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

Abstract

An air conditioning system (1) that performs air conditioning control in a space to be air conditioned comprises: an air conditioning unit (80) for performing air conditioning in the space to be air conditioned; and a control device (50) for controlling the air conditioning unit (80). A control unit (53a) acquires a relaxation level of a user and a sleep depth score indicative of the degree of the sleeping condition of the user, and identifies a sleep onset and awakening of the user on the basis of the sleep depth score. On the basis of the acquired relaxation level and the sleep depth score, the control unit (53a) controls the air conditioning unit (80) for a period from a sleep onset to awakening of the user.

Description

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

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

[0002] Air conditioners that adjust the environment of a space used during sleep have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that adjusts the environment of a space based on a target temperature and target humidity determined from a database that associates the temperature and humidity of the bedroom with the user's time of sleep, when the user wakes up during sleep, etc.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-236325

[0004] The operation of an air conditioner based on the temperature and humidity in the bedroom, the user's sleep time, the time of awakening during sleep, etc., does not necessarily mean that the user can enjoy a comfortable air-conditioned environment while sleeping. The degree to which a user feels comfortable while sleeping is also influenced by, for example, the user's own state of mind, such as whether the user is in a tense or restful state, the depth of sleep, etc. For this reason, the air conditioning technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not necessarily provide the user with a comfortable sleep.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an air conditioning system, an air conditioning apparatus, a control method, and a program that can provide users with a more comfortable sleep.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that controls the air conditioning of a space to be air-conditioned, and includes an air conditioning unit and a control unit. The air conditioning unit conditions the space to be air-conditioned. The control unit controls the air conditioning unit. The control unit includes an index value acquisition means and a control means. The index value acquisition means acquires a user's relaxation level and a sleep depth score indicating the degree of the user's sleep state. The control means identifies the user's falling asleep and waking up based on the sleep depth score. The control means also controls the air conditioning unit based on the acquired relaxation level and sleep depth score from the time the user falls asleep to the time the user wakes up.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an air conditioning system acquires a user's sleep state, which includes a relaxation level indicating the user's level of relaxation and a sleep depth score indicating the level of sleep state. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit is controlled based on the relaxation level and the sleep depth score from the time the user falls asleep until the time the user wakes up. This makes it possible to provide air conditioning control that allows the user to sleep comfortably from the time the user falls asleep until the time the user wakes up.

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the layout of an air-conditioned space in which an indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment is arranged; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment; (A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of the hardware configuration of an outdoor unit control unit and an indoor unit control unit according to the first embodiment;

[0009] An air conditioning system, an air conditioning device, a control method, and a program according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) [Configuration of Air Conditioning System 1] An air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is a system that conditions an indoor space 71, which is an air-conditioned space, based on a relaxation level RI of a user present in the indoor space 71. Air conditioning refers to adjusting the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, airflow, etc. of the air in the air-conditioned space, and specifically includes heating, cooling, dehumidification, humidification, air purification, etc. The relaxation level RI refers to the degree of relaxation. A relaxed state in which a person is relaxed is a state of low mental tension. In contrast, a tense state includes a stressful state in which a person feels unpleasant stress and an immersion state in which a person is immersed in something and feels pleasant stress. In a relaxed state, a person is free from anger, anxiety, and fear. Medically, a relaxed state is a state in which the parasympathetic nervous system is mainly activated, and a tense state is a state in which the sympathetic nervous system is mainly activated. The relaxation index RI is an index that indicates the degree of relaxation, and in this specification, the higher or larger the relaxation index RI, the higher the degree of relaxation and the lower the state of tension.

[0011] 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 2, which is equipment for air-conditioning an indoor space 71, and an information device 90 operated by a user. During air conditioning operation, air conditioning control is performed to improve the relaxation index RI of a user present in the indoor space 71. The information device 90 and an indoor unit control unit 53 provided in the air conditioner 2 are connected via a network NW.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning device 2 is installed in a house 3. The house 3 is, for example, a typical detached house. ２ It is a heat pump type air conditioning system that uses carbon dioxide or HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) as a refrigerant.

[0013] The air conditioning device 2 includes an outdoor unit 11 provided outside the house 3, an indoor unit 13 provided inside the house 3, and a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as remote control) 55 operated by a user. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 13 are connected via refrigerant piping 61 through which a refrigerant flows and a communication line 63 through which various signals are transferred.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 2, the indoor unit 13 is installed in a location such as an upper portion of a wall so that conditioned air can be supplied to the indoor space 71. The indoor space 71 is cooled or heated by the cool air and warm air blown out from the indoor unit 13. In this embodiment, air conditioning control based on the relaxation level RI of the user HM present in the indoor space 71 is executed from the time the user HM falls asleep until the time the user HM wakes up. Whether the user HM has fallen asleep or whether the user HM is awake is determined using a sleep depth score SC indicating the degree of the user HM's sleep state. Details will be described later.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the outdoor unit 11 includes a compressor 21 that compresses and circulates the refrigerant, a four-way valve 22 that switches the flow direction of the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 23 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 61 and the air in the external space, an expansion valve 24 that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 61 to expand it, an outdoor blower 31 that sends outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and an outdoor unit control unit 51 that controls the operation of the outdoor unit 11.

[0016] The indoor unit 13 also includes an indoor heat exchanger 25 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 61 and the air in the indoor space 71, an indoor blower 33 that sends the air in the indoor space 71 to the indoor heat exchanger 25, vanes 34 that adjust the airflow direction, and an indoor unit control unit 53 that controls the operation of the indoor unit 13. Hereinafter, mechanisms for controlling the airflow direction, such as the vanes and louvers, will be collectively referred to as the vanes 34. The air conditioning apparatus 2 has a refrigerant circuit that is configured by connecting a compressor 21, a four-way valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 24, and the indoor heat exchanger 25 via the refrigerant piping 61. The refrigerant circuit circulates the refrigerant to operate a refrigeration cycle.

[0017] The compressor 21 compresses the refrigerant and circulates it through the refrigerant pipe 61. Specifically, the compressor 21 compresses a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and discharges the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant to the four-way valve 22. The compressor 21 is equipped with an inverter circuit that can change its operating capacity in accordance with its drive frequency. The operating capacity is the amount of refrigerant that the compressor 21 delivers per unit time. The compressor 21 changes its operating capacity in accordance with instructions from the outdoor unit control unit 51.

[0018] The four-way valve 22 is installed on the discharge side of the compressor 21. The four-way valve 22 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 61 depending on whether the air conditioner 2 is operating in cooling or dehumidifying operation, or in heating operation.

[0019] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 61 and air in an outdoor space 72 that is outside the space to be air-conditioned, in other words, the air in the external space. The outdoor blower 31 is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and sends air from the outdoor space 72 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The outdoor blower 31 draws in air from the outdoor space 72. The drawn-in air is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 61, and is then blown out into the outdoor space 72.

[0020] The expansion valve 24 is installed between the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 25, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 61 to expand it. The expansion valve 24 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree is controllable. The expansion valve 24 changes its opening degree in accordance with instructions from the outdoor unit control unit 51 to adjust the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0021] The indoor heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping 61 and the air in the indoor space 71. The indoor blower 33 is provided near the indoor heat exchanger 25 and sends the air in the indoor space 71 to the indoor heat exchanger 25. The indoor blower 33 draws in air from the indoor space 71. The drawn-in air is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 25, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant piping 61. After that, the air direction is adjusted by the vanes 34 and the air is blown into the indoor space 71 as conditioned air. This conditions the indoor space 71. The indoor heat exchanger 25 has a humidifying function and a dehumidifying function. The humidifying method may be evaporative humidification, or steam humidification such as primary steam spray, secondary steam spray, or electric steam generation, and any known method can be used. The dehumidifying method may be weak cooling dehumidification, reheat dehumidification, or any known method.

[0022] Hereinafter, among the parts that air-condition the indoor space 71, the compressor 21, four-way valve 22, outdoor heat exchanger 23, expansion valve 24, and outdoor blower 31 arranged in the outdoor unit 11 will be referred to as the outdoor unit air-conditioning section 81 shown in Fig. 3, and the indoor heat exchanger 25, indoor blower 33, and vane 34 arranged in the indoor unit 13 will be referred to as the indoor unit air-conditioning section 82 shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the outdoor unit air-conditioning section 81 and the indoor unit air-conditioning section 82 will collectively be referred to as the air-conditioning section 80 as the part that performs air-conditioning.

[0023] The indoor unit 13 further includes a temperature sensor 41 for detecting temperature, a humidity sensor 42 for detecting humidity, an infrared sensor 44 for detecting infrared rays emitted from people, objects, etc., and a biometric information detection device 43 for identifying the relaxation level RI and sleep depth score SC of the user HM.

[0024] The temperature sensor 41 includes a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or the like, and detects the room temperature, which is the air temperature in the indoor space 71. The humidity sensor 42 is an electrical resistance type, a capacitance type, or the like sensor, and detects the indoor humidity, which is the air humidity in the indoor space 71. The temperature sensor 41 and the humidity sensor 42 are installed at the intake port of the indoor heat exchanger 25, and detect the temperature and humidity of the air drawn into the indoor heat exchanger 25 by the indoor blower 33. Being installed at the intake port of the indoor heat exchanger 25, the temperature sensor 41 and the humidity sensor 42 can accurately detect the temperature and humidity of the air in the indoor space 71. During normal operation, the indoor unit control unit 53 performs air conditioning operation so that the air temperature near the intake port of the indoor heat exchanger 25 reaches a set temperature.

[0025] The infrared sensor 44 is a pyroelectric type, thermopile type, or other sensor that detects infrared rays emitted from objects such as people and objects. The infrared sensor 44 can identify the presence and position of objects such as people and objects by detecting infrared rays emitted from the objects present in the indoor space 71. The infrared sensor 44 has directionality and is configured so that the direction of its direction can be controlled by a gimbal mechanism or the like.

[0026] The biological information detection device 43 detects biological information and determines the relaxation level RI. The biological information detection device 43 includes a Doppler sensor (not shown). The Doppler sensor is directional and its direction of direction can be controlled using a gimbal mechanism or the like. The Doppler sensor emits approximately 24 GHz sine wave radio waves in the microwave or quasi-millimeter wave band toward the human body detected by the infrared sensor 44. The Doppler sensor receives reflected waves from the human body and detects the human body's pulse wave, breathing, heartbeat, and body movement. A pulse wave is a waveform that indicates changes in the movement of a person's body surface due to heartbeat, breathing, etc., and includes a waveform indicating changes in the movement of blood vessels and a waveform indicating changes in the body surface around the heart. The biological information detection device 43 analyzes the pulse wave detected by the Doppler sensor and determines the relaxation level RI. The biological information detection device 43 periodically analyzes the pulse wave and periodically determines the relaxation level RI. Any known method can be used to derive the relaxation level RI from the pulse wave. For example, time-series data of heart rate fluctuations can be obtained from time-series data of pulse waves, and this can be frequency-analyzed to extract high-frequency fluctuation components (HF components) corresponding to respiratory fluctuations and low-frequency components corresponding to Mayer waves, which are blood pressure fluctuations, and the ratio (=HF / (HF+LF)) to the total power (HF+LF) can be quantified to determine the relaxation level RI. Furthermore, because the HF component appears when the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, the numerical value of the HF component can be used as the activity level of the parasympathetic nervous system, i.e., the relaxation level RI.

[0027] The biological information detection device 43 further determines a sleep depth score SC indicating the degree of sleep depth using biological information signals indicating biological information, such as the presence or absence of body movement and the number of heartbeats. The biological information detection device 43 detects, for example, the number of body movements of the user HM during a certain period tn. The biological information detection device 43 determines the detected number of body movements of the user HM as the sleep depth score SC. Therefore, the smaller the sleep depth score SC, the deeper the sleep depth. Note that this determination method is merely an example, and the sleep depth score SC may be determined by any other method.

[0028] Hereinafter, the temperature sensor 41, humidity sensor 42, infrared sensor 44, and biological information detection device 43 shown in Figure 3 will be collectively referred to as the sensor group 40. Their outputs will be collectively referred to as the output group of the sensor group 40. The outputs of the sensor group 40 are supplied to the indoor unit control unit 53.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 , a remote control 55 is disposed in the indoor space 71. The remote control 55 transmits and receives various signals to and from the indoor unit control unit 53. As shown in FIG. 3 , the remote control 55 includes a display unit 55 a. The remote control 55 includes push buttons, a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the like, and functions as a command receiving unit that receives various commands from the user HM, and as a display unit 55 a that displays various information to the user HM. The user HM inputs commands to the air conditioning apparatus 2 by operating the remote control 55. The commands include, for example, a command to switch between operation and stop, and a command to switch the operation mode, set temperature, set humidity, airflow, air direction, timer, and the like. The air conditioning apparatus 2 operates in accordance with the input commands.

[0030] The information device 90 is a device owned by the user HM, including a smartphone, tablet, etc. As shown in FIG. 3 , the information device 90 has a display unit 90a. Various information is displayed on the display unit 90a. An application for the air conditioning device is installed on the information device 90, which enables the operation of the air conditioning device 2 via the network NW.

[0031] Next, the outdoor unit control unit 51, which is responsible for the control functions of the air conditioner 2, and the indoor unit control unit 53, which controls the operation of the indoor unit 13, will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. The outdoor unit control unit 51 and the indoor unit control unit 53 are control units that cooperate to control the entire air conditioning system 1 and perform air conditioning control, and hereinafter, both will be collectively referred to as the control device 50.

[0032] The outdoor unit control unit 51 controls the operation of the outdoor unit 11. The outdoor unit control unit 51 includes a control unit 51a that controls the entire outdoor unit 11, a memory unit 51b that stores data necessary for control, a timing unit 51c that keeps time, and a communication unit 51d that serves as a communication interface.

[0033] The control unit 51a receives control instruction signals from the indoor unit control unit 53 via the communication line 63, including power on / off, operating mode, set temperature, set humidity, set airflow, timer information, and detection data from various sensors. In response to the control instruction signals, the control unit 51a controls the entire outdoor unit 11, particularly the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 81, including, for example, control of the operating frequency of the compressor 21, control of switching of the four-way valve 22, control of the rotation speed of the outdoor blower 31, and control of the opening degree of the expansion valve 24. The storage unit 51b is composed of memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) and stores data necessary for control. The timer unit 51c measures time. The timer unit 51c is equipped with a real time clock (RTC) and is a timing device that continues to measure time even when the air conditioning apparatus 2 is powered off. The control unit 51a references the time measured by the timer unit 51c to start and stop the timer. The communication unit 51 d is an interface for the control unit 51 a to communicate with the indoor unit control unit 53 via the communication line 63 .

[0034] The indoor unit control unit 53 receives instructions from the user HM via the remote control 55, supplies control instruction information to the outdoor unit control unit 51 via the communication line 63, and controls the operation of the indoor unit 13. The indoor unit control unit 53 includes a control unit 53a that controls the entire indoor unit 13, a memory unit 53b that stores data necessary for control, a timing unit 53c that keeps time, and a communication unit 53d that serves as a communication interface.

[0035] The control unit 53a receives control information from the remote control 55, including power on / off, operation mode, set temperature, set humidity, set air volume, timer information, detection data from various sensors, etc. The control unit 53a also receives outputs from the sensor group 40. Based on the received information, the control unit 53a transmits a control instruction signal to the outdoor unit control unit 51 and controls the vanes 34 and the indoor blower 33 to perform air conditioning processing. The control unit 53a corresponds to an example of the "index value acquisition means" and "control means" of the present disclosure.

[0036] The storage unit 53b is composed of memories such as RAM and ROM, and stores programs and data necessary for control. Specifically, the storage unit 53b stores general air conditioning control programs such as cooling control, heating control, and dehumidification control, as well as a control program that causes the control unit 53a to execute air conditioning control to improve the relaxation level RI of the user HM in the indoor space 71, i.e., a relaxation mode control program 54. Here, "relaxation mode" refers to an operating mode in which air conditioning control is performed to improve the relaxation level RI of the user HM. The relaxation mode control program 54 functionally includes an acquisition processing unit 54a that causes the control unit 53a to execute a process to acquire the relaxation level RI, a determination processing unit 54b that causes the control unit 53a to execute a process to determine whether the acquired relaxation level RI is equal to or greater than a threshold, a control processing unit 54c that causes the control unit 53a to execute air conditioning processing in the relaxation mode, and a set value group 54d.

[0037] The set value group 54d stores a judgment threshold Th, which is a reference value for determining whether the relaxation level RI is high or low, a sleep depth threshold Td, which is a reference value for determining the sleep depth indicating the depth of sleep, a sleep onset threshold Tg, which is a reference value for determining whether the user HM has fallen asleep, and a change temperature α to be added or subtracted, which will be described later. The memory unit 53b stores data necessary for control, such as the acquired relaxation level RI and the acquired sleep depth score SC. The memory unit 53b also stores data such as the acquired relaxation level RI, sleep depth score SC, and set temperature history, along with time information. The judgment threshold Th is also simply referred to as a "threshold value Th." The temperature input by the user HM is referred to as a "user-input temperature Tz." The memory unit 53b stores the user-input temperature Tz.

[0038] The timer unit 53c shown in Fig. 3 is a part that measures time. The timer unit 53c is equipped with an RTC and is a timing device that continues to measure time even when the power to the air conditioning apparatus 2 is turned off.

[0039] The communication unit 53d communicates with the outdoor unit control unit 51 and also communicates with the information equipment 90 via the network NW.

[0040] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the outdoor unit control unit 51 and the indoor unit control unit 53 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B).

[0041] The outdoor unit control unit 51 is composed of a computer such as a microcontroller, and includes, for example, a processor 1001 that executes a control program, a memory 1002 that functions as a main storage area, a secondary storage device 1003 that stores the control program, an I / O (Input / Output) interface 1004 that inputs and outputs signals, and a communication module 1005 that performs communication, all of which are connected to one another via a bus 1000, as shown in FIG. 4(A).

[0042] The processor 1001 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 1001 loads a control program stored in a secondary storage device 1003 into a memory 1002 and executes the program.

[0043] The memory 1002 is a main storage device configured by, for example, a RAM. The memory 1002 functions as a work memory for the processor 1001 and stores the control program that the processor 1001 reads from the secondary storage device 1003.

[0044] The secondary storage device 1003 is configured by a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The secondary storage device 1003 stores the control program executed by the processor 1001, fixed data, etc.

[0045] The I / O interface 1004 is configured by a serial port, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port interface, etc. The I / O interface 1004 transmits control signals to the outdoor unit air conditioning section 81 in the outdoor unit 11, such as the compressor 21, the four-way valve 22, the expansion valve 24, the outdoor blower 31, etc., to enable control by the processor 1001.

[0046] The communication module 1005 is composed of a network interface and the like, and realizes communication between the processor 1001 and the indoor unit control unit 53 .

[0047] The control unit 51a and the timer unit 51c are each composed of, for example, a processor 1001 and an I / O interface 1004. The storage unit 51b is composed of a memory 1002 and a secondary storage device 1003. The communication unit 51d is composed of, for example, a communication module 1005.

[0048] On the other hand, the indoor unit control unit 53 is composed of a computer such as a microcontroller, and includes, for example, a processor 1011 that executes a control program, a memory 1012 that functions as a main storage area, a secondary storage device 1013 that stores the control program, an I / O interface 1014 that inputs and outputs signals, and a communication module 1015 that performs communications, all of which are connected to one another via a bus 1010, as shown in Fig. 4(B). The processor 1011, memory 1012, secondary storage device 1013, I / O interface 1014, and communication module 1015 have the same configurations and functions as the bus 1000, processor 1001, memory 1002, secondary storage device 1003, I / O interface 1004, and communication module 1005 that constitute the outdoor unit control unit 51 shown in Fig. 4(A). However, the secondary storage device 1013 stores the relaxation mode control program 54, and the I / O interface 1014 is connected to the sensor group 40, the remote control 55, and the indoor unit air conditioning unit 82, for example, the drive mechanism of the vane 34. In addition, the communication module 1015 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 51 and the network NW.

[0049] So far, the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 has been described. Next, its operation will be described. The air conditioning device 2 normally performs air conditioning operation in a general normal mode, but when it switches to relaxation mode, it executes, for example, a preset relaxation level improvement control process that improves the relaxation level RI of the user HM. For ease of understanding, the relaxation level improvement control process executed by the air conditioning device 2 in the usage environment illustrated in FIG. 2 will now be described.

[0050] Before going to bed, the user HM selects "relaxation mode" using the remote control 55. The remote control 55 notifies the control unit 53a of the indoor unit control unit 53 of this selection, and the control unit 53a starts executing the relaxation mode control program 54. The user HM also inputs, via the remote control 55, the temperature at which the user HM considers it possible to sleep comfortably.

[0051] The control unit 53a sets the user-input temperature Tz as the set temperature and air conditioning target temperature of the air conditioning device 2. The control unit 53a also identifies the presence of the user HM using the infrared sensor 44, and sends an instruction to the biological information detection device 43 to identify the sleep depth score SC.

[0052] Next, the control unit 53a starts the "relaxation level improvement control process" shown in Fig. 5. When the control unit 53a starts the relaxation level improvement control process, it acquires the sleep depth score SC of the user HM from the biological information detection device 43 (step S101). The control unit 53a determines whether the sleep depth score SC is smaller than a preset sleep onset threshold Tg, thereby determining whether the user HM has fallen asleep (step S102). In this embodiment, when the user HM changes from an awake state to a light sleep state, the user is considered to have fallen asleep. The sleep onset threshold Tg is a threshold for determining whether the user is awake or in a light sleep state.

[0053] If it is determined that the sleep depth score SC is equal to or greater than the sleep threshold Tg (step S102: No), the user HM has not yet fallen asleep, for example, has gone to bed but is unable to fall asleep. Therefore, the process returns to step S101.

[0054] In step S102, if the control unit 53a determines that the sleep depth score SC is smaller than the sleep onset threshold Tg (step S102: Yes), the user HM has fallen asleep. The control unit 53a sends an instruction to the biological information detection device 43 to determine the relaxation level RI of the user HM. The control unit 53a acquires the relaxation level RI from the biological information detection device 43 (step S103).

[0055] The control unit 53a determines whether the relaxation level RI is equal to or less than the determination threshold value Th (step S104). If the control unit 53a determines that the relaxation level RI is equal to or less than the determination threshold value Th (step S104: Yes), the relaxation level RI is low and the user HM is not sleeping in a relaxed state, so the control unit 53a executes a relaxation level improvement operation (step S105). When the relaxation improvement operation starts, the control unit 53a first obtains data on the current humidity, air volume, and air direction from the sensor group 40.

[0056] Next, the details of the relaxation enhancing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

[0057] The control unit 53a determines whether the set temperature of the air conditioning device 2 is the user-input temperature Tz (step S105a). In this example, when the relaxation mode is selected, the set temperature is set to the user-input temperature Tz, so the determination is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S105b.

[0058] In step S105b, the control unit 53a performs air conditioning processing using a temperature obtained by adding the change temperature α to the user-input temperature Tz, i.e., Tz + α, as the set temperature (step S105b). Here, α is a positive value preset to approximately 0.5 to 2°C. Generally, body temperature tends to be lower during sleep than when awake during the day. For this reason, the control unit 53a air-conditions the indoor space 71 at a relatively higher set temperature obtained by adding the change temperature α to the user-input temperature Tz, thereby improving the relaxation level RI after falling asleep. The control unit 53a, in cooperation with the control unit 51a, controls the outdoor unit air-conditioning unit 81 and the indoor unit air-conditioning unit 82 to perform air-conditioning processing so that the room temperature becomes the set temperature Tz + α.

[0059] On the other hand, if the control unit 53a determines that the set temperature is not the user-input temperature Tz (step S105a: No), i.e., if the set temperature = Tz + α, it sets the set temperature to the user-input temperature Tz. This event occurs when the relaxation-enhancing operation is performed an even number of times, and if the relaxation level RI is not sufficiently improved even when the relaxation-enhancing operation is performed with the set temperature = Tz + α in step S105b, the control unit 53a resets the set temperature to Tz input by the user HM and performs air conditioning processing (step S105c). The control unit 53a, in cooperation with the control unit 51a, controls the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 81 and the indoor unit air conditioning unit 82 to perform air conditioning processing so that the room temperature becomes the set temperature Tz.

[0060] After executing step S105b or 105c, the control unit 53a performs air conditioning processing by controlling the humidity, air volume, and air direction, which are other control targets (step S105d). For example, for both cooling and heating, the humidity and air volume are increased compared to the humidity and air volume detected when the relaxation mode was activated, and air conditioning operation is performed. For example, in the case of humidity, the humidity is increased by 3 to 10%. Furthermore, the air volume is increased by approximately 5 to 20%.

[0061] Regarding the wind direction, in the case of air conditioning, the user HM tends to feel more relaxed when cold air is not blown onto them, so wind protection control is performed to deflect the wind away from the user HM. In this case, the control unit 53a identifies the position of the user HM using the infrared sensor 44 and controls the wind direction of the wind protection so that the wind does not blow onto the user HM by adjusting the direction and air volume of the vanes 34. For example, as shown in the plan view of FIG. 8A and the side view of FIG. 8B, the wind direction of the wind protection shown by the dashed line is changed to the wind direction of the wind protection shown by the solid line, thereby preventing the wind from blowing onto the user HM. On the other hand, in the case of heating, the user HM tends to feel more relaxed when warm air is blown onto them, so the wind direction of the wind protection shown by the solid line is changed to the wind direction of the wind protection shown by the dashed line, thereby realizing a wind direction that easily blows onto the user HM. Note that if the wind is currently blowing onto the user HM, the control unit 53a does not need to adjust the wind direction. The adjustment of the wind direction may be horizontal adjustment as shown in FIG. 8(A), vertical adjustment as shown in FIG. 8(B), or a combination thereof.

[0062] 5, when the relaxation level improving operation in step S105 continues for a certain period of time, for example, 4 to 10 minutes, the control unit 53a proceeds to step S106 in Fig. 5, instructs the biological information detection device 43 to determine the relaxation level RI of the user HM, and acquires the relaxation level RI from the biological information detection device 43 (step S106). The control unit 53a determines whether the relaxation level RI is greater than the threshold value Th (step S107).

[0063] If the control unit 53a determines that the relaxation level RI is greater than the threshold value Th (step S107: Yes), the relaxation level RI of the user HM has sufficiently improved, and therefore the control unit 53a stops the relaxation level improving operation (step S108). Here, even if the air conditioning process is stopped, the control unit 53a may transition to another operating mode, for example, the normal mode, according to a preset condition.

[0064] If it is determined that the relaxation level RI is not greater than the threshold value Th (step S107: No), the relaxation level RI of the user HM is not sufficient and the user HM is not sleeping comfortably. Therefore, the control unit 53a proceeds to step S109 without stopping the relaxation level improvement operation.

[0065] Also, in step S104, if it is determined that the relaxation level RI is not equal to or lower than the threshold value Th (step S104: No), the relaxation level RI of the user HM is high and the user HM is sleeping relaxed, so the relaxation level improvement operation (step S105) is skipped and the process proceeds to step S109.

[0066] Next, the control unit 53a sends an instruction to identify the sleep depth score SC of the user HM to the biological information detection device 43. The control unit 53a acquires the sleep depth score SC from the biological information detection device 43 (step S109).

[0067] The control unit 53a executes a sleep depth determination process to determine whether the sleep state is deep sleep, shallow sleep, or awake, based on the acquired sleep depth score SC (step S110). The sleep depth determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 7 . In the sleep depth determination process, the control unit 53a performs a determination based on a first sleep threshold Td1 and a second sleep threshold Td2. Here, the second sleep threshold Td2 is greater than the first sleep threshold Td1. In this embodiment, a high sleep depth score SC indicates that the user HM is in a shallow sleep state or is awake. The control unit 53a determines whether the sleep depth score SC is smaller than a predetermined first sleep threshold Td1 (step S110a). When the control unit 53a determines that the sleep depth score SC is smaller than the predetermined first sleep threshold Td1 (step S110a: Yes), the user HM is in a deep sleep state. The control unit 53a stores the fact that the user HM is in a deep sleep state together with time information in the storage unit 53b (step S110b). The deep sleep state of the user HM is called "deep sleep" and the shallow sleep state is called "light sleep."

[0068] If the control unit 53a determines that the sleep depth score SC is equal to or greater than a predetermined first sleep threshold Td1 (step S110a: No), the user HM is in a state of light sleep or is awake. The control unit 53a determines whether the sleep depth score SC is smaller than a predetermined second sleep threshold Td2 (step S110c). If the control unit 53a determines that the sleep depth score SC is smaller than the predetermined second sleep threshold Td2 (step S110c: Yes), the user HM is in a state of light sleep. The control unit 53a stores the fact that the user HM is in a state of light sleep together with time information in the storage unit 53b (step S110d).

[0069] If the control unit 53a determines that the sleep depth score SC is equal to or greater than a predetermined second sleep threshold Td2 (step S110c: No), the user HM is awake. The control unit 53a stores the fact that the user HM is awake together with time information in the storage unit 53b (step S110e). Through the sleep depth determination process, it is determined whether the user HM is in deep sleep, light sleep, or awake. In this embodiment, the sleep onset threshold Tg used in step S102 is the same value as the second sleep threshold Td2, but it may be a value greater than Td2.

[0070] 5, the control unit 53a determines whether the latest state of the user HM stored in the storage unit 53b is an awake state (step S111). If it is determined in step S111 that the user HM is not awake (step S111: No), the user HM continues to sleep. In this case, the control unit 53a returns the process to step S103.

[0071] Thereafter, the control unit 53a executes the above-mentioned processing again, but in the relaxation level improvement operation in step S105, it is determined in step S105a of FIG. 6 that the set temperature = Tz + α (step S105a: No), the set temperature is returned to Tz (step S105c), and the air conditioning processing is executed.

[0072] Therefore, while the relaxation level RI of the user HM has not improved sufficiently, the relaxation level improving operation at the set temperature Tz+α and the relaxation level improving operation at the set temperature Tz are alternately repeated for a fixed period of time.

[0073] Furthermore, if the control unit 53a determines in step S111 that the user HM is awake (step S111: Yes), the user HM has woken up. Therefore, the control unit 53a ends the relaxation level improvement control process, and control returns to the normal operation mode. Furthermore, the control unit 53a returns the set temperature to the user-input temperature Tz.

[0074] In this embodiment, "based on the degree of relaxation" specifically means that the control unit 53a determines whether to perform a relaxation level improvement operation or whether to continue the relaxation level improvement operation "based on the degree of relaxation."

[0075] The above has described the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1. In the air conditioning system 1, the control unit 53a acquires the relaxation level RI, and when it determines that the relaxation level RI is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value Th, it controls the temperature, humidity, airflow direction, and airflow rate to improve the relaxation level, thereby enabling the user HM to relax and sleep.

[0076] (Modifications of the First Embodiment) The first embodiment can be modified in various ways.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the control unit 53a determines whether to perform the relaxation level improving operation based on whether the relaxation level RI is equal to or less than a predetermined determination threshold Th, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the relaxation level RI may be periodically acquired and stored, and the previously acquired relaxation level RI may be stored. t-1 And the relaxation level RI obtained this time t Difference RB ｔ (=RI t -RI t-1 ) is equal to or less than a predetermined determination threshold Th2. ｔ (=RI t / RI t-1 ) is equal to or less than a predetermined determination threshold Th3. In this case, for example, in steps S104 and S107 shown in FIG. ｔ is equal to or less than the determination threshold value Th2, ｔ is equal to or less than the determination threshold Th3, it may be determined in steps S105 and S108 whether or not to perform the relaxation level improving operation or whether or not to continue the operation.

[0078] The relaxation level improving operation is not limited to the above example, and may be any operation mode that can improve the relaxation level RI of the user HM while sleeping.

[0079] For example, the relaxation level RI may be periodically monitored, and the controlled object may be controlled so that the relaxation level RI increases. For example, at a certain timing t during the relaxation level enhancement driving, the previous relaxation level RI t-1 And this time's relaxation level RI t Difference RB ｔ (=RI t -RI t-1 ) is a positive value, the planned control content continues as is, and the difference RB ｔ is a negative value, the controlled variable of the controlled object having a positive correlation with the relaxation level RI may be set larger than the planned variable so that the relaxation level RI increases reliably. ｔ When a control mode is scheduled to increase the temperature by ΔT ｔ +A, where A is a positive value, and A = f(RB ｔ ) The function f is the differential RB ｔ The smaller the value (the larger the absolute value), the larger the function. The same applies to the control of other control objects. t-1 And this time's relaxation level RI t Ratio with RC ｔ (=RI t / RI t-1 ) is less than "1", the same processing can be performed.

[0080] In addition, the target value RI of the relaxation level RI ｏ is set, the relaxation level RI is periodically acquired by the biological information detection device 43, and the deviation eRI (= RI ｏ -RI), and based on the deviation eRI, PID control (proportional integral derivative control) may be used to control the amounts of change ΔT, ΔH, ΔF, and ΔL in temperature, humidity, air volume, and air direction as shown in the following equations: ΔT = a1 · eRI + b1 · ∫ eRIdt + c1 · eRI / dt ΔH = a2 · eRI + b2 · ∫ eRIdt + c2 · eRI / dt ΔF = a3 · eRI + b3 · ∫ eRIdt + c3 · eRI / dt ΔL = a4 · eRI + b4 · ∫ eRIdt + c4 · eRI / dt Note that a1, ...a ４ , b1,...b ４ , c1,...c４ , are coefficients.

[0081] Alternatively, machine learning technology may be used. In this case, the control unit 53a includes a machine learning device. The machine learning device may, for example, calculate the target value RI of the relaxation level RI. ｏ The machine learning device learns the relationship between the deviation eRI and the target values ​​To, Ho, Fo, and Lo of temperature, humidity, air volume, and air direction as learning data. ｏ and deviation eRI, and outputs a target value To for temperature, a target value Ho for humidity, a target value Fo for air volume, and a target value Lo for air direction. The control unit 53a controls the indoor unit air conditioning unit 82 so as to obtain each target value, and further controls the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 81 via the control unit 51a. Note that the input to the machine learning device may be, for example, a target value RI for relaxation level RI ｏ The temperature T, humidity H, air volume F, and air direction L at that time may be set as the target value for each control object.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, in the relaxation mode, the control unit 53a adjusts all of the control objects, namely, temperature, humidity, air volume, and wind direction, but it may also be possible to selectively adjust only some of the control objects, for example, by adjusting the temperature and wind direction but not adjusting the humidity and air volume.

[0083] In the first embodiment, the infrared sensor 44 and the Doppler sensor are provided. The infrared sensor 44 identifies the position of a person, and the Doppler sensor detects the pulse wave, body movement, and breathing of the human body, and the two act as sensors in cooperation with each other, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The air conditioning apparatus 2 may be provided with only a Doppler sensor, and the Doppler sensor may not only detect the pulse wave, body movement, and breathing of the human body, but also identify the position of the person. Furthermore, the detection by the infrared sensor 44 and the detection by the Doppler sensor may be combined to increase reliability.

[0084] In addition, an array antenna may be provided in order to give the Doppler sensor directivity or to change the directivity.

[0085] In the first embodiment, the pulse wave of the human body is detected using a Doppler sensor, but the pulse wave may be detected using any type of sensor. For example, the pulse wave of the human body may be detected using a 24 GHz to 79 GHz FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar) sensor. Alternatively, the pulse wave may be measured by irradiating a living body with light of infrared, red, or green wavelengths, and measuring the light reflected within the living body or the light transmitted through the living body with a light-receiving element. Furthermore, the sensor is not limited to a non-contact type, and a contact type sensor that detects by contacting the human body may also be used. For example, an electrocardiogram may be used on the human body to measure the pulse wave, and the pulse wave may be extracted from the electrocardiogram.

[0086] Furthermore, biological information other than pulse waves may be used as long as an index value RI indicating the degree of relaxation can be obtained. For example, i) blood flow may be measured using a blood flow sensor, and the relaxation level RI may be calculated from the blood flow; ii) brain waves may be measured using an electroencephalogram sensor, and the relaxation level RI may be calculated from the intensity of alpha waves; iii) cerebral blood flow may be calculated using near-infrared spectroscopy or the like, and the relaxation level RI may be calculated from the cerebral blood flow; iv) a surface electromyogram may be obtained using an electromyogram sensor attached to the skin, and the relaxation level RI may be calculated from the surface electromyogram. v) The relaxation level RI may be calculated using the skin temperature of a person's nose. A decrease in nose skin temperature indicates stress, and an increase in nose skin temperature indicates relaxation. vi) The relaxation level RI may be calculated using saliva.

[0087] The control unit 53a may also perform an integrated evaluation of the relaxation level RI obtained by multiple methods to determine whether or not to perform relaxation level enhancing operation. For example, the control unit 53a may perform highly reliable control by calculating a weighted average of the relaxation level RI obtained from the pulse wave and the relaxation level RI based on changes in skin surface temperature and comparing the weighted average with a threshold value Th. Other factors may also be taken into consideration. By using multiple methods and multiple factors, highly reliable control can be performed.

[0088] Furthermore, the outdoor unit control unit 51 and the indoor unit control unit 53, which are responsible for the control functions, may be located anywhere as long as information can be transferred via wire or wirelessly. The control processing performed by the outdoor unit control unit 51 and the indoor unit control unit 53 may be processed by a server on the network or may be processed anywhere.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 2 is equipped with the control device 50 inside, but the control device 50 may be arranged external to the air conditioning apparatus 2. In this case, the control device 50 is connected to the air conditioning apparatus 2 via a network NW, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 . In this case, the air conditioning apparatus 2 is equipped with, for example, a communication device 56 that communicates with the outside. The communication device 56 enables communication between the outdoor unit control unit 51 of the control device 50 arranged outside and the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 81 of the air conditioning apparatus 2, and enables communication between the indoor unit control unit 53 of the control device 50 arranged outside and the sensor group 40, the remote control 55, and the indoor unit air conditioning unit 82.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, the control device 50 may be configured as a server device 57 connected to the network NW. In this case, for example, a control program for executing the control processes executed by the outdoor unit control unit 51 and the indoor unit control unit 53 may be installed in the server device 57, and the outdoor unit control function and the indoor unit control function may be established on the server device 57. Note that the server device 57 may be realized by a personal computer.

[0091] In the above-described first embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 2 is equipped with the biological information detection device 43, but the biological information detection device 43 may be located outside the air conditioning apparatus 2. For example, the biological information detection device 43 may be placed on the ceiling, wall, floor, etc. that form the indoor space 71. A wearable biological information detection device 43 may also be used. In this case, it is desirable to connect the wearable biological information detection device 43 and the indoor unit control unit 53 via wireless communication or wired communication.

[0092] Furthermore, some recent portable information terminals have the function of measuring and analyzing various types of biological information. Using this type of portable information terminal as a sensor, for example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 , the information device 90 and the indoor unit control unit 53 may be directly connected by wire or wirelessly or via a network NW, and the information device 90 may acquire the biological information, analyze it to determine a relaxation level RI, and notify the indoor unit control unit 53 of the acquired biological information. Alternatively, the information device 90 may acquire the biological information and transmit it to the indoor unit control unit 53, which may then analyze the biological information to determine the relaxation level RI. For example, the biological information detection device 43 may simply receive a Doppler signal, and the indoor unit control unit 53 may analyze the Doppler signal to extract a pulse wave, and further analyze the pulse wave to determine the relaxation level RI.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the control unit 53a starts the relaxation level improvement control process when the user HM selects the relaxation mode using the remote control 55, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The start can be set in any manner. For example, the relaxation level improvement control process may be started automatically when a human presence sensor such as the infrared sensor 44 detects a person in the indoor space 71 or when a person lying down is detected.

[0094] Furthermore, during normal operation, the indoor unit control unit 53 performs air conditioning operation so that the air temperature near the intake port of the indoor heat exchanger 25 reaches the set temperature, but in relaxation mode, the air conditioning operation may be performed so that the sensible temperature that a person actually feels approaches the set temperature, which is the target temperature. In this case, for example, in the configuration of Fig. 1, a sensible temperature sensor that detects the sensible temperature of the user HM may be located adjacent to the infrared sensor 44, and in step S105 of Fig. 5, the air conditioning operation may be performed so that the temperature detected by the sensible temperature sensor approaches the set temperature, instead of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 41.

[0095] In the first embodiment, when the relaxation level RI is equal to or less than the determination threshold Th, the control unit 53a executes the relaxation level improvement operation and controls all of the parameters, including temperature, humidity, air volume, and air direction. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the control unit 53a may change the parameters to be controlled depending on the relaxation level RI. When the relaxation level RI is equal to or less than the first determination threshold Th1, the control unit 53a may control all of the parameters, including temperature, humidity, air volume, and air direction. Furthermore, when the relaxation level RI is greater than the first determination threshold Th1 and equal to or less than the second determination threshold Th2, the control unit 53a may control the parameters of temperature and air direction. Furthermore, when the relaxation level RI is greater than the second determination threshold Th2, the control unit 53a may control only the temperature parameter.

[0096] In the first embodiment, only the air conditioning device 2 is controlled based on the relaxation level RI. However, in addition to this, devices used by the user HM may also be controlled. The devices used by the user HM adjust the environment to affect the relaxation level RI of the user HM. In addition to the air conditioning device 2, as illustrated in FIG. 11A , external devices connected directly to the outdoor unit 11 or the indoor unit 13 or via the network NW, such as lighting equipment 91, an electric fan 92, a water heater, an air purifier, and a ventilation fan, may also be controlled. These external devices may be operated via wired signals or wireless signals such as infrared signals from the air conditioning device 2, or via a cloud server. These external devices are located in the house 3 and are installed and used in a manner that can affect the relaxation level RI of the user HM located in the indoor space 71.

[0097] In this case, a control mode table for the relaxation mode, such as that shown in Fig. 11(B), is stored in the storage unit 53b of the indoor unit control unit 53. This table stores the identification information and control modes of the external devices to be controlled when performing the relaxation level enhancement operation.

[0098] For example, in step S105 of FIG. 5 , the indoor unit control unit 53 sends a command to the lighting device 91 instructing it to lower the dimming level to 60% according to the settings in the relaxation mode control mode table, and sends a command to the server device 57 via the network NW to set the fan power of the electric fan 92 connected to the server device 57 to level "2." For example, if the electric fan 92 has a rhythmic wind mode function that blows natural air, the indoor unit control unit 53 switches the operation mode to rhythmic wind mode. Furthermore, if the external device is a water heater, the indoor unit control unit 53 sets the set temperature higher. If the external device is an air purifier, the indoor unit control unit 53 switches the setting to a quieter level so that the noise during operation is not distracting. Furthermore, if the external device is a ventilation fan, the indoor unit control unit 53 operates the ventilation fan to reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in the room and improve the relaxation index (RI). The indoor unit control unit 53 controls these external devices during the relaxation index improvement operation in step S105. By controlling external devices in addition to the air conditioning device 2, a further improvement in the relaxation index RI can be achieved.

[0099] In the first embodiment, the indoor unit 13 is provided with the vane 34 which is a collection of mechanisms for controlling the airflow direction, such as vanes and louvers, but the indoor unit 13 may be provided with any airflow direction adjustment mechanism as long as it can change the airflow direction.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the indoor unit control unit 53 receives instructions from the user HM from the remote control 55, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The indoor unit control unit 53 may also receive instructions from the user HM from an information device 90 in which an application for the air conditioning apparatus 2 is installed.

[0101] In the first embodiment, the user HM inputs the temperature at which the user HM thinks he or she can sleep comfortably, in other words, the user input temperature Tz, as the set temperature via the remote controller 55. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the air conditioning operation in the "relaxation mode," the storage unit 53b may store a temperature suitable for sleeping as the set temperature.

[0102] (Embodiment 2) In embodiment 1, a control process for improving the relaxation level RI based on the relaxation level RI of the user HM while sleeping was described. In embodiment 2, the control unit 53a performs control for improving the relaxation level RI based on the depth of sleep. The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 2 is the same as in embodiment 1. The sleep control process performed in embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1. Specifically, in embodiment 2, instead of the "relaxation level improvement control process" shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 53a performs the "sleep control process" shown in FIG. 12.

[0103] The air conditioning device 2 normally performs air conditioning operation in normal mode, but when the user HM selects the "sleep control mode", the control unit 53a executes the sleep control process shown in FIG.

[0104] When the user HM goes to sleep, the user HM selects the "sleep control mode" using the remote control 55. When selecting the "sleep control mode," the user HM sets the user input temperature Tz as the set temperature. When the "sleep control mode" is selected, the control unit 53a sends an instruction to the biological information detection device 43 to determine the sleep depth score SC of the user HM. Then, the control unit 53a starts the operation shown in FIG. 12. Note that FIG. 12 shows an example of cooling operation.

[0105] The processes of steps S201 and S202 are the same as the processes of steps S101 and S102 in embodiment 1. When the user HM falls asleep, the control unit 53a performs a sleep depth determination process of step S203.

[0106] Based on the sleep state of the user HM determined in step S203, the control unit 53a determines whether the user HM is in deep sleep (step S204). If the sleep state of the user HM is determined to be deep sleep (step S204: Yes), the body temperature of the user HM tends to decrease. Furthermore, the deeper the sleep state, the more likely the user HM is to become insensitive to temperature. Therefore, the control unit 53a sets the set temperature to the temperature obtained by adding the change temperature α to the user input temperature Tz (step S205).

[0107] If the control unit 53a determines that the user HM is not in deep sleep (step S204: No), the user HM is in a state of light sleep. Since the control unit 53a determined that the user HM has fallen asleep in the previous process of step S202, the user HM is not awake at the time of the determination in step S204. In a light sleep state, the user HM's sensitivity to temperature is not as dull as in a deep sleep state. The control unit 53a sets the set temperature Tz of the user HM to the set temperature (step S206). Note that even when moving to step S204 from step S212 or S213 (described later), this is the processing flow after determining that the user HM is not awake (step S210: No), and therefore the user HM is not awake in step S204.

[0108] After steps S205 and S206, the control unit 53a instructs the biological information detection device 43 to identify the sleep depth score SC of the user HM. The control unit 53a acquires the sleep depth score SC from the biological information detection device 43 (step S207). The control unit 53a performs a sleep depth determination process using the sleep depth score SC (step S208). The determination process of step S208 is the same as the sleep depth determination process of step S110 described in the first embodiment.

[0109] The control unit 53a determines whether the latest sleep depth determined in step S208 has changed from the previous sleep depth determined immediately before and stored in the storage unit 53b (step S209). A change in sleep depth is, for example, a change from light sleep to deep sleep, a change from deep sleep to light sleep, a change from light sleep to wakefulness, etc.

[0110] If the control unit 53a determines that the depth of sleep of the user HM has not changed (step S209: No), the state of sleep of the user HM has not changed. The control unit 53a returns the process to step S207.

[0111] When the control unit 53a determines that the sleep depth of the user HM has changed (step S209: Yes), it determines whether the user HM is awake (step S210). When the control unit 53a determines that the user HM is awake (step S210: Yes), it ends the sleep control process shown in Fig. 12. The air conditioning operation in the "sleep control mode" returns to the normal operation mode.

[0112] If the control unit 53a determines that the user HM is not awake (step S210: No), it instructs the biological information detection device 43 to determine the relaxation level RI of the user HM. The control unit 53a acquires the relaxation level RI from the biological information detection device 43 (step S211).

[0113] The control unit 53a determines whether the relaxation level RI is equal to or less than the determination threshold Th (step S212). If it is determined that the relaxation level RI is equal to or less than the determination threshold Th (step S212: Yes), the relaxation level RI of the user HM is not sufficient. Therefore, immediately after step S212, the process returns to step S204, and the control unit 53a performs temperature control based on the sleep depth (steps S205 and S206).

[0114] If it is determined that the relaxation level RI is not equal to or less than the determination threshold Th (step S212: No), the user HM is sleeping relaxed. Although the sleep depth of the user HM has changed, the user HM is relaxed, so the control unit 53a does not return the process to step S204 immediately after step S212, but instead moves the process to step S213. The control unit 53a uses the clock unit 53c to store the time when the process moved to step S213 in the storage unit 53b. The control unit 53a determines, based on the clock unit 53c, whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the process moved to step S213 (step S213). If the control unit 53a determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S213: No), it repeats the process of step S213.

[0115] If the control unit 53a determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S213: Yes), the control unit 53a returns the process to step S204.

[0116] As described above, in the second embodiment, the control unit 53a performs temperature control based on the depth of sleep of the user HM. Furthermore, even if the depth of sleep of the user HM has changed, if the relaxation level RI of the user HM is greater than the predetermined threshold value Th, the control unit 53a performs the process of step S213 to delay the timing of proceeding to the next step S204. Therefore, the timing of starting air conditioning control based on the depth of sleep of the user HM can be delayed or maintained based on the relaxation level RI.

[0117] (Variation of Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 2, the control unit 53a changes the timing at which the temperature control is started depending on the relaxation level RI. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Instead of changing the timing at which the temperature control is started, the change temperature α may be changed. Specifically, in step S212, if the control unit 53a determines that the relaxation level RI is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold Th (step S212: Yes), the control unit 53a may change the predetermined change temperature α to a change temperature β that is lower than the change temperature α. In other words, the control unit 53a reduces the value of the predetermined change temperature α. If the relaxation level RI is insufficient, reducing the change temperature α may improve the relaxation level RI of the user HM. Furthermore, if the control unit 53a determines that the relaxation level RI is not equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold Th (step S212: No), the relaxation level RI of the user HM is not low, and therefore the user HM is sleeping relaxed. Therefore, the control unit 53a may maintain the predetermined change temperature α without changing it.

[0118] In the sleep control process of embodiment 2, the control unit 53a performs only temperature control in steps S205 and S206, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The control unit 53a may control humidity, airflow direction, and airflow volume in addition to temperature control. Specifically, if the control unit 53a determines that the subject is in deep sleep in step S204 (step S204: Yes), in addition to the temperature control in step S205, the control unit 53a may perform control to increase humidity, reduce airflow volume, and change the airflow direction to a wind-blocking direction in the case of cooling. Furthermore, in the case of heating, the control unit 53a may perform control to decrease humidity, reduce airflow volume, and change the airflow direction to a wind-blocking direction in the case of heating. Furthermore, if the control unit 53a determines that the subject is in light sleep in step S204 (step S204: No), in addition to the temperature control in step S206, the control unit 53a may perform control to decrease humidity, reduce airflow volume, and change the airflow direction to a wind-blocking direction in the case of cooling. In the case of heating, the control unit 53a may perform control to increase humidity, reduce airflow, and direct airflow. Note that such control is merely an example. Furthermore, any combination of parameters among the parameters of temperature, humidity, airflow, and airflow direction may be controlled.

[0119] (Embodiment 3) In embodiment 3, the control unit 53a performs temperature control based on the depth of sleep of the user HM. This is the same as embodiment 2. Embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 2 in that even if the depth of sleep of the user HM changes, the control unit 53a does not perform temperature control as long as the relaxation level RI improves or is maintained. Differences from embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . The control process in embodiment 3 is referred to as a "hybrid control process."

[0120] The air conditioning device 2 normally performs air conditioning operation, in other words, air conditioning operation in normal mode, but when the user HM selects "hybrid control mode" and switches to air conditioning operation in "hybrid control mode," the control unit 53a executes the hybrid control process shown in Fig. 13. The hybrid control process shown in Fig. 13 is a control process in which the control unit 53a performs control based on the depth of sleep, and does not perform temperature control if the relaxation level RI is not equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

[0121] First, when the user HM goes to sleep, he / she selects the "hybrid control mode" using the remote control 55. When the user HM selects the "hybrid control mode," the user HM also sets the set temperature to the user input temperature Tz. When the "hybrid control mode" is selected, the control unit 53a sends an instruction to the biological information detection device 43 to determine the sleep depth score SC of the user HM. Then, the operation shown in FIG. 13 starts. Note that FIG. 13 shows an example of cooling operation.

[0122] The hybrid control process differs from the sleep control process in embodiment 2 in that the control unit 53a performs a process of acquiring a relaxation level RI (step S303) before performing temperature control based on the sleep depth. The acquisition of the relaxation level RI in step S303 is performed for the purpose of a process of determining whether or not the relaxation level RI has decreased (step S313).

[0123] In the hybrid control process, the control unit 53a performs the process of step S313 instead of the processes of steps S212 and S213 in the second embodiment. Specifically, the control unit 53a calculates the relaxation level RI acquired in step S312. ｔ However, the relaxation level RI obtained last time t-1 The control unit 53a compares the relaxation level RI acquired in step S312 with the relaxation level RI acquired in step S313 to determine whether the relaxation level RI has decreased (step S313). t However, the relaxation level RI obtained last time t-1 In the above cases, the control unit 53a determines that the relaxation level RI has not decreased (step S313: No). Since the relaxation level RI has not decreased, the control unit 53a does not need to perform temperature control. The control unit 53a returns the process to step S308.

[0124] The control unit 53a may, for example, determine the relaxation level RI acquired in step S312. ｔ However, the relaxation level RI obtained last time t-1If the relaxation level RI is lower than the relaxation level RI (step S313: Yes), the control unit 53a determines that the relaxation level RI has decreased (step S313: Yes). The control unit 53a returns the process to step S305. Since the relaxation level RI has decreased, the control unit 53a performs temperature control based on the depth of sleep.

[0125] The above has described the hybrid control process executed in the third embodiment, focusing on differences from the second embodiment. The control unit 53a performs temperature control based on the sleep depth of the user HM. Furthermore, even if the sleep depth of the user HM changes, the control unit 53a does not perform temperature control based on the sleep depth unless the relaxation level RI of the user HM has decreased. Therefore, whether or not to perform temperature control based on the sleep depth of the user HM can be determined depending on the relaxation level RI.

[0126] (Variation of Embodiment 3) In the third embodiment, in the hybrid control process, the control unit 53a does not perform the temperature control process if it determines that the relaxation level RI has not decreased (step S313: No), in other words, if the relaxation level RI has increased or is being maintained. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The control unit 53a does not need to perform the temperature control process only if it determines that the relaxation level RI has increased. In other words, the control unit 53a may perform the temperature control process not only when the relaxation level RI has decreased but also when the relaxation level RI is being maintained.

[0127] In the first to third embodiments, the sleep depth score SC is calculated by indexing the number of body movements within a certain period tn, but the sleep depth score SC may be calculated using other known methods. For example, the sleep depth score SC may be calculated based on brain waves, body temperature, pulse rate, etc. The sleep depth score SC obtained by an application of the information device 90 may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit 53 and used.

[0128] In the first to third embodiments, the indoor space 71 is not limited to a room, but may be a closed space or a semi-closed space with a partial opening. It may also be a substantially closed space or a semi-closed space separated by an air curtain or the like.

[0129] (Fourth Embodiment) In the first to third embodiments, the relaxation level RI is calculated based on the pulse wave. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. To improve the accuracy of the relaxation level RI, other biological information may be used in combination. For example, the pulse wave of the user HM and its changes, the heart rate of the user HM and its changes, the brain waves of the user HM and its changes, the body temperature of the user HM and its changes, changes in the movement of the facial muscles of the user HM, the behavior of the user HM, etc. may be measured with sensors, a relaxation level may be calculated from each measurement value, and the calculated relaxation levels may be weighted and averaged to calculate the relaxation level RI to be used for control.

[0130] It is also possible to utilize AI (Artificial Intelligence) such as a neural network to measure the relaxation level RI. In this case, teacher data is created by investigating in advance the relationship between a set of input data, such as the user HM's pulse wave and its changes, the user HM's heart rate and its changes, the user HM's brain waves and its changes, the user HM's body temperature and its changes, changes in the movement of the user HM's facial muscles, and the user HM's behavior, and the output relaxation level RI. Next, an AI device is made to learn the teacher data. The AI ​​device inputs biological information such as pulse waves and brain waves measured by a sensor, their change rates, their history, etc., and outputs an index indicating the relaxation level RI.

[0131] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, step S104 determines whether to perform a relaxation level enhancement operation based on the relationship between a preset standard and the relaxation level RI. However, relaxation level enhancement operation may be performed without this determination. For example, AI technology may be utilized in the indoor unit control unit 53. For example, the relaxation level RI, its change, change rate, or history may be input to the AI ​​device, and the AI ​​device may output an appropriate control mode. In this case, for example, teacher data may be created by investigating in advance the relationship between the relaxation level RI, its change amount or change rate, and history of these, as well as the control target, control content, and its effect. Next, the AI ​​device learns the teacher data. In step S104 of FIG. 5, the AI ​​device inputs the relaxation level RI and other information provided by the biological information detection device 43 and outputs appropriate control targets and control content. Subsequently, when performing relaxation level enhancement operation, the AI ​​device performs air conditioning control indicated by the output control target and control content.

[0132] 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. In other words, 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.

[0133] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air conditioning system, 2 Air conditioning device, 3 House, 11 Outdoor unit, 13 Indoor unit, 21 Compressor, 22 Four-way valve, 23 Outdoor heat exchanger, 24 Expansion valve, 25 Indoor heat exchanger, 31 Outdoor blower, 33 Indoor blower, 34 Vane, 40 Sensor group, 41 Temperature sensor, 42 Humidity sensor, 43 Biometric information detection device, 44 Infrared sensor, 50 Control device, 51 Outdoor unit control unit, 51a Control unit, 51b Memory unit, 51c Timekeeping unit, 51d Communication unit, 53 Indoor unit control unit, 53a Control unit, 53b Memory unit, 53c Timekeeping unit, 53d Communication unit, 54 Relaxation mode control program, 54a Acquisition processing unit, 54b Determination processing unit, 54c Control processing unit, 54d Set value group, 55 Remote control, 55a Display unit, 56 Communication device, 57 Server device, 61 Refrigerant piping, 63 Communication line, 71 Indoor space, 72 Outdoor space, 80 Air conditioning unit, 81 Outdoor unit air conditioning unit, 82 Indoor unit air conditioning unit, 90 Information equipment, 90a Display unit, 91 Lighting equipment, 92 Fan, 1000, 1010 Bus, 1001, 1011 Processor, 1002, 1012 Memory, 1003, 1013 Secondary storage device, 1004, 1014 I / O interface, 1005, 1015 Communication module, NW Network, HM User

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that controls air conditioning of an air-conditioned space, An air conditioning unit that conditions the air-conditioned space; A control device for controlling the air conditioning unit; Equipped with The control device includes an index value acquisition means for acquiring a relaxation level of a user of the air-conditioned space and a sleep depth score indicating a degree of a sleep state of the user; and a control means for determining whether the user falls asleep or wakes up based on the sleep depth score, the control means controls the air conditioning unit so as to increase the degree of relaxation by adjusting at least one of the control targets of the temperature, humidity, airflow direction, and airflow volume of the air-conditioned space based on the acquired relaxation level and sleep depth score during the period from when the user falls asleep to when the user wakes up; The number of the control targets is determined based on the relaxation degree and a predetermined threshold value, The thresholds include a predetermined first threshold and a predetermined second threshold that is greater than the first threshold. Air conditioning system.

2. When it is determined that the relaxation degree is equal to or less than the first threshold, the control means controls the air conditioning unit to adjust all of the control targets. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

3. When it is determined that the degree of relaxation is greater than the first threshold value and equal to or less than the second threshold value, the control means controls the air conditioning unit to adjust any two of the control objects. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

4. When it is determined that the relaxation degree is greater than the second threshold value, the control means controls the air conditioning unit to adjust one of the control objects. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

5. The control device further controls devices used by the user in order to improve the user's relaxation level in addition to controlling the air conditioning unit. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

6. When it is determined that the relaxation degree is greater than the first threshold value, the control means changes a timing for starting control of the air conditioning unit so as to increase the relaxation degree. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

7. When it is determined that the relaxation degree is equal to or greater than the previously acquired relaxation degree, the control means does not control the air conditioning unit to increase the relaxation degree. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

8. When the control means controls the air conditioning unit to increase the relaxation level, if it is determined that the relaxation level is greater than the first threshold value, the control means stops the control. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

9. An air conditioning apparatus that controls air conditioning of an air-conditioned space, An air conditioning unit that conditions the air-conditioned space; A control device for controlling the air conditioning unit; Equipped with The control device includes an index value acquisition means for acquiring a relaxation level of a user of the air-conditioned space and a sleep depth score indicating a degree of a sleep state of the user; and a control means for determining whether the user falls asleep or wakes up based on the sleep depth score, the control means controls the air conditioning unit so as to increase the degree of relaxation by adjusting at least one of the control targets of the temperature, humidity, airflow direction, and airflow volume of the air-conditioned space based on the acquired relaxation level and sleep depth score during the period from when the user falls asleep to when the user wakes up; The number of the control objects is determined based on the relaxation degree and a predetermined threshold value. Air conditioning units.

10. Control the air conditioning of the space to be air-conditioned, Acquire a relaxation level of a user of the air-conditioned space and a sleep depth score indicating a degree of a sleep state of the user; performing the air conditioning control so as to increase the relaxation level by adjusting at least one of the control targets of the temperature, humidity, airflow direction, and airflow volume of the air-conditioned space based on the acquired relaxation level and sleep depth score; The number of the control objects is determined based on the relaxation degree and a predetermined threshold value. Control methods.

11. On the computer, A process for controlling air conditioning in a space to be air-conditioned; A process of acquiring a relaxation level of a user of the air-conditioned space and a sleep depth score indicating a degree of a sleep state of the user; performing the air conditioning control so as to increase the relaxation level by adjusting at least one of the control targets of the temperature, humidity, airflow direction, and airflow volume of the air-conditioned space based on the acquired relaxation level and sleep depth score; The number of the control targets is determined based on the relaxation degree and a predetermined threshold value; A program that executes the following.