Air-conditioning control device, air-conditioning control system, and air-conditioning control method

Abstract

[Problem] To increase the likelihood that, in a subject space in which a plurality of indoor units are installed, the current temperature of a certain position or area matches a target temperature of the position or area. [Solution] An air-conditioning control device provided with a control unit, wherein the control unit specifies the positions of a plurality of indoor units in a subject space, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the subject space, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the subject space, and controls the operation of each indoor unit in accordance with the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit among the plurality of indoor units and a specific position or area so that the temperature of the specific position or area in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of the specific position or area in the target temperature distribution.

Description

Air conditioning control device, air conditioning control system, and air conditioning control method

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioning system. This air conditioning system includes an air conditioner having a plurality of indoor units, a plurality of temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of each of a plurality of zones partitioned corresponding to the positions of the plurality of indoor units in a space to be air-conditioned, a human detection means for detecting, for each of the plurality of zones, whether the zone is a manned zone where a person is present or an unmanned zone where no person is present, and a control device that causes the indoor unit of the manned zone to perform cooling operation or heating operation so that the temperature detected by the temperature detection means in the manned zone reaches a set temperature. The control device causes the indoor unit of the unmanned zone among the plurality of zones to perform air blowing operation, and determines the air volume of the indoor unit of the unmanned zone based on the air volume of the indoor unit of the manned zone.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 7520156

[0004] In a target space where a plurality of indoor units are installed, a configuration may be adopted in which the presence of a person is detected to control the current temperature of a certain position or area. However, when such a configuration is adopted, the current temperature of a certain position or area does not necessarily match the target temperature of that position or area. Accordingly, it has not been possible to increase the possibility that the current temperature of a certain position or area matches the target temperature of that position or area.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to increase the possibility that the current temperature of a certain position or area matches the target temperature of that position or area in a target space where a plurality of indoor units are installed.

[0006] The air conditioning control device of this disclosure includes a control unit which identifies the positions of a plurality of indoor units in a target space, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space, and controls the operation of each of the plurality of indoor units according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and the specific position or area, so that the temperature of a specific position or area in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of that specific position or area in the target temperature distribution. With this air conditioning control device, in a target space where a plurality of indoor units are installed, the possibility that the current temperature of a certain position or area will match the target temperature of that position or area can be increased.

[0007] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit may include controlling the thermo-on and thermo-off states of each indoor unit according to the positional relationship between the indoor unit's location and the specific location or area. In this way, in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, controlling the thermo-on and thermo-off states of each indoor unit increases the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain location or area will match the target temperature of that location or area.

[0008] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit may include controlling the operation of each indoor unit using parameters corresponding to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and the specific position or area. In this way, in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, controlling the parameters of each indoor unit increases the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain position or area will match the target temperature of that position or area.

[0009] The aforementioned parameters may include the outlet temperature of each indoor unit. In this way, by controlling the outlet temperature of each indoor unit in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain location or area will match the target temperature of that location or area can be increased.

[0010] The aforementioned parameters may include the airflow rate of each indoor unit. In this way, by controlling the airflow rate of each indoor unit in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area will match the target temperature for that location or area can be increased.

[0011] The aforementioned parameters may include the airflow velocity of each indoor unit. In this way, by controlling the airflow velocity of each indoor unit in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area will match the target temperature for that location or area can be increased.

[0012] The aforementioned parameters may include the airflow direction of each indoor unit. In this way, by controlling the airflow direction of each indoor unit in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area will match the target temperature for that location or area can be increased.

[0013] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit may include independently controlling the parameters of each indoor unit, such as the outlet temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction. In this way, by independently controlling each indoor unit in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area will match the target temperature for that location or area can be increased.

[0014] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit may include controlling the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of each indoor unit as parameters, not only for indoor units that are close to the specific location or area, but also for indoor units that are far from the specific location or area. In this way, by coordinating the multiple indoor units in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area will match the target temperature at that location or area can be increased.

[0015] Controlling the operation of each of the indoor units may include controlling the operation of one of the multiple indoor units, and if, after the one indoor unit has been operating for a predetermined time, the temperature of a specific location or area in the current temperature distribution does not substantially match the temperature of that specific location or area in the target temperature distribution, selecting the other indoor units from the multiple indoor units in a predetermined order and controlling the operation of the one indoor unit and the other indoor units. In this way, in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain location or area will match the target temperature of that location or area more efficiently than operating multiple indoor units from the beginning.

[0016] The predetermined order may be an order based on the positional relationship between each of the indoor units and the first indoor unit. In this way, in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain location or area will match the target temperature of that location or area, more efficiently than randomly selecting another indoor unit after one indoor unit has been operating for a predetermined time.

[0017] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit may include controlling the operation of one of the multiple indoor units, and if, after the one indoor unit has been operating for a predetermined time, the temperature of a specific location or area in the current temperature distribution does not substantially match the temperature of that specific location or area in the target temperature distribution, selecting another indoor unit from the multiple indoor units whose power consumption meets predetermined conditions, and controlling the operation of the one indoor unit and the other indoor units. In this way, in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain location or area will match the target temperature of that location or area, while reducing power consumption compared to randomly selecting another indoor unit after one indoor unit has been operating for a predetermined time.

[0018] The current temperature distribution may include temperatures at locations other than those of the multiple indoor units. In this way, even if the current temperature of a certain location or area in a target space where multiple indoor units are installed includes temperatures at locations other than those of the indoor units, the likelihood of that current temperature matching the target temperature of that location or area can be increased.

[0019] Furthermore, the air conditioning control system of this disclosure comprises a plurality of indoor units installed in a target space and a control unit that controls the plurality of indoor units, wherein the control unit identifies the positions of the plurality of indoor units in the target space, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space, and controls the operation of each indoor unit according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and the specific position or area, so that the temperature of a specific position or area in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of that specific position or area in the target temperature distribution.According to this air conditioning control system, in a target space where a plurality of indoor units are installed, the possibility that the current temperature of a certain position or area will match the target temperature of that position or area can be increased.

[0020] Furthermore, the air conditioning control method of this disclosure includes the steps of: a computer identifying the locations of a plurality of indoor units in a target space; a computer acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space; a computer acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space; and a computer controlling the operation of each of the plurality of indoor units according to the positional relationship between the location of each indoor unit and the specific location or area, such that the temperature of a specific location or area in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of that specific location or area in the target temperature distribution. This air conditioning control method makes it possible to increase the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain location or area in a target space where a plurality of indoor units are installed will match the target temperature of that location or area.

[0021] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of an air conditioning control system to which this embodiment is applied. This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device in this embodiment. This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the air conditioning control device in this embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control information generation unit of the air conditioning control device in this embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control information generation unit of the air conditioning control device in this embodiment.

[0022] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0023] [Overall Configuration of the Air Conditioning Control System] Figure 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning control system 10 to which this embodiment is applied. The air conditioning control system 10 is a system that controls the air environment in a target space 100. The air environment in the target space 100 includes various elements such as air temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration, and odor, and there are various types of air conditioning devices that harmonize the air environment depending on the air environment. In the following, we will take air temperature as an example of the air environment and explain using an air conditioning device that harmonizes the air temperature as an example of the air conditioning device.

[0024] The target space 100 is the space whose air environment is controlled by the air conditioning control system 10. Here, an office space is used as an example of the target space 100. The target space 100 is the space enclosed by walls 110, a ceiling 120, and a floor 130. In the figure, the target space 100 is shown as viewed from above the ceiling 120. The walls 110 may have doors, windows, etc., although they are not shown. The target space 100 may also have lighting, computers, monitors, printers, desks, chairs, sofas, tables, rugs, etc., although they are not shown.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the air conditioning control system 10 includes an air conditioning device 200. The air conditioning device 200 is a device that harmonizes the temperature of the air in the target space 100. The air conditioning device 200 has a plurality of indoor units 210, an outdoor unit 220, and piping 230.

[0026] Multiple indoor units 210 are installed within the target space 100. The multiple indoor units 210 perform heat exchange between the refrigerant that has passed through the piping 230 and the air in the target space 100, thereby absorbing heat from the air in the target space 100 or releasing heat into the target space 100. Although 16 indoor units 210 are shown in the figure, 2 to 15 or 17 or more indoor units 210 may be provided.

[0027] The outdoor unit 220 is installed outside the target space 100. The outdoor unit 220 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant that has passed through the piping 230 and the air outside the target space 100, thereby discharging heat outside the target space 100 or absorbing heat from the air outside the target space 100.

[0028] The piping 230 is a pipe that connects multiple indoor units 210 and outdoor units 220, and refrigerant passes through its interior.

[0029] Here, the indoor unit 210 is a four-way ceiling cassette type indoor unit embedded in the ceiling 120. Therefore, in the target space 100, an area is defined around each indoor unit 210. In the diagram, 16 indoor units 210 are installed, so 16 areas 300a to 300p are defined. Although not shown in the diagram, in the following text, indoor units 210 installed in areas 300a to 300p may be referred to as indoor units 210a to 210p, respectively.

[0030] Furthermore, the indoor unit 210 is equipped with four air outlets 211 that extend upward, to the right, downward, and to the left of the paper. Although not shown in the illustration, the air outlets 211 of indoor units 210a to 210p may be referred to as air outlets 211a to 211p below. In this description, the indoor unit 210 is an example of a four-way ceiling cassette type indoor unit, but the indoor unit 210 may be other types of indoor units, such as an eight-way ceiling cassette type.

[0031] Furthermore, the air conditioning control system 10 is equipped with an indoor temperature sensor 400. The indoor temperature sensor 400 is installed at a predetermined location within each area 300 of the target space 100 and measures the temperature of the air at that predetermined location. Although not shown in the figures, in the following text, the indoor temperature sensors 400 installed in areas 300a to 300p may be referred to as indoor temperature sensors 400a to 400p, respectively. However, the indoor temperature sensors 400 may be installed in only a part of areas 300a to 300p, rather than all of them.

[0032] Furthermore, the air conditioning control system 10 includes an input / output device 500. The input / output device 500 is, for example, located within the target space 100 and accepts user operations for inputting instructions to the air conditioning control device 600. For example, the input / output device 500 accepts user operations for inputting spatial information about the target space 100. The spatial information includes position information of indoor units 210a to 210p within the target space 100. The input / output device 500 also accepts user operations for inputting target temperatures for areas 300a to 300p of the target space 100. In this case, the input / output device 500 may display an image object representing the target space 100 and allow the user to input the target temperature by placing an icon on the image object. The input / output device 500 may be, for example, a touch panel type operation display device. The air conditioning control system 10 may also detect instructions to the air conditioning control device 600 using sensing technology. In that case, the air conditioning control system 10 does not need to include the input / output device 500.

[0033] Furthermore, the air conditioning control system 10 includes an air conditioning control device 600. The air conditioning control device 600 receives position information of indoor units 210a to 210p input from the input / output device 500, the current temperature measured by one of the indoor temperature sensors 400a to 400p, and the target temperature of areas 300a to 300p input from the input / output device 500. The air conditioning control device 600 also generates control information for controlling the indoor units 210a to 210p of the air conditioning system 200 based on this position information, current temperature, and target temperature. Furthermore, the air conditioning control device 600 transmits this control information to the air conditioning system 200.

[0034] [Hardware Configuration of Air Conditioning Control Device] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 600 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the air conditioning control device 600 includes a processor 601, which is an example of a control unit. The air conditioning control device 600 further includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 602, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 603, and a storage device 604, which are storage means. The RAM 602 is the main memory and is used as working memory when the processor 601 performs calculations. The ROM 603 holds data such as programs and pre-prepared setting values, and the processor 601 reads programs and data directly from the ROM 603 and executes the processing. The storage device 604 is a means for saving programs and data. Programs are stored in the storage device 604, and the processor 601 reads the programs stored in the storage device 604 into the main memory and executes them. The storage device 604 also stores and saves the results of processing by the processor 601. For the storage device 604, for example, a magnetic disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used.

[0035] [Functional Configuration of the Air Conditioning Control Device] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the air conditioning control device 600 in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the air conditioning control device 600 includes a spatial information acquisition unit 610, a current temperature acquisition unit 620, a target temperature acquisition unit 630, a control information generation unit 640, and a control information output unit 650.

[0036] The spatial information acquisition unit 610 acquires spatial information relating to the target space 100. Specifically, the spatial information acquisition unit 610 may acquire two-dimensional or three-dimensional drawing information as spatial information. Here, the spatial information may include position information indicating the locations where the indoor units 210a to 210p are installed. If the spatial information is two-dimensional drawing information, the position information indicating the locations of the indoor units 210a to 210p may be position information in a plane. If the spatial information is three-dimensional drawing information, the position information indicating the locations of the indoor units 210a to 210p may be position information in three dimensions. The processing of the spatial information acquisition unit 610 is an example of the process of identifying the locations of multiple indoor units in the target space.

[0037] The current temperature acquisition unit 620 acquires the current temperature in the target space 100. Specifically, the current temperature acquisition unit 620 may acquire a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution as the current temperature. The processing of the current temperature acquisition unit 620 is an example of the process of acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space.

[0038] Here, the current temperature distribution may be generated by performing linear interpolation based on the indoor temperature measured by any of the indoor temperature sensors 400a to 400p. Alternatively, the current temperature distribution may be generated based on the indoor temperature measured by any of the indoor temperature sensors 400a to 400p and a physical model that models the target space 100. In this case, the current temperature distribution will not include the temperature measured by the intake temperature sensor (not shown) as described below, but will include the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 400 and the temperature at locations where the indoor temperature sensor 400 and the intake temperature sensor are not installed. In this case, the processing of the current temperature acquisition unit 620 is an example of processing to acquire a current temperature distribution that includes the temperature at locations other than the locations of the multiple indoor units.

[0039] Furthermore, the current temperature distribution may be generated by performing linear interpolation based on the intake temperature measured by any of the intake temperature sensors (not shown) provided on the indoor units 210a to 210p. Alternatively, the current temperature distribution may be generated based on the intake temperature measured by any of the intake temperature sensors provided on the indoor units 210a to 210p and a physical model that models the target space 100.

[0040] Furthermore, the current temperature distribution may be obtained by assigning the current temperature to each area 300 that constitutes the target space 100. In this case, it is advisable to calculate the average temperature for each area 300 from the current temperature distribution generated as described above and assign that average temperature to each area 300.

[0041] The target temperature acquisition unit 630 acquires the target temperature in the target space 100. Specifically, the target temperature acquisition unit 630 may acquire a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution as the target temperature. The processing of the target temperature acquisition unit 630 is an example of processing for acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space.

[0042] Here, the target temperature distribution may be the target temperature for each area 300 input from the input / output device 500. For example, the user only needs to input one target temperature for one area 300 via the input / output device 500, and this may be acquired as the target temperature for each area 300.

[0043] Note that the target temperature distribution may be one in which a target temperature is assigned to each position constituting the target space 100. In this case, the target temperature of each area 300 in the target temperature distribution acquired as described above may be assigned to each position within that area 300.

[0044] The control information generation unit 640 generates control information for controlling the indoor units 210a to 210p such that the current temperature in the target space 100 acquired by the current temperature acquisition unit 620 approaches the target temperature in the target space 100 acquired by the target temperature acquisition unit 630. Specifically, the control information generation unit 640 detects a difference between the current temperature distribution acquired by the current temperature acquisition unit 620 and the target temperature distribution acquired by the target temperature acquisition unit 630. Then, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information for controlling the indoor units 210a to 210p so as to reduce the difference for the position or area 300 where the difference is detected. At that time, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information proportionally distributed to the indoor units 210a to 210p according to the positional relationship between the positions where the indoor units 210a to 210p are installed in the spatial information acquired by the spatial information acquisition unit 610 and the position or area 300 where the difference is detected. The processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of processing for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of indoor units according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and the specific position or area, so that the temperature of the specific position or area in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of the specific position or area in the target temperature distribution.

[0045] For example, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information to control the thermo-on and thermo-off of indoor units 210a to 210p so as to reduce the difference between the current temperature distribution and the target temperature distribution. In this case, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information to control the thermo-on and thermo-off of indoor units 210a to 210p according to the positional relationship between the location where indoor units 210a to 210p are installed and the location or area 300 where the difference is detected. Specifically, if the distance between the location where indoor unit 210 is installed and the location or area 300 where the difference is detected is short, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information to turn indoor unit 210 on. On the other hand, if the distance between the location where indoor unit 210 is installed and the location or area 300 where the difference is detected is long, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information to turn indoor unit 210 off. In this case, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of a process that controls the thermo-on and thermo-off states of each indoor unit according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and a specific position or area.

[0046] Furthermore, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information to control the parameters used by the indoor units 210a to 210p in operation so as to reduce the difference between the current temperature distribution and the target temperature distribution. In this case, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information to control the parameters according to the positional relationship between the location where the indoor units 210a to 210p are installed and the location or area 300 where the difference is detected. In this case, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of a process that controls the operation of each indoor unit using parameters according to the positional relationship between the location of each indoor unit and a specific location or area.

[0047] Here, the parameter may be the discharge temperature of the indoor units 210a to 210p. In other words, the parameter may be the evaporation temperature or condensation temperature of the indoor units 210a to 210p. In this case, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information for controlling the discharge temperature of the indoor units 210a to 210p according to the positional relationship between the position where the indoor units 210a to 210p are installed and the position where the difference is detected or area 300. Specifically, if the distance between the position where the indoor unit 210 is installed and the position where the difference is detected or area 300 is short, the control information generation unit 640 should generate control information that reduces the amount of change in the discharge temperature of the indoor unit 210. On the other hand, if the distance between the position where the indoor unit 210 is installed and the position where the difference is detected or area 300 is long, the control information generation unit 640 should generate control information that increases the amount of change in the discharge temperature of the indoor unit 210. Furthermore, the change in outlet temperature refers to the temperature range by which the outlet temperature can be lowered during cooling, and the temperature range by which the outlet temperature can be raised during heating. In this case, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of processing to reduce the change in outlet temperature of indoor units that are close to a specific location or area, and processing to increase the change in outlet temperature of indoor units that are far from a specific location or area.

[0048] Furthermore, the parameter may be the air volume of the indoor units 210a to 210p. At that time, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information for controlling the air volume of the indoor units 210a to 210p in accordance with the positional relationship between the positions where the indoor units 210a to 210p are installed and the position or area 300 where the difference is detected. Specifically, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information that reduces the air volume of the indoor unit 210 when the distance between the position where the indoor unit 210 is installed and the position or area 300 where the difference is detected is short. On the other hand, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information that increases the air volume of the indoor unit 210 when the distance between the position where the indoor unit 210 is installed and the position or area 300 where the difference is detected is long. In this case, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of processing for reducing the air volume of an indoor unit that is close in positional relationship to a specific position or area, and processing for increasing the air volume of an indoor unit that is far in positional relationship to a specific position or area. Alternatively, the parameter may be the air speed of the indoor units 210a to 210p.

[0049] Furthermore, the parameter may be the wind direction of the indoor units 210a to 210p. At that time, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information for controlling the wind direction of the indoor units 210a to 210p in accordance with the positional relationship between the positions where the indoor units 210a to 210p are installed and the position or area 300 where the difference is detected. Specifically, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information that brings the wind direction of the indoor unit 210 closer to upward when the distance between the position where the indoor unit 210 is installed and the position or area 300 where the difference is detected is short. On the other hand, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information that brings the wind direction of the indoor unit 210 closer to downward when the distance between the position where the indoor unit 210 is installed and the position or area 300 where the difference is detected is long. In this case, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of processing for bringing the wind direction of an indoor unit that is close in positional relationship to a specific position or area closer to upward, and processing for bringing the wind direction of an indoor unit that is far in positional relationship to a specific position or area closer to downward.

[0050] In this case, the control information generation unit 640 may control control information for independently controlling the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of the indoor units 210a to 210p. In this case, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of processing for independently controlling the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of each indoor unit as parameters.

[0051] Furthermore, the control information generation unit 640 may control control information for controlling the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of indoor units 210a to 210p, not only for indoor units 210 that are geographically close, but also for indoor units 210 that are geographically distant. In this way, the air conditioning control system 10 controls the target temperature distribution by coordinating multiple indoor units 210. At that time, the air conditioning control system 10 may utilize information on the current temperature distribution (including the intake temperature distribution) to appropriately control the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction. In this case, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of processing that controls the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of each indoor unit as parameters, not only for indoor units that are geographically close to a specific location or area, but also for indoor units that are geographically distant from a specific location or area.

[0052] Alternatively, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information for controlling the indoor units 210a to 210p based on past history information. Specifically, the control information generation unit 640 stores history information regarding the past operation of the indoor units 210a to 210p and the resulting changes in the current temperature distribution within the target space 100. The control information generation unit 640 then determines, based on the history information, what kind of control information should be generated to bring the current temperature of the location or area 300 where a difference has been detected to match the target temperature.

[0053] Incidentally, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information for controlling indoor units 210a to 210p from the beginning, but is not limited to this. The control information generation unit 640 may first generate control information for controlling the first indoor unit 210. The first indoor unit 210 may be, for example, the indoor unit 210 closest to the position or area 300 where the difference was detected. Then, if the difference at the position or area 300 where the difference was detected does not fall below a threshold even after operating the first indoor unit 210 for a predetermined time based on the control information, the control information generation unit 640 may select the next indoor unit 210. The next indoor unit 210 may be an indoor unit 210 selected in a predetermined order from among indoor units 210a to 210p. Two or more indoor units 210 may be selected simultaneously as the next indoor unit 210. In this way, the control information generation unit 640 may generate control information for controlling the first indoor unit 210 and the next indoor unit 210. In this case, the first indoor unit 210 is an example of one of several indoor units, and the next indoor unit 210 is an example of another of several indoor units. Furthermore, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of a process in which, after one indoor unit has been operating for a predetermined time, if the temperature at a specific location or area in the current temperature distribution does not substantially match the temperature at a specific location or area in the target temperature distribution, other indoor units are selected in a predetermined order and the operation of the first indoor unit and the other indoor units is controlled. In this specification, if it is not required that the temperatures match perfectly, the term "subjectively match" may be used. Here, "subjectively match" means that even if the temperatures do not match perfectly, they are within a predetermined temperature range that humans can perceive as the same temperature.

[0054] Here, the predetermined order for selecting the next indoor unit 210 may be an order based on the positional relationship between the location or area 300 where the difference was detected and each indoor unit 210 other than the first indoor unit 210. Such an order could be, for example, one in order of the shortest distance from the location or area 300 where the difference was detected to each indoor unit 210 other than the first indoor unit 210. Alternatively, the predetermined order for selecting the next indoor unit 210 may be an order based on the positional relationship between the first indoor unit 210 and each indoor unit 210 other than the first indoor unit 210. Such an order could be, for example, one in order of the shortest distance from the first indoor unit 210 to each indoor unit 210 other than the first indoor unit 210.

[0055] Alternatively, the predetermined order for selecting the next indoor unit 210 may be based on the power consumption of each indoor unit 210 other than the first indoor unit 210. Such an order may be based on whether the power consumption of the indoor unit 210 satisfies predetermined conditions. These predetermined conditions may be, for example, that the power consumption of the indoor unit 210 is within a certain range, or that the power consumption of the indoor unit 210 is at its minimum. In this case, the processing of the control information generation unit 640 is an example of a process in which the operation of one indoor unit is controlled, and after the one indoor unit has been operating for a predetermined time, if the temperature at a specific location or area in the current temperature distribution does not substantially match the temperature at a specific location or area in the target temperature distribution, the unit selects another indoor unit whose power consumption satisfies predetermined conditions, and controls the operation of the one indoor unit and the other indoor units.

[0056] The control information output unit 650 outputs the control information generated by the control information generation unit 640 to the air conditioning system 200. As a result, the control information output unit 650 issues commands to the air conditioning system 200 for operation based on the control information of the indoor units 210a to 210p.

[0057] [Operation of the air conditioning control device] First, the air conditioning control device 600 has a spatial information acquisition unit 610 that acquires spatial information about the target space 100. Here, the spatial information should preferably include position information indicating the locations where the indoor units 210a to 210p are installed.

[0058] Furthermore, the target temperature acquisition unit 630 acquires the target temperature distribution in the target space 100. Here, the target temperature distribution may include the target temperature for each location in the target space 100, or it may include the target temperature for each area 300 in the target space 100. In the following explanation, we will assume that the target temperature distribution includes the target temperature for each location.

[0059] Furthermore, the current temperature acquisition unit 620 acquires the current temperature distribution in the target space 100 at regular time intervals. Here, the current temperature distribution may include the current temperature for each location in the target space 100, or it may include the current temperature for each area 300 in the target space 100. In the following explanation, we will assume that the current temperature distribution includes the current temperature for each location.

[0060] In this state, the control information generation unit 640 starts operating. Figures 4A and 4B are flowcharts illustrating an example of the operation of the control information generation unit 640. Prior to this example, the control information generation unit 640 is assumed to have received from the spatial information acquisition unit 610 at least position information indicating the locations where the indoor units 210a to 210p are installed, from the spatial information acquisition unit 610. Also, prior to this example, the control information generation unit 640 is assumed to have received from the target temperature acquisition unit 630 the target temperature distribution acquired by the target temperature acquisition unit 630.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4A, first, the control information generation unit 640 receives the current temperature distribution most recently acquired by the current temperature acquisition unit 620 from the current temperature acquisition unit 620 (step 701). Then, the control information generation unit 640 determines whether or not a difference has been detected between the current temperature distribution received in step 701 and the target temperature distribution received prior to the operation example (step 702).

[0062] If no difference is detected in step 702, the control information generation unit 640 terminates the process.

[0063] On the other hand, if a difference is detected in step 702, the control information generation unit 640 focuses on the position where the difference was detected (step 703). Then, the control information generation unit 640 identifies the first indoor unit 210 according to its positional relationship with the position focused on in step 703 (step 704). Here, the first indoor unit 210 may be, for example, the indoor unit 210 installed at the position closest to the position focused on in step 703.

[0064] Next, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information for controlling the first indoor unit 210 identified in step 704 (step 705). Here, the control information may be, for example, information for controlling the thermo-on and thermo-off of the first indoor unit 210. Alternatively, the control information may be information for controlling the discharge temperature, air volume, wind speed, wind direction, etc., of the first indoor unit 210. Then, the control information generation unit 640 passes the control information generated in step 705 to the control information output unit 650 (step 706). As a result, the control information output unit 650 outputs the received control information to the air conditioning system 200. Then, in the air conditioning system 200, the outdoor unit 220 controls the first indoor unit 210 based on the control information received from the control information output unit 650, and the first indoor unit 210 operates based on this control information.

[0065] Subsequently, the control information generation unit 640 receives the current temperature distribution acquired by the current temperature acquisition unit 620 after the first indoor unit 210 has operated based on the control information generated in step 705 (step 707). Then, the control information generation unit 640 determines whether or not a difference has been detected between the current temperature distribution received in step 707 and the target temperature distribution received prior to the operation example for the location focused on in step 703 (step 708).

[0066] If no difference is detected in step 708, the control information generation unit 640 terminates the process.

[0067] On the other hand, if a difference is detected in step 708, the control information generation unit 640 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of operation (step 709). If it is determined in step 709 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control information generation unit 640 returns to step 705. If it is determined in step 709 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the control information generation unit 640 proceeds to step 751 in Figure 4B.

[0068] Next, as shown in Figure 4B, the control information generation unit 640 identifies the next indoor unit 210 selected in a predetermined order (step 751). Here, the predetermined order may be, for example, the order in which the units are closest to the position focused on in step 703, or the order in which the units are closest to the first indoor unit 210 identified in step 704. Alternatively, the predetermined order may be the order in which the units consume the least power. Furthermore, in step 751, the control information generation unit 640 may identify two or more indoor units 210 simultaneously.

[0069] Next, the control information generation unit 640 generates control information for controlling the first indoor unit 210 identified in step 704 of Figure 4A and the next indoor unit 210 identified in step 751 (step 752). Here, the control information may be, for example, information for controlling the thermo-on and thermo-off of the first indoor unit 210 and the next indoor unit 210. Alternatively, the control information may be information for controlling the discharge temperature, air volume, wind speed, wind direction, etc., of the first indoor unit 210 and the next indoor unit 210. Then, the control information generation unit 640 passes the control information generated in step 752 to the control information output unit 650 (step 753). As a result, the control information output unit 650 outputs the passed control information to the air conditioning system 200. In the air conditioning system 200, the outdoor unit 220 controls the first indoor unit 210 and the next indoor unit 210 based on the control information received from the control information output unit 650, and the first indoor unit 210 and the next indoor unit 210 operate based on this control information.

[0070] Subsequently, the control information generation unit 640 receives the current temperature distribution acquired by the current temperature acquisition unit 620 after the first indoor unit 210 and the next indoor unit 210 have operated based on the control information generated in step 752 (step 754). Then, the control information generation unit 640 determines whether or not a difference has been detected between the current temperature distribution received in step 754 and the target temperature distribution received prior to the operation example for the position focused on in step 703 in Figure 4A (step 755).

[0071] If a difference is detected in step 755, the control information generation unit 640 returns the process to step 752.

[0072] On the other hand, if no difference is detected in step 755, the control information generation unit 640 terminates the process.

[0073] In this example, the control information generation unit 640 performed only one step in Figure 4B to select and operate the next indoor unit 210, but this is not limited to this. If, after performing the process shown in Figure 4B for a predetermined time, the control information generation unit 640 detects a difference between the current temperature distribution and the target temperature distribution at the location focused on in step 703 of Figure 4A, it may perform the process in Figure 4B one more step to select and operate the next indoor unit 210. In other words, the control information generation unit 640 may perform the process shown in Figure 4B in multiple steps.

[0074] Furthermore, in this example, the control information generation unit 640 focused on the single location where a difference was detected in step 703 of Figure 4A and generated control information only for this single location, but this is not limited to this. If there are multiple locations where a difference was detected in step 702 of Figure 4A, the control information generation unit 640 may repeat the process from step 703 in Figure 4A and the process in Figure 4B for multiple locations and generate control information for multiple locations.

[0075] [Processor] In this embodiment, each process is executed on any computer. Any computer may be implemented as a processor as hardware, a program as software, or a combination thereof. Any computer may be a general-purpose computer, a computer for a specific purpose, a workstation, or any other system capable of executing each process.

[0076] The processor performs various processes in cooperation with the program. The processor can function as one of the components in this embodiment. The execution order of the processes performed by the processor is not limited to the order described in this embodiment and can be changed as needed. The processor can be configured with one or more hardware components. The type of hardware that constitutes the processor is not limited to a specific type. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) or an MPU (micro processing unit). The processor may be, for example, a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array). The processor may be, for example, a dedicated circuit for performing a specific process such as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The processor may be, for example, a GPU (graphic processing unit) or hardware such as an NPU (neural processing unit).

[0077] A processor can be configured not only with a combination of multiple hardware components of the same type, but also with a combination of multiple hardware components of different types. When multiple hardware components execute one or more processes of a processor, the multiple hardware components may reside in physically separate devices. Alternatively, in this case, the multiple hardware components may reside in the same device. Hardware is composed of electrical circuits, etc., which are combinations of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. In any embodiment, the execution order of each process by the processor is not limited to the order described in each embodiment and can be changed as necessary. A processor is an example of a control unit.

[0078] The program may be firmware or software such as microcode. The program may also be, for example, a group of program modules. Each function constituting the group of program modules may be implemented by a processor that executes each function. The program in each embodiment may be program code or multiple code segments stored on one or more non-temporary computer-readable media. Here, the non-temporary computer-readable media may be, for example, semiconductor memory, magnetic or optical storage media, or other storage. The program may be divided and stored on multiple non-temporary computer-readable media located on devices that are physically separated from each other. The program code or multiple code segments may be represented by any combination of procedures, functions, subprograms, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, instructions, data structures, and program statements. The program code or multiple code segments may be connected to other code segments or hardware circuits by sending and receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

[0079] [Effects of this Embodiment] The air conditioning control device 600 of this embodiment includes a processor 601, which identifies the positions of a plurality of indoor units 210 in the target space 100, acquires the current temperature distribution in two or three dimensions in the target space 100, acquires the target temperature distribution in two or three dimensions in the target space 100, and controls the operation of each indoor unit 210 according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit 210 and the specific position or area 300, so that the temperature of the specific position or area 300 in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of the specific position or area 300 in the target temperature distribution. With this air conditioning control device 600, in the target space 100 where a plurality of indoor units 210 are installed, the possibility that the current temperature of a certain position or area 300 will match the target temperature of that position or area 300 can be increased.

[0080] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit 210 may include controlling the thermo-on and thermo-off states of each indoor unit 210 according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit 210 and a specific position or area 300. In this way, in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, controlling the thermo-on and thermo-off states of each indoor unit 210 increases the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain position or area 300 will match the target temperature at that position or area 300.

[0081] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit 210 may include controlling the operation of each indoor unit 210 using parameters corresponding to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit 210 and a specific position or area 300. In this way, in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, controlling the parameters of each indoor unit 210 increases the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain position or area 300 will match the target temperature at that position or area 300.

[0082] The parameters may include the discharge temperature of each indoor unit 210. In this way, by controlling the discharge temperature of each indoor unit 210 in a target space where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature at that location or area 300 can be increased.

[0083] The parameters may include the airflow rate of each indoor unit 210. In this way, by controlling the airflow rate of each indoor unit 210 in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature at that location or area 300 can be increased.

[0084] The parameters may include the airflow velocity of each indoor unit 210. In this way, by controlling the airflow velocity of each indoor unit 210 in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature at that location or area 300 can be increased.

[0085] The parameters may include the airflow direction of each indoor unit 210. In this way, in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, controlling the airflow direction of each indoor unit 210 increases the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature at that location or area 300.

[0086] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit 210 may include independently controlling the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of each indoor unit 210 as parameters. In this way, in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, independently controlling each indoor unit 210 increases the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature at that location or area 300.

[0087] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit 210 may include controlling the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of each indoor unit 210 as parameters, not only for indoor units 210 that are close to a specific location or area 300, but also for indoor units 210 that are far from a specific location or area 300. In this way, in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, coordinating the multiple indoor units 210 increases the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature at that location or area 300.

[0088] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit 210 may include controlling the operation of one of the multiple indoor units 210, and if, after the one indoor unit 210 has been operating for a predetermined time, the temperature at a specific location or area 300 in the current temperature distribution does not substantially match the temperature at a specific location or area 300 in the target temperature distribution, selecting the other indoor units 210 from the multiple indoor units 210 in a predetermined order and controlling the operation of the one indoor unit 210 and the other indoor units 210. In this way, in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature at that location or area 300 more efficiently than operating multiple indoor units 210 from the beginning.

[0089] The predetermined order may be based on the positional relationship between each indoor unit 210 and one indoor unit 210. In this way, in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature of that location or area 300, more efficiently than randomly selecting another indoor unit 210 after one indoor unit 210 has been operating for a predetermined time.

[0090] Controlling the operation of each indoor unit 210 may include controlling the operation of one of the multiple indoor units 210, and if, after the one indoor unit 210 has been operating for a predetermined time, the temperature at a specific location or area 300 in the current temperature distribution does not substantially match the temperature at a specific location or area 300 in the target temperature distribution, selecting another indoor unit 210 from the multiple indoor units 210 whose power consumption meets predetermined conditions, and controlling the operation of both the one indoor unit 210 and the other indoor units 210. In this way, in a target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the current temperature at a certain location or area 300 will match the target temperature at that location or area 300, while reducing power consumption compared to randomly selecting another indoor unit 210 after the one indoor unit 210 has been operating for a predetermined time.

[0091] The current temperature distribution may include temperatures at locations other than those of the multiple indoor units 210. In this way, even if the current temperature of a certain location or area 300 in the target space 100 where multiple indoor units 210 are installed includes temperatures at locations other than those of the indoor units 210, the likelihood of that current temperature matching the target temperature of that location or area 300 can be increased.

[0092] Furthermore, the air conditioning control system 10 of this disclosure comprises a plurality of indoor units 210 installed in a target space 100 and a processor 601 that controls the plurality of indoor units 210. The processor 601 identifies the positions of the plurality of indoor units 210 in the target space 100, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space 100, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space 100, and controls the operation of each indoor unit 210 according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit 210 and the specific position or area 300, so that the temperature of a specific position or area 300 in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of a specific position or area 300 in the target temperature distribution. According to this air conditioning control system 10, in a target space 100 where a plurality of indoor units 210 are installed, the possibility that the current temperature of a certain position or area 300 will match the target temperature of that position or area 300 can be increased.

[0093] Furthermore, the air conditioning control method of this disclosure includes the steps of: a computer identifying the locations of a plurality of indoor units 210 in a target space 100; a computer acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space 100; a computer acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space 100; and a computer controlling the operation of each indoor unit 210 according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit 210 and a specific position or area 300, such that the temperature of a specific position or area 300 in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of a specific position or area 300 in the target temperature distribution. According to this air conditioning control method, in a target space 100 where a plurality of indoor units 210 are installed, the likelihood that the current temperature of a certain position or area 300 will match the target temperature of that position or area 300 can be increased.

[0094] Although embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0095] 10...Air conditioning control system, 100...Target space, 200...Air conditioning device, 210a-210p...Indoor unit, 220...Outdoor unit, 230...Piping, 300a-300p...Area, 400a-400d...Indoor temperature sensor, 500...Input / output device, 600...Air conditioning control device, 610...Spatial information acquisition unit, 620...Current temperature acquisition unit, 630...Target temperature acquisition unit, 640...Control information generation unit, 650...Control information output unit

Claims

1. An air conditioning control device comprising a control unit, the control unit identifies the positions of a plurality of indoor units in a target space, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space, acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space, and controls the operation of each of the plurality of indoor units according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and the specific position or area, such that the temperature of a specific position or area in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of the specific position or area in the target temperature distribution.

2. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, wherein controlling the operation of each indoor unit includes controlling the thermo-on and thermo-off states of each indoor unit according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and the specific position or area.

3. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, wherein controlling the operation of each indoor unit includes controlling the operation of each indoor unit using parameters corresponding to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and the specific position or area.

4. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein the parameter includes the outlet temperature of each indoor unit.

5. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein the parameters include the airflow rate of each indoor unit.

6. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein the parameter includes the airflow velocity of each indoor unit.

7. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein the parameters include the airflow direction of each indoor unit.

8. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein controlling the operation of each indoor unit includes independently controlling the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of each indoor unit as parameters.

9. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein controlling the operation of each indoor unit includes controlling the discharge temperature, airflow, wind speed, and wind direction of each indoor unit as parameters, not only for indoor units that are close to the specific location or area, but also for indoor units that are far from the specific location or area.

10. Controlling the operation of each indoor unit includes controlling the operation of one of the plurality of indoor units, and if, after the one indoor unit has been operating for a predetermined time, the temperature of the specific location or area in the current temperature distribution does not substantially match the temperature of the specific location or area in the target temperature distribution, selecting the other indoor units from the plurality of indoor units in a predetermined order and controlling the operation of the one indoor unit and the other indoor units, as described in claim 1.

11. The air conditioning control device according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined order is an order based on the positional relationship between each of the indoor units and the first indoor unit.

12. Controlling the operation of each indoor unit includes controlling the operation of one of the plurality of indoor units, and if, after the one indoor unit has been operating for a predetermined time, the temperature of the specific location or area in the current temperature distribution does not substantially match the temperature of the specific location or area in the target temperature distribution, selecting another indoor unit from the plurality of indoor units whose power consumption satisfies predetermined conditions, and controlling the operation of the one indoor unit and the other indoor units, as described in claim 1.

13. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, wherein the current temperature distribution includes temperatures at locations other than the locations of the plurality of indoor units.

14. An air conditioning control system comprising: a plurality of indoor units installed in a target space; and a control unit that controls the plurality of indoor units, wherein the control unit identifies the positions of the plurality of indoor units in the target space; acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space; acquires a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space; and controls the operation of each of the plurality of indoor units according to the positional relationship between the position of each indoor unit and the specific position or area, such that the temperature of a specific position or area in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of the specific position or area in the target temperature distribution.

15. An air conditioning control method comprising: a computer identifying the locations of a plurality of indoor units in a target space; a computer acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional current temperature distribution in the target space; a computer acquiring a two-dimensional or three-dimensional target temperature distribution in the target space; and a computer controlling the operation of each of the plurality of indoor units according to the positional relationship between the location of each indoor unit and the specific location or area, such that the temperature of a specific location or area in the current temperature distribution approaches the temperature of the specific location or area in the target temperature distribution.

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