 10 / 18 = 0.56 (56%). In the example shown in FIG. 7(b), if the proportion of a numerical value corresponding to each of the multiple time periods to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time periods is 50% or more, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the time period to which the proportion corresponds is a reference period, and if the proportion is less than 50%, the estimation unit 130 estimates that the time period to which the proportion corresponds is not a reference period. In the example shown in FIG. 7(b), since the proportion corresponding to the time period from 6:00 to 6:30 is 50% or more, the estimation unit 130 estimates the time period from 6:00 to 6:30 to be the reference period.

[0096] In this way, for example, the estimation unit 130 estimates as the reference interval a time interval in which the ratio of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals is equal to or greater than a second threshold value (50% in the example shown in (b) of Figure 7).

[0097] 7(c), the calculation unit 120 calculates the ratio of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals, similar to the example shown in FIG. 7(b). In the example shown in FIG. 7(c), if the ratio of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals is 25% or more, the estimation unit 130 estimates the time interval to be a candidate for the reference interval if the ratio is less than 25%. In the example shown in FIG. 7(c), the ratios of the numerical values ​​corresponding to the time intervals 6:00 to 6:30, 6:30 to 7:00, and 7:00 to 7:30 are 25% or more. In this way, for example, when there are multiple candidates for the time interval estimated to be the reference interval, the estimation unit 130 determines, for example, the time interval with the earliest time (more specifically, date and time) among the multiple candidates as the reference interval. In the example shown in FIG. 7(c), the estimation unit 130 determines the time period from 6:00 to 6:30 as the reference period because the time period from 6:00 to 6:30 is the earliest among the time periods from 6:00 to 6:30, from 6:30 to 7:00, and from 7:00 to 7:30.

[0098] In this way, for example, the estimation unit 130 estimates as the reference interval the earliest time interval in which the ratio of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals is equal to or greater than the third threshold value (25% in the example shown in (c) of Figure 7).

[0099] The first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, and other thresholds may be arbitrarily determined and are not particularly limited. Information about the thresholds is stored in advance in the storage unit 170, for example.

[0100] Furthermore, when multiple time intervals span multiple days, the time interval with the earliest date and time may be estimated as the reference interval.

[0101] Furthermore, the estimation processes for estimating the reference interval by the estimation unit 130 may be combined arbitrarily. For example, the estimation unit 130 may determine whether or not there is a time interval that satisfies a predetermined condition based on the ratio of the above numerical values, and if it determines that there is, estimate the time interval that satisfies the predetermined condition as the reference interval, or if it determines that there is no time interval that satisfies the predetermined condition based on the maximum value of the above numerical values, etc.

[0102] Note that the calculation unit 120 may initialize the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals when the power supply to the air conditioning system 100 is turned off (i.e., when the power supply to the power supply of the air conditioning system 100 is stopped).

[0103] Furthermore, for example, when the air conditioning system 100 is powered off, it may transmit the calculation results of the calculation unit 120 and the estimation results of the estimation unit 130 to a terminal such as a server device. Thereafter, for example, when the air conditioning system 100 is powered on, it may receive (acquire) the transmitted calculation results and estimation results by communicating with the terminal. The air conditioning system 100 may also include a communication interface for communicating with the terminal. The air conditioning system 100 and the terminal may be connected to each other so as to enable wired communication, or may be connected to each other so as to enable wireless communication. When the air conditioning system 100 and the terminal are connected to each other so as to enable wired communication, the communication interface included in the air conditioning system 100 may be implemented, for example, by an adapter to which a communication line is connected. When the air conditioning system 100 and the terminal are connected to each other so as to enable wireless communication, the communication interface included in the air conditioning system 100 may be implemented, for example, by a wireless communication circuit.

[0104] Furthermore, for example, when the receiving unit 160 receives a learning reset signal indicating an instruction from a user to initialize (reset) the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals by operating a remote control or the like, the calculation unit 120 may initialize the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals (for example, process the numerical values ​​to 0).

[0105] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for calculating values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals according to the embodiment.

[0106] For example, suppose the calculation unit 120 calculates the value corresponding to 6:00 to 6:30 as 40 and the value corresponding to 6:30 to 7:00 as 10, and then the air conditioning system 100 is powered off. In this case, when the air conditioning system 100 is powered on, the calculation unit 120 may initialize the values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals (e.g., to 0). Also, for example, the calculation unit 120 may calculate values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals, with the value corresponding to a predetermined time interval among the multiple time intervals set as the initial value. For example, before the air conditioning system 100 is powered off, the estimation unit 130 stores the time interval estimated as the reference interval (e.g., 6:00 to 6:30 in this example) as the predetermined time interval in the storage unit 170. For example, when the power of the air conditioning system 100 is turned on, the calculation unit 120 sets the numerical value corresponding to a predetermined time interval determined as the reference interval (for example, in this example, 6:00 to 6:30) to an initial value (in this example, 9).

[0107] The initial value may be set for each scene. For example, when the first time point is not stored in the storage unit 170, the scenes are set as 3:00 to 10:00, 10:00 to 15:00, and 15:00 to 3:00 the next morning, and each scene has a time interval of 30 minutes, the calculation unit 120 may set the initial value to a numerical value corresponding to each of the time intervals of 6:00 to 6:30, 12:00 to 12:30, and 17:00 to 17:30.

[0108] Furthermore, the predetermined time interval may be arbitrarily determined in advance. For example, when there are no calculation results from the calculation unit 120 or the first time point has not been acquired by the acquisition unit 110, such as immediately after the user purchases the air conditioning system 100, the calculation unit 120 may calculate numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals using numerical values ​​corresponding to the predetermined time intervals among the multiple time intervals as initial values.

[0109] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of a process for calculating values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals according to the embodiment.

[0110] If there is no time interval stored as a reference interval in the memory unit 170, the calculation unit 120 may set a numerical value corresponding to a predetermined time interval (in this example, 6:00 to 6:30) as an initial value and use the predetermined time interval as the reference interval.

[0111] According to this, for example, even immediately after the user purchases the air conditioning system 100, the control unit 140 can immediately cause the air conditioning unit 150 to perform charge operation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the user does not turn on the heating, the numerical value corresponding to the time interval is decreased. Therefore, for example, even if a predetermined time interval is not an appropriate time interval for the user, the predetermined time interval will soon no longer be a reference interval as time passes.

[0112] [summary] Next, the processing procedure executed by the air conditioning system 100 will be described.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the air conditioning system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0114] First, the acquisition unit 110 acquires a first time when air conditioning control by the air conditioner is started (S310). Specifically, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time when heating by the air conditioning unit 150 is started. For example, when the reception unit 160 receives an instruction from a user to start heating by the air conditioning unit 150, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time, which is the time when heating is started when the control unit 140 causes the air conditioning unit 150 to perform heating, by the reception unit 160 accepting the instruction, and stores first information indicating the first time in the storage unit 170. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time by acquiring the first information stored in the storage unit 170 when the calculation unit 120 executes the calculation process.

[0115] Next, the calculation unit 120 calculates new values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time periods by multiplying previously calculated values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time periods by a first predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and adding a second predetermined value greater than 0 to a value corresponding to a time period including a first time among the multiple time periods (S320). Specifically, the calculation unit 120 identifies, for each scene on each day of the week, the multiple time periods in which heating was first started among the multiple time periods included in the scene based on the first time. The calculation unit 120 assigns a predetermined weight to the values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time periods (in this embodiment, the first predetermined value, 0.8, is multiplied). Furthermore, the calculation unit 120 adds a second predetermined value (in this embodiment, 10) to the value corresponding to the identified time period.

[0116] As a result, the calculation unit 120 calculates a numerical value corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals. The calculation unit 120 stores, for example, second information indicating the calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals in the storage unit 170.

[0117] For example, the acquisition unit 110 and the calculation unit 120 repeat steps S310 and S320 every day. Here, in step S320, the calculation unit 120 performs weighting to lower the values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals calculated in the previous calculation process indicated by the second information stored in the storage unit 170, and further performs an addition process to increase the value corresponding to the time interval in which heating was first started among the multiple time intervals, based on the first time acquired after the previous calculation process was performed, thereby calculating new values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals. In other words, the calculation unit 120 recalculates the values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals using the first time indicating the time interval in which heating was turned on by the user after calculating the values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals.

[0118] Next, the estimation unit 130 estimates a reference interval, which is a time interval including a second time when air conditioning control is to be started, from among the multiple time intervals based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 120 (S330). That is, the estimation unit 130 estimates, from among the multiple time intervals, a time interval including a second time when a heating instruction is likely to be first given by the user, based on the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals.

[0119] Next, the control unit 140 causes the air conditioner to prepare for air conditioning control to be performed during the reference interval (S340). Specifically, the control unit 140 causes the air conditioning unit 150 to perform charge operation before the reference interval estimated by the estimation unit 130. This allows the air conditioning unit 150 to immediately blow warm air if, for example, the user issues a heating command during the reference interval.

[0120] For example, the air conditioning system 100 executes steps S310 to S340 every day.

[0121] [Effects, etc.] Below, examples of techniques that can be obtained from the disclosure of this specification will be given, and the effects and the like that can be obtained from these techniques will be described.

[0122] Technique 1 is an air conditioning system 100 including an acquisition unit 110 that acquires a first time when air conditioning control by an air conditioner is started; a calculation unit 120 that calculates new numerical values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals by multiplying previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of different time intervals by a first predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and adding a second predetermined value greater than 0 to the numerical value corresponding to a time interval among the plurality of time intervals that includes the first time; an estimation unit 130 that estimates a reference interval, which is a time interval among the plurality of time intervals that includes a second time when air conditioning control is started, based on the calculation result of the calculation unit 120; and a control unit 140 that causes the air conditioner to prepare for air conditioning control to be performed in the reference interval.

[0123] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is an air conditioning system 100. The control unit 140 controls the air conditioner, for example, by controlling the air conditioning unit 150. Specifically, the control unit 140 causes the air conditioning unit 150 to prepare for air conditioning control to be performed in the reference interval.

[0124] According to this, when new values ​​corresponding to multiple time intervals are calculated, the values ​​corresponding to time intervals in which air conditioning control was started, as indicated by the previously calculated values, are corrected to be higher. Meanwhile, the values ​​corresponding to time intervals in which air conditioning control was not started, as indicated by the previously calculated values, are corrected to be lower. In this way, according to the air conditioning system 100, the fewer times air conditioning control was performed in the past for a time interval, the lower the corresponding value. Conventionally, in air conditioners that automatically start air conditioning control, such as in this type of system, the number of times air conditioning control was performed is counted up. Therefore, for example, if the lifestyle of a user of the air conditioner changes and the timing of using the air conditioner changes, it takes time for air conditioning control to automatically start at the appropriate timing. On the other hand, according to the air conditioning system 100, even if the lifestyle of a user of the air conditioner changes and the timing of using the air conditioner changes, the values ​​corresponding to time intervals in which air conditioning control was performed less frequently are lowered (counted down), thereby shortening the time until air conditioning control is automatically started at the appropriate timing desired by the user. Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 100, the air conditioner is controlled (preparation for air conditioning control is made) in accordance with the second time when it is estimated that the user will have the air conditioner perform air conditioning control, thereby improving user comfort and preventing the air conditioner from being operated unnecessarily by the user, in other words, improving energy conservation. In other words, according to the air conditioning system 100, the convenience of the air conditioner can be improved.

[0125] Technology 2 is the air conditioning system 100 described in Technology 1, which further includes a reception unit 160 that receives an instruction from a user to start air conditioning control, and when the reception unit 160 receives the instruction, the control unit 140 causes the air conditioner to perform air conditioning control, and the acquisition unit 110 acquires the first time when the air conditioning control was started when the reception unit 160 receives the instruction.

[0126] This allows the number of times the user voluntarily executes air conditioning control to be reflected in the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals, further improving the convenience of the air conditioner for the user.

[0127] Technique 3 is the air conditioning system 100 described in Technique 1 or 2, in which the calculation unit 120 calculates a numerical value corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals for each day of the week, and the estimation unit 130 estimates a reference interval for each day of the week.

[0128] This allows the air conditioner to be controlled appropriately for the user for each day of the week, further improving the convenience of the air conditioner.

[0129] Technique 4 is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, in which the calculation unit 120 calculates a numerical value corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals for each of a plurality of scenes showing different time periods, and the estimation unit 130 calculates a reference interval for each of the plurality of scenes.

[0130] The multiple scenes are multiple different time periods, such as morning, afternoon, and night.

[0131] This allows the air conditioner to be appropriately controlled for each scene, further improving the convenience of the air conditioner.

[0132] Technique 5 is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of Techniques 1 to 4, in which the first predetermined value is 0.8.

[0133] This allows the calculation of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the new plurality of time intervals without excessively reducing the influence of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the previous plurality of time intervals.

[0134] A sixth technique is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of the first to fifth techniques, in which the second predetermined value is an integer of 1 or greater.

[0135] This allows appropriate differences to be made between the numerical values ​​corresponding to the multiple time periods depending on the number of times air conditioning control has been started.

[0136] Technique 7 is the air conditioning system 100 according to Technique 6, in which the second predetermined value is 10.

[0137] This allows for differentiation of the numerical values ​​corresponding to multiple time intervals according to the number of times air conditioning control has been started, without making the amount of data for the numerical values ​​too large. Furthermore, since the pre-correction numerical value is multiplied by a first predetermined value (specifically, 0.8) to lower it, and then corrected by adding a second predetermined value (specifically, 10) to raise it, the larger the pre-correction numerical value, the smaller the increase. Therefore, the post-correction numerical value can be prevented from becoming too large.

[0138] Technique 8 is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of Techniques 1 to 7, in which the control unit 140 causes the air conditioner to perform a charge operation to warm or cool a heat exchanger provided in the air conditioner before the reference interval as preparation.

[0139] According to this, for example, by performing charge operation before a time period when it is estimated that the user is likely to use the air conditioner, the air conditioner can immediately blow out warm air at the timing when the user causes the air conditioner to perform heating as an air conditioning control.

[0140] Technique 9 is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, in which the estimation unit 130 estimates that there is no reference interval if all of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals are less than the first threshold value, and the control unit 140 does not cause the air conditioner to make preparations.

[0141] This allows the air conditioner to be prepared at a time that is appropriate for the user, further improving the convenience of the air conditioner.

[0142] Technique 10 is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of techniques 1 to 9, in which the estimation unit 130 estimates, as a reference interval, a time interval in which the ratio of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

[0143] This allows the air conditioner to be prepared at a time that is appropriate for the user, further improving the convenience of the air conditioner.

[0144] Technique 11 is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of techniques 1 to 10, wherein the estimation unit 130 estimates, as the reference interval, the earliest time interval among the time intervals in which the ratio of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals to the total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals is equal to or greater than a third threshold.

[0145] This allows the air conditioner to be prepared at a time that is appropriate for the user, further improving the convenience of the air conditioner.

[0146] Technique 12 is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of techniques 1 to 11, wherein the estimation unit 130 estimates, as the reference interval, the time interval having the largest corresponding numerical value among the plurality of time intervals.

[0147] This allows the air conditioner to be prepared at a time that is appropriate for the user, further improving the convenience of the air conditioner.

[0148] Technique 13 is the air conditioning system 100 according to any one of techniques 1 to 12, wherein, when there are no previously calculated values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals, the calculation unit 120 calculates the values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals by setting the value corresponding to a predetermined time interval among the plurality of time intervals to an initial value of 1 or more, and setting the values ​​corresponding to time intervals other than the predetermined time interval to 0.

[0149] According to this, even when there are no calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple time intervals, for example, immediately after a user purchases an air conditioner or when the air conditioner is initialized, the air conditioner can be controlled at a timing appropriate for the user by appropriately determining, for example, a predetermined time interval.

[0150] Technique 14 is an air conditioning method including an acquisition step (S310) of acquiring a first time when air conditioning control by the air conditioner is started; a calculation step (S320) of calculating new numerical values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals by multiplying previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of mutually different time intervals by a first predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and adding a second predetermined value greater than 0 to the numerical value corresponding to a time interval among the plurality of time intervals that includes the first time; an estimation step (S330) of estimating a reference interval, which is a time interval among the plurality of time intervals that includes a second time when air conditioning control is started, based on the calculation result in the calculation step; and a control step (S340) of causing the air conditioner to prepare for air conditioning control to be performed in the reference interval.

[0151] This provides the same effects as the air conditioning system 100.

[0152] Technique 15 is a program for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning method described in Technique 14.

[0153] This provides the same effects as the air conditioning system 100.

[0154] Furthermore, for example, the air conditioning system 100 may be realized as a single device such as an air conditioner, or may be realized by multiple devices such as a server device and an air conditioner. When the air conditioning system 100 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the air conditioning system 100 described in the above embodiment may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner. Furthermore, the multiple devices may be provided with a communication interface for communicating with each other. The communication interface may be a connector for wired communication or a wireless communication circuit for wireless communication.

[0155] (Other embodiments) The air conditioning system and the like according to the present disclosure have been described above based on the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0156] For example, the air conditioner is an air conditioner, but is not particularly limited to an air purifier, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, or a ventilation fan, as long as it is a device that adjusts the state of air.

[0157] Furthermore, the air conditioning control performed by the air conditioner may be arbitrarily selected from cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, and / or ventilation controls.

[0158] Furthermore, the preparation performed by the air conditioner may be arbitrarily selected from among controls such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, ventilation, cleaning of filters provided in the air conditioner, interior cleaning, detection of biological information, and / or air purification (for example, air purification using a filter or release of ions for air purification such as OH radicals). Furthermore, the preparation performed by the air conditioner may be arbitrarily selected from these controls depending on the air conditioning control to be performed. Biological information may be, for example, the presence or absence of a person in a predetermined location and / or the body temperature of that person. For example, as preparation, the control unit may detect (acquire) biological information using a sensor such as a camera (not shown) provided in the air conditioner, and perform air conditioning control to maintain an appropriate temperature based on the biological information.

[0159] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the control unit causes the air conditioner (more specifically, the air conditioning unit) to perform charge operation in preparation for air conditioning control based on the estimation result of the estimation unit (i.e., the reference interval). The control unit may cause the air conditioner to control the temperature, air volume, and / or air speed, etc., in preparation for air conditioning control.

[0160] For example, the air conditioning system may be realized by a plurality of devices or by a single device. For example, the air conditioning system may be realized as a client-server system. When the air conditioning system is realized by a plurality of devices, the components of the information provision system described in the above embodiment may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner.

[0161] The air conditioning system may also be implemented with multiple air conditioners and a server device. For example, the server device receives a reference interval estimated by an air conditioner, which is an example of an air conditioner, and transmits the received reference interval to a humidifier, which is another example of an air conditioner. For example, the humidifier may perform a humidification operation in preparation for air conditioning control performed by the air conditioner during the reference interval. At this time, the air conditioner may perform a charge operation to warm the heat exchanger. This can prevent the room from becoming dry during the air conditioner's charge operation and / or due to air conditioning control such as heating. In this way, the preparation performed by the air conditioner may not only be a charge operation, but also an operation to maintain the indoor condition, such as humidity control. For air conditioning control other than humidification, preparation for air conditioning control may also be performed by an air conditioner other than the air conditioner that performs the air conditioning control.

[0162] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit, the order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0163] Furthermore, for example, in the above-described embodiments, each component of a processing unit, such as an acquisition unit, a calculation unit, an estimation unit, and a control unit, may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit, such as a CPU or a processor, reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium, such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0164] Furthermore, for example, the components of the processing unit may be configured with one or more electronic circuits, each of which may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0165] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large-scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated on a single chip or on multiple chips. Although we refer to them as ICs or LSIs here, the names may vary depending on the degree of integration, and they may be called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Also, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, can be used for the same purpose.

[0166] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, they may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, a HDD, or a semiconductor memory on which the computer program is stored. Alternatively, they may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0167] In addition, as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art may make to this embodiment, and forms constructed by combining components of different embodiments, are also included within the scope of this disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0168] The present disclosure is applicable to air conditioning systems such as air conditioners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 100 Air Conditioning System 110 Acquisition Department 120 Calculation Unit 130 Estimation part 140 Control Unit 150 Air Conditioning Unit 160 Reception 170 Storage section

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a first time when air conditioning control by the air conditioner is started; a calculation unit that calculates new numerical values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of time intervals by multiplying previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals by a first predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and adding a second predetermined value greater than 0 to a numerical value corresponding to a time interval that includes the first time among the plurality of time intervals; an estimation unit that estimates a reference interval, which is a time interval including a second time when the air conditioning control is started, from among the plurality of time intervals based on a calculation result of the calculation unit; and a control unit that causes the air conditioner to prepare for the air conditioning control to be performed in the reference section, Air conditioning system.

2. Further, a reception unit is provided to receive an instruction to start the air conditioning control from a user, When the reception unit receives the instruction, the control unit causes the air conditioner to perform the air conditioning control; the acquisition unit acquires the first time when the air conditioning control is started by the reception unit receiving the instruction. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

3. the calculation unit calculates a numerical value corresponding to each of the plurality of time periods for each day of the week; the estimation unit estimates the reference interval for each day of the week; 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the calculation unit calculates a numerical value corresponding to each of the plurality of time periods for each of a plurality of scenes showing different time periods; the estimation unit calculates the reference section for each of the plurality of scenes.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The first predetermined value is 0.

8.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The second predetermined value is an integer equal to or greater than 1.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. the second predetermined value is 10; The air conditioning system according to claim 6.

8. As the preparation, the control unit causes the air conditioner to perform a charge operation for heating or cooling a heat exchanger provided in the air conditioner before the reference section.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the estimation unit estimates that the reference interval does not exist when all of the numerical values ​​corresponding to the plurality of time intervals are less than a first threshold value; The control unit does not cause the air conditioner to perform the preparation.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the estimation unit estimates, as the reference interval, a time interval in which a ratio of a numerical value corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals to a total value of the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals is equal to or greater than a second threshold value; 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. the estimation unit estimates, as the reference interval, the earliest time interval among time intervals in which a ratio of a numerical value corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals to a total value of numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals is equal to or greater than a third threshold.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the estimation unit estimates, as the reference interval, a time interval having the largest corresponding numerical value among the plurality of time intervals; 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

13. when there are no previously calculated numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals, the calculation unit calculates the numerical values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals by setting a numerical value corresponding to a predetermined time interval among the plurality of time intervals to an initial value of 1 or more and setting a numerical value corresponding to a time interval other than the predetermined time interval to 0.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

14. an acquisition step of acquiring a first time when air conditioning control by the air conditioner is started; a calculation step of multiplying previously calculated values ​​corresponding to each of a plurality of different time intervals by a first predetermined value greater than 0 and less than 1, and adding a second predetermined value greater than 0 to a value corresponding to a time interval including the first time among the plurality of time intervals, thereby newly calculating values ​​corresponding to each of the plurality of time intervals; an estimation step of estimating a reference interval, which is a time interval including a second time when the air conditioning control is started, among the plurality of time intervals based on a calculation result in the calculation step; a control step of causing the air conditioner to prepare for the air conditioning control to be performed in the reference section, Air conditioning methods.

15. A method for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning method according to claim 14. program.

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