JP2012189427A - Air conditioning equipment start system, air conditioning equipment starter, air conditioning equipment start method and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioning equipment start system, an air conditioning equipment starter, an air conditioning equipment start method and a computer program capable of preventing air conditioning equipment from being started against a user's intention when the user going home starts the air conditioning equipment installed in his/her house from a remote place.SOLUTION: The system inquires of the user who is going back to his/her house 4 whether he/she wants to start an air conditioner 6 which is air conditioning equipment installed in the house 4, when a timing of starting the air conditioner 6 has come (S3). When the user selects the start of the air conditioner 6 in the inquiry, the system starts the air conditioner 6 (S5). Later, when detecting a factor of a late arrival of the user to the house, the system inquires of the user whether he/she wants to stop the air conditioner 6 (S8). When the user selects the stop of the air conditioner 6 in the inquiry, the system stops the air conditioner 6 (S10).

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning facility activation system, an air conditioning facility activation device, an air conditioning facility activation method, and a computer program that activate an air conditioning facility from a remote location.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some air conditioners such as air conditioners are provided with a timer function in order to control the operation state according to a time desired by a user. For example, it is possible to start cooling or heating operation from a desired time by setting a desired time such as 30 minutes before the scheduled return time to the timer.

  Here, in the conventional air conditioning equipment having the timer function, when the user wants to start driving before the scheduled return time or a predetermined time before the scheduled return time, the user predicts his / her return time before going out. The timer was set according to the expected return home time. However, there are many cases where there is a difference between the scheduled return time and the actual return time. Therefore, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-264077, the navigation apparatus calculates the estimated arrival time at the home from the current position of the vehicle and the route to the home. Describes a technique for outputting an operation start instruction to a home appliance when the distance becomes within a predetermined distance and starting the operation of the home appliance.

JP 2001-264077 A (Page 5-7, FIG. 5, FIG. 9, FIG. 10)

  Here, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the user sets the activation condition in advance, when the predetermined time before the estimated arrival time or when the distance from the home is within the predetermined distance. The operation start instruction is automatically output to the home appliance without confirming with the user. However, if the operation start instruction is automatically output without confirming to the user as in the cited document 1, the home appliance may be activated against the user's intention. For example, there are a case where the user decides to take a detour after setting the activation condition, or a case where the route is suddenly changed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems. When a user heading for a home activates the air conditioning equipment installed in the home from a remote location, the air conditioning equipment is contrary to the user's intention. An object is to provide an air conditioning equipment activation system, an air conditioning equipment activation device, an air conditioning equipment activation method, and a computer program that are prevented from being activated.

In order to achieve the object, the air conditioning equipment activation system (1) according to claim 1 of the present application activates the air conditioning equipment (6) installed in the home for a user heading to the home (4). An activation inquiry means (13) for inquiring whether or not, based on an inquiry result by the activation inquiry means, an activation selection determination means (13) for determining whether or not the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment, When it is determined by the activation selection determining means that the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment, activation means (13) for activating the air conditioning equipment, and a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home When the delay factor detection means (13) to detect and the delay factor detection means detect a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home, Stop inquiry means (13) for inquiring whether or not to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment, and whether or not the user has selected to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment based on the inquiry result by the stop inquiry means Stop selection determining means (13) for determining and start stop means for stopping the start of the air conditioning equipment when the stop selection determining means determines that the user has selected to stop starting the air conditioning equipment. (13).
In addition to the air conditioner, the “air conditioner” includes a ventilation fan, an air purifier, a humidifier, and the like.

  An air conditioning equipment activation system (1) according to claim 2 is the air conditioning equipment activation system according to claim 1, further comprising traffic jam information acquisition means (13) for acquiring traffic jam information, wherein the delay factor detection is performed. The means (13) detects a traffic jam occurring between the user and the home (4) as a factor that delays the arrival of the user at the home.

  Moreover, the air-conditioning equipment starting system (1) according to claim 3 is the air-conditioning equipment starting system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a traveling direction acquisition means (13) for acquiring the traveling direction of the user. And the delay factor detecting means (13) detects that the traveling direction of the user is different from the direction from the user to the home (4) as a factor that delays the arrival of the user at the home. It is characterized by.

  Moreover, the air-conditioning equipment starting system (1) according to claim 4 is the air-conditioning equipment starting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and is a current position acquisition unit that acquires the current position of the user ( 13) and facility information acquisition means (13) for acquiring facility information relating to the facility (63), wherein the delay factor detection means (13) has a current position of the user other than the home (4) It is detected that it is located in a facility as a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home.

  An air conditioning equipment activation system (1) according to claim 5 is the air conditioning equipment activation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance from the user to the home (4) is acquired. And a distance inquiry means (13) for performing the inquiry, and the activation inquiry means (13) is installed at the home relative to the user when the distance from the user to the home is within a predetermined distance. An inquiry is made as to whether or not to start the air conditioning equipment (6).

  An air conditioning equipment activation system (1) according to claim 6 is the air conditioning equipment activation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ACC of the vehicle (2) on which the user gets on is on. Power activation detection means (13) for detecting that the vehicle has been turned on, and when the activation inquiry means (13) detects that the vehicle ACC is turned on by the power supply detection means, An inquiry is made as to whether or not to activate the air conditioning equipment (6) installed in the home (4).

  In addition, the air conditioning equipment activation device (3) according to claim 7 is an activation inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to activate the air conditioning equipment (6) installed in the home to the user heading to the home (4). (13) and a start selection determination means (13) for determining whether or not the user has selected to start the air conditioning equipment based on the inquiry result by the start inquiry means, and the start selection determination means When it is determined that the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment, an activation means (13) for activating the air conditioning equipment, and a delay factor detection means for detecting a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home (13) and, when the delay factor detection means detects a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home, the air conditioning equipment is stopped from starting for the user. Stop inquiry means (13) for inquiring whether or not, and stop selection determination means for determining whether or not the user has selected to stop activation of the air conditioning equipment based on the inquiry result by the stop inquiry means ( 13) and a start / stop unit (13) for stopping the start of the air conditioning equipment when the stop selection determining means determines that the user has selected to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment. It is characterized by that.

  An air conditioning facility activation method according to claim 8 is an activation inquiry step for inquiring whether or not to activate an air conditioning facility (6) installed at the home, to a user heading to the home (4), An activation selection determination step for determining whether or not the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment based on an inquiry result in the activation inquiry step, and the user activates the air conditioning equipment by the activation selection determination step. When it is determined that the user has selected the activation step of starting the air conditioning equipment, the delay factor detection step of detecting a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home, and the delay factor detection step of the user Whether or not to stop the activation of the air-conditioning equipment for the user when a factor that delays arrival at home is detected The stop inquiry step for inquiring, the stop selection determining step for determining whether or not the user has selected to stop the activation of the air conditioning equipment based on the inquiry result of the stop inquiry step, and the stop selection determining step And a start / stop step of stopping the start of the air conditioning equipment when it is determined that the user has selected to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment.

  Furthermore, the computer program according to claim 9 is installed in a computer, and an activation inquiry function for inquiring whether or not to activate the air conditioning equipment (6) installed in the home to a user heading to the home (4). And an activation selection determination function for determining whether or not the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment based on an inquiry result by the activation inquiry function, and the user selects the air conditioning facility by the activation selection determination function. The activation function that activates the air conditioning equipment when it is determined that the activation is selected, the delay factor detection function that detects a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home, and the delay factor detection function Whether or not to stop the activation of the air-conditioning equipment for the user when a factor that delays the arrival of the user at the home is detected The stop selection determination function for determining whether or not the user has selected to stop the activation of the air conditioning equipment based on the inquiry result by the stop inquiry function, and the stop selection determination function When it is determined that the user has selected to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment, the processor (41) is caused to execute a start / stop function for stopping the start of the air conditioning equipment.

  According to the air conditioning equipment activation system according to claim 1 having the above-described configuration, when the user heading to the home activates the air conditioning equipment installed in the home from a remote place, the air conditioning equipment is activated against the user's intention. It is possible to prevent this. In addition, when it is predicted that the user's arrival at the home will be delayed after the activation, it is possible to reduce the activation of the air conditioning equipment which becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the start-up of the air conditioning equipment against the user's intention.

  Further, according to the air conditioning equipment activation system according to claim 2, when traffic jam occurs between the user and the home, it is predicted that the arrival of the user at the home will be delayed. It is possible to appropriately start the air conditioning equipment in consideration of the arrival delay.

  Further, according to the air conditioning equipment activation system according to claim 3, when the traveling direction of the user is different from the direction to the home, it is predicted that the arrival of the user at the home will be delayed. It is possible to appropriately start the air conditioning equipment in consideration of the delay of arrival at the home.

  According to the air conditioning equipment activation system according to claim 4, when the current position of the user is located in a facility other than the home, it is predicted that the arrival of the user at the home is delayed. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately start the air conditioning equipment in consideration of the delay in arrival of the user at home.

  Further, according to the air conditioning equipment activation system according to claim 5, whether or not to activate the air conditioning equipment installed in the home for the user when the distance from the user to the home is within a predetermined distance. Since the inquiry is made, the air conditioning equipment installed at home can be activated at an appropriate timing before the user arrives at home.

  According to the air conditioning equipment activation system according to claim 6, when it is detected that the ACC of the vehicle is turned on, the user is inquired whether to activate the air conditioning equipment installed at home. Therefore, the air conditioning equipment installed at home can be activated at an appropriate timing before the user arrives at home.

  Further, according to the air conditioning equipment activation device of the seventh aspect, when the user heading to the home activates the air conditioning equipment installed at the home from a remote place, the air conditioning equipment is activated against the user's intention. This can be prevented. In addition, when it is predicted that the user's arrival at the home will be delayed after the activation, it is possible to reduce the activation of the air conditioning equipment which becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the start-up of the air conditioning equipment against the user's intention.

  In addition, according to the air conditioning equipment activation method according to claim 8, when the user heading to the home activates the air conditioning equipment installed at the home from a remote place, the air conditioning equipment is activated against the user's intention. This can be prevented. In addition, when it is predicted that the user's arrival at the home will be delayed after the activation, it is possible to reduce the activation of the air conditioning equipment which becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the start-up of the air conditioning equipment against the user's intention.

  Furthermore, according to the computer program of the ninth aspect, when the user heading to the home activates the air conditioning equipment installed at the home from a remote place, the air conditioning equipment is activated against the user's intention. It becomes possible to prevent. In addition, when it is predicted that the user's arrival at the home will be delayed after the activation, it is possible to reduce the activation of the air conditioning equipment which becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the start-up of the air conditioning equipment against the user's intention.

It is a schematic structure figure showing an air-conditioning equipment starting system concerning this embodiment. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the navigation apparatus especially among the air-conditioning equipment starting systems which concern on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the traffic jam information memorize | stored in traffic jam information DB. It is a flowchart of the air-conditioning equipment starting process program which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the starting inquiry screen displayed on a liquid crystal display in step 3. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the starting inquiry screen displayed on a liquid crystal display in step 3. FIG. It is a figure explaining an example of a factor which arrival of a user's home is late. It is a figure explaining an example of a factor which arrival of a user's home is late. It is a figure explaining an example of a factor which arrival of a user's home is late. It is the figure which showed an example of the start stop inquiry screen displayed when the air conditioning cooling or heating operation is started. It is the figure which showed an example of the start / stop inquiry screen displayed when an air conditioner is made into a reservation state.

  Hereinafter, based on one embodiment which materialized an air-conditioning equipment starting system concerning the present invention, it explains in detail, referring to drawings. First, a schematic configuration of the air conditioning equipment activation system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an air conditioning equipment activation system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning equipment activation system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a navigation device 3 mounted on a vehicle 2 and a home appliance control unit 5 installed at a user's home 4 where the vehicle 2 (that is, a user) heads. And a plurality of air conditioners (for example, air conditioners 6) connected to the home appliance control unit 5. In the following embodiment, the user's home will be described as an example of the facility to which the vehicle 2 heads, but it may be other than the user's home. For example, it may be a user's workplace or a store. In addition, although an air conditioner will be described as an example of air conditioning equipment installed at home, it may be other than an air conditioner. For example, a ventilation fan, an air cleaner, a humidifier, etc. may be used.

  Here, the navigation device 3 is installed in the vehicle 2 traveling on each road in the country, displays a map around the vehicle position based on the stored map information, and searches and guides a route to a set destination. It is an in-vehicle device that performs. The navigation device 3 is connected to a communication network via a communication module, and is configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with the home appliance control unit 5 installed in the home 4. Then, as will be described later, the user is inquired whether to start the air conditioner 6 at a predetermined timing (for example, when the ACC of the vehicle 2 is turned on), and the user selects to start the air conditioner 6. In this case, an activation signal for activating the air conditioner 6 is transmitted to the home appliance control unit 5. In addition, as described later, when the user detects a factor that delays arrival at home, the user is inquired whether to stop the activation of the air conditioner 6 and the user stops the activation of the air conditioner 6. When this is selected, a stop signal for stopping the activation of the air conditioner 6 is transmitted to the home appliance control unit 5. The details of the navigation device 3 will be described later.

  The home appliance control unit 5 is connected to a plurality of air conditioners such as an air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 and is a control unit that controls the operation of home appliances including the air conditioner such as the air conditioner 6. The home appliance control unit 5 includes a CPU as an arithmetic device (not shown), a RAM as a storage device, a ROM, and the like. Further, it is connected to a communication network via a communication device, and is configured to be capable of bidirectional communication with the navigation device 3. When an activation signal for activating the air conditioner 6 is received from the navigation device 3 as will be described later, the air conditioner 6 is activated. In addition, in addition to starting the cooling and heating operation of the air conditioner 6, the activation includes a state in which a time for starting the cooling and heating operation is set (hereinafter, reserved state). Further, when a stop signal for stopping the start of the air conditioner 6 is received from the navigation device 3 as described later, the start of the air conditioner 6 is stopped. The stop of activation includes releasing the reserved state in addition to stopping the cooling and heating operation of the air conditioner 6.

  The navigation device 3 and the home appliance control unit 5 may be connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication via a communication center or the like, or may be connected so as to be capable of direct bidirectional communication without passing through a communication center or the like. Moreover, the household appliance control unit 5 is good also as a structure (namely, the structure in which the household appliance control unit 5 and air conditioning equipment are integrated) included in air conditioning equipment, such as the air conditioner 6. FIG.

  Then, the structure of the navigation apparatus 3 which comprises the air-conditioning equipment starting system 1 is demonstrated in detail using FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the navigation device 3 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the navigation device 3 according to the present embodiment includes a current position detection unit 11 that detects a current position of a vehicle on which the navigation device 3 is mounted, a data recording unit 12 that records various data, A navigation ECU 13 that performs various arithmetic processes based on the input information, an operation unit 14 that receives operations from the user, and a liquid crystal display 15 that displays a map around the vehicle and facility information related to the facility to the user. Communicating between a speaker 16 that outputs voice guidance regarding route guidance, a DVD drive 17 that reads a DVD as a storage medium, and an information center such as a probe center or a VICS (registered trademark: Vehicle Information and Communication System) center And a communication module 18 for performing.

Below, each component which comprises the navigation apparatus 3 is demonstrated in order.
The current position detection unit 11 includes a GPS 21, a vehicle speed sensor 22, a steering sensor 23, a gyro sensor 24, and the like, and can detect the current vehicle position, direction, vehicle traveling speed, current time, and the like. . Here, in particular, the vehicle speed sensor 22 is a sensor for detecting a moving distance and a vehicle speed of the vehicle, generates a pulse according to the rotation of the driving wheel of the vehicle, and outputs a pulse signal to the navigation ECU 13. And navigation ECU13 calculates the rotational speed and moving distance of a driving wheel by counting the generated pulse. Note that the navigation device 3 does not have to include all of the above five types of sensors, and the navigation device 3 may include only one or more of these types of sensors.

  Further, the data recording unit 12 reads out a hard disk (not shown) as an external storage device and a recording medium, a map information DB 31, a traffic jam information DB 32, a predetermined program, and the like recorded in the hard disk and stores predetermined data in the hard disk. And a recording head (not shown) as a driver for writing. The data recording unit 12 may be configured by a memory card, an optical disk such as a CD or a DVD, instead of the hard disk.

  Here, for example, the map information DB 31 searches for link data relating to roads (links), node data relating to node points, facility data relating to facilities, map display data for displaying a map, intersection data relating to each intersection, and routes. Search means, search data for searching points, and the like are stored. The map information DB 31 also stores the position coordinates of the user's home registered in the navigation device 3. The facility data also stores the position coordinates that specify the location of the facility.

  The traffic jam information DB 32 is storage means for storing traffic jam information acquired from a traffic information center such as a VICS center for a certain period of time. Here, the traffic jam information stored in the traffic jam information DB 32 includes a traffic jam level indicating the level of the traffic jam, a traffic jam length indicating the traffic jam section, a travel time, and the like. Here, the degree of traffic jam is information indicating the level of traffic jam, and there is data of “traffic jam”, “crowded”, and “empty” from the higher traffic jam level. The degree of congestion is determined based on road attributes (intercity highway, intracity highway, general road) and the average vehicle speed of vehicles passing through the road. As an example, on an ordinary road, if the average vehicle speed is 10 km or less, it is determined as “congested”, if the average vehicle speed is greater than 10 km and less than 20 km, it is determined as “congested”, and if the average vehicle speed is 20 km or more, “empty” " And the navigation apparatus 3 acquires new traffic jam information from traffic information centers, such as a VICS center, for every predetermined time (for example, every 5 minutes), and stores it in traffic jam information DB32. Then, the traffic jam information stored in the traffic jam information DB 32 is detected as a factor that delays the arrival of the user at home as will be described later.

Hereinafter, the traffic information stored in the traffic information DB 32 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of traffic jam information stored in the traffic jam information DB 32.
As shown in FIG. 3, the traffic jam information includes a VICS link number for identifying a link, a traffic jam level for the link, a traffic jam length indicating a traffic jam section, a travel time, and the like. For example, the traffic jam information shown in FIG. 3 is information generated for 5 minutes from 13:56 to 14: 1 on March 6, 2011 and distributed at 14: 1, and the VICS link number “533945- The link “4-4” indicates that the degree of traffic jam is “traffic jam” in all sections and the travel time is 7 minutes. Further, regarding the link with the VICS link number “533946-10-2”, the congestion degree is “congested” in all sections, and the travel time is 5 minutes. Furthermore, regarding the link with the VICS link number “533947-6-1”, the congestion degree is “congested” in the 200 m section from the point A, and the travel time is 3 minutes.

  On the other hand, the navigation ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 13 is an electronic control unit that controls the entire navigation device 3, and includes a CPU 41 as an arithmetic device and a control device, and a working memory when the CPU 41 performs various arithmetic processes. As well as a RAM 42 for storing route data when a route is searched, a control program, and a ROM 43 and ROM 43 in which an air conditioning facility activation processing program (see FIG. 4) described later is recorded. An internal storage device such as a flash memory 44 for storing the read program is provided. The navigation ECU 13 constitutes various means as processing algorithms. For example, the guide route setting means sets a guide route from a departure place (for example, the current position of the vehicle) to a destination. The activation inquiry means inquires of the user heading to the home 4 whether to activate the air conditioning equipment (for example, the air conditioner 6) installed at the home. The activation selection determining means determines whether or not the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment based on the inquiry result from the activation inquiry means. The activation means activates the air conditioning equipment when it is determined by the activation selection determination means that the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment. The delay factor detecting means detects a factor that delays the arrival of the vehicle (ie, user) at home, and the stop inquiry means detects the factor that delays the arrival of the vehicle (ie, user) at home, To inquire whether or not to stop the air conditioning equipment. The stop selection determination means determines whether or not the user has selected to stop the activation of the air conditioning equipment based on the inquiry result from the stop inquiry means. The start / stop means stops the start of the air conditioning equipment when the stop selection determination means determines that the user has selected to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment. The traffic jam information acquisition unit acquires traffic jam information, and the travel direction acquisition unit acquires the travel direction of the vehicle (that is, the user). The current position acquisition unit acquires the current position of the vehicle (that is, the user), and the facility information acquisition unit acquires facility information regarding the facility. The distance acquisition unit acquires the distance from the vehicle (that is, the user) to the home, and the power source detection unit detects that the ACC of the vehicle on which the user gets is turned on.

  The operation unit 14 is operated when inputting a departure point as a travel start point and a destination as a travel end point, and includes a plurality of operation switches (not shown) such as various keys and buttons. Then, the navigation ECU 13 performs control to execute various corresponding operations based on switch signals output by pressing the switches. Further, in the present embodiment, when an inquiry about whether to activate the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 is made to the user, the user's selection whether to activate the air conditioner 6 is also accepted. used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user is inquired whether to stop the activation of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4, the user's selection as to whether to stop the activation of the air conditioner 6 is made. Also used when accepting. The operation unit 14 can also be configured by a touch panel provided on the front surface of the liquid crystal display 15. Moreover, it can also be comprised with a microphone and a speech recognition apparatus.

  The liquid crystal display 15 also includes a map image including a road, traffic information, operation guidance, operation menu, key guidance, a planned travel route from the departure point to the destination, guidance information along the planned travel route, news, weather Forecast, time, mail, TV program, etc. are displayed. In particular, in the present embodiment, an activation inquiry screen (see FIGS. 5 and 6) for inquiring whether the user activates the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 or the user installed in the home 4. Also, a start / stop inquiry screen (see FIGS. 10 and 11) for inquiring whether to stop the start of the air conditioner 6 is displayed.

  Further, the speaker 16 outputs voice guidance for guiding traveling along the planned traveling route and traffic information guidance based on an instruction from the navigation ECU 13. In particular, in the present embodiment, a voice for inquiring the user whether to activate the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 or whether to stop the activation of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 to the user. Also output the voice to be queried.

  The DVD drive 17 is a drive that can read data recorded on a recording medium such as a DVD or a CD. Based on the read data, music and video are reproduced, the map information DB 31 is updated, and the like.

  The communication module 18 is a communication device for receiving traffic information composed of information such as traffic jam information, regulation information, and traffic accident information transmitted from a traffic information center, for example, a VICS center or a probe center. For example, a mobile phone or DCM is applicable. Furthermore, the communication module 18 also transmits a start signal for starting the air conditioner 6 and a start / stop signal for stopping the start of the air conditioner 6 to the home appliance control unit 5 installed in the home 4. Used.

  Then, the air-conditioning equipment starting process program executed in the navigation apparatus 3 which comprises the air-conditioning equipment starting system 1 which has the said structure is demonstrated based on FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the air conditioning equipment activation processing program according to this embodiment. Here, the air conditioning equipment activation processing program is a program that is executed when the ACC of the vehicle 2 is turned on, and that activates and stops the activation of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 below is stored in the RAM 42, ROM 43, etc. provided in the navigation ECU 13 and executed by the CPU 41.

  In the air conditioning equipment activation processing program, first, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the vehicle 2 (that is, the user who gets on the vehicle 2) goes to the home 4. Here, as a case where it is determined that the vehicle 2 heads home, for example, when the home is set as the destination in the navigation device 3, when the ACC of the vehicle 2 is turned on at work, 17:00 to 24:00 In some cases, the ACC of the vehicle is turned on other than at home. The current position of the vehicle 2 is detected by the GPS 21 or the like.

  And when it determines with the vehicle 2 (namely, user who gets in the vehicle 2) heading to the home 4 (S1: YES), it transfers to S2. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle 2 does not go to the home 4 (S1: NO), the air conditioning equipment activation processing program is terminated without activating the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4.

In S <b> 2, the CPU 41 determines whether it is time to activate the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4. Here, as timing which starts the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4, there are the following timings (A) to (C), for example.
(A) Timing when the distance from the vehicle 2 (that is, the user who gets on the vehicle 2) to the home 4 is within a predetermined distance (for example, 3 km).
(B) Timing when a predetermined time (for example, 15 minutes) before the estimated arrival time when the vehicle 2 (that is, a user who gets in the vehicle 2) arrives at the home 4 is reached.
(C) Timing when the ACC of the vehicle 2 is turned on.

  When calculating the distance from the vehicle 2 to the home 4 in (A), if the guide route is set, the distance from the current position of the vehicle 2 along the guide route to the home 4 is calculated. To do. On the other hand, when the guide route is not set, the recommended route or the shortest route from the current position of the vehicle to the home is specified, and the distance from the current position of the vehicle 2 to the home 4 along the recommended route or the shortest route is determined. calculate. A linear distance from the current position of the vehicle 2 to the home 4 may be calculated.

  In (B), when the estimated arrival time at home 4 is calculated, if the guidance route is set, the estimated arrival time at the home 4 of the vehicle 2 traveling along the guidance route is set to the link. Calculate from travel time. On the other hand, when the guide route is not set, the recommended route or the shortest route from the current position of the vehicle to the home is specified, and the estimated arrival time of the vehicle 2 traveling along the recommended route or the shortest route to the home 4 Is calculated from the travel time of the link. Note that it is desirable to calculate the estimated arrival time in consideration of traffic jam information (see FIG. 3) acquired from the VICS center or the like.

  And when it determines with it being the timing which starts the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 in the determination process of S2 (S2: YES), it transfers to S3. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the timing to activate the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 (S2: NO), it waits until the timing to activate the air conditioner 6 is reached.

  In S <b> 3, the CPU 41 displays a start inquiry screen on the liquid crystal display 15 for inquiring whether or not to start the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 to the user. Further, the inquiry may be made by voice output from the speaker 16. The activation includes not only starting the cooling and heating operation of the air conditioner 6 but also setting a state (reserved state) in which the time for starting the cooling and heating operation is set.

Here, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams showing an example of the activation inquiry screen 50 displayed on the liquid crystal display 15 in Step 3.
As shown in FIG. 5, the activation inquiry screen 50 includes an inquiry window 52 displayed superimposed on a travel guidance screen 51 showing a map image around the vehicle. In the inquiry window 52, the type of air conditioner operation (for example, “automatic”, “cooling”, and “heating”) is selected together with the text “Do you want to start the air conditioner operation?” Operation selection unit 53, operation start selection unit 54 selected by the user when starting the operation of the air conditioner with the selected type of operation, and operation non-start selection selected by the user when not starting the operation of the air conditioner Part 55 is displayed. Then, the user selects whether to start the operation of the air conditioner 6 in the home 4 on the activation inquiry screen 50 shown in FIG. Furthermore, when starting operation, the type of operation is also selected.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, on the activation inquiry screen 50, an inquiry may be made as to whether or not to enter a reservation state in which a time for starting cooling or heating operation is set. In the inquiry window 56 shown in FIG. 6, the type of air conditioner operation (for example, “automatic”, “cooling”, and “heating”) along with the text “Do you want to make an air conditioner operation reservation?” The operation selection unit 57 to be selected, the time selection unit 58 to select the operation start time of the air conditioner, and the user who makes a reservation for starting the operation of the air conditioner at the time selected by the selected operation type are selected by the user. An operation reservation start selection unit 59 and an operation reservation non-start selection unit 60 selected by the user when the operation reservation of the air conditioner is not performed are displayed. Then, the user selects whether or not to set the air conditioner 6 at home 4 in the reservation state on the activation inquiry screen 50 shown in FIG. Furthermore, when setting the reservation state, the type of operation and the operation start time are also selected.

  Next, in S4, the CPU 41 determines whether or not to activate the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 is selected on the activation inquiry screen 50 displayed in S3. Specifically, when the operation start selection unit 54 is selected on the activation inquiry screen 50 shown in FIG. 5 or when the operation reservation start selection unit 59 is selected on the activation inquiry screen 50 shown in FIG. It is determined that activation of the air conditioner 6 installed in is selected.

  And when it determines with starting the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 having been selected (S4: YES), it transfers to S5. On the other hand, when it is determined that activation of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 is not selected (S4: NO), the air conditioning facility activation processing program is terminated without activating the air conditioner 6.

  In S <b> 5, the CPU 41 transmits an activation signal for activating the air conditioner 6 to the home appliance control unit 5. And the household appliance control unit 5 which received the starting signal from the navigation apparatus 3 starts the air conditioner 6. FIG.

Next, in S <b> 6, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home 4 is detected. Here, there are the following factors (a) to (c) as factors that delay the arrival of the user at home 4, for example.
(A) There is a traffic jam between the vehicle 2 (that is, a user who gets on the vehicle 2) and the home 4.
(B) The traveling direction of the vehicle 2 (that is, the user who gets on the vehicle 2) is different from the direction of the home 4.
(C) The current position of the vehicle 2 (that is, the user who gets on the vehicle 2) is located in a facility other than the home 4 (that is, the user is taking a detour).

  In (a), “the occurrence of a traffic jam between the vehicle 2 and the home 4” is detected based on traffic jam information (see FIG. 3) acquired from the VICS center or the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, when the guide route is set, the CPU 41 has a section in which the congestion degree is set to “congested” or “congested” in the guide route. It detects that there is a traffic jam between the vehicle 2 and the home 4. When the guide route is not set, the recommended route or the shortest route from the current position of the vehicle to the home is specified, and the congestion degree is set to “congested” or “congested” in the recommended route or the shortest route Is detected that there is a traffic jam between the vehicle 2 and the home 4.

  In (b), “the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 is different from the direction of the home 4” means that the vehicle orientation detected by the gyro sensor 24, the current position of the vehicle detected by the GPS 21, the home 4 based on the position coordinates. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 41 calculates the orientation of the vehicle 2 relative to the current position of the vehicle 2 as the home direction 61 based on the current position of the vehicle 2 and the position coordinates of the home 4. . Thereafter, the traveling direction (vehicle orientation) 62 of the vehicle 2 detected by the gyro sensor 24 or the like is compared with the calculated home direction 61, and the angle θ formed by each direction is equal to or larger than a predetermined angle (for example, 100 degrees or larger). In addition, it is detected that the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 is different from the direction of the home 4.

  In (c), “the current position of the vehicle 2 is located in a facility other than the home 4” is based on the current position of the vehicle detected by the GPS 21 or the like and the facility data stored in the map information DB 31. Detected. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the vehicle 2 is located in a facility other than home based on the current position of the vehicle 2 and the position coordinates of each facility included in the facility data. judge. When it is determined that the vehicle 2 is located in a facility other than the home (the facility 63 in the example illustrated in FIG. 9), the vehicle 2 is detected to be located in a facility other than the home.

  In S6, the fact that the current position of the vehicle 2 is located in a facility other than the home and the ignition of the vehicle 2 is turned off may be detected as a factor that delays the user's arrival at the home 4. Alternatively, the fact that a predetermined time or more has elapsed in a state where the current position of the vehicle 2 is located in a facility other than the home may be detected as a factor that delays the arrival of the user at the home 4.

  If it is determined in the determination process of S6 that a factor that delays the user's arrival at home 4 is detected (S6: YES), the process proceeds to S8. On the other hand, when it is determined that a factor that delays the user's arrival at home 4 is not detected (S6: NO), the process proceeds to S7.

  In S <b> 7, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the vehicle 2 (that is, a user who gets on the vehicle 2) has arrived at the home 4. Specifically, it is determined that the vehicle 2 has arrived at the home 4 when the current position of the vehicle 2 detected by the GPS 21 or the like is within a predetermined distance (for example, within 200 m) of the position coordinates of the home 4.

  And when it determines with the vehicle 2 having arrived at the home 4 (S7: YES), the said air-conditioning equipment starting process program is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle 2 has not arrived at the home 4 (S7: NO), the process returns to S6.

  On the other hand, in S <b> 8, the CPU 41 displays a start / stop inquiry screen on the liquid crystal display 15 for inquiring whether or not to stop the start of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4. Further, the inquiry may be made by voice output from the speaker 16. The stop of activation includes releasing the state (reserved state) in which the time for starting the cooling or heating operation is set in addition to stopping the cooling or heating operation of the air conditioner 6.

Here, FIGS. 10 and 11 are diagrams showing an example of the start / stop inquiry screen 70 displayed on the liquid crystal display 15 in Step 8. FIG. 10 is an example of the start / stop inquiry screen 70 displayed when the air conditioner 6 starts cooling or heating in S5. FIG. 11 is displayed when the air conditioner 6 is set in the reserved state in S5. This is an example of the start / stop inquiry screen 70.
As shown in FIG. 10, the start / stop inquiry screen 70 includes an inquiry window 72 displayed superimposed on a travel guidance screen 71 showing a map image around the vehicle. In addition, the inquiry window 72 indicates the current operating state of the air conditioner (for example, “automatic”, “cooling”, and “heating”) along with a sentence “Do you want to stop the operation of the air conditioner?” An operation notification unit 73, an operation stop selection unit 74 selected by the user when stopping the operation of the air conditioner, and an operation non-stop selection unit 75 selected by the user when not stopping the operation of the air conditioner are displayed. The Then, on the start / stop inquiry screen 70 shown in FIG. 10, the user selects whether or not to stop the operation of the air conditioner 6 in the home 4 started in S5.

  On the other hand, in the start / stop inquiry screen 70 shown in FIG. 11, the inquiry window 72 includes a reservation content notifying unit 77 that notifies the current air conditioner reservation content together with a sentence “Do you want to cancel the air conditioner operation reservation?” Then, an operation reservation cancel selection unit 78 selected by the user when canceling the air conditioner reservation state, and an operation reservation non-cancel selection unit 79 selected by the user when the air conditioner reservation state is not cancelled are displayed. . Then, on the start / stop inquiry screen 70 shown in FIG. 11, the user selects whether or not to cancel the reservation state of the air conditioner 6 of the home 4 set in S5.

  Next, in S <b> 9, the CPU 41 determines whether or not to stop the activation of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 is selected on the activation stop inquiry screen 70 displayed in S <b> 8. Specifically, when the operation stop selection unit 74 is selected on the start / stop inquiry screen 70 shown in FIG. 10 or when the operation reservation cancel selection unit 78 is selected on the start / stop inquiry screen 70 shown in FIG. It is determined that stopping the activation of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 has been selected.

  And when it determines with stopping starting of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 was selected (S9: YES), it transfers to S10. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not selected to stop the activation of the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 (S9: NO), the air conditioning facility activation processing program is executed with the air conditioner 6 activated. finish.

  In S <b> 10, the CPU 41 transmits a stop signal for stopping the activation of the air conditioner 6 to the home appliance control unit 5. And the household appliance control unit 5 which received the stop signal from the navigation apparatus 3 stops starting of the air-conditioner 6. FIG.

Next, in S11, the CPU 41 determines whether or not it is time to activate the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 once activated in S10. Here, as the timing of restarting the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4, for example, there are the following timings (1) to (5).
(1) Timing when the distance from the vehicle 2 (that is, the user who gets on the vehicle 2) to the home 4 is within a predetermined distance (for example, 1 km).
(2) Timing when a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) before the scheduled arrival time when the vehicle 2 (that is, a user who gets on the vehicle 2) arrives at the home 4 is reached.
(3) The timing at which the traffic jam between the vehicle and the home 4 is resolved, particularly when the factor (a) is detected as a factor that delays the arrival of the user at the home 4 in S6.
(4) As a factor that delays the arrival of the user at the home 4 in S6, particularly when the factor (b) is detected, the traveling direction of the vehicle 2 (that is, the user who gets on the vehicle 2) is the home 4 The timing when it becomes the same direction as.
(5) The timing at which the ACC of the vehicle 2 is turned on or the timing when the user leaves the facility, particularly when the factor (c) is detected as a factor that delays the user's arrival at the home 4 in S6.

  And when it determines with it being the timing which restarts the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 in the determination process of said S11 (S11: YES), it transfers to S3. Then, the startup inquiry screen 50 (FIGS. 5 and 6) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 15 as described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not time to restart the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 (S11: NO), the process proceeds to S12.

  In S <b> 12, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the vehicle 2 (that is, a user who gets on the vehicle 2) has arrived at the home 4.

  And when it determines with the vehicle 2 having arrived at the home 4 (S12: YES), the said air-conditioning equipment starting process program is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the vehicle 2 has not arrived at the home 4 (S12: NO), the process returns to S11.

As described in detail above, in the air conditioning equipment activation system 1, the navigation apparatus 3, the air conditioning equipment activation method by the air conditioning equipment activation system 1, and the computer program executed by the navigation apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment, the user heading to the home 4 In response to the start timing of the air conditioner 6 that is an air conditioner installed in the home 4, an inquiry is made as to whether or not to start the air conditioner 6 (S3). If it is selected to do so, the air conditioner 6 is activated (S5), and if a factor that delays the user's arrival at home is detected, the user is inquired whether or not to stop the activation of the air conditioner 6 (S8), when the user selects to stop the activation of the air conditioner 6 in the inquiry, Since the activation of the computer 6 is stopped (S10), when the user heading to the home 4 activates the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 from a remote place, the air conditioner 6 is activated against the user's intention. It becomes possible to prevent. In addition, when the arrival of the user at home 4 is expected to be delayed after activation, it is possible to reduce unnecessary activation of air conditioner 6. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the activation of the air conditioner 6 against the user's intention.
In addition, when a traffic jam occurs between the user and the home 4, it is predicted that the user will arrive at the home 4 late, so the air conditioner 6 is activated in consideration of the delay in the user's arrival at the home 4 due to the traffic jam. Can be performed appropriately.
In addition, when the traveling direction of the user is different from the direction to the home 4, it is predicted that the arrival of the user at the home 4 will be delayed. The air conditioner 6 can be activated properly.
In addition, when the user's current position is located in a facility other than the home 4, the user's arrival at the home 4 is predicted to be delayed. Considering this, the air conditioner 6 can be activated properly.
Further, when the distance from the user to the home 4 is within a predetermined distance, the user is inquired whether to activate the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4, so the air conditioner installed in the home 4 6 can be activated at an appropriate timing before the user arrives at home 4.
Further, when it is detected that the ACC of the vehicle 2 is turned on, the user is inquired whether to activate the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4. It is possible to activate the user at an appropriate timing before the user arrives at home 4.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, the timings (A) to (C) are given as timings for starting the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4 in S6, but other timings may be used. Similarly, although the above factors (a) to (c) are cited as factors for delaying the user's arrival at home 4, other factors may be used. Moreover, although the timing of said (1)-(5) is mentioned as a timing which restarts the air conditioner 6 installed in the house 4, you may use another timing.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, after stopping the start of the air conditioning equipment installed in the home 4 (S10), a determination process (S11) is performed to determine whether it is time to start the air conditioning equipment again. This process may be omitted.

  Further, the traffic jam information acquired in order to detect a factor that delays the user's arrival at home is not limited to the traffic jam information acquired from the VICS center, but may be other traffic jam information. For example, the traffic information acquired from the probe center may be used, or the statistical traffic information stored in advance in the navigation device 3 may be used.

In addition to the navigation device, the present invention can be applied to a device including a display and a speaker for making an inquiry to the user. For example, the present invention can be applied to a portable terminal such as a cellular phone or a PDA, a personal computer, a portable music player, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a portable terminal or the like). Further, the present invention can be applied to a system including a server and a mobile terminal. In that case, each step of the above-described air conditioning equipment activation processing program (FIG. 4) may be configured to be implemented by either a server or a portable terminal. In addition, when the present invention is applied to a mobile terminal or the like, the travel guidance screen may show a moving object other than the vehicle, for example, a user such as a mobile terminal or a map around the current position of a two-wheeled vehicle. Further, as the timing for starting the air conditioner 6 installed in the home 4, the following timings (D) to (F) may be used in addition to the timings (A) to (C) described above.
(D) Timing when the distance from the moving body other than the vehicle, for example, a user such as a portable terminal or a two-wheeled vehicle to the home 4 becomes a predetermined distance.
(E) Timing that is a predetermined time before the estimated arrival time when a moving body other than the vehicle, for example, a user such as a mobile terminal or a two-wheeled vehicle arrives at the home 4.
(F) Timing when the power of the portable terminal or the like is turned on.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioning equipment starting system 2 Vehicle 3 Navigation device 4 Home 5 Home appliance control unit 6 Air conditioner 13 Navigation ECU
41 CPU
42 RAM
43 ROM

Claims (9)

Activation inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to activate the air conditioning equipment installed at the home to the user heading to the home;
An activation selection determining means for determining whether or not the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment based on an inquiry result by the activation inquiry means;
An activation means for activating the air conditioning equipment when it is determined by the activation selection judging means that the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment;
Delay factor detection means for detecting a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home;
Stop inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment when the delay factor detection means detects a delay in the arrival of the user at the home,
Stop selection determination means for determining whether or not the user has selected to stop starting the air conditioning equipment, based on the inquiry result by the stop inquiry means;
An air-conditioning facility comprising start-stop means for stopping activation of the air-conditioning equipment when it is judged by the stop-selection judging means that the user has selected to stop the air-conditioning equipment. Boot system. It has traffic information acquisition means to acquire traffic information,
2. The air conditioning equipment activation system according to claim 1, wherein the delay factor detection unit detects a traffic jam that occurs between the user and the home as a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home. A traveling direction acquisition means for acquiring the traveling direction of the user;
The delay factor detecting means detects that the user's traveling direction is different from the direction from the user to the home as a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home. Item 3. The air conditioning equipment activation system according to item 2. Current position acquisition means for acquiring the current position of the user;
And facility information acquisition means for acquiring facility information about the facility,
The delay factor detecting means detects that the current location of the user is located in a facility other than the home as a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home. The air conditioning equipment activation system according to any one of 3 above. A distance acquisition means for acquiring a distance from the user to the home;
When the distance from the user to the home is within a predetermined distance, the activation inquiry means inquires of the user whether to activate the air conditioning equipment installed at the home. The air conditioning equipment activation system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: Power detection means for detecting that the ACC of the vehicle on which the user gets on is turned on;
The activation inquiry means inquires of the user whether to activate the air conditioning equipment installed in the home when the power detection means detects that the ACC of the vehicle is turned on. The air-conditioning equipment start-up system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Activation inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to activate the air conditioning equipment installed at the home to the user heading to the home;
An activation selection determining means for determining whether or not the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment based on an inquiry result by the activation inquiry means;
An activation means for activating the air conditioning equipment when it is determined by the activation selection judging means that the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment;
Delay factor detection means for detecting a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home;
Stop inquiry means for inquiring whether or not to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment when the delay factor detection means detects a delay in the arrival of the user at the home,
Stop selection determination means for determining whether or not the user has selected to stop starting the air conditioning equipment, based on the inquiry result by the stop inquiry means;
An air-conditioning facility comprising start-stop means for stopping activation of the air-conditioning equipment when it is judged by the stop-selection judging means that the user has selected to stop the air-conditioning equipment. Activation device. An activation inquiry step for inquiring whether or not to activate the air conditioning equipment installed at the home, to the user heading to the home;
An activation selection determination step for determining whether or not the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment based on the inquiry result of the activation inquiry step;
An activation step of activating the air conditioning equipment when it is determined by the activation selection determining step that the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment;
A delay factor detection step of detecting a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home;
A stop inquiry step for inquiring whether or not to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment when the delay factor detection step detects a delay in the arrival of the user at the home;
A stop selection determination step for determining whether or not the user has selected to stop starting the air conditioning equipment, based on the inquiry result of the stop inquiry step;
An air-conditioning facility comprising: a start-stop step for stopping the air-conditioning facility when it is determined in the stop-selection determining step that the user has selected to stop the air-conditioning facility. starting method. On the computer,
An activation inquiry function for inquiring whether or not to activate the air conditioning equipment installed at the home, to the user heading to the home;
An activation selection determination function for determining whether or not the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment, based on an inquiry result by the activation inquiry function;
An activation function for activating the air conditioning equipment when it is determined by the activation selection determining function that the user has selected to activate the air conditioning equipment;
A delay factor detection function for detecting a factor that delays arrival of the user at the home;
A stop inquiry function for inquiring whether or not to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment when the delay factor detection function detects a delay in the arrival of the user at the home;
Based on the inquiry result by the stop inquiry function, a stop selection determination function for determining whether or not the user has selected to stop starting the air conditioning equipment,
When it is determined by the stop selection determination function that the user has selected to stop the start of the air conditioning equipment, a start stop function for stopping the start of the air conditioning equipment,
A computer program for causing a processor to execute.

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