Air conditioning system, control device, and control method

Abstract

An air conditioning system (1) comprises: an air conditioning device (2) that conditions air in an air-conditioned space; a position information detection means for detecting the position of each of a plurality of users in the air-conditioned space; an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of the temperature and humidity at the positions of the users; a control device (81) that determines control of the air conditioning device (2); and an attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each user. The control device (81) uses environmental information at each user's position to determine a comfort index that indicates the level of comfort of the user, and on the basis of attribute information of the user, determines how to control the air conditioning device (2) such that the comfort index of the user approaches a value representing comfort.

Description

Air conditioning system, control device, and control method

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning based on user comfort indicators.

[0002] Conventionally, there are air conditioning systems that perform air conditioning control to improve user comfort using comfort indices that indicate the user's level of comfort, or personal information such as differences in temperature perception among users, such as whether they are sensitive to heat or cold. Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning control system that performs optimal airflow control for each user using PMV (Predicted Mean Vote), which is one of the comfort indices and is calculated based on parameters that affect user comfort (for example, temperature or humidity of the air-conditioned space).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-150590

[0004] Incidentally, when there are multiple users in an air-conditioned space, if the perceived temperature differs between adjacent users, it becomes difficult to create an environment that is comfortable for all users.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide an air conditioning system, control device, and control method that perform air conditioning control in a space to be air-conditioned without compromising the comfort of each of the multiple users.

[0006] The air conditioning system according to this disclosure comprises an air conditioning device that harmonizes the air in a space to be air-conditioned; a location information detection means for detecting the location of each of several users in the space to be air-conditioned; an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location; a control device for controlling the air conditioning device; and an attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each user. The control device uses the environmental information at the user's location to determine a comfort index indicating the user's level of comfort, and, based on the user's attribute information, determines the control of the air conditioning device so that the user's comfort index approaches a value indicating comfort.

[0007] Furthermore, the control device for the air conditioning system according to this disclosure is a control device connected to a location information detection means for detecting the location of each of several users in an air-conditioned space, and an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location, and controls the air conditioning system, which uses the environmental information at the user's location to determine a comfort index indicating the user's level of comfort, and controls the air conditioning system based on the user's attribute information so that the user's comfort index approaches a value indicating comfort.

[0008] Furthermore, the control method for an air conditioning system according to this disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system using a control device connected to a location information detection means for detecting the location of each of a plurality of users in an air-conditioned space, and an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location, and the method comprises the steps of: acquiring user attribute information; determining a comfort index indicating the user's level of comfort using the environmental information at the user's location; and determining the control of the air conditioning system based on the user's attribute information so that the user's comfort index approaches a value indicating comfort.

[0009] Furthermore, the air conditioning system relating to this disclosure includes an air conditioning device that harmonizes the air in a space to be air-conditioned, a location information detection means for detecting location information for each of several users in the space to be air-conditioned, an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location, an attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each user, and a learning unit that uses location information, environmental information, attribute information, and control information of the air conditioning device as training data to generate a trained model for inferring the control information of the air conditioning device.

[0010] Furthermore, the air conditioning system according to this disclosure comprises: an air conditioning device for harmonizing the air in a space to be air-conditioned; location information detection means for detecting location information for each of multiple users in the space to be air-conditioned; environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location; attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each user; and an inference unit for inferring control information for the air conditioning device from location information, environmental information, and attribute information using a trained model for inferring control information for the air conditioning device from location information, environmental information, and attribute information.

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to perform air conditioning control without compromising the comfort of each of the multiple users.

[0012] This is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. This is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing an air conditioning device according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic diagram showing an indoor unit according to Embodiment 1. This is a functional block diagram showing a control device for the air conditioning device according to Embodiment 1. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device for the air conditioning device according to Embodiment 1. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device for the air conditioning device according to Embodiment 1. This is a functional block diagram showing a terminal device according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic diagram showing a temperature sensation declaration screen G1 according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic diagram showing a preference information declaration screen G2 according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic diagram showing an attribute information declaration screen G3 according to Embodiment 1. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device for the terminal device according to Embodiment 1. This is a functional block diagram showing an information processing device according to Embodiment 1. This is a flowchart showing the IPMV database creation process of the model generation unit according to Embodiment 1. This is a conceptual diagram showing an IPMV database according to Embodiment 1. This is a diagram showing an example of a preference database according to Embodiment 1. This is a diagram showing an example of a weight database according to Embodiment 1. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device of the information processing device according to Embodiment 1. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to Embodiment 1. This is a flowchart showing the optimal wind direction control calculation process in the wind direction control determination unit according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control of the first flap of the wind direction adjustment unit and the wind direction. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control of the second flap of the wind direction adjustment unit and the wind direction. This is a graph showing an example of the swing speed of the first flap and the angle control of the second flap (sensitive to cold - sensitive to heat - sensitive to cold). This is a graph showing an example of the swing speed of the first flap and the angle control of the second flap (sensitive to heat - normal - sensitive to cold). This is a graph showing a modified example of the swing speed of the first flap and the angle control of the second flap (sensitive to heat - normal - sensitive to cold). This is a flowchart showing the correction process according to the user weight for optimal wind direction control in the wind direction control determination unit according to Embodiment 1. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device according to Embodiment 2. This is a flowchart showing the setting process of the wind-direction target user in the wind direction control determination unit according to Embodiment 2.This is a flowchart showing the wind direction tracking control in the wind direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 2. This is a schematic diagram showing the wind direction tracking control of the wind direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 2. This is a modified example of the schematic diagram showing the wind direction tracking control of the wind direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 2. This is a functional block diagram showing the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 3. This is a flowchart showing the learning process of the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 3. This is a flowchart showing the inference process of the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 3.

[0013] The embodiments for carrying out the subject matter of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are simplified or omitted as appropriate. The subject matter of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below, and it is possible to combine the embodiments or modify or omit any components as long as it does not depart from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0014] Embodiment 1. The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 has an air conditioning device 2, a terminal device 3, an information processing device 4, and a fixed station 5. The air conditioning device 2 harmonizes the air in the room, which is the space to be air-conditioned. The terminal device 3 is a communication device carried by a user in the room, for example, a smartphone. The information processing device 4 is a device that communicates with the air conditioning device 2, the terminal device 3, and the fixed station 5, for example, a cloud server. The fixed station 5 is a device that is placed in the space to be air-conditioned and measures the location information of the terminal device 3. Note that there may be multiple fixed stations 5 in the room. The air conditioning device 2, the terminal device 3, and the fixed station 5 are communicated with the information processing device 4 via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the internet.

[0015] The air conditioning system 2 will now be described. Figure 2 is a refrigerant circuit diagram showing the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioning system 2 has an outdoor unit 6 that generates heat or cold, and an indoor unit 7 that adjusts the indoor air using the heat or cold 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, an indoor blower 22, an air purifier 23, and a humidifier 24. The indoor unit 7 harmonizes the indoor air by performing cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and blower operation, etc. In addition, the indoor unit 7 can operate the air purifier 23 when performing the above-mentioned cooling operation or heating operation, etc., to execute an air purification mode for purifying the indoor air.

[0016] The compressor 11 compresses and discharges the inhaled refrigerant. The compressor 11 is, for example, an inverter-type compressor whose capacity can be changed. The flow path switching device 12 changes the direction of flow of the refrigerant circulating in 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 the outside air. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 is, for example, a fin-tube type heat exchanger. The expansion valve 14 depressurizes and expands the refrigerant. The expansion valve 14 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve. The outdoor blower 15 supplies air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13.

[0017] 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 type 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.

[0018] The air purifier 23 is designed to provide an air purifying function in the indoor unit 7 by removing particulate matter such as dust from the air taken in by the indoor unit 7, thereby purifying the air. The air purifier 23 is, for example, an electrostatic precipitator that charges particulate matter in the air and collects the charged particulate matter.

[0019] The humidifier 24 is designed to provide a humidifying function in the indoor unit 7 by dispersing vaporized water into the room. The humidifier 24 vaporizes water by, for example, heating it with a heater or by applying ultrasonic vibrations. The water to be vaporized is, for example, tap water supplied from outside the air conditioner 2, or condensed water obtained by collecting moisture from the air.

[0020] The compressor 11, outdoor heat exchanger 13, expansion valve 14, and indoor heat exchanger 21 are connected by refrigerant piping, forming a refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates. A heat pump is formed as the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit, repeatedly compressing and expanding.

[0021] The indoor unit 7 has a room temperature sensor 31, a humidity sensor 32, and a temperature sensor 33. 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 into the room from the indoor unit 7. The indoor unit 7 may also be equipped with a thermal imaging camera (not shown) to acquire the temperature distribution of the air-conditioned space. Note that the room temperature sensor 31, humidity sensor 32, temperature sensor 33, and thermal imaging camera may be placed in locations other than the indoor unit 7, as long as it is within the air-conditioned space.

[0022] The airflow adjustment unit 27 adjusts the direction of the air blown into the room from the indoor unit 7. The airflow adjustment unit 27 includes a first flap 27a that adjusts the left-right direction of the air blown into the room and a second flap that adjusts the up-down direction of the air.

[0023] The indoor unit 7 has a control device 34. The control device 34 controls the operation of each component of the air conditioning system 2. Details of the control device 34 will be described later.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the indoor unit 7 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 shows the indoor unit 7 viewed from below. The indoor unit 7 is embedded in the ceiling and blows air in all four directions. The indoor unit 7 has an intake port 25 formed in the center of its lower surface and outlet ports 26 formed on each of its four sides. When the indoor blower 22 housed inside the indoor unit 7 rotates, air is drawn into the indoor unit 7 through the intake port 25, heat exchange takes place between the air and the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 21, and then the air is blown into the room through the outlet ports 26. Each outlet port 26 is provided with a first flap 27a and a second flap 27b to adjust the direction of air blown out from the indoor unit 7. The first flap 27a is a plate-shaped member that is rotatably mounted perpendicular to the outlet port 26. The first flap 27a adjusts the left-right angle of the air blown out from the indoor unit 7 by changing its angle with respect to the outlet port 26. The angle of the first flap 27a and the speed at which the angle is changed, i.e., the swing speed, are controlled by a control device 34, which will be described later. The second flap 27b is a plate-shaped member that is mounted on the air outlet 26 so as to be rotatable horizontally. The second flap 27b adjusts the vertical angle of the air blown out from the indoor unit 7 by changing its angle relative to the air outlet 26. The second flap 27b can also be closed by setting its angle to approximately 90 degrees to block the air outlet 26. The angle of the second flap 27b is controlled by a control device 34, which will be described later. The first flap 27a and the second flap 27b are controlled individually for each air outlet 26 to adjust the direction of the air blown out from each air outlet 26. Hereafter, the first flap 27a and the second flap 27b may be collectively referred to as the airflow direction adjustment unit 27.

[0025] Furthermore, the configuration for adjusting the direction of air blown out from the indoor unit 7 is not limited to the airflow adjustment unit 27 described with reference to Figure 3. For example, the number of first flaps 27a may be one, two, or four or more. Also, the number of second flaps 27b may be two or more. In addition, although the airflow adjustment unit 27 described above has a configuration that includes a first flap 27a for adjusting the angle in the horizontal direction and a second flap 27b for adjusting the angle in the vertical direction, it may also be a configuration in which one type of vane is provided that can adjust the angle in either the horizontal or vertical direction. Moreover, the means for adjusting the direction of air blown out from the indoor unit 7 is not limited to means such as the airflow adjustment unit 27, but may also be means for changing the direction of the air outlet 26 itself. For example, means for changing the vertical and horizontal angles of the air outlet 26 can be considered.

[0026] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the control device 34 of the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 4, the control device 34 is communicatively connected to the room temperature sensor 31, the humidity sensor 32, and the temperature sensor 33. Furthermore, if the air conditioning system is equipped with a thermal imaging camera, the control device 34 is also communicatively connected to the thermal imaging camera. In addition, the control device 34 is communicatively connected to the compressor 11, the flow path switching device 12, the expansion valve 14, the outdoor fan 15, the indoor fan 22, the air purifier 23, the humidifier 24, and the airflow direction adjustment unit 27. The control device 34 has a device control unit 41 and a communication unit 42 as functional units.

[0027] Although Figure 2 shows the case where the control device 34 is installed on 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 installed on the outdoor unit 6, or it may be installed in a location other than both the outdoor unit 6 and the indoor unit 7.

[0028] The equipment control unit 41 controls the flow path switching device 12 in response to the cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and fan operation of the indoor unit 7. The equipment control unit 41 controls the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerant circuit based on the room temperature and set temperature, as well as the indoor humidity and set humidity. For example, the equipment control unit 41 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the expansion valve 14, the rotation speed of the indoor fan 22 and outdoor fan 15, and the ON / OFF of the humidifier 24 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 by the user to the control device 34 via a remote controller (not shown). The wind speed of the air generated by the indoor fan 22 and blown out from the outlet 26 can be set in three stages, for example, high, medium, and low. Furthermore, the equipment control unit 41 operates the air purifier 23 when the user instructs to execute the air purification mode via a remote controller (not shown).

[0029] Furthermore, the equipment control unit 41 transmits environmental information, including the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 31 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32, to the communication unit 42. Environmental information refers to information indicating the state of the air-conditioned space, including at least one of the temperature and humidity obtained from various sensors provided by the air conditioning system, such as the room temperature sensor 31, the humidity sensor 32, and the temperature sensor 33. In addition, the environmental information does not have to be information obtained from various sensors, but may also be information indicating the state of the air-conditioned space, including at least one of the temperature and humidity estimated by an information processing device described later. The equipment 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 of the first flap 27a, the vertical angle of the second flap 27b, and the wind speed of the air blown out from the outlet 26.

[0030] Furthermore, when the equipment control unit 41 receives information on the air conditioning control pattern from the communication unit 42, it controls the compressor 11, the indoor blower 22, the air purifier 23, the humidifier 24, or the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 according to the air conditioning control pattern. The air conditioning control pattern is control information for the air conditioning system 2 that indicates a pattern of combinations of air conditioning parameters that the air conditioning system 2 can set. Specifically, the air conditioning control pattern includes at least parameters related to the air outlet temperature, wind speed, wind direction, air purification function, and humidification function supplied to the air-conditioned space. The equipment control unit 41 adjusts the air outlet temperature, wind speed, wind direction, air purification function, and humidification function in accordance with the air conditioning control pattern.

[0031] An air conditioning control pattern is a combination of six control parameters, such as the temperature Tb detected by the temperature sensor 33, the horizontal angle of the first flap 27a, the vertical angle of the second flap 27b, the air velocity of the air blown out from the indoor unit 7, the ON / OFF status of the air purification function (ON / OFF of the air purifier 23), and the ON / OFF status of the humidification function (ON / OFF of the humidifier 24). Each of the multiple air conditioning control patterns is a combination of these six control parameters such that at least one of them is different from the others. The total number of air conditioning control patterns is the product of the number of possible values ​​for each of the six control parameters mentioned above. Specific examples of multiple air conditioning control patterns will be described later.

[0032] The communication unit 42 transmits environmental information and operating information received from the equipment control unit 41 to the information processing device 4. When the communication unit 42 receives information on the air conditioning control pattern from the information processing device 4, it transmits the received information on the air conditioning control pattern to the equipment control unit 41. The communication unit 42 sends and receives information with the information processing device 4, for example, according to TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol).

[0033] Here, the hardware configuration of the control device 34 will be described. FIG. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a configuration example of the control device 34 of the air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 1. When various functions of the control device 34 are executed by hardware, the control device 34 is composed of a processing circuit 50 as shown in FIG. 5. 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.

[0034] Another example of the hardware configuration of the control device 34 will be described. FIG. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a configuration example of the control device 34 of the air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 1. When 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. 6. Each functional unit is realized by the processor 51 and the memory 52. FIG. 6 shows that the processor 51 and the memory 52 are communicably connected to each other via a bus 53. The processor is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. The memory is composed of, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM.

[0035] Each functional unit is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 52. The processor 51 realizes the functions of each part by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 52.

[0036] Next, the terminal device 3 will be described. FIG. 7 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 position information by being carried around by the user. Further, the terminal device 3 is a device that receives from the user a declaration of evaluation of temperature and cold sensation, preference information regarding air conditioning control, and the user's attribute information, and transmits the declared information to the information processing device 4. The terminal device 3 includes an operation display device 61 and a control device 62.

[0037] 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 a physical key or a keyboard and a display unit such as a display.

[0038] The control device 62 includes, as functional units, a communication unit 63 and a declaration unit 64. The communication unit 63 performs wireless communication for the information processing device 4 to identify the position information of the terminal device 3. For example, the communication unit 63 performs UWB (Ultra Wide Band) communication with a plurality of fixed stations 5. The plurality of fixed stations 5 transmit to the information processing device 4 the signal arrival time and signal arrival angle from the terminal device 3, and identification information for identifying the terminal device 3 as the communication target. The transmission period is, for example, once per second. In the information processing device 4, the signal arrival time and signal arrival angle received from the plurality of fixed stations 5 are analyzed to identify the position information of the terminal device 3.

[0039] Note that the communication unit 63 may perform BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication with a plurality of beacons (not shown) provided indoors, identify the position information of the terminal device 3 in the air-conditioned target space from the communication intensity with the plurality of beacons, and transmit the position information to the information processing device 4. Further, the communication unit 63 may use a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System) to transmit the position information of the terminal device 3 to the information processing device 4. Furthermore, the communication unit 63 may combine the above-described methods to allow the information processing device 4 to identify the position of the terminal device 3.

[0040] The reporting unit 64 displays a temperature reporting screen G1 on the operation display device 61 for receiving input of temperature reporting, which is an evaluation of the temperature of the room reported by the user. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature reporting screen G1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 8, the temperature reporting screen G1 displays buttons indicating reporting content such as "very hot," "hot," "comfortable," "cold," and "very cold." The user reports the temperature of the room by selecting a button displayed on the input screen. Note that "comfortable" means the best evaluation among multiple reporting content for temperature reporting.

[0041] Furthermore, the declaration unit 64 displays a preference information declaration screen G2 on the operation display device 61 for receiving input of the user's preference information regarding air conditioning control. Preference information regarding air conditioning control refers to information indicating what the user wants from the air conditioning. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the preference information declaration screen G2 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 9, the preference information declaration screen G2 displays buttons for declaring preferences for items such as "temperature sensation," "airflow sensation," "dryness," "airflow noise," and "coldness at the feet."

[0042] The "Temperature / Coolness" item allows the user to select how they feel about the temperature of the air conditioner. The "Airflow Sensation" item allows the user to select their preference for how they feel about the airflow from the air conditioner. The "Dryness" item allows the user to select their preference for dry air. The "Airflow Noise" item allows the user to select their preference for the noise generated by the airflow. The "Cold Feet" item allows the user to select their preference for how cold their feet feel due to the temperature difference between the upper and lower parts of the room. The user submits their preference information by selecting a button displayed on the preference information submission screen G2. The user submits their preference information when using the air conditioning system 1 for the first time. The user may also submit their preference information if they wish to change their submission. The terminal device 3 may also display the preference information submission screen G2 on the operation display device 61 to prompt the user to submit their preference information periodically.

[0043] Furthermore, the reporting unit 64 displays an attribute information reporting screen G3 on the operation display device 61 for receiving input of attribute information, which is information for calculating the importance of the user. User importance is a value that determines the priority of which user's preferences to prioritize when performing air conditioning control that takes into account the individual preferences of multiple users in the air-conditioned space. Attribute information is information about the characteristics of the user, such as gender, age, affiliation, and BMI. For example, if the air-conditioned space is an office and there are employees and customers as users, it may be desirable to perform air conditioning control that prioritizes the comfort of customers over that of employees. In this way, when a specific user is designated as an important user whose comfort should be prioritized, if the temperature sensation differs between the important user and users nearby, it may become an uncomfortable situation for the important user. For example, when trying to control the airflow volume and duration of airflow for each user by controlling the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 of the indoor unit 7, it is difficult to perform control according to each user's preferences when users are adjacent to each other. Therefore, the system uses user attribute information to determine which user preferences should be prioritized in air conditioning control. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the attribute information declaration screen G3 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 10, the attribute information declaration screen G3 displays buttons for entering user information for items such as "gender," "age," "affiliation," and "BMI."

[0044] The user enters their attribute information by selecting a button displayed on the attribute information declaration screen G3. Attribute information is entered when the user uses the air conditioning system 1 for the first time. The user may also enter attribute information if they wish to change it. Furthermore, the terminal device 3 may display the attribute information declaration screen G3 on the operation display device 61 to prompt the user to enter their attribute information periodically. Additionally, the user's attribute information may be entered by the administrator of the air conditioning system 1, rather than the user themselves. For example, if the air-conditioned space is an office, an employee may enter the customer's attribute information when a customer is temporarily present in the air-conditioned space. When the terminal device 3 detects the user's location, the information processing device 4 can identify the customer user's location by handing the terminal device 3 with the customer's attribute information entered to the customer. Furthermore, by setting the "Affiliation" to "Customer" on the attribute information declaration screen G3 to prioritize the user's importance regardless of other items, it is possible to control the air conditioning with a high priority for the customer user even if other items are set to "Unknown".

[0045] The reporting unit 64 transmits the temperature sensation report, preference information report, and attribute information entered by the user to the information processing device 4 each time, along with identification information to identify the terminal device 3 on which the operation was performed. If the terminal device 3 on which the operation was performed is the same as the terminal device 3 that communicated wirelessly with the fixed station 5, the same identification information is assigned to them.

[0046] The hardware configuration of the control device 62 of the terminal device 3 will now be described. Figure 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 62 of the terminal device 3 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 11, the control device 62 consists 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. Figure 11 shows that the processor 71 and the memory 72 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 73. The processor is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory consists of non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

[0047] 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 memory 72. The software is, for example, an application program for managing the air conditioning system 2, which is installed on the terminal device 3 by the user. The processor 71 realizes the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 72.

[0048] Before describing the configuration of the information processing device 4, we will first explain the comfort index used by the information processing device 4 when determining the air conditioning control pattern of the air conditioning system 2. First, we will explain PMV, which is a type of comfort index.

[0049] PMV (Passive Mobility Value) is a value proposed by Professor Fanger of the Technical University of Denmark as an index for numerically evaluating a person's comfort level and thermal sensation in a thermal environment. PMV was standardized internationally as ISO-7730 in 1984. PMV links the heat load on the human body with a person's thermal sensation. Specifically, PMV is calculated by establishing a thermal equilibrium equation for the human body using elements from the air environment and elements from the human body, and then substituting the equation for the skin temperature at which a person feels comfortable and the amount of heat dissipated by sweating into that thermal equilibrium equation. Elements from the air environment include not only air temperature, but also radiant temperature, heat radiation, humidity, and airflow. Elements from the human body include the person's activity level, clothing amount, and average skin temperature.

[0050] Embodiment 1 will be explained using the case where the comfort index is an individual comfort index, IPMV (Individual PMV). The IPMV value is a value based on PMV, but it is not the average value of the overall thermal comfort of the air-conditioned space, but rather a value that indicates local thermal comfort, which is the thermal comfort at a specific location where a person is located. IPMV is expressed by the following formula (1).

[0051]

[0052] Let's explain the eight variables in equation (1). M is metabolic rate [W / m2], and W is mechanical work [W / m2]. Ed is insensible perspiration [W / m2], and Es is heat loss from sweat evaporation from the skin surface [W / m2]. Ere is latent heat loss due to respiration [W / m2], and Cre is sensible heat loss due to respiration [W / m2]. R is radiant heat loss [W / m2], and C is convective heat loss [W / m2].

[0053] As shown in equation (1), IPMV is a numerical representation of a person's thermal comfort based on temperature, humidity, and radiant temperature. The range of IPMV is -3 to +3. IPMV = 0 is considered neutral. When IPMV = 0, it is defined as comfortable. When IPMV = 3, it is defined as hot, when IPMV = 2, it is defined as warm, and when IPMV = 1, it is defined as slightly warm. When IPMV = -3, it is defined as cold, when IPMV = -2, it is defined as cool, and when IPMV = -1, it is defined as slightly cool. In other words, the closer the IPMV is to 0, the higher the person's comfort level is defined.

[0054] The information processing device 4, described later, generates and stores the IPMV distribution in the air-conditioned space for each of the multiple activity levels for each air conditioning control pattern. The IPMV distributions generated for each of the multiple air conditioning control patterns and multiple activity levels are referred to as the IPMV database 821.

[0055] Next, the information processing device 4 will be described. The information processing device 4 determines the IPMV of the locations of multiple users in the room and provides the air conditioning device 2 with the optimal air conditioning control pattern determined based on each user's IPMV. Figure 12 is a functional block diagram showing the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 12, the information processing device 4 has a control device 81 and a storage device 82. The control device 81 has a data acquisition unit 91, a model generation unit 92, a declaration processing unit 93, an activity level calculation unit 94, a location information acquisition unit 95, a comfort calculation unit 96, a weight calculation unit 97, a comfort efficiency calculation unit 98, a control determination unit 99, and a wind direction control determination unit 100 as functional units that perform the processing to determine the air conditioning control pattern described above.

[0056] The data acquisition unit 91 stores environmental information and operating information received from the air conditioning system 2 at regular intervals in the storage device 82. The data acquisition unit 91 stores the information received from the air conditioning system 2 at regular intervals in the storage device 82 in chronological order and monitors the operating status of the air conditioning system 2.

[0057] The model generation unit 92 reads environmental information and operating information from the storage device 82 and generates an IPMV database 821. The IPMV database 821 is generated, for example, by reflecting the read information in a standard 3D fluid model that is a 3D model of the air-conditioned space, and performing CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis. The IPMV database 821 is stored in the storage device 82. The IPMV database 821 is created by generating IPMV distributions in the air-conditioned space for multiple activity levels and multiple air conditioning control patterns. The IPMV distribution is obtained by dividing the air-conditioned space into multiple rectangular regions using CFD analysis, and calculating the IPMV corresponding to each rectangular region. Furthermore, the IPMV in each rectangular region can be derived from the above-mentioned equation (1). Here, the values ​​of the eight variables in equation (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 worn and activity level of the user. Here, 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 are defined as local environmental information. In this embodiment, the model generation unit 92 that estimates local environmental information by CFD analysis functions as an environmental information acquisition means.

[0058] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the IPMV database creation process of the model generation unit 92 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the IPMV database according to Embodiment 1. A specific example of the IPMV database creation process of the model generation unit 92 will be explained using Figures 13 and 14.

[0059] First, in step S101, the model generation unit 92 sets the activity levels to be used to calculate IPMV. The model generation unit 92 selects, for example, multiple activity levels between 0.1 MET and 3.0 MET in 0.1 MET intervals as targets for generating IPMV distributions. It is known that activity level (MET) = metabolic rate / basal metabolic rate. A representative value is given as a constant for the basal metabolic rate. Next, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0060] In step S102, the model generation unit 92 sets an air conditioning control pattern for estimating the local temperature, local wind speed, local radiant temperature, and humidity used to calculate the IPMV. Next, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0061] In step S103, the model generation unit 92 estimates local environmental information for each rectangular region of the air-conditioned space in the air conditioning control pattern set in step S102. The local environmental information, including local temperature, local wind speed, local radiant temperature, and humidity, is determined by CFD analysis. More specifically, the model generation unit 92 estimates the temperature at a specific location as the local temperature from the temperature distribution of the air-conditioned space shown 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 wind speed of the entire air in the air-conditioned space shown by the CFD analysis results. The local radiant 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, acquired by the data acquisition unit 91, and stored in the storage device 82. Next, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0062] In step S104, the model generation unit 92 calculates the IPMV for each rectangular region using equation (1), based on the local environmental information estimated in step S103, the amount of clothing worn, and the activity level set in step S101. The model generation unit 92 obtains the amount of clothing worn by referring to the clo value, which is set in advance for each season, based on calendar information at the time of control. The clo value is a value that indicates the thermal resistance of the clothing, and in this embodiment, a general clo value is set in advance for each season. The clo value is stored in, for example, the storage device 82. Also, as shown in Figure 14, the position of each rectangular region in the air-conditioned space is expressed, for example, by coordinates (x, y) on a plane. Next, the process proceeds to step S105.

[0063] In step S105, the model generation unit 92 determines whether it has created an IPMV distribution for all air conditioning control patterns for the activity level set in S101. An air conditioning control pattern is a pattern of combinations of air conditioning parameters that can be set by the air conditioning device 2. For example, the air conditioning device 2 can set the air outlet temperature to three patterns: high, medium, and low. For each of the four air outlets 26, the wind speed can be set to three patterns: high, medium, and low. The wind direction can be set to three patterns for the angle of the first flap 27a and three patterns for the angle of the second flap 27b. Furthermore, the air purification function and humidification function can be set to two patterns: ON / OFF. In this case, there are 3 × 4 × (3 × 3 × 3) × 2 × 2 = 1296 possible air conditioning control patterns. In step S105, it is determined whether it has created an IPMV distribution for all 1296 possible air conditioning control patterns. If an IPMV distribution has been created for all air conditioning control patterns (Step S105: Yes), proceed to Step S106. If there are air conditioning control patterns for which an IPMV distribution has not been created (Step S105: No), return to Step S102, set the air conditioning control patterns for which the distribution has not been created, and repeat the process. Note that the number of patterns for each parameter described above is just an example, and the number of patterns may be reduced or increased from the example above. Also, for parameters that are thought to have no or little effect on the IPMV distribution, such as the air purification function, the IPMV distribution may be made the same whether the function is ON or OFF.

[0064] In step S106, the model generation unit 92 determines whether it has created an IPMV distribution for all activity levels to be generated. If an IPMV distribution has been created for all activity levels to be generated (step S106: Yes), the process proceeds to step S107. If the IPMV distribution has not been created (step S106: No), the process returns to step S101, the activity levels that have not yet been created are set, and the process is repeated.

[0065] In step S107, the model generation unit 92 stores the multiple air conditioning control patterns and multiple IPMV distributions for each activity level created in the processes from S101 to S106 as an IPMV database 821 in the storage device 82. This completes the IPMV database creation process.

[0066] The IPMV database creation process in the model generation unit 92 is performed once for the air-conditioned space after the air conditioning system 2 is installed. Alternatively, it may be performed at regular intervals (for example, every three months when the seasons change). Alternatively, it may be performed when there is a change in the state of the air-conditioned space, such as when furniture or heat-generating devices are installed or removed.

[0067] The declaration processing unit 93 communicates with the terminal device 3 to acquire in real time the temperature sensation declarations, preference information declarations, and attribute information declarations submitted by users present in the air-conditioned space. If there are multiple users identified by identification information in the air-conditioned space, the declaration processing unit 93 acquires the temperature sensation declarations, preference information declarations, and attribute information declarations for each user. In this embodiment, the declaration unit 64 of the terminal device 3 and the declaration processing unit 93 function as attribute information acquisition means and preference information acquisition means, respectively, for acquiring attribute information and preference information.

[0068] The declaration processing unit 93 records the contents of the preference information declarations made by each user in the preference database 822. The preference database 822 is stored in the storage device 82. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the preference database according to Embodiment 1. Figure 15(a) shows the preference database, and Figure 15(b) shows the meaning of the symbols in Figure 15(a). When the declaration processing unit 93 obtains preference information declarations from the terminal device 3, it records the preference information along with the user's identification information as shown in Figure 13. In addition, the item related to thermal sensation in Figure 15(a) is updated when a thermal sensation declaration is obtained from the terminal device 3. For example, if the IPMV of the surrounding environment information for a certain user indicates comfort, and the user declares "hot" as their thermal sensation, the thermal sensation item is changed to "sensitive to heat".

[0069] Furthermore, the declaration processing unit 93 records the contents of the attribute information declaration in the weight database 823. The weight database 823 is stored in the storage device 82. Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of a weight database according to Embodiment 1. Figure 16(a) shows the weight database, and Figure 16(b) shows constants corresponding to the importance parameters for calculating the weights in Figure 16(a). When the declaration processing unit 93 obtains an attribute information declaration from the terminal device 3, it records the attribute information along with the user's identification information, as shown in the importance parameters in Figure 16(a). The method for calculating the weights in Figure 16(a) will be described later.

[0070] The weight calculation unit 97 calculates a weight for each user using the importance parameters of the weight database 823 and records it in the weight database 823. The weight calculation is performed when the attribute information declaration is obtained. The weight is determined for each user as the average value of constants for the importance parameters shown in Figure 16(b). For example, for user U001 shown in Figure 14, the weight is 0.62, which is calculated by (0.4 + 0.4 + 0.9 + 0.8 + 0.6) / 6 based on the importance parameters in Figure 16(b).

[0071] The activity level calculation unit 94 calculates the activity level for each user based on a baseline activity level and the thermal sensation report obtained by the report processing unit 93. The baseline activity level is the expected activity level when the thermal sensation report is "comfortable," for example, 1.0 MET. Specifically, if no thermal sensation report is obtained, the activity level calculation unit 94 sets the user's activity level to the baseline value. If a thermal sensation report is obtained, the activity level calculation unit 94 calculates the activity level by adding or subtracting a correction amount to the baseline value based on the thermal sensation report. For example, if the thermal sensation report is "hot" and "cold," the correction amounts are +0.5 and -0.5. Also, if the thermal sensation report is "very hot" and "very cold," the correction amounts are +1.0 and -1.0.

[0072] The location information acquisition unit 95 communicates with the terminal device 3 carried by the user or the fixed station 5 to determine the user's location information in real time. Specifically, the location information acquisition unit 95 determines the location information of the terminal device 3 in the air-conditioned space based on layout information of the air-conditioned space and the signal arrival time and signal arrival angle received from multiple fixed stations 5. The location information is expressed, for example, as coordinates (x, y) on a plane. The location information acquisition unit 95 may also receive location information in the air-conditioned space directly from the terminal device 3. In this embodiment, the fixed station 5, the terminal device 3, and the location information acquisition unit 95 function as location information detection means that detect the location for each user with respect to multiple users in the air-conditioned space.

[0073] The comfort calculation unit 96 determines each user's IPMV based on each user's activity level and location information. Specifically, firstly, the comfort calculation unit 96 refers to the IPMV database 821 and identifies a distribution group corresponding to the activity level calculated by the activity level calculation unit 94 for each user identified by the identification information. Secondly, for each user, the comfort calculation unit 96 extracts multiple IPMVs corresponding to the user's location information detected by the location information acquisition unit 95 from multiple IPMV distributions within the identified distribution group.

[0074] The comfort efficiency calculation unit 98 calculates the overall comfort level of multiple users, known as the comfort efficiency Z, for each of the multiple air conditioning control patterns, using the IPMV obtained by the comfort calculation unit 96. At this time, the comfort efficiency calculation unit 98 calculates the weighted comfort efficiency Z using the weights of the weight database 823. The comfort efficiency calculation unit 98 calculates the comfort efficiency Z for each of the multiple air conditioning control patterns using equation (2). Equation (2) is an equation for calculating the comfort efficiency Z when users 1 to N are in the air-conditioned space. In equation (2), the numbers represent different identification numbers for each user, and N is the number of users in the room. The comfort efficiency calculation unit 98 calculates the comfort efficiency Z corresponding to the multiple air conditioning control patterns.

[0075]

[0076] Comfort efficiency Z is a value that evaluates how close the thermal comfort of multiple users is to comfort (individual IPMV = 0). Comfort efficiency Z also represents the overall level of comfort for multiple users in a room. In equation (2), "Wt １ " is User 1's "Wt ２ " is User 2's "Wt Ｎ " indicates the weight of user N. "IPMVave" represents the average IPMV of users in the room, "IPMVmax" represents the maximum IPMV of users in the room, and "IPMVmin" represents the minimum IPMV of users in the room. １ " is User 1's IPMV, "IPMV ２ " is User 2's IPMV, "IPMV Ｎ The values ​​shown represent the IPMV of each user N. As shown in equation (2), by using the weights of multiple users in the calculation of comfort efficiency Z, the comfort efficiency Z reflects the comfort level of the users with higher weights. Generally, the higher the value of comfort efficiency Z (up to 100%), the more satisfied the comfort level of multiple users in the room is considered to be. In comfort efficiency Z weighted by the weights of multiple users as in equation (2), a higher comfort efficiency Z indicates that the comfort level of the users with higher weights is satisfied. Furthermore, since comfort efficiency Z reflects the influence of each user's comfort according to their weight, a high comfort efficiency Z also helps to avoid discomfort for users with lower weights.

[0077] The control determination unit 99 determines the air conditioning control pattern that maximizes the comfort efficiency Z among the comfort efficiency Z calculated by the comfort efficiency calculation unit 98 for multiple air conditioning control patterns.

[0078] The wind direction control determination unit 100 performs optimal wind direction control by correcting the control of the wind direction adjustment unit 27 in accordance with the user preference information recorded in the preference database 822, based on the air conditioning control pattern determined by the control determination unit 99. For example, the optimal wind direction control determines the swing speed and angle of the wind direction adjustment unit 27 so that the wind blows for a longer period of time for users who prefer a strong breeze. Details of the optimal wind direction control will be described later.

[0079] The storage device 82 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage device 82 stores a standard fluid 3D model for generating the IPMV database 821. The storage device 82 stores the IPMV database 821 generated by the model generation unit 92, the preference database 822 stored by the declaration processing unit 93, and the weight database 823 generated by the weight calculation unit 97. Note that in Figure 12, "database" is written as "DB". The storage device 82 also stores layout information. The layout information includes the floor plan of the air-conditioned space and the placement of the fixed station 5 in the air-conditioned space. The layout information is registered in advance by, for example, the user or the installer of the air conditioning system 2.

[0080] The hardware configuration of the control device 81 will now be described. Figure 17 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 81 of the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 17, the control device 81 consists 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. Figure 17 shows that the processor 101 and the memory 102 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a bus 103. The processor 101 and the memory 102 are connected to the storage device 82 shown in Figure 12 via the bus 103. The memory 102 functions as the main memory, and the storage device 82 functions as the auxiliary storage device.

[0081] Each functional unit is implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 102. The processor 101 implements the functions of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in memory 102. For memory 102, a volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM is used.

[0082] Next, the process for determining the air conditioning control of the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 1.

[0083] First, in step S201, the information processing device 4 determines whether the update time has elapsed. The update time is set to update the control in order to perform air conditioning control appropriate to the environmental information of the air-conditioned space and the user's state when there are changes in the environmental information of the air-conditioned space and the user's state due to the passage of time, and is, for example, one hour. If the update time has elapsed (step S201: Yes), proceed to step S202. If the update time has not elapsed (step S201: No), proceed to step S204.

[0084] In step S202, the location information acquisition unit 95 acquires the location information of multiple users in the air-conditioned space. Next, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0085] Furthermore, in step S204, the information processing device 4 determines whether the user's location information has been updated if the update time has not elapsed (step S201: No). If the location information has been updated (step S204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S203. If the location information has not been updated (step S204: No), the process proceeds to step S206. The determination of whether the user's location information has been updated is made by the location information acquisition unit 95 acquiring the user's location information. Alternatively, the information processing device 4 may be configured to receive a notification when the user's location moves from the terminal device 3. The determination in step S204 is made because, even if the update time has not elapsed, if the user moves, the information processing device 4 performs the process of determining the air conditioning control. This allows the information processing device 4 to update the air conditioning control according to the user's location.

[0086] In step S206, the information processing device 4 determines whether the declaration processing unit 93 has received the user's temperature preference declaration from the terminal device 3. If a temperature preference declaration has been received (step S206: Yes), the device proceeds to step S207. If no temperature preference declaration has been received (step S206: No), the device returns to step S201. The determination in step S206 is made because, even if the update time has not elapsed and the user's position has not changed, if the user has made a temperature preference declaration, the information processing device 4 performs a process to determine the air conditioning control in order to update the air conditioning control to correspond to the user's declaration. This allows the information processing device 4 to update the air conditioning control transmitted to the air conditioning device 2 to the air conditioning control corresponding to the user's declaration.

[0087] In step S203, local environmental information corresponding to the location of each user is determined using the environmental information acquired by the data acquisition unit 91. The local environmental information is estimated by CFD analysis. Alternatively, it may be acquired from the thermal imaging camera and various sensors provided by the air conditioning unit 2. Next, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0088] In step S205, the declaration processing unit 93 obtains the user's temperature sensation declaration from the terminal device 3. Next, the process proceeds to step S207.

[0089] In step S207, the declaration processing unit 93 uses the user's declared temperature sensation and local environmental information of the user's location to update the preference database 822 if there is a change in the user's temperature sensation. Next, the process proceeds to step S208.

[0090] In step S208, the activity level calculation unit 94 calculates the activity level for each user based on their reported thermal sensations. The process then proceeds to step S209.

[0091] In step S209, the comfort calculation unit 96 reads IPMV corresponding to the location information and activity level for each user from the IPMV database. Since the IPMV database contains IPMV distributions for each air conditioning control pattern, here, the IPMV is obtained for each user for each air conditioning control pattern. Next, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0092] In step S210, the comfort efficiency calculation unit 98 reads the user weights used to calculate the comfort efficiency Z from the weight database 823 for each user. Next, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0093] In step S211, the comfort efficiency calculation unit 98 calculates the comfort efficiency Z for each air conditioning control pattern using the user's IPMV and weights. Next, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0094] In step S212, the control determination unit 99 determines the air conditioning control pattern with the highest comfort efficiency Z among the air conditioning control patterns as the air conditioning control that the air conditioning system 2 will actually operate. Next, the process proceeds to step S213.

[0095] In step S213, the airflow direction control determination unit 100 performs optimal airflow direction control to correct the control of the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 based on the user preference information recorded in the preference database 822 for the air conditioning control pattern determined by the control determination unit 99. Optimal airflow direction control will be described later. Next, the process returns to step S201 and the process of determining the air conditioning control is repeated. This concludes the explanation of the process of determining the air conditioning control of the information processing device 4.

[0096] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the optimal wind direction control calculation process in the wind direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 1. The optimal wind direction control by the wind direction control determination unit 100 will be explained using Figure 19. Note that if the air conditioning system 2 has multiple outlets 26, the optimal wind direction control is performed for each outlet 26 of the air conditioning system 2.

[0097] First, in step S301, the airflow direction control unit 100 uses the user's location information to extract users from among multiple users in the air-conditioned space who are within the airflow range 28, which is the range to which the air blown out from the air outlet 26 reaches. Next, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0098] In step S302, the wind direction control determination unit 100 reads the preferences of users within the airflow range 28 from the preference database 822. Next, the process proceeds to step S303.

[0099] In step S303, the wind direction control determination unit 100 determines the swing speed of the first flap 27a based on the user's preference. Next, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0100] In step S304, the wind direction control unit 100 determines the angle of the second flap 27b based on the user's preference.

[0101] Here, the control of the first flap 27a and the second flap 27b in steps S303 and S304 will be described in detail. Figure 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating the control of the first flap 27a and the wind direction of the wind direction adjustment unit 27. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating the control of the second flap 27b and the wind direction of the wind direction adjustment unit 27.

[0102] First, let's explain the first flap 27a. Figure 20 shows the indoor unit 7 embedded in the ceiling and users U1, U2, and U3 in the air-conditioned space, viewed from above, that is, from inside the ceiling. For explanatory purposes, the first flap 27a is shown to be visible through the ceiling. As shown in Figure 20, the indoor unit 7 has three first flaps 27a for one air outlet 26. The first flaps 27a adjust the left-right direction of the air blown out from the air outlet 26 by changing the angle of the flaps 27a relative to the air outlet 26. In Figure 20, each first flap 27a swings within a range from the angle shown by the solid line to the angle shown by the dotted line. In Figure 20, when the first flap 27a is in the range of angle Rh1, the airflow direction is arrow had1. When the first flap 27a is in the range of angle Rh2, the airflow direction is arrow had2. When the first flap 27a is within the range of angle Rh3, the wind direction is arrow had3. As shown in Figure 20, the control of the first flap 27a will be explained using the example where user U1 is at the position where wind direction had1 hits, user U2 is at the position where wind direction had2 hits, and user U3 is at the position where wind direction had3 hits, in the discharge range 28.

[0103] Next, the second flap 27b will be described. Figure 21 shows only the second flap 27b corresponding to one of the four air outlets 26 formed in the indoor unit 7. Figure 21 is a ceiling-mounted indoor unit 7, and the indoor unit 7 is positioned higher than the ceiling surface 8. In Figure 21, the second flap 27b is shown in an enlarged view for explanatory purposes. The second flap 27b adjusts the vertical angle of the air blown out from the indoor unit 7 by changing its angle relative to the air outlet 26. In Figure 21, the second flap 27b is shown with a solid line when the angle of the second flap 27b is Rv1, and with a dotted line when the angle of the second flap 27b is Rv2, with the vertical direction of the indoor unit 7 as the reference Vl. When the angle of the second flap 27b is Rv1, the airflow direction is indicated by arrow vad1, and when the angle of the second flap 27b is Rv2, the airflow direction is indicated by arrow vad2. In the example shown in Figure 21, setting the second flap 27b to an angle Rv1 results in a wind direction vad1 at an angle where the wind hits the user U. On the other hand, setting the second flap 27b to an angle Rv2 results in a wind direction vad2 at an angle where the wind does not hit the user U. Furthermore, setting the second flap 27b to an angle of approximately 90 degrees can block the air outlet 26, creating a closed state.

[0104] Figure 22 is a graph showing an example of the swing speed of the first flap 27a and the angle control of the second flap 27b (sensitive to cold - sensitive to heat - sensitive to cold). Figure 22 shows an example of the swing speed of the first flap 27a and the angle control of the second flap 27b when the preference database 822 indicates that user U1 is sensitive to cold, user U2 is sensitive to heat, and user U3 is sensitive to cold. The horizontal axis of Figure 22 shows the passage of time, the vertical axis of Figure 22(a) shows the swing speed of the first flap 27a, and the vertical axis of Figure 22(b) shows the angle of the second flap 27b. If the first flap 27a is at angle Rh1, which is the position from which air is blown in the wind direction had1 that blows onto user U1 who is sensitive to the cold, then as shown in Figure 22(a), the swing speed of the first flap 27a is set to "High," meaning it is fast, and it switches to angle Rh2 in a short amount of time. If the first flap 27a is at angle Rh2, which is the position from which air is blown in the wind direction had2 that blows onto user U2 who is sensitive to the heat, then the swing speed of the first flap 27a is set to "Low," meaning it is slow, and the wind blows onto user U2 for a longer period of time. Similarly, if the first flap 27a is at angle Rh3, which is the position of the first flap 27a from which air is blown in a wind direction had3 that blows on user U3 who is sensitive to the cold, the swing speed of the first flap 27a is set to "High," i.e., fast, and it switches to angle Rh2 in a short time. The wind direction control determination unit 100 determines the angle of the first flap 27a that blows on each user from the position information of each user, and sets the swing speed to "High" for the angle that blows on users who are sensitive to the cold, and to "Low" for the angle that blows on users who are sensitive to the heat. In addition, the user preference information used to control the swing speed of the first flap 27a may be "wind exposure sensation" instead of thermal sensation. Alternatively, by using thermal sensation and wind exposure sensation, the wind may be blown on users who are sensitive to the heat and like wind exposure sensation for the longest time, and on users who are sensitive to the cold and dislike wind exposure sensation for the shortest time.

[0105] Figure 23 is a graph showing examples of swing speed of the first flap 27a and angle control of the second flap 27b (sensitive to heat - normal - sensitive to cold). Figure 23 shows an example of swing speed of the first flap 27a and angle control of the second flap 27b when the preference database 822 indicates that user U1 is sensitive to heat, user U2 is normal, and user U3 is sensitive to cold. As shown in Figure 23, the swing speed may be set in multiple stages, not just two.

[0106] Figure 24 is a graph showing variations in the swing speed of the first flap 27a and the angle control of the second flap 27b (sensitive to heat - normal - sensitive to cold). Figure 24 is an example where user U1 is sensitive to heat, user U2 is normal, and user U3 is sensitive to cold. As shown in Figure 24, if a user who does not like direct airflow, such as user U3, is located at the edge of the air outlet range 28, the first flap 27a may be controlled so that the first flap 27a is not positioned at an angle Rh3 that directs airflow to user U3.

[0107] The angle of the second flap 27b is determined in conjunction with the angle of the first flap 27a, which directs the airflow to each user within the airflow range 28. In the example shown in Figure 22, when the first flap 27a is at an angle Rh1 that directs the airflow to user U1, who is sensitive to the cold, the second flap 27b is set to an angle Rv2 that results in an airflow direction vad2 where user U1 is not affected by the airflow. When the first flap 27a is at an angle Rh2 that directs the airflow to user U2, who is sensitive to the heat, the second flap 27b is set to an angle Rv1 that results in an airflow direction vad1 where user U2 is affected by the airflow. Similarly, when the first flap 27a is at an angle Rh3 that directs the airflow to user U3, who is sensitive to the cold, the second flap 27b is set to an angle Rv2 that results in an airflow direction vad2 where user U3 is not affected by the airflow. The wind direction control unit 100 determines the angle of the second flap 27b according to the user's preference information, in conjunction with the angle of the first flap 27a. In Figure 22(b), the angle of the second flap 27b is shown in two stages, but it is desirable to determine the angle at which wind hits and the angle at which wind does not hit, depending on the user's position. For example, in Figure 21, if the user U is located further to the left, the angle of the second flap 27b that directs wind towards the user U will be greater than Rv1.

[0108] Returning to the explanation of the optimal wind direction control calculation process in Figure 19, after determining the control of the first flap 27a and the second flap 27b in steps S303 and S304, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0109] In step S305, the wind direction control determination unit 100 reads the weight of each user within the blowing range 28 from the weight database 823. Next, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0110] In step S306, the wind direction control determination unit 100 further corrects the control of the first flap 27a and the second flap 27b, which were determined in steps S303 and S304, according to the user's weight. Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the correction process according to the user's weight for optimal wind direction control in the wind direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 1. The details of the correction process according to the user's weight will be explained using Figure 25.

[0111] In step S401, the airflow direction control unit 100 determines whether or not there are users in the airflow range 28 whose weight is above a threshold. Users whose weight is above a threshold are designated as important users. Important users are those whose comfort level should be particularly satisfied. If there are important users (step S401: Yes), the process proceeds to step S402. If there are important users (step S401: No), the correction process according to the user's weight is terminated.

[0112] In step S402, the wind direction control determination unit 100 refers to the preference database 822 and determines whether the important user's preference is for no wind exposure or not. If the important user's preference is for no wind exposure (step S402: Yes), the process proceeds to step S403. If the important user's preference is not for no wind exposure (step S402: No), the correction process according to the user's weight is terminated.

[0113] In step S403, the wind direction control determination unit 100 sets the angle of the first flap for important users to be a certain value larger. For example, if there is a user who likes being blown by the wind next to an important user who does not like being blown by the wind, and the first flap 27a is angled to blow wind towards the user who likes being blown by the wind, there is a risk that the important user will also be hit by the wind. Therefore, by setting the angle of the first flap for important users to be larger than that for other users, it is possible to suppress the wind from hitting the important users. With this, the correction process according to the weight of the users is completed.

[0114] Returning to the explanation of the optimal wind direction control calculation process in Figure 19, the wind direction control determination unit 100 performs a correction according to the user's weight in step S306, and then terminates the optimal wind direction control calculation process.

[0115] In this way, by changing the control of the airflow adjustment unit 27 according to user preference information based on the air conditioning control pattern determined by the comfort index, it is possible to perform air conditioning control that reflects the user's preferences, further improving user comfort. Furthermore, by using user weights in the control of the airflow adjustment unit 27, it is possible to perform airflow control that matches the preferences of important users with high weights, without compromising the comfort of important users.

[0116] In Embodiment 1, the user's position was detected by communication with the terminal device 3. However, the air conditioner 2 may be equipped with an infrared sensor, and the user's position may be detected by generating a thermal image of the room based on the output of the infrared sensor. A well-known analysis method can be used to detect the user's position from the thermal image. Alternatively, the user's activity level may be detected by the thermal image or by a wearable sensor worn by the user.

[0117] Furthermore, although Embodiment 1 described the case where the information processing device 4 is a cloud server, the information processing device 4 may also be a PC (Personal Computer) terminal located outside the air conditioning system 2, or the information processing device 4 may be part of the control device 34 of the air conditioning system 2. Moreover, some of the functions of the information processing device 4 may be realized by the PC terminal located outside the air conditioning system 2, the control device 34 of the air conditioning system 2, or the control device 62 of the terminal device 3.

[0118] Furthermore, while Embodiment 1 describes a case where only one air conditioning unit 2 is installed in the space to be air-conditioned, multiple air conditioning units 2 may be installed in the space to be air-conditioned. In this case, each air conditioning unit 2 is defined as the area to be air-conditioned. Each air conditioning unit 2 shall perform location detection and acquisition of temperature sensation reports for users located in the area to be air-conditioned.

[0119] As described above, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment comprises an air conditioning device 2 that harmonizes the air in a space to be air-conditioned, a location information detection means for detecting the location of each of several users in the space to be air-conditioned, an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location, a control device 81 that determines the control of the air conditioning device 2, and an attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each user. The control device 81 uses local environmental information, which is environmental information at the user's location, to determine a comfort index indicating the user's level of comfort, and controls the air conditioning device 2 based on the user's attribute information so that the user's comfort index approaches a value indicating comfort.

[0120] With this configuration, the air conditioning system 1 can perform air conditioning control according to the user's attribute information.

[0121] Furthermore, the control device 81 calculates weights indicating the importance of each user from the attribute information. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 can perform air conditioning control that satisfies the comfort level of users with higher weights.

[0122] Furthermore, the control device 81 is characterized by calculating weights using one or more of the user's gender, age, or affiliation as attribute information. By calculating weights in this way, it is possible to set users who prioritize comfort among multiple users.

[0123] Furthermore, the control device 81 calculates a comfort efficiency Z, which represents the overall comfort level of multiple users weighted by the weights, using the air conditioning control patterns, which are the control information of multiple air conditioning units 2, and a comfort index. The control device 81 then determines the control of the air conditioning unit 2 that maximizes the comfort efficiency Z and outputs it to the air conditioning unit 2. This satisfies the comfort level of users with high weights, and since the comfort level of users with low weights is also reflected in the comfort efficiency Z according to their weights, selecting an air conditioning control pattern that increases the comfort efficiency Z can avoid causing discomfort to users with low weights.

[0124] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 is further equipped with a preference information acquisition means for acquiring user preference information regarding air conditioning control, the air conditioning device 2 is equipped with a wind direction adjustment unit 27 for adjusting the direction of the airflow, and the control device 81 determines the control of the wind direction adjustment unit 27 based on the user preference information and outputs it to the air conditioning device 2. In this way, by changing the control of the wind direction adjustment unit 27 according to the user preference information in addition to the air conditioning control pattern, it is possible to perform air conditioning control that reflects the user's preferences and further improve the user's comfort.

[0125] Furthermore, the control device 81 corrects the control of the wind direction adjustment unit 27, which is determined based on the preference information of multiple users, based on the preference information of important users whose weight is above a threshold, in order to improve the comfort of important users. This makes it possible to perform wind direction control that matches the preferences of important users without compromising their comfort.

[0126] Furthermore, the preference information used for airflow direction control is reported by users present in the air-conditioned space. This allows the control device 81 to acquire accurate user preference information and reflect it in the air conditioning control.

[0127] Furthermore, the space to be air-conditioned is the area reached by the air blown out from one of the air outlets 26 of the indoor unit 7 of the air conditioning device 2. The air conditioning device 2 is equipped with an airflow direction adjustment unit 27 that adjusts the direction of the airflow, and the control device controls the airflow of the air conditioning device 2 for each user by controlling the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 based on the user's attribute information.

[0128] Furthermore, the control method of the air conditioning system 2 by the control device 81 includes the steps of acquiring user attribute information, determining a comfort index indicating the user's level of comfort using environmental information at the user's location, and determining the control of the air conditioning system 2 based on the user's attribute information so that the user's comfort index approaches a value indicating comfort. By this method, an air conditioning control pattern that satisfies the user's level of comfort with a higher weight can be output.

[0129] Embodiment 2. Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, the configurations of the air conditioning system 1, the control device 34 of the air conditioning device 2, the terminal device 3, and the information processing device 4 are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the information processing device 4 further performs wind direction tracking control to track the wind direction when the user moves, in addition to controlling the wind direction adjustment unit 27 of the air conditioning device 2.

[0130] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing device 4 according to Embodiment 2. The air conditioning control of the information processing device 4 in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 26. In Figure 26, the same processes as those in the air conditioning control of the information processing device 4 in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 18, and their explanations are omitted.

[0131] First, in step S500, when the air conditioning control is started, the wind direction control determination unit 100 of the information processing device 4 sets the target user for wind direction tracking control, which directs the wind according to the user's movement. Figure 27 is a flowchart showing the process of setting the target user for wind direction in the wind direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 2. The details of the process of setting the target user for wind direction in the wind direction control determination unit 100 will be explained using Figure 27.

[0132] First, in step S501, the airflow direction control unit 100 reads the weights of multiple users present in the air-conditioned space from the weight database 823 for each user. Next, the process proceeds to step S502.

[0133] In step S502, the airflow direction control unit 100 determines whether there are any important users in the air-conditioned space whose weight is above a threshold. If there are important users (S502: Yes), the process proceeds to step S503. If there are no important users (S502: No), it is determined that there are no users to be directed by the airflow, and the process of setting users to be directed by the airflow is terminated.

[0134] In step S503, the wind direction control determination unit 100 reads the preference database 822 and obtains preference information of important users. Next, the process proceeds to step S504.

[0135] In step S504, the wind direction control determination unit 100 refers to the preference information of important users and determines whether or not important users like to be exposed to wind. If important users like to be exposed to wind (S504: Yes), the process proceeds to step S505. If important users do not like to be exposed to wind (S504: No), it is determined that there are no users who should be exposed to wind, and the process of setting users who should be exposed to wind is terminated.

[0136] In step S504, the wind direction control determination unit 100 sets the important user as a user to be targeted by the wind. This completes the process of setting the user to be targeted by the wind.

[0137] Returning to Figure 26, after completing the process of setting the target user for airflow in step S500, proceed to step S201.

[0138] In step S201, the information processing device 4 determines whether the update time has elapsed. If the update time has elapsed (step S201: Yes), the process proceeds to step S202. The processing from step S202 onward is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation is omitted. On the other hand, if the update time has not elapsed (step S201: No), the process proceeds to step S204.

[0139] In step S204, the information processing device 4 determines whether the user's location information has been updated if the update time has not elapsed (step S201: No). If the location information has not been updated (step S204: No), the process proceeds to step S206. The processing from step S206 onward is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation is omitted. On the other hand, if the location information has been updated (step S204: Yes), the process proceeds to step S600. The determination of whether or not the user's location information has been updated is made by the location information acquisition unit 95 acquiring the user's location information. Alternatively, the information processing device 4 may be configured to receive a notification when the user's location moves from the terminal device 3. The determination in step S204 is made because, even if the update time has not elapsed, if the user moves, the information processing device 4 performs the process of determining the air conditioning control. This allows the information processing device 4 to determine the air conditioning control according to the user's location.

[0140] In step S600, the wind direction control determination unit 100 of the information processing device 4 performs wind direction tracking control. Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the wind direction tracking control in the wind direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 2. The details of the wind direction tracking control of the wind direction control determination unit 100 will be explained using Figure 28.

[0141] First, in step S601, the wind direction control determination unit 100 determines whether or not there is a user to be targeted by the wind. That is, it determines whether or not a user to be targeted by the wind has been set in the process of setting up the user to be targeted by the wind. If there is a user to be targeted by the wind (S601: Yes), the process proceeds to step S602. If no user to be targeted by the wind has been set (S601: No), there is no need to track the wind direction, so the wind direction tracking control is terminated.

[0142] In step S602, the wind direction control determination unit 100 determines whether the location information of the user to be blown by the wind has been updated. That is, it determines whether the user who moved in S204 is the user to be blown by the wind. If the location information of the user to be blown by the wind has been updated (S602: Yes), the unit proceeds to step S603. If the location information of the user to be blown by the wind has not been updated (S602: No), there is no need to track the wind direction, so the wind direction tracking control is terminated.

[0143] In step S603, the wind direction control unit 100 acquires the location information of the user to whom the wind is directed. Next, the process proceeds to step S604.

[0144] In step S604, the wind direction control determination unit 100 controls the wind direction adjustment unit 27 of the air outlet 26 of the indoor unit 7, where the position of the user to be blown by the wind is within the air outlet range 28. The control of the wind direction adjustment unit 27 of the wind direction control determination unit 100 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 29. Figure 29 is a schematic diagram showing the wind direction tracking control of the wind direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 2.

[0145] Figure 29(a) is a top view of the air-conditioned space at time T1. Figure 29(a) shows the positional relationship between the indoor unit 7 and the user Uv to whom the airflow is directed within the air-conditioned space. The indoor unit 7 has four air outlets 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d, respectively. When referring to the air outlets 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d without distinction, they are simply referred to as air outlet 26. Although not shown in Figure 29, each air outlet 26 is equipped with a first flap 27a and a second flap 27b as an airflow direction adjustment unit 27, which can adjust the direction of the airflow directed into the room. In Figure 29(a), the user Uv to whom the airflow is directed is located within the airflow range 28a of air outlet 26a. The information processing device 4 has previously stored the airflow range 28 of each air outlet 26 in the air-conditioned space. The air outlet range 28 is represented, for example, by coordinates (x, y) on a plane in the space to be air-conditioned. The airflow direction control determination unit 100 determines the outlet 26 that includes the position of the air-conditioning target user Uv within the air outlet range 28 from the position information of the air-conditioning target user Uv, and controls the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 so that the air hits the air-conditioning target user Uv. In Figure 29(a), since the air-conditioning target user Uv is located within the air outlet range 28a, the airflow direction control determination unit 100 can direct the air to the air-conditioning target user Uv by controlling the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 of the outlet 26a.

[0146] Next, we will explain what happens after the user Uv, who is the target of the airflow, moves. The airflow direction determination unit 100 controls the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 according to the position of the user after the move, which was acquired in step S603. Figure 29(b) shows the positional relationship between the indoor unit 7 and the user Uv in the air-conditioned space at time T2. At time T2, the user Uv is located within the discharge range 28b, so the airflow direction determination unit 100 can direct the airflow to the user Uv by controlling the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 of the outlet 26b. In this way, each time the position information of the user Uv is updated, the airflow direction determination unit 100 finds the outlet 26 that includes the position of the user Uv within the discharge range 28, and controls the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 so that the airflow hits the user Uv. This allows for airflow direction tracking control to be performed even if the user Uv moves.

[0147] Furthermore, even when multiple indoor units 7 are installed in the air-conditioned space, the information processing device 4 can perform airflow direction tracking control by storing the airflow range 28 of the air outlets 26 of the multiple indoor units 7. Figure 30 is a modified schematic diagram showing the airflow direction tracking control of the airflow direction control determination unit 100 according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 30, indoor units 7a and 7b are installed in the air-conditioned space.

[0148] Figure 30(a) shows the positional relationship between indoor units 7a and 7b in the air-conditioned space and the user Uv to whom the airflow is directed at time T1. Indoor unit 7a has four air outlets 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d, respectively. Indoor unit 7b has four air outlets 26e, 26f, 26g, and 26h, respectively. Although not shown in Figure 30, each air outlet 26 is equipped with a first flap 27a and a second flap 27b as an airflow direction adjustment unit 27, which can adjust the direction of the airflow blown into the room. In Figure 30(a), the user Uv to whom the airflow is directed is located in the discharge range 28a of air outlet 26a. The airflow direction control determination unit 100 determines the air outlet 26 that includes the position of user Uv in the discharge range 28 from the position information of user Uv, and controls the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 so that the airflow hits user Uv. In Figure 30(a), since the user Uv to be blown on is located within the blowing range 28a, the wind direction control determination unit 100 can blow wind onto the user Uv by controlling the wind direction adjustment unit 27 of the outlet 26a.

[0149] Next, we will explain what happens after the user Uv to be blown on moves. The airflow direction determination unit 100 controls the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 according to the position of the user to be blown on after moving, which was acquired in step S603. Figure 30(b) shows the positional relationship between the indoor units 7a and 7b and the user Uv to be blown on in the air-conditioned space at time T2. At time T2, the user Uv to be blown on is not located in the discharge range 28 of any of the outlets 26 of indoor unit 7a, but is located within the discharge range 28g of the outlet 26g of indoor unit 7b. The airflow direction determination unit 100 can blow air onto the user Uv by controlling the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 of the outlet 26g. In this way, even when the air conditioning system 2 is equipped with multiple indoor units 7, the airflow direction determination unit 100 can perform airflow tracking control by storing the discharge ranges 28 of all the outlets 26 of the multiple indoor units 7.

[0150] Returning to Figure 28, in step S604, the wind direction control determination unit 100 terminates the wind direction tracking control after controlling the wind direction adjustment unit 27. Returning to Figure 26, the process proceeds to step S203. The processing from step S203 onward is the same as in Embodiment 1, so the explanation is omitted. This concludes the explanation of the operation of the information processing device 4 in this embodiment.

[0151] Thus, if a key user's preference information indicates a preference for airflow, setting that key user as the target user for airflow and implementing wind direction tracking control can improve comfort even if the key user moves.

[0152] While important users were defined as those with a weight higher than the threshold, it is also acceptable to define important users as the user with the highest weight among multiple users in the air-conditioned space.

[0153] As described above, the air conditioning system 2 according to this embodiment includes an airflow direction adjustment unit 27 for adjusting the direction of the airflow, and the control device 81 of the information processing device 4 controls the airflow of the air conditioning system for each user by controlling the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 based on the user's attribute information. This allows for individual airflow control for each user and can satisfy the comfort needs of multiple users.

[0154] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 2 according to this embodiment includes an airflow direction adjustment unit 27 for adjusting the direction of the airflow. The control device 81 of the information processing device 4 identifies the location of an important user whose weight is above a threshold when the location of that important user is updated, and controls the airflow direction adjustment unit 27 based on the important user's preference information regarding air conditioning control. As a result, even if an important user moves within the air-conditioned space, their location can be identified, allowing for airflow direction control tailored to that important user's preference information and satisfying the important user's comfort.

[0155] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 2 according to this embodiment is equipped with a wind direction adjustment unit 27 for each air outlet 26 from which air is blown out, and the control device 81 controls the wind direction adjustment unit 27 for each user located in the air outlet range 28, which is the range to which the air blown out from the air outlet 26 reaches. In this way, the control device 81 can individually control the airflow for each user located in the air outlet range 28 by controlling each of the wind direction adjustment units 27 installed in the multiple air outlets 26.

[0156] Embodiment 3. Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In this embodiment, the configurations of the air conditioning system 1, the control device 34 of the air conditioning device 2, and the terminal device 3 are the same as in Embodiment 1, so their description will be omitted. In this embodiment, the information processing device 4 uses a trained model generated by a known learning algorithm to determine the control of the air conditioning device 2.

[0157] Figure 31 is a functional block diagram showing the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 4 generates a trained model that outputs an air conditioning control pattern from user preference information, user attribute information, user location information, and local environmental information at the user's location. Therefore, the information processing device 4 includes a learning unit 104 and an inference unit 105. The information processing device 4 also includes a trained model storage unit 824 in the storage device 82 for storing the generated trained model. The learning unit 104 can acquire user preference information and user attribute information to be used as training data from the preference database 822 and the weight database 823. The learning unit 104 also uses the user's location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 95 as training data. Furthermore, the learning unit 104 uses environmental information and control information of the air conditioning device 2 as training data. Therefore, in this embodiment, the declaration processing unit 93, the location information acquisition unit 95, and the data acquisition unit 91 function as means for acquiring training data.

[0158] The learning unit 104 learns an air-conditioning control pattern according to the user's preference information, attribute information, location information, and local environment information based on learning data including the user's location information, attribute information, preference information, local environment information of the user, and the control information of the air conditioner 2 at that time. That is, a learned model for inferring an air-conditioning control pattern from the user's location information, attribute information, preference information, and local environment information is generated.

[0159] As the learning algorithm used by the learning unit 104, known algorithms such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning can be used. As an example, the case of applying reinforcement learning will be described. In reinforcement learning, an agent (acting entity) in a certain environment observes the current state (parameters of the environment) and determines the action to be taken. The action of the agent dynamically changes the environment, and the agent is given a reward according to the change in the environment. The agent repeats this and learns an action policy that can obtain the most rewards through a series of actions. As typical methods of reinforcement learning, Q-learning and TD-learning are known. For example, in the case of Q-learning, the general update formula of the action value function Q(s, a) is represented by Equation 3.

[0160]

[0161] In Equation 3, s ｔ represents the state of the environment at time t, and a ｔ represents the action at time t. Due to the action a ｔ , the state changes to s ｔ＋１ . r ｔ＋１ represents the reward obtained due to the change in that state, γ represents the discount rate, and α represents the learning coefficient. Note that γ is in the range of 0 < γ ≤ 1, and α is in the range of 0 < α ≤ 1. The control of the air conditioner 2 becomes the action a ｔ , the user's location information, attribute information, preference information, and local environment information become the state s ｔ , and the best action a ｔ in the state s ｔ at time t is learned.

[0162] The update formula, represented by equation 3, increases the action value Q of action a if the action value Q of action a with the highest Q value at time t+1 is greater than the action value Q of action a performed at time t, and decreases the action value Q if the opposite is true. In other words, the action value function Q(s, a) is updated so that the action value Q of action a at time t approaches the best action value at time t+1. As a result, the best action value in a given environment is sequentially propagated to the action values ​​in previous environments.

[0163] As described above, when a trained model is generated by reinforcement learning, the learning unit 104 includes a reward calculation unit 104a and a function update unit 104b.

[0164] The reward calculation unit 104a calculates the reward r based on the user's thermal sensation report obtained by the report processing unit 93. At this time, the amount of the reward to be increased or decreased is changed according to the user's weight. For example, if the user's thermal sensation report indicates comfort, the reward r is increased by 1 × the user's weight, while if the user's thermal sensation report indicates "hot" or "cold," the reward r is decreased by 1 × the user's weight. Furthermore, if the user's thermal sensation report indicates "very hot" or "very cold," the reward r may be reduced even further than when it indicates "hot" or "cold" (for example, by 2 × the user's weight).

[0165] The function update unit 104b updates the function for determining the air conditioning control pattern according to the reward calculated by the reward calculation unit 104a and outputs it to the learned model storage unit 824. For example, in the case of Q learning, the action value function Q(s) represented by Equation 3 ｔ , a ｔ This is used as a function to calculate the air conditioning control pattern.

[0166] The learning process described above is repeated. The trained model memory unit 824 stores the action-value function Q(s) updated by the function update unit 104b. ｔ , a ｔ ), that is, it memorizes the trained model.

[0167] Figure 32 is a flowchart showing the learning process of the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment. Next, the process by which the information processing device 4 learns the air conditioning control pattern will be explained using Figure 32. The process by which the information processing device 4 learns the air conditioning control pattern is performed when the declaration processing unit 93 receives the user's temperature sensation.

[0168] In step b1, the learning unit 104 acquires the user's location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit 95, the user's preference information stored in the preference database 822 of the storage device 82, the user's attribute information stored in the weight database 823, and the control information and environmental information of the air conditioner 2 acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 as learning data. Furthermore, the learning unit 104 uses the environmental information acquired by the data acquisition unit 91 to determine local environmental information corresponding to the location for each user. The local environmental information can be obtained by the method described in Embodiment 1.

[0169] In step b2, the learning unit 104 calculates a reward based on the user's declaration of thermal comfort. Specifically, the reward calculation unit 104a uses the user's thermal comfort acquired by the declaration processing unit 93 to increase the reward if the predetermined thermal comfort indicates comfort (step b3), and decreases the reward if it indicates discomfort, such as "hot" or "cold" (step b4).

[0170] In step b5, the function update unit 104b performs an action value function Q(s) represented by the number 3 stored in the learned model memory unit, based on the reward calculated by the reward calculation unit 104a, the control information of the air conditioner 2, the user's location information, attribute information, preference information, and local environment information. ｔ , a ｔ ) Update.

[0171] The information processing device 4 repeatedly performs steps b1 to b5 above each time it obtains a user's declaration of thermal sensation, and generates the action value function Q(s ｔ , a ｔ The learned model is stored in the learned model storage unit 824 as a learned model. In this way, the learning unit 104 learns control information for the air conditioner 2 by calculating a reward that takes into account the user's weight, using the user's location information, attribute information, preference information, and local environment information.

[0172] Next, the inference unit 105 of the information processing device 4 will be described. The inference unit 105 infers an air conditioning control pattern using a trained model stored in the trained model storage unit 824. That is, by inputting the user's location information, attribute information, preference information, and local environment information into the trained model, an air conditioning control pattern suitable for the user can be inferred.

[0173] In this embodiment, it has been described that the inference unit 105 outputs an air conditioning control pattern using a trained model learned by the learning unit 104 of the information processing device 4. However, the learning unit 104 and the inference unit 105 may be provided by different devices. For example, the trained model generated by the learning unit 104 in the information processing device 4 may be acquired by the control device 34 of the air conditioning device 2, and the inference unit 105 of the control device 34 may output an air conditioning control pattern using the trained model.

[0174] Next, we will explain the process for obtaining an air conditioning control pattern using the trained model, using Figure 33. Figure 33 is a flowchart showing the inference process of the information processing device 4 according to this embodiment.

[0175] First, in step c1, the inference unit 105 obtains the user's location information from the location information acquisition unit 95. It also obtains preference information from the preference database 822 and attribute information from the weight database 823. Furthermore, it obtains local environmental information at the user's location using the environmental information acquired by the data acquisition unit 91.

[0176] In step c2, the inference unit 105 retrieves a trained model from the trained model storage unit 824, inputs the user's location information, preference information, attribute information, and local environment information into the retrieved trained model, and outputs an air conditioning control pattern.

[0177] In step c3, the inference unit 105 transmits the air conditioning control pattern obtained by the trained model to the air conditioning device 2.

[0178] In step c4, the air conditioning unit 2 controls the air conditioning using the received air conditioning control pattern. This allows for air conditioning control tailored to the user's preferences. Furthermore, since the learning unit 104 performs learning that takes into account the weight of the user, it can output an air conditioning control pattern that takes into account the comfort level of users with high weights.

[0179] In this embodiment, the case in which reinforcement learning is applied to the learning algorithm used by the inference unit 105 has been described, but it is not limited to this. In addition to reinforcement learning, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, or semi-supervised learning can also be applied as the learning algorithm.

[0180] Furthermore, the learning algorithm used in the learning unit 104 may be deep learning, which learns to extract the features themselves, or machine learning may be performed according to other known methods, such as neural networks, genetic programming, inductive logic programming, or support vector machines.

[0181] Furthermore, the learning unit 104 may learn an air conditioning control pattern using learning data obtained from multiple air conditioning units 2 and user preference information and attribute information of the air conditioning units 2. The learning unit 104 may obtain learning data from multiple air conditioning units 2 used in the same air-conditioned space, or it may learn an air conditioning control pattern using learning data collected from multiple air conditioning units 2 operating independently in different air-conditioned spaces and user preference information and attribute information of the air conditioning units 2. It is also possible to add or remove air conditioning units 2 from the target midway through the process of collecting learning data. In addition, a trained model that has learned an air conditioning control pattern for one air conditioning unit 2 may be applied to another air conditioning unit 2, and the air conditioning control pattern for that other air conditioning unit 2 may be retrained and updated.

[0182] Alternatively, the learning unit 104 may generate a trained model using control information of the air conditioning system 2, user location information, attribute information, and local environment information, instead of using preference information as training data. In this case, the inference unit 105 inputs the user location information, attribute information, and local environment information into the trained model and infers an air conditioning control pattern.

[0183] Furthermore, the output of the trained model is not limited to air conditioning control patterns; any information related to the control of the air conditioning system 2 is acceptable.

[0184] As described above, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment includes an air conditioning device 2 that harmonizes the air in a space to be air-conditioned, a location information detection means for detecting location information for each of the multiple users in the space to be air-conditioned, an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location, an attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each user, and a learning unit 104 that uses location information, environmental information, attribute information, and control information of the air conditioning device 2 as training data to generate a trained model for inferring control information of the air conditioning device. This makes it possible to obtain a trained model that outputs control information of the air conditioning device 2 that takes into account weights calculated from the user's attribute information.

[0185] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment includes an inference unit 105 that infers control information for the air conditioning device 2 from location information, environmental information, and attribute information using a trained model for inferring control information for the air conditioning device 2 from location information, environmental information, and attribute information. This makes it possible to output control information for the air conditioning device 2 that takes into account weights calculated from the user's attribute information, and to control the air conditioning device 2 while taking into account the comfort level of users with high weights.

[0186] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system that improves the overall comfort of multiple users without compromising the comfort of important users.

[0187] 1 Air conditioning system, 2 Air conditioning device, 3 Terminal device, 4 Information processing device, 5 Fixed station, 6 Outdoor unit, 7 Indoor unit, 8 Ceiling surface, 11 Compressor, 12 Flow path switching device, 13 Outdoor heat exchanger, 14 Expansion valve, 15 Outdoor blower, 21 Indoor heat exchanger, 22 Indoor blower, 23 Air purifier, 24 Humidifier, 25 Intake port, 26 Outlet port, 27 Air direction adjustment unit, 27a First flap, 27b Second flap, 28 Discharge range, 31 Room temperature sensor, 32 Humidity sensor, 33 Temperature sensor, 34 Control device, 41 Equipment control unit, 42 Communication unit, 50 Processing circuit, 51 Processor, 52 Memory, 53 Bus, 61 Operation display device, 62 Control device, 63 Communication unit, 64 Declaration unit, 71 Processor, 72 Memory, 73 Bus, 81 Control device, 82 Storage device, 91 Data acquisition unit, 92 Model generation unit, 93 Declaration processing unit, 94 Activity level calculation unit, 95 Location information acquisition unit, 96 Comfort calculation unit, 97 Weight calculation unit, 98 Comfort efficiency calculation unit, 99 Control decision unit, 100 Wind direction control decision unit, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 103 Bus, 104 Learning unit, 104a Reward calculation unit, 104b Function update unit, 105 Inference unit, 821 IPMV database, 822 Preference database, 823 Weight database, 824 Trained model storage unit.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioning device for harmonizing the air in a space to be air-conditioned; location information detection means for detecting the location of each of a plurality of users in the space to be air-conditioned; environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the location of the user; a control device for controlling the air conditioning device; and attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each of the users, wherein the control device determines a comfort index indicating the level of comfort of the user using the environmental information at the location of the user, and determines the control of the air conditioning device based on the attribute information of the user so that the comfort index for the user approaches a value indicating comfort.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device calculates a weight indicating the importance of each user from the attribute information.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that the control device calculates the weight using one or more of the user's gender, age, or affiliation as attribute information.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the control device, with respect to the control of a plurality of air conditioning units, calculates a comfort efficiency that indicates the overall comfort level of the plurality of users weighted by the weights, using the weights of the plurality of users and the comfort index, determines the control of the air conditioning unit that maximizes the comfort efficiency, and outputs it to the air conditioning unit.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, further comprising a preference information acquisition means for acquiring the user's preference information regarding air conditioning control, wherein the air conditioning device includes a wind direction adjustment unit for adjusting the direction of the airflow, and the control device determines the control of the wind direction adjustment unit based on the user's preference information and outputs it to the air conditioning device.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that the control device corrects the control of the airflow adjustment unit to improve the comfort level of the important users based on the preference information of important users whose weight is above a threshold.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the preference information is declared by the user in the air-conditioned space.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning device includes a wind direction adjustment unit for adjusting the direction of the airflow, and the control device controls the airflow of the air conditioning device for each user by controlling the wind direction adjustment unit based on the user's attribute information.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the air conditioning device includes a wind direction adjustment unit for adjusting the direction of the airflow, and the control device controls the wind direction adjustment unit based on the preference information regarding the air conditioning control of the important user when the location of an important user whose weight is greater than or equal to a threshold is updated.

10. The air conditioning system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the air conditioning device is provided with an airflow direction adjustment unit for each air outlet from which air is blown out, and the control device controls the airflow direction adjustment unit for each user located within the airflow range that is the range to which the air blown out from the air outlet reaches.

11. A control device connected to a location information detection means for detecting the location of each of several users in an air-conditioned space, and an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location, and controlling an air conditioning system, characterized in that the control device determines a comfort index indicating the user's level of comfort using the environmental information at the user's location, and controls the air conditioning system based on the user's attribute information so that the user's comfort index approaches a value indicating comfort.

12. A method for controlling an air conditioning system using a control device connected to a location information detection means for detecting the location of each of several users in an air-conditioned space, and an environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location, the method comprising: acquiring attribute information of the user; determining a comfort index indicating the user's level of comfort using the environmental information at the user's location; and determining the control of the air conditioning system based on the user's attribute information so that the user's comfort index approaches a value indicating comfort.

13. An air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioning device for harmonizing the air in a space to be air-conditioned; location information detection means for detecting location information for each of a plurality of users in the space to be air-conditioned; environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the location of the user; attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each of the users; and a learning unit that uses the location information, the environmental information, the attribute information, and the control information of the air conditioning device as training data to generate a trained model for inferring the control information of the air conditioning device.

14. An air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioning device for harmonizing the air in a space to be air-conditioned; location information detection means for detecting location information for each of a plurality of users in the space to be air-conditioned; environmental information acquisition means for acquiring environmental information indicating at least one of temperature and humidity at the user's location; attribute information acquisition means for acquiring attribute information for each of the users; and an inference unit for inferring control information for the air conditioning device from the location information, environmental information and attribute information using a trained model for inferring control information for the air conditioning device from the location information, environmental information and attribute information.

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