Air conditioner control system, air conditioner, and air conditioner control method

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioner control system for displaying a sensing result of an atmosphere in an air conditioner in a manner that allows changes to be easily recognized. The air conditioner control system comprises a control unit that causes a display of the air conditioner to display a time-series graph of sensing values based on outputs of a sensor for sensing an atmosphere. The graph is constituted by a time axis and a numerical axis corresponding to the sensing values. The control unit sets the range of the time axis in the graph as a first period, and sets the range of the numerical axis in the graph on the basis of sensing values of a second period which is part of the first period.

Description

Air conditioner control system, air conditioner, and air conditioner control method

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-127902, filed in Japan on August 2, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Air conditioners sometimes sense the atmosphere using sensors installed therein. For example, an air purifier, which is an example of an air conditioner disclosed in International Publication No. 2018 / 189924 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1), has a display unit that switches between temperature, humidity, dust amount, etc. to display the sensing result at that time.

[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 189924

[0004] There are times when people want to know changes in the atmospheric state sensed by an air conditioner. The atmospheric state is easily changed by the air conditioner. For this reason, it is desirable for the air conditioner to display the sensing results in a way that makes the changes easy to understand.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an air conditioner control system includes a control unit that causes a display of the air conditioner to display a graph of a time series of sensed values ​​based on the output of a sensor that senses the atmosphere. The graph is configured with a time axis and a numerical axis corresponding to the sensed values. The control unit determines the range of the time axis in the graph as a first period and the range of the numerical axis based on the sensed values ​​for a second period that is a part of the first period.

[0006] Further details will be described in the following embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit of a control system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of display processing in the control system. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing sensing values ​​obtained from a sensor. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a graph in the control system. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a graph in the control system. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a graph according to a first comparative example. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a graph according to a second comparative example. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a specific example of a graph according to a third comparative example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a graph according to a fourth comparative example. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner according to a seventh embodiment.

[0008] 1. Overview of an Air Conditioner Control System, an Air Conditioner, and an Air Conditioner Control Method (1) An air conditioner control system according to an embodiment includes a control unit that displays, on a display of the air conditioner, a time series graph of sensed values ​​based on the output of a sensor that senses the atmosphere. The graph is composed of a time axis and a numerical axis corresponding to the sensed values. The control unit determines the range of the time axis in the graph as a first period and the range of the numerical axis based on sensed values ​​for a second period that is a portion of the first period. In the control system according to an embodiment, by determining the range of the numerical axis based on sensed values ​​for a second period that is a portion of the first period, the range of the numerical axis can be set to a range corresponding to the sensed values ​​for the second period. For example, as shown below, the range of the numerical axis of the graph can be set to a range that includes the maximum sensed value for the second period. This allows the air conditioner to display the atmosphere sensing results in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0009] (2) In the air conditioner control system of (1), preferably, the second period includes the latest point in the first period. This allows the air conditioner to easily display the atmosphere sensing results for the period including the latest point in the first period.

[0010] (3) In the air conditioner control system of (1) or (2), preferably, the control unit determines the range of the numerical axis of the graph to be a range that fits the maximum sensed value in the second time period. As a result, the sensed value in the second time period is represented within the range of the numerical axis. Therefore, the air conditioner can easily display the atmosphere sensing results for the second time period of the first time period.

[0011] (4) In the air conditioner control system of (1) to (3), preferably, the graph is a bar graph in which the sensing value is represented by the length of a bar-shaped line segment, and the control unit changes the display mode of the bar-shaped line segment to a display mode corresponding to the magnitude of the sensing value. As a result, the magnitude of the sensing value is also represented by the display mode of the bar-shaped line segment in the graph. Therefore, the atmosphere sensing results can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner in the air conditioner.

[0012] (5) In the air conditioner control system of (4), preferably, the display mode is the color tone of the bar-shaped line segment. As a result, the magnitude of the sensing value is also represented by the color tone of the bar-shaped line segment in the graph. Therefore, the atmosphere sensing result in the air conditioner can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

[0013] (6) In the control system for an air conditioner according to any one of (1) to (5), preferably, the sensor is a dust sensor, and the sensing value is the number of particles based on the output of the dust sensor. This allows the air conditioner to easily display the sensing result of dust in the surrounding air.

[0014] (7) An air conditioner according to an embodiment includes the air conditioner control system described in (1) to (5). This allows the air conditioner to easily display the results of sensing dust in the surrounding air. Therefore, by using this air conditioner, a user can easily grasp changes in the atmospheric state sensed by the air conditioner.

[0015] (8) A control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment is a control method executed by a computer, which displays on the display of the air conditioner a graph of a time series of sensed values ​​based on the output of a sensor that senses the atmosphere. The graph is composed of a time axis and a numerical axis corresponding to the sensed values. In this method, the computer determines the range of the time axis in the graph as a first period and the range of the numerical axis based on the sensed values ​​for a second period that is a portion of the first period. By executing this air conditioner control method by a computer, the air conditioner can easily display the sensing results of dust in the surrounding air. Therefore, by using this air conditioner, a user can easily grasp changes in the atmospheric state sensed by the air conditioner.

[0016] 2. Examples of air conditioner control system, air conditioner, and air conditioner control method

[0017] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner 3 according to a first embodiment. The air conditioner 3 includes a control unit 30. The control unit 30 is a control system 100A for the air conditioner 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0018] The air conditioner 3 is, for example, an air purifier. The air conditioner 3 has an air purifying unit 36 ​​inside a housing 3A. The air conditioner 3 may further have the functions of a humidifier and a dehumidifier.

[0019] The air purifying unit 36 ​​includes, for example, a fan and a filter (not shown). The air purifying unit 36 ​​rotates the fan to draw in outside air through an air intake port (not shown) into the housing 3A, and purifies the drawn-in outside air by passing it through a filter. The air purifying unit 36 ​​then exhausts the purified air to the outside of the housing 3A through an exhaust port (not shown) by rotating the fan. In this way, the air purifying unit 36 ​​purifies the surrounding air.

[0020] The air conditioner 3 has a sensor 33 that senses the atmosphere surrounding the air conditioner 3. The sensor 33 is, for example, a dust sensor that detects dust in the air. The sensor 33 inputs a sensor signal to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 detects dust in the outside air based on the sensor signal from the sensor 33 and controls the operation of the air purifier 36. For example, the control unit 30 controls the rotation of a fan (not shown) based on the dust detection result. For example, if the amount of detected dust is greater than or equal to a specified level, the control unit 30 increases the rotation of the fan to increase the cleaning capacity of the air purifier 36. On the other hand, if the amount of detected dust is less than or equal to the specified level, the control unit 30 decreases the rotation of the fan to decrease the cleaning capacity.

[0021] The air conditioner 3 has an operation unit 34 and a display 35. The operation unit 34 and the display 35 may be configured as touch panels. The operation unit 34 has, as an example, an on / off button (not shown) for instructing the air conditioner 3 to start and stop.

[0022] 2 is a schematic diagram of the control unit 30. The control unit 30 has a processor 31 and a memory 32 connected to the processor 31. The processor 31 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The memory 32 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The memory 32 stores a driving program 321 and a display program 322 as programs executed by the processor 31. The driving program 321 and the display program 322 may be separate programs such as different modules, or the display program 322 may be included in the driving program 321.

[0023] The processor 31 is connected to the air purifying unit 36. The processor 31 is also connected to the operation unit 34 and receives an input of an operation signal from the operation unit 34. The processor 31 is also connected to the sensor 33 and receives an input of a sensor signal.

[0024] The memory 32 has a sensing value storage unit 323, which is a storage area for storing sensing values ​​obtained from the sensor signals. The sensing value storage unit 323 stores the sensing values ​​in association with sensing times. Storing the sensing values ​​in association with sensing times means, for example, that the processor 31 associates the time at which the sensor signal input from the sensor 33 is received with the sensing value and stores the time in the sensing value storage unit 323. Storing the sensing values ​​in association with sensing times may, as another example, mean storing the sensing values ​​together with the input times obtained from the sensor 33 when the sensor signal is input to the processor 31 from the sensor 33 together with the sensing times. Furthermore, when the sensor signal is input to the processor 31 from the sensor 33 at regular time intervals, storing the sensing values ​​in association with sensing times may mean storing the sensing values ​​in the order in which the sensor signals were input from the sensor 33.

[0025] The sensing value obtained from the sensor signal from the sensor 33 is, for example, the amount of dust, e.g., the number of dust particles detected per unit volume of air. The sensing value may be obtained by the processor 31 from the sensor signal every time a sensor signal is input, or may be obtained at regular time intervals (e.g., every minute). In this case, the sensing value may be a statistical value (e.g., average value) of sensing values ​​based on all sensor signals obtained within one minute, or may be a sensing value obtained from the sensor signals every minute.

[0026] The driving program 321 causes the processor 31 to perform an air purification control process 311 for controlling the air purification unit 36. In the present embodiment, the air purification control process 311 is not limited to a specific process. For example, in the air purification control process 311, the processor 31 outputs a control signal to a driving unit of a connected fan (not shown) in accordance with the amount of dust detected by the sensor 33, and controls the rotation speed of the fan. In this way, the processor 31 controls the air purification unit 36 ​​to operate in accordance with the air cleanliness.

[0027] The display program 322 causes the processor 31 to perform a display process 312. By executing the display process 312, the processor 31 causes the display 35 to display a time-series graph of the sensing value obtained based on the sensor signal from the sensor 33.

[0028] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the display process 312. The graph that the processor 31 displays on the display 35 using the display program 322 is configured with a time axis and a numerical axis corresponding to the sensed value. As an example, the time axis is the horizontal axis and the numerical axis is the vertical axis. The graph may be any graph that shows the change in the sensed value over time, and as an example, it is a bar graph in which the sensed value is represented by the length of a bar-shaped line segment. If the sensor 33 is a dust sensor and the sensed value is the number of dust particles, the vertical axis is a linear scale.

[0029] If the range of the time axis of the graph, i.e., the period of the sensing values ​​to be displayed on the graph, is defined as a first period, the processor 31 determines the range of the numerical axis based on the sensing values ​​of a second period, which is a portion of the first period. As an example, if the first period is 30 minutes, the processor 31 determines the range of the numerical axis based on the sensing values ​​for 15 minutes of the 30-minute sensing values. The second period is, for example, a period that includes the latest point in time, i.e., the most recent period, such as the most recent 15 minutes of the 30 minutes of the first period.

[0030] Specifically, the processor 31 reads out the sensing values ​​for the first period (30 minutes) from the sensing value storage unit 323 (step S101). The processor 31 extracts the sensing values ​​for the second period (the most recent 15 minutes), which is a part of the first period (30 minutes), from the sensing values ​​read out in step S101 (step S103).

[0031] The processor 31 determines the range of the numerical axis (vertical axis) based on the sensed values ​​for the second period (step S105). In step S105, the processor 31 sets the range of the vertical axis to a range that contains the maximum sensed values ​​for the second period. The range that contains the maximum sensed values ​​for the second period refers, for example, to a range of the vertical axis in which the upper limit value for displaying a bar graph on the vertical axis coincides with the maximum sensed value for the second period.

[0032] The processor 31 determines the length of the line segment in the bar graph of each sensing value in the first period in accordance with the range of the vertical axis determined in step S105 (step S107). When the vertical axis is a linear scale, in step S107 the processor 31 calculates, as an example, the length of the line segment corresponding to each sensing value in accordance with the ratio to the maximum value of the sensing value in the second period.

[0033] The processor 31 further determines the color tone of the line segment in the bar graph of each sensing value (step S109). In this case, as an example, the processor 31 stores in advance combinations of lightness and saturation of the display color for each range of sensing values. In step S109, the processor 31 determines the combination of lightness and saturation according to the range to which each sensing value belongs, thereby determining the color tone of the line segment in the bar graph of each sensing value.

[0034] The processor 31 displays a graph representing the sensing results of the dust amount for the first period on the display 35 (step S111). In step S111, the processor 31 plots each sensing value for the first period read out in step S101 on a graph with the vertical axis determined in step S105 and the horizontal axis corresponding to the first period. In step S111, the processor 31 displays each sensing value for the first period on the graph using the line length determined in step S107 and the color tone determined in step S109.

[0035] The processor 31 determines whether or not it is necessary to update the graph displayed on the display 35. As an example, when sensing is performed continuously by the sensor 33, the processor 31 updates the graph at a predetermined time interval (for example, every minute). In this case, the processor 31 determines that it is necessary to update the graph if the sensing value for the next minute is stored in the sensing value storage unit 323 (YES in step S113). In this case, the processor 31 repeats the process from step S101. If not (NO in step S113), the processor 31 ends the series of processes. The graph may also be updated at other times, such as according to a user operation.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing sensing values ​​obtained from the sensor 33. Fig. 4 shows sensing values ​​associated with times t0 to t4. As an example, it is assumed that sensing values ​​are obtained every minute.

[0037] 5 and 6 are diagrams showing specific examples of graphs. A screen 501 in Fig. 5A is a display example in which a period H1 from time t0 to time t2 in Fig. 4 is set as the first period. A screen 502 in Fig. 5B is a display example in which a period H2 from time t0+1 to time t2+1 ​​is set as the first period. A screen 503 in Fig. 6 is a display example in which a period H3 from time t2 to time t4 is set as the first period.

[0038] Screens 501, 502, and 503 each include a graph 51 of a sensing value. Graph 51 is a bar graph with the horizontal axis representing time t and the vertical axis representing a numerical value N. In graph 51, a range L up to the upper limit value of the numerical value N is set to a predetermined length.

[0039] Screens 501, 502, and 503 further include a display 52 of the latest sensed value and a display 53 indicating the change in the latest sensed value from the immediately preceding sensed value. The display 52 of the latest sensed value is, for example, a display of the number of dust particles in the air per unit volume of air detected by sensor 33. The display 53 indicating the change from the immediately preceding sensed value is, for example, an arrow image indicating whether the number of dust particles detected most recently has increased, decreased, or is not significantly different from the number of dust particles detected immediately before. In graph 51, the display mode of the latest sensed value 54 may indicate that sensing is currently in progress. Furthermore, hatching in graph 51 represents color tones, and different hatching patterns represent different color tones.

[0040] When processor 31 reads period H1 as the first period, it determines period J1, from time t1 to time t2, including the latest time point t2, as the second period. The sensing value for period H1 is small and remains almost unchanged from time t0 to time t1. The sensing value for period J1, from time t1 to time t2, increases rapidly from a small value and reaches a maximum value d1 at time t2. Processor 31 sets range L of numerical axis N, i.e., the upper limit value of numerical axis N, to maximum value d1 of the sensing value for period J1, and displays graph 51 on screen 501, in which each sensing value has a line segment length corresponding to its ratio to maximum value d1. Processor 31 also determines the color tone of each line segment in accordance with the sensing value, and sets the determined color tone for each line segment.

[0041] The processor 31 updates the displayed graph every minute. When one minute has elapsed since the screen 501 of FIG. 5A was displayed, the processor 31 reads the period H2 as the first period. The processor 31 designates the period J2, which is from time t1+1 to time t2+1, including the latest time point t2+1, within the period H2 as the second period. The sensed value at time t2+1 ​​is greater than the sensed value at time t2, which is the maximum value d1 for the period J1. Therefore, the sensed value at time t2+1 ​​becomes the maximum value d2 for the period J2. The processor 31 sets the upper limit of the numerical axis N to the maximum value d2 for the period J2, and displays a graph 51 on the screen 502, in which the length of each sensed value is in proportion to the maximum value d2. The processor 31 also determines the color tone of each line segment in accordance with the sensed value, and sets the determined color tone for each line segment.

[0042] 5A, the maximum value d1 of the sensed values ​​for period J1 coincides with the upper limit of the numerical axis N, and the change in the sensed values ​​for period J1 is represented within the range L of the numerical axis N. Similarly, on screen 502, the maximum value d2 of the sensed values ​​for period J2 coincides with the upper limit of the numerical axis N, and the change in the sensed values ​​for period J2 is represented within the range L of the numerical axis N. Therefore, no sensed values ​​exceed the upper limit of the numerical axis N of graph 51, and all sensed values ​​for period J1 are represented by the length of line segments within the range L of the numerical axis N. Therefore, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the change in the sensing results for the second period.

[0043] 4, the sensing value from time t0 to time t1 is smaller than the sensing value during period J1, and so the sensing value for the entire period H1 is represented by the length of a line segment within range L of numerical axis N. In this way, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the changes in the sensing results during the entire period H1.

[0044] Furthermore, since the period J1 of the period H1 that includes the latest time point t2 is used as the second period, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the changes in the most recent sensing results.

[0045] Furthermore, in the control system 100A according to the embodiment, when the screen 501 is updated to the screen 502, the upper limit value of the numerical axis N changes from the value d1 to the value d2. Therefore, the sensing value d2 at the time t0+1 is also represented by the length of a line segment in the graph 51 on the screen 502. As a result, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the change in the sensing result, even if the first period changes over time.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6 , when processor 31 reads period H3 as the first period, it determines period J3, which is the period from time t3 to time t4, including the most recent time point t4, as the second period. The sensing value for period H3 decreases significantly from time t2 to time t3, and then gradually decreases from time t3 to time t4 (period J3). Therefore, the maximum sensing value for period J3 is sensing value d3 at time t3. Processor 31 sets the upper limit of numerical axis N to the maximum sensing value d3 for period J3, and displays graph 51 on screen 503, with line segments of length corresponding to the ratio of each sensing value to maximum sensing value d3. Processor 31 also determines the color tone of each line segment in accordance with the sensing value, and sets the determined color tone for each line segment.

[0047] 6, the maximum value d3 of the sensing value for the period J3 coincides with the upper limit value of the numerical axis N, and the change in the sensing value for the period J3 is displayed within the range L of the numerical axis N. Therefore, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the change in the sensing result for the period J3, which is gradually decreasing.

[0048] 4, the second period is the period J3 of the period H3 that includes the latest time point t4. Therefore, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the changes in the most recent sensing results.

[0049] In the example of FIG. 4 , the sensing values ​​for period H3 decrease overall. Therefore, by determining the range L of the numerical axis N with period J3 as the second period, the sensing values ​​for the period from time t2 to time t3, which precedes period J3, exceed the upper limit of the numerical axis N. In this case, the processor 31 determines the length of the line segment representing the sensing values ​​from time t2 to time t3 as the upper limit of the numerical axis N. Therefore, the sensing values ​​from time t2 to time t3 cannot be determined from the length of the line segment of the bar graph alone. However, in the graph 51 on the screen 503, the line segment of the bar graph is displayed in a color tone corresponding to the sensing value. Therefore, the control system 100A according to the embodiment allows the sensing values ​​from time t2 to time t3 to be determined from the color tone.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a specific example of a graph according to the first comparative example. In the graph according to the first comparative example, the upper limit of the numerical axis N is a predetermined fixed value M regardless of the sensing value. Screen 501A in FIG. 7A is a display example according to the first comparative example, displaying a graph of the sensing values ​​for period H1 in FIG. 4. Screen 502A in FIG. 7B is a display example according to the first comparative example, displaying a graph of the sensing values ​​for period H2. In the first comparative example, the maximum value d1 of the sensing values ​​for period J1 is greater than value M. In the first comparative example, when one minute has elapsed since screen 501A was displayed, period H2 is loaded as the first period, and screen 501A switches to screen 502A.

[0051] In graph 51A on screen 501A, sensing values ​​during period K1 that exceed value M are not represented by the length of a line segment. Therefore, as shown in graph 51A on screen 501A according to the first comparative example, if the upper limit of the numerical axis N is set to a predetermined fixed value M regardless of the sensing value, it is difficult to see changes in the sensing value during period K1, and it is difficult to see changes in the sensing results throughout period H1. Even in period H2, sensing value d2 at time t2+1, which is the maximum value, is greater than value M, so sensing value d2 is not represented by the length of a line segment in graph 51B on screen 502A. Therefore, it is difficult to see changes in the sensing value during period K1 and time t2+1 ​​in graph 51B on screen 502A according to the first comparative example.

[0052] In contrast, in the control system 100A according to the present embodiment, the upper limit of the numerical axis N is determined based on the sensed values ​​for the period J1, so that the maximum value d1 of the sensed values ​​for the period J1 coincides with the upper limit of the numerical axis N, and changes in the sensed values ​​for the period J1 are represented within the range L of the numerical axis N. Furthermore, in the control system 100A according to the present embodiment, the upper limit of the numerical axis N is determined based on the sensed values ​​for the period J2, so that the maximum value d2 of the sensed values ​​for the period J2 coincides with the upper limit of the numerical axis N, and changes in the sensed values ​​for the period J2 are represented within the range L of the numerical axis N. Therefore, the screens 501 and 502 according to the present embodiment display graphs that make it easier to understand changes in the sensing results over the entire period H1, compared to the screens 501A and 502A according to the first comparative example.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific example of a graph according to a second comparative example. In the second comparative example, when the first period is updated from period H1 to period H2, the upper limit value of the numerical axis N is not changed from value d1. Screen 502B in FIG. 8 is a display example according to the second comparative example, which displays a graph of the sensing value for period H2. In the second comparative example, when one minute has elapsed since screen 501 in FIG. 5A was displayed, period H2 is loaded as the first period, and screen 501 switches to screen 502B.

[0054] In graph 51C on screen 502B, because sensing value d2 at time t2+1 ​​is greater than value d1 (d2 > d1), sensing value d2 at time t2+1 ​​exceeds the upper limit of numerical axis N. Therefore, as shown in graph 51C on screen 502B according to the second comparative example, if the upper limit of numerical axis N is not changed from value d1 when updating the first period from period H1 to period H2, sensing value d2 at time t2+1 ​​is not represented by the length of the line segment. As a result, when screen 501 switches to screen 502B according to the second comparative example, it is difficult to see the change from sensing value d1 at time t2 to sensing value d2 at time t2+1.

[0055] In contrast, in the control system 100A according to the present embodiment, when the first period is updated from period H1 to period H2, the upper limit value of the numerical axis N is changed from value d1 according to the maximum value of the second period J2 of period H2. Therefore, the screens 501 and 502 according to the present embodiment display graphs that make it easier to understand the changes in the sensing results compared to the screen 502B according to the second comparative example.

[0056] 9 is a diagram showing a graph according to a third comparative example. In the third comparative example, the upper limit of the numerical axis N is a predetermined fixed value Q regardless of the sensing value. Screen 503A in FIG. 9 is a display example according to the third comparative example, which displays a graph of the sensing value for period H3 in FIG. 4. In the third comparative example, the sensing value for period K2 within period H3 is greater than value Q.

[0057] In graph 51D on screen 503A, the sensing value in period K2 that exceeds value Q is not represented by the length of the line segment. Furthermore, because the sensing value in period J3 of period H3 decreases gradually, the difference in the length of the line segments in graph 51D is small. Therefore, as shown in graph 51D on screen 503A according to the third comparative example, if the upper limit of the numerical axis N is set to a predetermined fixed value Q regardless of the sensing value, it is difficult to see the changes in the sensing value in periods K2 and J3.

[0058] In contrast, in the control system 100A according to the present embodiment, the line segments of the bar graph representing the sensing values ​​are colored in a tone that corresponds to the magnitude of the sensing value. Therefore, the screen 503A according to the present embodiment displays a graph in which the changes in color tone make it easier to understand the changes in the sensing results for the period K2, compared to the screen 503 according to the third comparative example. Furthermore, the screen 503A according to the present embodiment displays a graph in which the changes in the sensing results for the period J3 make it easier to understand, compared to the screen 503 according to the third comparative example.

[0059] 10 is a diagram showing a graph according to a fourth comparative example. In the fourth comparative example, the upper limit of the numerical axis N is a predetermined fixed value R regardless of the sensing value. Screen 501B in FIG. 10 is a display example according to the fourth comparative example, which displays a graph of the sensing value for period H1 in FIG. 4. In the fourth comparative example, the maximum sensing value d1 for period J1 within period H1 is much smaller than value R.

[0060] As shown in graph 51E on screen 501B, if the upper limit of the numerical axis N is set to a predetermined fixed value R regardless of the sensing value, the length of the line segment representing all the sensing values ​​in period H1 will be short if the maximum sensing value d1 in period J1 is significantly smaller than value R. This makes it difficult to see the change in the sensing value throughout period H1.

[0061] In contrast to this, in the control system 100A according to the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the numerical axis N can be determined based on the maximum value d1 so that the graph does not show a maximum value d1 of the sensing value for the period J1 that is significantly smaller than the upper limit value of the numerical axis N. Therefore, the screen 501 according to the present embodiment displays a graph that makes it easier to understand the changes in the sensing results over the entire period H1, compared to the screen 501B according to the first comparative example.

[0062] Second Embodiment The second period may be a portion of the first period and is not limited to a period including the latest point in the first period. As another example, the second period may be a period including the earliest point in the first period or a period including an intermediate point in the first period. Even in this case, the change in the length of the line segment corresponding to the change in the sensing value during the second period is represented within the range L of the numerical axis N. Therefore, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the change in the sensing result during the second period.

[0063] Furthermore, the user may be able to set or change which period of the first period is to be the second period, which makes it easier for the user to grasp changes in the sensing results during the specified second period of the first period.

[0064] Third Embodiment In the display process 312, determining the range of the numerical axis (vertical axis) based on the sensed values ​​for the second period is not limited to determining the range of the vertical axis to be within the range of the maximum sensed values ​​for the second period. In the display process 312, determining the range of the numerical axis (vertical axis) based on the sensed values ​​for the second period may be determined by other methods as long as the method is based on the sensed values ​​for the second period. For example, the range of the vertical axis may be a statistical value, such as the average value of the sensed values ​​for the second period. In this case, sensed values ​​for the second period that are equal to or greater than the upper limit of the vertical axis are not represented by the length of a line segment alone on the graph, but are represented in a display mode according to the sensed value, thereby displaying a graph that makes it easy to understand the changes in the sensing results for the second period.

[0065] Furthermore, setting the range of the vertical axis to a range that includes the maximum sensed value in the second time period is not limited to matching the maximum value of the vertical axis with the maximum sensed value in the second time period. As another example, in the display process 312, the processor 31 may match the maximum value of the vertical axis with a value that is a specified number greater than the maximum sensed value in the second time period. Even in such a case, the change in the length of the line segment corresponding to the change in the sensed value in the second time period is represented within the range L of the numerical axis N. Therefore, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the change in the sensing results in the second time period.

[0066] Fourth Embodiment The graph of the sensed values ​​displayed on the display 35 is not limited to a bar graph as long as it shows the change in the sensed values ​​over time. As another example, the graph of the sensed values ​​may be a line graph. Even in such a case, the range of the vertical axis is set to a range that includes the maximum value of the sensed values ​​during the second time period, so that the change in the position of the point on the graph representing the sensed values ​​over time is represented within the range L of the numerical axis N. Therefore, the control system 100A according to the embodiment displays a graph that makes it easy to understand the change in the sensing results during the second time period.

[0067] Fifth Embodiment Determining the color tone of the line segments in the bar graph in the display processing 312 is an example of displaying the line segments in a manner that corresponds to the magnitude of the sensing value. Displaying the line segments in a manner that corresponds to the magnitude of the sensing value is not limited to changing the color tone according to the magnitude of the sensing value. As another example, displaying the line segments in a manner that corresponds to the magnitude of the sensing value may vary only one of the brightness and saturation, or may vary the display color, or may vary the thickness of the bar graph according to the magnitude of the sensing value. In this way, a graph that makes it easy to understand the sensing value can be displayed even when the sensing value is greater than the upper limit of the numerical axis N.

[0068] Sixth Embodiment The sensor 33 that senses the atmosphere is not limited to a dust sensor. Alternatively, the sensor 33 may be an odor sensor, or a combination of a dust sensor and an odor sensor. In this case, the sensed value displayed on the graph may be a sensed value based on a sensor signal from the odor sensor, or a sensed value obtained based on both the sensor signals from the dust sensor and the odor sensor. Furthermore, the sensor 33 may be a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. Even in such a case, a graph is displayed that clearly shows changes in the sensing results.

[0069] [Seventh Embodiment] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an air conditioner 3 according to a seventh embodiment. In the first to sixth embodiments, the control system 100A that controls the air conditioner 3 is contained within the housing 3A. However, part of the control system may be located outside the housing. The air conditioner 3 according to the seventh embodiment is controlled by a control system 100B, which includes a control unit 30 of the air conditioner 3 and a control unit 10 of the server 1. The control unit 30 of the air conditioner 3 can communicate with the server 1 via a communication network 5 such as the Internet. In this case, the functions of the control system 100A according to the first to sixth embodiments, which is the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 3, are realized by cooperation between the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 3 and the control unit 10 of the server 1. Therefore, the display process 312 is distributed between the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 3 and the control unit 10 of the server 1.

[0070] Alternatively, the control system 100B may include a control unit 30 of the air conditioner 3, a control unit 10 of the server 1, and a control unit 20 of the user terminal 2. In this case, the functions of the control system 100A according to the first to sixth embodiments are realized by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 3, the control unit 10 of the server 1, and the control unit 20 of the user terminal 2 working together. Therefore, the display process 312 is processed in a distributed manner by the control unit 30 of the air conditioner 3, the control unit 10 of the server 1, and the control unit 20 of the user terminal 2.

[0071] 3. Supplementary Notes The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

Claims

1. An air conditioner control system comprising a control unit that causes a display of the air conditioner to display a graph of a time series of sensing values ​​based on the output of a sensor that senses the atmosphere, the graph being composed of a time axis and a numerical axis corresponding to the sensing values, and the control unit determining the range of the time axis in the graph as a first period and the range of the numerical axis based on the sensing values ​​of a second period that is a part of the first period.

2. An air conditioner control system according to claim 1, wherein the second period includes the latest point in the first period.

3. The air conditioner control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the range of the numerical axis of the graph to be a range that contains the maximum value of the sensing value during the second period.

4. The air conditioner control system of claim 1, wherein the graph is a bar graph in which the sensing value is represented by the length of a bar-shaped line segment, and the control unit changes the display mode of the bar-shaped line segment to a display mode corresponding to the magnitude of the sensing value.

5. An air conditioner control system according to claim 4, wherein the display mode is the color tone of the bar-shaped line segment.

6. The air conditioner control system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a dust sensor, and the sensing value is the number of particles based on the output of the dust sensor.

7. An air conditioner comprising the air conditioner control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A control method for an air conditioner, which is executed by a computer and causes a display of the air conditioner to display a graph of a time series of sensing values ​​based on the output of a sensor that senses the atmosphere, wherein the graph is composed of a time axis and a numerical axis corresponding to the sensing values, and the range of the time axis in the graph is set to a first period, and the range of the numerical axis is determined based on the sensing values ​​of a second period that is a part of the first period.

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