Control device, air conditioning system, air conditioning control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a control device capable of achieving a more convenient air conditioning environment.SOLUTION: Operation information acquisition means 431 acquires operation information including a control target position within a floor from, for example, an operation terminal used by a user. Environmental information acquisition means 432 acquires environmental information measured within the floor. After determining first air conditioning setting and second air conditioning setting in accordance with a discomfort level at the control target position based on the operation information and the environmental information, comfort control means 433 controls an air conditioner disposed in a comfortable zone including the control target position on the basis of the first air conditioning setting and controls an air conditioner disposed in a heat adjustment zone surrounding an outer periphery of the comfortable zone on the basis of the second air conditioning setting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a floor in a building typified by a commercial building, an office building, etc., for example, an air conditioning system including a plurality of air conditioners and a control device for controlling these air conditioners is introduced. In such an air conditioning system, for example, air conditioners are installed in each area that divides a large floor into a plurality of spaces, and each air conditioner can be controlled by area. That is, in the air conditioning system, one or more air conditioners are arranged in each area, and different air conditioning controls can be performed for each area by remote control operation by a user or schedule operation. Therefore, for example, energy saving control such as operating only the air conditioner in the area where the user is present is also possible. Also, in the air conditioning system, for example, a plurality of air conditioners and one control device are connected by a dedicated communication line, and not only the state monitoring of all the air conditioners in the floor but also the control of each air conditioner according to the remote control operation can be performed collectively from this control device.

[0003] The air conditioner installed in the floor is more specifically called an indoor unit, and a movable louver for changing the wind direction is attached to the outlet for blowing out the air-conditioned air. The air conditioner can adjust the wind direction in the vertical or horizontal direction by changing the angle of this louver. For example, depending on the model, the number of outlets of the air conditioner is different, such as 1, 2, or 4, and depending on the number of outlets, 1, 2, or 4 louvers are attached, and the air-conditioned air can be blown out in 1, 2, or 4 directions, respectively.

[0004] In such air conditioning systems, for example, during cooling operation in the summer, the air blown out from the air conditioner is at a lower temperature than the room temperature. Therefore, if a user is continuously exposed to this blown air, they will feel more uncomfortably cold than usual. In such cases, users can change the airflow direction setting using the louvers via remote control to prevent the air from blowing directly on them. However, since air conditioning systems require separate airflow settings for each of the multiple indoor units, the commands that must be given via remote control become complex, placing a significant burden on the user.

[0005] For this reason, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system invention that improves the operability of setting the airflow direction for air conditioners. In the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, a layout screen of the space to be air-conditioned is displayed, and on this layout screen, the user is allowed to select areas to which conditioned air from the air conditioners is supplied and areas to which it is not, thereby determining the airflow direction pattern, and each air conditioner is controlled based on the determined airflow direction pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-261643 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, the louvers of each air conditioner are controlled and the airflow direction is set based on a determined airflow pattern. However, in actual air conditioning systems, it was sometimes not possible to set the airflow direction appropriately. Specifically, in typical air conditioners, the number of adjustable airflow settings is limited, for example, only 2 to 4 steps in the vertical direction, and the airflow direction could only be adjusted in a rough angle. Furthermore, in air conditioners with two or four outlets, the same airflow setting is applied to each louver, making it impossible to set different airflow directions for each outlet. As a result, in actual air conditioning systems, it was difficult to finely adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioner. In addition, the area directly affected by the airflow from the air conditioner is wide, for example, about 10m square around the air conditioner, which meant that there were points where it was impossible to avoid being directly hit by the airflow from the air conditioner, regardless of the airflow direction setting. Furthermore, in ducted air conditioning systems where the air conditioner unit is embedded in the ceiling and air is sent into the room through ducts, there is a problem in that the airflow direction cannot be adjusted because louvers are not installed at the air outlets.

[0008] In other words, conventional air conditioning systems, including the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, sometimes fail to create a comfortable air conditioning environment because the air from the air conditioner blows directly on the user. Therefore, there was a need for technology that could create a more comfortable air conditioning environment.

[0009] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a control device, an air conditioning system, and an air conditioning control method that can realize a more comfortable air conditioning environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the control device relating to this disclosure is Located within the floor 2 A control device for controlling one or more air conditioners, Within the aforementioned floor This indicates the user's current location. Operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information including the position of the controlled object, beforeThe first and second air conditioning settings are determined according to the discomfort level at the controlled location. death, Comfort control means that controls the air conditioner located within the comfort zone including the control target position based on the first air conditioning setting, and controls the air conditioner located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer periphery of the comfort zone based on the second air conditioning setting, Equipped with, The comfort control means, when the discomfort level is low, stops the air conditioner located in the comfort zone according to the first air conditioning setting, and operates the air conditioner located in the thermal adjustment zone in cooling or heating mode according to the second air conditioning setting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] In the control device according to this disclosure, the operation information acquisition means acquires operation information including the location of the controlled object within the floor. The environmental information acquisition means acquires environmental information measured within the floor. The comfort control means then determines a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level at the controlled object location based on the operation information and environmental information, and then controls the air conditioners located in the comfort zone based on the first air conditioning setting, and controls the air conditioners located in the thermal adjustment zone based on the second air conditioning setting. For example, when the discomfort level is low, the comfort control means stops the operation of the air conditioners located in the comfort zone based on the first air conditioning setting, and then operates the air conditioners located in the thermal adjustment zone in cooling mode based on the second air conditioning setting. This creates an air conditioning environment where the controlled location reaches a comfortable temperature without directly blowing air from the air conditioners onto the user at the controlled location. As a result, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of the configuration of an operating terminal. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the control device configuration. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a control table stored in the memory unit. [Figure 6] Diagram for explaining the comfort zone and the temperature adjustment zone [Figure 7] Flowchart for explaining the air conditioning control process executed by the control device [Figure 8] Diagram showing an example of another control table stored in the storage unit [Figure 9] Diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the case where the air conditioning system is installed in an office building as an example of a building will be described. However, the present disclosure can also be similarly applied when the air conditioning system is installed in other buildings such as commercial facilities and educational facilities. That is, the following embodiments are for explanation and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of these elements or all of these elements are replaced with equivalent ones, and these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Also, in each of the drawings described in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals will be assigned to common elements.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. This air conditioning system 1 is, for example, an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning on the floor FL of an office building with a plurality of air conditioners 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 10, a sensor 20, an operation terminal 30, and a control device 40, and performs air conditioning within the floor FL. Note that the numbers of the air conditioner 10 and the sensor 20 are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to the size of the floor FL. Furthermore, while Figure 1 shows only one control terminal 30 as an example, in an actual air conditioning system 1, multiple control terminals 30 can be used depending on the number of users utilizing the floor FL.

[0015] First, the components of the air conditioning system 1 will be briefly described, and then the operating terminal 30 and the control device 40 will be described in detail.

[0016] The air conditioner 10 is, for example, an indoor unit installed on the ceiling of the floor FL, and is connected via piping to an outdoor unit (not shown) installed outdoors. The air conditioner 10, as an example, has an expansion valve and a heat exchanger, and evaporates or condenses the refrigerant sent from the outdoor unit via piping in the heat exchanger to provide air conditioning to the target area within the floor FL. The air conditioner 10 is connected to the control device 40 via a dedicated line, for example, and performs air conditioning in response to commands sent from the control device 40.

[0017] Sensor 20 is a sensor that measures environmental information such as temperature, humidity, and airflow within the floor FL, and is appropriately positioned within the floor FL. Sensor 20 transmits the measured environmental information to the control device 40, for example, via a dedicated line. In addition to the dedicated line, sensor 20 may also transmit the environmental information to the control device 40 via wireless communication. Furthermore, the sensor 20 may also measure other environmental information, including radiation levels, the amount of clothing the user is wearing, and the user's activity level. Furthermore, instead of using sensor 20, the air conditioner 10 may use its built-in sensors for measuring temperature, humidity, etc., to measure environmental information.

[0018] The operating terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone or tablet, and is operated by the user within the floor FL. As will be described in detail later, the operating terminal 30 displays a floor plan of the floor FL and receives operation information from the user, including the location of the control target and the set temperature. The operation terminal 30 then communicates the received operation information to the control device 40. Alternatively, instead of using such an operating terminal 30, the control device 40 may be equipped with a display unit, an operating unit, etc., and the operating unit may be used to receive operation information from the user.

[0019] The control device 40 is, for example, a centralized control controller and controls the entire air conditioning system 1. The control device 40 defines the comfort zone and the thermal adjustment zone, described later, according to the control target location included in the operation information sent from the operation terminal 30. The control device 40 also determines the discomfort level at the control target location according to the environmental information sent from the sensor 20. Then, the control device 40 controls the air conditioners 10 in the comfort zone based on the first air conditioning setting corresponding to the determined discomfort level, and controls the air conditioners 10 in the thermal adjustment zone based on the second air conditioning setting corresponding to the determined discomfort level.

[0020] Next, the details of the operating terminal 30 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the operating terminal 30. As shown in Figure 2, the operating terminal 30 comprises an operating unit 31, a storage unit 32, a control unit 33, a communication unit 34, and a display unit 35.

[0021] The control unit 31 is, for example, a touch panel that accepts user input. For example, with the floor plan of the floor FL (described later) displayed on the display unit 35, the operation unit 31 receives, for example, the control target position indicating the user's current location within the floor FL, and the set temperature at the control target position. The operation unit 31 supplies the received control target position and set temperature as operation information to the control unit 33.

[0022] The memory unit 32 is, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive), a hard disk, etc., and stores various kinds of information. For example, the storage unit 32 stores image data showing a floor plan of the floor FL.

[0023] The control unit 33 is, for example, a computing unit equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and controls the entire operation terminal 30. Specifically, the control unit 33 reads image data of the plan view from the storage unit 32 and displays it on the display unit 35. Then, the control unit 33 transmits the operation information received by the operation unit 31 to the control device 40 via the communication unit 34.

[0024] The communication unit 34 is, for example, a wireless communication unit, which is controlled by the control unit 33 and transmits various information to the control device 40. For example, the communication unit 34 transmits the operation information received by the operation unit 31 to the control device 40.

[0025] The display unit 35 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, and displays various information. For example, the display unit 35 is controlled by the control unit 33 and displays a plan view PF as shown in Figure 3. The operation unit 31 described above receives the control target position P indicated by the user. The operation unit 31 also receives the set temperature at the control target position P.

[0026] Next, the details of the control device 40 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 40. As shown in Figure 4, the control device 40 includes a storage unit 41, a wireless communication unit 42, a control unit 43, and a wired communication unit 44.

[0027] The storage unit 41 is, for example, an SSD or a hard disk, and stores various information, including the control table 411. In other words, in addition to the control table 411 described below, the storage unit 41 also stores equipment management information, including the installation location of the air conditioner 10, and sensor management information, including the installation location of the sensor 20.

[0028] The control table 411 is a table that defines the settings for controlling the target air conditioner 10 according to the discomfort level. For example, as shown in Figure 5, it includes the discomfort level 411a, the judgment condition 411b, the first air conditioning setting 411c, and the second air conditioning setting 411d. Note that the control table 411 shown in Figure 5 is an example of a control table for cooling operation in summer. Therefore, the storage unit 41 may also store a control table for heating operation in winter, as will be described later.

[0029] Discomfort level 411a is, for example, a four-level scale of discomfort. A lower level indicates a more comfortable environment, and a discomfort level of 0 indicates "comfortable." Furthermore, judgment condition 411b indicates the judgment condition for the discomfort level 411a described above, and as an example, the value of the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is specified. In addition, instead of such a temperature difference, judgment criterion 411b may use the Discomfort Index (DI), Predicted Mean Vote (PMV), or other criteria. Furthermore, when the Discomfort Index (DI) is used as the judgment criterion, environmental information including temperature and humidity is sent from the sensor 20 to the control device 40. Also, when the Predicted Mean Thermal Value (PMV) is used as the judgment criterion, environmental information including temperature, humidity, airflow, radiation, clothing amount, and activity level is sent from the sensor 20 to the control device 40.

[0030] Furthermore, the first air conditioning setting 411c specifies the settings to be applied to the air conditioner 10 within the comfort zone, which will be described later. For example, when discomfort level 411a is level 0, the temperature is comfortable, so the first air conditioning setting 411c specifies that the air conditioners 10 in the comfort zone are stopped, and the air from the air conditioners 10 does not blow directly on the user. Also, when discomfort level 411a is level 1, the room temperature is slightly high, so the first air conditioning setting 411c specifies that the air conditioners 10 in the comfort zone are set to fan mode, and the air at room temperature is directed towards the user to lower the perceived temperature. Furthermore, when discomfort level 411a is level 2, the room temperature is even higher, so the setting specifies that the nearest air conditioner 10 in the comfort zone is set to cooling mode, and the cooled air is directed towards the user to further lower the perceived temperature. And when discomfort level 411a is level 3, the room temperature is very high, so the setting specifies that all air conditioners 10 in the comfort zone are set to cooling mode, and the cooled air is not directed towards the user, prioritizing the adjustment of the thermal environment.

[0031] Furthermore, the second air conditioning setting 411d specifies the settings to be applied to the air conditioner 10 in the thermal adjustment zone, which will be described later. Although the second air conditioning setting 411d has the same settings regardless of the discomfort level 411a value, different settings may be specified depending on the discomfort level 411a value. For example, the higher the discomfort level 411a value, the lower the set temperature when the air conditioner 10 in the thermal adjustment zone is operated for cooling may be set compared to the set temperature operated by the user, thereby indirectly bringing the room temperature in the comfort zone closer to a suitable temperature.

[0032] Returning to Figure 4, the wireless communication unit 42 is, for example, a wireless communication unit and serves as a communication means for wireless communication with the operating terminal 30 on the floor FL.

[0033] The control unit 43 is, for example, a computing unit equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., and controls the entire control device 40. Specifically, the control unit 43 realizes the operation information acquisition means 431, the environment information acquisition means 432, and the comfort control means 433 by having the CPU use RAM as work memory and appropriately execute programs stored in ROM.

[0034] The operation information acquisition means 431 acquires operation information sent from the operation terminal 30 via the wireless communication unit 42 described above. In other words, the operation information acquisition means 431 acquires operation information, including the control target position and the set temperature, received from the user by the operation terminal 30.

[0035] The environmental information acquisition means 432 acquires environmental information sent from the sensor 20 via the wired communication unit 44, which will be described later. In other words, the environmental information acquisition means 432 acquires environmental information, such as temperature, measured by the sensor 20.

[0036] The comfort control means 433 first defines a comfort zone and a thermal adjustment zone based on the control target position. For example, as shown in Figure 6, when a control target position P is specified by operation information, the comfort control means 433 defines a comfort zone Zn1 centered on that control target position P and a thermal adjustment zone Zn2 surrounding the outer periphery of the comfort zone Zn1. More specifically, the comfort control means 433 sets the distance from the controlled position P to the outer edge of the comfort zone Zn1, that is, the radius of the comfort zone Zn1, to a maximum of 5m. This 5m is the same length as the maximum distance that the air from the air conditioner 10 can reach. In addition, the comfort control means 433 sets the distance from the controlled position P to the outer edge of the thermal adjustment zone Zn2 to a maximum of 10m. The comfort control means 433 then extracts the air conditioners 10 within the defined comfort zone Zn1. The comfort control means 433 also extracts the air conditioners 10 within the defined thermal adjustment zone Zn2.

[0037] Returning to Figure 4, the comfort control means 433 determines the level of discomfort at the controlled location. For example, the comfort control means 433 acquires environmental information measured by the sensor 20 closest to the control target position and determines the discomfort level based on the temperature difference between the set temperature and the room temperature. In other words, as defined in the determination condition 411b of the control table 411 shown in Figure 5 above, the value of the discomfort level 411a is determined according to the value obtained by subtracting the set temperature from the room temperature. As described above, if the judgment condition 411b specifies the Discomfort Index (DI) or the Expected Mean Thermal Value (PMV), the comfort control means 433 determines the discomfort level of the controlled location according to a value calculated based on temperature and humidity, or a value calculated based on temperature, humidity, airflow, radiation, clothing amount, and activity level.

[0038] Furthermore, the comfort control means 433 determines the first and second air conditioning settings according to the determined discomfort level. Specifically, the comfort control means 433 refers to the control table 411 shown in Figure 5 above to determine the contents of the first air conditioning setting 411c and the contents of the second air conditioning setting 411d according to the discomfort level. The comfort control means 433 controls the air conditioners 10 in the comfort zone based on the determined first air conditioning setting, and also controls the air conditioners 10 in the thermal adjustment zone based on the determined second air conditioning setting. For example, if the determined discomfort level is low, the comfort control means 433 basically stops the air conditioner 10 in the comfort zone based on the corresponding first air conditioning setting, so that the cold air from the air conditioner 10 does not directly hit the user. Then, based on the corresponding second air conditioning setting, the comfort control means 433 operates the air conditioner 10 in the thermal adjustment zone in cooling mode, thereby creating a comfortable air-conditioned environment where the user at the controlled location reaches an appropriate temperature without the air from the air conditioner 10 directly hitting the user at that location.

[0039] The wired communication unit 44 is, for example, a wired communication unit and serves as a communication means for wired communication with the air conditioner 10 and the sensor 20 via a dedicated line.

[0040] The operation of the air conditioning system 1 with this configuration will be explained below with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning control process performed by the control device 40. This air conditioning control process is performed continuously by the control device 40.

[0041] First, the control unit 43 determines whether or not the controlled position has been changed (step S101). For example, the control unit 43 determines that the controlled target position has changed when the operation information acquisition means 431 acquires new operation information. In other words, in that case, the operation information acquisition means 431 acquires operation information sent from the operation terminal 30, so this step S101 is an example of an operation information acquisition step.

[0042] If the control unit 43 determines that the controlled position has not been changed (step S101; No), it proceeds to step S104, which will be described later.

[0043] On the other hand, if it is determined that the controlled position has changed (step S101; Yes), the control unit 43 extracts the air conditioner 10 within the comfort zone (step S102). In other words, as shown in Figure 6 above, the comfort control means 433 defines a comfort zone Zn1 centered on the control target position P and extracts the air conditioners 10 located within that comfort zone Zn1.

[0044] The control unit 43 extracts the air conditioner 10 within the thermal adjustment zone (step S103). In other words, as shown in Figure 6 above, the comfort control means 433 defines a thermal adjustment zone Zn2 surrounding the outer periphery of the comfort zone Zn1 and extracts the air conditioner 10 located within the thermal adjustment zone Zn2.

[0045] The control unit 43 acquires environmental information in the vicinity of the controlled location (step S104). In other words, the environmental information acquisition means 432 acquires environmental information measured by the sensor 20 closest to the control target position. This step S104 is an example of an environmental information acquisition step.

[0046] The control unit 43 determines the level of discomfort at the controlled location (step S105). For example, the comfort control means 433 determines the discomfort level based on the temperature difference between the set temperature and the room temperature. In addition to this temperature difference, the comfort control means 433 may also determine the discomfort level based on the discomfort index (DI), the expected mean thermal comfort rating (PMV), or the like.

[0047] The control unit 43 determines the first air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level (step S106). For example, the comfort control means 433 refers to the control table 411 shown in Figure 5 above and determines the content of the first air conditioning setting 411c corresponding to the discomfort level determined in step S105 above.

[0048] The control unit 43 controls the air conditioners 10 in the comfort zone based on the first air conditioning setting (step S107). In other words, the comfort control means 433 controls the air conditioner 10 extracted in step S102 based on the first air conditioning setting determined in step S106 described above.

[0049] The control unit 43 determines the second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level (step S108). For example, the comfort control means 433 refers to the control table 411 shown in Figure 5 above and determines the content of the second air conditioning setting 411d corresponding to the discomfort level determined in step S105 above.

[0050] The control unit 43 controls the air conditioners 10 in the thermal adjustment zone based on the second air conditioning setting (step S109). In other words, the comfort control means 433 controls the air conditioner 10 extracted in step S103 based on the second air conditioning setting determined in step S108 described above. The steps S105 through S109 described above are an example of a comfort control step.

[0051] The control unit 43 then returns the process to step S101 described above.

[0052] Through this air conditioning control process, for example, if the discomfort level determined in step S105 is low, the control device 40 basically stops the air conditioner 10 in the comfort zone based on the corresponding first air conditioning setting (step S107), thereby preventing cold air from the air conditioner 10 from directly hitting the user. Then, based on the corresponding second air conditioning setting, the control device 40 starts the air conditioner 10 in the thermal adjustment zone in cooling mode (step S109), thereby achieving a comfortable air-conditioned environment where the user at the controlled location reaches an appropriate temperature without the air from the air conditioner 10 directly hitting the user at that location.

[0053] As a result, a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be achieved.

[0054] In the above embodiment 1, we described the case where the control table 411 used during cooling operation in summer, as shown in Figure 5, is used. However, in winter, the control table used during heating operation may be used instead. For example, the control unit 41 of the control device 40 stores a control table as shown in Figure 8. Then, even during heating operation, the comfort control means 433 of the control device 40 determines the discomfort level at the control target location according to the determination conditions, determines a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level, controls the air conditioner 10 in the comfort zone based on the determined first air conditioning setting, and controls the air conditioner 10 in the thermal adjustment zone based on the determined second air conditioning setting. Even during heating operation, for example, if the determined discomfort level is low, the comfort control means 433 basically stops the air conditioner 10 in the comfort zone based on the corresponding first air conditioning setting, so that the warm air from the air conditioner 10 does not directly blow on the user. Then, based on the corresponding second air conditioning setting, the comfort control means 433 operates the air conditioner 10 in the thermal adjustment zone in heating mode, thereby creating a comfortable air-conditioned environment where the user at the controlled location reaches an appropriate temperature without the air from the air conditioner 10 directly blowing on the user at the controlled location.

[0055] (Embodiment 2) In the above embodiment 1, the case in which the air conditioner 10 is appropriately controlled using the control device 40 was described. However, the functions of the control device 40 may be assigned to an external server, and the air conditioner 10 may be controlled from this external server.

[0056] Hereinafter, the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning system 2. This air conditioning system 2 includes an air conditioner 10, a sensor 20, an operating terminal 30, a termination device 50, and a cloud server 60. In other words, air conditioning system 2 differs from air conditioning system 1 in that the main components of the control device 40 in air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 are located on the cloud server 60. Therefore, in air conditioning system 2, the air conditioner 10, sensor 20, and operating terminal 30 are the same as those in air conditioning system 1.

[0057] The termination device 50 is, for example, an ONU (Optical Network Unit), a modem, a gateway, etc., and relays communication between the air conditioner 10, the sensor 20, and the operation terminal 30 and the cloud server 60. For example, when the terminal device 50 receives environmental information sent from the sensor 20, it transmits the received environmental information to the cloud server 60. Also, when it receives operation information sent from the operation terminal 30, it transmits the received operation information to the cloud server 60. Furthermore, when the terminal device 50 receives control information sent from the cloud server 60, it transmits the received control information to the target air conditioner 10.

[0058] The cloud server 60 is a server device built on the internet N. The cloud server 60 is communicated with the air conditioner 10, sensor 20, and operating terminal 30 via the termination device 50 described above.

[0059] The communication unit 61 receives information sent from the sensor 20 and the operating terminal 30 via the termination device 50. The communication unit 61 also transmits information to the air conditioner 10 via the termination device 50.

[0060] The storage unit 62 is, for example, an SSD, a hard disk, etc., and stores the control table 411 as shown in Figure 5 above. Alternatively, the storage unit 62 may store the control table as shown in Figure 8 above.

[0061] The control unit 63 is, for example, a computing unit equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU uses RAM as work memory and appropriately executes programs stored in ROM, thereby realizing operation information acquisition means 431, environmental information acquisition means 432, and comfort control means 433, similar to the control device 40 in the air conditioning system 1 in Figure 1.

[0062] Even in an air conditioning system 2 with this configuration, a more comfortable air conditioning environment can be achieved by using the cloud server 60. In other words, when the discomfort level is low, the cloud server 60 essentially shuts off the air conditioners 10 in the comfort zone based on the corresponding first air conditioning setting, so that the cold air from the air conditioners 10 does not directly hit the user. Then, based on the corresponding second air conditioning setting, the cloud server 60 operates the air conditioners 10 in the thermal adjustment zone in cooling mode, thereby creating a comfortable air-conditioned environment where the user at the controlled location is at an appropriate temperature without the air from the air conditioners 10 directly hitting the user at that location.

[0063] (Other embodiments) In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the case in which the controlled target position is obtained from user operation information was explained. However, the controlled target position may also be obtained by automatically detecting the user's position within the floor FL, rather than from such operation information. For example, position detection sensors such as cameras and infrared sensors may be further placed within the floor FL, and the control device 40 or the cloud server 60 may automatically acquire the position information obtained from these position detection sensors as the control target position.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiments 1 and 2, the case in which the CPU in the control device 40 or the control units 43 and 63 of the cloud server 60 uses RAM as work memory and appropriately executes a program stored in ROM to realize the operation information acquisition means 431, the environment information acquisition means 432, and the comfort control means 433 was described.

[0065] However, all or part of the functional units of the control units 43 and 63 may be implemented using dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware may include, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0066] Furthermore, the control program for the above-mentioned air conditioning control process can also be distributed by storing it on computer-readable storage media such as CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Magneto-Optical Disc, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, memory cards, and HDDs.

[0067] Furthermore, in cases where a configuration is adopted in which such a control program is executed by a control device separate from the control device 40 or the cloud server 60, it is also possible to make a specific or general-purpose computer function as a control device by installing the program distributed as described above on that computer. Alternatively, the control program may be stored on a disk device owned by another server on the internet, and the control program may be downloaded from that server to the control device.

[0068] This disclosure allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from its broad spirit and scope. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In other words, the scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meaning of the invention are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0069] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0070] (Note 1) A control device for controlling one or more air conditioners located within a floor, Operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information including the control target position within the floor, Environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information measured within the aforementioned floor, A comfort control means that determines a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level at the controlled location based on the operation information and the environmental information, and then controls the air conditioners located within the comfort zone including the controlled location based on the first air conditioning setting, and controls the air conditioners located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer perimeter of the comfort zone based on the second air conditioning setting, A control device equipped with the following features. (Note 2) The aforementioned operation information further includes the set temperature, and the aforementioned environmental information includes the room temperature. The comfort control means determines the discomfort level based on the temperature difference between the set temperature and the room temperature, and if the determined discomfort level is low, it stops the operation of the air conditioner located within the comfort zone based on the first air conditioning setting. The control device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The comfort control means, when the determined discomfort level is high, operates the air conditioner located within the comfort zone in the mode of ventilation, cooling, or heating, based on the first air conditioning setting. The control device described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The comfort control means operates the air conditioner located within the thermal adjustment zone in either cooling or heating mode, based on the second air conditioning setting. A control device as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) An air conditioning system comprising an operating terminal, sensors, and a control device, which controls one or more air conditioners located within a floor, The aforementioned operating terminal receives operation information from the user, including the location of the controlled object within the floor. The sensor measures environmental information within the floor, The control device is An operation information acquisition means for acquiring the operation information sent from the operation terminal, An environmental information acquisition means for acquiring the environmental information sent from the sensor, The system includes a comfort control means that, after determining a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level at the controlled location based on the operation information and the environmental information, controls the air conditioners located within the comfort zone including the controlled location based on the first air conditioning setting, and controls the air conditioners located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer perimeter of the comfort zone based on the second air conditioning setting. Air conditioning system. (Note 6) An air conditioning control method executed by a control device that controls one or more air conditioners located within a floor, An operation information acquisition step, which acquires operation information including the control target position within the floor, An environmental information acquisition step is to acquire environmental information measured within the aforementioned floor, A comfort control step which involves determining a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level at the controlled location based on the operation information and the environmental information, then controlling the air conditioners located within the comfort zone including the controlled location based on the first air conditioning setting, and controlling the air conditioners located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer perimeter of the comfort zone based on the second air conditioning setting, An air conditioning control method comprising the following features. (Note 7) A computer that controls one or more air conditioners located on a floor, An operation information acquisition step of acquiring operation information including the control target position within the floor, An environmental information acquisition step of acquiring environmental information measured within the aforementioned floor, A comfort control step in which, after determining a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level at the controlled location based on the operation information and the environmental information, the air conditioners located within the comfort zone including the controlled location are controlled based on the first air conditioning setting, and the air conditioners located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer perimeter of the comfort zone are controlled based on the second air conditioning setting. A program to execute. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1,2 Air conditioning system, 10 Air conditioner, 20 Sensor, 30 Operation terminal, 31 Operation unit, 32 Memory unit, 33 Control unit, 34 Communication unit, 35 Display unit, 40 Control device, 41 Memory unit, 411 Control table, 42 Wireless communication unit, 43 Control unit, 431 Operation information acquisition means, 432 Environmental information acquisition means, 433 Revision control means, 44 Wired communication unit, 50 Termination device, 60 Cloud server, 61 Memory unit, 62 Communication unit, 63 Control unit

Claims

1. A control device for controlling two or more air conditioners located within a floor, Operation information acquisition means for acquiring operation information including a control target position that indicates the user's current location within the floor, The system includes a comfort control means that determines a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level at the control target location, controls the air conditioners located within the comfort zone including the control target location based on the first air conditioning setting, and controls the air conditioners located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer perimeter of the comfort zone based on the second air conditioning setting, The comfort control means, when the discomfort level is low, stops the air conditioner located in the comfort zone according to the first air conditioning setting, and operates the air conditioner located in the thermal adjustment zone in cooling or heating mode according to the second air conditioning setting. Control device.

2. Further comprising environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information including room temperature measured within the floor, The aforementioned operation information further includes the set temperature. The comfort control means determines the discomfort level based on the temperature difference between the set temperature and the room temperature. The control device according to claim 1.

3. The comfort control means, when the determined discomfort level is high, operates the air conditioner located within the comfort zone in the mode of ventilation, cooling, or heating, based on the first air conditioning setting. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An air conditioning system comprising an operating terminal, sensors, and a control device, which controls two or more air conditioners located within a floor, The aforementioned operating terminal receives operation information from the user, including a control target location that indicates the user's current location within the floor. The control device is An operation information acquisition means for acquiring the operation information sent from the operation terminal, The system includes a comfort control means that determines a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level at the control target location, controls the air conditioners located within the comfort zone including the control target location based on the first air conditioning setting, and controls the air conditioners located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer perimeter of the comfort zone based on the second air conditioning setting, The comfort control means, when the discomfort level is low, stops the air conditioner located in the comfort zone according to the first air conditioning setting, and operates the air conditioner located in the thermal adjustment zone in cooling or heating mode according to the second air conditioning setting. Air conditioning system.

5. An air conditioning control method executed by a control device that controls two or more air conditioners located within a floor, An operation information acquisition step involves acquiring operation information including a control target position that indicates the user's current location within the floor, The system includes a comfort control step which involves determining a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting according to the discomfort level at the control target location, controlling the air conditioners located within the comfort zone including the control target location based on the first air conditioning setting, and controlling the air conditioners located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer perimeter of the comfort zone based on the second air conditioning setting. In the comfort control step, if the discomfort level is low, the first air conditioning setting stops the air conditioner located in the comfort zone, and the second air conditioning setting causes the air conditioner located in the thermal adjustment zone to operate in cooling or heating mode. Air conditioning control method.

6. A computer that controls two or more air conditioners located on a floor, An operation information acquisition step that acquires operation information including a control target position that indicates the user's current location within the floor, A comfort control step is performed in which a first air conditioning setting and a second air conditioning setting are determined according to the discomfort level at the control target location, the air conditioners located within the comfort zone including the control target location are controlled based on the first air conditioning setting, and the air conditioners located within the thermal adjustment zone surrounding the outer perimeter of the comfort zone are controlled based on the second air conditioning setting. In the comfort control step, if the discomfort level is low, the first air conditioning setting stops the air conditioner located in the comfort zone, and the second air conditioning setting causes the air conditioner located in the thermal adjustment zone to operate in cooling or heating mode. A program designed to execute in a certain way.

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