Air conditioner selection system, server, information processing terminal and program

Abstract

The air conditioner selection system has an input unit for inputting information necessary to determine the air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that the air conditioner is to achieve, and the constraint conditions that the air conditioner must satisfy, a memory unit for storing information on candidate air conditioners, and a selection unit for selecting an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions from the candidate air conditioners stored in the memory unit based on the data input to the input unit, and the information necessary to determine the air state of the air conditioned space that is input to the input unit includes three-dimensional information about the air conditioned space. This allows an air conditioner that suits the conditions of the air conditioned space and the needs of the user to be selected.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner selection system, a server, an information processing terminal, and a program for selecting an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] When purchasing an air conditioner, a user of the air conditioner usually uses the floor area of ​​the room in which the air conditioner is installed as a selection index for the air conditioner and selects an air conditioner with an air conditioning capacity corresponding to the floor area. In recent years, newly built houses are often made highly airtight and highly insulated to improve heat retention in winter and cold retention in summer. If a user living in such a house selects an air conditioner using only the floor area as a selection index, the heating capacity in winter and the cooling capacity in summer will be excessive. If an air conditioner with excessive specifications in terms of air conditioning capacity is used, the energy efficiency during operation of the air conditioner will be low, not only in winter. There is a problem that if an air conditioner with excessive specifications in terms of air conditioning capacity is used, power consumption will be higher than when an air conditioner with appropriate specifications is used.

[0003] In response to this issue, an air-conditioning equipment selection system has been proposed that calculates the heat load of the space in which the air-conditioners are installed, and selects an air-conditioner having the required heat load processing capacity by referring to specific information including the horsepower information of the compressors installed in each of multiple types of air-conditioners for buildings (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes that information related to the building and meteorological conditions are input to the air-conditioning equipment selection system as information required for heat load calculation. The information related to the building includes the structure, thermal characteristics, and area of ​​the walls, windows, ceiling, and floors that make up the space to be air-conditioned, as well as the solar radiation load, ventilation volume, indoor temperature conditions, and outdoor temperature conditions of the space to be air-conditioned. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6687043 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The air conditioning equipment selection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 calculates the heat load based on information about the building and weather conditions, but among the information about the building, the thermal characteristics, area, solar radiation load, and ventilation rate of the air conditioned space are parameters that can be expressed only by scalar quantities. Meanwhile, Patent Document 1 states that the information about the building includes information about the structures of the walls, windows, ceilings, and floors that make up the air conditioned space, but does not clearly state the contents of the structures.

[0006] The above parameters for building information correspond to one-dimensional information that can express scalar quantities on one coordinate axis. In contrast, parameters such as the shape of the air-conditioned space and the position of windows require not only scalar quantities but also directional information, and therefore correspond to two- or three-dimensional information. For example, when comparing a case where the floor shape of the air-conditioned space is rectangular with a case where the floor shape is diamond-shaped, the flow of air blown out from the indoor unit of the air conditioner into the air-conditioned space is different, even if the floor area, which is the scalar quantity for each, is the same.

[0007] The air conditioner selection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 calculates the heat load using one-dimensional information when selecting an air conditioner, and does not consider two-dimensional or three-dimensional information. Therefore, the air conditioner selected by the air conditioner selection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 may have an over-specified or under-specified air conditioning capacity. As a result, the air conditioner may not be able to operate appropriately for the space to be air-conditioned, which may result in reduced operating efficiency and increased power consumption.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an air conditioner selection system, a server, an information processing terminal, and a program that can select an air conditioner that reduces power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The air conditioner selection system according to the present disclosure is an air conditioner selection system that selects an air conditioner, and has an input unit for inputting information necessary to determine the air state of a space to be air conditioned, the air conditions of the space to be air conditioned that the air conditioner is desired to achieve, and constraint conditions that the air conditioner must satisfy, a storage unit that stores information on selection candidates for the air conditioner, and a selection unit that selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions from the selection candidates for the air conditioner stored in the storage unit based on data input to the input unit, and the information necessary to determine the air state of the space to be air conditioned that is input to the input unit includes three-dimensional information about the space to be air conditioned. The air condition is based on the comfort of the user who uses the air conditioner. It is something.

[0010] The server according to the present disclosure is a server that is connected to an information processing terminal via a network and selects an air conditioner, and has a storage unit that stores information on the selection candidates for the air conditioner, and a selection unit that, upon receiving from the information processing terminal, information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that the air conditioner is to achieve, and constraint conditions that the air conditioner must satisfy, selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions from the selection candidates for the air conditioner stored in the storage unit, based on the data received from the information processing terminal, and the information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space received from the information processing terminal includes three-dimensional information related to the air conditioned space. The air condition is based on the comfort of the user who uses the air conditioner. It is something.

[0011] The information processing terminal according to the present disclosure is an information processing terminal connected to a server that selects an air conditioner via a network, and has an input unit that transmits input data to the server when information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that the air conditioner is desired to achieve, and constraints that the air conditioner must satisfy are input, and a display unit that displays the selection result when the selection result of the air conditioner by the server is received from the server, and the information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space that is input to the input unit includes three-dimensional information related to the air conditioned space. The air condition is based on the comfort of the user who uses the air conditioner. It is something.

[0012] The program according to the present disclosure is a program executed by a computer that selects an air conditioner, the program including a storage procedure for storing information on the air conditioner selection candidates, information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that the air conditioner is desired to achieve, and constraints that the air conditioner must satisfy. of input Accept The method comprises the steps of: causing the computer to execute an input step; and a selection step of selecting an air conditioner that satisfies the air condition and the constraint condition based on data input in the input step from among the air conditioner selection candidates stored in the storage step, wherein the information required for determining the air condition of the air conditioned space in the input step includes three-dimensional information regarding the air conditioned space. The air condition is based on the comfort of the user who uses the air conditioner. It is something. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present disclosure, in the air conditioner selection process, by adding three-dimensional information about the air conditioned space to the information required to determine the air condition in the air conditioned space, the air condition in the space can be obtained as a three-dimensional distribution. Based on the obtained air condition distribution, an air conditioner that satisfies the specified air conditions and constraint conditions is selected. Compared to a case where an air conditioner is selected based only on the heat load calculated based on one-dimensional information, an air conditioner that precisely matches the air conditions in the air conditioned space and the constraint conditions of the air conditioner is selected. This prevents the selection of an air conditioner with over- or under-specified air conditioning capacity, thereby reducing power consumption. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner selection system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an air-conditioned space in which an air conditioner is installed. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an interface of a first input unit illustrated in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of an interface of a second input unit shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a selection unit shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner selection system according to Modification 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner selection system according to Modification 2. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner selection system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The following describes embodiments of an air conditioner selection system, a server, an information processing terminal, and a program according to the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, components with the same reference numerals have the same or equivalent functions, and are common to the first to fifth embodiments.

[0016] Embodiment 1 (System Overview) This section describes the configuration of the air-conditioner selection system according to the present embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air-conditioner selection system according to the embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an air-conditioned space in which air conditioners are installed.

[0017] The air conditioner selection system 100 of the first embodiment is a system for selecting an air conditioner 2 to be installed in an air conditioned space 1 shown in Fig. 2. The air conditioned space 1 shown in Fig. 2 is an example of a room in a building. When the building is an apartment building, the air conditioned space 1 shown in Fig. 2 is one of the rooms in the building. When the building is a single-story detached house, the air conditioned space 1 shown in Fig. 2 is the main room of the building.

[0018] In Fig. 2, an ordinary house is assumed as the building, and a home air conditioner is assumed as the air conditioner 2. On the other hand, if the building is a relatively large facility, a commercial air conditioner is often used, and the air conditioners targeted by the air conditioner selection system 100 of the present disclosure are not limited to either home air conditioners or commercial air conditioners. However, because a home air conditioner has a simpler configuration than a commercial air conditioner, the following explanation will be mainly focused on home air conditioners as the air conditioners targeted by the air conditioner selection system 100.

[0019] The space to be air-conditioned 1 is a space surrounded by a ceiling 4, a floor 7, and a number of walls 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a window 6 may be provided in the wall 3. FIG. 2 shows a virtually installed air conditioner 2. The air conditioner 2 has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and performs air conditioning by discharging indoor heat absorbed by the indoor unit to the outside by the outdoor unit during cooling, and discharging outdoor heat absorbed by the outdoor unit to the inside of the room by the indoor unit during heating. When the air conditioner 2 is a home air conditioner, the indoor unit is often attached to the wall 3, and the outdoor unit is attached outdoors.

[0020] The air conditioner selection system 100 is used to select an air conditioner including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit for air-conditioning the air-conditioned space 1. The air conditioner selection system 100 is used primarily by people such as purchasers, installers, and sellers of air conditioners. Hereinafter, these people who use the air conditioner selection system 100 will be referred to as "users."

[0021] The air conditioner selection system 100 has an input unit 5, a selection unit 30, a storage unit 40, and a display unit 50. The air conditioner selection system 100 is, for example, an information processing device such as a single computer. The input unit 5 has a first input unit 10 for the user to input information about the air conditioned space 1, and a second input unit 20 for the user to input conditions required of the air conditioner 2.

[0022] The storage unit 40 stores information on the selection candidates for the air conditioners 2. The selection unit 30 selects an appropriate air conditioner from the selection candidates for the air conditioners 2 stored in the storage unit 40, based on the information input to each of the first input unit 10 and the second input unit 20. The display unit 50 outputs the results of the selection by the selection unit 30 to the user. The selection results may be displayed by the display unit 50 shown in Fig. 1, or may be provided to the user as data.

[0023] (System details) The configuration of the air conditioner selection system 100 will be described in detail. As described above, the air conditioner selection system 100 basically comprises the input unit 5 including the first input unit 10 and the second input unit 20, the selection unit 30, the storage unit 40, and the display unit 50. Each component is constructed by combining software including programs and data with hardware.

[0024] The information input to the first input unit 10 will be described. Information relating to the air conditioned space 1 that is necessary for selecting an air conditioner is input by the user to the first input unit 10. The information relating to the air conditioned space 1 that is necessary for selecting an air conditioner is information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space 1. The information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space 1 includes, for example, geometric information, thermal information, and meteorological information.

[0025] The geometric information is information such as the area, height, layout, and window arrangement of the air-conditioned space 1. The thermal information is information such as the insulation performance and airtightness of the walls and ceiling, and the amount of ventilation. The meteorological information is information such as the outside temperature, the amount of solar radiation, and the orientation of the room. The geometric information, thermal information, and meteorological information are classified into one-dimensional information and three-dimensional information.

[0026] One-dimensional information is information obtained as scalar quantities such as the area of ​​a room and the amount of ventilation. Some one-dimensional information is information used in conventional heat load calculation processing, or information used in conventional heat load calculation to select air conditioners. On the other hand, three-dimensional information is information that cannot be expressed as scalar quantities, such as the shape of the room and the arrangement and shape of windows. In addition, when the thermal properties of the multiple walls surrounding the sides of the space to be air-conditioned differ from wall to wall, the information on the arrangement and thermal properties of each wall belongs to three-dimensional information in the space.

[0027] The air conditioner selection system 100 of the present disclosure is characterized in that the above three-dimensional information is input and used to select an air conditioner. Information indicating the floor plan is often shown as two-dimensional information in a diagram, as can be seen from advertising diagrams by real estate agents, but in the present disclosure, information indicating the floor plan is also included in the three-dimensional information. For example, when an arbitrary point in the space to be air-conditioned is defined by three coordinate axes, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, the three-dimensional information when the coordinate of the Z-axis (the direction opposite to gravity is positive) is set to zero becomes two-dimensional information indicating the floor plan.

[0028] There is an infinite amount of geometric information, thermal information, and meteorological information necessary to determine the air condition in the air conditioned space 1, but not all of it is necessarily required, and the minimum necessary information should be input to the first input unit 10. For example, if the insulation performance of a wall is unknown, and there is information such as whether the wall is made of wood or reinforced concrete, the air conditioner selection system 100 can perform a minimum thermal calculation by setting a provisional value for the insulation performance of the wall based on the material of the wall.

[0029] Furthermore, when the outside temperature and solar radiation are unknown, the air conditioner selection system 100 can perform a minimum calculation if the region where the building is located or the direction of the building is known. When such necessary information is unknown, the air conditioner selection system 100 can perform calculations based on the input information, substituting provisional values ​​or general values ​​for the unknown information. However, the less information there is, the lower the accuracy of determining the indoor air condition. The more information is input to the first input unit 10, the more precise and accurate the selection process the air conditioner selection system 100 can perform. On the other hand, even if there is little information input to the first input unit 10, the air conditioner selection system 100 can perform a minimum selection process, although the accuracy will be lower.

[0030] Of these pieces of information, the one-dimensional information that is particularly desirable to be input to the first input unit 10 in order to effectively operate the air-conditioner selection system 100 of the present disclosure is the volume of the air-conditioned space 1, the thermal properties of each wall and the thermal properties of the glass of each window, the ventilation rate, and the outside air temperature and humidity. The three-dimensional information that is particularly desirable to be input to the first input unit 10 is data on the three-dimensional shape of the air-conditioned space 1, the direction of each wall of the air-conditioned space 1, the position and shape of the windows, and the position and heat value of heating elements in the air-conditioned space 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the interface of the first input unit shown in FIG. 1. For example, the display unit 50 may display the image shown in FIG. 3, and the user may operate an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse to input information for each item while viewing the image displayed by the display unit 50. The example of the interface image shown in FIG. 3 shows that columns are provided for inputting one-dimensional information such as the area and size of the room as "basic information," and two-dimensional information such as the shape of the room and the position of the windows as "floor plan information." The interface image shown in FIG. 3 is an example of input information, and it is necessary to design an appropriate interface according to the input information required by the air conditioner selection system 100 and the attributes of the user.

[0032] The floor plan information shown in Figure 3 indicates that window 6-1 is double glazed and has dimensions H1 x W1. The floor plan information also indicates that window 6-2 is single glazed and has dimensions H2 x W2. The floor plan information indicates that walls 3-1 and 3-2 face the interior of the room, and walls 3-3 and 3-4 face the exterior.

[0033] The following describes information input to the second input unit 20. An air conditioning target, which is a target that the air conditioner should achieve, is input by the user to the second input unit 20. The air conditioning target includes air conditions in the air conditioned space 1 that the air conditioner should achieve and constraint conditions that the air conditioner should satisfy.

[0034] The air conditions are conditions for physical quantities that represent the air state in the air-conditioned space 1. Hereinafter, the conditions for physical quantities that represent the air state in the air-conditioned space 1 are referred to as "air targets." It is desirable that the air conditioning targets include one or more air targets. The air target is, for example, the temperature or wind speed at a specific position in the air-conditioned space 1. The air target may also be a temperature distribution or a spatial average temperature in a specific range in the air-conditioned space 1. The temperature at a specific position and the temperature distribution in a specific range may be average values ​​for a predetermined period of time.

[0035] The constraint conditions that the air conditioner must satisfy include at least one of the conditions on the installation location of the air conditioner, the conditions on the monetary cost such as the unit price of the air conditioner, and the conditions on the power consumed by the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner. The constraint conditions that the air conditioner must satisfy may also include the conditions on the presence or absence of a specific function such as a function to automatically clean the inside of the indoor unit, or the conditions on specifications other than the air conditioning performance such as noise. The conditions on the power consumed by the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner are also related to the running cost, so they may be included in the conditions on the monetary cost. The constraint conditions that the air conditioner must satisfy may be given in the form of specific numerical values, for example, the condition on the monetary cost being "unit price of 200,000 yen or less" and the condition on the noise being "noise level of 40 dB or less", or may be given in the form of a condition on the power consumption indicating the direction of selection such as "minimum power consumption".

[0036] By including these conditions in the air conditioning targets, it becomes possible to select an air conditioner that better suits the user's needs, and also to select an air conditioner that is well-balanced with costs, which are in a trade-off with the air targets.

[0037] In order to more effectively operate the air conditioner selection system 100 of the present disclosure, it is desirable to include at least the air target and conditions related to the power consumption and installation location of the air conditioner as the air conditioning target input to the second input unit 20. By including these conditions in the air conditioning target, it is possible to select an air conditioner and its installation location that achieves the air target with less power consumption.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the interface of the second input unit shown in Fig. 1. It is conceivable that the display unit 50 displays the image shown in Fig. 4, and the user operates an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse to input information for each item while watching the image displayed by the display unit 50. The example of the interface image shown in Fig. 4 shows a case where the total cost is minimized when the life of use is set to 10 years as the cost target, the average temperature of the entire room is specified as the air target during cooling operation, and the average temperature in a specific range within the room is specified as the air target during heating operation.

[0039] The configuration of the storage unit 40 will be described. The storage unit 40 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage unit 40 stores information necessary for selecting an air conditioner. The information necessary for selecting an air conditioner is, for example, specification information and price information of all air conditioners that are candidates for selection. The storage unit 40 does not necessarily need to store all necessary information at all times. When the air conditioner selection system 100 is configured to be connected to a network (not shown) such as the Internet, if the storage unit 40 does not store necessary information, it may acquire the necessary information from a catalog published on a website via the network. Furthermore, if the necessary information cannot be found in the catalog on the website, the storage unit 40 may acquire information that is similar to the necessary information from the catalog published on the website and use the similar information as a substitute for the necessary information.

[0040] The configuration of the selection unit 30 will be described. The selection unit 30 performs calculations for selecting an air conditioner. The selection unit 30 performs calculations required for selecting an air conditioner using data input to the first input unit 10 and the second input unit 20, and selects an optimal air conditioner based on information on the air conditioner selection candidates acquired from the storage unit 40. The optimal air conditioner means, for example, a model and installation position of an air conditioner that can achieve the air conditioning target with the minimum power consumption for a space having the characteristics input to the first input unit 10 when the average temperature at a specific position is input to the second input unit 20 as the air target, and the minimization of power consumption and the range of the wall surface on which the air conditioner can be installed are input as constraints. The selection unit 30 obtains a three-dimensional distribution of the air condition in the air conditioned space 1 according to the characteristics based on the one-dimensional information and three-dimensional information of the air conditioned space 1. Then, the selection unit 33 selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air condition of the specified air conditioned space 1 and the constraints of the air conditioner based on the obtained distribution of the air condition. For example, the selection unit 30 determines the air conditioning output required to air-condition the air-conditioned space 1 based on the obtained distribution of air conditions, and determines the model and installation location of the air conditioner that can achieve that air conditioning output with the minimum necessary power consumption.

[0041] The optimal air conditioner selected by the selection unit 30 does not necessarily have to be limited to a single model. The selection unit 30 may select multiple candidates as the optimal air conditioner and display a list of the multiple candidates on the display unit 50. Hereinafter, a single or multiple candidate air conditioners selected by the selection unit 30 will be referred to as an optimal air conditioner. In particular, when the air conditioning target has multiple conditions such as air conditioning capacity and monetary cost that are in a trade-off relationship, the selection unit 30 selects multiple candidates and displays them on the display unit 50, allowing the user to select an air conditioner that best meets their needs from the multiple candidates.

[0042] The configuration of the display unit 50 will be described. The display unit 50 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display unit 50 displays information related to the optimal air conditioner selected by the selection unit 30. The information related to the air conditioner includes information on the model of the air conditioner as well as information on the appearance, specifications, price, etc. of the air conditioner. The display unit 50 may also display information that is the basis for selecting the air conditions to be achieved by the air conditioner.

[0043] In the present embodiment 1, the case will be described where the selection result by the selection unit 30 is outputted so that the user can visually recognize it on the display unit 50, but the information on the selection result does not necessarily have to be outputted visually. For example, information on the selected air conditioner may be provided as data to an information processing terminal (not shown) used by the user.

[0044] Here, an example of a hardware configuration of the selection unit 30 will be described. Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the selection unit shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 5, the selection unit 30 shown in Fig. 1 has a processor 91 such as a CPU, and a memory 92. The functions of the selection unit 30 are realized by the processor 91 and the memory 92. Fig. 5 shows that the processor 91 and the memory 92 are connected to each other via a bus 93 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0045] When the functions of the selection unit 30 are executed by software, the functions of the selection unit 30 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 92. The processor 91 realizes the functions of the selection unit 30 by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 92.

[0046] The program executed by the processor 91 may not be stored in advance in the memory 92, and may be provided to the user's information processing device (not shown) from an information processing device (not shown) such as a server via a network (not shown). The program executed by the processor 91 may be provided to the user in a packaged state as dedicated software.

[0047] For example, non-volatile semiconductor memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) are used as the memory 92. Also, volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM (Random Access Memory) may be used as the memory 92. Furthermore, removable recording media such as magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, CDs (Compact Discs), MDs (Mini Discs), and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) may be used as the memory 92.

[0048] (System Operation) A description will be given of the operation of the air conditioner selection system 100 of Embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to Embodiment 1.

[0049] A user inputs information required to determine the air state of the air conditioned space 1 to the first input unit 10, and inputs the air conditions of the air conditioned space 1 that the air conditioner is to achieve and the constraint conditions that the air conditioner must satisfy to the second input unit 20. The user includes three-dimensional information about the air conditioned space 1 in the information required to determine the air state of the air conditioned space 1, and the conditions required for selecting an air conditioner are set in the air conditioner selection system 100 (step S1). In step S2, the selection unit 30 selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions from among the air conditioner selection candidates stored in the storage unit 40, based on the data input to the input unit 5. In step S3, the display unit 50 outputs information about the air conditioner selected by the selection unit 30.

[0050] In this way, an optimal air conditioner that suits the user's preferences and satisfies the air conditions in the air conditioned space 1 and the constraints on the air conditioner is selected based on the input information including the three-dimensional information.

[0051] The configuration of the air conditioner selection system 100 is not limited to one information processing device. The functions of the air conditioner selection system 100 may be shared and executed by multiple information processing devices, and the air conditioner selection system 100 may be realized by multiple information processing devices. Modified examples of the configuration of the air conditioner selection system 100 are described below.

[0052] (Variation 1) Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an air conditioner selection system according to Modification 1. The air conditioner selection system 100a has an information processing terminal 60 and a server 70 connected to the information processing terminal 60 via a network 80. The network 80 is, for example, a Local Area Network (LAN). The network 80 may be the Internet. The information processing terminal 60 has an input unit 5 and a display unit 50. The server 70 has a selection unit 30 and a storage unit 40.

[0053] The operation of the air conditioner selection system 100a of the present modified example 1 will be briefly described. The user operates the information processing terminal 60 to input to the input unit 5 the information required to determine the air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that the air conditioner is to achieve, and the constraint conditions that the air conditioner must satisfy. The input unit 5 transmits the data input by the user to the server 70 via the network 80. When the selection unit 30 of the server 70 receives the data from the information processing terminal 60, it selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions based on the received data from among the selection candidates of air conditioners stored in the storage unit 40. The selection unit 30 transmits information of the selected air conditioner to the information processing terminal 60 via the network 80. When the display unit 50 of the information processing terminal 60 receives information of the selected air conditioner from the server 70, it displays the received information.

[0054] In this modified example 1, the same effects as those of the air conditioner selection system 100 shown in Fig. 1 can be obtained. Note that, although Fig. 7 shows a case where one information processing terminal 60 is connected to the network 80, multiple information processing terminals 60 may be connected to the server 70 via the network 80.

[0055] (Variation 2) Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner selection system according to Modification 2. The air conditioner selection system 100b has an information processing terminal 61 and a server 70 connected to the information processing terminal 61 via a network 81. The network 81 is, for example, the Internet. The network 81 may also be a LAN.

[0056] The information processing terminal 61 has an input unit 5, a display unit 50, and a control unit 65. The control unit 65 has a memory 92 that stores programs, and a processor 91 that executes processing in accordance with the programs, similar to the configuration described with reference to FIG. 5. The memory 92 stores a web browser program. The information processing terminal 61 may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or may be a desktop or notebook PC (Personal Computer). In this second modification, the selection unit 30 of the server 70 stores a program that executes the air conditioner selection process described in the first embodiment as a web browser program.

[0057] The operation of the air conditioner selection system 100b of Modified Example 2 will be briefly described below. The user operates the input unit 5 of the information processing terminal 61 to cause the control unit 65 to execute a web browser program. The control unit 65 starts up the web browser program, and when the user inputs an instruction to access the server 70, it sends an access request signal to the server 70 requesting access. The selection unit 30 sends to the information processing terminal 61 a web page that displays a format in which the items necessary for air conditioner selection are listed.

[0058] When the information processing terminal 61 receives a web page from the server 70, the control unit 65 causes the display unit 50 to display the received web page. While viewing the items listed on the web page displayed on the display unit 50, the user inputs, via the input unit 5, information necessary to determine the air state of the air-conditioned space, the air conditions of the air-conditioned space that the air conditioner is to achieve, and the constraint conditions that the air conditioner should satisfy. The control unit 65 transmits the data input by the user to the server 70 via the network 81. When the selection unit 30 of the server 70 receives the data from the information processing terminal 61, it selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions based on the received data from among the selection candidates of air conditioners stored in the storage unit 40. The selection unit 30 transmits information of the selected air conditioner to the information processing terminal 61 via the network 81. When the display unit 50 of the information processing terminal 61 receives information of the selected air conditioner from the server 70, it displays the received information.

[0059] In this modified example 2 as well, the same effects as those of the air conditioner selection system 100 shown in Fig. 1 can be obtained. Note that, although Fig. 8 shows a case where one information processing terminal 61 is connected to the network 81, multiple information processing terminals 61 may be connected to the server 70 via the network 81.

[0060] In addition, in the first and second modifications, the server 70 may provide the program executed by the selection unit 30 to another information processing device (not shown) via the network 80 or 81. Furthermore, the program executed by the selection unit 30 may be stored in a portable recording medium. The program may be provided to another information processing device (not shown) by a recording medium that stores the program executed by the selection unit 30.

[0061] The air conditioner selection system 100 of the first embodiment has an input unit 5, a storage unit 40, and a selection unit 30. The input unit 5 is for a user to input information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space 1, the air conditions of the air conditioned space 1 that the air conditioner is to achieve, and the constraint conditions that the air conditioner should satisfy. The storage unit 40 stores information on selection candidates for air conditioners. The selection unit 30 selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions of the air conditioned space 1 and the constraint conditions of the air conditioner from the selection candidates for air conditioners stored in the storage unit 40 based on the data input to the input unit 5. The information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space that is input to the input unit 5 includes three-dimensional information on the air conditioned space 1.

[0062] According to the first embodiment, in the air conditioner selection process, three-dimensional information on the air conditioned space 1 is added to the information required to determine the air condition of the air conditioned space 1, so that the air condition in the space can be obtained as a three-dimensional distribution. Based on the obtained distribution of air conditions, an air conditioner that satisfies the specified air conditions and constraint conditions is selected. Compared to the conventional case where an air conditioner is selected only based on the heat load calculated based on one-dimensional information, an air conditioner that precisely matches the air conditions in the air conditioned space and the constraint conditions of the air conditioner is selected. Therefore, the selection of an air conditioner with over-specified or under-specified air conditioning capacity is suppressed, and power consumption can be suppressed. Furthermore, since an air conditioner suitable for the air conditions in the air conditioned space 1 and the constraint conditions of the air conditioner is selected, running costs can be suppressed, and monetary costs can be suppressed.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the air conditioner selection system 100 calculates air conditions other than heat load, that is, distribution of temperature and flow rate, by inputting three-dimensional information such as floor plan, window positions, and thermal characteristics of each wall, in addition to one-dimensional information such as floor area and insulation used in conventional heat load calculations, for the air-conditioned space 1. Furthermore, air conditions that the air conditioner should satisfy are also input to the air conditioner selection system 100. The air conditions are, for example, the capabilities that the user requires of the air conditioner. The air conditioner selection system 100 outputs the optimal model and installation location of the air conditioner based on this input information. This allows the user to obtain information on air conditioners and installation locations that are more precisely suited to the air-conditioned space 1 and the user's needs.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, by inputting three-dimensional information and air conditioning targets based on user comfort, including constraints on installation location, etc., an air conditioner with air conditioning capacity and its installation location that takes into account the distribution of air conditions in the space is selected. This makes it possible to select an air conditioner that is more suitable for the characteristics of the space and the preferences of the user.

[0065] For example, in an air-conditioned space with a characteristic layout, when a user wants to air-condition a part of the space, the air conditioner selected based on the heat load by the air-conditioning equipment selection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 will have an over-specified air-conditioning capacity. On the other hand, when the user wants to air-condition the entire space, the air conditioner selected based only on the heat load by the air-conditioning equipment selection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 will have an under-specified air-conditioning capacity. In contrast, in the first embodiment, three-dimensional information of the air-conditioned space is input to the air-conditioner selection system 100 as information necessary to determine the air condition of the air-conditioned space, so that the three-dimensional distribution of the air condition in the space is reflected in the selection of the air conditioner. Therefore, when mainly air-conditioning a part of the space desired by the user, an air conditioner with good air-conditioning efficiency is selected. As a result, power consumption can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, because the heat load calculation in the air conditioner selection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot take into account the installation location of the air conditioner, there is a possibility that the air conditioner will not be able to perform at its maximum capacity during actual operation. In contrast, in the present embodiment 1, the installation location is input to the air conditioner selection system 100 as a constraint condition for the air conditioner, so that an air conditioner that meets not only the air conditions in the air conditioned space 1 but also the constraint conditions for the air conditioner is selected.

[0067] Furthermore, the air conditioner selected by the air conditioner selection system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is selected as an air conditioner that has the capacity to process the heat load of the space to be air-conditioned. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, the comfort of the user is improved because indexes such as comfort that are matched to the user's preferences obtained from the air conditions during use are reflected. For example, if a user prefers a higher temperature than the general set temperature in cooling operation, an air conditioner that meets the user's needs is selected by inputting an air conditioning target including information on the average temperature in a specific range via the second input unit 20. In addition, it is possible to prevent an air conditioner with excessive specifications in terms of air conditioning capacity from being selected.

[0068] Embodiment 2 In the present embodiment 2, the calculation process performed by the selection unit 30 based on the data input to the input unit 5 is divided into an evaluation calculation process and an optimization calculation process. In the present embodiment 2, the differences from the embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and a detailed description of the configuration and operation similar to the embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0069] The configuration of the air conditioner selection system 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner selection system according to the second embodiment. The selection unit 30a has an evaluation calculation unit 31 and an optimization calculation unit 32. The evaluation calculation unit 31 calculates the air state of the air conditioned space 1 from the geometric information, thermal information, and meteorological information input to the first input unit 10 and the state of the air conditioner that is finally determined. Variables such as the installation position and air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner for determining the final state of the air conditioner are set as design variables. Such a calculation will be referred to as an evaluation calculation hereinafter.

[0070] The air state found by the evaluation calculation unit 31 is used to create an objective function in the optimization calculation unit 32. The objective function is an evaluation function for evaluating the degree of achievement of the current design variables relative to the target. The objective function is configured not only by the degree of achievement of the air state found by the evaluation calculation unit 31, but also by combining constraint conditions such as monetary costs and the degree of achievement of the air target input to the second input unit 20.

[0071] The optimization calculation unit 32 evaluates the value of the objective function and updates the design variables in a direction that is deemed more optimal. The optimization calculation unit 32 determines the optimal values ​​of the design variables by repeating the evaluation of the value of the objective function and the updating of the design variables. This type of calculation is called optimization calculation. There are various methods for optimization calculation, such as the gradient method, genetic algorithm, and Bayesian optimization. There are various methods, and the optimization method used in this system is not limited to any one of them.

[0072] The operation of the air conditioner selection system 100 of the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the second embodiment. The processing of steps S1 and S3 is similar to the content explained with reference to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. The processing of step S2 will be explained in detail.

[0073] In step S11, the evaluation calculation unit 31 sets initial values ​​of design variables. In step S12, the evaluation calculation unit 31 performs an evaluation calculation based on the input conditions and information on the design variables, and calculates an objective function. In step S13, the optimization calculation unit 32 evaluates the value of the objective function.

[0074] In step S14, the optimization calculation unit 32 judges whether or not the target is satisfied. If the result of the judgment in step S14 is that the target is not satisfied, the optimization calculation unit 32 updates the design variables. After the process in step S15, the selection unit 30a returns to the process in step S12. On the other hand, if the result of the judgment in step S14 is that the target is satisfied, the optimization calculation unit 32 outputs the evaluation result to the display unit 50 (step S3).

[0075] According to the air conditioner selection system 100 of the second embodiment, by repeatedly executing the evaluation calculation and the optimization calculation, it is possible to search for values ​​of the design variables that more effectively satisfy the targets, and to select the optimal air conditioner.

[0076] Embodiment 3 In the third embodiment, an evaluation calculation unit 31 uses numerical calculations by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for evaluation calculation. In the third embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described, and detailed descriptions of the configuration and operation similar to those of the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0077] In the air conditioner selection system 100 of the third embodiment, similarly to the configuration described with reference to Fig. 9, the selection unit 30a has an evaluation calculation unit 31 and an optimization calculation unit 32. The evaluation calculation unit 31 uses CFD for part of the evaluation calculation.

[0078] CFD is a computational fluid analysis that numerically calculates the spatial distribution of physical quantities related to air conditions based on given conditions. CFD requires the three-dimensional geometric shape of the space, boundary conditions, and initial conditions. The three-dimensional geometric shape of the space is obtained from the geometric information input to the first input unit 10. Among the boundary conditions, the thermal properties of the walls and windows and the inflow and outflow of air are obtained from the thermal information input to the first input unit 10. In steady-state calculations that obtain the steady state in a room, the calculation results do not essentially change depending on the initial conditions. Therefore, as the initial conditions, for example, initial conditions such as still air conditions that are the same as the outside air temperature, etc. may be appropriately selected.

[0079] Additionally, CFD requires modeling the operation of the air conditioner. The simplest model involves setting boundary conditions for the air volume and heat quantity according to the operating state of the air conditioner. Specifically, the volume of air given from the air conditioner to the space per unit time and the heat given to the air in the space are set as boundary conditions at the air conditioner's outlet. In addition to sensible heat, which appears as a change in air temperature, the latent heat that is released as condensation during cooling operation is also taken into account.

[0080] The evaluation calculation unit 31 does not necessarily need to perform all of the evaluation calculations using CFD. For example, the evaluation calculation unit 31 calculates the heat load using a conventional calculation method in addition to the calculation of the spatial distribution of temperature and flow velocity using CFD, and the evaluation calculation is a combination of these calculation results. The optimization calculation unit 32 uses the result of this evaluation calculation in the objective function.

[0081] The operation of the air conditioner selection system 100 of the third embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the third embodiment. The processing of steps S1 and S3 is similar to the content explained with reference to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. The processing of steps S11 and S12 to S15 is similar to the content explained with reference to Fig. 10 in the second embodiment, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0082] In step S21, the evaluation calculation unit 31 sets the CFD calculation conditions. In step S22, the evaluation calculation unit 31 calculates physical quantities by CFD based on the information on the CFD calculation conditions and design variables, and calculates an objective function.

[0083] According to the air conditioner selection system 100 of the third embodiment, more accurate evaluation calculations can be performed by numerical calculations based on physical governing equations, and the accuracy of air conditioner selection can be improved.

[0084] Embodiment 4 The present embodiment 4 is configured to perform processing at a higher speed than the embodiment 3. In the present embodiment 4, differences from the embodiment 3 will be mainly described, and detailed description of the configuration and operation similar to the embodiment 3 will be omitted.

[0085] In the air conditioner selection system 100 of the fourth embodiment, the selection unit 30a has an evaluation calculation unit 31 and an optimization calculation unit 32, similar to the configuration described with reference to FIG.

[0086] The CFD used by the evaluation calculation unit 31 for the evaluation calculation is a method for obtaining the distribution of spatial physical quantities by repeated calculations using a processor, and generally requires a long time to obtain a solution. In order to perform a large amount of calculations at high speed, a computer and software suitable for high-speed calculations are required, and even if a computer and software suitable for high-speed calculations are used, there is a limit to how fast the calculation can be performed within the realistic cost and technical range.

[0087] Therefore, the evaluation calculation unit 31 of the fourth embodiment performs evaluation calculation using a surrogate model using machine learning. The surrogate model is a machine learning model in which calculation conditions such as boundary conditions and initial conditions are input, and values ​​of physical quantities obtained by experiments or CFD are output. Learning of the surrogate model is performed using a large amount of data obtained by CFD, experiments, and observation of the real space.

[0088] The surrogate model is constructed by applying common techniques such as DNN (Deep Neural Network), CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), GAN (Generative Adversarial Network), Diffusion Model, etc. However, the construction method of the surrogate model is not limited to these methods.

[0089] The operation of the air conditioner selection system 100 of the fourth embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the fourth embodiment. The processing of steps S1 and S3 is similar to the content explained with reference to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. The processing of steps S11 and S12 to S15 is similar to the content explained with reference to Fig. 10 in the second embodiment, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0090] In step S31, the evaluation calculation unit 31 estimates physical quantities by machine learning. Specifically, the evaluation calculation unit 31 performs an evaluation calculation using a proxy model based on the input information on conditions and design variables to calculate an objective function.

[0091] According to the air conditioner selection system 100 of the fourth embodiment, by performing evaluation calculations using a proxy model, the amount of calculation required is reduced compared to CFD, and the processing speed of the entire system can be improved. Furthermore, by using experimental data when learning the proxy model, the accuracy of the evaluation calculations can also be improved.

[0092] Embodiment 5. In the present embodiment 5, the selection process is made faster than in the embodiment 4. In the present embodiment 5, differences from the embodiment 1 will be described, and detailed description of the configuration and operation similar to the embodiment 1 will be omitted.

[0093] The configuration of the air conditioner selection system 100 of the fifth embodiment is similar to the configuration described with reference to Fig. 1 in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the selection unit 30 selects an air conditioner using a machine learning model.

[0094] In the fourth embodiment, the processing speed of the entire system is improved by using machine learning in the evaluation calculation unit 31 of the selection unit 30. However, the optimization calculation unit 32 performs calculations to maximize or minimize an objective function based on the results of the evaluation calculation unit 31. Therefore, the optimization process becomes a bottleneck in the processing speed of the entire system. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, machine learning is used in the entire processing of the selection unit 30 to further increase the speed. In other words, the selection unit 30 uses a machine learning model that outputs the optimal air conditioner or a candidate thereof to the display unit 50 for the information input to the first input unit 10 and the second input unit 20.

[0095] The selection unit 30 stores in the memory unit 40 a data set consisting of input information input to the first input unit 10 and the second input unit 20 and output information output to the display unit 50, creates it using a flow similar to any of Figures 10 to 12, and constructs a machine learning model by pre-learning it.

[0096] As a result, the selection unit 30 can select air conditioners that meet the air conditioning targets using a pre-trained machine learning model, eliminating the need to perform evaluation calculations and optimization calculations, improving the processing speed of the entire system.

[0097] The operation of the air conditioner selection system 100 of the fifth embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the air conditioner selection system according to the fifth embodiment. The processing of steps S1 and S3 is similar to the contents explained with reference to Fig. 6 in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0098] In step S41, the selection unit 30 selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions of the air conditioned space and the constraint conditions of the air conditioner, based on the input conditions, using a machine learning model.

[0099] According to the air conditioner selection system 100 of the fifth embodiment, the optimum air conditioner can be selected without going through an optimization calculation, and therefore the processing speed of the entire system can be increased.

[0100] In any of the second to fifth embodiments, the first and second modifications may be applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Air-conditioned space, 2 Air conditioner, 3, 3-1 to 3-4 Walls, 4 Ceiling, 5 Input section, 6, 6-1, 6-2 Window, 7 Floor, 10 First input section, 20 Second input section, 30, 30a Selection section, 31 Evaluation calculation section, 32 Optimization calculation section, 40 Memory section, 50 Display section, 60, 61 Information processing terminal, 65 Control section, 70 Server, 80, 81 Network, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, 93 Bus, 100, 100a, 100b Air conditioner selection system.

Claims

1. An air conditioner selection system for selecting an air conditioner, an input unit for inputting information necessary for determining an air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that the air conditioner is to achieve, and constraints that the air conditioner is to satisfy; A storage unit that stores information on the air conditioner selection candidates; a selection unit that selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions from among the air conditioner selection candidates stored in the storage unit based on the data input to the input unit; having The information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space input to the input unit includes three-dimensional information regarding the air conditioned space, The air condition is based on the comfort of a user who uses the air conditioner. Air conditioner selection system.

2. The air conditions include conditions regarding a temperature at a specific position in the air-conditioned space or a temperature distribution in a specific range, The air conditioner selection system according to claim 1 .

3. The constraint conditions include at least one of a condition regarding an installation location of the air conditioner, a condition regarding a monetary cost of the air conditioner, and a condition regarding power consumed by the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner. The air conditioner selection system according to claim 2.

4. The selection unit is an evaluation calculation unit that determines the air state of the air conditioned space based on geometric information, thermal information, and meteorological information regarding the air conditioned space input to the input unit as information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space; An optimization calculation unit that determines an air conditioner that satisfies the air condition and the constraint condition using information about the air condition determined by the evaluation calculation unit. The air conditioner selection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The evaluation calculation unit uses a numerical fluid analysis as part of the evaluation calculation for determining the air state of the air conditioned space. The air conditioner selection system according to claim 4.

6. The evaluation calculation unit determines the air state of the air conditioned space using a proxy model based on machine learning. The air conditioner selection system according to claim 4.

7. The selection unit uses machine learning in the selection process of the air conditioner. The air conditioner selection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A display unit that outputs a result of the selection by the selection unit. The air conditioner selection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The selection unit selects a model of the air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions and an installation location of the air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions. The air conditioner selection system according to claim 1 .

10. A server that is connected to an information processing terminal via a network and selects an air conditioner, A storage unit that stores information on the air conditioner selection candidates; a selection unit that, upon receiving from the information processing terminal information necessary to determine the air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that are to be achieved by the air conditioner, and the constraint conditions that the air conditioner should satisfy, selects an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions from among the selection candidates for the air conditioner stored in the storage unit based on the data received from the information processing terminal; having the information received from the information processing terminal and necessary for determining the air condition of the air conditioned space includes three-dimensional information regarding the air conditioned space, The air condition is based on the comfort of the user who uses the air conditioner. server.

11. An information processing terminal connected to a server that selects air conditioners via a network, an input unit that, when information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that the air conditioner is to achieve, and the constraint conditions that the air conditioner is to satisfy are input, transmits the input data to the server; a display unit that displays the selection result when the selection result of the air conditioner by the server is received from the server; having The information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space input to the input unit includes three-dimensional information regarding the air conditioned space, The air condition is based on the comfort of the user who uses the air conditioner. Information processing terminal.

12. A program executed by a computer for selecting an air conditioner, a storage step of storing information on the air conditioner selection candidates; an input step of receiving input of information necessary for determining the air state of the air conditioned space, the air conditions of the air conditioned space that the air conditioner is to achieve, and constraints that the air conditioner is to satisfy; a selection step of selecting an air conditioner that satisfies the air conditions and the constraint conditions from the air conditioner selection candidates stored in the storage step, based on the data input in the input step; In the input step, the information necessary for determining the air condition of the air conditioned space includes three-dimensional information regarding the air conditioned space, The air condition is based on the comfort of the user who uses the air conditioner. program.

Images