Air conditioning control system, air conditioning control method, and program

Abstract

A setting accepting unit (505) accepts a setting for resetting a total presence time for each area to zero at either a timing at which a user is not detected in the area by an area detection determining unit (503) or a timing at which it is determined by a presence / absence determining unit (504) that the user is not present in the area. Further, the setting accepting unit (505) accepts a setting for resetting a total absence time for each area to zero at either a timing at which the user is detected in the area by the area detection determining unit (503) or a timing at which it is determined by the presence / absence determining unit (504) that the user is present in the area. The presence / absence determining unit (504) resets the total presence time and the total absence time to zero for each area at the timing indicated in the setting accepted by the setting accepting unit (505).

Description

Air conditioning control system, air conditioning control method and program

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

[0002] There is known a system that detects people in a room and controls electrical devices placed in the room based on the detection result. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a technology that detects people in a room, notifies people in the room that they are candidates for the last person to leave when the number of people detected falls below a threshold, and cuts off power to electrical devices in the room when the number of people falls to zero.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 004246

[0004] In the above-described technology, when a person is no longer detected in the room, the operation of the electrical appliance is stopped, and when the person returns to the room, the operation of the electrical appliance is started. However, since air conditioners consume a lot of power when they start up, repeated operation and stopping increases the power consumption. Therefore, from the viewpoint of energy conservation, it is not desirable to start operation immediately when a person is detected. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of user comfort, it is more desirable to start operation immediately when a person is detected.

[0005] In an air conditioning control system that controls an air conditioner, if the system is set to more easily determine that a user is present in the air-conditioned space, the air conditioner can operate for a longer period of time, thereby enabling control that prioritizes user comfort. On the other hand, if the air conditioning control system is set to more easily determine that a user is absent from the air-conditioned space, the air conditioner can operate for a shorter period of time, enabling control that prioritizes energy conservation. However, whether to prioritize energy conservation or user comfort depends on the intention of the person managing the air-conditioned space. Therefore, it is desirable for the person managing the air-conditioned space to be able to adjust the settings for whether or not presence and absence determinations are more likely to be made.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method, and a program that are capable of adjusting the likelihood of determining whether a person is present or absent in an air-conditioned space.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the air conditioning control system according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning control device comprising: an air conditioning control device that controls one or more air conditioners that air-condition a space to be air-conditioned into a plurality of divided areas; and a transmitter installed in each of the areas; a position detection means that detects the position of a wireless terminal carried by a user present in the space to be air-conditioned based on information acquired through wireless communication between the transmitter and the wireless terminal; an area detection determination means that determines, for each of the areas, whether a user has been detected in the area based on the position detected by the position detection means; when a user is detected in an area by the area detection determination means, a predetermined time is added to the total presence time in the area in which the user was detected out of the total presence time calculated for each area; when a user is not detected in an area by the area detection determination means, the predetermined time is added to the total absence time in the area in which the user was not detected out of the total absence time calculated for each area; when the value of the total presence time is equal to a first presence time threshold, it is determined that a user is present in the area; and when the value of the total absence time is equal to a first absence time threshold, it is determined that a user is not present in the area. The system comprises: a presence / absence determination means; and a first setting reception means that accepts a setting to reset the total occupancy time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination means does not detect a user in the area or when the presence / absence determination means determines that a user is not present in the area, and accepts a setting to reset the total absence time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination means detects a user in the area or when the presence / absence determination means determines that a user is present in the area, wherein the presence / absence determination means resets the total occupancy time and total absence time for each area to zero at the timing indicated by the setting received by the first setting reception means, and the air conditioning control device controls the operation of the air conditioner for each area based on presence / absence information that indicates the determination result made by the presence / absence determination means as to whether a user is present in the area.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method, and a program that are capable of adjusting the likelihood of determining whether a person is present or absent in an air-conditioned space.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioning control system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioning control system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a location information table according to a first embodiment;

[0010] (Embodiment 1) An air conditioning control system 1 according to embodiment 1 is a system for controlling air conditioners installed in a property. As shown in Fig. 1 , the air conditioning control system 1 includes an air conditioning control device 200 that controls one or more air conditioners 100, one or more transmitters 300 installed in the air-conditioned spaces to be air-conditioned by the air conditioners 100, a wireless terminal 400 carried by a user, a management device 500 that manages the control of the air conditioners 100 by the air conditioning control device 200, and a property information management device 600 that manages information about the property including the air-conditioned spaces.

[0011] The air conditioner 100 is an electrical device that conditions the air conditioning target space within a property. The property may be, for example, a residence, an office building, a commercial facility, etc. The air conditioned space is, for example, an indoor space within the property, and is divided into multiple areas. At least one air conditioner 100 is installed in each area. The air conditioner 100 operates in accordance with a control signal from a remote control operated by a user. The air conditioner 100 also operates based on control information transmitted from an air conditioning control device 200.

[0012] The air conditioning control device 200 is a device that controls the operation of the air conditioners 100, and is communicatively connected to multiple air conditioners 100 installed in the property. The air conditioning control device 200 is also communicatively connected to a management device 500. The air conditioning control device 200 monitors the operating status of the multiple air conditioners 100 and controls the operation of the multiple air conditioners 100. The air conditioning control device 200 also controls the operation of the air conditioners 100 based on information received from the management device 500.

[0013] At least one transmitter 300 is installed in each area. The transmitter 300 periodically transmits a wireless signal indicating identification information for identifying itself. Here, "periodically" refers to repeatedly executing a predetermined process, and the execution interval is not limited to a fixed interval. The interval is arbitrarily determined by the operator of the management device 500. The interval may be set according to a predetermined rule, or may be set to an irregular value.

[0014] The wireless terminal 400 is a terminal carried by a user present in the air-conditioned space, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The wireless terminal 400 is communicably connected to the management device 500. An application for controlling the air conditioner 100 is installed on the wireless terminal 400. This application will be referred to as the "air conditioning app" hereinafter. The air conditioning app detects the position of the wireless terminal 400 via wireless communication with the transmitter 300, and transmits information indicating the detected position and information identifying the user of the wireless terminal 400 to the management device 500.

[0015] The management device 500 is a device that manages the control of the air conditioner 100 by the air conditioning control device 200. The management device 500 is connected to the air conditioning control device 200, the wireless terminal 400, and the property information management device 600 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0016] The property information management device 600 is a device that manages property information related to a property including an air-conditioned space, and is communicatively connected to the management device 500. The property information includes floor plans of the property, information on the installation locations of transmitters in the property, and the like.

[0017] Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 10 in which the air conditioning control device 200, the wireless terminal 400, and the management device 500 are realized will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] The information processing device 10 has a processor 11 that executes various processes, a main memory unit 12 used as a work area for the processor 11, an auxiliary memory unit 13 that stores various data used in the processes of the processor 11, a communication unit 14 for communicating with external devices, an input unit 15 that acquires input information, and an output unit 16 that presents various information. The main memory unit 12, the auxiliary memory unit 13, the communication unit 14, the input unit 15, and the output unit 16 are all connected to the processor 11 via a bus 17.

[0019] The processor 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 executes programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 to realize various functions of the information processing device 10.

[0020] The main memory unit 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). Programs are loaded into the main memory unit 12 from the auxiliary memory unit 13. The main memory unit 12 is used as a working area for the processor 11.

[0021] The auxiliary storage unit 13 includes a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). In addition to programs, the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores various data used in the processing of the processor 11. In accordance with instructions from the processor 11, the auxiliary storage unit 13 supplies the processor 11 with data used by the processor 11 and stores the data supplied from the processor 11.

[0022] The communication unit 14 includes a network interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 14 receives a signal from the external device and outputs data indicated by the signal to the processor 11. The communication unit 14 also transmits a signal indicating the data output from the processor 11 to the external device.

[0023] The input unit 15 includes input devices such as input keys, a pointing device, etc. The input unit 15 acquires information input by the user of the information processing device 10 and notifies the processor 11 of the acquired information.

[0024] The output unit 16 includes output devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a speaker. The output unit 16 may be configured as a touch screen integrally formed with a pointing device constituting the input unit 15. The output unit 16 presents various information to the user in accordance with instructions from the processor 11.

[0025] Next, the function of the air conditioning control system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0026] Wireless terminal 400 functionally comprises a wireless signal receiving unit 401 that receives a signal from transmitter 300, a position detecting unit 402 that detects the position of wireless terminal 400 based on the received wireless signal, a memory unit 403 that stores transmitter information related to transmitter 300, a position information transmitting unit 404 that transmits position information indicating the detected position to management device 500, a transmitter information receiving unit 405 that receives transmitter information from management device 500, and a setting accepting unit 406 that accepts settings of a first occupancy time threshold and a first unoccupied time threshold from the user of wireless terminal 400. The functions of wireless signal receiving unit 401, position detecting unit 402, memory unit 403, position information transmitting unit 404, transmitter information receiving unit 405, and setting accepting unit 406 are realized by an air conditioning app.

[0027] Functionally, the management device 500 comprises a location information receiving unit 501 that receives location information from the wireless terminal 400, a memory unit 502 that stores the location information, an area detection determination unit 503 that determines whether a user has been detected for each area, a presence / absence determination unit 504 that determines whether a user is present for each area, a setting reception unit 505 that receives various settings from the operator of the management device 500, a presence / absence information transmission unit 506 that transmits presence / absence information to the air conditioning control device 200, a transmitter information transmission unit 507 that transmits transmitter information to the wireless terminal 400, and a property information receiving unit 508 that receives property information from the property information management device 600.

[0028] First, the functions of the wireless terminal 400 will be described.

[0029] The wireless signal receiving unit 401 receives wireless signals transmitted from transmitters 300 installed in the area. The wireless signal receiving unit 401 extracts, from the received wireless signal, transmitter identification information for identifying the transmitter 300 that transmitted the received wireless signal. Furthermore, when receiving a wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter 300, the wireless signal receiving unit 401 measures the radio wave intensity of the wireless signal and extracts radio wave intensity information indicating the measured radio wave intensity. The wireless signal receiving unit 401 supplies the extracted transmitter identification information and the acquired radio wave intensity information to the position detection unit 402. The wireless signal receiving unit 401 is realized by cooperation between the processor 11 and the communication unit 14.

[0030] For example, when the wireless signal receiving unit 401 receives a wireless signal from a transmitter 300-A1 installed in area A1 of the air-conditioned space, it acquires the transmitter identification information of the transmitter 300-A1 from the wireless signal, measures the radio wave strength of the wireless signal from the transmitter 300-A1, and supplies the transmitter identification information of the transmitter 300-A1 and radio wave strength information indicating the measured radio wave strength to the position detection unit 402.

[0031] The position detection unit 402 detects the position of the wireless terminal 400 based on information acquired through wireless communication between the wireless terminal 400 carried by a user present in the air-conditioned space and the transmitter 300. The position detection unit 402 is realized by the processor 11. The position detection unit 402 is an example of a position detection means.

[0032] The information acquired through wireless communication between the wireless terminal 400 and the transmitter 300 is, for example, transmitter identification information and radio wave intensity information supplied from the wireless signal receiving unit 401 .

[0033] For example, the position detection unit 402 detects the position of the wireless terminal 400 based on the transmitter identification information, the radio wave intensity information, and installation position information that indicates the installation position of the transmitter 300 in the air-conditioned space and that is stored in the storage unit 403. As will be described later, the installation position information is information included in the transmitter information, which is received by the transmitter information receiving unit 405 and stored in the storage unit 403. Specifically, the position detection unit 402 detects the position of the wireless terminal 400 by the principle of triangulation based on the radio wave intensity indicated by the supplied radio wave intensity information and the installation position of the transmitter 300 indicated by the installation position information associated with the supplied transmitter identification information. Here, the detected position is represented by x- and y-coordinates on a plane of the air-conditioned space.

[0034] The storage unit 403 stores the transmitter information received by the transmitter information receiving unit 405, user identification information for identifying the user using the wireless terminal, and threshold information including the first user presence time threshold and the first user absence time threshold received by the setting receiving unit 406. The storage unit 403 is realized by the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0035] The transmitter information is information that includes transmitter identification information and installation location information in association with each other. For example, the transmitter information includes transmitter identification information of transmitters 300-A1 to AN installed in areas A1 to AN (N is a positive number greater than or equal to 1) of the air-conditioned space, and installation location information indicated by x and y coordinates that indicate the positions of the transmitters 300-A1 to AN in the air-conditioned space.

[0036] The user identification information is registered in advance by the user of wireless terminal 400. For example, storage unit 403 of wireless terminal 400-1 stores the identifier "U1" of the user of wireless terminal 400-1 as user identification information.

[0037] The first user presence time threshold is a candidate value for the first presence time threshold, and can be set by each user. The first presence time threshold is a value used for comparison with the total presence time calculated for each area, and is used to determine whether or not a user is present in the area. When the total presence time in an area becomes the same value as the first presence time threshold, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the user is present in that area. Hereinafter, this determination will be referred to as a "presence determination."

[0038] The first user absence time threshold is a candidate value for the first absence time threshold, and can be set by each user. The first absence time threshold is a value used for comparison with the total absence time calculated for each area, and is used to determine whether or not a user is present in the area. If the total absence time in an area becomes the same value as the first absence time threshold, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the user is not present in that area. Hereinafter, this determination will be referred to as an "absence determination."

[0039] The position information transmitting unit 404 transmits position information indicating the position of the wireless terminal 400 detected by the position detecting unit 402 to the management device 500. The position information transmitting unit 404 also transmits, in association with the position information, time information indicating the time when the position detecting unit 402 detected the position of the transmitter 300, user identification information of the user of the wireless terminal 400, and threshold information including the first user presence time threshold and the first user absence time threshold stored in the memory unit 403 to the management device 500. The position information transmitting unit 404 is realized by cooperation between the processor 11 and the communication unit 14.

[0040] For example, the location information transmission unit 404 transmits to the management device 500 location information indicating the location of the wireless terminal 400-1, "[x1, y1]", time information "2022 / 11 / 01 9:00:00", user identification information indicating the identifier "U1" of the user U1 of the wireless terminal 400-1, and threshold information including the first user presence time threshold "TH1-1" and the first user absence time threshold "TH1-2".

[0041] The transmitter information receiving unit 405 acquires the transmitter information by receiving it from the management device 500, and stores the acquired transmitter information in the storage unit 403. The timing at which the transmitter information receiving unit 405 acquires the transmitter information is arbitrary. The transmitter information receiving unit 405 is realized by the processor 11 and the communication unit 14 working together.

[0042] For example, when the air conditioning app is launched, the transmitter information receiving unit 405 transmits a request to acquire transmitter information to the management device 500 and receives a response including the transmitter information from the management device 500. Alternatively, the transmitter information receiving unit 405 transmits a request to acquire transmitter information to the management device 500 in accordance with a user operation. Then, the transmitter information receiving unit 405 stores the transmitter information included in the response received from the management device 500 in the storage unit 403.

[0043] The setting acceptance unit 406 accepts settings from the user of a first user presence time threshold that is a candidate for the first presence time threshold and a first user absence time threshold that is a candidate for the first absence time threshold. The setting acceptance unit 406 is realized by cooperation between the processor 11 and the input unit 15. The setting acceptance unit 406 is an example of a second setting acceptance means.

[0044] For example, the setting receiving unit 406 receives from the user U1 a setting of the first user presence time threshold to be "TH1-1" and a setting of the first user absence time threshold to be "TH1-2."

[0045] Next, the functions of the management device 500 will be described.

[0046] The location information receiving unit 501 receives location information, time information, user identification information, and threshold information including a first user presence time threshold and a first user absence time threshold from the wireless terminal 400, and stores the received information in the storage unit 502. The location information receiving unit 501 is realized by cooperation between the processor 11 and the communication unit 14.

[0047] For example, the location information receiving unit 501 stores in the memory unit 502 location information indicating the location of the wireless terminal 400-1, "[x1, y1]", time information "2022 / 11 / 01 9:00:00", user identification information indicating the identifier "U1" of the user U1 of the wireless terminal 400-1, and threshold information including the first user presence time threshold "TH1-1" and the first user absence time threshold "TH1-2".

[0048] The storage unit 502 stores location information, time information, user identification information, and threshold information received from the wireless terminal. The storage unit 502 also stores presence / absence information for each area indicating the result of determination by the presence / absence determination unit 504, and property information received by the property information receiving unit 508 from the property information management device 600. The storage unit 502 is realized by the auxiliary storage unit 13. The storage unit 502 is an example of a storage means.

[0049] For example, the storage unit 502 stores time information, user identification information, location information, and threshold information in association with each other, as shown in the location information table of Fig. 4. For example, the record in the first row of the location information table of Fig. 4 indicates that user U1 is present at location "[x1, y1]" at time "2022 / 11 / 01 9:00:00", the first user presence time threshold of user U1 is "TH1-1", and the first user absence time threshold of user U1 is "TH1-2".

[0050] The property information stored in the storage unit 502 also includes area information indicating the range of areas A1 to AN using x and y coordinates.

[0051] The area detection determination unit 503 determines whether or not a user has been detected in each area based on the position detected by the position detection unit 402. The area detection determination unit 503 is realized by the processor 11. The area detection determination unit 503 is an example of an area detection determination means.

[0052] For example, the area detection determination unit 503 periodically (for example, at one-minute intervals) determines whether the wireless terminal 400-1, i.e., the user U1, has been detected in any of the areas A1 to AN, based on the position "[x1, y1]" indicated by the position information received from the wireless terminal 400-1 and the area information of the areas A1 to AN stored in the storage unit 502. For example, if the position "[x1, y1]" is within the coordinate range of the area A1, the area detection determination unit 503 determines that the user U1 has been detected in the area A1.

[0053] Then, the area detection determination unit 503 stores in the memory unit 502 information that associates the time information associated with the location information, the user identification information, information indicating the determination result as to whether or not the user has been detected, and detection area information indicating the detected area as detection / non-detection information.

[0054] For example, the area detection determination unit 503 associates the time information "2022 / 11 / 01 9:00:00", the user identification information "U1", the information indicating the determination result "detection", and the detection area information "area A1", and stores this as detection / non-detection information in the memory unit 502.

[0055] When the area detection determination unit 503 detects a user in an area, the presence / absence determination unit 504 adds a predetermined time to the total presence time in the area where the user was detected, out of the total presence time calculated for each area. Furthermore, when the area detection determination unit 503 does not detect a user in an area, the presence / absence determination unit 504 adds a predetermined time to the total absence time in the area where the user was not detected, out of the total absence time calculated for each area. Then, when the value of the total presence time in an area is equal to the first presence time threshold for the area, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the user is present in that area. Furthermore, when the value of the total absence time in an area is equal to the first absence time threshold for the area, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the user is not present in that area. The presence / absence determination unit 504 is realized by the processor 11. The presence / absence determination unit 504 is an example of a presence / absence determination means.

[0056] The predetermined time is a time indicating a period at which the area detection determination unit 503 performs detection, and is, for example, one minute.

[0057] Here, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines one of the first user presence time thresholds stored in the memory unit 502 as the first presence time threshold, and determines one of the first user absence time thresholds stored in the memory unit 502 as the first absence time threshold.

[0058] For example, if the total absence time is zero, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines the first absence time threshold to be the first user absence time threshold of the user last detected in the area, among the first user absence time thresholds stored in the memory unit 502.

[0059] In addition, if the total occupancy time is zero, the setting reception unit 505 determines the first user occupancy time threshold of the user first detected in the area from the first user occupancy time thresholds stored in the memory unit 502 as the first occupancy time threshold.

[0060] For example, when user U1 is detected in area A1, the presence / absence determination unit 504 adds "1 minute" to the total presence time in area A1. Furthermore, when no user is detected in area A2, the presence / absence determination unit 504 adds "1 minute" to the total absence time in area A2. Then, when the total presence time in area A1 becomes equal to a first presence time threshold (e.g., 3 minutes), the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the user is present in area A1. On the other hand, when the total absence time in area A2 becomes equal to the first absence time threshold (e.g., 3 minutes), the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the user is absent in area A2. Then, the presence / absence determination unit 504 associates area identification information for identifying the area with information indicating the determination result, and stores the association information in the storage unit 502 as presence / absence information. For example, the presence / absence determining unit 504 associates the area identification information "A1" with the information indicating the determination result "presence" and stores the association in the storage unit 502 as presence / absence information.

[0061] The setting reception unit 505 accepts a setting to reset the total presence time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination unit 503 does not detect a user in the area or when the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that a user is not present in the area. The setting reception unit 505 also accepts a setting to reset the total absence time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination unit 503 detects a user in the area or when the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that a user is present in the area. The setting reception unit 505 is realized by cooperation between the processor 11 and the input unit 15. The setting reception unit 505 is an example of a first setting reception means.

[0062] For example, the setting receiving unit 505 receives, from the operator of the management device 500, a setting regarding the timing for resetting the total presence time and the total absence time to zero.

[0063] If the total occupancy time is reset to zero when no user is detected in the area, the presence / absence determination unit 504 will be less likely to determine that a user is present in the room, and operation of the air conditioner 100 will be suppressed, allowing control that prioritizes energy conservation.

[0064] By resetting the total occupancy time to zero when it is determined that no user is present in the area, the presence / absence determination unit 504 can more easily determine whether the user is present, preventing the user from temporarily leaving the room and preventing the air conditioner 100 from stopping operation due to false detection, thereby enabling control that prioritizes user comfort.

[0065] If the total absence time is set to zero when a user is detected in the area, the presence / absence determination unit 504 will be less likely to determine that the user is absent, and the air conditioner 100 will be less likely to stop operating, allowing control to be performed that prioritizes user comfort.

[0066] Setting the total absence time to zero at the time it is determined that the user is present in the area makes it easier for the presence / absence determination unit 504 to determine that the user is absent, preventing the user from passing through the area temporarily and preventing the air conditioner 100 from starting operation due to a false detection, thereby enabling control that prioritizes energy conservation.

[0067] Furthermore, when there are multiple users last detected in the area, the setting receiving unit 505 receives a threshold setting that uses either the maximum or minimum value of the first user absence time thresholds of the multiple users last detected as the first absence time threshold. Then, when the total absence time in the area is zero, the presence / absence determination means determines the first absence time threshold based on the threshold setting received by the setting receiving unit 505 from the first user absence time thresholds of the multiple users last detected.

[0068] Here, if the maximum value among the first user absence time thresholds of the last detected multiple users is set as the first absence time threshold, the air conditioner 100 will continue operating for a longer period of time even after the user has left the area. Therefore, if the user returns immediately, the operation of the air conditioner 100 will not be stopped and will continue to operate, allowing control that prioritizes user comfort.

[0069] On the other hand, if the first absence time threshold is set to the smallest value among the first user absence time thresholds of the last detected multiple users, the time from when the user leaves the area to when the air conditioner 100 stops operating will be shorter, allowing control that prioritizes energy conservation.

[0070] Furthermore, when there are multiple users first detected in the area, the setting receiving unit 505 receives a threshold setting for using either the maximum or minimum value of the first user presence time thresholds of the first detected users as the first presence time threshold. When the total presence time in the area is zero, the presence / absence determining unit 504 determines the first presence time threshold based on the threshold setting received by the setting receiving unit 505 from the first user presence time thresholds of the first detected users.

[0071] Here, if the maximum value among the first user presence time thresholds of the first detected multiple users is set as the first presence time threshold, the time from when the user enters the area to when the air conditioner 100 starts operating will be longer, which will reduce the frequency at which the air conditioner 100 starts operating, allowing for control that prioritizes energy conservation.

[0072] On the other hand, if the first user presence time threshold is set to the smallest value among the first user presence time thresholds for multiple first users, the time from when the user enters the area to when the air conditioner 100 starts operating will be shorter, so that the air conditioner 100 will start operating sooner when the user enters the area, allowing control that prioritizes user comfort.

[0073] The presence / absence information transmission unit 506 transmits presence / absence information indicating the result determined by the presence / absence determination unit 504 to the air conditioning control device 200. The presence / absence information transmission unit 506 is realized by the processor 11 and the communication unit 14 working together.

[0074] For example, when the presence / absence determining unit 504 determines that a person is present, the presence / absence information transmitting unit 506 transmits presence / absence information indicating "presence" for area A1. Also, when the presence / absence determining unit 504 determines that a person is absent, the presence / absence information transmitting unit 506 transmits presence / absence information indicating "absence" for area A1.

[0075] The transmitter information transmitting unit 507 transmits the transmitter information stored in the storage unit 502 to the wireless terminal 400. The transmitter information receiving unit 405 is realized by the processor 11 and the communication unit 14 working together.

[0076] For example, when the transmitter information transmitting unit 507 receives a request to acquire transmitter information from the wireless terminal 400 , it transmits a response including the transmitter information stored in the storage unit 502 to the wireless terminal 400 .

[0077] The property information receiving unit 508 receives and acquires property information from the property information management device 600, and stores the acquired property information in the storage unit 502. The property information receiving unit 508 may acquire the property information at any timing. The property information receiving unit 508 is realized by cooperation between the processor 11 and the communication unit 14.

[0078] For example, when a program for managing the air conditioning control device 200 is started in the management device 500, the property information receiving unit 508 transmits a request to acquire property information to the property information management device 600 and receives a response including the property information from the property information management device 600. Alternatively, the property information receiving unit 508 transmits a request to acquire property information to the property information management device 600 in accordance with an operation by the operator of the management device 500.

[0079] The air conditioning control device 200 controls the operation of the air conditioner 100 for each area based on presence / absence information indicating the determination result made by the presence / absence determination unit 504 as to whether or not a user is present in the area. Specifically, the air conditioning control device 200 starts operation of the air conditioner 100 when the presence / absence information indicates the determination result that a user is present in the area and the air conditioner 100 that conditions the area where it is determined that a user is present is stopped. Furthermore, the air conditioning control device 200 stops operation of the air conditioner 100 when the presence / absence information indicates the determination result that a user is not present in the area and the air conditioner 100 that conditions the area where it is determined that a user is not present is operating. Furthermore, when the operation of the air conditioner 100 that conditions an area is manually controlled while the operation of the air conditioner 100 that conditions an area is stopped, the air conditioning control device 200 stops controlling the operation of the air conditioner 100 whose operation is manually controlled based on the presence / absence information for a predetermined manual control time. The manual control time is a time period that is arbitrarily set by the operator of the management device 500, and during the manual control time, the operation of the air conditioner 100 is manually controlled.

[0080] For example, when the air conditioning control device 200 receives presence / absence information indicating "occupancy" in area A1 from the management device 500, if the air conditioner 100-A1 installed in area A1 is stopped, it starts operation in a preset operation mode and set temperature. The operation mode indicates the type of operation of the air conditioner 100, such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, etc. The preset operation mode and set temperature are, for example, the operation mode and set temperature that were set before the air conditioner 100-A1 was stopped.

[0081] Furthermore, when the air conditioning control device 200 receives presence / absence information indicating "no one is present" in area A1, it stops operation of the air conditioner 100-A1 installed in area A1 if it is operating. Furthermore, when operation of the air conditioner 100-A1 is manually started using a remote control, the air conditioning control device 200 continues manual operation for the manual control time (e.g., 30 minutes) after operation has started, during which time it stops controlling the air conditioner 100-A1 based on the presence / absence information. Then, once the manual control time has elapsed since operation started, the air conditioning control device 200 controls the air conditioner 100-A1 based on the presence / absence information.

[0082] Next, the location information transmission process executed by the wireless terminal 400 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 5. For example, when an air conditioning application is started by a user, the wireless terminal 400 executes the location information transmission process of Fig. 5. Note that the first time period in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is arbitrarily set by the user of the wireless terminal 400, the operator of the management device 500, or the like.

[0083] The transmitter information receiving unit 405 receives and acquires the transmitter information from the management device 500, and stores the acquired transmitter information in the storage unit 403 (step S101).

[0084] For example, when the air conditioning app is started, the transmitter information receiving unit 405 transmits a request to acquire transmitter information to the management device 500 and receives a response including the transmitter information from the management device 500. The transmitter information receiving unit 405 stores the transmitter information included in the received response in the storage unit 403.

[0085] The wireless signal receiving unit 401 receives wireless signals transmitted from the transmitters 300 installed in the area, extracts transmitter identification information, and measures radio wave intensity (step S102). Next, the location detecting unit 402 determines whether a first time has elapsed since the most recent transmission of location information to the management device 500 (step S103). If the location detecting unit 402 determines that the first time has elapsed since the most recent transmission of location information to the management device 500 (step S103; YES), it detects the location of the wireless terminal 400 (step S104). On the other hand, if the location detecting unit 402 determines that the first time has not elapsed since the most recent transmission of location information to the management device 500 (step S103; NO), it returns to step S102. Then, the location information transmitting unit 404 transmits to the management device 500 the location information indicating the location detected by the location detecting unit 402, time information, user identification information, and threshold information (step S105).

[0086] For example, suppose the wireless signal receiving unit 401 of the wireless terminal 400-1 of user U1 receives a wireless signal from a transmitter 300-A1 installed in area A1 of the air-conditioned space. The wireless signal receiving unit 401 extracts the transmitter identification information of the transmitter 300-A1 from the wireless signal and measures the radio wave strength of the wireless signal from the transmitter 300-A1. Next, if the position detecting unit 402 determines that a first time, e.g., one minute, has elapsed since the wireless terminal 400-1 most recently transmitted its location information to the management device 500, the position detecting unit 402 detects the location of the wireless terminal 400-1 based on the transmitter identification information, the radio wave strength information, and the installation location information stored in the memory unit 403, which indicates the installation location of the transmitter 300-A1 in the air-conditioned space. On the other hand, if the position detecting unit 402 determines that the first time has not elapsed since the wireless terminal 400 most recently transmitted its location information to the management device 500, the process returns to step S102. Then, the location information transmission unit 404 transmits to the management device 500 location information indicating the location of the wireless terminal 400-1, "[x1, y1]", time information "2022 / 11 / 01 9:00:00", user identification information indicating the identifier "U1" of user U1, and threshold information including the first user presence time threshold "TH1-1" and the first user absence time threshold "TH1-2".

[0087] Next, the presence / absence determination process executed by the management device 500 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. The presence / absence determination process in Fig. 6 is performed when control that prioritizes energy saving is executed. In the flowchart in Fig. 6, if no user is detected in an area, the total presence time for the area is reset to zero, and if a presence determination is made for the area, the total absence time is also reset to zero. In other words, the presence / absence determination unit 504 is less likely to determine that a user is present, and the presence / absence determination unit 504 is more likely to determine that a user is absent.

[0088] For example, the management device 500 receives property information from the property information management device 600, transmits transmitter information to the wireless terminal 400, and then executes the presence / absence determination process of Fig. 6. Note that the second time period in the flowchart of Fig. 6 is set arbitrarily by the operator of the management device 500.

[0089] The location information receiving unit 501 receives location information, time information, user identification information, and threshold information including a first user presence time threshold and a first user absence time threshold from the wireless terminal 400, and stores the received information in the storage unit 502 (step S201). The area detection determining unit 503 determines whether a second time (e.g., one minute) has elapsed since the most recent presence / absence determination process (step S202). If the area detection determining unit 503 determines that the second time has elapsed since the most recent presence / absence determination process (step S202; YES), it determines for each area whether a user has been detected in the area based on the location information of each user stored in the storage unit 502 (step S203). On the other hand, if the area detection determining unit 503 determines that the second time has not elapsed since the most recent presence / absence determination process (step S202; NO), it returns to step S201.

[0090] For an area in which the area detection determination unit 503 determines that a user has been detected (step S203: detection), the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines whether the total presence time is 0 (step S204). On the other hand, for an area in which the area detection determination unit 503 determines that a user has not been detected (step S203: non-detection), the presence / absence determination unit 504 resets the total presence time to zero (step S210).

[0091] If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total presence time is zero (step S204; YES), it sets the first user presence time threshold of the user first detected in the area as the first presence time threshold for the area (step S205) and proceeds to step S206. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total presence time is not zero (step S204; NO), it adds a predetermined time to the total presence time for the area (step S206). Then, it determines whether the value of the total presence time for the area is equal to the first presence time threshold for the area (step S207). If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total presence time for the area is equal to the first presence time threshold for the area (step S207; YES), it determines that a user is present in the area (step S208) and stores presence / absence information indicating "presence" in the storage unit 502. Then, the presence / absence determination unit 504 resets the total absence time to zero (step S209), and proceeds to step S216. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total presence time for the area is not the same as the first presence time threshold for the area (step S207; NO), the process proceeds to step S216. The presence / absence information transmission unit 506 transmits the presence / absence information stored in the memory unit 502, indicating the result of the determination made by the presence / absence determination unit 504, to the air conditioning control device 200 (step S216).

[0092] On the other hand, after the total presence time is reset to zero in step S210, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines whether the total absence time is zero (step S211). If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total absence time is zero (step S211; YES), it sets the first user absence time threshold of the last detected user in the area as the first absence time threshold for the area (step S212) and proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total absence time is not zero (step S211; NO), it adds a predetermined time to the total absence time for the area (step S213). Then, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines whether the value of the total absence time for the area is the same as the first absence time threshold for the area (step S214). If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total absence time for the area is the same as the first absence time threshold for the area (step S214; YES), it determines that the user is not present in the area (step S215), stores presence / absence information indicating "absence" in the storage unit 502, and proceeds to step S216. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total absence time for the area is not the same as the first absence time threshold for the area (step S214; NO), it proceeds to step S216.

[0093] The details of the presence / absence determination process of Fig. 6 will be described using a table showing an example of the operation of Fig. 7. The table of Fig. 7 is an example of the operation for one area (e.g., area A1) determined in step S203 of the flowchart of Fig. 6.

[0094] The table in Figure 7 shows the correspondence between the number of the operation example, the determination result in step S203, the steps taken after step S203 and before step S216 in the flowchart in Figure 6, the presence / absence determination result indicated by the presence / absence information stored in memory unit 502, the total presence time in step S216, the total absence time in step S216, and a description of the operation example. The operation example in Figure 7 shows operations performed chronologically in numerical order. In the operation example in Figure 7, the first presence time threshold for area A1 is set to "3 minutes" and the first absence time threshold for area A1 is set to "2 minutes." Furthermore, in the state before operation example 1 in Figure 7, the total absence time in area A1 is 99 minutes, the total presence time in area A1 is 0 minutes, and an absence determination has been made for area A1.

[0095] In operation example 1, when it is determined in step S203 that no user is detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S210, S211, S213, and S214. In step S210, the total presence time is reset to zero. In step S211, it is determined that the total absence time of "99 minutes" in area A1 is not "0 minutes." The process proceeds to step S213, where "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "99 minutes" to become "100 minutes." Then, in step S214, it is determined that the total absence time of "100 minutes" exceeds the first absence time threshold of "3 minutes." The process proceeds to step S216 with the "absent" determination unchanged. The total presence time in step S216 is "0 minutes," and the total absence time in step S216 is "100 minutes."

[0096] In Operation Example 2, when it is determined in step S203 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S204, S205, S206, and S207. In step S204, the total presence time is determined to be "0 minutes." In step S205, the first user presence time threshold of "3 minutes" for the user first detected in step S203 is set as the first presence time threshold. In step S206, "1 minute" is added to the total presence time of "0 minutes." In step S207, it is determined that the total presence time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first presence time threshold of "3 minutes." Therefore, the process proceeds to step S216 with the previously determined "absent." The total presence time in step S216 is "1 minute," and the total absence time in step S216 is "100 minutes," the same as in Operation Example 1. In operation example 2, in step S203, a user is detected in area A1, but the total absence time is not set to "0 minutes." This operation makes it easier to maintain the absence determination even if the user passes through area A1 temporarily or if it is erroneously determined that a user has been detected in area A1, and reduces the frequency with which the air conditioner starts operation, allowing for control that prioritizes energy conservation.

[0097] In Operation Example 3, when it is determined in step S203 that no user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in Operation Example 1. In step S210, the total presence time "1" in Operation Example 2 is reset to zero. In step S211, it is determined that the total absence time "100 minutes" in area A1 is not "0 minutes." The process proceeds to step S213, where "1 minute" is added to the total absence time "100 minutes" to become "101 minutes." In step S214, it is determined that the total absence time "101 minutes" is not the same as the first absence time threshold "2 minutes." The "absent" already determined for area A1 remains, and the process proceeds to step S216. The total presence time in step S216 is "0 minutes," and the total absence time in step S216 is "101 minutes." In step S203, if it is determined that no user has been detected in area A1, the total time of presence is immediately reset to zero. This makes it less likely that a presence determination will be made even if the user has temporarily passed through area A1 or if it is mistakenly determined that a user has been detected in area A1, and the air conditioner will not start operating frequently, allowing for control that prioritizes energy conservation.

[0098] Operation example 4 shows that when it is determined in step S203 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation example 2. In step S204, the total occupancy time is determined to be "0 minutes," the first occupancy time threshold is re-determined to be "3 minutes," and in step S206, "1 minute" is added to the total occupancy time of "0 minutes." In step S207, it is determined that the total occupancy time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first occupancy time threshold of "3 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S216 with the previously determined "not present" status remaining.

[0099] In operation example 5, when it is determined in step S203 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S204, S206, and S207. In step S204, it is determined that the total occupancy time of "1 minute" is not "0 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S206, where "1 minute" is added to the total occupancy time of "1 minute." In step S207, it is determined that the total occupancy time of "2 minutes" is not the same as the first occupancy time threshold of "3 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S216, with the previously determined "absent" status remaining.

[0100] In operation example 6, when it is determined in step S203 that a user has been detected in area A1, the processing is performed in the order of steps S204, S206, S207, S208, and S209. In step S204, it is determined that the total presence time of "2 minutes" is not "0 minutes," so the processing proceeds to step S206, where "1 minute" is added to the total presence time of "2 minutes." In step S207, it is determined that the total presence time of "3 minutes" is equal to the first presence time threshold of "3 minutes." In step S208, it is determined that a user is present in area A1, and presence / absence information indicating "presence" is stored in memory unit 502. Then, in step S209, the total absence time of "101 minutes" is reset to "0 minutes," and the processing proceeds to step S216.

[0101] Operation example 7 shows that when it is determined in step S203 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation example 5. In step S204, it is determined that the total occupancy time of "3 minutes" is not "0 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S206, where "1 minute" is added to the total occupancy time of "3 minutes." In step S207, it is determined that the total occupancy time of "4 minutes" is not the same as the first occupancy time threshold of "3 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S216, with the determination of "occupancy" remaining as determined in operation example 6.

[0102] In Operation Example 8, when it is determined in step S203 that no user is detected in area A1, the processing is performed in the order of steps S210, S211, S212, S213, and S214. In step S210, the total presence time of "4 minutes" is reset to zero. In step S211, the total absence time of area A1 is determined to be "0 minutes." In step S212, the first user absence time threshold of "2 minutes" for the last detected user is set as the first absence time threshold. In step S213, "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "0 minutes." In step S214, it is determined that the total absence time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first absence time threshold of "2 minutes." Therefore, the process proceeds to step S216, with the determination of "presence" remaining as determined in Operation Example 6.

[0103] Operation example 9 shows that when it is determined in step S203 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation examples 2 and 4. In step S204, the total occupancy time is determined to be "0 minutes," the first occupancy time threshold is re-determined to be "3 minutes," and in step S206, "1 minute" is added to the total occupancy time of "0 minutes." In step S207, it is determined that the total occupancy time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first occupancy time threshold of "3 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S216, with the determination of "occupancy" remaining as determined in operation example 6.

[0104] In Operation Example 10, when it is determined in step S203 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in Operation Examples 5 and 7. In step S204, it is determined that the total occupancy time of "1 minute" is not "0 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S206, where "1 minute" is added to the total occupancy time of "1 minute." In step S207, it is determined that the total occupancy time of "2 minutes" is not the same as the first occupancy time threshold of "3 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S216, with the determination of "occupancy" remaining as determined in Operation Example 6.

[0105] In Operation Example 11, when it is determined that no user is detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S210, S211, S213, S214, and S215. In step S210, the total presence time of "2 minutes" is reset to zero. In step S211, it is determined that the total absence time of "1 minute" in area A1 is not "0 minutes." The process proceeds to step S213, where "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "1 minute." Then, in step S214, it is determined that the total absence time of "2 minutes" is equal to the first absence time threshold of "2 minutes." In step S215, it is determined that no user is present in area A1, and presence / absence information indicating "absence" is stored in memory unit 502. Then, the process proceeds to step S216.

[0106] Operation example 12 shows that when it is determined that no user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation examples 1 and 3. In step S210, the total presence time of "0 minutes" is reset to "0 minutes" again, and in step S211, it is determined that the total absence time of "2 minutes" in area A1 is not "0 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S213, where "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "2 minutes" to make it "3 minutes." Then, in step S214, it is determined that the total absence time of "3 minutes" is not the first absence time threshold of "2 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S216, with the determination of "absent" remaining as determined in operation example 11.

[0107] Next, another presence / absence determination process executed by the management device 500 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. The presence / absence determination process of FIG. 8 is performed when control is executed that prioritizes user comfort. In the flowchart of FIG. 8, when a user is detected in an area, the total absence time for the area is reset to zero, and when an absence determination is made for the area, the total presence time is reset to zero. In other words, the presence / absence determination unit 504 is less likely to make an absence determination, and the presence / absence determination unit 504 is more likely to make a presence determination.

[0108] For example, the management device 500 receives property information from the property information management device 600, transmits transmitter information to the wireless terminal 400, and then executes the presence / absence determination process of Fig. 8. Note that the processes of steps S301 to S303 are the same as the processes of steps S201 to S203 of Fig. 6.

[0109] For an area where the area detection determination unit 503 determines that a user has been detected (step S303: detection), the presence / absence determination unit 504 resets the total absence time to zero (step S304). On the other hand, for an area where the area detection determination unit 503 determines that a user has not been detected (step S303: non-detection), the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines whether the total absence time is zero (step S310).

[0110] The presence / absence determination unit 504 determines whether the total presence time is 0 (step S305). If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total presence time is 0 (step S305; YES), it sets the first user presence time threshold of the user first detected in the area as the first presence time threshold for the area (step S306), and proceeds to step S307. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total presence time is not 0 (step S305; NO), it adds a predetermined time to the total presence time for the area (step S307). Then, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines whether the value of the total presence time for the area is the same as the first presence time threshold for the area (step S308). If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total presence time for the area is the same as the first presence time threshold for the area (step S308; YES), it determines that the user is present in the area (step S309), stores presence / absence information indicating "presence" in the memory unit 502, and proceeds to step S316. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total presence time for the area is not the same as the first presence time threshold for the area (step S308; NO), it proceeds to step S316. The presence / absence information transmission unit 506 transmits the presence / absence information stored in the memory unit 502, indicating the result of the determination made by the presence / absence determination unit 504, to the air conditioning control device 200 (step S316).

[0111] On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total absence time is zero (step S310; YES), it sets the first user absence time threshold of the user last detected in the area as the first absence time threshold for the area (step S311) and proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total absence time is not zero (step S310; NO), it adds a predetermined time to the total absence time for the area (step S312). Then, it determines whether the value of the total absence time for the area is the same as the first absence time threshold for the area (step S313). If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total absence time for the area is the same as the first absence time threshold for the area (step S313; YES), it determines that no user is present in the area (step S314) and stores presence / absence information indicating "absence" in the storage unit 502. Then, the presence / absence determination unit 504 resets the total presence time to zero (step S315), and proceeds to step S316. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total absence time for the area is not the same as the first absence time threshold for the area (step S313; NO), the presence / absence determination unit 504 proceeds to step S316.

[0112] Details of the operation of the presence / absence determination process in Fig. 8 will be described using a table showing an operation example in Fig. 9. The table in Fig. 9 is an operation example for one area (e.g., area A1) determined in step S303 of the flowchart in Fig. 8.

[0113] The table in Figure 9 shows the correspondence between the number of the operation example, the determination result in step S303, the steps taken after step S303 and before step S316 in the flowchart in Figure 8, the presence / absence determination result indicated by the presence / absence information stored in memory unit 502, the total presence time in step S316, the total absence time in step S316, and a description of the operation example. The operation example in Figure 9 shows operations performed chronologically in numerical order. Note that in the operation example in Figure 9, the first presence time threshold for area A1 is set to "2 minutes" and the first absence time threshold for area A1 is set to "3 minutes." Also, in the state before operation example 1 in Figure 9, the total absence time in area A1 is 99 minutes, the total presence time in area A1 is 0 minutes, and an absence determination has been made for area A1.

[0114] In Operation Example 1, when it is determined in step S303 that no user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S310, S312, and S313. In step S310, it is determined that the total absence time of "99 minutes" in area A1 is not "0 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S312, where "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "99 minutes" to make it "100 minutes." Then, in Operation Example 1, it is determined in step S313 that the total absence time of "100 minutes" is not the same as the first absence time threshold of "2 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S316 while the "absent" already determined for area A1 remains. Therefore, the total presence time in step S316 is "0 minutes," and the total absence time in step S316 is "100 minutes."

[0115] In operation example 2, when it is determined in step S303 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S304, S305, S306, S307, and S308. In step S304, the total absence time of "100 minutes" is reset to "0 minutes." In step S305, the total presence time is determined to be "0 minutes." In step S306, the first user presence time threshold of "2 minutes" for the user detected in step S303 is set as the first presence time threshold. In step S307, "1 minute" is added to the total presence time of "0 minutes." In step S308, it is determined that the total presence time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first presence time threshold of "2 minutes." Therefore, the process proceeds to step S316, retaining the previously determined absence. In operation example 2, the total presence time in step S316 is "1 minute," and the total absence time in step S316 is "0 minutes." In operation example 2, when a user is detected in area A1 in step S303, the total absence time is reset to "0 minutes." This operation makes it less likely that an absence will be determined, and the air conditioner 100 is prevented from stopping operation, allowing control that prioritizes user comfort.

[0116] In operation example 3, when it is determined in step S303 that no user is detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S310, S311, S312, and S313. In step S310, the total absence time in area A1 is determined to be "0 minutes." In step S311, the first user absence time threshold of "3 minutes" for the user last detected in the area is set as the first absence time threshold. In step S312, "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "0 minutes." Then, in step S313, it is determined that the total absence time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first absence time threshold of "3 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S316, maintaining the previously determined "absent" status. In step S303, even if it is determined that no user has been detected in area A1, by not resetting the total time of presence to zero, it becomes easier to determine that a user is present, and it is possible to prevent the user from temporarily leaving the room and the air conditioner 100 from stopping operation due to a false detection, thereby enabling control that prioritizes user comfort.

[0117] In operation example 4, when it is determined in step S303 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S304, S305, S307, S308, and S309. In step S304, the total absence time of "1 minute" is reset to "0 minutes." In step S305, it is determined that the total presence time of "1 minute" is not "0 minutes." The process proceeds to step S307, where "1 minute" is added to the total presence time of "1 minute." In step S308, it is determined that the total presence time of "2 minutes" is equal to the first presence time threshold of "2 minutes." In step S309, it is determined that a user is present in area A1, and presence / absence information indicating "presence" is stored in storage unit 502. Then, the process proceeds to step S316.

[0118] In Operation Example 5, when it is determined in step S303 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S304, S305, S307, and S308. In step S304, the total absence time of "1 minute" is reset to "0 minute." In step S305, it is determined that the total presence time of "2 minutes" is not "0 minutes." The process proceeds to step S307, where "1 minute" is added to the total presence time of "2 minutes." In step S308, it is determined that the total presence time of "3 minutes" is not the same as the first presence time threshold of "2 minutes." The process proceeds to step S316, with the determination of "presence" remaining as determined in Operation Example 4.

[0119] Operation example 6 shows that when it is determined in step S303 that no user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation example 3. In step S310, the total absence time in area A1 is determined to be "0 minutes." In step S311, the first user absence time threshold of "3 minutes" for the last detected user is set as the first absence time threshold. In step S312, "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "0 minutes." Then, in step S313, it is determined that the total absence time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first absence time threshold of "3 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S316, with the determination of "presence" remaining as determined in operation example 4.

[0120] Operation example 7 shows that when it is determined in step S303 that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation example 5. In step S304, the total absence time of "1 minute" is reset to "0 minutes." In step S305, it is determined that the total presence time of "3 minutes" is not "0 minutes." The process proceeds to step S307, where "1 minute" is added to the total presence time of "3 minutes." In step S308, it is determined that the total presence time of "4 minutes" is not the same as the first presence time threshold of "2 minutes." The process proceeds to step S316, with the determination of "presence" remaining as determined in operation example 4.

[0121] Operation example 8 shows that when it is determined in step S303 that no user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation examples 3 and 6. In step S310, the total absence time in area A1 is "0 minutes," so in step S311, the first user absence time threshold of "3 minutes" for the last detected user is set as the first absence time threshold, and "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "0 minutes." Then, in step S313, it is determined that the total absence time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first absence time threshold of "3 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S316, with the determination of "presence" remaining as determined in operation example 4.

[0122] Operation example 9 shows that if it is determined in step S303 that no user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation example 1. In step S310, the total absence time in area A1 is "1 minute," so the process proceeds to step S312, where "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "1 minute." In step S313, it is determined that the total absence time of "2 minutes" is not the same as the first absence time threshold of "3 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S316, with the determination of "presence" remaining as determined in operation example 4.

[0123] In operation example 10, if it is determined in step S303 that no user is detected in area A1, processing is performed in the order of steps S310, S312, S313, S314, and S315. In step S310, it is determined that the total absence time of "2 minutes" in area A1 is not "0 minutes," so the process proceeds to step S312, where "1 minute" is added to the total absence time of "2 minutes." In step S313, it is determined that the total absence time of "3 minutes" is the same as the first absence time threshold of "3 minutes." In step S314, it is determined that no user is present in area A1, and presence / absence information indicating "absence" is stored in memory unit 502. Then, in step S315, the total presence time of "4 minutes" is reset to "0 minutes," and the process proceeds to step S316.

[0124] In Operation Example 11, when it is determined that a user has been detected in area A1, the process is performed in the same order as in Operation Example 2. In step S304, the total absence time of "3 minutes" is reset to "0 minutes." In step S305, the total presence time is determined to be "0 minutes." In step S306, the first user presence time threshold of "2 minutes" for the user first detected in step S303 is set as the first presence time threshold. In step S307, "1 minute" is added to the total presence time of "0 minutes." In step S308, it is determined that the total presence time of "1 minute" is not the same as the first presence time threshold of "2 minutes." Therefore, the process proceeds to step S316 with the determination of "absent" made in Operation Example 10 remaining unchanged.

[0125] Operation example 12 shows that when it is determined that a user has been detected in area A1, processing is performed in the same order as in operation example 4. In step S304, the total absence time of "0 minutes" is reset to zero again. In step S305, it is determined that the total presence time of "1 minute" is not "0 minutes." The process proceeds to step S307, where "1 minute" is added to the total presence time of "1 minute." In step S308, it is determined that the total presence time of "2 minutes" is equal to the first presence time threshold of "2 minutes." In step S309, it is determined that a user is present in area A1, and presence / absence information indicating "presence" is stored in memory unit 502. The process then proceeds to step S316.

[0126] Next, the air conditioning control process executed by the air conditioning control device 200 according to this embodiment will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 10. The air conditioning control process in Fig. 10 is performed, for example, when the air conditioning control device 200 is started, and is performed for each area.

[0127] The air conditioning control device 200 sets the manual control flag to 0 (step S401). The air conditioning control device 200 acquires presence / absence information by receiving it from the management device 500 (step S402). Next, the air conditioning control device 200 determines whether the operation of the stopped air conditioner 100 has been manually controlled (step S403). If the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the operation of the stopped air conditioner 100 has been manually controlled (step S403; YES), it sets the manual control flag to 1 (step S404). On the other hand, if the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the operation of the stopped air conditioner 100 has not been manually controlled (step S403; NO), it determines whether the manual control flag is 1 (step S405).

[0128] For example, after setting the manual control flag to 0, the air conditioning control device 200 acquires presence / absence information indicating that no one is present for area A1 and stores this information in the auxiliary memory unit 13 of the air conditioning control device 200. If the air conditioner 100-A1 in area A1 is stopped and the air conditioner 100-A1 starts operating in response to operation of the remote control, the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the operation of the stopped air conditioner 100 has been manually controlled and sets the manual control flag to 1. On the other hand, if control of the stopped air conditioner 100-A1 has not been manually started, the air conditioning control device 200 proceeds to step S405.

[0129] If the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the manual control flag is 1 (step S405; YES), it determines whether the manual control time has elapsed since the operation was manually controlled (step S406). On the other hand, if the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the manual control flag is not 1 (step S405; NO), it proceeds to step S408. If the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the manual control time has elapsed since the operation was manually controlled (step S406; YES), it sets the manual control flag to 0 (step S407) and controls operation based on the presence / absence information (step S408). On the other hand, if the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the manual control time has not elapsed since the operation was manually controlled (step S406; NO), it returns to step S402.

[0130] For example, if the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the manual control flag for area A1 is 1, it determines whether the manual control time (e.g., 30 minutes) has elapsed since the air conditioner was manually controlled. If the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the manual control time has elapsed, it sets the manual control flag to 0 and controls the air conditioner 100-A1 in area A1 based on the presence / absence information stored in the auxiliary memory unit 13. On the other hand, if the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the manual control flag for area A1 is not 1, it proceeds to step S408. In other words, if the operation of the air conditioner 100-A1 is not being manually controlled, the air conditioning control device 200 controls the air conditioner 100-A1 in area A1 based on the presence / absence information stored in the auxiliary memory unit 13. Furthermore, if the air conditioning control device 200 determines that the manual control time has not elapsed since the air conditioner was manually controlled, it returns to step S402. In other words, it maintains the manual operation of the air conditioner 100-A1. Therefore, the air conditioning control device 200 stops control based on presence / absence information during the manual control time.

[0131] According to this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the ease with which presence and absence determinations are made in an air-conditioned space. This allows the user of the air conditioning control system to select whether to prioritize energy conservation or user comfort when controlling the air conditioner. Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the air conditioner from stopping operation due to a false detection of a user in an area, or to prevent the air conditioner from starting operation due to a false detection, even in a system with low location detection accuracy, it is possible to perform control that prioritizes energy conservation or user comfort.

[0132] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the presence and absence determinations are performed using threshold values ​​set by the individual user, so that air conditioning control can be performed that reflects the user's intentions.

[0133] Second Embodiment An air conditioning control system according to a second embodiment determines whether or not to execute air conditioning control processing for energy saving, in addition to determining whether or not a person is present in an area as described in the first embodiment.

[0134] The air conditioning control system 1 of the second embodiment has the same configuration and functional units as the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment. Functions that differ from those of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0135] The setting receiving unit 406 receives settings of a first user presence time threshold, a first user absence time threshold, a second user presence time threshold, and a second user absence time threshold from the user.

[0136] The second user occupancy time threshold is a candidate value for the second occupancy time threshold, which is a value smaller than the first occupancy time threshold, and is a value that can be set by each user. The second occupancy time threshold is a value used for comparison with the total occupancy time, and is used to determine whether or not to perform energy-saving control on the air conditioners 100 in the area. When the total occupancy time in the area becomes the same value as the second occupancy time threshold, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that energy-saving control should be performed on the air conditioners 100 in the area.

[0137] The second user absence time threshold is a candidate value for the second absence time threshold, which is a value smaller than the first absence time threshold, and is a value that can be set by each user. The second absence time threshold is a value used for comparison with the total absence time to determine whether or not to perform energy-saving control on the air conditioners 100 in the area. When the total absence time in the area becomes the same value as the second absence time threshold, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that energy-saving control should be performed on the air conditioners 100 in the area.

[0138] For example, the setting reception unit 406 receives from user U1 a setting of "TH1-1" for the first user presence time threshold, "TH1-2" for the first user absence time threshold, "TH1-3" for the second user presence time threshold, and "TH1-4" for the second user absence time threshold.

[0139] When the value of the total occupancy time for an area becomes equal to the second occupancy time threshold for the area, the occupancy / absence determining unit 504 determines to perform energy saving control for the air conditioners 100 in the area.

[0140] The presence / absence determination unit 504 determines one of the second user presence time thresholds stored in the storage unit 502 as the second presence time threshold, and determines one of the second user absence time thresholds stored in the storage unit 502 as the second absence time threshold. For example, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines the second presence time threshold and the second absence time threshold in the same way as the first presence time threshold and the first absence time threshold in the first embodiment.

[0141] When the presence / absence determining unit 504 determines that energy saving control is to be performed, the presence / absence information transmitting unit 506 transmits presence / absence information indicating "energy saving control" for the area A1.

[0142] When the presence / absence information transmission unit 506 determines that energy saving control should be performed for an area, the air conditioning control device 200 executes energy saving control for the air conditioners 100 in the area.

[0143] For example, when the air conditioning control device 200 receives presence / absence information indicating "energy saving control" in area A1, if the air conditioner 100-A1 installed in area A1 is stopped, it starts operation in the operation mode and set temperature for "energy saving control" that are pre-set. Here, the operation mode and set temperature for "energy saving control" are settings that are considered desirable from the perspective of energy saving, and are settings that are considered to result in relatively low power consumption by the air conditioner 100. The operation mode and set temperature for "energy saving control" are set as appropriate by the operator of the management device 500.

[0144] In the following, the operating mode for "energy saving control" is set to be the same as the operating mode that was set before the air conditioner 100 was stopped or the operating mode that is currently operating, and the set temperature for "energy saving control" is set to a value that is 4°C more than the set temperature before the air conditioner 100 was stopped or is currently operating if the operating mode before the air conditioner 100 was stopped or is currently operating is "cooling", and is set to a value that is 4°C less than the set temperature before the air conditioner 100 was stopped or is currently operating if the operating mode before the air conditioner 100 was stopped or is currently operating is "heating".

[0145] For example, if the operation mode and set temperature of the air conditioner 100-A1 that were set before the air conditioner 100-A1 was stopped were "cooling" and "25°C," and the air conditioning control device 200 receives presence / absence information indicating "energy saving control" in area A1 while the air conditioner 100-A1 is stopped, the air conditioning control device 200 will operate the air conditioner 100-A1 in the operation mode of "cooling" and with the set temperature of "29°C." If the air conditioning control device 200 subsequently receives presence / absence information indicating "occupancy" in area A1, the air conditioning control device 200 will operate the air conditioner 100-A1 in the operation mode of "cooling" and with the set temperature of "25°C," which was set before the air conditioner 100-A1 was stopped.

[0146] Furthermore, for example, if the operation mode set before the air conditioner 100-A1 was stopped was "heating" and the set temperature was "22°C," and the air conditioning control device 200 receives presence / absence information indicating "energy saving control" in area A1 while the air conditioner 100-A1 is stopped, the air conditioning control device 200 will operate the air conditioner 100-A1 in the operation mode "heating" and the set temperature "18°C." If the air conditioning control device 200 subsequently receives presence / absence information indicating "occupancy" in area A1, it will operate the air conditioner 100-A1 in the operation mode "heating" and the set temperature "22°C," which was set before the air conditioner 100-A1 was stopped.

[0147] Furthermore, for example, if the current operating mode of the air conditioner 100-A1 is "cooling" and the set temperature is "25°C," and the air conditioning control device 200 receives presence / absence information indicating "energy saving control" in area A1 while the air conditioner 100-A1 is operating, the air conditioning control device 200 will operate the air conditioner 100-A1 in the operating mode "cooling" and the set temperature "29°C." If the air conditioning control device 200 then receives presence / absence information indicating "no one is present" in area A1, it will stop operation of the air conditioner 100-A1.

[0148] Furthermore, for example, if the current operating mode of the air conditioner 100-A1 is "heating" and the set temperature is "22°C" and the air conditioning control device 200 receives presence / absence information indicating "energy saving control" in area A1, the air conditioning control device 200 will operate the air conditioner 100-A1 in the operating mode "heating" and the set temperature "18°C." If the air conditioning control device 200 subsequently receives presence / absence information indicating "absence" in area A1, it will stop operation of the air conditioner 100-A1.

[0149] The presence / absence determination process executed by the management device 500 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 11. The presence / absence determination process of Fig. 11 is a process performed when control prioritizing energy saving is executed.

[0150] For example, the management device 500 receives property information from the property information management device 600, transmits transmitter information to the wireless terminal 400, and then executes the presence / absence determination process of Fig. 11. Note that the processes of steps S501 to S504, step S506, step S509 to S513, step S515, step S518, and step S519 are similar to the processes of steps S201 to S204, step S206 to S211, and step S213 to S215 of Fig. 6. Below, steps that differ in the process will be described.

[0151] If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total presence time is 0 (step S504; YES), it sets the first user presence time threshold and second user presence time threshold of the user first detected in the area as the first presence time threshold and second presence time threshold of the area (step S505), and proceeds to step S506.

[0152] After step S506, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines whether the value of the total occupancy time for the area is equal to the second occupancy time threshold for the area (step S507). If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total occupancy time for the area is equal to the second occupancy time threshold for the area (step S507; YES), it determines that energy saving control will be performed for the area (step S508), stores presence / absence information indicating "energy saving control" in the storage unit 502, and proceeds to step S520. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total occupancy time for the area is not equal to the second occupancy time threshold for the area (step S507; NO), it proceeds to step S509.

[0153] If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the total absence time is 0 (step S513; YES), it sets the first user absence time threshold and second user absence time threshold of the last user detected in the area as the first absence time threshold and second absence time threshold of the area (step S514), and proceeds to step S515.

[0154] After step S515, the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines whether the value of the total absence time for the area is equal to the second absence time threshold for the area (step S516). If the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total absence time for the area is equal to the second absence time threshold for the area (step S516; YES), it determines that energy saving control will be performed for the area (step S517), stores presence / absence information indicating "energy saving control" in the storage unit 502, and proceeds to step S520. On the other hand, if the presence / absence determination unit 504 determines that the value of the total absence time for the area is not equal to the second absence time threshold for the area (step S516; NO), it proceeds to step S518.

[0155] The air conditioning control process executed by the air conditioning control device 200 according to this embodiment is the same as the flowchart in Fig. 10, but the content indicated by the presence / absence information received in step S408 differs from that in embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the presence / absence information received in step S408 indicates "presence", "absence", or "energy saving control", and the air conditioning control device 200 controls the air conditioners 100 in the area based on the received presence / absence information.

[0156] According to this embodiment, when the total occupancy time reaches the second occupancy time threshold, the system operates in an energy-saving manner, and then when the total occupancy time reaches the first occupancy time threshold, the system starts operating according to the settings set by the user. This allows the system to gradually change to an operation with higher power consumption depending on the total occupancy time, thereby achieving energy savings. Furthermore, even if the total occupancy time does not reach the first occupancy time threshold, the system starts operating when it reaches the second occupancy time threshold. This improves user comfort.

[0157] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the total absence time reaches the second absence time threshold, the device operates in an energy-saving manner, and then stops operation when the total absence time reaches the first absence time threshold. This allows the device to gradually switch to an operation with lower power consumption depending on the total absence time, thereby achieving energy-saving operation. Furthermore, rather than suddenly stopping operation, when the total absence time reaches the second absence time threshold, the device continues operation while switching to an operation aimed at stopping. This improves user comfort.

[0158] According to this embodiment, by making a two-stage determination on the total occupancy time and the total unoccupied time, it is possible to perform more detailed control over the air conditioner.

[0159] (Embodiment 3) An air conditioning control system according to embodiment 3 is a system having an equipment control device that controls facility equipment other than air conditioners based on presence / absence information. Below, the air conditioning control system according to embodiment 3 will be described using an example in which the equipment control device is configured integrally with the air conditioning control device.

[0160] In the air conditioning control system 1 of the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, the management device 500 is communicably connected to an equipment control device 800 that controls the air conditioners 100 and the facility equipment 700. The air conditioning control system 1 of the third embodiment has the same configuration and functional units as the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment. Functions that differ from those of the first embodiment will be described below.

[0161] The setting reception unit 406 receives from the user settings for the first user presence time threshold and the first user absence time threshold, as well as settings for a specific equipment among the facility equipment 700 for which the user wishes to control the start and stop of operation at a timing different from that of the air conditioner 100. In other words, the setting reception unit 406 receives from the user settings for designating one of the facility equipment 700 as a specific equipment. Hereinafter, information indicating the specific equipment designated by the user will be referred to as user-specific equipment information. The setting reception unit 406 is an example of a third setting reception means.

[0162] The specific equipment may be, for example, lighting equipment, ventilation equipment, or CO ２ For example, if a user wants a light to be turned on immediately when it is determined that the user has been detected in an area, or to be turned off immediately when it is determined that the user has no longer been detected in the area, the user sets the light as a specific device.

[0163] User specific device information indicating the specific device for which the setting receiving unit 406 has received the setting is stored in the storage unit 403. Then, the location information sending unit 404 sends the user specific device information to the management device 500 together with the location information, time information, user identification information, and threshold information.

[0164] The location information receiving unit 501 stores the received information in the storage unit 502. Then, the presence / absence information transmitting unit 506 transmits to the device control device 800 the specific device information determined from the user specific device information, together with the presence / absence information. Here, the presence / absence information determines one of the facility devices 700 indicated by the user specific device information stored in the storage unit 502 as the specific device. For example, the facility device 700 indicated by the user specific device information of the user that is first detected in the area is determined to be the specific device, and the specific device information indicating the determined specific device is transmitted together with the presence / absence information. Furthermore, the presence / absence information transmitting unit 506 transmits detection / non-detection information to the device control device 800 along with the presence / absence information.

[0165] When the detection / non-detection information indicates that it has been determined that a user has been detected in an area and the presence / absence information indicates that it has been determined that the user is not present in the area where it has been determined that the user has been detected, the equipment control device 800 starts operation of a predetermined specific device among the equipment 700 installed in the area where it has been determined that the user has been detected but where it has been determined that the user is not present.

[0166] For example, when the detection / non-detection information indicates that it has been determined that user U1 has been detected in area A1 and the presence / absence information indicates that it has been determined that user U1 is absent in area A1, the equipment control device 800 turns on the lighting equipment if it is set as a specific equipment among the facility equipment 700 in area A1.

[0167] Next, the device control process executed by the device control device 800 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 13. The device control process of Fig. 13 is performed, for example, when the device control device 800 is started up, and is performed for each area. Note that the third and fourth times in the flowchart of Fig. 13 are arbitrarily set by the operator of the management device 500 or the operator of the device control device 800.

[0168] The equipment control device 800 sets the manual control flag to 0 (step S601). The equipment control device 800 acquires presence / absence information and detection / non-detection information by receiving them from the management device 500 (step S602). Next, the equipment control device 800 determines whether the operation of the stopped air conditioner 100 or facility equipment 700 has been manually controlled (step S603). If the equipment control device 800 determines that the operation of the stopped air conditioner 100 or facility equipment 700 has been manually controlled (step S603; YES), it sets the manual control flag to 1 (step S604). On the other hand, if the equipment control device 800 determines that the operation of the stopped air conditioner 100 or facility equipment 700 has not been manually controlled (step S603; NO), it determines whether the manual control flag is 1 (step S605).

[0169] For example, after setting the manual control flag and the specific device flag to 0, the device control device 800 acquires presence / absence information indicating "absence" and detection / non-detection information indicating "detection" for area A1, and stores the acquired information in the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the device control device 800. Then, for example, if the air conditioner 100-A1 in area A1 is stopped and the air conditioner 100-A1 starts operating in response to operation of the remote control, the device control device 800 determines that the operation of the stopped air conditioner 100 has been manually controlled and sets the manual control flag to 1. On the other hand, if control of the stopped air conditioner 100 or facility device 700 has not been manually initiated, the device control device 800 proceeds to step S605.

[0170] If the equipment control device 800 determines that the manual control flag is 1 (step S605; YES), it determines whether a third time has elapsed since the operation was manually controlled (step S606). On the other hand, if the equipment control device 800 determines that the manual control flag is not 1 (step S605; NO), it proceeds to step S608. If the equipment control device 800 determines that a third time has elapsed since the operation was manually controlled (step S606; YES), it sets the manual control flag to 0 (step S607) and determines whether the presence / absence information includes specific equipment information (step S608). On the other hand, if the equipment control device 800 determines that a third time has not elapsed since the operation was manually controlled (step S606; NO), it returns to step S602.

[0171] For example, if the equipment control device 800 determines that the manual control flag for area A1 is 1, it determines whether a third time (e.g., 30 minutes) has passed since the operation was manually controlled. If the equipment control device 800 determines that the third time has passed, it sets the manual control flag to 0 and determines whether specific equipment information is included in the presence / absence information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. On the other hand, if the equipment control device 800 determines that the manual control flag for area A1 is not 1, it returns to step S602.

[0172] If the equipment control device 800 determines that the presence / absence information includes specific equipment information (step S608; YES), it sets the specific equipment flag to 1 (step S609) and determines whether the specific equipment flag is 1 (step S610). If the equipment control device 800 determines that the specific equipment flag is 1 (step S610; YES), it controls the specific equipment based on the presence / absence information and the detection / detection information (step S611). Then, the equipment control device 800 determines whether a fourth time has elapsed since the specific equipment was controlled (step S612). On the other hand, if the equipment control device 800 determines that the specific equipment flag is not 1 (step S610; NO), it proceeds to step S614. If the equipment control device 800 determines that a fourth time has elapsed since the specific equipment was controlled (step S612; YES), it sets the specific equipment flag to 0 (step S613) and controls the facility equipment based on the presence / absence information (step S614). On the other hand, if the device controlling apparatus 800 determines that the fourth time has not elapsed since the specific device was controlled (step S612; NO), the process returns to step S602.

[0173] For example, if the device control device 800 determines that the presence / absence information received for area A1 includes specific device information, it sets the specific device flag for area A1 to 1. Then, for example, if the presence / absence information indicating "absence" includes specific device information including "lighting" and the device control device 800 receives detection / non-detection information indicating "detection," it immediately controls the lighting devices installed in area A1 to turn on. Then, the device control device 800 determines whether a fourth time (e.g., 30 minutes) has elapsed since the operation control was initiated. On the other hand, if the device control device 800 determines that the presence / absence information received for area A1 does not include specific device information, it stops the operation of the air conditioner 100-A1 and the facility devices 700 installed in area A1 based on the presence / absence information indicating "absence."

[0174] According to this embodiment, operation of not only air conditioners but also equipment installed in the air-conditioned space can be controlled based on the presence / absence determination results. Equipment designated as specific equipment can be operated differently from other equipment, including air conditioners. This allows specific equipment to be immediately operated even when an absence determination is made in an area. Furthermore, specific equipment whose immediate operation has been initiated can maintain operation for a predetermined period of time regardless of presence / absence information.

[0175] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a specific device can be set for each user, so that control can be performed that reflects the user's intentions.

[0176] (Modifications) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible when implementing the present disclosure.

[0177] In the first and second embodiments, the management device 500 transmits presence / absence information to the air conditioning control device 200, but the information to be transmitted is not limited to this. For example, the management device 500 may transmit control information specifying the control content of the air conditioner 100 to the air conditioning control device 200 along with the presence / absence information. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the management device 500 transmits presence / absence information to the equipment control device 800, but the information to be transmitted is not limited to this. For example, the management device 500 may transmit control information specifying the control content of the facility equipment 700 to the equipment control device 800 along with the presence / absence information.

[0178] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the management device 500 and the air conditioning control device 200 are provided as separate devices, but this is not limited thereto, and the management device 500 and the air conditioning control device 200 may be realized as a single device. In the third embodiment, the management device 500 and the device control device 800 are provided as separate devices, but this is not limited thereto, and the management device 500 and the device control device 800 may be realized as a single device.

[0179] In addition, in the third embodiment, the air conditioning control system 1 is described as being configured such that the air conditioning control device 200 is integrated with the device control device 800, but this is not limiting. In the air conditioning control system 1, the air conditioning control device 200 and the device control device 800 may be provided as separate devices.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the management device 500 may acquire vital information indicating the user's pulse, breathing, body temperature, etc., and transmit the acquired information to the air conditioning control device 200 or the equipment control device 800 together with the presence / absence information. The management device 500 acquires the vital information by linking with a sensor installed in the air-conditioned space, an application installed on a wireless terminal, etc. For example, the management device 500 may acquire the vital information by analyzing information acquired from an image sensor installed in the air-conditioned space, or by communicating with an application installed on the wireless terminal 400 that measures the user's vital information. The air conditioning control device 200 or the equipment control device 800 may then control the air conditioner 100 or the facility equipment 700 using the vital information. For example, if a user in an area has a high heart rate, the air conditioner 100 in the area where the user is detected may be immediately started to operate. Furthermore, the color of lighting devices may be changed to increase the user's concentration or relaxation level depending on the user's heart rate.

[0181] In addition, by applying an operating program that specifies the operation of the management device 500 according to the above embodiment to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, it is also possible to cause the personal computer or information terminal device to function as the management device 500 according to the embodiment.

[0182] Furthermore, the method of distribution of such a program is arbitrary; for example, it may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a memory card and distributed, or it may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0183] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0184] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method, and a program that are capable of adjusting the likelihood of determining whether a person is present or absent in an air-conditioned space.

[0185] 1 Air conditioning control system, 10 Information processing device, 11 Processor, 12 Main memory unit, 13 Auxiliary memory unit, 14 Communication unit, 15 Input unit, 16 Output unit, 17 Bus, 100 Air conditioner, 200 Air conditioning control device, 300, 300A Transmitter, 400 Wireless terminal, 401 Wireless signal receiving unit, 402 Position detection unit, 403 Memory unit, 404 Position information transmitting unit, 405 Transmitter information receiving unit, 406 Setting reception unit, 500 Management device, 501 Position information receiving unit, 502 Memory unit, 503 Area detection determination unit, 504 Presence / absence determination unit, 505 Setting reception unit, 506 Presence / absence information transmitting unit, 507 Transmitter information transmitting unit, 508 Property information receiving unit, 600 Property information management device, 700 Facility equipment, 800 Equipment control device.

Claims

1. An air conditioning control system comprising an air conditioning control device that controls one or more air conditioners that air-condition an air-conditioned space into a plurality of divided areas, and a transmitter installed in each of the areas, a position detection means for detecting a position of a wireless terminal carried by a user present in the air-conditioned space based on information acquired through wireless communication between the transmitter and the wireless terminal; an area detection determination means for determining whether or not a user has been detected in each of the areas based on the position detected by the position detection means; When the area detection determination means detects a user in an area, a predetermined time is added to a total occupancy time of the area in which the user was detected, among the total occupancy times calculated for each area; when the area detection determination means detects no user in the area, the predetermined time is added to the total absence time of the area in which the user was not detected, among the total absence times calculated for each area; When the value of the total occupancy time becomes equal to a first occupancy time threshold, it is determined that a user is present in the area; When the value of the total absence time becomes equal to a first absence time threshold, it is determined that the user is not present in the area. Presence / absence determination means; Accepting a setting to reset the total occupancy time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination means detects no user in the area or when the presence / absence determination means determines that no user is present in the area; A setting is accepted to reset the total absence time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination means detects a user in the area or when the presence / absence determination means determines that a user is present in the area. A first setting receiving means; Equipped with The presence / absence determination means resets the total presence time and the total absence time for each of the areas to zero at a timing indicated by the setting accepted by the first setting acceptance means, The air conditioning control device controls the operation of the air conditioner for each area based on presence / absence information indicating a determination result as to whether or not a user is present in the area determined by the presence / absence determination means. Climate control system.

2. a second setting receiving means for receiving settings from a user of a first user presence time threshold that is a candidate for the first presence time threshold and a first user absence time threshold that is a candidate for the first absence time threshold; a storage unit that stores user identification information for identifying the user, the first user presence time threshold, and the first user absence time threshold in association with each other; The presence / absence determining means includes: determining one of the first user presence time thresholds stored in the storage means as the first presence time threshold; determining one of the first user absence time thresholds stored in the storage means as the first absence time threshold; The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

3. When the total absence time in the area is zero, the presence / absence determination means determines, as the first absence time threshold, a first user absence time threshold of a user last detected in the area whose total absence time is zero, among the first user absence time thresholds stored in the storage means. The air conditioning control system according to claim 2 .

4. When the total presence time of the area is zero, the presence / absence determination means determines, as the first presence time threshold, a first user presence time threshold of a user who is first detected in the area whose total presence time is zero, among the first user presence time thresholds stored in the storage means.

4. An air conditioning control system according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the first setting reception means receives a threshold setting in which, when a plurality of users are last detected in the area, a maximum value or a minimum value of the first user absence time thresholds of the plurality of last detected users is used as the first absence time threshold; When a total absence time in the area is zero, the presence / absence determination means determines the first absence time threshold based on the threshold setting received by the first setting reception means among the first user absence time thresholds of the last detected users. The air conditioning control system according to claim 3 .

6. the first setting reception means receives a threshold setting in which, when a plurality of users are first detected in the area, a maximum value or a minimum value of the first user presence time thresholds of the first detected plurality of users is used as the first presence time threshold; When a total time spent in the area is zero, the presence / absence determination means determines the first absence time threshold based on the threshold setting received by the first setting reception means among the first user presence time thresholds of the first detected users. The air conditioning control system according to claim 4.

7. The air conditioning control device is When the presence / absence information indicates a determination result that a user is determined to be present in the area, and an air conditioner that conditions the area in which it is determined that the user is present is stopped, starting the operation of the air conditioner; When the presence / absence information indicates a determination result that a user is not present in the area and an air conditioner that conditions the area in which it is determined that the user is not present is operating, stopping the operation of the air conditioner; When the operation of the air conditioner that conditions the area is manually controlled while the operation of the air conditioner that conditions the area is stopped, control of the operation of the air conditioner that is manually controlled based on the presence / absence information is stopped for a predetermined manual control time. An air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The presence / absence determining means is When the value of the total occupancy time of the area becomes equal to a second occupancy time threshold value which is smaller than the first occupancy time threshold value, it is determined that energy saving control is to be performed on the air conditioner of the area; When the value of the total absence time of the area becomes equal to a second absence time threshold value which is smaller than the first absence time threshold value, it is determined that the energy saving control is to be performed on the air conditioner of the area; When the presence / absence determination means determines that the energy saving control is to be performed for the area, the air conditioning control device executes the energy saving control for the air conditioner in the area. The air conditioning control system according to claim 7.

9. A device control device that controls facility devices installed in the area based on the presence / absence information, The device control device acquires detection / non-detection information indicating a determination result as to whether or not a user is detected in the area by the area detection determination means, When the detection / non-detection information indicates that it is determined that a user has been detected in the area and the presence / absence information indicates that it is determined that the user is not present in the area in which it is determined that the user has been detected, the equipment control device starts operation of a predetermined specific equipment among the equipment installed in the area in which it is determined that the user has been detected but in which it is determined that the user is not present. An air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. a third setting receiving means for receiving a setting from a user to designate any one of the facility devices as a specific device; The equipment control device sets the facility equipment specified in the setting accepted by the third setting acceptance means as the predetermined specific equipment. The air conditioning control system according to claim 9.

11. An air conditioning control method implemented by an air conditioning control system including an air conditioning control device that controls one or more air conditioners that air-condition an air-conditioned space into a plurality of divided areas, and a transmitter installed in each of the areas, a position detection means for detecting a position of a wireless terminal carried by a user present in the air-conditioned space based on information acquired by wireless communication between the wireless terminal and the transmitter; an area detection determination means for determining whether or not a user has been detected in each of the areas based on the position detected by the position detection means; The presence / absence determination means is When the area detection determination means detects a user in an area, a predetermined time is added to a total presence time of the area in which the user is detected, among the total presence time obtained for each area; When the area detection determination means detects no user in the area, the predetermined time is added to the total absence time of the area in which the user was not detected, among the total absence times calculated for each area; When the value of the total occupancy time becomes equal to a first occupancy time threshold, it is determined that a user is present in the area; When the value of the total absence time becomes equal to a first absence time threshold, it is determined that the user is not present in the area; resetting the total occupancy time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination means detects no user in the area or when the presence / absence determination means determines that no user is present in the area; resetting the total absence time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination means detects a user in the area or when the presence / absence determination means determines that the user is present in the area; The air conditioning control device controls the operation of the air conditioner for each area based on presence / absence information indicating a determination result as to whether or not a user is present in the area determined by the presence / absence determination means. Air conditioning control method.

12. Computer, an area detection and determination means for determining whether or not a user has been detected in each of the areas based on a position detected by a position detection means for detecting the position of the wireless terminal based on information acquired by wireless communication between a wireless terminal carried by a user present in the air-conditioned space and a transmitter installed in each of the areas obtained by dividing the air-conditioned space into a plurality of areas; When the area detection determination means detects a user in an area, a predetermined time is added to a total presence time of the area in which the user is detected, among the total presence time obtained for each area; When the area detection determination means detects no user in the area, the predetermined time is added to the total absence time of the area in which the user was not detected, among the total absence times calculated for each area; When the value of the total occupancy time becomes equal to a first occupancy time threshold, it is determined that a user is present in the area; When the value of the total absence time becomes equal to a first absence time threshold, it is determined that the user is not present in the area. Presence / absence determination means, Accepting a setting to reset the total occupancy time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination means detects no user in the area or when the presence / absence determination means determines that no user is present in the area; A setting is accepted to reset the total absence time for each area to zero either when the area detection determination means detects a user in the area or when the presence / absence determination means determines that a user is present in the area. A first setting receiving means, Function as a The presence / absence determination means resets the total presence time and the total absence time for each of the areas to zero at a timing indicated by the setting accepted by the first setting acceptance means, An air conditioning control device that controls one or more air conditioners that condition the areas controls operation of the air conditioners for each of the areas based on presence / absence information indicating a determination result as to whether or not a user is present in the area determined by the presence / absence determining means. program.