Air-conditioning system, control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention copes with discomfort of a user.　An air conditioning system according to the present disclosure air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioner, the air conditioning system comprising: a determination unit that determines a first set temperature as a set temperature of the air conditioner; a judgment unit that judges whether a first user in the space, which is air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature, feels uncomfortable; and a processing unit that, if the judgment unit judges that the first user feels uncomfortable, executes processing corresponding to a result of the judgment.

Description

Air conditioning system, control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a management system including a management server communicably connected to a plurality of air conditioners. In the management system, the management server determines an optimal set temperature based on the outside air temperature and the history of changes in the past set temperature, and sets the set temperature in the plurality of air conditioners.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-125380

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program that can handle cases where a user feels uncomfortable.

[0005] This specification includes all the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-209619 filed on December 2, 2024. The air conditioning system in the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that air conditions an air-conditioned space by an air conditioner, and includes a determination unit that determines a first set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner, a determination unit that determines whether a first user in the air-conditioned space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable, and a processing unit that executes a process according to the determination result when it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable.

[0006] Further, the control method in the present disclosure is a process in which a computer determines a first set temperature as the set temperature to be set in an air conditioner that air conditions an air-conditioned space, determines whether a first user in the air-conditioned space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable, and executes a process according to the determination result when it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable.

[0007] Furthermore, the program in this disclosure causes a computer to determine a first set temperature as the set temperature to be set on an air conditioning device that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned, to determine whether a first user in the air-conditioned space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable, and, if it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable, to execute a process according to the result of that determination.

[0008] The air conditioning system, control method, and program described herein can address situations where the user feels uncomfortable.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management server in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 shows an example of management data in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the updating of the number of actual results in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the updating of the number of changes in Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server in Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of changing the settings of the management server in Embodiment 1. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of changing the settings of the management server in Embodiment 2. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of changing the settings of the management server in Embodiment 3. Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining the operating state of the management server in Embodiment 4.

[0010] (Knowledge and other information forming the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology in which a management server determined the optimal set temperature based on the outside temperature and the history of past set temperature changes, and then set that temperature to the air conditioner. If the user frequently changes the set temperature, it is likely that the user feels uncomfortable with the air conditioner set to that temperature. However, the inventors discovered that conventional technology could not adequately address cases where the user feels uncomfortable in this way, and in order to solve this problem, they came to form the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0011] Therefore, this disclosure provides an air conditioning system, control method, and program that can address situations where the user feels uncomfortable.

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0013] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the Air Conditioning System] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1000 is a system that air-conditions the space to be air-conditioned S using an air conditioning device 1. Air conditioning of the space to be air-conditioned S includes cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, etc., but in this embodiment, we will explain the case in which the space to be air-conditioned S is cooled and heated by the air conditioning device 1. The space to be air-conditioned S is a space owned by a facility H, and is an air-conditioned space that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning device 1. Examples of facilities H include houses, offices, shops (including backyards), medical facilities, and public facilities.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioning unit 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioning units 1. However, the number of air conditioning units 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioning unit 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12. The air conditioning unit 1 performs air conditioning operation using the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to air condition the air-conditioned space S in which the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioning unit 1 is connected to a network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network consisting of a public telephone network, a dedicated line, the internet, or other communication networks.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by the administrator P who manages facility H. Note that administrator P is not limited to a person, but may be an entity with management authority over facility H (for example, a company operating facility H). This administrator P is an example of a user.

[0017] In the example shown in Figure 1, terminal device 2 is a laptop computer, but it could also be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone. Terminal device 2 connects to the network NW. Terminal device 2 displays information related to the air conditioning system 1, such as power consumption, for each facility H. Terminal device 2 also performs various setting inputs to the management server 3 based on operations by administrator P.

[0018] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioning unit 1. The management server 3 is connected to a network NW and performs information processing with the air conditioning unit 1 and the terminal device 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by administrator P, or it may be a server device not owned by administrator P.

[0019] The air conditioning system 1000 is equipped with a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service for providing weather data. The weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes at least the forecast value of the outside temperature of facility H. For example, the weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes actual measured values ​​of the outside temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and weather conditions from the past (several hours ago) to the present, and predicted values ​​for the future (several hours later), for a predetermined area associated with the location information of facility H, such as the address and postal code of facility H. The weather server 4 may also calculate and provide pinpoint weather data for facility H from the location information of facility H.

[0020] In each diagram, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are represented by a single block. However, this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are composed of a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may be composed of multiple server devices with different processing contents, or they may be composed of the same server device.

[0021] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an indoor camera 5 that captures images of the air-conditioned space S. The indoor camera 5 is an example of an imaging unit. The indoor camera 5 is a surveillance camera or the like that installed in the facility H facing the air-conditioned space S. Multiple indoor cameras 5 may be installed in the facility H to capture images of the entire air-conditioned space S. The indoor camera 5 transmits the captured video data to the management server 3 via the network NW.

[0022] [1-1-2. Configuration of Air Conditioning System 1] The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The air conditioning system 1 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a remote control 13, and a communication device 14. The number of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12 in the air conditioning system 1 may be multiple.

[0023] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. In this way, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 constitute a refrigerant cycle in the air conditioning system 1.

[0024] The remote control 13 is installed on a wall or the like in the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 13 has multiple operation buttons for the user of the air conditioner 1 to perform operations such as starting or stopping operation, menu operation, and cursor key operation. The remote control 13 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 and the operating status of the indoor unit 11.

[0025] The communication device 14 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the management server 3. The communication device 14 also controls various parts of the air conditioning system 1. Whenever the set temperature of the air conditioning system 1 is changed, the communication device 14 sends operation data RD to the management server 3.

[0026] Operation data RD indicates that an operation to change the set temperature has been received. Operation data RD records the air conditioner ID (Identification), date and time of change, type of air conditioner, set temperature before change, and set temperature after change.

[0027] The air conditioner ID is the identification information for the air conditioning unit 1. The change date and time is the date and time when the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 was changed. The air conditioning type is the type of air conditioning performed by the air conditioning unit 1, and in this embodiment, it indicates cooling or heating. The set temperature before change is the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 before the change. The set temperature after change is the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 after the change.

[0028] The communication device 14 receives setting data SD from the management server 3. The setting data SD contains setting information related to the air conditioning of the air conditioning unit 1. For example, the setting data SD is data that instructs the setting of the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1, and the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 is recorded therein. The communication device 14 operates the air conditioning unit 1 based on the received setting data SD. For example, the communication device 14 operates the air conditioning unit 1 at the set temperature recorded in the setting data SD.

[0029] [1-1-3. Configuration of Management Server 3] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of management server 3 in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, management server 3 comprises a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31.

[0030] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a server memory 310, and interface circuits to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0031] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores the control program 311, the management DB (database) 312, and data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of ​​the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0032] The management DB 312 is a database that manages data related to the air conditioning system 1. The management DB 312 has one record R for each air conditioning system 1. Each record R contains the air conditioner ID, communication information, location of facility H, type of air conditioning, current set temperature, management data, and administrator settings.

[0033] The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning unit 1, for example, the address information of the communication device 14. The location of facility H is the location of facility H where the air conditioning unit 1 is installed, for example, the address of facility H. The current set temperature is the set temperature set on the air conditioning unit 1.

[0034] The management data is data used to manage the operating performance of the air conditioning system 1 during heating and cooling. Specifically, the management data includes information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning system 1.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of management data in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3, the management data MD records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the management data MD records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the 0:00 to 23:00 time periods. Hereinafter, N is an integer from 0 to 23.

[0036] Furthermore, the management data MD records multiple ambient temperatures in 1°C increments. The range of ambient temperatures recorded in the management data MD includes at least the range of temperatures that the ambient air outside facility H can reach. Note that the range of ambient temperatures recorded in the management data MD may be the same regardless of the location of facility H, or it may be a different range depending on the location of facility H.

[0037] The management data MD records one collection data AD for each pair of time period and outside temperature. The collection data AD contains information related to the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The collection data AD collects various data within a predetermined range of the set temperature. The set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 is determined from the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collection data AD by processing as shown in the flowchart below.

[0038] The collected data AD records the set temperatures of multiple air conditioning units 1 in 1°C increments within a predetermined range. In the example shown in Figure 3, the collected data AD records 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 3, the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD is from 23°C to 27°C.

[0039] The collected data AD records the number of times the temperature was set, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each recorded set temperature. In other words, the collected data AD is an example of the history of changes to the set temperature. In the example in Figure 3, the collected data AD records the number of times the temperature was set, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each of the following temperatures: 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C.

[0040] The "actual count" indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set to air conditioner 1. The "number of changes" indicates the number of times the setting temperature was changed from the corresponding set temperature to another setting temperature. The "probability of changes" indicates the probability that the setting temperature was changed from the corresponding set temperature to another setting temperature. The probability of changes is calculated, for example, by dividing the corresponding number of changes by the corresponding actual count.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 2, the administrator settings are data pre-set by administrator P via terminal device 2. These administrator settings include various settings for air conditioner 1.

[0042] For example, the administrator settings include the set temperature (for cooling / for heating) to be set for air conditioner 1 during air conditioning. The set temperature in these administrator settings is the set temperature during air conditioning that administrator P has determined allows general users using facility H to comfortably spend time in air-conditioned space S. Although the general users using facility H and administrator P who manages facility H are different users, when administrator P uses facility H, administrator P is also included as a general user.

[0043] In addition, the administrator settings include the target value of the energy-saving (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "energy-saving") performance of air conditioner 1 during air conditioning. The target value of the energy-saving performance included in these administrator settings is a value used as a reference when determining the set temperature of air conditioner 1 (details will be described later).

[0044] Here, the energy-saving performance of air conditioner 1 indicates how much the energy consumption can be reduced compared to the amount of energy consumed during normal air conditioning operation used as a reference. For example, as energy-saving performance, there is the energy-saving rate (energy-saving percentage) that indicates the percentage (%) of the energy that can be reduced compared to the reference energy consumption during air conditioning. As an example, the administrator settings include the target energy-saving rate as the target value of the energy-saving performance.

[0045] In addition, the administrator settings include the time until returning to the original setting when the set temperature of air conditioner 1 is changed based on the administrator settings. The time until returning to the original setting is a value appropriately set by administrator P, such as 24 hours.

[0046] Server communication device 31 includes hardware such as a communication circuit according to a predetermined communication standard. Server communication device 31 communicates with air conditioner 1, terminal device 2, weather server 4, and indoor camera 5 according to the control of server control device 30.

[0047] By reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310, the server processor 300 functions as a communication control unit 301, an acquisition unit 302, an update unit 303, a determination unit 304, a setting unit 305, a determination unit 306, and a change unit 307.

[0048] The communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioner 1, the terminal device 2, the weather server 4, and the indoor camera 5 via the server communication device 31.

[0049] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R and acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R to be processed. Specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information is information for requesting the forecast value of the outside air temperature in the time zone including the current time, and the position of the facility H recorded in the record R to be processed and the time zone of the request target are recorded. For example, when the current time is H hours and M minutes, the time zone from H:00 to (H + 1):00 is recorded in the forecast value request information. Here, H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59.

[0050] When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. Then, the communication control unit 301 receives a plurality of forecast values corresponding to the position and time zone of the facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information from the weather server 4. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values received by the communication control unit 301 and acquires the calculated average value as the outside air temperature. In addition, when calculating the average value of the forecast values, the acquisition unit 302 in the present embodiment truncates the decimal part or rounds the decimal part.

[0051] The update unit 303 updates the management DB 312. Every hour at L minutes, the update unit 303 updates the actual count recorded in the collected data AD. The update unit 303 updates the actual count for each record R. Here, L is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. To elaborate on the updating of the actual count, every hour at L minutes, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside temperature based on the record R to be processed. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the management data MD of the record R to be processed and identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the set of outside temperature and degree acquired by the acquisition unit 302. Then, the update unit 303 increments the actual count corresponding to the currently set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed from the actual count recorded in the identified collected data AD. The update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented actual count to a change probability that reflects the actual count after the increment.

[0052] Now, with reference to Figure 4, we will explain how to update the actual number of results. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating how to update the actual number of results in Embodiment 1.

[0053] In the explanation of Figure 4, an example is given where the current time when updating the actual count is in the 2 PM hour, and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. Furthermore, in the explanation of Figure 4, an example is given where the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode. In the case of Figure 4, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period in the 2 PM hour and the outside air temperature of 34°C from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0054] In the explanation of Figure 4, the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed is 25°C, which is an example. In other words, in the explanation of Figure 4, the set temperature set in the air conditioner 1 is 25°C, which is an example. In the case of Figure 4, the update unit 303 increments the number of actual occurrences corresponding to 25°C from "4" to "5" among the number of actual occurrences recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Figure 4, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5" in conjunction with the update of the number of actual occurrences.

[0055] Next, the update of the update unit 303 will be explained. When the communication control unit 301 receives operation data RD, the update unit 303 updates the management DB 312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 identifies record R, which has the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD, from the management DB 312. Then, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the air conditioner type of the identified record R to the air conditioner type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0056] Furthermore, the update unit 303 causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R identified by the received operation data RD. Next, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 from the management data MD of the identified record R.

[0057] Next, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD and increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the pre-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0058] Furthermore, the update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to a change probability that reflects the number of changes after the increment.

[0059] Now, with reference to Figure 5, the updating of the number of changes will be explained. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the updating of the number of changes in Embodiment 1.

[0060] In the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the current time when updating the number of changes is in the 2 PM hour, and the outside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. Furthermore, in the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode. In the case of Figure 5, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period in the 2 PM hour and the outside temperature of 34°C from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0061] In the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the pre-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25°C. Also in the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the post-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 24°C. In this example, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to 25°C from "3" to "4" among the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Figure 5, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" along with the update of the number of changes.

[0062] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1. Details of the determination method of the determination unit 304 will be described later.

[0063] The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 to the air conditioner 1. The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature to the air conditioner 1 based on the record R to be processed. More specifically, the setting unit 305 generates setting data SD and outputs the generated setting data SD and the communication information recorded in the record R to be processed to the communication control unit 301. The generated setting data SD contains the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304. Based on the communication information received from the setting unit 305, the communication control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the setting unit 305 to the air conditioner 1.

[0064] The determination unit 306 determines whether a user in the conditioned space S, which has been air-conditioned by the air conditioning device 1 at the set temperature determined by the decision unit 304, feels uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature. Specifically, the determination unit 306 determines whether a user feels uncomfortable based on the conditions in the conditioned space S (air conditioning environment, user behavior) after the setting unit 305 has set the set temperature determined by the decision unit 304 to the air conditioning device 1.

[0065] For example, the determination unit 306 calculates the frequency of instructions to change the set temperature based on the operation data RD notified from the air conditioning unit 1. If the set temperature is changed frequently, it is considered that the user is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature. Therefore, if the frequency of instructions to change the set temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 306 determines that the user in the air-conditioned space S is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature. As an example, the determination unit 306 determines that the user is uncomfortable with the air conditioning if the set temperature has been changed three or more times in the last hour.

[0066] Furthermore, the determination unit 306 calculates a discomfort index for the air-conditioned space S based on the temperature and humidity detected by the sensor of the air conditioning device 1. The determination unit 306 determines that the users in the air-conditioned space S are uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature if the calculated discomfort index meets a predetermined standard (for example, 75 to 80 or higher, where half of the users feel uncomfortable).

[0067] Furthermore, the determination unit 306 acquires video footage from the indoor camera 5 via the communication control unit 301 and uses known video analysis techniques to detect changes in the user's clothing within the air-conditioned space S (wearing a jacket, taking off a jacket, not wearing a jacket, putting on a jacket, etc.). Based on the detected changes in clothing, the determination unit 306 determines whether or not the user within the air-conditioned space S feels uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature.

[0068] For example, during cooling, if a user who is wearing a jacket takes off their jacket, the determination unit 306 determines that the user is too hot and uncomfortable with the air conditioning set to the desired temperature. Also, during heating, if a user who is not wearing a jacket puts on a jacket, the determination unit 306 determines that the user is too cold and uncomfortable with the air conditioning set to the desired temperature.

[0069] The modification unit 307 executes processing according to the determination result when the determination unit 306 determines that a user in the air-conditioned space S is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature. The modification unit 307 is an example of a processing unit. For example, if the determination unit 306 determines that a user in the air-conditioned space S is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature, the modification unit 307 causes the determination unit 304 to change the set temperature.

[0070] Specifically, if the determination unit 306 determines that the user is feeling uncomfortable, the modification unit 307 stops the air conditioning at the set temperature determined by the decision unit 304. Next, the modification unit 307 identifies a record R in the management DB 312 that relates to the air conditioning device 1 (air conditioner ID) corresponding to the location of the facility in the air-conditioned space S where the user is feeling uncomfortable. Next, the modification unit 307 reads the administrator settings contained in the identified record R and identifies the set temperature that the administrator P has determined to be comfortable. The modification unit 307 notifies the decision unit 304 of the identified set temperature, causing the decision unit 304 to change the set temperature it determines to the set temperature that the administrator P has determined to be comfortable.

[0071] The modification unit 307 determines whether the time specified in the administrator settings for returning to the original setting has elapsed after the administrator P has changed the temperature to a setting that the administrator P deems comfortable. If the time specified for returning to the original setting has elapsed, the modification unit 307 notifies the decision unit 304 to revert the change. As a result, the decision unit 304 cancels the change made by the modification unit 307 and resumes air conditioning at the setting temperature determined by the decision unit 304.

[0072] The processing performed by the above-described modification unit 307 when it determines that the user is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature is merely an example, and other processing may be performed instead. For example, if the modification unit 307 determines that the user is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature, it may leave the setting temperature to the user from there onward. For example, the modification unit 307 may stop the process of changing the set temperature and wait for the user to change the set temperature via the terminal device 2 or remote control 13, etc.

[0073] Furthermore, for example, if the modification unit 307 determines that the user is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature, it may change the airflow of the air conditioner 1 via the communication control unit 301. As an example, if the set airflow of the air conditioner 1 is less than a predetermined airflow, the modification unit 307 will change the setting to a larger airflow. Conversely, if the set airflow of the air conditioner 1 is greater than a predetermined airflow, the modification unit 307 will change the setting to a smaller airflow.

[0074] Furthermore, for example, if the modification unit 307 determines that the user is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature, it will not change the set temperature at the time of that determination. Then, the modification unit 307 may change the criterion and determine the set temperature at the next time the set temperature is determined (for example, one hour later if the temperature is determined at the top of every hour).

[0075] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0076] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management server 3 in Embodiment 1. The flowchart in Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the management server 3 performed for each air conditioning unit 1. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 6 shows the operation performed for each record R stored in the management DB 312.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature based on the record R to be processed (S1). The process for acquiring the outside temperature (S1) will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. For example, if the current time is 10:00, the forecast value request information will contain time periods such as 10:00 to 11:00, 11:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 1:00, etc. The time periods included in the forecast value request information are, as an example, up to 8 hours in the future from the current time. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 multiple forecast values ​​(for example, a forecast value for 10:00 and a forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the location and time of facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 for each time period and acquires the calculated average value as the outside temperature. For example, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature for the time period from 10:00 to 11:00 by averaging the forecast value for 10:00 and the forecast value for 11:00.

[0078] Next, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD to be processed from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed (S2). The process for identifying the collection data AD (S2) will be described in detail. If the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates cooling, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to each time period and the set of outside temperature and temperature acquired in S1 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed. If the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates heating, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to each time period and the set of outside temperature and temperature acquired in step S1 from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0079] Next, the determination unit 304 performs a determination process (S3). The determination process is a process to determine the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 for each time period. In the determination process, the collected data AD identified in S2 is the target of processing.

[0080] The decision process (S3) will be described in detail. In the decision process, the decision unit 304 reads the probability of change to the set temperature from the collected data AD corresponding to the set temperature set. Next, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the probability of change satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the user has made few changes, i.e., a set temperature below a predetermined threshold. Next, among the identified set temperatures, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the energy consumption during operation of the air conditioner 1 will be reduced (energy saving). Specifically, the decision unit 304 sets the highest temperature among the identified set temperatures as the set temperature during cooling, and conversely, sets the lowest temperature among the identified temperatures as the set temperature during heating. In the decision process (S3), the above process is performed for each time period to determine the set temperature for each time period. As an example, the collected data AD corresponding to the set temperature set is the collected data AD in Figure 3, and the threshold is set to 10%. In this case, in the collected data AD in Figure 3, 24°C has a change probability of 0%, and 25°C has a change probability of 75%. Therefore, 24°C is a temperature that does not exceed the threshold of 10%. Accordingly, the determination unit 204 determines 24°C as the set temperature.

[0081] Next, the setting unit 305 sets the determined set temperature for each time period to the air conditioner 1 (S4). Specifically, the setting unit 305 notifies the air conditioner 1 via the communication control unit 301 of the set data SD, which is a set combination of the outside air temperature and the set temperature for each time period.

[0082] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of changing the settings of the management server 3 in Embodiment 1. The flowchart in Figure 7 shows an example of the operation of the management server 3 performed for each air conditioner 1 after the set temperature has been set for each air conditioner 1 by the operation of the flowchart in Figure 6. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 7 shows the operation performed for each record R stored in the management DB 312.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7, the determination unit 306 determines whether the air conditioning of the air conditioning device 1 at the set temperature determined by the decision unit 304 is uncomfortable for the user in the air-conditioned space S (S11).

[0084] If the user does not find it unpleasant (S11: No), the modification unit 307 leaves the setting temperature determined by the determination unit 304 unchanged (S12).

[0085] If the user finds the temperature uncomfortable (S11: Yes), the modification unit 307 causes the determination unit 304 to change the set temperature (S13). Specifically, the modification unit 307 stops the air conditioning at the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304. Next, the modification unit 307 reads the administrator settings included in record R and notifies the determination unit 304 of the set temperature that administrator P has determined to be comfortable. As a result, the modification unit 307 causes the determination unit 304 to change the set temperature it has determined to be comfortable to administrator P.

[0086] Next, the modification unit 307 determines whether a predetermined time (the time until the original setting is returned) has elapsed after the setting change (S14). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (S14: No), the modification unit 307 waits for processing.

[0087] If a predetermined time has elapsed (S14: Yes), the modification unit 307 notifies the decision unit 304 to revert the setting change, and the setting temperature is restored to its original state (S15). In other words, the modification unit 307 restarts the air conditioning at the set temperature determined by the decision unit 304.

[0088] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the air conditioning system 1000, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 based on the history of changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1. The judgment unit 306 determines whether or not a user in the air-conditioned space S, which is air-conditioned at the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304, feels uncomfortable. If the change unit 307 determines that a user in the air-conditioned space S feels uncomfortable, it causes the determination unit 304 to change the set temperature.

[0089] According to this, if the air conditioning system 1000 determines that a user in the air-conditioned space S is feeling uncomfortable, the determination unit 304 changes the determined set temperature, thereby addressing the user's discomfort.

[0090] Furthermore, if the modification unit 307 determines that a user in the air-conditioned space S is feeling uncomfortable, it will change the temperature to a setting previously set by the administrator P as an administrator setting.

[0091] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can prevent users from feeling uncomfortable by changing the set temperature within the air-conditioned space S to a temperature that the administrator P has determined to be comfortable.

[0092] Furthermore, the determination unit 306 determines whether or not a user is feeling uncomfortable based on the frequency of user requests to change the set temperature within the air-conditioned space S.

[0093] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can accurately determine that the user is feeling uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature, given that the set temperature is being changed frequently.

[0094] Furthermore, the determination unit 306 determines whether or not a user in the air-conditioned space S is feeling uncomfortable based on the discomfort index applied to the air-conditioned space S.

[0095] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can accurately determine whether the user is feeling uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature, based on an index of the air conditioning environment that is based on the discomfort index.

[0096] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1000 includes an indoor camera 5 that takes pictures of the air-conditioned space S. The determination unit 306 determines whether or not a user is feeling uncomfortable based on changes in the user's clothing detected from the video footage taken by the indoor camera 5.

[0097] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can accurately determine that the user is uncomfortable with the air conditioning at the set temperature based on changes in the user's clothing, such as taking off or putting on a jacket.

[0098] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0099] [2-1. Configuration] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 1, and a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0100] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 only in the process shown in S13 of Figure 7; other processes are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0101] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of changing the settings of the management server in Embodiment 2. The flowchart in Figure 8 shows an example of the operation in Embodiment 2 regarding the process related to S13 in Figure 7.

[0102] As shown in Figure 8, when the modification unit 307 changes the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304, it asks the terminal device 2 whether or not to stop the determination of the set temperature by the management server 3 based on the change history (server setting) (S21). Specifically, the modification unit 307 sends a notification (for example, displaying a pop-up screen) to the administrator P's terminal device 2 via the communication control unit 301 to make the above inquiry. In response to this inquiry, the administrator P replies whether or not to stop the server setting by giving an operation instruction on the terminal device 2.

[0103] Next, the modification unit 307 determines whether or not to stop the server settings based on the response from the terminal device 2 via the communication control unit 301 (S22).

[0104] If the server settings are to be stopped (S22: Yes), the modification unit 307 changes the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 to the set temperature set by the administrator P, based on the administrator settings included in record R (S23).

[0105] If the server settings are not stopped (S22: No), the modification unit 307 will leave the setting temperature determined by the determination unit 304 unchanged (S24). In some cases, the administrator P may not immediately respond regarding whether or not to stop the server settings. In such cases, the server settings will be treated as not being stopped. Specifically, if the modification unit 307 does not receive a response from the administrator P from the terminal device 2 within a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes), it will treat the server settings as not being stopped (S22: No) and leave the setting temperature determined by the determination unit 304 unchanged (S24).

[0106] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in Embodiment 2, if the modification unit 307 determines that a user in the air-conditioned space S is feeling uncomfortable, it asks the administrator P whether or not to stop determining the set temperature based on the change history. Then, if the determination of the set temperature is to be stopped, the modification unit 307 has the administrator P change to a set temperature that has been set in advance as an administrator setting.

[0107] According to this, in the air conditioning system 1000, if the management server 3 is to stop determining the set temperature, it can inquire with the administrator P and then change the set temperature to one that the administrator P has set in advance.

[0108] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0109] [3-1. Configuration] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 3 is the same as the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 1, and a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0110] [3-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 3 will be described. Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in that, when changing the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304, the criterion for determining the set temperature is changed to a criterion set in advance by the administrator P.

[0111] Specifically, when the modification unit 307 modifies the setting temperature determined by the determination unit 304, it obtains the energy-saving performance target value (energy saving rate) included in the administrator settings of record R. Then, the modification unit 307 notifies the determination unit 304 of the obtained energy-saving performance target value. The determination unit 304 determines the setting temperature based on the energy-saving performance target value notified by the modification unit 307.

[0112] Specifically, the determination unit 304 refers to table data showing the correspondence between the target value of energy-saving performance (energy-saving rate) and the probability of change, and replaces the target value of energy-saving performance with the corresponding probability of change. This table data showing the correspondence with the probability of change is created in advance based on past performance of the target facility or similar facilities, or simulations. The determination unit 304 uses the probability of change corresponding to the target value of energy-saving performance as a standard (threshold) and identifies the set temperature from the collected data AD. Then, similar to Embodiment 1, the determination unit 304 identifies (determines) the set temperature among the identified set temperatures that reduces the energy consumption (energy saving) during operation of the air conditioner 1.

[0113] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the case where the reference for the set temperature in Embodiment 3 is changed. As shown in Figure 9, the administrator P makes a setting to lower the target energy saving rate in advance as an administrator setting (S31).

[0114] For example, if the target energy efficiency is high, comfort, which is in a trade-off relationship with energy efficiency, will be low. Conversely, if the target energy efficiency is low, comfort, which is in a trade-off relationship with energy efficiency, will be high.

[0115] Therefore, administrator P pre-configures settings to lower the target energy efficiency rate so that they can address situations where comfort levels are low and users feel uncomfortable. Here, the setting to lower the target energy efficiency rate may involve setting a predetermined energy efficiency rate, such as from 20% to 15%, or from 15% to 10%. Alternatively, the setting to lower the target energy efficiency rate may involve setting a numerical value that lowers the energy efficiency rate relatively from the initial energy efficiency rate. Furthermore, the setting to lower the target energy efficiency rate may involve lowering the target energy efficiency rate by a predetermined number of steps (for example, by one step).

[0116] For example, if the target energy saving rate for the 8-10 o'clock time slot during cooling is 10%, the determination unit 304 sets the probability of changing the corresponding set temperature to 5%. Then, using this 5% change probability as a threshold, the determination unit 304 identifies set temperatures below the threshold from among the candidate set temperatures at an outside temperature of 30.0°C (...25.5°C, 26.0°C, 26.5°C, 27.0°C, 27.5°C...). In the illustrated example, 26.0°C and 25.5°C are identified. Then, the determination unit 304 decides that 26.0°C, the highest of the identified set temperatures, is the set temperature.

[0117] Furthermore, if the target energy saving rate is 15%, the determination unit 304 sets the probability of changing the corresponding set temperature to 10%. Then, using this 10% change probability as a threshold, the determination unit 304 identifies set temperatures below the threshold from among the candidate set temperatures at an outside temperature of 30.0°C (...25.5°C, 26.0°C, 26.5°C, 27.0°C, 27.5°C...). In the illustrated example, 26.5°C, 26.0°C, and 25.5°C are identified. Then, the determination unit 304 decides that 26.5°C, the highest of the identified set temperatures, is the set temperature.

[0118] Furthermore, the determination unit 304 sets the probability of changing the corresponding set temperature to 15% when the target energy saving rate is 20%. Then, the determination unit 304 uses this 15% change probability as a threshold and identifies set temperatures below the threshold from among the candidate set temperatures at an outside temperature of 30.0°C (...25.5°C, 26.0°C, 26.5°C, 27.0°C, 27.5°C...). In the illustrated example, 27.0°C, 26.5°C, 26.0°C, and 25.5°C are identified. Then, the determination unit 304 decides that 27.0°C, the highest of the identified set temperatures, is the set temperature.

[0119] [3-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in Embodiment 3, when the modification unit 307 determines that a user in the air-conditioned space S is feeling uncomfortable, it causes the determination unit 304 to change the criteria used when determining the set temperature based on the change history to the criteria set in advance by the administrator P.

[0120] According to this, in the air conditioning system 1000, if a user in the air-conditioned space S feels uncomfortable, the system can address the discomfort of the user by changing the criteria used to determine the set temperature to a pre-set criterion that enhances comfort.

[0121] (Embodiment 4) Next, Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0122] [4-1. Configuration] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 4 is the same as the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 1, and a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0123] [4-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 4 will be described. Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the modification unit 307 notifies the user that the set temperature has been changed.

[0124] Specifically, the management server 3 notifies the terminal device 2 or the communication device 14 of the air conditioning system 1 of the operating status of the system (for example, the management server 3 in the air conditioning system 1000), including the processing status of the determination unit 304 and the modification unit 307, via the communication control unit 301. In other words, the communication control unit 301 is an example of a notification unit. Also, the terminal device 2 or the air conditioning system 1 is an example of an external device.

[0125] The terminal device 2 displays the operating status of the management server 3 on a display screen or the like, based on notifications from the management server 3. This allows the air conditioning system 1000 to notify the administrator P of the operating status of the management server 3 via the terminal device 2.

[0126] The air conditioning unit 1 displays the operating status of the management server 3, as received by the communication device 14, on the operation screen of the remote control 13 or the like. This allows the air conditioning system 1000 to notify general users in the air-conditioned space S of the operating status of the management server 3 via the remote control 13.

[0127] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the operating states of the management server 3 in Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 10, the operating states of the management server 3 include server configuration in progress (S41), server configuration stopped (S42), server configuration not in progress (S43), and server learning in progress (S44).

[0128] For example, when the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 to the air conditioner 1, it notifies the terminal device 2 or the communication device 14 of the air conditioner 1 via the communication control unit 301 that the server setting operation is in progress (S41).

[0129] Furthermore, when the modification unit 307 stops and changes the setting of the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304, it notifies the terminal device 2 or the communication device 14 of the air conditioner 1 via the communication control unit 301 that the server setting is stopped (S42).

[0130] Furthermore, if the communication control unit 301 disables the server settings based on instructions from the terminal device 2, it notifies the terminal device 2 or the communication device 14 of the air conditioner 1 that the server settings are disabled (S43).

[0131] Furthermore, when the update unit 303 updates the management DB 312 based on the performance recorded in the collected data AD and proceeds with server learning, it notifies the terminal device 2 or the communication device 14 of the air conditioner 1 via the communication control unit 301 that server learning is in progress (S44). Here, regarding server learning in progress (S44), the update unit 303 may also notify the terminal device 2 or the communication device 14 of the air conditioner 1 of the progress of learning when learning proceeds based on the performance recorded in the collected data AD. Regarding this progress of learning, if a sufficient number of performance data has been obtained, it can be considered that the user characteristics regarding setting changes have been sufficiently learned. Therefore, the change unit 303 calculates the progress of learning, for example, by determining the ratio of the number of performance data actually obtained to a predetermined number of performance data.

[0132] [4-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in Embodiment 4, the modification unit 307 notifies the administrator P or a general user that the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 will be changed.

[0133] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 allows the user to easily confirm changes in the set temperature.

[0134] (Other Embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 to 4 have been explained as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiments 1 to 4. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0135] In the embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the management server 3 can detect (determine) that there are users who feel uncomfortable with the set temperature set on the air conditioner 1. In this way, users who feel uncomfortable with the settings of the management server 3 may cancel the service that the management server 3 sets the set temperature on the air conditioner 1. Therefore, in other embodiments, the communication control unit 301 may notify the service provider of information about the user (administrator P) of the service recipient when the number of times the judgment unit 306 has determined that a user is uncomfortable exceeds a predetermined threshold. An example of a threshold is that a user feels uncomfortable 15 times a week (an average of 3 times a day). Specifically, the communication control unit 301 notifies the service provider of information about the administrator P of facility H whose number of times it has determined that a user is uncomfortable exceeds a predetermined threshold, based on the identification information of each administrator P of facility H. This allows the service provider to analyze how users of facility H use the air conditioning, propose improvements to administrator P, and revise the control of management server 3 to apply those improvements to the users, thereby preventing the users (administrator P) of the service from canceling their service.

[0136] In the embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the outside air temperature is included as a parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system 1. In other embodiments, the parameter may include, instead of or in conjunction with the outside air temperature, outside air humidity, solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc.

[0137] In other embodiments, the management server 3 may further store the update date and time when updating the number of actual changes or the number of modifications. In these other embodiments, the change probability may be calculated with priority given to updates with more recent update dates and times.

[0138] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD is the range from 23°C to 27°C. However, this predetermined range is merely an example and may be the range of settable temperatures that the air conditioner 1 can set, or it may be the range within the settable temperature range that the air conditioner 1 can set that is expected to be set by the user.

[0139] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the multiple set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set temperatures in 1°C increments. In other embodiments, the increment of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range is not limited to 1°C, but may be, for example, 0.5°C increments.

[0140] In other embodiments, the terminal device 2 may be configured to perform operations related to the management server 3. Specifically, the terminal device 2 comprises a control device corresponding to the server control device 30, a storage device corresponding to the server memory 310, and a communication device corresponding to the server communication device 31. The control device of the terminal device 2 provides the functions of the communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, judgment unit 306, and modification unit 307 described above. In this case, the control device of the terminal device 2 corresponds to a "computer," and the program executed by the control device of the terminal device 2 corresponds to a "program." Furthermore, regarding the control of the air conditioning system 1, instead of the communication device 14, one of the indoor unit 11, outdoor unit 12, or remote control 13 may be configured to have the functions of the communication device 14 described above.

[0141] In the embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the management data MD is configured to store the number of changes for each pair of time period and ambient temperature. In other embodiments, instead of storing the number of changes for each pair of time period and ambient temperature, the server memory 310 may be configured to store the number of changes for each set temperature for each time period. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0142] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the management data MD stores the number of changes for each pair of time zone and ambient temperature. In other embodiments, instead of storing the number of changes for each set temperature, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each ambient temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0143] In embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the set temperature is determined based on the time period including the current time and the number of changes that match the ambient temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. In other words, in embodiments 1 to 4 described above, the set temperature is determined based on the number of changes that match the current conditions. In other embodiments, the set temperature may also be determined by considering a number of changes close to the current conditions (for example, a number of changes of ±1°C relative to the ambient temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302).

[0144] The program executed by the management server 3, etc., in this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical recording medium like a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB memory, or a semiconductor memory device like an SSD (Solid State Disk). Alternatively, the program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided or distributed by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the program may be pre-installed in ROM or the like.

[0145] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technology.

[0146] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system that air-conditions a space using an air conditioning device, comprising: a determination unit that determines a first set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device; a determination unit that determines whether a first user in the space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable; and a processing unit that, if it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable, executes processing according to the determination result. With this, when a user in the space air-conditioned feels uncomfortable, processing according to the determination result can be executed to address the user's discomfort.

[0147] (Technical 2) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the processing unit determines that the first user is feeling uncomfortable and changes the first set temperature to a second set temperature. With this, if the first user determines that they are feeling uncomfortable, the first set temperature can be changed to a second set temperature.

[0148] (Technical 3) The air conditioning system according to Technical 2, wherein the second set temperature is a set temperature set in advance by a second user other than the first user. With this, if the first user in the air-conditioned space feels uncomfortable, the temperature can be changed to a set temperature set in advance by a second user other than the first user.

[0149] (Technical 4) The air conditioning system according to Technical 3, wherein the processing unit, when it determines that the first user is feeling uncomfortable, asks the second user whether or not to stop determining the first set temperature, and if the second user decides to stop determining the first set temperature, the system changes the temperature to the second set temperature. With this system, the system can ask the second user whether or not to stop determining the first set temperature, and then change the temperature to a set temperature that the user has set in advance.

[0150] (Technical 5) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the processing unit determines that the first user is feeling uncomfortable, and the determination unit changes the criteria used to determine the first set temperature. With this, the system can address situations where the user feels uncomfortable by changing the criteria used to determine the first set temperature so that the first set temperature is changed.

[0151] (Technical 6) An air conditioning system according to any one of Technical 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether the first user is feeling uncomfortable based on the frequency of the first user's instructions to change the first set temperature. According to this, if the user frequently gives instructions to change the set temperature, it can be determined that the user is feeling uncomfortable.

[0152] (Technical 7) An air conditioning system according to any one of Technical 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the first user is feeling uncomfortable based on the discomfort index of the air-conditioned space. With this, it is possible to determine whether the user is feeling uncomfortable based on the discomfort index.

[0153] (Technical 8) An air conditioning system according to any one of Technical 1 to 5, further comprising a camera that takes pictures of the inside of the air-conditioned space, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the first user is feeling uncomfortable based on a change in the first user's clothing detected from the image taken by the camera. With this, it can be determined that the user is feeling uncomfortable when the user takes off their clothes or puts on clothes.

[0154] (Technical 9) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the determination unit determines the first set temperature based on the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning device. With this, the optimal first set temperature can be determined based on the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning device.

[0155] (Technical 10) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the determination unit determines the first set temperature based on the probability that the set temperature of the air conditioning device will be changed. With this, the optimal first set temperature can be determined based on the probability that the set temperature of the air conditioning device will be changed.

[0156] (Technical 11) An air conditioning system according to any one of Technical 1 to 10, further comprising a notification unit that notifies an external device of the operating status of the system, including the processing status of the determination unit and the processing unit. With this, the operating status of the system, including the processing status of the determination unit and the processing unit, can be confirmed.

[0157] (Technical 12) The air conditioning system according to Technical 11, wherein the notification unit notifies the external device of the learning status based on the actual changes in the settings of the air conditioning system. With this, the learning status based on the actual changes in the settings of the air conditioning system can be confirmed.

[0158] (Technical 13) A control method in which a computer determines a first set temperature as the set temperature to be set for an air conditioning device that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned, determines whether a first user in the air-conditioned space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable, and if it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable, executes a process according to the result of that determination. This method produces the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technical 1.

[0159] (Technical 14) A program that causes a computer to determine a first set temperature as the set temperature to be set for an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned, to determine whether a first user in the air-conditioned space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable, and, if it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable, to execute a process according to the result of that determination. This produces the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technical 1.

[0160] As described above, the air conditioning system, control method, and program according to the present invention can be used for determining the set temperature to be set in an air conditioning device.

[0161] 1 Air conditioning system 2 Terminal device 3 Management server 4 Weather server 5 Indoor camera 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote control 14 Communication device 30 Server control device 31 Server communication device 300 Server processor 301 Communication control unit 302 Acquisition unit 303 Update unit 304 Decision unit 305 Setting unit 306 Judgment unit 307 Change unit 310 Server memory 311 Control program 312 Management DB 1000 Air conditioning system AD Acquisition data H Facility MD Management data NW Network P Administrator R Record S Air-conditioned space RD Operation data SD Setting data

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that air-conditions a space using an air conditioning device, comprising: a determination unit that determines a first set temperature as the optimal set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device; a determination unit that determines whether or not a first user in the space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable; and a processing unit that, if it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable, executes processing according to the determination result.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit determines that the first user is feeling uncomfortable and changes the first set temperature to a second set temperature.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the second set temperature is a set temperature previously set by a second user, who is different from the first user.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit determines that the first user is feeling uncomfortable, asks the second user whether or not to stop determining the first set temperature, and if the user decides to stop determining the first set temperature, the processing unit changes the temperature to the second set temperature.

5. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing unit determines that the first user is feeling uncomfortable, and changes the criteria used by the determination unit to determine the first set temperature.

6. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether the first user is feeling uncomfortable based on the frequency of the first user's instruction to change the first set temperature.

7. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the first user feels uncomfortable based on the discomfort index of the air-conditioned space.

8. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a camera unit for photographing the inside of the air-conditioned space, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the first user is feeling uncomfortable based on a change in the first user's clothing detected from the image captured by the camera unit.

9. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determination unit determines the first set temperature based on the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning device.

10. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the determination unit determines the first set temperature based on the probability that the set temperature of the air conditioning device is changed.

11. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a notification unit for notifying an external device of the operating status of the system, including the processing status of the determination unit and the processing unit.

12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein the notification unit notifies the external device of the learning status based on the actual changes in the settings of the air conditioning system.

13. A control method comprising: a computer determining a first set temperature as the set temperature to be set for an air conditioning device that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned; determining whether a first user in the air-conditioned space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable; and, if it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable, executing a process according to the result of that determination.

14. A program that causes a computer to determine a first set temperature as the set temperature to be set for an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned, to determine whether a first user in the air-conditioned space air-conditioned at the determined first set temperature feels uncomfortable, and, if it is determined that the first user feels uncomfortable, to execute a process according to the result of that determination.

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