Control method, airflow system, and program

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of improving the comfort of each person at an arrival destination of an airflow. Provided is a control method for an airflow system (1) that includes an airflow blowout device (3). The airflow blowout device (3) is configured to be capable of executing a rotation operation around a virtual axis of rotation. The airflow blowout device (3) blows out an airflow having rectilinearity. The control method includes an acquisition step and a control step. In the acquisition step, at least one of preference information relating to an environmental preference of a person at the arrival destination of the airflow and environmental information relating to an area in which the person is present is acquired. In the control step, at least one of control of the intensity of the airflow blown out toward the person by the airflow blowout device (3) that is performing the rotation operation, and control of the amount of a functional component to be imparted to the airflow is performed on the basis of the information acquired in the acquisition step.

Description

Control method, airflow system and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a control method, an airflow system, and a program, and more particularly to a control method, an airflow system, and a program for a straight airflow.

[0002] A multi-angle swing type blower is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The multi-angle swing type blower of Patent Document 1 includes a horizontal swing mechanism and a vertical swing mechanism, and performs vertical and horizontal swing.

[0003] Incidentally, when a blower (airflow blowing device) such as the multi-angle swing type blower of Patent Document 1 performs a rotational motion such as vertical swing or horizontal swing, the wind (airflow) may reach multiple people.

[0004] Registered Utility Model No. 3229250

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned reasons, and aims to provide a control method, an airflow system, and a program that can improve the comfort of each person at the destination of the airflow.

[0006] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for an airflow system including an airflow blowing device. The airflow blowing device is configured to be capable of rotating about a virtual rotation axis. The airflow blowing device blows out an airflow that travels in a straight line. The control method includes an acquisition step and a control step. The acquisition step acquires at least one of preference information regarding environmental preferences of a person at the destination of the airflow and environmental information of an area where the person is located. The control step controls at least one of the strength of the airflow blown out toward the person by the airflow blowing device performing the rotating operation and the amount of a functional component imparted to the airflow, based on the information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0007] An airflow system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an airflow blowing unit, an acquisition unit, and a control unit. The airflow blowing unit is configured to be capable of rotating around a virtual rotation axis. The airflow blowing unit blows out the airflow with linearity. The acquisition unit acquires at least one of preference information regarding environmental preferences of a person at the destination of the airflow and environmental information of the area where the person is located. The control unit, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, controls at least one of the strength of the airflow blown out by the rotating airflow blowing unit toward the person and the amount of functional ingredients imparted to the airflow.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an airflow system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a space in which the airflow system is used. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a control method performed by the airflow system. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the airflow system.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that common elements in the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of the common elements may be omitted. The following embodiment is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Various modifications of the embodiment may be made depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Furthermore, the embodiments (including modified examples) may be realized in appropriate combinations.

[0011] The drawings described in this disclosure are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the sizes and thicknesses of the components in the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Note that the arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely examples and are not intended to define the directions when using the airflow system 1. Furthermore, the arrows indicating the directions in the drawings are merely shown for the purpose of explanation and do not have any substance.

[0012] In addition, "orthogonal (perpendicular)" as used herein does not only refer to a state in which the angle between two elements is strictly 90 degrees, but also includes a state in which two elements intersect within a certain range of difference. In other words, the angle between two elements that are perpendicular to each other falls within a certain range of difference from 90 degrees (for example, 10 degrees or less). In other words, "orthogonal" as used herein includes cases in which the angle between two elements is 80 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less.

[0013] (1) Overview First, an overview of an airflow system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1 , the airflow system 1 of this embodiment includes an airflow blowout unit 32 , an acquisition unit 231 , and a control unit 232 .

[0015] The airflow blowing unit 32 is configured to be capable of rotating about a virtual rotation axis. The airflow blowing unit 32 blows out an airflow that travels in a straight line. Note that the rotation axis may be a real axis.

[0016] The acquisition unit 231 acquires at least one of preference information and environmental information. The preference information is information about the environmental preferences of a person H0 (see FIG. 2 ) who is at the destination of the airflow. The environmental information is information about the environment of the area where the person H0 is located.

[0017] Here, "preference information" includes preference information regarding the strength of the airflow reaching H0 and preference information regarding air quality. "Airflow strength" refers to the magnitude of the air volume or wind speed of the airflow blown out by the airflow outlet 32. The preference information regarding airflow strength may include information regarding whether or not a person prefers to be exposed to the airflow. Furthermore, the preference information regarding airflow strength may include preference information regarding the fluctuation pattern of the airflow. "Fluctuation pattern" refers to a pattern of airflow strength that changes over time. Fluctuation patterns include so-called 1 / f fluctuations. Air quality represents factors related to the quality of air that ensures a person's health and comfort. More specifically, it is classified into environmental factors, including chemical factors, biological factors, and physical factors. Chemical factors include carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odor components, and fragrance components. Biological factors include house dust and pollen, and physical factors include temperature and humidity. "Environmental information" includes information on wind speed, air quality, brightness, sound, etc. in the area where person H0 is located.

[0018] Based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 231, the control unit 232 controls at least one of the strength of the airflow blown out toward person H0 by the airflow blowing unit 32, which is rotating, and the amount of functional components imparted to the airflow.

[0019] According to the airflow system 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 232 controls at least one of the strength of the airflow and the amount of functional components added to the airflow according to the preferences of the person H0 at the destination of the airflow or the state of the environment in which the person H0 is located, thereby improving the comfort of each person H0 at the destination of the airflow.

[0020] (2) Details The detailed configuration of the airflow system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0021] (2.1) Configuration of the Airflow System As shown in FIG. 1 , the airflow system 1 of this embodiment is installed in a facility 100. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the facility 100 is an office. Note that, in this disclosure, the term "facility" includes residential facilities used for residential purposes, as well as non-residential facilities such as stores, offices, welfare facilities, educational facilities, hospitals, and factories. Non-residential facilities also include restaurants, amusement parks, hotels, inns, kindergartens, nurseries, and community centers. In other words, the facility 100 may be a residential facility such as an apartment building, or a non-residential facility such as an office. Furthermore, the facility 100 also includes a facility in which residential and non-residential facilities coexist, for example, with stores on the lower floors and residences on the upper floors.

[0022] 1 , the airflow system 1 of this embodiment includes a control device 2, an airflow blowing device 3, a plurality of information terminals 4, a plurality of air quality sensors 5, and a plurality of wind speed sensors 6. The airflow blowing device 3, the plurality of air quality sensors 5, and the plurality of wind speed sensors 6 are arranged in the same space. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the control device 2 is arranged in a management room of a facility 100, and the airflow blowing device 3, the plurality of air quality sensors 5, and the plurality of wind speed sensors 6 are arranged in a predetermined space such as an office or conference room.

[0023] (2.2) Configuration of Information Terminal The multiple information terminals 4 are terminals carried by each of multiple people H0 (see FIG. 2), who are, for example, employees working at the facility 100. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the multiple people H0 are employees working at the facility 100. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the information terminals 4 are terminals provided or loaned to the people H0 by a company. The information terminal 4 is, for example, a smartphone. The information terminal 4 is configured to be able to communicate with other devices such as the control device 2. Note that, in the present disclosure, "capable of communication" means that information can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a network, a repeater, or the like, using an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication.

[0024] The information terminal 4 is used in a positioning system, such as a local positioning system (LPS). For example, the local positioning system includes a plurality of beacon transmitters. Each of the plurality of beacon transmitters periodically transmits a beacon signal including location information of the transmitter.

[0025] The information terminal 4 functions as a beacon receiver. The information terminal 4 detects its own location by receiving beacon signals periodically transmitted from each of the multiple beacon transmitters. In other words, the information terminal 4 acquires location information indicating its own location within the facility 100 by communicating with the multiple beacon transmitters. The information terminal 4 of this embodiment transmits the acquired location information to the control device 2.

[0026] The information terminal 4 of this embodiment also includes a display unit 41 that displays various information and an operation unit 42 that accepts operation inputs from the person H0. The display unit 41 and the operation unit 42 of this embodiment are realized by a touch panel display.

[0027] The display unit 41 of this embodiment displays an input screen. The input screen is a screen for allowing the person H0 to input preference information of the person H0. The operation unit 42 acquires the preference information of the person H0 based on an operation by the person H0 on the input screen. The information terminal 4 transmits the acquired preference information to the control device 2.

[0028] (2.3) Configuration of Air Quality Sensor In this embodiment, multiple air quality sensors 5 are arranged on walls or the like in a predetermined space of the facility 100. The air quality sensor 5 is a detection unit that detects the environmental conditions in the area where the person H0 is present. The air quality sensor 5 in this embodiment measures the air quality in the area where the person H0 is present. The air quality sensor 5 measures the concentrations of, for example, particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5, etc.), carbon dioxide, and odor components as air quality factors in the area where the person H0 is present. The air quality sensor 5 also measures the concentrations of pollen, yellow sand, dust, mold spores, dust mites, etc. without distinguishing them from particulate matter. The air quality sensor 5 also measures the temperature and humidity in the area where the person H0 is present. The air quality factors that the air quality sensor 5 measures are not limited to the examples described above.

[0029] The air quality sensor 5 of this embodiment is configured to be able to communicate with the control device 2. The air quality sensor 5 transmits information about the detected environmental conditions, that is, environmental information about the area where the person H0 is present, to the control device 2.

[0030] (2.4) Configuration of Wind Speed ​​Sensor The multiple wind speed sensors 6 of this embodiment are arranged on walls or the like in a predetermined space of the facility 100. The wind speed sensor 6 is a detection unit that detects the environmental conditions of the area where the person H0 is present. The wind speed sensor 6 of this embodiment measures the wind speed in the area where the person H0 is present.

[0031] The wind speed sensor 6 of this embodiment is configured to be able to communicate with the control device 2. The wind speed sensor 6 transmits information about the detected environmental conditions, that is, environmental information about the area where the person H0 is present, to the control device 2.

[0032] (2.5) Configuration of the Air Blowing Device As shown in Fig. 2, the air blowing device 3 of this embodiment is disposed on a ceiling surface 101 facing a predetermined space in the facility 100. However, the air blowing device 3 may also be disposed on a wall facing the predetermined space, or on a piece of furniture such as a desk.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 , the air blowing device 3 includes a communication unit 31 , an air blowing unit 32 , and an applying unit 33 .

[0034] The communication unit 31 includes a communication interface configured to be able to communicate with the control device 2. The communication unit 31 receives control information from the control device 2.

[0035] As described above, the airflow blowout unit 32 blows out an airflow that travels in a straight line. More specifically, the airflow generated by the airflow blowout unit 32 is a jet, which is a directional airflow that travels in a straight line. The strength of the airflow blown out by the airflow blowout unit 32 is based on the control information that the communication unit 31 receives from the control device 2.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2 , the airflow blowing unit 32 of this embodiment has a main body 321 , a support portion 322 , and a connecting portion 323 .

[0037] The main body 321 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The main body 321 houses a fan. In other words, the main body 321 has a fan. The airflow blowing device 3 generates an airflow by driving the fan housed in the main body 321 to draw air through an air intake port of the main body 321 and blow the air out through an air outlet of the main body 321.

[0038] The support portion 322 is a member that supports the main body portion 321. In this embodiment, the support portion 322 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A first end (upper end) of the support portion 322 is connected to the ceiling surface 101. A second end (lower end) of the support portion 322 is connected to the main body portion 321 via a connecting portion 323. The support portion 322 may be configured to be rotatable around an axial direction (up and down direction).

[0039] The connecting portion 323 connects the main body portion 321 and the support portion 322. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 323 connects the main body portion 321 and the support portion 322 in a state in which the main body portion 321 can rotate around a virtual rotation axis. In other words, the connecting portion 323 connects the main body portion 321 and the support portion 322 in a state in which the main body portion 321 can perform a swinging motion. The rotation axis in this embodiment is along a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the left-right direction in FIG. 2 .

[0040] The imparting unit 33 releases a functional component to impart the functional component to the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing unit 32. Examples of functional components include deodorizing components, fragrance components, disinfecting components, sterilizing components, beauty components, and medicinal components. The type and amount of functional component imparted to the airflow by the imparting unit 33 is based on control information received by the communication unit 31 from the control device 2. The imparting unit 33 in this embodiment is housed in the main body unit 321. However, the imparting unit 33 may also be disposed outside the main body unit 321.

[0041] (2.6) Configuration of the Control Device As shown in FIG. 1, the control device 2 of this embodiment includes a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a processing unit 23.

[0042] The communication unit 21 includes a communication interface configured to be able to communicate with the air blowing device 3, a communication interface configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of information terminals 4, a communication interface configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of air quality sensors 5, and a communication interface configured to be able to communicate with the plurality of wind speed sensors 6. The communication unit 21 transmits control information to the air blowing device 3. The communication unit 21 also receives preference information of the person H0 and position information of the information terminal 4 from each of the plurality of information terminals 4. The communication unit 21 also receives environmental information from each of the plurality of air quality sensors 5 and each of the plurality of wind speed sensors 6.

[0043] The storage unit 22 is a semiconductor memory such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Note that the storage unit 22 is not limited to a semiconductor memory, and may be a hard disk drive or the like. For example, the storage unit 22 stores spatial information of the facility 100. The spatial information includes dimensional design information for a specific space in the facility 100, three-dimensional model data such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) data for the facility 100, position information of the airflow blowing device 3, position information of the multiple air quality sensors 5, position information of the multiple wind speed sensors 6, and position information of the seats of each person H0.

[0044] The processing unit 23 includes an acquisition unit 231 and a control unit 232 .

[0045] The acquisition unit 231 performs an acquisition process (acquisition step). In the acquisition process, the acquisition unit 231 of this embodiment acquires preference information regarding the environmental preferences of the person H0 who is at the destination of the airflow from the information terminal 4 via the communication unit 21. In addition, in the acquisition process, the acquisition unit 231 acquires, as position information of the person H0, location information of the information terminal 4 carried by the person H0 from the information terminal 4 via the communication unit 21. In addition, in the acquisition process, the acquisition unit 231 acquires environmental information of the area where the person H0 is located from the air quality sensor 5 and the wind speed sensor 6 via the communication unit 21.

[0046] The control unit 232 performs a control process (control step). In the control process, the control unit 232 controls the strength of the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing unit 32 toward the person H0, based on the preference information, environmental information, and position information acquired by the acquisition unit 231. Note that the control of the airflow strength performed by the control unit 232 includes control of turning the airflow on and off.

[0047] For example, if the preference information includes information regarding person H0's preference for wind speed strength, the control unit 232 feedback-controls the strength of the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing unit 32 so that the wind speed value detected by the wind speed sensor 6 becomes the wind speed value included in the preference information.

[0048] For example, if the preference information includes information on whether person H0 likes to be exposed to an air current, the control unit 232 controls the strength of the air current blown out by the air current blowing unit 32 according to the preference of person H0. For example, for person H0 who does not like to be exposed to an air current, the control unit 232 performs control to weaken the strength of the air current blown out by the air current blowing unit 32 or control to stop the air current blowing out so that the air current blown out by the air current blowing unit 32 does not reach person H0.

[0049] For example, if the preference information includes information about person H0's preference for the airflow fluctuation pattern, the control unit 232 controls the strength of the airflow blown out by the airflow blowout unit 32 according to person H0's preferred fluctuation pattern.

[0050] By controlling the strength of the airflow according to the preference of each person H0, the comfort of each person H0 can be further improved.

[0051] For example, if the preference information includes information regarding the room temperature preference of person H0, the control unit 232 feedback-controls the strength of the airflow blown out by the airflow blowout unit 32 so that the room temperature value detected by the air quality sensor 5 matches the room temperature value included in the preference information. By controlling the airflow strength according to the air quality preference of each person H0, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each person H0.

[0052] In addition, in the control process, the control unit 232 controls the amount of functional component that the imparting unit 33 imparts to the airflow based on the preference information, environmental information, and position information acquired by the acquisition unit 231.

[0053] For example, if person H0 prefers that a functional component be imparted to the airflow, the control unit 232 controls the imparting unit 33 to impart the functional component to the airflow. When imparting a functional component to the airflow, the control unit 232 controls the amount of functional component to be imparted to the airflow according to the preference of person H0. By controlling the amount of functional component according to the preference of each person H0, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each person H0.

[0054] Furthermore, in the control process, the control unit 232 performs control to select the type of functional component to be applied to the airflow by the application unit 33 based on the preference information, environmental information, and position information acquired by the acquisition unit 231. For example, the control unit 232 selects the type of functional component according to the scent preference of the person H0. By selecting the type of functional component according to the preference of each person H0, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each person H0.

[0055] Furthermore, the control unit 232 of this embodiment uses the position information of the information terminal 4 carried by person H0 as the position information of person H0, so that even if person H0's position changes, it is possible to improve the comfort of each person H0 who is at the destination of the airflow.

[0056] The control unit 232 of this embodiment controls the strength of the airflow, the amount of functional components to be imparted to the airflow, and the type of functional component to be imparted to the airflow for each rotation angle based on the position information of the airflow blowing device 3 and the position information of person H0.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 232 of this embodiment controls the strength of the airflow, the amount of functional component imparted to the airflow, and the type of functional component imparted to the airflow for each rotation angle, with the angle of the main body 321 being set to a reference angle (0°) when the airflow is blown downward. In the example of Fig. 2, angle θ1 is a value within a range of -90° to 0°, and angle θ2 is a value within a range of 0° to 90°. Fig. 2 shows an example in which the area where person H1 is located is area A1, the area where person H2 is located is area A2, and the area where person H3 is located is area A3.

[0058] FIG. 3 shows an example of the relationship between the rotation angle and the magnitude of the air volume (or wind speed). When the rotation angle is within the range of −67.5° to −22.5°, the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing section 32 reaches area A1. The airflow that reaches area A1 reaches person H1. When the rotation angle is within the range of −22.5° to 22.5°, the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing section 32 reaches area A2. The airflow that reaches area A2 reaches person H2. When the rotation angle is within the range of 22.5° to 67.5°, the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing section 32 reaches area A3. The airflow that reaches area A3 reaches person H3. FIG. 3 shows an example in which person H1 prefers to be exposed to the airflow, person H2 prefers not to be exposed to the airflow, and person H3 prefers to be exposed to the fluctuating pattern of airflow.

[0059] (3) Operation of Airflow System Next, the operation of the airflow system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0060] First, the airflow system 1 performs an acquisition process (step S1). In the acquisition process, the airflow system 1 acquires preference information related to the environmental preferences of the person H0, environmental information of the area where the person H0 is located, and position information of the person H0.

[0061] Next, the airflow system 1 performs a control process (step S2). In the control process, the airflow system 1 controls the strength of the airflow, the amount of functional component to be imparted to the airflow, and the type of functional component to be imparted to the airflow for each rotation angle of the airflow blowout unit 32, based on the preference information, environmental information, and position information acquired in the acquisition process.

[0062] By performing the operation shown in FIG. 4, the airflow system 1 can improve the comfort of each person H0 who is in the destination of the airflow.

[0063] The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and the order of the processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or deleted as appropriate.

[0064] (4) Modifications Modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

[0065] Functions equivalent to those of the control device 2 according to the above embodiment may be embodied as a control method, a program, a non-transitory recording medium having a program recorded thereon, or the like. A control method according to one aspect is a control method for an airflow system 1 including an airflow blowing device 3. The airflow blowing device 3 is configured to be capable of rotating about a virtual rotation axis. The airflow blowing device 3 blows out an airflow that travels in a straight line. The control method includes an acquisition step and a control step. In the acquisition step, preference information regarding the environmental preferences of a person H0 at the destination of the airflow and / or environmental information of the area where the person H0 is located are acquired. In the control step, based on the information acquired in the acquisition step, at least one of controlling the strength of the airflow blown out by the rotating airflow blowing device 3 toward the person H0 and controlling the amount of functional components imparted to the airflow is controlled. A program according to one aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the above control method.

[0066] The airflow system 1 or the control method according to the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. The processor executes a program stored in the computer system's memory to realize the functions of the airflow system 1 or the control method according to the present disclosure. The program may be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmed after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices capable of reconfiguring the connections within the LSI or the circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0067] Furthermore, it is not essential for the airflow system 1 that multiple functions of the airflow system 1 are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the airflow system 1 may be distributed across multiple housings. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the airflow system 1, for example, some of the functions of the control device 2, may be realized by the cloud (cloud computing) or the like. Furthermore, some of the functions of the control device 2 may be realized by the airflow blowing device 3.

[0068] Conversely, in the first embodiment, at least some of the functions of the airflow system 1 that are distributed among multiple devices may be integrated into one housing. For example, some of the functions of the airflow system 1 that are distributed among the control device 2 and the airflow blowing device 3 may be integrated into one housing.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the information terminal 4 is a smartphone. However, the information terminal 4 may be a notebook PC or a tablet. The information terminal 4 may be a dedicated beacon transmitter or a dedicated beacon receiver. It is not essential that the information terminal 4 includes at least one of the display unit 41 and the operation unit 42.

[0070] It is not essential that the airflow system 1 include the information terminal 4, and the airflow system 1 may be configured to be able to acquire location information of an information terminal not included in the airflow system 1. In addition, it is not essential that the airflow system 1 acquires location information of the information terminal 4.

[0071] It is not essential that the airflow system 1 includes an air quality sensor 5 and / or a wind speed sensor 6 .

[0072] The airflow system 1 may include a brightness sensor that detects the brightness of the area where the person H0 is present, or a sound sensor that detects the volume of sound in the area where the person H0 is present. When the acquisition unit 231 acquires brightness information as environmental information from the brightness sensor, the control unit 232 controls the strength of the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing unit 32 based on the brightness information. For example, the control unit 232 controls the airflow volume (or wind speed) to be greater the brighter the area where the person H0 is present. Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 231 acquires sound information as environmental information from a sound sensor, the control unit 232 controls the strength of the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing unit 32 based on the sound information. For example, the control unit 232 controls the airflow volume (or wind speed) to be greater the louder the sound in the area where the person H0 is present.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the case where the acquisition unit 231 acquires preference information and environmental information has been exemplified. However, it is sufficient for the acquisition unit 231 to acquire at least one of the preference information and the environmental information. The control unit 232 may control the strength of the airflow, the amount of functional component to be imparted to the airflow, and the type of functional component to be imparted to the airflow, based on at least one of the preference information and the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit 231.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the case where the acquisition unit 231 acquires the position information of person H0 has been exemplified. However, it is not essential for the acquisition unit 231 to acquire the position information of person H0. The control unit 232 may use the seat information of person H0 pre-stored in the storage unit 22 to control the strength of the airflow, the amount of functional component to be imparted to the airflow, and the type of functional component to be imparted to the airflow.

[0075] The control unit 232 may control the rotation speed (or swing speed) based on at least one of the preference information and the environmental information. For example, the control unit 232 may make the rotation speed in an area where a person H0 who likes to be exposed to air currents is present slower than the rotation speed in an area where a person H0 who does not like to be exposed to air currents is present.

[0076] (Summary) As is clear from the above-described embodiments, the control method according to the first aspect is a control method for an airflow system (1) including an airflow blowing device (3). The airflow blowing device (3) is configured to be capable of rotating about a virtual rotation axis. The airflow blowing device (3) blows out an airflow that travels in a straight line. The control method includes an acquisition step and a control step. In the acquisition step, at least one of preference information related to the environmental preferences of a person (H0) at the destination of the airflow and environmental information of the area where the person (H0) is located is acquired. In the control step, based on the information acquired in the acquisition step, at least one of control of the strength of the airflow blown out by the rotating airflow blowing device (3) toward the person (H0) and control of the amount of functional components imparted to the airflow is controlled.

[0077] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0078] In a control method according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, the acquisition step acquires at least preference information of a person (H0). The preference information includes preference information about the person (H0) regarding airflow. The control step controls the strength of the airflow blown toward the person (H0) based on the preference information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0079] According to this aspect, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0080] In a third aspect of the control method, in the first or second aspect, the airflow blowing device (3) has an imparting unit (33) that imparts a functional component to the airflow. In the acquisition step, at least preference information of a person (H0) is acquired. The preference information includes preference information about air quality of the person (H0). In the control step, the amount of the functional component imparted to the airflow blown toward the person (H0) is controlled based on the preference information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0081] According to this aspect, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0082] The control method according to the fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the control step further includes control for selecting the type of functional component to be imparted to the airflow blown toward the person (H0) based on the preference information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0083] According to this aspect, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0084] A fifth aspect of the control method is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the acquisition step acquires at least environmental information about an area where the person (H0) is present. The environmental information includes information about air quality in the area. The control step controls the strength of the airflow blown toward the person (H0) based on the environmental information acquired in the acquisition step.

[0085] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0086] The control method according to the sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein in the acquisition step, location information of an information terminal (4) carried by the person (H0) is further acquired as location information of the person (H0).

[0087] According to this aspect, even if the position of the person (H0) changes, the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow can be improved.

[0088] The configurations other than the first aspect are not essential for the control method and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0089] An airflow system (1) according to a seventh aspect includes an airflow blowing unit (32), an acquisition unit (231), and a control unit (232). The airflow blowing unit (32) is configured to be capable of rotating around a virtual rotation axis. The airflow blowing unit (32) blows out an airflow that travels in a straight line. The acquisition unit (231) acquires at least one of preference information related to the environmental preferences of a person (H0) at the destination of the airflow and environmental information of the area where the person (H0) is located. The control unit (232) controls at least one of the strength of the airflow blown out toward the person (H0) by the rotating airflow blowing unit (32) and the amount of functional components imparted to the airflow, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit (231).

[0090] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0091] In the airflow system (1) according to the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the acquisition unit (231) acquires at least preference information of a person (H0) in the area. The preference information includes preference information about the person (H0) regarding airflow. The control unit (232) controls the strength of the airflow blown toward the person (H0) based on the preference information acquired by the acquisition unit (231).

[0092] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0093] The airflow system (1) according to a ninth aspect is the seventh or eighth aspect, further comprising an imparting unit (33). The imparting unit (33) imparts a functional component to the airflow blown out by the airflow blowing unit (32). The acquiring unit (231) acquires at least preference information of the person (H0). The preference information includes preference information regarding air quality of the person (H0) in the area. The control unit (232) controls the amount of the functional component imparted to the airflow blown out toward the person (H0) based on the preference information acquired by the acquiring unit (231).

[0094] According to this aspect, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0095] In the airflow system (1) according to the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the control unit (232) further controls the type of functional component to be imparted to the airflow blown toward the person (H0) based on the preference information acquired by the acquisition unit (231).

[0096] According to this aspect, it is possible to further improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0097] In the airflow system (1) according to an eleventh aspect, in any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, the acquisition unit (231) acquires at least environmental information of an area where the person (H0) is present. The environmental information includes information about air quality in the area. The control unit (232) controls the strength of the airflow blown toward the person (H0) based on the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit (231).

[0098] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0099] The airflow system (1) according to a twelfth aspect is the eleventh aspect, further comprising a detection unit (air quality sensor 5; wind speed sensor 6). The detection unit detects the environmental conditions of an area where a person (H0) is present. The acquisition unit (231) acquires environmental information about the area from the detection unit.

[0100] In the airflow system (1) according to the thirteenth aspect, in any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects, the acquisition unit (231) further acquires the location information of the information terminal (4) carried by the person (H0) as the location information of the person (H0).

[0101] The configurations other than the seventh aspect are not essential for the airflow system (1) and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0102] A program according to a fourteenth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0103] According to this aspect, it is possible to improve the comfort of each person (H0) who is in the direction of the airflow.

[0104] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Airflow system 231 Acquisition unit 232 Control unit 3 Airflow blowout device 32 Airflow blowout unit 33 Providing unit 4 Information terminal 5 Air quality sensor (detection unit) 6 Wind speed sensor (detection unit) H0 Person

Claims

1. A control method for an airflow system including an airflow blowout device configured to be able to perform a rotational movement around a virtual rotation axis and blow out a straight airflow, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring preference information regarding environmental preferences of a person at a destination of the airflow and / or environmental information of an area where the person is present; a control step of controlling at least one of the strength of the airflow blown out toward the person by the airflow blowing device performing the rotating operation and the amount of a functional component to be imparted to the airflow, based on the information acquired in the acquisition step; having Control method.

2. In the acquiring step, at least the preference information of the person is acquired; the preference information includes airflow preference information for the person; In the control step, a strength of the airflow blown toward the person is controlled based on the preference information acquired in the acquisition step. The control method according to claim 1 .

3. the airflow blowing device has an imparting unit that imparts the functional component to the airflow, In the acquiring step, at least the preference information of the person is acquired; the preference information includes air quality preference information for the person; In the control step, an amount of the functional component to be imparted to the airflow blown toward the person is controlled based on the preference information acquired in the acquisition step. The control method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control step further performs control to select the type of the functional component to be imparted to the airflow blown toward the person based on the preference information acquired in the acquisition step. The control method according to claim 3 .

5. In the acquiring step, at least the environmental information of the area where the person is present is acquired; The environmental information includes information about the air quality of the area, In the control step, a strength of the airflow blown toward the person is controlled based on the environmental information acquired in the acquisition step. The control method according to claim 1 or 2.

6. In the acquiring step, location information of an information terminal carried by the person is further acquired as location information of the person. The control method according to claim 1 or 2.

7. an airflow blowout unit configured to be capable of rotating about a virtual rotation axis and blowing out a straight airflow; an acquisition unit that acquires at least one of preference information regarding environmental preferences of a person at a destination of the airflow and environmental information of an area where the person is present; a control unit that controls at least one of the strength of the airflow blown out toward the person by the airflow blowing unit that is rotating and the amount of a functional component to be imparted to the airflow, based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; and Equipped with Airflow system.

8. the acquisition unit acquires at least the preference information of the person in the area; the preference information includes airflow preference information for the person; The control unit controls the strength of the airflow blown toward the person based on the preference information acquired by the acquisition unit. The airflow system of claim 7.

9. The air conditioner further includes an imparting unit that imparts the functional component to the airflow blown out by the airflow blowout unit, The acquisition unit acquires at least the preference information of the person, the preference information includes preference information regarding air quality for the person in the area; the control unit controls the amount of the functional component to be imparted to the airflow blown toward the person based on the preference information acquired by the acquisition unit.

9. An airflow system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The control unit further controls the type of the functional component to be imparted to the airflow blown toward the person based on the preference information acquired by the acquisition unit.

10. The airflow system of claim 9.

11. the acquisition unit acquires at least the environmental information of the area where the person is present; The environmental information includes information about the air quality of the area, The control unit controls the strength of the airflow blown toward the person based on the environmental information acquired by the acquisition unit.

9. An airflow system according to claim 7 or 8.

12. Further, a detection unit is provided to detect an environmental condition of the area where the person is present, The acquisition unit acquires the environmental information of the area from the detection unit.

12. The airflow system of claim 11.

13. The acquisition unit further acquires location information of an information terminal carried by the person as location information of the person.

9. An airflow system according to claim 7 or 8.

14. 3. A method for causing one or more processors to execute the control method according to claim 1 or 2, program.