JP6986932B2 - Air conditioning system and air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and an air conditioner that perform air conditioning using biometric information of a resident.

There are air conditioners that harmonize the air in the living space so that the resident feels comfortable based on the information obtained from the resident in order to improve the comfort of the resident (. For example, see Patent Document 1).

The air conditioning control system described in Patent Document 1 detects the body movement of the occupant, obtains the fluctuation of the heartbeat, and estimates the feeling of warmth and coldness of the occupant based on the obtained fluctuation of the heartbeat. Then, the target temperature is adjusted so that the occupants feel comfortable according to the estimation result of the feeling of warmth and coldness. The air-conditioning control system described in Patent Document 1 creates data showing the relationship between the feeling of warmth and coldness felt by a occupant and the fluctuation of the heartbeat by performing a preliminary operation. Then, in the actual air conditioning operation, the feeling of warmth and coldness of the occupant is estimated based on the data created in the preliminary operation and the fluctuation of the heartbeat of the occupant.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-90176

The air conditioning control system described in Patent Document 1 is adjusted so that the target temperature is high when the occupant feels cold, and the target temperature is low when the occupant feels hot. adjust. Therefore, if the occupants feel cold during the heating operation and if the occupants feel hot during the cooling operation, the difference between the target temperature and the actual temperature becomes large, and the air conditioner increases the output. And drive. When the operation is performed with the output increased, the rate of change in the room temperature increases, but when the room temperature changes significantly, the physical load on the occupants increases, and the comfort may be impaired. How uncomfortable you feel when the rate of change in room temperature is large varies from person to person.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an air conditioning system capable of controlling air conditioning in consideration of the burden on the body of a occupant.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the air conditioning system according to the present invention has a biometric information collection terminal that collects biometric information indicating the physical condition of the occupant and a occupancy based on the biometric information. An air conditioner that calculates an index value indicating the state of the autonomic nerve of a person and changes the air conditioning operation from the first operation to the second operation when the index value is not within the predetermined reference range. To prepare for. The biometric information includes the skin temperature, heart rate and sweating rate of the occupant. When one or more of the skin temperature, the heart rate and the amount of sweating deviate from a predetermined range, the air conditioner performs an air conditioning operation to bring the room temperature closer to the target temperature without considering the index value.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an air conditioning system capable of controlling air conditioning in consideration of the burden on the body of the occupant.

The figure which shows the concept of the air conditioning system which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the air conditioner which comprises the air conditioner system which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the configuration example of the air conditioner and the biometric information collecting terminal constituting the air conditioner system which concerns on Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of air conditioning operation by the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. The figure showing the relationship between the magnitude of the change in room temperature and the state of the sympathetic nerve within a certain period of time. Diagram showing the relationship between changes in room temperature and the load on the body of the occupants The figure which shows an example of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioning system which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows an example of the content which the biometric information collecting terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1 displays on the display part. The figure for demonstrating the air conditioning condition stored in the air conditioning system which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the concept of the air conditioning system which concerns on Embodiment 2. The figure which shows the configuration example of the air conditioner and the biometric information collecting terminal constituting the air conditioner system which concerns on Embodiment 2. A flowchart showing an example of air conditioning operation by the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the content which the biometric information collecting terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2 displays on the display part. The figure which shows the concept of the air conditioning system which concerns on Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the configuration example of the air conditioner and the biometric information collecting terminal constituting the air conditioner system which concerns on Embodiment 3. A flowchart showing an example of air conditioning operation by the air conditioning system according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, the air conditioning system and the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the concept of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an air conditioner 2 and a biometric information collecting terminal 3. In FIG. 1, the description of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is omitted, and the indoor unit of the air conditioner is referred to as the air conditioner 2. In the following description, the indoor unit of the air conditioner will be referred to as an air conditioner 2 according to the description of FIG. The same shall apply to the second and subsequent embodiments.

The air conditioner 2 controls the environment of the room in which the air conditioning system 1 is used, that is, air-conditions the room in which the air conditioner 2 is installed. The biological information collecting terminal 3 collects biological information representing the physical condition of the user existing in the room where the air conditioning system 1 is used. Details of biometric information will be described later.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioner 2 constituting the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioner 2 and a biological information collecting terminal 3 constituting the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the air conditioner 2 includes an air conditioning unit 4, a wind direction control unit 5, an environment detection unit 6, a control unit 7, and a communication unit 8.

The air conditioner 4 is provided inside the air conditioner 2 and may be cooled, blown, dehumidified or heated so that the temperature in the room where the air conditioner 2 is installed becomes the target temperature specified by the user. The air conditioning is controlled and the air volume when the air is discharged to the outside of the air conditioner 2 is controlled.

The wind direction control unit 5 changes the direction of the airflow conveyed from the air conditioner 2 so as to be a desired direction. The wind direction control unit 5 is for changing the direction of one or more wind direction plates for controlling the wind direction of the wind blown to control the temperature and humidity in the room in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and for changing the direction of each wind direction plate. Equipped with a motor and the like. The one or more wind direction plates included in the wind direction control unit 5 may be configured to be independently controllable for each wind direction plate. The wind direction control unit 5 changes the wind direction based on at least one of a signal from the environment detection unit 6, a signal from the biometric information collection terminal 3, and a signal from a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller) (hereinafter referred to as a remote controller), which is not shown. ..

The environment detection unit 6 collects environmental information indicating the state of the indoor environment. The environmental information is information such as the temperature and humidity of the room (indoor) where the air conditioner 2 performs air conditioning. The environment detection unit 6 also detects a person existing in the room, determines whether the person is an adult or a child, detects the skin temperature which is the body temperature of the person existing in the room, and the like.

The environment detection unit 6 collects temperature and humidity information using a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. Further, the environment detection unit 6 detects a person existing in the room, discriminates between an adult and a child, and detects the skin temperature of the person existing in the room by, for example, using an infrared sensor using a thermopile. In the thermopile, the amount of infrared rays emitted from an object is received by multiple light receiving parts to which different metals are joined, and the electromotive force due to the temperature difference between the different metals due to the Seebeck effect is processed by the arithmetic circuit on the surface of the measurement area. Measure the temperature. In the following description, the resident who exists in the room is referred to as a resident. There may be people in the room who do not fall under the category of residents, but for convenience of explanation, these are also referred to as residents. The skin temperature of the occupant in the room detected by the environment detection unit 6 is one of various biometric information of the occupant.

Further, the environment detection unit 6 determines the size of the room and the position of the human body and the air conditioner 2 based on the thermal image acquired by scanning using the infrared sensor and the image acquired by using the image sensor. The relationship, the position of the human body in the room, etc. may be detected. The environment detection unit 6 may be configured to further specify the exposed position of the skin and detect a part of the human body based on the exposed position of the skin. Further, the environment detection unit 6 may repeatedly acquire the above-mentioned thermal images, images, and the like and analyze them to detect body movements such as turning over that occur in the sleeping user. The means for detecting the body part, body movement, and skin temperature are not limited to those described above.

The control unit 7 controls the air conditioning unit 4 and the wind direction control unit 5 based on various information collected by the environment detection unit 6 and various information acquired from the biological information collection terminal 3. The control unit 7 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer or the like. This microcomputer is a storage unit including a ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, etc., and a signal processing unit (CPU: Central Processing Unit) that executes arithmetic processing for operating as a control unit 7 based on a program stored in the storage unit. ), An input / output port for inputting / outputting external signals to the signal processing unit, and the like. The control unit 7 includes a signal including the room temperature setting which is the target temperature information transmitted from the remote control, a signal including the environmental information output from the environment detection unit 6, and the biological information transmitted from the biological information collecting terminal 3. The air conditioning unit 4 and the wind direction control unit 5 are controlled based on various information contained in the received signal.

In addition, the control unit 7 acquires and retains personal information of the resident such as age, height, weight, and gender of the resident. The control unit 7 acquires and holds personal-specific information from a resident by using a remote controller or a biological information collecting terminal 3 (not shown). The control unit 7 can hold personal information about a plurality of residents.

The communication unit 8 transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from the biometric information collecting terminal 3, and also receives a wireless signal transmitted from a remote controller (not shown). The communication unit 8 also transmits information such as the air conditioning setting, the wind direction, and the air volume of the air conditioner 2 to the biological information collecting terminal 3. The communication unit 8 outputs the information received from the biometric information collection terminal 3 and the information received from the remote controller to the control unit 7.

The biological information collecting terminal 3 includes a biological information acquisition unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit 34, and an input unit 35.

The biological information acquisition unit 31 can detect the physical condition of the occupant who owns the biological information collection terminal 3, and is, for example, the body temperature, heart rate, sweating amount, body movement rate, and respiratory rate of the occupant. It is possible to detect such biological information. The biological information that can be detected is not limited to this.

The biological information acquisition unit 31 is realized by various sensors such as a temperature sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a capacitance sensor, and a pressure sensor. The body temperature of an occupant, which is represented by the temperature of the skin of the human body, can be detected based on a thermal image obtained by performing scanning using an infrared sensor. Heart rate can be detected by confirming changes in blood flow using an optical sensor. The amount of sweating can be calculated from the amount of change in impedance due to the change in the capacitance of the capacitor using a capacitance sensor. The body movement rate and the respiratory rate can be detected by using a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like.

Further, the biological information acquisition unit 31 may be configured to detect the heart rate, the respiratory rate and the body movement rate by, for example, irradiating the occupant with the radio wave of the millimeter wave radar.

The communication unit 32 transmits and receives radio signals to and from the air conditioner 2.

The storage unit 33 stores various information acquired by the biological information acquisition unit 31, information input from the input unit 35, information transmitted from the air conditioner 2, and the like.

The display unit 34 displays the operating state of the air conditioner, the setting contents of the air conditioner, and the like, and informs the person in the room who carries the biometric information collection terminal 3.

The input unit 35 accepts input of resident's individual-specific information such as age, height, weight and gender of the resident carrying the biological information collecting terminal 3. The input unit 35 can also accept input of other information.

The display unit 34 and the input unit 35 may be realized by a touch panel.

The biometric information collection terminal 3 receives input of resident's personal information such as age, height, weight and gender of the resident carrying the biometric information collection terminal 3 via the input unit 35, and stores these information. It shall be held at 33.

The biological information collecting terminal 3 may be, for example, an independent mobile terminal, and may be directly worn by the resident or may be integrated with a product such as clothes worn by the resident. The biological information collecting terminal 3 may be in a form built in the body. Further, the biological information collecting terminal 3 may have a remote control function for operating the power supply of the air conditioner 2 and setting a target temperature, a wind direction, an air conditioning operation, and the like. Further, the biological information collecting terminal 3 has the same function as the above-mentioned environment detection unit 6 constituting the air conditioner 2, and acquires environmental information including the temperature and humidity around the occupant in the room. It may be there.

Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the air conditioning operation by the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The operation shown in FIG. 4 is started when, for example, the air conditioner 2 detects that the operation start operation has been performed by the remote controller.

The air conditioner 2 of the air conditioning system 1 starts the operation when the conditions for starting the operation are satisfied, such as detecting that the occupant operates the remote controller to instruct the start of the operation (step S1). ).

After starting the air conditioning operation, the air conditioner 2 identifies the person in the room, specifically, the resident corresponding to any of the personal information registered in advance is in the room. A process of determining whether or not the air conditioner is being performed is performed (step S2). In this step S2, first, the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2 requests the biometric information collecting terminal 3 to transmit the personal information held by the biometric information collecting terminal 3. Upon receiving this request, the biometric information collecting terminal 3 transmits the retained personal information to the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2. The control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2 collates the received personal information with the retained personal information to determine the occupants, that is, the resident corresponding to which personal information is held. Identify if you are in the room. It is assumed that the biological information collecting terminal 3 holds personal information for one person.

Next, the air conditioner 2 collects environmental information in the room in which the air conditioner is installed (step S3). The environment detection unit 6 collects the environment information. The environmental information collected by the environmental detection unit 6 includes at least temperature and humidity. In this step S3, the environment detection unit 6 may collect information such as the presence / absence of a occupant and the position of the occupant as environmental information in addition to the temperature and humidity.

Next, the air conditioner 2 acquires the biological information of the occupants collected by the biological information collecting terminal 3 from the biological information collecting terminal 3 (step S4). In this step S4, first, the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2 requests the biometric information collecting terminal 3 to transmit the biometric information. In the biometric information collection terminal 3 that receives this request, the biometric information acquisition unit 31 collects biometric information and transmits the collected biometric information to the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2. The biological information acquisition unit 31 may periodically collect biological information and store it in the storage unit 33, instead of collecting biological information when requested by the air conditioner 2. In this case, when the biometric information acquisition unit 31 receives a request for transmission of biometric information, the biometric information acquisition unit 31 reads out the latest biometric information at that time, that is, the biometric information collected last, from the storage unit 33, and the communication unit 32 reads this from the storage unit 33. Send to 2. It is assumed that the biological information acquired by the air conditioner 2 from the biological information collecting terminal 3 includes the body temperature, heart rate, sweating amount, body movement rate, and respiratory rate of the occupant. When the environment detection unit 6 of the air conditioner 2 detects the skin temperature of the occupant, the biological information acquired by the air conditioner 2 from the biological information collection terminal 3 does not include the body temperature of the occupant. You may.

Next, the air conditioner 2 confirms whether or not the occupants are normal (step S5). In this step S5, the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2 confirms whether or not the body temperature, heart rate, and sweating amount in the biological information of the occupant acquired in step S4 are within the predetermined normal ranges. By doing so, it is estimated whether or not the occupant is normal, that is, whether or not there is a problem with the occupant's physical condition. For example, the control unit 7 determines that the skin temperature is normal when the skin temperature is 30 ° C. or higher and 37 ° C. or lower, and determines that the heart rate is normal when the heart rate is 60 bpm or more and 100 bpm or lower, and the sweating amount is 1. When it is 0 mg / cm ² / min or more, it is judged that the amount of sweating is normal. In this case, the control unit 7 is a resident when the skin temperature is 30 ° C. or higher and 37 ° C. or lower, the heart rate is 60 bpm or higher and 100 bpm or lower, and the sweating amount is 1.0 mg / cm ² / min or higher. Is judged to be normal. The control unit 7 estimates that there is no problem in the physical condition of the occupant when all of the body temperature, heart rate and sweating amount are normal.

If there is no problem with the physical condition of the occupant (step S5: Yes), the air conditioner 2 performs an air conditioning operation in consideration of the state of the autonomic nerves of the occupant in accordance with steps S6 and S8 to S11. In this air-conditioning operation, LF / HF, which indicates which of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve is in the predominant state, is used as an index showing the state of the autonomic nerve of the occupant. LF / HF can be calculated based on the heart rate, and includes a low frequency (LF: Low Frequency) component and a high frequency (HF: High Frequency) component included in the heart rate variability obtained by analyzing the heart rate. Is the ratio of. When the occupant is in an excited state or a tense state, the sympathetic nerve is in a predominant state over the parasympathetic nerve, and the LF / HF at this time becomes large. On the other hand, when the occupant is in a relaxed state, the parasympathetic nerve is in a predominant state over the sympathetic nerve, and the LF / HF at this time becomes small.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, when the change in room temperature within a certain period is large, the sympathetic nerve is dominant, that is, the sympathetic nerve is in an active state, and the LF / HF tends to be large. This means that a large rate of change in room temperature puts a strain on the body and tends to increase stress. For example, when the room temperature is lowered by performing the cooling operation and the room temperature is drastically lowered within a certain period of time, the load on the body of the occupant becomes large.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, even when the room temperature changed significantly within a certain period of time and the LF / HF of the occupants increased due to this, the room temperature change disappeared or decreased. In this state, the LF / HF becomes smaller with the passage of time, and the load on the body becomes smaller.

Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment calculates LF / HF based on the heart rate of the occupant, and performs air conditioning control in consideration of the calculated LF / HF on the body of the occupant. Increase comfort by preventing the load from increasing.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, when there is no problem in the physical condition of the occupant (step S5: Yes), the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2 has LF / HF, which is an index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant, in advance. It is confirmed whether or not it is within the specified reference range (step S6). In step S6, the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2 analyzes the heart rate included in the biological information acquired from the biological information collecting terminal 3 to obtain LF / HF, and the obtained LF / HF is within the reference range. Determine if it exists.

For the reference range of LF / HF, for example, the LF / HF when a person is resting in a thermally neutral state is obtained multiple times, and the average value and variation of the obtained multiple LF / HF are taken into consideration. To decide. For people with various attributes such as men and women, adults and children, and age, it is advisable to obtain the LF / HF at rest multiple times and determine the reference range based on the obtained LF / HF. In addition, prepare multiple reference ranges corresponding to each of multiple types of attributes, such as the reference range used when the occupant is a man and the reference range used when the occupant is a female, and use it as the attribute of the occupant. The reference range may be used properly according to the situation.

When the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is not within the reference range (step S6: No), the control unit 7 changes the air conditioning operation (step S8). In this step S8, the control unit 7 changes the air conditioning operation from the first operation that has been performed up to that point to the second operation, and reduces the load on the body of the occupant. The first operation is an air conditioning operation performed when the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is within the reference range, and the second operation is an air conditioning operation performed when the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is not within the reference range. It is an operation. An operation example in this case will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the air conditioning operation of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

In step S8, as shown in FIG. 7, when the room temperature is lowered from a certain room temperature to the target temperature, the LF / HF, which is an index value of the autonomic nerves of the occupants, deviates from the reference range when the room temperature is lowered. When it is estimated that the load on the body is large, the control unit 7 controls the air conditioning unit 4 to change the operation of the air conditioner 2 to the ventilation operation so that the room temperature is maintained. The control unit 7 may suspend the operation of the air conditioning unit 4 instead of changing the air conditioning unit 4 to the ventilation operation so that the room temperature is maintained. At this time, the control unit 7 notifies the biometric information collection terminal 3 that the air conditioning operation has been changed, and the biometric information collection terminal 3 that has received the notification displays on the display unit 34 that the air conditioning operation has been changed and is in the room. May be notified to the person. The control unit 7 may notify the occupants of the room through the remote controller instead of the biometric information collection terminal 3 that the air conditioning operation has been changed. The blowing operation and the temporary stop of the operation correspond to the second operation described above.

The air conditioner 2 executes step S8 to change or stop the cooling operation to the ventilation operation, and then acquires the biological information from the biological information collecting terminal 3 (step S9), and obtains the biological information from the biological information collecting terminal 3 (step S9), and the index value of the autonomic nerves of the occupants in the room. It is confirmed whether or not (LF / HF) is within the reference range (step S10). Step S9 is the same process as step S4 described above, and step S10 is the same process as step S6 described above. When the index value of the autonomic nerve is not within the reference range (step S10: No), the air conditioner 2 returns to step S9. When the index value of the autonomic nerve is within the reference range (step S10: Yes), the air conditioner 2 cancels the change of the air conditioning operation (step S11). In step S11, the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2 controls the air conditioning unit 4 so as to resume the same operation as that performed before determining "No" in step S6.

Further, when the air conditioner 2 determines in step S5 above that there is a problem with the physical condition of the occupant (step S5: No), the air conditioner 2 starts normal air conditioning operation and notifies that an abnormality has been detected. (Step S7). The normal air-conditioning operation is an operation of adjusting the room temperature so as to reach the target temperature without considering the state of the autonomic nerves of the occupants. In normal air conditioning operation, the index value (LF / HF) of the autonomic nerves of the occupants is not obtained. In the operation of notifying that an abnormality has been detected, the air conditioner 2 transmits, for example, a signal indicating that the abnormality has been detected to the biological information collecting terminal 3. The biometric information collecting terminal 3 that has received this signal displays, for example, the display of the content shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 34, detects an abnormality, and informs the occupants that the normal air conditioning operation is performed. Notice. This notification may be notified to the occupants through the remote controller, or may be notified to a separately registered device capable of notification, for example, a smartphone.

If it is determined in step S6 above that the index value of the autonomic nerve is within the reference range (step S6: Yes), or if step S11 is executed, has the air conditioner 2 accepted the stop operation of the air conditioning operation? Confirm whether or not (step S12).

When the stop operation of the air conditioning operation is not accepted (step S12: No), the air conditioner 2 returns to step S3 and continues the operation. When the stop operation of the air conditioning operation is accepted (step S12: Yes), the air conditioner 2 stops the air conditioning operation (step S13), and whether or not the biological detection is always ON, that is, even while the air conditioning operation is stopped. It is confirmed whether or not it is necessary to perform an operation of acquiring the biological information of the room person from the biological information collecting terminal 3 (step S14).

When the biological detection is always ON (step S14: Yes), the air conditioner 2 acquires the biological information (step S16) and confirms whether or not the air conditioning operation start condition is satisfied (step S17). Step S16 is the same process as steps S4 and S9 described above. In step S17, the control unit 7 confirms, for example, the room temperature and the target temperature detected by the environment detection unit 6, and when the difference between the room temperature and the target temperature is larger than the specified value, the air conditioning operation start condition is satisfied. Judge that there is. The control unit 7 may determine that the air conditioning operation start condition is satisfied when an abnormality is found in the biological information acquired in step S16. For example, after stopping the cooling operation in step S13, the control unit 7 determines that the air conditioning operation start condition is satisfied when the skin temperature indicated by the biological information acquired in step S16 is higher than the threshold value for determining an abnormality. do. When the air conditioner 2 does not satisfy the air conditioning operation start condition (step S17: No), returns to step S16 and continues the operation, and when the air conditioning operation start condition is satisfied (step S17: Yes). The air conditioning operation is started (step S18), and the process returns to step S3.

When the biological detection is not always ON (step S14: No), the air conditioner 2 stores the biological information and the environmental information acquired between the start of the operation in the step S1 and the stop of the operation in the step S13. At the same time, the air conditioning conditions are stored (step S15). The air-conditioning condition is a condition for air-conditioning operation in which the index value of the autonomic nerve can be maintained within the reference range, and represents the amount of change in temperature per hour, that is, the rate of change in room temperature. The air conditioning condition is, for example, an upper limit of the rate of change in room temperature during air conditioning operation. In this case, the air conditioner 2 performs the air conditioning operation with an output such that the rate of change in room temperature does not exceed the air conditioning conditions. In addition to the amount of change in temperature per hour, the type of air conditioning operation, that is, which of the operations such as heating operation, cooling operation, and dehumidifying operation was performed may be stored as an air conditioning condition. The air conditioner 2 stores biological information, environmental information, and air conditioning conditions in association with personal information of a resident. The air conditioner 2 may hold the biometric information, the environmental information, and the air conditioning condition by itself, or may transmit the biometric information, the environmental information, and the air conditioning condition to another device such as the biometric information collecting terminal 3 or the remote controller to hold the air conditioner 2.

Here, the reason why the air conditioning system 1 stores biological information, environmental information, and air conditioning conditions will be described. As described above, when the rate of change in room temperature increases, the load on the body of the occupant increases, but the load on the body of the occupant is different for each occupant even if the rate of change in room temperature is the same. Different to. That is, even if the rate of change in room temperature is the same, the index value of the autonomic nerve of one occupant remains within the above-mentioned reference range, and the index value of the autonomic nerve of another occupant deviates from the reference range. there is a possibility. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the air conditioning system 1 suppresses the frequency with which the index value of the autonomic nerve deviates from the reference range by performing the air conditioning operation under different air conditioning conditions for each occupant. This can further enhance comfort. In the example shown in FIG. 9, since the index values of the autonomic nerves of the residents A and B deviate from the reference range when the air conditioning operation is performed under the standard air conditioning conditions, the standard air conditioning for the residents A and B is performed. It means that the air-conditioning condition is used in which the rate of change of the room temperature is smaller than the condition. In the comparison between the air-conditioning conditions of the resident A and the air-conditioning conditions of the resident B, the rate of change of the room temperature when the air-conditioning conditions of the resident A are obeyed is smaller than the rate of change of the room temperature when the air-conditioning conditions of the resident B are obeyed. On the other hand, when the air conditioning operation is performed under the standard air conditioning conditions, the index value of the autonomic nerve of the resident C does not deviate from the standard range. Use air conditioning conditions.

The air conditioning conditions for each occupant are determined based on the biological information, environmental information, and air conditioning conditions stored in step S15 above. For example, the air conditioner 2 obtains the number of times the index value of the autonomic nerve deviates from the reference range, and when the frequency of deviation, that is, the number of deviations within a certain time exceeds the threshold value, the air conditioning condition is room temperature. Change the upper limit of the change rate to a value smaller than the previous air conditioning conditions. As a result, in the air-conditioning operation after the change, the amount of temperature change per hour is smaller than that in the air-conditioning operation up to that point, so that the load on the body of the occupant is also small. The air conditioning system 1 performs air conditioning operation in accordance with predetermined standard air conditioning conditions when there is no air conditioning condition corresponding to the occupants, such as when the air conditioning system 1 is operated for the first time after being installed. In this case, the air conditioning conditions corresponding to the occupants will be created when the air conditioning operation performed according to the standard air conditioning conditions is completed. The air-conditioning conditions corresponding to the occupants are created separately for the air-conditioning conditions used for the heating operation and the air-conditioning conditions used for the cooling operation, and are used for the heating operation after the heating operation. The air-conditioning condition may be updated, and the air-conditioning condition used in the case of the cooling operation may be updated after the cooling operation is performed.

The air conditioning conditions for each occupant may be determined by the air conditioner 2 or the biometric information collection terminal 3. When the air conditioner 2 determines the air conditioning condition for each occupant, the air conditioner 2 determines a new air conditioning condition in step S15 and stores it.

When the air conditioner 2 stores biological information, environmental information, and air-conditioning conditions by itself, the air conditioner 2 identifies the occupants in the above step S2, and then corresponds to the occupants in the memorized air-conditioning conditions. Perform air conditioning operation according to the air conditioning conditions. Further, when the biometric information collecting terminal 3 stores the biometric information, the environmental information, and the air conditioning conditions, the air conditioner 2 responds to the occupants when the biometric information is acquired by first executing the above step S4. The air-conditioning conditions to be performed are also acquired, and the air-conditioning operation is performed according to the acquired air-conditioning conditions. The timing at which the air conditioner 2 acquires the air conditioning conditions corresponding to the occupants from the biological information collecting terminal 3 is an example, and the air conditioning conditions between the execution of step S2 and the first execution of step S3. May be acquired from the biometric information collection terminal 3.

When the occupant operates the biometric information collection terminal 3 or the remote controller to instruct the start of operation, the air conditioning system 1 performs the air conditioning operation according to the air conditioning conditions for each occupant, or the standard air conditioning conditions. The occupants may be able to select whether to perform the air conditioning operation according to the above. When a resident operates the biometric information collection terminal 3 to instruct the start of operation, the biometric information collection terminal 3 represents a selectable operation mode, for example, an operation mode in which an air conditioning operation is performed according to standard air conditioning conditions. The display unit 34 displays the "standard mode" and the "safety mode" indicating the operation mode in which the air conditioning operation is performed according to the air conditioning conditions for each occupant, so that one of them can be selected.

When there are a plurality of occupants and a plurality of biometric information collecting terminals 3, the air conditioner 2 acquires the biometric information of the occupants from each biometric information collecting terminal 3. Then, the air conditioner 2 obtains the index value of each autonomic nerve of the plurality of occupants, and when one or more of the obtained index values of the autonomic nerve deviates from the reference range, it is shown in FIG. Step S8 is executed to change the air conditioning operation, that is, to change to the ventilation operation or suspend the operation. After that, when the index values of the autonomic nerves of the plurality of occupants are all within the reference range, the air conditioner 2 executes step S11 shown in FIG. 4 to resume the original operation. Since it is considered that the resistance to the load applied to the body of the occupant differs depending on the occupant, the reference range used for determining whether or not the load applied to the occupant's body is large is set for each occupant. It may be different.

If a resident newly enters the room in which the air conditioner 2 is installed while the air conditioner 2 is in operation, the biometric information collection terminal 3 owned by the resident who has entered the room holds the air conditioner 2. The personal information is transmitted to the air conditioner 2. The biometric information collection terminal 3 owned by the resident who has entered the room transmits the personal information held by the resident when the resident performs a predetermined operation. When the air conditioner 2 receives the personal information, it determines that the number of people in the room has increased. Further, when the air conditioner 2 cannot acquire the biological information from the biological information collecting terminal 3 in step S4 shown in FIG. 4, the resident who owns the biological information collecting terminal 3 that cannot acquire the biological information has left the room. to decide. The air conditioner 2 may determine that the resident has left the room when the biometric information cannot be continuously acquired from the same biometric information collecting terminal 3 a predetermined number of times. In addition, the method of determining entry / exit is not limited to this. For example, the air conditioner 2 may determine entry / exit by another method, such as determining entry / exit based on the presence / absence of an electrical connection with the biometric information collection terminal 3.

As described above, in the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment, the air conditioner 2 has an index value of the autonomic nerves of the occupant based on the biological information of the occupant acquired from the biological information collection terminal 3. Was calculated, and the air conditioning operation was controlled based on the index value of the autonomic nerve. As a result, air conditioning control can be performed in consideration of the state of the load applied to the body of the occupant from the index value of the autonomic nerve, and air conditioning with enhanced comfort can be realized.

Among the functions of the biological information collecting terminal 3 described in the present embodiment, the air conditioner 2 may have a function of detecting the biological information of a resident. That is, the biometric information acquisition unit 31 may be provided in the air conditioner 2.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the concept of the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner system 1a according to the second embodiment collects an air conditioner 2a, which is a first air conditioner that controls the environment of the space in which the user lives, and biological information representing the physical condition of the user. It includes a biological information collecting terminal 3a and an air conditioner 20 which is a second air conditioner.

In the present embodiment, the parts different from the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the common parts will be omitted.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the air conditioners 2a and 20 and the biometric information collection terminal 3a constituting the air conditioner system 1a according to the second embodiment.

The air conditioner 2a includes an air conditioning unit 4, a wind direction control unit 5, an environment detection unit 6, a control unit 7a, and a communication unit 8. Except for the control unit 7a, it is the same as the air conditioner 2 described in the first embodiment. The control unit 7a performs the same operation as the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2, but the content of the operation to be executed when the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant deviates from the reference range is the control unit 7. Is different.

The air conditioner 20 includes an air conditioning unit 24, a wind direction control unit 25, an environment detection unit 26, a control unit 27, and a communication unit 28. The air conditioning unit 24, the wind direction control unit 25, the environment detection unit 26, and the communication unit 28 are the air conditioning unit 4, the wind direction control unit 5, the environment detection unit 6, and the communication unit 8 of the air conditioner 2 described in the first embodiment, respectively. Performs the same operation as. The control unit 27 controls the air conditioning unit 24 and the wind direction control unit 25 based on various information collected by the environment detection unit 26. The control operation of the air conditioning unit 24 and the wind direction control unit 25 by the control unit 27 is the same as the control operation of the air conditioning unit 4 and the wind direction control unit 5 by the control unit 7a.

The air conditioner 20 communicates with the air conditioner 2a and operates according to the instruction from the air conditioner 2a.

The configuration of the biological information collecting terminal 3a is the same as that of the biological information collecting terminal 3 described in the first embodiment, but the operation is partially different, such as the content displayed on the display unit 34 while the air conditioning operation is being performed.

In the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment, when the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant deviates from the reference range, the operation is changed to the ventilation operation or the operation is interrupted. In the air conditioning system 1a, the air conditioning operation is changed by letting the occupants select the air conditioner to be used.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the air conditioning operation by the air conditioning system 1a according to the second embodiment. In the operation shown in FIG. 12, step S8 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is replaced with step S21, and step S11 is replaced with step S22.

In the air conditioning system 1a, both the air conditioners 2a and 20 start operating when the operation is started in step S1. Subsequent steps S2 to S7 are executed by the air conditioner 2a, and the air conditioner 20 only performs an air conditioning operation that brings the room temperature closer to the target temperature. Therefore, only the air conditioner 2a acquires the biological information from the biological information collecting terminal 3, determines whether the biological information is normal, determines whether the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is within the reference range, and the like. conduct. The air conditioner 20 acquires the air conditioning conditions described in the first embodiment from the air conditioner 2a, and performs the air conditioning operation according to the acquired air conditioning conditions.

When the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is not within the reference range (step S6: No), the air conditioner 2a executes step S21 to select an air conditioner for continuing the air conditioning operation. In step S21, the air conditioner 2a transmits a signal indicating that the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant deviates from the reference range to the biological information collecting terminal 3a. Upon receiving this signal, the biometric information collecting terminal 3a displays, for example, the display of the contents shown in FIG. 13 on the display unit 34, and causes the occupant to select the air conditioner to be used. Here, it is assumed that the air conditioner A corresponds to the air conditioner 2a and the air conditioner B corresponds to the air conditioner 20. When the air conditioner to be used is selected by the occupant, the biological information collecting terminal 3a transmits a signal indicating the selected air conditioner to the air conditioner 2a. When the received signal indicates the air conditioner A, the air conditioner 2a that has received this signal continues the air conditioning operation, instructs the air conditioner 20 to stop the operation, and stops the air conditioner 20. .. Further, the air conditioner 2a stops the air conditioning operation when the received signal indicates the air conditioner B. In step S21, the air conditioner 2a stops the air conditioner 20 or stops itself when the specified time elapses without the signal indicating the selected air conditioner being transmitted from the biometric information collection terminal 3a. This ensures that only one air conditioner continues the air conditioning operation. In this case, which of the air conditioners 2a and 20 will continue the air conditioning operation may be determined in advance by the occupants, or may be determined according to the past selection results of the occupants. As the number of air conditioners that perform air conditioning operation decreases, the rate of change in room temperature decreases, and the index value of the autonomic nerves of the occupants returns to the standard range with the passage of time.

Even after the air conditioner 2a executes step S21 to stop the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 20 or stops the air conditioning operation by itself, the air conditioner 2a continues the operation of acquiring the biometric information from the biometric information collecting terminal 3a, and the air conditioner 2a continues the operation of acquiring the biometric information from the biometric information collecting terminal 3a. And S10 are executed.

When the air conditioner 2a determines in step S10 that the index value of the autonomic nerve is within the reference range (step S10: Yes), the air conditioner 2a cancels the selection of the air conditioner (step S22). Specifically, the air conditioner 2a restarts the air conditioning operation when it has stopped the air conditioning operation, and restarts the air conditioning operation when the air conditioner 20 has stopped the air conditioning operation. By instructing the balancer 20, both the air conditioners 2a and 20 are returned to the state in which the air conditioning operation is performed.

When there are a plurality of occupants, the air conditioner 2a confirms whether or not the index value of the autonomic nerve is within the reference range for each of the plurality of occupants, and the index value of the autonomic nerve is not within the reference range. If there is a resident, have the occupant select an air conditioner that continues the air conditioning operation. After that, the air conditioner 2a cancels the selection of the air conditioner when the index values of the autonomic nerves of all the occupants are within the reference range (step S22).

As described above, the air conditioning system 1a according to the present embodiment includes the air conditioners 2a and 20, and is selected by the occupant when the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant deviates from the reference range. It was decided that the air conditioner would continue the air conditioning operation. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the air conditioning operation can be performed in consideration of the state of the load applied to the body of the occupant from the index value of the autonomic nerve, and the air conditioning with enhanced comfort can be realized.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the concept of the air conditioning system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system 1b according to the third embodiment includes an air conditioner 2b that controls the environment of the space in which the user lives, a biological information collecting terminal 3 that collects biological information indicating the physical condition of the user, and lighting. The device 10 is provided. The biological information collecting terminal 3 of the air conditioning system 1b is the same as the biological information collecting terminal 3 of the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The lighting device 10 is configured so that the color temperature and the illuminance of the indoor lighting can be changed, and further, it is configured to be able to communicate with the air conditioner 2b.

In the present embodiment, the parts different from the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the common parts will be omitted.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioner 2b and a biological information collecting terminal 3 constituting the air conditioning system 1b according to the third embodiment.

The air conditioner 2b includes an air conditioning unit 4, a wind direction control unit 5, an environment detection unit 6, a control unit 7b, and a communication unit 8. Except for the control unit 7b, it is the same as the air conditioner 2 described in the first embodiment. The control unit 7b performs the same operation as the control unit 7 of the air conditioner 2, but the content of the operation to be executed when the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant deviates from the reference range is the control unit 7. Is different.

In the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment, when the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant deviates from the reference range, the operation is changed to the ventilation operation or the operation is interrupted. In the air conditioning system 1b, in addition to changing the operation of the air conditioner 2b, the color temperature and the illuminance of the indoor lighting by the lighting device 10 are changed.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the air conditioning operation by the air conditioning system 1b according to the third embodiment. In the operation shown in FIG. 16, step S8 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is replaced with step S31, and step S11 is replaced with step S32.

When the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is not within the reference range (step S6: No), the air conditioner 2b executes step S31 to change the air conditioning operation and the lighting setting of the lighting device 10. In step S31, the air conditioner 2b changes to the blowing operation or suspends the operation, and further, at least one of the color temperature and the illuminance is applied to the lighting device 10 in the same manner as in step S8 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Instruct to lower it. Upon receiving this instruction, the lighting device 10 changes the color temperature and / or the illuminance according to the instruction.

When the color temperature of the room lighting is lowered and the illuminance is lowered, the occupants are in a relaxed state, which has the effect of lowering the LF / HF.

When the air conditioner 2b determines in step S10 that the index value of the autonomic nerve is within the reference range (step S10: Yes), the air conditioner 2b cancels the change made in step S31 (step S32). That is, the air conditioner 2b deselects the air conditioner for canceling the change in the operation of the own device and the change in the setting of the lighting device 10 (step S32). In step S32, the control unit 7b of the air conditioner 2b controls the air conditioning unit 4 so as to resume the same operation as the operation performed before determining "No" in step S6, and also controls the lighting device 10. Is instructed to restore the lighting settings.

In step S31, the air conditioner 2b decides to change both the air conditioning operation and the lighting setting, but may change only the lighting setting without changing the air conditioning operation. As described above, changing the lighting setting to lower at least one of the color temperature and the illuminance has the effect of lowering the LF / HF, so that the state of the autonomic nerves of the occupants is improved and the load on the body is applied. Is reduced.

Further, in step S31, the occupant may be allowed to select whether to change the air conditioning operation or the lighting setting, and when the lighting setting is changed, either the color temperature or the illuminance is further changed. You may be asked to select.

As described above, in the air conditioning system 1b according to the present embodiment, when the index value of the autonomic nerves of the occupants deviates from the reference range, the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 2b and the lighting setting of the lighting device 10 are set. It was decided to change both, or to change the lighting setting of the lighting device 10. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the air conditioning operation can be performed in consideration of the state of the load applied to the body of the occupant from the index value of the autonomic nerve, and the air conditioning with enhanced comfort can be realized.

Although the configuration in the case of adding the lighting device 10 to the air conditioning system 1 described in the first embodiment has been described, it is also possible to add the lighting device 10 to the air conditioning system 1a described in the second embodiment. be. In this case, when the first air conditioner detects that the index value of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is not within the reference range, the first air conditioner causes the occupant to select an air conditioner that continues the air conditioning operation and lighting. The operation of changing the lighting setting of the device 10 is executed.

The configuration shown in the above-described embodiment shows an example of the content of the present invention, can be combined with another known technique, and is one of the configurations as long as it does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. It is also possible to omit or change the part.

1,1a, 1b air conditioner system, 2,2a, 2b, 20 air conditioner, 3,3a biometric information collection terminal, 4,24 air conditioner, 5,25 wind direction control unit, 6,26 environment detector, 7, 7a, 7b, 27 Control unit, 8, 28, 32 Communication unit, 10 Lighting device, 31 Biometric information acquisition unit, 33 Storage unit, 34 Display unit, 35 Input unit.

Claims (12)

A biometric information collection terminal that collects biometric information that represents the physical condition of the occupant,
An index value indicating the state of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is calculated based on the biological information, and when the index value is not within a predetermined reference range, the air conditioning operation is performed from the first operation to the second operation. With an air conditioner that changes to the operation of
Equipped with
The biological information includes the skin temperature, heart rate and sweating amount of the occupant.
The air conditioner brings the room temperature closer to the target temperature without considering the index value when one or more of the skin temperature, the heart rate and the sweating amount deviate from a predetermined range. Do the action,
Air conditioning system. A biometric information collection terminal that collects biometric information that represents the physical condition of the occupant,
An index value indicating the state of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is calculated based on the biological information, and when the index value is not within a predetermined reference range, the air conditioning operation is performed from the first operation to the second operation. With an air conditioner that changes to the operation of
Equipped with
The biological information includes the skin temperature, heart rate and sweating amount of the occupant.
The biometric information collecting terminal continues the operation of collecting the biometric information even when the air conditioner is stopped.
When the air conditioner detects that one or more of the skin temperature, the heart rate, and the sweating amount deviates from a predetermined range while the air conditioning operation is stopped, the air conditioning operation is performed. Start,
Air conditioning system. When the air conditioner detects that one or more of the skin temperature, the heart rate, and the sweating amount deviates from a predetermined range while the air conditioning operation is stopped, the index value is used. Start an air conditioning operation different from the air conditioning operation considering
The air conditioning system according to claim 2. The first operation is defined as a cooling operation or a heating operation.
The second operation is a blowing operation or a temporary stop of operation.
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. When the air conditioner changes the air conditioning operation, the biometric information collecting terminal displays on the display unit that the air conditioning operation has been changed.
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The biological information collecting terminal calculates the index value indicating which of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve is in the dominant state based on the biological information, and the index value indicates that the sympathetic nerve is in the dominant state. When represented, the air conditioning operation is changed from the first operation to the second operation.
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5. When the index value changes from a state not within the reference range to a state within the reference range, the air conditioner returns the air conditioning operation from the second operation to the first operation.
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The biometric information collection terminal repeatedly collects the biometric information at regular intervals, and the biometric information collection terminal repeatedly collects the biometric information.
The air conditioner is based on the biometric information collected by the biometric information collection terminal from the start to the stop of the operation and the measurement result of the room temperature from the start to the stop of the operation. Then, the conditions for the next air conditioning operation to be performed while the occupant is present in the target space for air conditioning are determined.
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. When there are multiple people in the room
The air conditioner calculates an index value indicating the state of the autonomic nerves of each occupant, and if any of the calculated index values is not within the reference range, the air conditioning operation is performed as the first operation. To the second operation described above,
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Equipped with lighting equipment
When the index value is not within the predetermined reference range, the air conditioner changes the air conditioning operation from the first operation to the second operation, and changes the color temperature of the lighting by the lighting device. And change one or both of the illuminance,
The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A biometric information acquisition unit that collects biometric information that represents the physical condition of the occupants,
An index value indicating the state of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is calculated based on the biological information, and when the index value is not within a predetermined reference range, the air conditioning operation is performed from the first operation to the second operation. The control unit that changes to the operation of
Equipped with
The biological information includes the skin temperature, heart rate and sweating amount of the occupant.
When one or more of the skin temperature, the heart rate and the sweating amount deviate from a predetermined range, the control unit performs an air conditioning operation to bring the room temperature closer to the target temperature without considering the index value. I do,
Air conditioner. A biometric information acquisition unit that collects biometric information that represents the physical condition of the occupants,
An index value indicating the state of the autonomic nerve of the occupant is calculated based on the biological information, and when the index value is not within a predetermined reference range, the air conditioning operation is performed from the first operation to the second operation. The control unit that changes to the operation of
Equipped with
The biological information includes the skin temperature, heart rate and sweating amount of the occupant.
The biometric information acquisition unit continues the operation of collecting the biometric information even when the air conditioning operation is stopped.
When the control unit detects that one or more of the skin temperature, the heart rate, and the sweating amount deviates from a predetermined range while the air conditioning operation is stopped, the control unit starts the air conditioning operation. do,
Air conditioner.

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