JP2009132246A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect personal characteristics of an occupant PA staying inside a cabin 10b and vary air conditioning control to a direction paying more attention to the occupant's health. <P>SOLUTION: This air conditioner is provided with a pulse wave sensor 97 for measuring pulse wave signals of the occupant PA inside the cabin 10b; a characteristic amount extraction step 1A of extracting characteristic amount necessary for temperature control of air conditioning air, based on the pulse wave signals measured by the pulse wave sensor 97; a personal characteristic estimation step 2A of estimating personal characteristics of the occupant PA, based on the characteristic amount extracted by the characteristic amount extraction step 1A; and an air conditioning control step 120A of varying control with respect to set temperature in accordance with the personal characteristics estimated by the personal characteristic estimation step 2A and temporal change in the personal characteristics. Thus, the personal characteristics of the occupant PA staying inside the cabin 10b are detected and control can be varied to achieve air conditioning considering not only comfortability but also health. Accordingly, by considering the personal characteristics estimated by the pulse wave signals, healthy air conditioning adjusted to for the person can be achieved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner suitable for air conditioning in a vehicle or a general room.

In Patent Document 1 below, as a vehicle air conditioner, comfortable air conditioning is realized by using physiological information such as the temperature of the occupant's skin and the rate of change of skin temperature in addition to the temperature inside and outside the vehicle and the solar radiation situation. Is shown. However, since the skin temperature varies greatly between individuals and is in a surface layer state, there is a problem in that it deviates from the cold feeling of the person being measured. In order to solve such problems, as shown in Patent Documents 2 to 5 below, air conditioners that measure various physiological amounts and reflect them in the environment have been proposed.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-178064 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-145980 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-137989 JP-A-9-303842 JP 2005-226902 A

  However, none of the physiological amounts shown in the above-mentioned patent documents are unambiguous with respect to human cold feeling. For example, the heart rate increases at both high and low temperatures, so that the subject is comfortable. It was hard to say that we were able to provide a comfortable environment. In addition, the control of the air conditioner will be in the direction of increasing the comfort of the subject, but only the final setting state is considered as health, and the health of the intermediate state until reaching the setting state It is not the control to consider until.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such a conventional technique. The first object of the present invention is to more accurately detect the sensation of human beings in the air-conditioned space, and to achieve the sensation of coldness. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner capable of changing the air conditioning control in a more comfortable direction. The second purpose is to detect the personal characteristics of a person in the air-conditioned space, and to control the air conditioning in a direction that considers health more according to the personal characteristics and the temporal changes in the personal characteristics. The object is to provide an air conditioner that can be varied.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following technical means. That is, in the invention according to claim 1, in the air conditioner for controlling the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the air-conditioned space (10b) in order to maintain the temperature in the air-conditioned space (10b) at the set temperature,
Necessary for temperature control of the conditioned air from the pulse wave measuring means (97) for measuring the pulse wave signal of the passenger (PA) in the air-conditioned space (10b) and the pulse wave signal measured by the pulse wave measuring means (97) Pulse wave feature quantity extraction means (1) for extracting a characteristic quantity, and personal characteristic estimation means (2) for estimating the personal characteristics of the occupant (PA) from the feature quantity extracted by the pulse wave feature quantity extraction means (1) ) And air conditioning control means (120) that varies the control over the set temperature in accordance with the personal characteristics estimated by the personal characteristics estimation means (2) and the temporal change of the personal characteristics.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the personal characteristics of the passenger (PA) in the air-conditioned space (10b) are detected, and according to the personal characteristics and temporal changes in the personal characteristics, The control can be varied so that the air conditioning takes into account not only comfort but also health. For example, an elderly person is dull in the cold feeling but weak in the load against the heat, and by considering the personal characteristics estimated from the pulse wave signal, a healthy air conditioning suitable for the person can be realized. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner according to the first aspect, the personal characteristic is a personal characteristic of a circulatory system. Conventionally, air conditioning is controlled without using information on the circulatory system, but changes in the environmental temperature may cause poor physical condition such as circulatory system diseases. According to the second aspect of the present invention, cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by performing air conditioning in consideration of personal characteristics of the circulatory system.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, the temperature variable speed toward the set temperature is varied according to personal characteristics. According to the third aspect of the present invention, for example, for a person with soft blood vessels or a person with high blood pressure adjustment ability, the temperature is quickly shifted to a set temperature, and a person with high blood pressure, a person with hard blood vessels, and blood pressure adjustment. For people with low ability, the risk of the above-mentioned diseases can be prevented by slowly shifting to the set temperature.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 4, in the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, at least the temperature in the air-conditioned space (10b) is varied toward the set temperature. The characteristic change is monitored, and when the change changes beyond a predetermined change amount or change rate, the degree of air conditioning into the air-conditioned space (10b) is weakened.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by changing the temperature while observing changes in personal characteristics such as blood pressure and pulse wave propagation time (PTT), it is possible to prevent sudden changes in the middle state until reaching the set temperature. Even health can be considered.

  The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the personal characteristic is any one of blood pressure, blood vessel hardness, and blood pressure adjustment ability. For example, it is dangerous that a person with hard blood vessels, such as an elderly person, undergoes rapid cooling, because the blood pressure rapidly increases.

  In addition, for example, a person with low blood pressure adjustment ability that suddenly heats up causes a drop in blood pressure, and in some cases, faints. However, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned danger can be prevented beforehand by setting the air conditioning corresponding to personal characteristics such as blood pressure, blood vessel hardness and blood pressure adjustment ability.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the personal characteristics include pulse wave propagation time (PTT), pulse wave waveform, acceleration pulse wave, blood pressure-heart rate. It is characterized in that it is obtained using either a cross-correlation coefficient (ρMAX) or fluctuation of heart rate variability (LFHF).

  For example, blood pressure and blood vessel hardness can be read from the acceleration pulse wave and pulse wave propagation time (PTT), and the blood pressure adjustment ability can be read from the blood pressure-heart rate cross-correlation coefficient (ρMAX). In other words, according to the invention described in claim 6, by using any of these pulse wave parameters, it is possible to read personal characteristics of the circulatory system such as blood pressure, blood vessel hardness, and blood pressure adjustment ability. .

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the air conditioner according to the first aspect, the personal characteristic is a feeling of cold. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the biological characteristics, the cold index can be detected from the fact that the blood flow increases when it is hot and the blood flow is throttled when it is cold. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect the cold feeling of the passenger (PA) in the air-conditioned space (10b) and vary the air conditioning control in a more comfortable direction according to the cold feeling.

The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the air conditioner according to claim 7, detection is performed using different pulse wave characteristics when detecting a cold feeling and when detecting a hot feeling. Yes. Conventionally, the detection of the thermal sensation has been uniquely performed using a certain physiological quantity, so that there has been a problem that a misdetection or a deviation from an individual sense occurs. However, according to the invention described in claim 8, by using both the pulse wave characteristic that is easy to detect the cold feeling and the pulse wave characteristic that is easy to detect the hot feeling, the personal A sense of coldness that matches the senses can be detected.

In the invention according to claim 9, in the air conditioner according to claim 8, it is detected that the cooling sensation is detected using any one of a pulse wave amplitude, a pulse wave propagation time (PTT), and an acceleration pulse wave. It is a feature. According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of cooling feeling by using the pulse wave characteristic that easily reflects the peripheral information.

  Further, the invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that, in the air conditioner described in claim 8, the thermal sensation is detected using a heart rate or a pulse wave area. According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, by using the pulse wave characteristic that easily reflects an increase in metabolic rate, the detection accuracy of the hot feeling can be improved.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 11, in the air conditioner according to claim 9 or 10, while the cooling sensation is detected, the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the air-conditioned space (10 b) is increased. Further, while the thermal sensation is detected, control is performed so as to lower the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the air-conditioned space (10b). According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate or improve the sense of coolness of the individual being detected.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 12, in the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the air conditioner has personal information input means (3) for inputting personal information of the occupant (PA). The personal characteristics are corrected according to the personal information input by the means (3).

  According to the invention described in claim 11, among personal characteristics, if a change in time is not reflected in the control, but is reflected in the control as an individual tendency, By using data measured externally or correcting the measurement data with the data, erroneous determination can be prevented and air conditioning can be performed in consideration of more accurate personal characteristics. In addition, by inputting a medical history such as a disease as personal information, air conditioning that is healthier for the individual can be realized.

  In the invention according to claim 13, in the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the air conditioner has an environment measuring means (92, 94) for measuring an environmental state in the air-conditioned space (10b). The personal characteristic is corrected in accordance with the environmental state measured by the environmental measuring means (92, 94).

  For example, in a low-temperature environment, it is easy to estimate the age of blood vessels to the elderly side, but according to the invention of claim 12, by correcting the personal characteristics according to the environmental state, misjudgment is prevented, Air conditioning can be performed in consideration of more accurate personal characteristics. In addition, the code | symbol in the parenthesis as described in a claim and said each means is an example which shows a corresponding relationship with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. First, FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an example of a mechanical configuration of a vehicle air conditioner according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system in the vehicle air conditioner of FIG. The present embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle air conditioner.

  The air conditioner includes an air conditioning duct (ventilation path) 20 disposed in front of a vehicle compartment (air-conditioned space) 10b of the vehicle, and the inside and outside air switching is performed in the air conditioning duct 20 from upstream to downstream. The door 30, the blower 40, the evaporator 50, the air mix door 60, the heater core 70, and the blower outlet 80 are arrange | positioned.

  The inside / outside air switching door 30 is switched to the outside air introduction position, and allows the outside air (vehicle compartment outside air) to flow into the air conditioning duct 20 via the outside air introduction port 21a. Further, the inside / outside air switching door 30 is switched to the inside air introduction position, and allows the inside air (air inside the vehicle compartment 10b) to flow into the air conditioning duct 20 as the air flow via the inside air introduction port 21b.

  The blower 40 rotates the fan 42 according to the rotational speed of the blower motor 41 driven by the drive circuit 40 a, introduces an air flow through the inside / outside air switching door 30 into the air conditioning duct 20, and blows air toward the evaporator 50. To do. The evaporator 50 cools the air flow from the blower 40 in accordance with the operation of a variable capacity compressor 50a of a refrigerating cycle (not shown) of the air conditioner.

  The compressor 50a operates by receiving power from a traveling engine (not shown) of the vehicle via a belt mechanism, and the capacity of the compressor 50a changes according to the operation of the capacity control mechanism 50b. The air mix door 60 is driven by a servo motor 60 a, and causes the cooling air flow from the evaporator 50 to flow into the heater core 70 according to the opening thereof, and causes the remaining cooling air flow to flow toward the outlet 80.

  The air outlet 80 extends from the opening of the air conditioning duct 20 and is disposed on both the left and right sides of the driver seat and the passenger seat in the passenger compartment 10b. Although omitted in FIG. 1, the actual air outlets are blown toward the defroster air outlet that blows out toward the inside of the front window glass, the face air outlet that blows out toward the upper body of the occupant PA, and the feet of the occupant PA. It consists of a plurality of air outlets such as a foot air outlet.

  Then, a plurality of doors (not shown) for switching the opening and closing of the plurality of outlets and driving means such as a servo motor for driving the plurality of doors are configured to be opened and closed corresponding to various blowing modes. It has become. The operation switch SW shown in FIG. 2 is operated when operating the air conditioner to generate an operation signal. The temperature setter 91 is operated when setting the temperature in the passenger compartment 10b to a desired temperature, and generates the desired temperature as a set temperature signal.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inside air temperature sensor (environment measuring means) 92 is disposed at the left and right center of the front wall of the dashboard 12, and detects the actual temperature in the passenger compartment 10b. Generated as a temperature detection signal. The outside air temperature sensor 93 is disposed at the center of the left and right of the front opening of the engine room 10a, detects the actual temperature of the outside air, and generates it as an outside air temperature detection signal.

  The solar radiation sensor 94 (environmental measurement means) is disposed in the center of the upper wall of the dashboard 12, detects the actual amount of solar radiation that enters the passenger compartment 10b, and is generated as a solar radiation detection signal. To do. The outlet temperature sensor 95 detects the actual temperature of the blown air flow at the outlet of the evaporator 50 and generates it as an outlet temperature detection signal. The water temperature sensor 96 detects the actual temperature of the cooling water flowing through the engine cooling system of the vehicle and generates a water temperature detection signal.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pulse wave sensor (pulse wave measuring means) 97 is incorporated in the handle 10c, detects a pulse wave as information on the circulatory system from the hand of an occupant PA seated on the seat, A pulse wave signal as a personal characteristic of the occupant PA is generated. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrocardiographic sensor 98 is incorporated in the handle 10c together with the pulse wave sensor 97, and detects electrocardiogram as information on the circulatory system from the hand of the occupant PA seated on the seat. An electrocardiogram signal is generated as a personal characteristic of the occupant PA.

  The AD converter 110 includes a set temperature signal from the temperature setter 91, an internal air temperature detection signal from the internal air temperature sensor 92, an external air temperature detection signal from the external air temperature sensor 93, a solar radiation detection signal from the solar radiation sensor 94, and an exit. An outlet temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 95, a water temperature detection signal from the water temperature sensor 96, a pulse wave detection signal from the pulse wave sensor 97, and an electrocardiogram detection signal from the electrocardiogram sensor 98 are used as first to eighth digital signals. appear.

  The air conditioner ECU (air conditioning control means) 120 executes a computer program in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 in cooperation with the AD converter 110, and during this execution, the drive circuit 40a, the capacity control mechanism 50b, and the servo are executed. Arithmetic processing necessary for drive control of the motor 60a is performed. The above-described computer program is stored in advance in the ROM of the air conditioner ECU 120.

  In addition, the air conditioner ECU 120 is activated by being supplied with power from the battery BA in response to closing of the ignition switch IG of the vehicle, and starts executing the computer program in response to an operation signal from the operation switch SW. Next, an outline of a control method by the air conditioner ECU 120 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an overall control program in the air conditioner ECU of FIG.

  First, the contents stored in the data processing memory built in the microcomputer inside the air conditioner ECU 120 are initialized (step S1). Next, various data are read into the data processing memory. That is, switch signals from various operation switches on an air conditioner operation panel (not shown) and sensor signals from the various sensors described above are input (step S2).

  Next, the target blowing temperature is calculated by substituting the above input data into the stored calculation formula, and the target evaporator outlet temperature is calculated from the target blowing temperature and the outside air temperature (step S3). Next, the blower air volume, that is, the blower control voltage to be applied to the blower motor 41 is determined based on the target blowing temperature obtained in step S3 based on a predetermined characteristic pattern (step S4).

  Next, the target blowing temperature obtained in step S3 and the above input data are substituted into the arithmetic expression stored in the memory to calculate the air mix opening degree (%) of the air mix door 60 (step S5). . Next, based on the target blowing temperature obtained in step S3, an air flow suction mode to be taken into the vehicle interior and an air flow blow mode to be blown into the vehicle compartment are determined (step S6).

  Next, feedback control (PI control) is used to set the compressor 50a to the target discharge amount so that the target outlet temperature obtained in step S3 matches the actual evaporator outlet temperature detected by the outlet temperature sensor 95. A control current value is calculated (step S7). Specifically, an electromagnetic capacity control valve is attached to the compressor 50a as the capacity control mechanism 50b, and a control current (target solenoid current) supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid of the capacity control valve is stored in the memory. Calculate based on the formula.

  Next, a control signal is output to the drive circuit 40a so as to obtain the blower control current determined in step S4 (step S8). Next, a control signal is output to the servo motor 60a so as to achieve the air mix opening calculated in step S5 (step S9). Next, a control signal is output to a servo motor (not shown) so that the suction mode and the blowing mode determined in step S6 are obtained (step S10).

  Next, the control current calculated in step S7 is output to the electromagnetic solenoid of the electromagnetic capacity control valve attached to the compressor 50a (step S11). Thereafter, the control process returns to step S2. At the time of manual setting, the control program of FIG. 3 is executed according to the set value. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each means in the present invention.

  The vehicle air conditioner according to the present embodiment requires a pulse wave sensor 97 as a pulse wave measuring means for measuring a pulse wave signal of the occupant PA in the passenger compartment 10b and a pulse wave signal measured by the pulse wave sensor 97. A pulse wave feature quantity extracting unit 1 for extracting a feature quantity, a personal characteristic estimating unit 2 for estimating a personal characteristic of the occupant PA from the feature quantity extracted by the pulse wave feature quantity extracting unit 1, and an estimation by the personal characteristic estimating unit 2 The air conditioner ECU 120 is provided as an air conditioner control means for varying the control over the set temperature in accordance with the personal characteristics and the temporal change of the personal characteristics.

  Moreover, the personal information input means 3 which inputs personal information of passenger | crew PA, and the internal temperature sensor 92 and the solar radiation sensor 94 as an environmental measurement means which measure the environmental state in the vehicle interior 10b are provided. Then, signals from these are input to the personal characteristic estimation means 2 as personal information and environmental information of the occupant PA, and the information is added to the personal characteristics estimated by the personal characteristic estimation means 2 and, if necessary, the personal characteristics Is to be corrected.

  The pulse wave feature amount extraction means 1 and the personal characteristic estimation means 2 are actually incorporated as programs in the air conditioner ECU 120, and the personal information input means 3 is incorporated in an air conditioner operation panel on the dashboard 12, or the like. Next, the operation of each means described above will be specifically described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the contents of FIG. 4 as a specific operation in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, as a measurement step, the pulse wave and the electrocardiogram are measured by the pulse wave sensor 97 and the electrocardiogram sensor 98 incorporated in the handle 10c. Next, as a feature quantity extraction step 1A, a feature quantity is calculated from the measured pulse wave and electrocardiogram. In the present embodiment, an acceleration pulse wave, which is a value obtained by differentiating the pulse wave twice, is calculated as a feature amount related to the peripheral blood vessel. Other feature quantities include pulse wave propagation time (parameter related to blood vessel hardness and blood pressure, hereinafter referred to as PTT), pulse wave waveform, blood pressure-heart rate cross-correlation coefficient (hereinafter referred to as ρMAX), and heart rate. Variation fluctuations (hereinafter referred to as LFHF) or the like may be extracted.

  Next, as the personal characteristic estimation step 2A, in this embodiment, the circulatory system is estimated. More specifically, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the blood vessel of the occupant PA is hard or soft from the extracted waveform of the acceleration pulse wave. This is a biological reaction when receiving a sudden temperature change, and when cooled rapidly, peripheral blood vessels contract and blood pressure rises. For this reason, in a person with high blood pressure or a person with advanced arteriosclerosis, there is a risk that a burden is applied to the heart and brain, causing a serious disease.

  On the other hand, when warmed up rapidly, peripheral blood vessels dilate and blood pressure decreases. For this reason, in a person with weak blood pressure adjustment function (for example, a person who is easily dizzy), blood that reaches the brain is insufficient and a phenomenon similar to that of dizziness occurs, resulting in a dangerous state during driving. In order to prevent such a situation, as other feature amounts, blood pressure and blood vessel hardness can be estimated from PTT as in the acceleration pulse wave, and a blood pressure adjustment function can be estimated from ρMAX.

  In addition, as the personal information input step 3, the age, sex, physique, etc. of the occupant PA are input in advance and used as reference information for cardiovascular system estimation in the personal characteristic estimation step 2A. In addition, as an environmental measurement step, environmental information of the occupant PA such as the internal air temperature and the solar radiation amount detected by the internal air temperature sensor 92 and the solar radiation sensor 94 is also input, and a reference for estimating the circulatory system in the personal characteristic estimation step 2A. It is supposed to be information.

  Next, as the air conditioning control step 120A, the air conditioning control is varied in accordance with the estimated personal characteristics of the circulatory system. More specifically, in this embodiment, a person with a soft blood vessel is quickly shifted to the set temperature, and a person with a hard blood vessel is slowly shifted to the set temperature.

  For this reason, it is preferable that the temperature variable speed toward the set temperature is slowly changed even for a person with high blood pressure, a person with low blood pressure, and a person with low blood pressure adjustment ability. Further, at least during the temperature variation toward the set temperature, the blood pressure, the PTT, and the like are monitored. If the change exceeds a predetermined change rate, the change into the passenger compartment 10b is performed. The degree of air conditioning is weakened.

  Next, the features and effects of this embodiment will be described. A pulse wave sensor 97 for measuring the pulse wave signal of the occupant PA in the passenger compartment 10b, and a characteristic amount extraction step 1A for extracting a characteristic amount necessary for temperature control of the conditioned air from the pulse wave signal measured by the pulse wave sensor 97. A personal characteristic estimation step 2A for estimating the personal characteristic of the occupant PA from the characteristic quantity extracted in the characteristic quantity extraction step 1A, a personal characteristic estimated in the personal characteristic estimation step 2A, and temporal changes in the personal characteristic And an air conditioning control step 120A for varying the control over the set temperature according to the above.

  According to this, the personal characteristics of the occupant PA in the passenger compartment 10b are detected, and in accordance with the personal characteristics and temporal changes in the personal characteristics, air conditioning that takes into account not only comfort but also health The control can be varied so that For example, an elderly person is dull in the cold feeling but weak in the load against the heat, and by considering the personal characteristics estimated from the pulse wave signal, a healthy air conditioning suitable for the person can be realized. .

  The personal characteristics are mainly personal characteristics of the circulatory system. Conventionally, air conditioning is controlled without using information on the circulatory system, but changes in the environmental temperature may cause a circulatory system disease. In other words, poor air condition such as cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by air conditioning in consideration of personal characteristics of the cardiovascular system.

  Further, the temperature variable speed toward the set temperature is varied according to the individual characteristics. According to this, for example, for a person with soft blood vessels or a person with high blood pressure adjustment ability, the temperature is quickly shifted to a set temperature, and a person with high blood pressure, a person with low blood pressure, a person with hard blood vessels, and a blood pressure adjustment ability For low people, the risk of the above-mentioned diseases can be prevented by slowly shifting to the set temperature.

  Further, at least while the temperature in the passenger compartment 10b is varied toward the set temperature, the change in personal characteristics is monitored, and if the change changes beyond a predetermined change rate, the passenger compartment 10b is entered. We are trying to make the air-conditioning level weaker. According to this, health can be taken into consideration even when sudden changes occur in the middle of the process until reaching the set temperature by changing the temperature while observing changes in personal characteristics such as blood pressure and PTT.

  The personal characteristic is any one of blood pressure, vascular hardness, and blood pressure adjustment ability. For example, it is dangerous that a person with hard blood vessels, such as an elderly person, undergoes rapid cooling, because the blood pressure rapidly increases. In addition, for example, a person with low blood pressure adjustment ability that suddenly heats up causes a drop in blood pressure, and in some cases, faints. However, the above-mentioned danger can be prevented beforehand by using an air conditioner corresponding to personal characteristics such as blood pressure, blood vessel hardness, and blood pressure adjustment ability.

  The personal characteristics are obtained by using any one of PTT, pulse wave waveform, acceleration pulse wave, ρMAX, and LFHF. For example, blood pressure and blood vessel hardness can be read from acceleration pulse wave and PTT, and blood pressure adjustment ability can be read from ρMAX. That is, by using any of these pulse wave parameters, it is possible to read personal characteristics of the circulatory system such as blood pressure, blood vessel hardness, and blood pressure adjustment ability.

  Further, the personal information input step 3 for inputting the personal information of the occupant PA is provided, and the personal characteristics are corrected in accordance with the personal information input in the personal information input step 3. According to this, in the personal characteristics, if the change in time is not reflected in the control, and if it is reflected in the control as a personal tendency, the data measured in the past or the data measured outside is not used. By using or correcting the measurement data with the data, it is possible to prevent erroneous determination and to perform air conditioning considering more accurate personal characteristics.

  In addition, an internal air temperature sensor 92 and a solar radiation sensor 94 for measuring the environmental state in the passenger compartment 10b are provided, and the personal characteristics are corrected according to the environmental state measured by the internal air temperature sensor 92 and the solar radiation sensor 94. ing. For example, in a low-temperature environment, it is easy to estimate the age of blood vessels to the elderly, but by correcting the personal characteristics according to the environmental state, misjudgment can be prevented and air conditioning considering more accurate personal characteristics Can do.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the contents of FIG. 4 as a specific operation in the second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. In this respect, description of the measurement step, the personal information input step 3 and the environment measurement step is omitted. Different configurations and features will be described.

  In the feature amount extraction step 1B of the present embodiment, a heart rate (hereinafter referred to as HR), a pulse wave amplitude, and the like are calculated as feature amounts from the measured pulse wave and electrocardiogram. As other feature amounts, the above-described PTT, acceleration pulse wave, pulse wave area, and the like may be extracted. These have the following characteristics as physiological parameters related to cooling.

  HR: In order to promote heat dissipation when hot, HR is increased to promote blood flow. Moreover, when it is cold, the effect which suppresses heat dissipation, the emotional effect, etc. arise, and it does not necessarily reduce. Moreover, even if it falls, an effect is small.

  Pulse wave amplitude: When it is hot, the increase in blood flow is covered by HR, and the increase or decrease varies depending on the activity of the sympathetic nerve at that time. When it is cold, the peripheral blood vessels are surely contracted to suppress heat dissipation, and the pulse wave amplitude is reduced.

  PTT: When it is hot, an increase in vascular hardness due to an increase in HR and a decrease in vascular hardness due to expansion of the vascular system are mixed. When it is cold, the effect of vasoconstriction is strong.

  Acceleration pulse wave (c, d): It shows almost the same reaction as PTT for thermal stimulation.

  Pulse wave area: Assuming an area per unit time, the information is almost the same as HR for thermal stimulation.

  Next, as the personal characteristic estimation step 2B, in this embodiment, the thermal sensation is estimated. In addition, it detects using the pulse wave characteristic which is different in the case of detecting a hot feeling and the case of detecting a cool feeling. Specifically, in the present embodiment, HR is used for detection of hot feeling and pulse wave amplitude is used for detection of cooling feeling. This uses both a pulse wave characteristic (HR) that easily detects a thermal sensation and a pulse wave characteristic (pulse wave amplitude) that easily detects a cold sensation.

  In the example shown in 2B of FIG. 6, if the temperature of the environment rises, HR also rises and a hot feeling is detected (upper left graph). In addition, if the passenger PA is excited even if the temperature of the environment is constant, the passenger PA feels a sense of heat because of an increase in the amount of metabolism, but an increase in HR due to excitement can be regarded as an increase in the amount of metabolism and can be detected as a feeling of heat (upper right) Graph). Conversely, if the temperature of the environment decreases, the pulse wave amplitude decreases and a cold feeling is detected (lower left graph). In addition, if the occupant PA relaxes even if the temperature of the environment is constant, the metabolic rate decreases and the occupant feels cold, but a decrease in pulse wave amplitude due to relaxation can be detected as a cold sensation (lower right graph).

  In addition, a pulse wave area may be used for detection of heat feeling, and PTT or acceleration pulse wave may be used for detection of cooling feeling. Next, as the air conditioning control step 120B, while the thermal sensation is detected, by changing the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the passenger compartment 10b slightly low, the HR that has been raised as the thermal sensation falls and settles down. . While the cooling sensation is detected, by changing the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the passenger compartment 10b slightly higher, the pulse wave amplitude that has been lowered as the cooling sensation rises and settles down.

  Next, the features and effects of this embodiment will be described. First, the estimated personal characteristic is a feeling of cold. In addition to the biological characteristics, the cold index can be detected from the fact that blood flow increases when it is hot and blood flow is reduced when it is cold. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately detect the cold feeling of the occupant PA in the passenger compartment 10b and vary the air conditioning control in a more comfortable direction according to the cold feeling.

  In addition, the detection is performed by using different pulse wave characteristics in the case of detecting the cold feeling and the case of detecting the hot feeling. Conventionally, the detection of the thermal sensation has been uniquely performed using a certain physiological quantity, so that there has been a problem that a misdetection or a deviation from an individual sense occurs. However, according to this, by using both the pulse wave characteristic that is easy to detect the cold feeling and the pulse wave characteristic that is easy to detect the hot feeling, a cold feeling that matches the individual's sense without erroneous detection is obtained. Can be detected.

  Moreover, the cool feeling is detected using any one of the pulse wave amplitude, PTT, and acceleration pulse wave. According to this, the detection accuracy of cool feeling can be improved by using a pulse wave characteristic that easily reflects peripheral information. Moreover, the thermal sensation is detected using the heart rate or the pulse wave area. According to this, the detection accuracy of heat feeling can be improved by using a pulse wave characteristic that easily reflects an increase in metabolic rate.

  Further, while the sensation of coolness is detected, the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the passenger compartment 10b is varied high, and while the thermal sensation is detected, the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the passenger compartment 10b is varied low. Yes. According to this, the cooling sensation of the detected passenger PA can be eliminated or improved.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified or expanded as follows. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the age, sex, and physique of the occupant PA are input and reflected as the personal information, but the personal characteristics at the previous driving may be reflected as the personal information. Further, personal characteristics measured by an external organization such as a hospital may be reflected as personal information.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a vehicle air conditioner has been described, but instead, the present invention may be applied to an air conditioner in a general room such as a home. . Further, in the above-described embodiment, the compressor 50a is driven by the engine, but instead, it may be driven by an appropriate variable speed electric motor.

It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the mechanical structure of the vehicle air conditioner which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control system in the vehicle air conditioner of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the whole control program in the air-conditioner ECU of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of each means in this invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the contents of FIG. 4 as a specific operation in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram explaining the content of FIG. 4 as a concrete operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pulse wave feature-value extraction means 2 ... Personal characteristic estimation means 3 ... Personal information input means 10b ... Car compartment (air-conditioned space)
92 ... Inside air temperature sensor (environmental measurement means)
94 ... Solar radiation sensor (environmental measurement means)
97 ... Pulse wave sensor (pulse wave measuring means)
120: Air conditioner ECU (air conditioning control means)
PA ... Crew LFHF ... Heart rate fluctuation PTT ... Pulse wave propagation time

Claims (13)

In the air conditioner for controlling the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the air conditioned space (10b) in order to maintain the temperature in the air conditioned space (10b) at the set temperature,
Pulse wave measuring means (97) for measuring a pulse wave signal of an occupant (PA) in the air-conditioned space (10b);
A pulse wave feature amount extracting means (1) for extracting a feature amount necessary for temperature control of the conditioned air from the pulse wave signal measured by the pulse wave measuring means (97);
Personal characteristic estimation means (2) for estimating the personal characteristics of the occupant (PA) from the feature quantity extracted by the pulse wave feature quantity extraction means (1);
And air conditioning control means (120) for varying control over the set temperature in accordance with the personal characteristics estimated by the personal characteristics estimation means (2) and temporal changes in the personal characteristics. Air conditioner.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the personal characteristic is a personal characteristic of a circulatory system.   The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a temperature variable speed toward the set temperature is varied in accordance with the personal characteristics.   When the temperature of the air-conditioned space (10b) is varied at least toward the set temperature, the change in the personal characteristics is monitored, and the change changes beyond a predetermined change amount or change rate. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a degree of air conditioning into the air-conditioned space (10b) is weakened.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the personal characteristic is any one of blood pressure, blood vessel hardness, and blood pressure adjustment ability.   The personal characteristic is obtained using any one of a pulse wave propagation time (PTT), a pulse wave waveform, an acceleration pulse wave, a blood pressure-heart rate cross-correlation coefficient (ρMAX), and a heart rate fluctuation fluctuation (LFHF). The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the personal characteristic is a feeling of cooling.   The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the detection is performed by using different pulse wave characteristics when detecting a cool feeling and when detecting a hot feeling.   The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the cooling sensation is detected using any one of a pulse wave amplitude, a pulse wave propagation time (PTT), and an acceleration pulse wave.   The air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein the heat feeling is detected using a heart rate or a pulse wave area.   While the cooling sensation is detected, the temperature of the conditioned air blown into the air-conditioned space (10b) is increased, and while the thermal sensation is detected, the air is blown into the air-conditioned space (10b). The air conditioner according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the temperature of the conditioned air is controlled to be lowered.   It has personal information input means (3) for inputting personal information of the passenger (PA), and corrects the personal characteristics according to the personal information input by the personal information input means (3). The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 11.   It has environmental measuring means (92, 94) for measuring the environmental state in the air-conditioned space (10b), and corrects the personal characteristics according to the environmental state measured by the environmental measuring means (92, 94). The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by:

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