Information processing device and air-conditioning system

Abstract

This information processing device includes: a declaration acquisition unit that acquires a hot / cold sensation declaration indicating an evaluation of the hot / cold sensation of an air-conditioning target space reported by a user present in the air-conditioning target space; a comfort arithmetic unit that obtains a comfort index of the user, and when the hot / cold sensation declaration is acquired, updates the comfort index of the user on the basis of the acquired hot / cold sensation declaration; a parameter changing unit that changes a parameter relating to the update of the comfort index on the basis of the sameness or difference between two consecutive hot / cold sensation declarations and the interval between the times at which the two consecutive hot / cold sensation declarations are acquired; and a storage device that stores the parameter.

Description

Information processing device and air conditioning system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device and an air conditioning system that calculate a comfort index for a user.

[0002] Conventionally, various comfort indices have been proposed for air conditioning systems to improve user comfort. As one comfort index, an air conditioning control system has been disclosed that monitors the predicted mean vote (PMV) of users in an air-conditioned space and controls the air conditioner (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2008 / 087959

[0004] The comfort index used in the air-conditioning control system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is merely a general index. To achieve control that reflects the user's actual experience, it is conceivable to update the comfort index by reflecting the user's evaluation of the thermal sensation of the air-conditioned space controlled based on the comfort index. However, each user perceives thermal sensation in a variety of ways, and if the method of reflecting the evaluation of thermal sensation in the comfort index (for example, how much to adjust the comfort index when the user evaluates the space as "hot") is inappropriate, the user will not be able to achieve comfort even with air-conditioning control based on such a comfort index.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and provides an information processing device that can adapt the update content of a comfort index to the user's perception of thermal sensation, and an air conditioning system that conditions air based on the comfort index determined by the information processing device.

[0006] The information processing device according to the present disclosure includes a declaration acquisition unit that acquires a thermal sensation declaration indicating an evaluation of the thermal sensation of the air-conditioned space declared by a user present in the air-conditioned space; a comfort calculation unit that calculates the user's comfort index and, when the thermal sensation declaration is acquired, updates the user's comfort index based on the acquired thermal sensation declaration; a parameter change unit that changes parameters related to updating the comfort index based on the similarities and differences between two consecutive thermal sensation declarations and the time interval between the acquisition of the two consecutive thermal sensation declarations; and a storage device that stores the parameters.

[0007] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an information processing device and an air conditioner that conditions the air in a space to be air-conditioned using a user comfort index determined by the information processing device.

[0008] The information processing device of the present disclosure changes parameters related to updating of the comfort index based on the similarity or difference between two consecutive thermal sensation declarations and the time interval between the acquisition of the two consecutive thermal sensation declarations. Thus, the information processing device of the present disclosure can adapt the update content of the comfort index to the user's perception of thermal sensation.

[0009] 14 is a diagram illustrating an outline of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 15 is a refrigerant circuit diagram illustrating an air conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating an indoor unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the angle of a first flap and the air blowing direction according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the angle of a second flap and the air blowing direction according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram illustrating a control device for an air conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 19 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example configuration of a control device for an air conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram illustrating a terminal device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 20 is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating an example configuration of a control device for a terminal device according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation procedure of an information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 22 is a functional block diagram illustrating an information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining updating of activity amount according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating control conditions and control contents of an information processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the first control of FIG. 14. FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the third control of FIG. 14. FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the fifth control of FIG. 14. FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the seventh control of FIG. 14. Fig. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a control device of an information processing device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation of the information processing device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a correction amount change determination process of the information processing device according to embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a reflection time change determination process of the information processing device according to embodiment 1.

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Various specific setting examples described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the described setting examples. Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, communication refers to either wireless communication or wired communication, or both. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, communication may be a communication method in which wireless communication and wired communication are mixed. For example, the communication method may be such that wireless communication is performed in one section and wired communication is performed in another space. Furthermore, communication from one device to another device may be performed by wired communication, and communication from the other device to the present device may be performed by wireless communication.

[0011] Embodiment 1. The configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning apparatus 2, a terminal device 3, an information processing device 4, and a fixed station 5. The air conditioning apparatus 2 conditions the air in a room, which is a space to be air-conditioned. The terminal device 3 is a communication device carried by a user in the room, such as a smartphone. The information processing device 4 is a device that is communicatively connected to the air conditioning apparatus 2, the terminal device 3, and the fixed station 5, such as a cloud server. The fixed station 5 is a device that is placed in the space to be air-conditioned and measures the position information of the terminal device 3. Note that multiple fixed stations 5 may be provided in the room. The air conditioning apparatus 2, the terminal device 3, and the fixed station 5 are communicatively connected to the information processing device 4 via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet.

[0012] The air conditioner 2 will now be described. Figure 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing the air conditioner 2 pertaining to Embodiment 1. The air conditioner 2 has an outdoor unit 6 that generates hot or cold heat, and an indoor unit 7 that adjusts indoor air using the hot or cold heat generated by the outdoor unit 6. The outdoor unit 6 has a compressor 11, a flow path switching device 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, an expansion valve 14, and an outdoor blower 15. The indoor unit 7 has an indoor heat exchanger 21 and an indoor blower 22.

[0013] The compressor 11 compresses the refrigerant it draws in and discharges it. The compressor 11 is, for example, an inverter compressor whose capacity can be changed. The flow path switching device 12 changes the flow direction of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit. The flow path switching device 12 is, for example, a four-way valve. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and outside air. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger. The expansion valve 14 decompresses the refrigerant to expand it. The expansion valve 14 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The outdoor blower 15 supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

[0014] The indoor heat exchanger 21 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the indoor air. The indoor heat exchanger 21 is, for example, a fin-tube heat exchanger. The indoor blower 22 supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The indoor blower 22 is, for example, a cross-flow fan.

[0015] The compressor 11, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the expansion valve 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 are connected by refrigerant piping to form a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates. The refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit while repeatedly compressing and expanding, forming a heat pump. The indoor unit 7 adjusts the air in the room by performing operations such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and ventilation.

[0016] The indoor unit 7 has an airflow direction adjustment unit 23, a room temperature sensor 31, a humidity sensor 32, a temperature sensor 33, and a control device 34. The airflow direction adjustment unit 23 has a first flap 24 and a second flap 25 that adjust the direction of air blown out from the indoor unit 7. The room temperature sensor 31 detects the temperature of the air in the room. The humidity sensor 32 detects the humidity of the air in the room. The temperature sensor 33 detects the temperature Tb of the air blown out from the indoor unit 7 into the room.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the indoor unit 7 according to Embodiment 1. Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the indoor unit 7 cut in the vertical direction. The indoor unit 7 is embedded in the ceiling Ce. When the indoor blower 22 rotates, an airflow is formed in the indoor unit 7 in the direction shown by the dashed arrow, and the air is blown out into the room through the air outlet 26. A first flap 24 and a second flap 25 are provided in the air outlet 26.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the angle of the first flaps 24 and the air blowing direction according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the indoor unit 7 as viewed from above, with the first flaps 24 visible through the view for illustrative purposes. As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor unit 7 has four first flaps 24. The angle of the first flaps 24 is represented as θh, and the front direction of the indoor unit 7 (the negative direction of the Y axis) is set as the horizontal reference θh0 = 0°. In FIG. 4, the air blowing direction ad1 at a horizontal angle θh1 is indicated by a dashed arrow, and the air blowing direction ad2 at a horizontal angle θh2 is indicated by a solid arrow.

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the angle of the second flap 25 and the air blowing direction according to Embodiment 1. For the sake of explanation, Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of the second flap 25. The downward direction of the indoor unit 7 (the negative direction of the Z axis) is set as the vertical reference Vax, and the angle of the second flap 25 is represented as θv. In Figure 5, the air blowing direction ad3 when the vertical angle is θv1 is indicated by a solid arrow, and the air blowing direction ad4 when the vertical angle is θv2 is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0020] In the first embodiment, the indoor unit 7 is described as a ceiling-embedded type, but the indoor unit 7 is not limited to the ceiling-embedded type and may be of other types, such as a type attached to the indoor-facing surface of the ceiling Ce or a type attached to a wall. The configuration of the indoor unit 7 shown in Figures 3 to 5 is merely an example, and the configuration of the indoor unit 7 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 3 to 5. For example, the arrangement of the indoor heat exchanger 21 and the indoor blower 22 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 3.

[0021] Furthermore, the configuration for adjusting the blowing direction of air blown out from the indoor unit 7 is not limited to the airflow direction adjustment unit 23 described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 . For example, the number of first flaps 24 may be one to three, or five or more. The number of second flaps 25 may also be three or more. While the above-described airflow direction adjustment unit 23 includes a first flap 24 that adjusts the horizontal angle and a second flap 25 that adjusts the vertical angle, it may also be configured with a single type of vane that can adjust the angle in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, the means for adjusting the blowing direction of air blown out from the indoor unit 7 is not limited to a means such as the airflow direction adjustment unit 23, but may also be a means for changing the direction of the air outlet 26 itself. For example, a means for changing the vertical and horizontal angles of the air outlet 26 may be considered.

[0022] The control device 34 controls the operation of each device in the air conditioning apparatus 2. Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the control device 34 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the control device 34 is communicatively connected to the room temperature sensor 31, the humidity sensor 32, and the temperature sensor 33. The control device 34 is also communicatively connected to the compressor 11, the flow path switching device 12, the expansion valve 14, the outdoor blower 15, the indoor blower 22, and the airflow direction adjustment unit 23. The control device 34 has a refrigeration cycle control unit 41 and a communication unit 42 as functional units.

[0023] 2 shows a case where the control device 34 is provided in the indoor unit 7, the installation location of the control device 34 is not limited to the indoor unit 7. The control device 34 may be provided in the outdoor unit 6, or may be provided in a location other than both the outdoor unit 6 and the indoor unit 7.

[0024] The refrigeration cycle control unit 41 controls the flow path switching device 12 in response to the operation of the indoor unit 7, such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and ventilation. The refrigeration cycle control unit 41 controls the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit based on the room temperature, the set temperature, and the indoor humidity and set humidity. For example, the refrigeration cycle control unit 41 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 11, the opening of the expansion valve 14, and the rotation speeds of the indoor blower 22 and the outdoor blower 15 so that the room temperature matches the set temperature within a certain range and the indoor humidity matches the set humidity within a certain range. The set temperature and set humidity are set in the control device 34 by the user via a remote controller (not shown). In addition, the wind speed W of the airflow generated by the indoor blower 22 is set to three levels, for example, high, medium, and low.

[0025] The refrigeration cycle control unit 41 also transmits environmental information to the communication unit 42, including the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 31 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32. The refrigeration cycle control unit 41 transmits operating information to the communication unit 42, including the frequency of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 14, the temperature Tb detected by the temperature sensor 33, the horizontal angle θh of the first flap 24, the vertical angle θv of the second flap 25, and the wind speed W.

[0026] Furthermore, when the refrigeration cycle control unit 41 receives information about an air conditioning control pattern from the communication unit 42, it controls the compressor 11, the indoor blower 22, or the air direction adjustment unit 23 in accordance with the air conditioning control pattern. Specifically, the air conditioning control pattern includes at least settings related to the blowing temperature, wind speed, and wind direction of the air supplied to the air-conditioned space, and the refrigeration cycle control unit 41 adjusts the blowing temperature, wind speed, and wind direction in accordance with the air conditioning control pattern.

[0027] An air conditioning control pattern is a combination of four control parameters, for example, the temperature Tb detected by the temperature sensor 33, the horizontal angle θh of the first flap 24, the vertical angle θv of the second flap 25, and the wind speed W of the air blown out from the indoor unit 7. Each of the multiple air conditioning control patterns is a combination of these four control parameters such that at least one of the control parameters is different from the others. For example, if each of the four control parameters can take three values, the total number of air conditioning control patterns is 81. Specific examples of the multiple air conditioning control patterns will be described later.

[0028] The communication unit 42 transmits the environmental information and operation information received from the refrigeration cycle control unit 41 to the information processing device 4. When the communication unit 42 receives information on an air conditioning control pattern from the information processing device 4, it transmits the received information on the air conditioning control pattern to the refrigeration cycle control unit 41. The communication unit 42 transmits and receives information to and from the information processing device 4 according to, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

[0029] Here, the hardware configuration of the control device 34 will be described. Fig. 7 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example configuration of the control device 34 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 according to Embodiment 1. When the various functions of the control device 34 are executed by hardware, the control device 34 is configured by a processing circuit 50, as shown in Fig. 7. Each functional unit is realized by the processing circuit 50. The processing circuit 50 corresponds to, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0030] Another example of the hardware configuration of the control device 34 will be described. Fig. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example configuration of the control device 34 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 according to Embodiment 1. When the various functions of the control device 34 are executed by software, the control device 34 is composed of a processor 51 and a memory 52, as shown in Fig. 8. Each functional unit is realized by the processor 51 and the memory 52. ​​Fig. 8 shows that the processor 51 and the memory 52 are communicably connected to each other via a bus 53.

[0031] Each functional unit is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 52. ​​The processor 51 realizes the function of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 52. ​​The memory 52 may be, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0032] Next, the terminal device 3 will be described. Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram showing the terminal device 3 according to the first embodiment. The terminal device 3 is used to allow the information processing device 4 to identify the user's location information. The terminal device 3 is also a device used to transmit a thermal sensation report to the information processing device 4. The terminal device 3 has an operation display device 61 and a control device 62.

[0033] The operation display device 61 is, for example, a touch panel. The operation display device 61 may be a combination of an operation unit such as physical keys or a keyboard and a display unit such as a display.

[0034] The control device 62 has, as functional units, a communication unit 63 and a thermal sensation reporting unit 64. The communication unit 63 performs wireless communication for the information processing device 4 to identify the location information of the terminal device 3. For example, the communication unit 63 performs UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication with multiple fixed stations 5. The multiple fixed stations 5 transmit to the information processing device 4 the signal arrival time and signal arrival angle from the terminal device 3, as well as identification information for identifying the terminal device 3 with which they are communicating. The transmission cycle is, for example, once per second. The information processing device 4 analyzes the signal arrival time and signal arrival angle received from the multiple fixed stations 5 to identify the location information of the terminal device 3.

[0035] The communication unit 63 may perform BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication with multiple beacons (not shown) installed in the room, identify location information of the terminal device 3 in the air-conditioned space from the communication strength with the multiple beacons, and transmit the location information to the information processing device 4. The communication unit 63 may also transmit the location information of the terminal device 3 to the information processing device 4 using a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System). Furthermore, the communication unit 63 may combine the above-mentioned methods to cause the information processing device 4 to identify the location of the terminal device 3.

[0036] The thermal sensation reporting unit 64 displays an input screen on the operation display device 61 for receiving a thermal sensation report, which is an evaluation of the thermal sensation of the room reported by the user. The input screen includes at least buttons indicating the report content, such as "cold," "hot," and "normal." The user selects a button displayed on the input screen to report the thermal sensation of the room. The user can select a button multiple times. The thermal sensation reporting unit 64 transmits the thermal sensation report input by the user and identification information for identifying the terminal device 3 on which the operation was performed to the information processing device 4 each time. If the terminal device 3 on which the operation was performed is the same as the terminal device 3 that performed wireless communication with the fixed station 5, the same identification information is assigned.

[0037] The hardware configuration of the control device 62 of the terminal device 3 will be described. Fig. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 62 of the terminal device 3. As shown in Fig. 10, the control device 62 is composed of a processor 71 such as a CPU and a memory 72. Each functional unit is realized by the processor 71 and the memory 72. Fig. 10 shows that the processor 71 and the memory 72 are connected to each other via a bus 73 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0038] Each functional unit is realized by software or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 72. The software is, for example, an application program for managing the air conditioning apparatus 2, which is installed in the terminal device 3 by the user. The processor 71 realizes the function of each unit by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 72. The memory 72 may be, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM.

[0039] Before describing the configuration of the information processing device 4, we will now explain the comfort index used by the information processing device 4 when determining the air conditioning control pattern for the air conditioner 2. First, we will explain PMV, which is one type of comfort index.

[0040] PMV is a value proposed by Professor Fanger of the Technical University of Denmark as an index for numerically evaluating human comfort and thermal sensation in a thermal environment. PMV was internationally standardized as ISO-7730 in 1984. PMV links the thermal load of the human body with a person's thermal sensation. Specifically, PMV is calculated by formulating a heat balance equation for the human body based on factors from the air environment and factors from the human body, and then substituting into this heat balance equation the equation for the skin temperature at which a person feels comfortable and the amount of heat lost through sweating. Factors from the air environment include not only air temperature, but also factors such as radiant temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, and airflow. Factors from the human body include a person's activity level, amount of clothing worn, and average skin temperature.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the case where the comfort index is IPMV (Individual PMV), which is an index of personal comfort, will be described. The IPMV value is a value based on PMV, but is not an average value of the thermal sensation of the entire air-conditioned space, but a value indicating the local thermal sensation, which is the thermal sensation at a specific position where a person is present. IPMV is expressed by the following equation (1):

[0042]

[0043] The eight variables in equation (1) are explained below: M is metabolic rate [W / m ２ ], and W is the mechanical work [W / m ２ Ed is the insensible perspiration rate [W / m ２ ], and Es is the amount of heat loss from sweat evaporation from the skin surface [W / m ２ Ere is the amount of latent heat loss due to respiration [W / m ２ ], and Cre is the sensible heat loss due to respiration [W / m ２ ]. R is the radiation heat loss [W / m ２ ] and C is the convection heat loss [W / m ２ ].

[0044] As shown in formula (1), IPMV is a numerical representation of a person's thermal sensation based on temperature, humidity, radiant temperature, etc. The IPMV ranges from -3 to +3. IPMV = 0 is considered neutral. IPMV = 0 is defined as comfortable. IPMV = 3 is defined as hot, IPMV = 2 is defined as warm, and IPMV = 1 is defined as slightly warm. IPMV = -3 is defined as cold, IPMV = -2 is defined as cool, and IPMV = -1 is defined as slightly cool. In other words, the closer the IPMV is to 0, the higher the level of comfort for humans.

[0045] Next, the information processing device 4 will be described. The information processing device 4 calculates the IPMVs for the positions of multiple users in a room, and provides the air conditioning device 2 with an optimal air-conditioning control pattern determined based on each user's IPMV. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation procedure of the information processing device 4 pertaining to embodiment 1. An overview of the operation of the information processing device 4 will be described using Fig. 11.

[0046] First, as shown in FIG. 11( a), the information processing device 4 generates a distribution group consisting of a collection of multiple IPMV distributions for each activity amount value, targeting multiple activity amounts. The activity amount is a type of human biometric information and is used to generate an IPMV database in the model generation unit 92 using a method described below. The activity amount is expressed in a unit called MET (Metabolic Equivalent), which indicates exercise intensity. Various types of exercise are quantified using MET; for example, the exercise intensity of a person sitting quietly and watching television is defined as 1.0 MET. The IPMV distribution is a distribution of IPMVs at multiple positions in the air-conditioned space corresponding to multiple air-conditioning control patterns of the air conditioner 2.

[0047] In the example of Figure 11(a), the information processing device 4 generates distribution groups for multiple activity amounts ranging from 0.1 MET to 3.0 MET in 0.1 MET increments. Each distribution group consists of IPMV distributions corresponding to 81 different air conditioning control patterns. That is, the information processing device 4 generates 81 different IPMV distributions for an activity amount of 0.1 MET, collecting these together into one distribution group, and generates 81 different IPMV distributions for an activity amount of 0.2 MET, collecting these together into another distribution group. Similarly, 81 different IPMV distributions are generated for activity amounts up to 3.0 MET in increments of 0.1 MET, and each collection is collected into a separate distribution group.

[0048] The information processing device 4 generates a distribution group corresponding to each of the plurality of activity amounts and stores the plurality of distribution groups as an IPMV database. Note that the intervals and ranges of the activity amounts to be generated and the number of air-conditioning control patterns described above are merely examples.

[0049] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the information processing device 4 identifies a distribution group corresponding to the activity amount of each user from the plurality of distribution groups. In the example of Fig. 11(b), the activity amount of user A is 1.0 MET and the activity amount of user B is 2.0 MET.

[0050] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(c), the information processing device 4 extracts, for each user, a plurality of IPMVs corresponding to the user's location information from the plurality of IPMV distributions within the identified distribution group. Fig. 11(c) shows an example in which user A is located at coordinates (x, y) = (2, 7) and user B is located at coordinates (x, y) = (7, 9).

[0051] Next, as shown in Fig. 11(d), the information processing device 4 calculates comfort efficiencies ζ, which indicate the overall comfort level of multiple users for multiple air-conditioning control patterns, using the multiple IPMVs extracted corresponding to the positions of each user. In the example of Fig. 11(d), 81 comfort efficiencies ζ corresponding to the 81 air-conditioning control patterns for each user are calculated.

[0052] Then, as shown in FIG. 11( e ), the information processing device 4 determines, from among a plurality of air conditioning control patterns, the air conditioning control pattern that maximizes the calculated comfort efficiency ζ.

[0053] In this way, the information processing device 4 determines an air conditioning control pattern that changes the air discharge temperature, air direction, air volume, etc. so that the IPMV at the location where the user is present approaches neutral, and transmits this to the air conditioning device 2. The information processing device 4 does not try to neutralize the PMV in all areas of the room, but determines an air conditioning control pattern so that the IPMV at the location where the user is present approaches neutral, and does not include the IPMV at locations where the user is not present in the factors determining the air conditioning control pattern.

[0054] Fig. 12 is a functional block diagram showing an information processing device 4 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 12, the information processing device 4 has a control device 81 and a storage device 82. The control device 81 has, as functional units that perform the process of determining the above-described air conditioning control pattern, a data acquisition unit 91, a model generation unit 92, a declaration acquisition unit 93, an activity amount calculation unit 94, a position information acquisition unit 95, a comfort calculation unit 96, an efficiency calculation unit 97, a control determination unit 98, and a parameter change unit 99.

[0055] The data acquisition unit 91 periodically stores the environmental information and operating information received from the air conditioning device 2 in the storage device 82. The data acquisition unit 91 periodically stores the information received from the air conditioning device 2 in chronological order in the storage device 82, and monitors the operating status of the air conditioning device 2.

[0056] The model generation unit 92 reads environmental information and operating information from the storage device 82, reflects the read information in a standard three-dimensional fluid model that is a three-dimensional model of the air-conditioned space, and performs CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis to generate an IPMV database.

[0057] Specifically, the model generation unit 92 performs CFD analysis on a plurality of air-conditioning control patterns for each of a plurality of activity amounts for the entire air-conditioned space, and generates a plurality of distribution groups each consisting of a plurality of IPMV distributions ( FIG. 11( a)). The IPMV distributions are obtained by dividing the air-conditioned space into a plurality of rectangular regions by the CFD analysis, and calculating the IPMV for each rectangular region.

[0058] The IPMV for each rectangular region can be derived from the above-mentioned formula (1). Here, the values ​​of the eight variables in formula (1) can be derived from six values: the local temperature of the rectangular region, the local wind speed of the rectangular region, the local radiant temperature and humidity of the rectangular region, and the amount of clothing and activity of the user. It is known that activity level = metabolic rate / basal metabolic rate. A representative value is given to the basal metabolic rate as a constant.

[0059] The model generation unit 92 calculates the local temperature, local wind speed, local radiation temperature, and humidity in each rectangular region under conditions that combine each of a plurality of preset activity amounts with each of a plurality of preset air-conditioning control patterns. The model generation unit 92 estimates the temperature at a specific location as the local temperature from the temperature distribution in the air-conditioned space indicated by the CFD analysis results. The model generation unit 92 acquires the humidity value detected by the humidity sensor 32 and stored in the storage device 82. The model generation unit 92 estimates the wind speed at a specific location from the overall air wind speed in the air-conditioned space indicated by the CFD analysis results. The local radiation temperature is assumed to be equivalent to the room temperature. Therefore, the model generation unit 92 acquires the room temperature value detected by the room temperature sensor 31 and stored in the storage device 82. The model generation unit 92 also acquires the clo value, which is preset for each season, based on calendar information at the time of control, etc., to acquire the amount of clothing. The clo value is stored, for example, in the storage device 82.

[0060] The model generating unit 92 generates distribution groups for a plurality of activity amounts, for example, between 0.1 MET and 3.0 MET, divided into 0.1 MET intervals.

[0061] The model generation unit 92 generates IPMV distributions for air conditioning control patterns that are combinations of, for example, three patterns related to the angle θh of the first flap 24, three patterns related to the angle θv of the second flap 25, three patterns related to the wind speed W, and three patterns related to the temperature Tb. In other words, the model generation unit 92 generates IPMV distributions for 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 = 81 different air conditioning control patterns.

[0062] For example, the horizontal angle θh of the first flap 24 has three patterns: 30° leftward (positive direction of the X axis in FIG. 4), 0°, and 30° rightward (negative direction of the X axis in FIG. 4). The vertical angle θv of the second flap 25 has three patterns: θv = 20°, 45°, and 60°. The wind speed W has three patterns: high, medium, and low. The temperature Tb of the air blown out from the indoor unit 7 has three patterns: high, medium, and low.

[0063] The declaration acquisition unit 93 communicates with the terminal device 3 to acquire thermal sensation declarations made by users present in the air-conditioned space. When there are multiple users identified by identification information in the air-conditioned space, the declaration acquisition unit 93 acquires a thermal sensation declaration for each user.

[0064] The activity amount calculation unit 94 calculates the activity amount for each user based on the reference value of the activity amount and the thermal sensation report acquired by the report acquisition unit 93. The reference value of the activity amount is the value of the activity amount expected when the report content of the thermal sensation report is "normal", and is, for example, 1.0 MET. The correction amount of the activity amount is a value indicating how much to adjust the activity amount when a thermal sensation report with the report content being "hot" or "cold" is input from the terminal device 3. Specifically, when a thermal sensation report has not been acquired, the activity amount calculation unit 94 sets the user's activity amount to the reference value. When a thermal sensation report has been acquired, the activity amount calculation unit 94 updates the activity amount by adding or subtracting a correction amount based on the report content of the thermal sensation report to the activity amount at the time of control.

[0065] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating updating of an activity amount according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13 , when a thermal sensation report indicating "hot" is made, the activity amount calculation unit 94 adds a correction amount to the activity amount (reference value) at the time of control to update the user's activity amount. Furthermore, when a thermal sensation report indicating "cold" is made, the activity amount calculation unit 94 subtracts a correction amount from the activity amount (reference value) at the time of control to update the user's activity amount. Although not shown in FIG. 13 , when a thermal sensation report indicating "normal" is made, the activity amount calculation unit 94 returns the activity amount to the reference value. Hereinafter, a thermal sensation report indicating "hot" or "cold" may be referred to as a corrected report. Furthermore, in contrast to a corrected report, a thermal sensation report indicating "normal" may be referred to as a non-corrected report. The reference value and correction amount of the activity amount for each user are linked to the thermal sensation report using identification information. The reference value of the activity amount is stored in the storage device 82 in correspondence with the user identified by the identification information. The corrected amount of the activity amount is stored in the storage device 82 for each type of corrected declaration ("hot" or "cold") in correspondence with the user identified by the identification information.

[0066] The amended declaration includes a reflection time, which indicates the time at which the amended declaration is reflected in the update of the activity amount. The reflection time is not declared by the user, but is automatically measured by the information processing device 4 in response to the amended declaration. When the reflection time has elapsed, the activity amount calculation unit 94 returns the activity amount to the reference value without waiting for the user to input a non-amended declaration. As described above, the activity amount affects the determination of the air conditioning control pattern, so the air conditioning control pattern is redetermined by correcting the activity amount. The reflection time is set in consideration of the fact that redetermining the air conditioning control pattern based on the amended declaration eliminates the user's sensation of being "hot" or "cold," and is, for example, 30 minutes. When the reflection time has elapsed, the air conditioning control pattern is redetermined. In other words, the reflection time can also be rephrased as the time during which the air conditioning control pattern determined based on the amended declaration is valid. The reflection time is stored in the storage device 82 for each type of amended declaration ("hot" or "cold") and associated with the user identified by the identification information.

[0067] Although not shown in FIG. 13 , if the same type of amended return is repeatedly obtained before the reflection time has elapsed, the activity amount calculation unit 94 updates the activity amount a number of times corresponding to the number of amended returns. In this case, the end of the reflection time shall be in accordance with the preceding amended return. If the same type of amended return is repeatedly obtained before the reflection time has elapsed, the activity amount calculation unit 94 resets the activity amount to the reference value when the reflection time has elapsed. However, the reflection time may be measured separately for the preceding amended return and the subsequent amended return, and the updates based on the corresponding amendment amounts may be gradually eliminated as the reflection time elapses.

[0068] Furthermore, if a different type of amended declaration is made before the reflection time has elapsed (for example, if a "cold" thermal sensation declaration is acquired after a "hot" thermal sensation declaration), the activity amount calculation unit 94 updates the activity amount based on the subsequent amended declaration at the time the subsequent amended declaration is made. In this case, the end of the reflection time shall be in accordance with the subsequent amended declaration.

[0069] The position information acquisition unit 95 communicates with the terminal device 3 carried by the user or the fixed station 5 to identify the user's position information. Specifically, the position information acquisition unit 95 identifies the position information of the terminal device 3 in the air-conditioned space based on layout information about the air-conditioned space and the signal arrival times and signal arrival angles received from multiple fixed stations 5. The position information is expressed, for example, as coordinates (x, y) on a plane. Note that the position information acquisition unit 95 may also receive the position information in the air-conditioned space directly from the terminal device 3.

[0070] The comfort calculation unit 96 calculates the IPMV of the user based on the activity amount. Specifically, first, the comfort calculation unit 96 refers to the IPMV database and identifies, for each user identified by the identification information, a distribution group corresponding to the activity amount calculated by the activity amount calculation unit 94 ( FIG. 11( b) ). Second, for each user, the comfort calculation unit 96 extracts, from the multiple IPMV distributions within the identified distribution group, multiple IPMVs corresponding to the user's location information detected by the location information acquisition unit 95 ( FIG. 11( c) ).

[0071] The efficiency calculation unit 97 calculates a comfort efficiency ζ, which indicates the overall comfort level of multiple users, for each of multiple air-conditioning control patterns, using the multiple IPMVs extracted corresponding to each user's position ( FIG. 11( d) ). The efficiency calculation unit 97 calculates the comfort efficiency ζ for each of the multiple air-conditioning control patterns using equation (2). Here, 81 comfort efficiencies ζ corresponding to the 81 air-conditioning control patterns are calculated.

[0072]

[0073] In equation (2), the number attached to "IPMV" is an identification number that is unique to each user, and K is the number of users in the room. Note that the target value is to set the individual IPMV within ±0.5, so that when |IPMVk| > 0.5, |IPMVk| is set to 0.5.

[0074] The comfort efficiency ζ is a value that evaluates how close the thermal sensations of multiple users are to neutral (individual IPMV = 0). The comfort efficiency ζ is a value that indicates the overall comfort level of multiple users in a room. The higher the comfort efficiency ζ (up to 100%), the more comfortable the multiple users in the room will be. In other words, a comfort efficiency ζ = 100% means that multiple users are comfortable, and a comfort efficiency ζ = 0% means that multiple users are uncomfortable.

[0075] The control decision unit 98 determines, from among the multiple air conditioning control patterns, the air conditioning control pattern that maximizes the calculated comfort efficiency ζ ( FIG. 11( e)). Here, the air conditioning control pattern that maximizes the comfort efficiency ζ from among the comfort efficiencies ζ corresponding to the 81 air conditioning control patterns is determined. The control decision unit 98 transmits the determined air conditioning control pattern to the air conditioner 2.

[0076] The parameter change unit 99 changes the activity amount correction amount and the reflection time based on the similarity or difference between two consecutive thermal sensation declarations and the time interval between the acquisition of the two consecutive thermal sensation declarations. As described above, when a correction declaration is acquired, the user's activity amount and IPMV are updated. The reflection time refers to the time during which the air conditioning control pattern corresponding to the updated user's IPMV is executed by the air conditioning apparatus 2. Therefore, the activity amount correction amount and the reflection time are parameters related to IPMV update. Note that "changing the activity amount correction amount and the reflection time based on the similarity or difference between two consecutive thermal sensation declarations and the time interval between the acquisition of the two consecutive thermal sensation declarations" means that the presence or absence of updating the parameters related to IPMV update and the content of the update are determined based on whether the two consecutive thermal sensation declarations are the same or different and whether the difference between the time when the preceding thermal sensation declaration was acquired and the time when the subsequent thermal sensation declaration was acquired satisfies the conditions defined by the first adjustment time, the second adjustment time, or the reflection time, which will be described later.

[0077] The appropriate value for the amount of activity correction varies depending on each user's perception of thermal sensation. For example, when a user reports that they feel "hot," the extent to which the activity level should be increased (the magnitude of the correction amount) varies from user to user. Similarly, when a user reports that they feel "hot," the length of time that control based on this report should continue (the length of the reflection time) varies from user to user. If the parameters related to IPMV update are inappropriate, the user will not be able to achieve comfort even with the determined air conditioning control pattern.

[0078] The parameter change unit 99 is a functional unit that provides a function for addressing such issues. The processing of the parameter change unit 99 will now be described in detail. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the control conditions and control contents of the information processing device 4 according to embodiment 1. FIG. 14 shows first to eighth controls executed by the parameter change unit 99. As shown in the first and second controls, when the same type of thermal sensation declaration is acquired during the first adjustment time, the parameter change unit 99 increases the amount of correction to the activity amount of the declaration of the same type as the acquired thermal sensation declaration. The first adjustment time is the time from when the correction declaration is acquired to when timing begins, and is, for example, 10 minutes, which is shorter than the reflection time.

[0079] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the first control of FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 15 , when a correction declaration is acquired, timing of the first adjustment time is started. Furthermore, within the first adjustment time after the acquisition of the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration, consecutive “hot” thermal sensation declarations of the same type as the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration are acquired. Therefore, the parameter change unit 99 increases the correction amount of the activity amount stored in the storage device 82 when a “hot” thermal sensation declaration is acquired. In the example shown in FIG. 15 , the correction amount of the activity amount is increased when a subsequent “hot” thermal sensation declaration is made, and the activity amount is updated to reflect the increased correction amount. Therefore, the correction amount U2 of the activity amount when a subsequent “hot” thermal sensation declaration is made is larger than the correction amount U1 of the activity amount when a preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration is made. Regarding the second control of FIG. 14 , the “hot” thermal sensation declaration in FIG. 15 can be read as a “cold” thermal sensation declaration, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] Even if the air-conditioning control pattern is changed based on a thermal sensation report, some users may find it difficult to perceive a change in temperature. In the first embodiment, the first control and the second control are performed to increase the amount of correction of the activity amount, so that even for such users, it is possible to prevent them from feeling that the temperature increase or decrease due to the update of the activity amount based on the thermal sensation report is insufficient.

[0081] Returning to Figure 14, as shown in the third and fourth controls, when a different type of thermal sensation declaration is acquired during the first adjustment time, the parameter change unit 99 reduces the correction amount of the activity amount for the declaration of the same type as the previously acquired thermal sensation declaration.

[0082] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the third control of FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 16 , a consecutive “normal” thermal sensation declaration of a different type from the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration is acquired within the first adjustment time after the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration is acquired. Therefore, the parameter change unit 99 reduces the activity amount correction amount when a “hot” thermal sensation declaration stored in the storage device 82 is acquired. In the example shown in FIG. 16 , when a “hot” thermal sensation declaration is made following a “normal” thermal sensation declaration, the activity amount correction amount is reduced, and the activity amount is updated to reflect the reduced correction amount. Therefore, the activity amount correction amount U3 for the subsequent “hot” thermal sensation declaration is smaller than the activity amount correction amount U1 for the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration. Regarding the fourth control of FIG. 14 , the “hot” thermal sensation declaration in FIG. 16 can be read as a “cold” thermal sensation declaration, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] When the air-conditioning control pattern is changed based on a thermal sensation report, some users may be more likely to feel a change in temperature. In the first embodiment, the third control and the fourth control are performed to reduce the amount of correction of the activity amount, so that even for such users, it is possible to prevent them from feeling that the temperature is too high or too low when the activity amount is updated based on the thermal sensation report.

[0084] 14 , as shown in the fifth and sixth controls, when a thermal sensation declaration of the same type as the preceding thermal sensation declaration is acquired during the second adjustment time after the reflection time of the preceding thermal sensation declaration has elapsed, the parameter change unit 99 lengthens the reflection time of the thermal sensation declaration of the same type as the preceding thermal sensation declaration. The second adjustment time is a time from which timing starts when the reflection time ends, and is, for example, 10 minutes.

[0085] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the fifth control of FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 17 , when the reflection time T1 of the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration expires, the clocking of the second adjustment time begins. Furthermore, within the second adjustment time after the elapse of the reflection time T1 of the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration, consecutive “hot” thermal sensation declarations of the same type as the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration are acquired. Therefore, the parameter change unit 99 extends the reflection time of the “hot” thermal sensation declaration stored in the storage device 82. In the example shown in FIG. 17 , the extended reflection time is reflected when a subsequent “hot” thermal sensation declaration is made. Therefore, the reflection time T2 of the subsequent “hot” thermal sensation declaration is longer than the reflection time T1 of the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration. The sixth control of FIG. 14 will not be described further because the “hot” thermal sensation declaration in FIG. 17 can be read as a “cold” thermal sensation declaration.

[0086] Even if the air-conditioning control pattern is changed based on the thermal sensation report, some users may find it difficult to perceive the temperature change. In the first embodiment, the fifth control and the sixth control are performed to extend the reflection time, so that even for such users, it is possible to prevent them from feeling that the time for which the temperature has been rising or falling due to the update of the activity amount based on the thermal sensation report is insufficient.

[0087] Returning to Figure 14, as shown in the seventh and eighth controls, if a different type of thermal sensation declaration is acquired before the reflection time of the preceding thermal sensation declaration has elapsed, the parameter change unit 99 shortens the reflection time of the same type of thermal sensation declaration as the previously acquired thermal sensation declaration.

[0088] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the seventh control of FIG. 14 . As shown in FIG. 18 , a consecutive “normal” thermal sensation declaration of a different type from the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration is acquired within the reflection time T1 of the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration. Therefore, the parameter change unit 99 shortens the reflection time when the “hot” thermal sensation declaration stored in the storage device 82 is acquired. In the example shown in FIG. 18 , the shortened reflection time is reflected when a “hot” thermal sensation declaration follows a “normal” thermal sensation declaration. Therefore, the reflection time T3 of the subsequent “hot” thermal sensation declaration is shorter than the reflection time T1 of the preceding “hot” thermal sensation declaration. The eighth control of FIG. 14 will not be described here because the “hot” thermal sensation declaration in FIG. 18 can be read as a “cold” thermal sensation declaration.

[0089] When the air-conditioning control pattern is changed based on a thermal sensation report, some users may be more likely to feel a change in temperature. In the first embodiment, the seventh control and the eighth control are performed to shorten the reflection time, so that even for such users, it is possible to prevent them from feeling that the time during which the temperature is increased or decreased in accordance with the update of the activity amount based on the thermal sensation report is too long.

[0090] The process of changing the activity amount correction amount and the reflection time by the parameter change unit 99 may be repeated when the control conditions of the first to eighth controls described above are satisfied. By repeating this process, the activity amount correction amount and the reflection time can be adapted to better suit the user's thermal sensation.

[0091] The storage device 82 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD). The storage device 82 stores a standard three-dimensional fluid model for generating an IPMV database. The storage device 82 stores the IPMV database generated by the model generation unit 92. The storage device 82 also stores layout information. The layout information is information including the floor plan of the air-conditioned space and the placement of the fixed stations 5 in the air-conditioned space. The layout information is registered in advance, for example, by the user or an installer of the air-conditioning device 2.

[0092] Furthermore, a reference value of the activity amount, a correction amount of the activity amount, and a reflection time are stored in the storage device 82. The correction amount of the activity amount and the reflection time are stored for each type of correction declaration ("hot" or "cold") in association with a user identified by the identification information.

[0093] The hardware configuration of the control device 81 will be described. Fig. 19 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example configuration of the control device 81 of the information processing device 4 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 19, the control device 81 is composed of a processor 101 such as a CPU and a memory 102. Each functional unit is realized by the processor 101 and the memory 102. Fig. 19 shows that the processor 101 and the memory 102 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 103. The processor 101 and the memory 102 are connected to the storage device 82 shown in Fig. 11 via the bus 103. The memory 102 functions as a main storage device, and the storage device 82 functions as an auxiliary storage device.

[0094] Each functional unit is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 102. The processor 101 realizes the function of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 102. The memory 102 may be, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM.

[0095] Next, the operation of the information processing device 4 of Embodiment 1 will be described, focusing on the method of calculating the amount of activity. Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 1. First, the model generation unit 92 generates an IPMV database using the operating information and environmental information of the air conditioning device 2 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, and stores the IPMV database in the storage device 82 (step S1). Next, the declaration acquisition unit 93 determines whether or not a thermal sensation declaration from the user has been acquired from the terminal device 3 (step S2).

[0096] When a thermal sensation report is acquired (step S2: YES), the parameter change unit 99 performs a correction amount change determination process (step S3). FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the correction amount change determination process of the information processing device 4 according to embodiment 1. The process shown in FIG. 21 illustrates the details of the process of step S3. First, the parameter change unit 99 determines whether the previous activity amount has been updated based on a corrected report (step S31). When the previous activity amount has not been updated based on a corrected report, that is, when this is the first report or when the previous report was a non-corrected report (step S31: NO), the parameter change unit 99 does not change the correction amount of the activity amount (step S32). When the previous activity amount has been updated based on a corrected report (step S31: YES), the parameter change unit 99 determines whether a first adjustment time has elapsed since the previous thermal sensation report was acquired (step S33).

[0097] If the first adjustment time has elapsed (step S33: YES), the parameter change unit 99 does not change the activity amount correction amount (step S32). If the first adjustment time has not elapsed (step S33: NO), the parameter change unit 99 determines whether the previous thermal sensation declaration and the current thermal sensation declaration are the same type of declaration (step S34). If they are the same type of declaration (step S34: YES), the parameter change unit 99 increases the activity amount correction amount (step S35). If they are not the same type of declaration (step S34: NO), the parameter change unit 99 decreases the activity amount correction amount (step S36).

[0098] Returning to FIG. 20 , the parameter change unit 99 performs a reflection time change determination process (step S4). FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the reflection time change determination process of the information processing device 4 according to embodiment 1. The process shown in FIG. 22 shows details of the process of step S4. First, the parameter change unit 99 determines whether the previous activity amount has been updated based on a corrected declaration (step S41). If the previous activity amount has not been updated based on a corrected declaration, that is, if this is the first declaration or if the previous declaration was a non-corrected declaration (step S41: NO), the parameter change unit 99 does not change the reflection time (step S42). If the previous activity amount has been updated based on a corrected declaration (step S41: YES), the parameter change unit 99 determines whether the reflection time has elapsed since the previous thermal sensation declaration was obtained (step S43).

[0099] If the reflection time has elapsed (step S43: YES), the parameter change unit 99 determines whether the second adjustment time has elapsed (step S44). If the second adjustment time has elapsed (step S44: YES), the parameter change unit 99 does not change the reflection time (step S42). If the second adjustment time has not elapsed (step S44: NO), the parameter change unit 99 determines whether the previous thermal sensation declaration and the current thermal sensation declaration are the same type of declaration (step S45). If they are the same type of declaration (step S45: YES), the parameter change unit 99 extends the reflection time (step S46). If they are not the same type of declaration (step S45: NO), the parameter change unit 99 does not change the reflection time (step S42).

[0100] If the reflection time has not elapsed (step S43: NO), the parameter change unit 99 determines whether the previous thermal sensation declaration and the current thermal sensation declaration are of the same type (step S47). If they are of the same type (step S47: YES), the parameter change unit 99 does not change the reflection time (step S42). If they are not of the same type (step S47: NO), the parameter change unit 99 shortens the reflection time (step S48).

[0101] Returning to FIG. 20, the activity amount calculation unit 94 updates the activity amount by adding or subtracting a correction amount based on the thermal sensation report acquired by the report acquisition unit 93 to or from the current activity amount (step S5).

[0102] If a thermal sensation report has not been acquired (step S2: NO), the activity amount calculation unit 94 determines whether the reflection time for the current thermal sensation report has elapsed (step S6). If the reflection time has not elapsed (step S6: NO), the determination is repeated until the condition of step S2 or S6 is satisfied. If the reflection time has elapsed (step S6: YES), the activity amount calculation unit 94 resets the activity amount to the reference value (step S7).

[0103] When the activity amount is updated based on the thermal sensation report (step S5) or returned to the reference value (step S7), the location information acquisition unit 95 acquires the user's location information from the terminal device 3 (step S8). The comfort calculation unit 96 then reads out the activity amount distribution group calculated by the activity amount calculation unit 94 from the IPMV database. This distribution group includes multiple IPMV distributions for each air-conditioning control pattern for the read activity amount. From the multiple IPMV distributions, the comfort calculation unit 96 reads out multiple IPMVs located at the coordinates of the user last identified by the location information acquisition unit 95. This determines the IPMV for each air-conditioning control pattern (step S9). The processes of steps S2 to S9 are performed for each user detected in the room.

[0104] The efficiency calculation unit 97 substitutes the IPMV of each user for each air conditioning control pattern into equation (2), thereby calculating the comfort efficiency ζ for the number of air conditioning control patterns (step S10).

[0105] The control decision unit 98 decides, from among the multiple air conditioning control patterns, the air conditioning control pattern with the highest comfort efficiency ζ (step S11). At this time, the selection conditions for the air conditioning control pattern may include not only the condition that the comfort efficiency ζ is the highest, but also the condition that each user's IPMV is within ±0.5. The control decision unit 98 transmits information about the decided air conditioning control pattern to the air conditioner 2. The information processing device 4 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S2 to S10.

[0106] When the control device 81 of the air conditioner 2 receives information about the air conditioning control pattern from the information processing device 4, it controls at least one of the compressor 11, the indoor blower 22, and the air direction adjustment unit 23 in accordance with the air conditioning control pattern. For example, when changing the temperature of air blown out from the indoor unit 7, the refrigeration cycle control unit 41 changes the operating frequency of the compressor 11. When changing the air speed W, the refrigeration cycle control unit 41 changes the rotation speed of the indoor blower 22. When changing the angle θh, the refrigeration cycle control unit 41 changes the angle θh of the first flap 24. When changing the angle θv, the refrigeration cycle control unit 41 changes the angle θv of the second flap 25.

[0107] As described above, the information processing device 4 of the first embodiment changes the parameters related to the update of the comfort index based on the similarity or difference between two consecutive thermal sensation declarations and the time interval between the acquisition of the two consecutive thermal sensation declarations. Therefore, according to the information processing device 4 of the first embodiment, the update content of the comfort index can be adapted to the user's perception of the thermal sensation.

[0108] The above is a description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments, and various modifications or combinations are possible within the scope of the technical concept thereof. For example, in the embodiments, the activity amount is described as being updated based on a thermal sensation report. However, the IPMV may be updated directly based on the thermal sensation report. In this case, the parameter change unit 99 changes the correction amount of the IPMV stored in the storage device 82 based on the thermal sensation report. Furthermore, the IPMV may be updated by updating the amount of clothing based on the thermal sensation report. However, updating the activity amount can be considered to be an indirect update of the IPMV.

[0109] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the change in the activity amount correction amount and the reflection time when a different type of declaration is made following an amended declaration is not differentiated between the case where an amended declaration is made subsequently and the case where a non-amended declaration is made subsequently. That is, for example, the same change is made when a "hot" thermal sensation declaration is made following a "cold" thermal sensation declaration and when a "normal" thermal sensation declaration is made subsequently. However, this may be differentiated. That is, the change in the activity amount correction amount and the reflection time when a different type of declaration is made following an amended declaration (e.g., "hot") may be larger when a amended declaration (e.g., "cold") is made subsequently than when a non-amended declaration (e.g., "normal") is made subsequently.

[0110] In the embodiment, the case where the declaration contents of the thermal sensation declaration are “hot,” “cold,” and “normal” has been described. However, declaration contents for declaring a stepwise thermal sensation, such as “very hot” and “very cold,” other than “hot” and “cold” may be provided. In this case, thermal sensations in the same direction but with different degrees (e.g., “hot” and “very hot”) are considered to be declarations of the same type. For declarations of the same type of thermal sensation but with different degrees, different activity amount correction amounts and reflection times are stored. Furthermore, for example, the changes to the activity amount correction amount and reflection time may be different between a case where a large degree of different type of correction is made following an amended declaration and a case where a small degree of different type of correction is made. In other words, the changes to the activity amount correction amount and reflection time when a different type of declaration is made following an amended declaration (e.g., “hot”) may be larger when a large degree of amended declaration (e.g., “very cold”) is made later than when a small degree of amended declaration (e.g., “cold”) is made later.

[0111] Furthermore, in the embodiment, an example has been described in which the information processing device 4 is a cloud server, but the information processing device 4 may also be a PC (Personal Computer) terminal provided external to the air conditioning device 2, or the information processing device 4 may be part of the control device 34 of the air conditioning device 2. Furthermore, some of the functions of the information processing device 4 may be realized by a PC terminal provided external to the air conditioning device 2, the control device 34 of the air conditioning device 2, or the control device 62 of the terminal device 3. Note that the terminal device 3 may be omitted from the air conditioning system 1. In this case, for example, a thermal sensation declaration is directly input to the information processing device 4 using an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or microphone provided on the information processing device 4. Alternatively, the user's thermal sensation declaration may be input from a PC terminal or the like connected to the information processing device 4 so as to be able to communicate with it.

[0112] REFRIGERATION CYCLE CONTROL UNIT, 42 COMMUNICATION UNIT, 50 PROCESSING CIRCUIT, 51 PROCESSOR, 52 MEMORY, 53 BUS, 61 OPERATION AND DISPLAY UNIT, 62 CONTROL UNIT, 63 COMMUNICATION UNIT, 64 THERMAL SENSATION DEclaration UNIT, 71 PROCESSOR, 72 MEMORY, 73 BUS, 81 CONTROL UNIT, 82 MEMORY UNIT, 91 DATA ACQUISITION UNIT, 92 MODEL GENERATION UNIT, 93 Declaration acquisition unit, 94 activity amount calculation unit, 95 position information acquisition unit, 96 comfort calculation unit, 97 efficiency calculation unit, 98 control decision unit, 99 parameter change unit, 101 processor, 102 memory, 103 bus.

Claims

1. A reporting acquisition unit that acquires a warm / cool feeling report indicating an evaluation of the warm / cool feeling of the air-conditioned space reported by a user existing in the air-conditioned space; a comfort calculation unit that obtains a comfort index of the user and updates the comfort index of the user based on the acquired warm / cool feeling report when the warm / cool feeling report is acquired; a parameter change unit that changes a parameter related to the update of the comfort index based on the similarity / difference between two consecutive warm / cool feeling reports and the interval between the times when the two consecutive warm / cool feeling reports are acquired; and a storage device that stores the parameter. An information processing apparatus having these components.

2. The comfort calculation unit obtains the comfort index of the user based on the activity amount of the user. In the storage device, as the parameter, a correction amount of the comfort index of the user or a correction amount of the activity amount is stored. The parameter change unit changes the correction amount stored in the storage device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The parameter change unit increases the correction amount stored in the storage device when a same-type warm / cool feeling report consecutive to the previous warm / cool feeling report is acquired within a first adjustment time after the previous warm / cool feeling report is acquired. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The parameter change unit decreases the correction amount stored in the storage device when a different-type warm / cool feeling report consecutive to the previous warm / cool feeling report is acquired within a first adjustment time after the previous warm / cool feeling report is acquired. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The storage device stores the correction amount for each type of warm / cool feeling report. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. In the storage device, as the parameter, a reflection time, which is the time when the warm / cool feeling report is reflected in the update of the comfort index, is stored. The parameter change unit changes the reflection time stored in the storage device. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The parameter change unit extends the reflection time stored in the storage device when a same-type warm / cool feeling report consecutive to the previous warm / cool feeling report is acquired within a second adjustment time from the elapse of the reflection time of the previous warm / cool feeling report. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The parameter change unit shortens the reflection time stored in the storage device when a different type of warm / cool feeling report consecutive to the preceding warm / cool feeling report is acquired within the reflection time of the preceding warm / cool feeling report. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The storage device stores the reflection time for each type of warm / cool feeling report. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 7.

10. The storage device stores the parameter corresponding to each of a plurality of the users. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An air conditioning system comprising: the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and an air conditioner that harmonizes the air in the air-conditioned space using the comfort index of the user obtained by the information processing apparatus.

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