Air conditioning systems and HVAC environment management programs

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of easily grasping and realizing desired air conditioning environment at a position that a user desires.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system comprises, for example, an information acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and an output unit. The information acquisition unit acquires floor plan information of an installation space where an indoor unit is installed, arrangement information of an indoor facility arranged inside the installation space, and blowout state information of air blown out from the indoor unit in the installation space. The calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information in an air conditioning target area included in the installation space based on the floor plan information, the arrangement information and the blowout state information. The output unit causes a display unit to display an image showing the air conditioning environment information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air conditioning system and an air conditioning environment management program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an indoor unit of an air conditioner (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an air conditioner) can be controlled by operating an operation unit connected by wire or by a remote controller (remote control) connected wirelessly or the like. A conventional air conditioner changes the air conditioning environment in the installation space by setting the temperature, air volume, air direction, etc. using a remote control or the like. In this case, in order to make it easier for the user to grasp the air conditioning environment of the installation space, for example, a technique has been proposed to display the temperature distribution etc. measured by various sensors provided in the indoor unit. In addition, a technique for obtaining the temperature distribution result etc. by simulation has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the shapes of the installation spaces where indoor units are installed vary, and various indoor facilities such as furniture and equipment are arranged in the installation spaces. Therefore, even if the temperature, air volume, air direction, etc. are set on the indoor unit side, it may be difficult for the user to make the air conditioning environment at the position where the actual user exists the air conditioning environment imagined by the user. For example, even if the temperature is set, it may be too cold or too hot at the position where the user exists, and there is a problem that each setting needs to be readjusted frequently.

[0005] One example of a problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an air conditioning system and an air conditioning environment management program that makes it easy for users to understand their desired air conditioning environment at their preferred location, for example, the location of their chair or sofa, and to easily realize that desired air conditioning environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, an information acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and an output unit. , Change Request Department and The system includes the following: The information acquisition unit acquires floor plan information of the installation space in which the indoor unit is installed, arrangement information of indoor equipment arranged inside the installation space, and information on the air blowing status of the air blown out from the indoor unit in the installation space. The calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information for the air-conditioned area included in the installation space based on the floor plan information, the arrangement information, and the air blowing status information. The output unit displays an image showing the air conditioning environment information on the display unit. The change reception unit accepts a change operation for the corresponding air conditioning environment information when the air conditioning target area displayed on the display unit is selected by the user. If there are multiple air conditioning target areas in the installation space and the change reception unit accepts a change operation for the air conditioning environment information for two or more air conditioning target areas, the calculation unit calculates target air conditioning environment information so as to minimize the error in the air conditioning environment information for which a change has been requested, and the output unit displays the target air conditioning environment information on the display unit.

[0007] Furthermore, the information acquisition unit may, for example, acquire contribution information for each indoor piece of equipment that contributes to the temperature change in the installation space, and the calculation unit may calculate the air conditioning environment information including the contribution information.

[0010] Furthermore, if a change in the air conditioning environment information for the air-conditioned area is requested via the change operation unit, the system may also include a control unit that controls the indoor unit to realize the requested change in the air conditioning environment information.

[0011] Furthermore, if a change in the air conditioning environment information for the air-conditioned area is requested via the change operation unit, the system may also include a control unit that implements the requested change in the air conditioning environment information through the cooperation of the indoor unit and the indoor equipment.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit may, for example, adjust the control state of the indoor unit and the indoor equipment in accordance with the air conditioning environment information that has changed through the cooperation of the indoor unit and the indoor equipment.

[0013] Furthermore, the calculation unit may, for example, calculate the air conditioning environment information in the air conditioning target area using a weighted average of temperature information from multiple areas of the installation space.

[0014] Furthermore, the calculation unit may, for example, use the results of a simulation of the airflow state in the installation space to calculate the air conditioning environment information in the air conditioning target area.

[0015] Furthermore, the calculation unit may, for example, acquire at least one of the floor plan information and the arrangement information via a terminal device independent of the indoor unit.

[0016] An air conditioning environment management program according to one embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, an information acquisition unit that acquires floor plan information of the installation space in which an indoor unit is installed, arrangement information of indoor equipment arranged inside the installation space, and information on the air blowing status of the air blown out from the indoor unit in the installation space, and a calculation unit that calculates air conditioning environment information in the air-conditioned area included in the installation space based on the floor plan information, the arrangement information, and the air blowing status information. The aforementioned An output unit that displays an image showing air conditioning environment information on the display unit, When the air conditioning target area displayed on the display unit is selected by the user, a change reception unit accepts a change operation for the corresponding air conditioning environment information, To make it function as, If there are multiple air-conditioned target areas in the installation space, and the change reception unit receives a request to change the air conditioning environment information for two or more of the air-conditioned target areas, the calculation unit calculates target air conditioning environment information such that the error in the requested air conditioning environment information is minimized, and the output unit displays the target air conditioning environment information on the display unit. .

[0017] With the above air conditioning system, it is easy for users to understand the air conditioning environment at their desired location and to easily achieve the desired air conditioning environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the indoor unit of an air conditioning device included in an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the installation state of the indoor unit of the air conditioning device included in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment, within the installation space (room). [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is an exemplary and schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the air conditioning environment information displayed on the display unit of the terminal device (external terminal) in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment, the floor plan of the room, the arrangement of indoor facilities, and the perceived temperature for each air conditioning target area inside the room. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the display unit of the terminal device in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment, and explaining the operation of changing the perceived temperature for a desired air conditioning target area from the air conditioning target areas shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the display unit of the terminal device, and explaining that the change operation of the perceived temperature of the desired air conditioning target area shown in FIG. 5 affects other air conditioning target areas. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram showing an example of the display on the display unit of the terminal device in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment, and showing the execution of the control of the indoor unit in consideration of the influence results of each air conditioning target area shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the simulation result of the airflow by the simulation calculation unit in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram showing the setting conditions regarding the movement at the time of the collision of particles with the wall in the simulation shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram showing an image in which the airflow by the simulation calculation unit in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment is visualized. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exemplary and schematic explanatory diagram showing another image in which the airflow by the simulation calculation unit in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment is visualized. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is an exemplary flowchart showing the flow of a process for displaying an air conditioning environment in an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exemplary flowchart showing the flow of a setting change process in the flowchart of FIG. 12.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, components according to embodiments and descriptions of the components may be described in a plurality of expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be specified by different names from those in this specification. Also, the components may be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0020] The air conditioning system of this embodiment takes into account the shape (layout), furniture arrangement, and influence of indoor equipment such as a fan that affects the room environment in the room (installation space) where the air conditioner (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "air conditioner") included in the air conditioning system is installed, and calculates how the air conditioning environment such as the perceived temperature, perceived humidity, perceived air volume, heat stress index (WBGT), comfort index (PMV), etc., and how the wind hits, will be for the position where the user (including co-inhabitants) is present and the desired position. Then, this air conditioning system provides the user with information indicating the calculated air conditioning environment in a state that is easy to recognize, and enables the user to easily recognize the desired air conditioning environment (air conditioning state) inside the room before and after the start of air conditioning control, and to realize that air conditioning environment.

[0021] Figure 1 is an exemplary and schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning device (air conditioner) included in the air conditioning system of this embodiment. The indoor unit 10 can be a well-known device that allows switching of the air conditioning mode, set temperature, airflow (wind strength), and airflow direction using an attached remote controller (remote control). In the case of the indoor unit 10 of this embodiment, in addition to the remote control, it is assumed that switching of the air conditioning mode, set temperature, airflow (wind strength), airflow direction, etc. can be performed using a terminal device with dedicated application software installed, such as a smartphone, tablet terminal, or personal computer (PC).

[0022] As described above, the indoor unit 10 can utilize well-known equipment, and a detailed explanation will be omitted, but it performs air conditioning treatment by heat exchange on air drawn in from the indoor space through an intake port 12 provided, for example, on the top surface of the housing 10a of the indoor unit 10. The conditioned air is then blown out into the indoor space from an outlet port 14 provided, for example, on the bottom side of the housing 10a. The air conditioning treatment can include, for example, heat absorption treatment (cooling), heating treatment (heating), dehumidification treatment, humidification treatment, fan treatment, air purification treatment, etc. Heat absorption treatment, heating treatment, dehumidification treatment, humidification treatment, fan treatment, and air purification treatment correspond to the air conditioning modes (operating modes) of the air conditioning device, namely cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, humidification operation mode, fan operation mode, and air purification operation mode, respectively.

[0023] The indoor unit 10 is connected to the outdoor unit (not shown in the diagram) by refrigerant piping (refrigerant circuit). Refrigerant is circulated between the heat exchanger on the indoor unit 10 and the heat exchanger on the outdoor unit in a direction corresponding to the operating mode, thereby regulating the air passing around the heat exchanger of the indoor unit 10, such as overheating or cooling. A fan is provided near the heat exchanger of the indoor unit 10, and the airflow volume (blow strength) of the cold or warm air blown out from the outlet 14 is controlled by varying the fan's rotation speed.

[0024] Furthermore, the air outlet 14 is equipped with an upper / lower air deflector 16 and a left / right air deflector 18. By opening and closing the upper / lower air deflector 16 in the +Z or -Z direction in the diagram, the distance the air blown out from the air outlet 14 reaches from the indoor unit 10 can be changed. Also, by swinging the left / right air deflector 18 in the +X or -X direction in the diagram, the direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 14 can be changed in the left / right direction relative to the front of the indoor unit 10. Therefore, by combining the opening / closing state of the upper / lower air deflector 16 and the swinging state of the left / right air deflector 18, the reach of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 14 can be set to a desired position in the indoor space.

[0025] Furthermore, a radar S1 (transmitter S1a, receiver S1b) that detects the presence and location (distance to objects) of objects (including people and furniture) in the room, and a temperature sensor S2 that measures the room temperature are arranged in a part of the housing 10a of the indoor unit 10, for example, approximately in the center in the width direction (-X, +X direction). The information acquired by the radar S1 and temperature sensor S2 is appropriately reflected in the control of the indoor unit 10.

[0026] Figure 2 is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the installation state of the indoor unit 10 of the air conditioning device included in the air conditioning system according to the embodiment in the installation space R (room). In Figure 2, a table 20 is placed approximately in front of the indoor unit 10, at a position away in the +Y direction from the wall surface R1 to which the indoor unit 10 is fixed, as an example of an item present in the installation space R. Also, a chair 22 is placed in the -X direction (left direction) from the indoor unit 10, at a position closer to the table 20 in the +Y direction from the wall surface R1, as an example of an item. In other words, the chair 22 is relatively closer to the indoor unit 10 than the table 20. Also, a potted plant 24 is placed in the vicinity of the chair 22 in the -X direction, as an example of an item.

[0027] A typical air conditioning system allows you to set the temperature of the conditioned air, the airflow (discharge strength), and the airflow direction. However, these settings are based on the air outlet 14 of the indoor unit 10, and the settings for the air temperature, airflow, and airflow direction are all at the outlet 14. Therefore, the actual temperature (perceived temperature) and airflow may differ in different locations within the air-conditioned area, such as the position of the table 20 (surrounding area 20a), the position of the chair 22 (surrounding area 22a), and the position of the potted plant 24 (surrounding area 24a). For example, if the indoor unit 10 is operated with the current settings, the perceived temperature (for example, the temperature calculated reflecting humidity and wind speed) in the surrounding area 22a of the chair 22 might be "16°C" and the perceived wind speed (the perceived strength of the wind) might be "strong". In this case, in the area 20a surrounding the table 20, which is relatively farther from the chair 22 than the indoor unit 10, the perceived temperature may be "19°C" and the perceived wind speed may be "weak." Also, in the area 24a surrounding the potted plant 24, which is located furthest from the indoor unit 10, the perceived temperature may be "20°C" and the perceived wind speed may be "none." In other words, simply setting the temperature, airflow, and wind direction of the indoor unit 10 is insufficient, as the air conditioning environment may differ for each air conditioning environment depending on the relationship between the indoor unit 10 and the air conditioning environment (distance, shielding by objects, etc.), making it difficult to understand. Therefore, users must predict the air conditioning environment in their desired air-conditioned area and make the necessary settings. Furthermore, it becomes necessary to frequently change the settings to achieve the desired air conditioning environment in the desired air-conditioned area. Moreover, setting one air-conditioned area to the desired air conditioning environment may change the air conditioning environment in other air-conditioned areas. For example, even if the perceived temperature or perceived wind speed is comfortable for the user who is setting the indoor unit 10, it may be an uncomfortable environment for other people in the same room who are in different locations (for example, an environment where the perceived temperature is too high or the perceived wind speed is too low).

[0028] Therefore, in the air conditioning system of this embodiment, for example, before or after operating the indoor unit 10, information is provided in a way that makes it easy to recognize the air conditioning environment in the air-conditioned area, taking into consideration the arrangement of furniture and the shape (layout) of the room in the installation space R where the indoor unit 10 is installed, as well as the operation of indoor equipment that affects the air conditioning environment of the installation space R (such as perceived temperature and perceived wind speed). For example, the air conditioning environment of each air-conditioned area is displayed on the display of a terminal device available to the user, making it easier to understand the air conditioning environment of the installation space R (room) before changing the settings of the indoor unit 10. Furthermore, when the settings of the indoor unit 10, etc. are changed to achieve the desired air conditioning environment in a certain air-conditioned area, the changes in the air conditioning environment of other air-conditioned areas are estimated and redisplayed, making it easier to understand whether or not the air conditioning environment in each air-conditioned area is affected, and making it easier to balance the air conditioning environment.

[0029] The furniture mentioned above includes, for example, tables 20 and chairs 22, as well as bookshelves, chests of drawers, cabinets, partitions, etc. Indoor equipment that affects the air conditioning environment (perceived temperature, perceived wind speed, etc.) includes equipment that generates airflow or heat, such as fans, ventilation fans, heaters, and electric carpets. In addition, airflow due to communication with the outdoors may affect temperature changes in the installation space R, and changes in sunlight and outside temperature may also affect temperature changes in the installation space R. Therefore, windows and doors may also be included as indoor equipment. Furthermore, with regard to windows, openable and closable shutters and curtains may also be included as indoor equipment. Windows, doors, shutters, curtains, etc. may be configured to open and close automatically as part of the air conditioning system, or even if they are opened and closed manually, information indicating the open / closed state can be obtained and used to adjust the air conditioning environment.

[0030] To realize the display of the air conditioning environment and control of the indoor unit 10 as described above for the installation space R, the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment has the configuration shown in Figure 3. The air conditioning system 100 is configured such that the indoor unit 10, the system control unit 28, the external terminal 30, the indoor equipment 32, etc. are all communicated with each other via the access point 26. In Figure 3, the system control unit 28 is shown as an independent control device installed in a predetermined location in the installation space R (for example, on a shelf or in the corner of a room). In other embodiments, for example, it may be implemented in software by installing a dedicated application on the external terminal 30. The system control unit 28 may also be implemented as hardware on a circuit board built into the indoor unit 10, or, like the external terminal 30, it may be implemented in software by installing a dedicated application. The system control unit 28 may also be implemented on an external server and connected via the Internet. The external terminal 30 may be a smartphone as an example, but it may also be a tablet terminal, a notebook or stationary personal computer, a remote control equipped with a display and input unit, etc. In particular, when the system control unit 28 is implemented using a personal computer, processing such as the simulation described later can be performed with low load, enabling more accurate simulations. Details of the simulation will be described later. The indoor unit 10 is connected to an outdoor unit 10M, which is electrically connected to the indoor unit 10 and with which the refrigerant circulates.

[0031] The control unit, including the system control unit 28, can be configured using a typical personal computer and consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), storage units such as SSD (Solid State Drive) and flash memory, as well as communication interfaces, input / output interfaces, and the like.

[0032] The CPU included in the control device reads an air conditioning environment management program installed and stored in a non-volatile storage device such as ROM, and realizes a system control unit 28 that executes various controls and calculation processes according to the air conditioning environment management program. The system control unit 28 includes modules such as an information acquisition unit 34, a calculation unit 36, an output unit 38, a change acceptance unit 40, and an equipment control unit 42. The information acquisition unit 34 includes detailed modules such as a floor plan information acquisition unit 34a, a layout information acquisition unit 34b, an air outlet status information acquisition unit 34c, and a sensor value acquisition unit 34d. The calculation unit 36 ​​includes detailed modules such as an air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36a, a target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b, a weighted average value calculation unit 36c, and a simulation calculation unit 36d. The equipment control unit 42 includes detailed modules such as an indoor unit control unit 42a and an indoor equipment control unit 42b. Each of these modules may be configured as hardware. Furthermore, each module may be integrated or separated according to its function.

[0033] The information acquisition unit 34 acquires at least the floor plan information of the installation space R in which the indoor unit 10 is installed, the arrangement information of the indoor equipment 32 located inside the installation space R, and the air blowing status information of the air blown out from the indoor unit 10 in the installation space R. The calculation unit 36 ​​calculates the air conditioning environment information for the air-conditioned area included in the installation space R based on the floor plan information, arrangement information, and air blowing status information. The output unit 38 then displays an image showing the air conditioning environment information on, for example, the display unit 30a of an external terminal 30. The change acceptance unit 40 accepts a change operation for the corresponding air conditioning environment information when the air-conditioned area displayed on the display unit 30a is selected by the user. The equipment control unit 42 sends control commands to the indoor unit 10 and the indoor equipment 32 to realize the air conditioning environment instructed by the output unit 38.

[0034] Each module will be explained in more detail.

[0035] The floor plan information acquisition unit 34a, included in the information acquisition unit 34, acquires floor plan information of the installation space R in which the indoor unit 10 is installed. Floor plan information can be acquired, for example, based on reflected wave information acquired by the radar S1 built into the indoor unit 10. For example, if an object exists in the installation space R, information on the presence or absence of that object and the distance to the object can be acquired. Information on the walls that make up the installation space R can also be acquired, and floor plan information of the installation space R can be acquired. However, in the case of radar S1, if an object exists, information on the area behind it cannot be acquired. For example, if a bookshelf or the like exists at a distance from the wall surface R1 in which the indoor unit 10 is installed, and there is a passage space or other object (concealed object) behind it, information (reflected wave information) for that area cannot be acquired. However, since the conditioned air blown from the indoor unit 10 reaches the area around those passage spaces and concealed objects, these areas can also be considered air-conditioned areas.

[0036] In such cases, the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a can acquire floor plan information or additional information using other devices. For example, the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a may acquire pre-prepared floor plan information, such as a line diagram or 3D model, from an external server. In another example, floor plan information (line diagram information, 3D information, etc.) acquired by the radar S1 may be displayed on the display unit 30a of the external terminal 30 via the output unit 38, and modified using the input unit 30b. Alternatively, the area that could not be acquired by the radar S1 may be imaged with the camera 30c to modify or add to the floor plan information. The floor plan information acquisition unit 34a may also acquire floor plan information from images captured by the camera 30c from the beginning. Furthermore, instead of the camera 30c of the external terminal 30, imaging information captured by another imaging device, such as smart glasses or a digital camera, may be acquired.

[0037] The layout information acquisition unit 34b acquires layout information of indoor equipment placed inside the installation space R. Indoor equipment includes, for example, as described above, equipment that generates airflow or heat, such as electric fans, ventilation fans, heaters, and electric carpets. Indoor equipment also includes windows and doors through which outside air enters and exits, which can cause temperature changes in the installation space R. Furthermore, shutters and curtains that can be opened and closed and installed on windows, etc., which affect changes in sunlight and the passage of heat into the installation space R, are also included in indoor equipment. Note that three-dimensional layout information of indoor equipment can also be acquired by the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a, and information may be shared with the floor plan information acquired by the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a. However, electric carpets placed on the floor, windows and doors formed on the wall surface R1, and curtains and shutters installed on windows are difficult to detect by the radar S1. For this reason, the layout information acquisition unit 34b may also acquire layout information using other devices, similar to the floor plan information. For example, the layout information acquisition unit 34b may acquire pre-prepared layout information, such as diagrams or 3D models, from an external server or the like. In another example, the layout information (diagram information, 3D information, etc.) acquired by the radar S1 may be displayed on the display unit 30a of the external terminal 30 via the output unit 38, and modified using the input unit 30b. Alternatively, the camera 30c may be used to image indoor equipment that could not be recognized by the radar S1, and then the layout information may be modified or added. The layout information acquisition unit 34b may, like the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a, acquire layout information from images captured by the camera 30c from the beginning. Alternatively, instead of the camera 30c of the external terminal 30, imaging information captured by another imaging device, such as smart glasses or a digital camera, may be acquired.

[0038] Furthermore, the placement information acquisition unit 34b acquires contribution information for each indoor equipment 32 that contributes to the temperature change in the installation space R. If the indoor equipment 32 is a fan, the contribution information includes information such as the rotation speed of the blades and the direction of oscillation. If the indoor equipment 32 is an electric carpet, the contribution information includes information such as the set range and set temperature. The calculation unit 36 ​​can estimate the impact on each air-conditioned area and calculate air conditioning environment information by considering the contribution information of the indoor equipment 32 together with other floor plan information and air outlet information. In addition, the contribution information can be used by the equipment control unit 42 to determine whether to operate only the indoor unit 10 or whether to operate the indoor unit 10 and the indoor equipment 32 in cooperation when realizing the set air conditioning environment.

[0039] The air outlet status information acquisition unit 34c can acquire information on the air outlet status of the conditioned air blown out from the outlet 14 based on the settings of the indoor unit 10. For example, the air outlet status information acquisition unit 34c acquires information on the control mode setting of the indoor unit 10, airflow setting information (fan setting), airflow direction setting information (settings of the upper / lower air deflector 16 and the left / right air deflector 18), etc. As a result, it can be used to determine what temperature of conditioned air is blown out from the outlet 14 and in what manner (wind speed, airflow direction).

[0040] The sensor value acquisition unit 34d acquires information from, for example, the temperature sensor S2, humidity sensor (not shown), and human body detection sensor provided on the indoor unit 10 as shown in Figure 1, and reflects this information in the control of the indoor unit 10.

[0041] The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 34 is appropriately stored in a storage unit (not shown in the diagram). Note that floor plan information and layout information are unlikely to change unless the layout is modified. Therefore, the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a and the layout information acquisition unit 34b may be configured to continuously retain the floor plan information and layout information acquired once, for example, until a command to reacquire information is received. In another embodiment, the information may be automatically acquired after a relatively long period of time, for example, several months or years. On the other hand, since airflow status information and sensor values ​​may change frequently, the airflow status information acquisition unit 34c and the sensor value acquisition unit 34d are configured to sequentially update the acquired information while the system control unit 28 is operating.

[0042] The air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36a calculates the air conditioning environment of each air-conditioned area in the installation space R sequentially before or during the air conditioning control of the indoor unit 10, based on various information acquired by the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a, the layout information acquisition unit 34b, the air outlet status information acquisition unit 34c, and the sensor value acquisition unit 34d of the information acquisition unit 34.

[0043] Figure 4 is an example of the display of image RG, which shows the air conditioning environment information calculated by the air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36a and displayed on the display unit 30a of the external terminal 30 via the output unit 38. It is an illustrative and schematic diagram showing the layout of the installation space R (room), the arrangement of the indoor equipment 32, and the perceived temperature (air conditioning environment information) for each air-conditioned area in the installation space R.

[0044] In Figure 4, image RG displays the floor plan (overhead view) of the installation space R of the indoor unit 10, based on the floor plan information acquired by the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a. Figure 4 shows the state before control of the indoor unit 10 is started, and for example, it displays the expected air conditioning environment information based on the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor S2 provided on the indoor unit 10.

[0045] In Figure 4, image RG shows the layout of the installation space R, which is roughly rectangular in shape, with an openable window W1, a window W2, and a door D that provides access to the installation space R. Image RG also displays other interior equipment 32 located in the installation space R, based on the layout information acquired by the layout information acquisition unit 34b. For example, chests of drawers B1 and B2 are placed at a distance from the wall opposite the wall where window W2 is installed. A bookshelf B3 is placed to the side of window W1, and a table Te is placed at a distance in front of chests of drawers B1 and B2 (closer to window W2).

[0046] The output unit 38 then overlays "perceived temperature" onto the image RG as an example of air conditioning environment information estimated by the air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36a based on the detection results of the temperature sensor S2. The location where the air conditioning environment information is displayed can be, for example, an area where characteristic environmental changes are likely to occur based on the floor plan and indoor equipment.

[0047] For example, air-conditioned area E1 is set between chests of drawers B1 and B2, furthest from indoor unit 10. The perceived temperature in air-conditioned area E1 is shown to be, for example, 29°C. Also, for example, air-conditioned area E2 is set at the location of door D, where outside air easily enters and exits. The perceived temperature in air-conditioned area E2 is shown to be, for example, 28°C. Furthermore, air-conditioned area E3 is set at the location of window W2, which is susceptible to the influence of outside air and sunlight. The perceived temperature in air-conditioned area E3 is shown to be, for example, 29°C. Similarly, air-conditioned area E4 is set at the location of window W1, which is susceptible to the influence of outside air and sunlight. Note that window W1 faces south, and the perceived temperature in air-conditioned area E4 is shown to be higher than that of air-conditioned area E3, for example, 33°C. Furthermore, air-conditioned area E5 is set near table Te, in the center of the installation space R. The perceived temperature in the air-conditioned area E5 is less affected by stagnant air, outside air, and sunlight, and has been shown to be the lowest in the installed space R at 27°C.

[0048] Air conditioning environment information, such as perceived temperature, for each air conditioning target area E1 to E5 can be calculated, for example, by referring to the temperature of the installation space R detected by the temperature sensor S2 of the indoor unit 10 (temperature considering information such as season, time of day, and weather) and past historical information. For example, perceived temperature can be calculated by considering the temperature of the installation space R, the surface temperature in each air conditioning target area E1 to E5, the wind speed, etc. Note that there is a limit to the number of locations where temperature can be detected by the temperature sensor S2. For example, there are cases where it is desired to detect perceived temperature or surface temperature at locations other than the set air conditioning target areas E1 to E5. In such cases, the perceived temperature or surface temperature at that location may be estimated in the weighted average value calculation unit 36c, for example, using the weighted average value of temperature information from multiple areas obtainable by the temperature sensor S2, and calculated as part of the air conditioning environment information. Furthermore, the wind speed (airflow) in each air-conditioned area E1 to E5 may be calculated by approximating the airflow with particles in the simulation calculation unit 36d and simulating the effect of the operation of the indoor unit 10 or the combined operation of the indoor unit 10 and indoor equipment 32. Details of the weighted average value calculation unit 36c and the simulation calculation unit 36d will be described later.

[0049] In this way, the air conditioning environment information (e.g., perceived temperature) for each air-conditioned area E1 to E5 is displayed in a visible manner using the display unit 30a of the external terminal 30. Therefore, before starting control of the indoor unit 10, users can easily determine which areas of the air conditioning environment need to be adjusted and to what extent in order to obtain a comfortable air-conditioned environment in the installation space R. Furthermore, even after the air conditioning control of the indoor unit 10 has started, the air conditioning environment for each air-conditioned area can be displayed at that time, which can be used as a reference when readjusting or fine-tuning settings during the air conditioning control of the indoor unit 10.

[0050] The target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b calculates the target value of the air conditioning environment information at the requested location when the change reception unit 40 receives a request to change the air conditioning environment at any or more locations in the air-conditioned target area E1 to E5, for example, using the input unit 30b of the external terminal 30. Note that if a request to change the air conditioning environment is made at one or more locations in the installation space R, and the air conditioning environment actually changes, the change in the air conditioning environment may affect locations other than those where the change request was made, resulting in a change in the air conditioning environment at those locations as well. The target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b calculates the target air conditioning environment information at locations other than those where the change request was made by referring to the change information of the setting value at the location where the change request was made, the control status information (discharge status information) of the indoor unit 10 that is changed as a result, floor plan information, placement information, etc. The accuracy of the target air conditioning environment information can also be improved by displaying it using the weighted average value calculated by the weighted average value calculation unit 36c or the simulation results calculated by the simulation calculation unit 36d.

[0051] Furthermore, if there are multiple air-conditioned areas E1 to E5, etc., in the installation space R, the system may accept changes to the air conditioning environment information for two or more air-conditioned areas via the change acceptance unit 40. In such cases, the target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b may calculate the target air conditioning environment information so as to minimize the error for each requested change in the air conditioning environment information, and the output unit 38 may display the target air conditioning environment information on the display unit 30a. In other words, if multiple changes are requested simultaneously, it becomes difficult to satisfy all of them with high accuracy. Therefore, the tolerance value for the error of the target air conditioning environment information calculated for each requested change in the air conditioning environment information may be relaxed so that a control that can compromise can be executed for any of the requested air-conditioned areas.

[0052] Here, an example of setting the indoor unit 10 to change the perceived temperature of a desired area among the air-conditioned target areas E1 to E5 displayed on the display unit 30a will be explained using Figures 4 to 7. As described above, when the perceived temperature of each air-conditioned target area E1 to E5 in the installation space R before the indoor unit 10 starts control is estimated as shown in Figure 4 and displayed on the display unit 30a, it becomes easier to visualize which air-conditioned target area's perceived temperature should be adjusted to create a comfortable environment in the installation space R.

[0053] For example, consider a case where user U wants to be comfortable in the air-conditioned area E1 between chests of drawers B1 and B2, and wants to lower the perceived temperature in air-conditioned area E1 a little more. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, user U touches the air-conditioned area E1 or the area near where the perceived temperature in air-conditioned area E1 is displayed on the display unit 30a of the external terminal 30 with their finger H. As a result, it becomes possible to change the settings in air-conditioned area E1. Also, the image RG that was displayed on the display unit 30a switches to a reduced display, and a temperature change icon N1 is displayed in the space created by the reduction of image RG. The temperature change icon N1 displays, for example, the set temperature and up / down arrow icons, and by touching the arrow icon, the perceived temperature setting can be changed. In the case of Figure 5, after touching the air-conditioned area E1, the state in which the set temperature in air-conditioned area E1 has been changed to, for example, 25℃ is displayed.

[0054] The target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b calculates the estimated perceived temperature in air conditioning target areas E2 to E5, which are affected by the change in the set temperature of air conditioning target area E1, each time the up / down icon of the temperature change icon N1 is operated. As a result, the output unit 38 changes the display of the perceived temperature for each air conditioning target area E2 to E5, as shown in Figure 6. In the example in Figure 6, an image K is superimposed on image RG showing cold air being blown towards air conditioning target area E1 in order to lower the perceived temperature of air conditioning target area E1, as the temperature of air conditioning target area E1 is changed from 29°C to 25°C. It is also displayed that the perceived temperature in air conditioning target areas E2 to E5, other than air conditioning target area E1, will change due to the influence of the cold air blown towards air conditioning target area E1. For example, it is displayed that the temperature of air conditioning target area E2 is estimated to change from 28°C to 19°C. Furthermore, it is displayed that the perceived temperature is estimated to change from 29°C to 25°C in the air-conditioned area E3, from 33°C to 29°C in the air-conditioned area E4, and from 27°C to 22°C in the air-conditioned area E5.

[0055] If the up / down icon operation is not performed for a predetermined period of time, decision icons (execute icon N2, cancel icon N3) are displayed in image RG to determine whether or not to allow a change in the perceived temperature in the air-conditioned area E1 and the other air-conditioned areas E2 to E5. By touching the execute icon N2, the equipment control unit 42 sends a control signal to the indoor unit 10 and indoor equipment 32 to achieve the perceived temperature set in the air-conditioned area E1 (for example, 25°C). As a result, the changed perceived temperature shown in Figure 6 is achieved in each air-conditioned area E1 to E5.

[0056] The equipment control unit 42 includes an indoor unit control unit 42a and an indoor equipment control unit 42b. The indoor unit control unit 42a transmits control signals to control the control mode, set temperature, wind speed, wind direction, etc., of the indoor unit 10 in order to realize the target air conditioning environment calculated by the target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b. Furthermore, as mentioned above, it can contribute to realizing the target air conditioning environment by controlling indoor equipment 32 that generates airflow or heat, such as electric fans, ventilation fans, heaters, and electric carpets. Similarly, it can contribute to realizing the target air conditioning environment by controlling windows, doors, shutters, curtains, etc., whose airflow due to communication with the outdoors affects the installation space R, or whose temperature changes in sunlight and outside temperature affect the temperature changes in the installation space R. Therefore, the equipment control unit 42 efficiently realizes the target air conditioning environment through the cooperation of the indoor unit control unit 42a and the indoor equipment control unit 42b. As a result, efficient control of the indoor unit 10 and indoor equipment 32 can be achieved, and energy saving can also be achieved. The equipment control unit 42 may, in order to achieve the target air conditioning environment, for example, initially rapidly adjust the perceived temperature (increase or decrease in temperature) through the cooperation of the indoor unit 10 and the indoor equipment 32, and when the temperature drops to a predetermined level relative to the target perceived temperature (when the perceived temperature has changed through the cooperation of the indoor unit 10 and the indoor equipment 32), perform maintenance control to maintain the perceived temperature at the desired level by, for example, adjusting the control of the indoor unit 10 and the indoor equipment 32, or stopping the control of all or part of the indoor equipment 32. The equipment control unit 42 can appropriately change the combination of the cooperating indoor unit 10 and the indoor equipment 32 to operate in the most efficient and energy-saving manner.

[0057] As described above, the weighted average calculation unit 36c estimates the temperature at a desired location using, for example, a weighted average of temperature information in multiple regions obtainable by the temperature sensor S2. For example, multiple representative locations in the installation space R can be specified, and the temperature of locations where temperature cannot be obtained by the temperature sensor S2 or the temperature of the entire installation space R (space) can be determined by weighting the sensor values ​​for those locations. For example, the temperature of a location between the table Te and the window W2 where a user or other person is likely to be located can be estimated, and the output unit 38 can display the perceived temperature or surface temperature of that location on the display unit 30a. As a result, it is possible to increase the adjustable range (adjustable points) of the air conditioning environment.

[0058] The simulation calculation unit 36d can perform various simulations in the installation space R. For example, the simulation calculation unit 36d can approximate the aforementioned airflow with particles and simulate the effect of the operation of the indoor unit 10 or the combined operation of the indoor unit 10 and indoor equipment 32. In addition, for example, it can simulate whether a certain position in the installation space R satisfies the target air conditioning environment (e.g., perceived temperature) specified by the change acceptance unit 40. Furthermore, when the indoor unit 10 and indoor equipment 32 work together to achieve the target air conditioning environment, the simulation calculation unit 36d can perform simulations while appropriately changing the combination of the indoor unit 10 and various indoor equipment 32 to derive the optimal combination. The simulation calculation unit 36d may also output the simulation results to the display unit 30a via the output unit 38 and display them superimposed on the floor plan information and layout information. As a result, the simulation results can be displayed in a more easily understandable manner.

[0059] Incidentally, when calculating perceived temperature, as mentioned above, it is known to estimate it using the temperature of the installation space R (room temperature), surface temperature, wind speed, etc. In this case, it is necessary to measure the wind speed (wind strength), but a typical indoor unit 10 does not have a function to measure wind speed. Therefore, the simulation calculation unit 36d can obtain wind speed information by approximating the airflow as a flow of particles. A simulation using particles will be explained using Figures 8 to 11.

[0060] The simulation calculation unit 36d performs an airflow simulation using the walls and surfaces of items (such as indoor equipment 32) located within the installation space R, as constraints for the airflow from the indoor unit 10, based on the layout of the installation space R acquired by the information acquisition unit 34.

[0061] First, let's explain the particle approximation.

[0062] Figure 8 shows an example of the simulation results of airflow. The simulation calculation unit 36d reduces the computational load of the simulation by calculating the movement of multiple particles P contained in the airflow, instead of completely calculating the airflow itself. Furthermore, instead of completely calculating the movement of multiple particles P, the simulation calculation unit 36d derives the necessary simulation results by using pre-prepared simulation results (movement of multiple particles P) corresponding to one or more operating parameters of the indoor unit 10 (airflow volume and direction set in stages), either as is or after making corrections according to the layout of the installation space R and the positions of items within the installation space R. The simulation calculation unit 36d then displays the derived simulation results as a virtual image of the airflow. Specifically, the following conditions are given to the particles P, and the simulation of airflow is performed.

[0063] (1) Initial state of particle P (state immediately after being blown out from indoor unit 10) (1-1) The airflow rate is approximated by the average of the initial velocities of multiple particles P. For the multiple particles P, the initial velocities are given to follow a constant distribution. (1-2) The wind direction of the airflow is approximated by the average of the initial velocity directions of multiple particles P. For multiple particles P, the initial velocity directions are given according to a constant distribution. (1-3) The initial position of particles P is assumed to be distributed around the indoor unit 10. (1-4) The greater the initial velocity of particle P, the greater the number of particles P generated. This suppresses the discrete appearance that occurs when particle P is moving at high speeds. In addition, increasing the number of particles P generated as the initial velocity of particle P increases can represent the airflow rate.

[0064] (2) Subsequent behavior of particle P (state after a certain period of time has elapsed since being blown out from indoor unit 10) (2-1) The velocity of particle P decreases over time. (2-2) In collisions with the walls of a room or the surfaces of objects (hereinafter collectively referred to as "walls"), the velocity of particle P does not decrease significantly, and the angle of reflection relative to the wall is set to be greater than the angle of incidence. This will be explained in more detail later. (2-3) Particle P is subjected to an upward acceleration after a certain period of time. Note that different values ​​are set for the acceleration during cooling and heating operations. (2-4) The condition for particle P to disappear is the passage of a certain amount of time. However, the more times it collides with the wall, the faster it will disappear.

[0065] Figure 9 shows the setting conditions for the motion of particle P when it collides with wall R11. Generally, it is known that when an air particle P collides with wall R11, the angle of incidence α and the angle of reflection β1 are equal. However, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the computational load of the simulation, collisions between the particle P reflected by wall R11 and subsequent particles P traveling toward wall R11 are treated as not occurring. Therefore, in this embodiment, when particle P collides with wall R11, the angle of reflection β2 is set to be greater than the angle of incidence α (i.e., particle P flows closer to wall R11). This makes it possible to approximate the motion of particle P that collides with wall R11 to be close to reality without calculating collisions with subsequent particles P.

[0066] In this embodiment, the simulation calculation unit 36d performs a process called "hit detection." Hit detection is a process in which, in a simulation to determine the movement of particles P, the number of particles P blown out from the indoor unit 10 that hit the user U per unit time is counted. The number of particles P that hit the user U is correlated with the strength of the airflow that the user U feels. That is, the fewer particles P that hit the user U, the weaker the wind the user U feels. On the other hand, the more particles P that hit the user U, the stronger the wind the user U feels. Therefore, by determining the number of particles P that hit the user U, the strength of the wind that the user U feels can be quantified.

[0067] Here, when cooling operation is performed, the simulation calculation unit 36d places a determination area at a position corresponding to the actual height of the user U's body (for example, the head) and counts the number of collisions (passages) of particles P into that area. On the other hand, when heating operation is performed, the simulation calculation unit 36d places a determination area at a position lower than the actual height of the user U's body (for example, at a height near the user U's feet) and counts the number of collisions (passages) of particles P into that area. As a result, the user U's sensations during cooling and heating operation can be reflected more accurately.

[0068] As shown in Figure 8, the output unit 38 displays the movement of multiple particles P as a virtual image of the airflow that visualizes the simulation results. That is, the movement of multiple particles P blown out from near the outlet of the indoor unit 10 is displayed. This movement of particles P is more intuitively understandable to the user U compared to when the airflow is shown with lines or arrows.

[0069] In this embodiment, the output unit 38 displays an image RG that includes an index RG2 indicating the "wind strength felt by user U," which is quantified based on the result of the "hit detection" described above. In this embodiment, the index RG2 is displayed in a bar-like format. That is, "0" represents a state where no wind is hitting user U, and "100" represents a state where a certain level or more of wind is hitting user U, and the image displays what level of wind is hitting user U within that range. Note that the index RG2 may be represented by a color bar with different colors depending on the level, words such as "breeze" or "gale," or a combination thereof, instead of the example described above.

[0070] Figure 10 shows a first example of a visualization of the airflow. In this modified example, among the multiple particles P blown out from the indoor unit 10, particles PA that are unlikely to hit the user U are displayed in the first color (e.g., blue). On the other hand, among the multiple particles P blown out from the indoor unit 10, particles PB that are likely to hit the user U are displayed in the second color (e.g., red). Even with this first example of display, it is possible to clearly communicate to the user U the level at which the wind will hit them.

[0071] Figure 11 shows a second example of a visualization of the airflow. In this modified example, among the multiple particles P blown out from the indoor unit 10, particle PC that is hitting user U in the most recent unit of time is displayed in the first color (e.g., yellow). Among the multiple particles P blown out from the indoor unit 10, particle PD that has hit user U in the past is displayed in the second color (e.g., red). Among the multiple particles P blown out from the indoor unit 10, particle PE, which is a particle P other than particles PB and PC, is displayed in the third color (e.g., blue). This second example of display also makes it easy for user U to understand the level at which the wind is hitting them.

[0072] In this way, by utilizing the calculation results from the weighted average value calculation unit 36c and the simulation calculation unit 36d, it is possible to easily and accurately recognize what effect will occur on other air-conditioned areas when the perceived temperature of the desired air-conditioned area (for example, air-conditioned area E1) is changed by the user U. Furthermore, by performing a simulation using the simulation calculation unit 36d, it is possible to easily understand whether or not a more comfortable air-conditioned environment can be achieved.

[0073] An example of the processing flow of the air conditioning system 100 configured in this way will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a flowchart that mainly explains the process of displaying air conditioning environment information on the display unit 30a of the external terminal 30. Figure 13 is a flowchart that mainly explains the setting change process included in Figure 12.

[0074] When user U wants to set the air conditioning environment of the installation space R, the external terminal 30 is activated and the air conditioning environment management program is executed to activate the system control unit 28. When the system control unit 28 is activated, first the floor plan information acquisition unit 34a acquires the floor plan information of the installation space R in which the indoor unit 10 is installed (S100). Next, the arrangement information acquisition unit 34b acquires the arrangement information (indoor equipment information) of the indoor equipment 32 arranged in the installation space R (S102). Furthermore, the discharge status information acquisition unit 34c acquires discharge status information, which is the operating status of the indoor unit 10, for example, the setting status of the indoor unit 10 before control is started (S104).

[0075] Next, the air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36a acquires the air conditioning target areas (pre-set air conditioning target areas E1 to E5, etc.) in the installation space R (S106) and calculates air conditioning environment information (perceived temperature, etc.) for each air conditioning target area E1 to E5 (S108). Once the air conditioning environment information for each air conditioning target area E1 to E5 is calculated, the output unit 38 performs a display process to display each air conditioning environment information on the display unit 30a of the external terminal 30 in a manner superimposed on the floor plan information of the installation space R and the arrangement information of each indoor equipment 32, as shown in Figure 4 (S110). In this state, the user U can easily visually recognize the details of the air conditioning environment of the installation space R before the control of the indoor unit 10 begins.

[0076] User U checks the display content of the display unit 30a and, if they wish to change the settings for any of the air-conditioned target areas E1 to E5, they specify the desired air-conditioned target area via the input unit 30b of the external terminal 30. When the change reception unit 40 receives confirmation that an air-conditioned target area has been specified (Yes in S112), the system control unit 28 starts the setting change process as described in Figures 5 to 7 (S114). Refer to the flowchart in Figure 13 for the setting change process. Once the setting change process is executed, the target air-conditioned environment information calculation unit 36b sequentially calculates the air-conditioned environment information associated with the setting change. Then, the output unit 38 performs a display update process to sequentially update the changes on the display unit 30a (S116), and this flow ends for the time being. Note that if the change reception unit 40 has not received confirmation of the change to the air-conditioned target area in the process of S112 (No in S112), the processes of S114 and S116 are skipped, and this flow ends for the time being. In this case, the image RG in Figure 4 remains displayed, and the decision icons (execute icon N2, cancel icon N3) shown in Figure 7 are displayed. Then, by touching the execute icon N2, the equipment control unit 42 sends a control signal to the indoor unit 10 and indoor equipment 32 to achieve the perceived temperature (for example, 29°C) set in the air-conditioned area E1.

[0077] Next, we will explain an example of the configuration change process using the flowchart in Figure 13.

[0078] When the change reception unit 40 receives a request to change the settings of the air conditioning environment, the target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b acquires the location of the change in the air conditioning environment (for example, the air-conditioned area E1), the details of the setting change (target values) such as the perceived temperature T and wind speed (S200). The target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b initializes the control state by setting the "i" in the temperature setting value Si and perceived temperature Ti, which are described below, to "i=0" (S202). The target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b then calculates the perceived temperature Ti (in this case, i=0) at the change location when the current temperature setting value Si (in this case, i=0) of the indoor unit 10 is used (S204). The perceived temperature Ti calculated at this time will be displayed in the process of S116 in the flow chart of Figure 12.

[0079] The equipment control unit 42 determines whether or not the target perceived temperature T acquired in S200 is equal to the perceived temperature Ti of the change position (for example, the air-conditioning target area E1) when controlled by the current temperature setting value Si of the indoor unit 10 (S206). If T≠Ti (No in S206) and T<Ti (Yes in S208), that is, if the perceived temperature Ti achievable with the current setting of the indoor unit 10 is higher than the target perceived temperature T, it calculates the temperature setting value Si of the indoor unit 10 at which the perceived temperature Ti decreases (S210). That is, it calculates a setting value for lowering the set temperature of the indoor unit 10 or increasing the blown air volume (wind strength). On the other hand, in the process of S208, if T≥Ti (No in S208), that is, if the target perceived temperature T is lower than the perceived temperature Ti achievable with the current setting of the indoor unit 10, it calculates the temperature setting value Si of the indoor unit 10 at which the perceived temperature Ti increases (S212). That is, it calculates a setting value for raising the set temperature of the indoor unit 10 or weakening the blown air volume (wind strength).

[0080] The target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b recalculates the updated perceived temperature Ti (in this case, i=0) at the changed position when the updated temperature set value Si (in this case, i=0) of the indoor unit 10 is calculated in the processing of S210 or S212 (S214). Then, the equipment control unit 42 determines whether the target perceived temperature T obtained in S200 is equal to the updated perceived temperature Ti at the changed position (for example, the air-conditioned area E1) when controlled with the updated temperature set value Si of the indoor unit 10 (S216). If the updated perceived temperature Ti and the target perceived temperature T are not equal (No. in S216), it sets "i=i+1" (S218) and proceeds to the processing of S204, and repeatedly executes the processing from S204 onwards to perform calculations so that the target perceived temperature T and the updated perceived temperature Ti become equal. In the process of S216, if the target perceived temperature T and the changed perceived temperature Ti become equal (Yes in S216), the target air conditioning environment information calculation unit 36b sends the changed temperature set value Si calculated by the unit 36b to the indoor unit control unit 42a (S220), and this flow is terminated. In other words, it becomes possible to set the temperature of the indoor unit 10 so that the desired perceived temperature for the air-conditioned area E1 can be achieved. The indoor unit control unit 42a sends a control signal to the indoor unit 10 to change the temperature set value of the indoor unit 10 to the received temperature set value Si.

[0081] Furthermore, the control described above can be applied even after the control of the indoor unit 10 has started. Even when changing the air conditioning environment, such as the perceived temperature, while the indoor unit 10 is being controlled, the air conditioning environment of each air-conditioned area can be displayed on the display unit 30a before the change is made, allowing for efficient modification of the air conditioning environment settings within the installation space R.

[0082] In the flowchart in Figure 13, an example of adjusting the temperature set value Si of the indoor unit 10 is shown. In parallel with this, the set values ​​for the strength and direction of the air blown out from the indoor unit 10, the control set values ​​for the indoor equipment 32, etc., are calculated, and each set value is calculated to achieve the target perceived temperature T. As a result, control is performed by the indoor unit control unit 42a and the indoor equipment control unit 42b. When changing multiple air-conditioned target areas, it may be difficult to simultaneously calculate the control values ​​that achieve the air-conditioned environment for each air-conditioned target area. In such cases, for example, a predetermined tolerance value may be set for the judgments in S206 and S216, and the judgment may be relaxed to achieve a reasonably optimal air-conditioned environment in any of the air-conditioned target areas.

[0083] Thus, with the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment, users can easily understand their desired air conditioning environment at their preferred location, for example, the position of their chair or sofa, and easily achieve their desired air conditioning environment. Furthermore, it is easier to make users aware in advance that changing the settings of a specific air-conditioned area may affect other air-conditioned areas, potentially causing discomfort or unease (changes in perceived temperature, etc.) to others. As a result, users can adjust the settings of their desired air-conditioned areas while considering the overall air conditioning balance of the installation space R, minimizing the likelihood of causing discomfort or unease to others. In addition, even when the installation space R is large and multiple indoor units 10 can be controlled individually, it becomes easier to adjust the air conditioning environment in each air-conditioned area, making it easier to provide a more comfortable air-conditioned environment.

[0084] Furthermore, if changing the settings for each air-conditioned area results in a switch in important functions such as the control mode of the indoor unit 10, it is desirable to notify the user of the changes in advance and obtain their approval before actually changing the control. In this case, the notification to the user can be performed by outputting using the notification function (speaker, etc.) of the indoor unit 10, outputting from the speaker of the external terminal 30, or displaying it on the display unit 30a. As a result, the control status of the indoor unit 10 becomes easier and more reliable for the user to recognize. However, when changing the set temperature, airflow direction, or airflow speed, the notification may be omitted or simplified.

[0085] In the embodiments described above, an example was shown in Figure 4, etc., where the perceived temperature was displayed as the air conditioning environment. In other embodiments, instead of perceived temperature, for example, perceived humidity, perceived airflow, heat index (WBGT), comfort index (PMV), etc., may be displayed. Alternatively, multiple air conditioning environments may be combined and displayed from among perceived temperature, perceived humidity, perceived airflow, heat index (WBGT), comfort index (PMV), etc. In this case, it becomes easier for the user to understand the air conditioning environment of the installation space R in more detail. The air conditioning environment to be displayed may be set by the user using, for example, the input unit 30b of an external terminal 30, or a predetermined air conditioning environment may be displayed by default.

[0086] The air conditioning environment management program for implementing each module constituting the system control unit 28 in the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment and for executing air conditioning environment change processing may be configured to be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a recording medium readable by terminal devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and computers, such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0087] Furthermore, the air conditioning environment management program may be configured to be stored on terminal devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, or computers connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided by being downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the air conditioning environment management program executed in this embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0088] While embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described, these embodiments and variations are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. <Additional notes> [Appendix 1] An information acquisition unit that acquires floor plan information of the installation space in which the indoor unit is installed, arrangement information of indoor equipment placed inside the installation space, and information on the air discharge status of the air blown out from the indoor unit in the installation space. A calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information for the air conditioning target area included in the installation space based on the floor plan information, the layout information and the air outlet status information, An output unit that displays an image showing the aforementioned air conditioning environment information on a display unit, An air conditioning system equipped with this feature. [Appendix 2] The information acquisition unit further acquires contribution information for each of the indoor equipment that contributes to the temperature change in the installation space, The calculation unit calculates the air conditioning environment information including the contribution information, as described in Appendix 1. [Appendix 3] The air conditioning system according to Appendix 1, further comprising a change reception unit that accepts a change operation for the corresponding air conditioning environment information when the air conditioning target area displayed on the display unit is selected by the user. [Appendix 4] The air conditioning system according to Appendix 2, further comprising a change reception unit that accepts a change operation for the corresponding air conditioning environment information when the air conditioning target area displayed on the display unit is selected by the user. [Appendix 5] The air conditioning system according to Appendix 3 or Appendix 4, wherein, if there are multiple air conditioning target areas in the installation space, and a change operation for the air conditioning environment information is received for two or more air conditioning target areas via the change reception unit, the calculation unit calculates target air conditioning environment information such that the error in the requested air conditioning environment information is minimized, and the output unit displays the target air conditioning environment information on the display unit. [Appendix 6] The air conditioning system according to Appendix 3, further comprising a control unit that controls the indoor unit to realize the requested air conditioning environment information when a request for change of the air conditioning environment information for the air conditioning target area is received via the change reception unit. [Appendix 7] The air conditioning system as described in Appendix 4, further comprising a control unit that, when a request for a change in the air conditioning environment information for the air-conditioned area is received via the change reception unit, realizes the requested change in the air conditioning environment information through cooperation between the indoor unit and the indoor equipment. [Appendix 8] The air conditioning system as described in Appendix 7, wherein the control unit adjusts the control state of the indoor unit and the indoor equipment in accordance with the air conditioning environment information that has changed through the cooperation of the indoor unit and the indoor equipment. [Appendix 9] The air conditioning system as described in Appendix 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information in the air conditioning target area using a weighted average value of temperature information from multiple areas of the installation space. [Appendix 10] The air conditioning system according to Appendix 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information in the air conditioning target area using the results of a simulation of the airflow state in the installation space. [Appendix 11] The air conditioning system according to Appendix 1, wherein the calculation unit acquires at least one of the floor plan information and the arrangement information via a terminal device independent of the indoor unit. [Appendix 12] External terminal device, An information acquisition unit that acquires floor plan information of the installation space in which the indoor unit is installed, arrangement information of indoor equipment placed inside the installation space, and information on the air discharge status of the air blown out from the indoor unit in the installation space. A calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information for the air conditioning target area included in the installation space based on the floor plan information, the layout information and the air outlet status information, An output unit that displays an image showing the aforementioned air conditioning environment information on a display unit, An air conditioning environment management program that functions as such. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 10...Indoor unit, 28...System control unit, 30...External terminal, 30a...Display unit, 30b...Input unit, 30c...Camera, 32...Indoor equipment, 34...Information acquisition unit, 34a...Floor plan information acquisition unit, 34b...Layout information acquisition unit, 34c...Air outlet status information acquisition unit, 34d...Sensor value acquisition unit, 36...Calculation unit, 36a...Air conditioning environment information calculation unit, 36b...Target air conditioning environment information calculation unit, 36c...Weighted average value calculation unit, 36d...Simulation calculation unit, 38...Output unit, 40...Change acceptance unit, 42...Equipment control unit, 42a...Indoor unit control unit, 42b...Indoor equipment control unit, 100...Air conditioning system, E1~E5...Air conditioning target area, R...Installation space.

Claims

1. An information acquisition unit that acquires floor plan information of the installation space in which the indoor unit is installed, arrangement information of indoor equipment placed inside the installation space, and information on the air discharge status of the indoor unit in the installation space. A calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information for the air conditioning target area included in the installation space based on the floor plan information, the layout information and the air outlet status information, An output unit that displays an image showing the aforementioned air conditioning environment information on a display unit, When the air conditioning target area displayed on the display unit is selected by the user, a change reception unit accepts the operation to change the corresponding air conditioning environment information, Equipped with, If there are multiple air-conditioning target areas in the installation space, and the change reception unit receives a change operation for the air-conditioning environment information for two or more of the air-conditioning target areas, the calculation unit calculates target air-conditioning environment information such that the error in the requested air-conditioning environment information is minimized, and the output unit displays the target air-conditioning environment information on the display unit. Air conditioning system.

2. The information acquisition unit further acquires contribution information for each of the indoor equipment that contributes to the temperature change in the installation space, The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the air conditioning environment information including the contribution information.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a control unit that controls the indoor unit to realize the requested air conditioning environment information when a request for change of the air conditioning environment information for the air conditioning target area is received via the change reception unit.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, further comprising a control unit that, when a request for a change in the air conditioning environment information for the air-conditioned area is received via the change reception unit, realizes the requested change in the air conditioning environment information through cooperation between the indoor unit and the indoor equipment.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit adjusts the control state of the indoor unit and the indoor equipment in accordance with the air conditioning environment information that has changed through the cooperation of the indoor unit and the indoor equipment.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information in the air conditioning target area using a weighted average value of temperature information from multiple areas of the installation space.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information in the air conditioning target area using the results of a simulation of the airflow state in the installation space.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit acquires at least one of the floor plan information and the arrangement information via a terminal device independent of the indoor unit.

9. External terminal device, An information acquisition unit that acquires floor plan information of the installation space in which the indoor unit is installed, arrangement information of indoor equipment placed inside the installation space, and information on the air discharge status of the indoor unit in the installation space. A calculation unit calculates air conditioning environment information for the air conditioning target area included in the installation space based on the floor plan information, the layout information and the air outlet status information, An output unit that displays an image showing the aforementioned air conditioning environment information on a display unit, When the air conditioning target area displayed on the display unit is selected by the user, a change reception unit accepts the operation to change the corresponding air conditioning environment information, To make it function as, If there are multiple air-conditioning target areas in the installation space, and the change reception unit receives a change operation for the air-conditioning environment information for two or more of the air-conditioning target areas, the calculation unit calculates target air-conditioning environment information such that the error in the requested air-conditioning environment information is minimized, and the output unit displays the target air-conditioning environment information on the display unit. Air conditioning environment management program.

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