AU2022396650A1 - Air conditioner and air-conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

This air conditioner has a control unit that uses presence/absence information indicating the presence/absence of a user in an air-conditioned space to switch from an air-conditioning operation to a power-saving operation that requires less power consumption than the air-conditioning operation. The control unit switches from the air-conditioning operation to one of a first power-saving operation that prioritizes the comfort of the user and a second power-saving operation that prioritizes the power-saving effect as the power-saving operation. As a result, it is possible to achieve a power-saving operation in which both an improved power-saving effect and comfort of the user can be achieved.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION: AIR CONDITIONER AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air

conditioner and an air conditioning system.

Background

[0002] For example, a power-saving operation of an air

conditioner that includes a human detection sensor that

detects whether a human is present in an air conditioning

space and that stops an air conditioning operation using

results of detection by the human detection sensor has been

proposed (for example, Patent Literature 1). In the air

conditioner according to Patent Literature 1, for example,

when no human in the air conditioning space is detected for

a certain time as the results of detection by the human

detection sensor, executing the power-saving operation

makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of an air

conditioning operation.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent

Publication No. 2016-17663

Summary

Technical Problem

[0004] In the conventional air conditioner, however,

when an air conditioning operation is stopped for power

saving each time non-presence of a human in a short time is

repeated, a time is needed to return the room temperature

in the air conditioning space when a human returns to the

air conditioning space, which impairs comfortableness to a user. Thus, it is difficult to enable both an increase in the power-saving effect and comfortableness to the user.

[00051 In view of such a problem, an object of the

present invention is to provide an air conditioner and an

air conditioning system that make it possible to realize a

power-saving operation by which both an increase in a

power-saving effect and comfortableness to a user are

enabled.

Solution to Problem

[00061 According to an aspect of an embodiment, an air

conditioner includes a controller that, using presence/non

presence information indicating whether a user is present

in an air conditioning space, makes a switch from an air

conditioning operation to a power-saving operation of which

power consumption is smaller than the power consumption of

the air conditioning operation. The controller makes a

switch from the air conditioning operation to any one of a

first power-saving operation that prioritizes

comfortableness to the user and a second power-saving

operation that prioritizes a power-saving effect as the

power-saving operation.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0007] According to the air conditioner of the present

invention, in one aspect, it is possible to realize a

power-saving operation by which both an increase in a

power-saving effect and comfortableness to a user are

enabled.

Brief Description of Drawings

[00081 FIG. 1 is an illustration illustrating an example

of an air conditioning system of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a

configuration of an air conditioner.

FIG. 3 is an illustration illustrating an example of a temperature shifting method in a first power-saving operation in a cooling mode. FIG. 4 is an illustration illustrating an example of the temperature shifting method in the first power-saving operation in a dehumidifying mode. FIG. 5 is an illustration illustrating an example of the temperature shifting method in the first power-saving operation in a heating mode. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a communication adaptor. FIG. 7 is an illustration illustrating an example of results of predicting presence or non-presence. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a server device. FIG. 9 is an illustration illustrating an example of data that is used to generate a presence/non-presence pattern. FIG. 10 is an illustration illustrating an example of a pattern of a user that is predicted using the presence/non-presence pattern. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operations performed by a CPU of a server device involved in a generating process of generating the presence/non-presence pattern. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operations performed by the CPU of the server device involved in an updating process of updating the presence/non-presence pattern. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operations performed by a controller of an indoor unit involved in a first power-saving process. FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioner of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of

a configuration of an air conditioner of Embodiment 3.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of

processing operations performed by the controller of the

indoor unit involved in a second power-saving process.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of

a configuration of an air conditioner of Embodiment 4.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of

processing operations performed by the controller of the

indoor unit involved in a third power-saving process.

Description of Embodiments

[00091 Embodiments of an air conditioner and an air

conditioning system disclosed in the preset application

will be described in detail below according to the

drawings. Note that the embodiments do not limit the

disclosed technique. Each embodiment described below may

be modified as appropriate in a range where no

inconsistency is caused.

[First Embodiment]

[0010] <Configuration of Air Conditioning System>

FIG. 1 is an illustration illustrating an example of

an air conditioning system 1 of Embodiment 1. The air

conditioning system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an air

conditioner 2, a communication adapter 3, a router 4, a

server device 5, a relay device 6, a terminal device 7, and

a communication network 8.

[0011] <Configuration of Air Conditioner>

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a

configuration of the air conditioner 2. The air

conditioner 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes indoor unit

21, an outdoor unit 22, and a remote controller 23. The

indoor unit 21, for example, is arranged indoors and is part of the air conditioner 2 that heats or cools the air of the inside that is an air conditioning space. For example, each air conditioning space, such as a living room or a bedroom, is equipped with the indoor unit 21. The indoor unit 21 includes a main unit 21A, a human detecting sensor 21B, a light receiving unit 21C, a controller 21D, and a memory 21E. The main unit 21A is equipped with an indoor fan and an indoor heat exchanger that are not illustrated in the drawings and the indoor air on which the indoor heat exchanger has performed heat exchange with a refrigerant that is supplied from the outdoor unit 22 is blown out by the indoor fan so that indoor heating, cooling, and dehumidifying, etc., are performed. The human detection sensor 21B detects whether a human is present in the air conditioning space. The human detection sensor 21B is, for example, a pyroelectric sensor using infrared light. When the air conditioner 2 is connected to a commercial power after being set and power is supplied, the human detection sensor 21B starts an operation of detecting whether a human, which is not limited to a specific person, is present in a sensor area in the air conditioning space. Note that, thereafter, unless power supply to the air conditioner 2 is stopped, whether a human is present in the air conditioning space is kept detected regardless whether the air conditioner 2 is operated or stopped. The light receiving unit 21C receives light of a command signal from the remote controller 23 and transmits the received command signal to the controller 21D. The memory 21E is, for example, a storage unit that stores various types of information. The controller 21D controls the entire indoor unit 21. The controller 21D executes various types of commands based on command signals. The outdoor unit 22, for example, is equipped with an outdoor fan, a compressor, etc. The remote controller 23 is a remote operation unit that remotely operates the indoor unit 21 according to an operation of a user.

[0012] Using results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B and results of prediction by a presence/non presence predictor 34E to be described below, the controller 21D makes a switch from an air conditioning operation to a power-saving operation of which power consumption is smaller than that of the air conditioning operation. The results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E are information obtained by accumulating results of predicting presence or non-presence of the specific user in the air conditioning space on every 10 minutes in 24 hours, which are results acquired from the presence/non-presence predictor 34E in a communication adapter 3 to be described below. On the other hand, results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B are results of detecting presence or non-presence of a human who is present in the sensor area in the air conditioning space. The air conditioning operation is a normal air conditioning operation of changing the room temperature in the air conditioning space to a set temperature in, for example a cooling mode, a heating mode, or a dehumidifying mode.

[0013] When the human detection sensor 21B detects that a human is present during execution of the power-saving operation, the controller 21D determines that a human is present in the air conditioning space and restarts the air conditioning operation. Although the details will be described below, the controller 21D stores the results of predicting whether the user will be present at a given time, refers to results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present during execution of the air conditioning operation and, when the results of prediction indicate that a human is present, the controller 21D determines that the user will be present in the air conditioning space and keeps the air conditioning operation. Specifically, the controller 21D refers to results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E on a given time, for example, 60 minutes from the time at which the human detection sensor

21B detects that no human is present during execution of

the air conditioning operation. When the results of

prediction indicate presence of a human according to the

referred results of prediction, the controller 21D

determines that the user will be present in the air

conditioning space and keeps the air conditioning

operation.

[0014] The controller 21D refers to the results of

prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E from

the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects

that no human is present during execution of the air

conditioning operation and, when the results of prediction

indicate non-presence of a human, the controller 21D

determines that the user will not be present in the air

conditioning space and makes a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the power-saving operation.

Specifically, the controller 21D refers to the results of

prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E on a

given time, for example, 60 minutes from the time at which

the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is

present during execution of the air conditioning operation.

When the result of prediction contains non-presence of a

human according to the referred results of prediction, the

controller 21D determines that the user will not be present in the air conditioning space and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the power-saving operation.

[0015] The power-saving operation includes a first power-saving operation that prioritizes comfortableness to the user and a second power-saving operation prioritizing power-saving effects. The first power-saving operation is a power-saving operation that is selected in the case where presence of a human and non-presence of a human are mixed in the results of prediction on the given time and is a power-saving operation of changing in stages the set temperature of the air conditioning operation before the switch to the power-saving mode without stopping the air conditioning operation and of which power consumption is smaller than that in the air conditioning operation before the switch to the power-saving operation. The second power-saving operation is a power-saving operation that is selected when the results of prediction on the given time all indicate non-presence of a human and is a power-saving operation that prioritizes the power-saving effect more than comfortableness to the user by stopping the air conditioning operation. The first power-saving operation is a power-saving operation that prioritizes comfortableness more than the power-saving effect compared to the second power-saving operation.

[0016] The first power-saving operation is a power saving operation of shifting the set temperature every 10 minutes in stages from the set temperature in the air conditioning operation before a switch to the power-saving operation corresponding to each operation mode of the normal air-conditioning operation. Note that the operation mode is, for example, the cooling mode, the heating mode, the dehumidifying mode, or the like. Thus, the temperature shifting method of the first power-saving operation differs in each operation mode.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an illustration illustrating an example of the temperature shifting method of the first power saving operation in the cooling mode. When the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present at a time A in the cooling mode, the controller 21D changes the set temperature to Ts+T1, changes the set temperature to (Ts+T1)+T2 at a time B after an elapse of a time t1 from the time A, changes the set temperature to (Ts+T1+T2)+T3 at a time C after an elapse of a time t2 from the time B, and changes the set temperature to (Ts+T1+T2+T3)+T4 at a time D after an elapse of a time t3 from the time C. In other words, in the cooling mode, for example, the controller 21D increases the set temperature every certain time in stages using Ts+T1+T2+T3+T4 as a maximum shift temperature of the set temperature. Note that each of the times t1, t2 and t3 is, for example, 10 minutes and each of shift temperatures at Ti, T2, T3 and T4 is, for example, 0.5 degrees Celsius. The result of detection by the human detection sensor 21B keeps indicating non-presence from the time A to the time D. In other words, the temperature shift continues while the human detection sensor 21B does not detect presence of a human.

[0018] In other words, when the set temperature in the cooling mode in the first power-saving operation is Ts, for example, the controller 21D increases the set temperature by 0.5 degrees Celsius every 10 minutes in stages until the temperature increases from the set temperature Ts by 2 degrees Celsius to a maximum shift temperature. In the case where the set temperature reaches a cooling maximum temperature that can be set in the cooling mode, for example, 30 degrees when the set temperature is increased in stages, the controller 21D stops increasing the set temperature even when the set temperature has not reached the maximum shift temperature corresponding to an increase by two degrees Celsius.

[0019] In the first power-saving operation in the

cooling mode, the cooling operation does not stop while the

set temperature is increased in stages, which makes it

possible to reduce the power consumption of the air

conditioner 2 in stages without impairing comfortableness

to the user.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an illustration illustrating an example

of the temperature shifting method of the first power

saving operation in the dehumidifying mode. When the human

detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present at a

time E in the dehumidifying mode, the controller 21D

changes the set temperature to Ts+T1 and changes the set

temperature to (Ts+T1)+T2 at a time F after an elapse of a

time t1 from the time E. In other words, in the

dehumidifying mode, for example, the controller 21D

increases the set temperature using Ts+T1+T2 as a maximum

shift temperature of the set temperature. Note that the

time t1 is, for example, 10 minutes and each of shift

temperatures at Ti and T2 is, for example, 0.5 degrees

Celsius. The result of detection by the human detection

sensor 21B keeps indicating non-presence from the time E to

the time F. In other words, the temperature shift keeps

while the human detection sensor 21B does not detect

presence of a human.

[0021] In other words, when the set temperature in the

dehumidifying mode in the first power-saving operation is

Ts, for example, the controller 21D increases the set

temperature by 0.5 degrees Celsius every 10 minutes in

stages until the temperature increases from the set

temperature by 1 degree Celsius to a maximum shift temperature. In the case where the set temperature reaches a dehumidifying maximum temperature that can be set in the dehumidifying mode, for example, 30 degrees when the set temperature is increased in stages, the controller 21D stops increasing the set temperature even when the set temperature has not reached the maximum shift temperature corresponding to an increase by one degree Celsius.

[0022] In the first power-saving operation in the

dehumidifying mode, the dehumidifying operation does not

stop while the set temperature is increased in stages,

which makes it possible to reduce the power consumption of

the air conditioner 2 in stages without impairing

comfortableness to the user.

[0023] FIG. 5 is an illustration illustrating an example

of the temperature shifting method of the first power

saving operation in the heating mode. When the human

detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present at a

time G in the heating mode, the controller 21D changes the

set temperature to Ts-T1, changes the set temperature to

(Ts-T1)-T2 at a time H after an elapse of a time t1 from

the time G, changes the set temperature to (Ts-T1-T2)-T3 at

a time I after an elapse of a time t2 from the time H,

changes the set temperature to (Ts-T1-T2-T3)-T4 at a time J

after an elapse of a time t3 from the time I, changes the

set temperature to (Ts-T1-T2-T3-T4)-T5 at a time K after an

elapse of a time t4 from the time J, and changes the set

temperature to (Ts-T1-T2-T3-T4-T5)-T6 at a time L after an

elapse of a time t5 from the time K. In other words, in

the heating mode, for example, the controller 21D reduces

the set temperature every certain time in stages using Ts

T1-T2-T3-T4-T5-T6 as a maximum shift temperature of the set

temperature. Note that each of the periods t1, t2, t3, t4,

t5, t6... is, for example, 10 minutes and each of shift temperatures at Ti, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6... is, for example, 0.5 degrees Celsius. The result of detection by the human detection sensor 21B keeps indicating non-presence from the time G to the time L. In other words, the temperature shift continues while the human detection sensor 21B does not detect presence of a human.

[0024] In other words, when the set temperature in the

heating mode in the first power-saving operation is Ts, for

example, the controller 21D reduces the set temperature by

0.5 degrees every 10 minutes in stages until the

temperature decreases from the set temperature by 4 degrees

Celsius to a maximum shift temperature. In the case where

the set temperature reaches a heating minimum temperature

that can be set in the heating mode, for example, 16

degrees when the set temperature is reduced in stages, the

controller 21D stops reducing the set temperature even when

the set temperature has not reached the maximum shift

temperature corresponding to a decrease by four degrees

Celsius.

[0025] In the first power-saving operation in the

heating mode, the heating operation does not stop while the

set temperature is reduced in stages, which makes it

possible to reduce the power consumption of the air

conditioner 2 in stages without impairing comfortableness

to the user.

[0026] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the controller 21D

includes a power-saving operation execution unit 21D1. The

power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 makes a switch

from the air-conditioning operation to any one of the first

power-saving operation and the second power-saving

operation based on the length of the time in which no human

is present obtained from the results of prediction by the

presence/non-presence predictor 34E. Note that the length of the time in which no human is present obtained from the results of prediction is, for example, a first given time, a second given time, or a third given time. The first given time is a time from a time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present on which results of predicting presence or non-presence are referred, for example, 60 minutes. The second given time is a time until a switch to the second power-saving operation that is made after the result of detection by the human detection sensor 21B keeps indicating "non-presence" when the results of prediction on the first given time all indicate "presence" and the normal operation is kept, for example, 60 minutes from the time at which non-presence of a human is detected first (recently). The third given time is a time until a switch to the second power-saving operation that is made after the result of detection by the human detection sensor 21B keeps indicating "non-presence" when presence and non-presence are mixed in the results of prediction on the first given time and the first power saving operation is performed, for example, 180 minutes from the time at which non-presence of a human is detected first (recently).

[0027] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E in the first given time, for example, 60 minutes from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present during execution of the air conditioning operation. When the results of prediction all indicate that no human is present according to the referred results of prediction, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 determines that the user will not be present in the air conditioning space during the first given time and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation.

[0028] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E in the first given time from the

time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that

no human is present during execution of the air

conditioning operation and, when the results of prediction

all indicate that a human is present, the power-saving

operation execution unit 21D1 determines that the user will

be present in the air conditioning space during the first

given time and keeps the air conditioning operation without

making a switch to the power-saving operation.

[0029] When the power-saving operation execution unit

21D1 keeps the air conditioning operation because the

results of prediction performed after the human detection

sensor 21B detects that no human is present all indicate

presence and when the human detection sensor 21B detects

that no human is present, in the case where it is kept

detected that no human is present during the second given

time from the time at which the non-presence is detected,

the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 determines

that the user is not present in the air conditioning space.

The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 then makes a

switch from the air conditioning operation to the second

power saving operation.

[0030] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E in the first given time from the

time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that

no human is present during execution of the air

conditioning operation and, when presence of a human and

non-presence of a human are mixed in the results of prediction, determines that there is a possibility that the user will be present in the air-conditioning space in the first given time and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation.

[0031] Alternatively, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E on the first given time from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present during execution of the air conditioning operation and, for example, even when the presence/non-presence predictor 34E has no result of prediction because presence/non-presence patterns to be described below are being generated, determines that there is a possibility that the user will be present in the air conditioning space and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power saving operation.

[0032] When the first power-saving operation is being executed because presence of a human and non-presence of a human are mixed in the results of prediction performed after the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present or the presence/non-presence predictor 34E has no result of prediction and when the human detection sensor detects that no human is present, in the case where it is kept detected that no human is present for a third given time, for example, 180 minutes from the time at which the no-presence is detected, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 determines that the user is not present in the air conditioning space. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 then makes a switch from the first power saving operation to the second power saving operation.

[0033] Back to FIG. 1, the communication adapter 3 has a communicating function of connecting the indoor unit 21 in the air conditioner 2 and the router 4 by wireless communication and a controlling function of performing AI (Artificial Intelligence) control on the indoor unit 21. The communication adapter 3 is arranged for every indoor unit 21. The router 4 is a device of an access point that connects the communication adapter 3 and the communication network 8 by wireless communication using, for example, a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), or the like, and that connects the terminal device 7 and the communication network 8 by wireless communication. The terminal device 7 is a communication terminal device, such as a smartphone of a user serving as, for example, a manager from among a plurality of users who uses the air conditioning system 1. The communication network 8 is, for example, a communication network, such as the Internet. The server device 5 has a function of generating presence/non-presence patterns that are applied to the indoor unit 21 and a database that stores operation history data, or the like. Note that the server device 5, for example, is arranged in a data center. The relay device 6 is connected to the communication network 8 by communication and has a function of connecting to the server device 5 by communication. The relay device 6 transmits the operation history data that is used to generate or update presence/non-presence patterns that are applied the indoor unit 21 via the communication network 8, etc., from the communication adapter 3 to the server device 5. The relay device 6 transmits the presence/non-presence patterns that are generated or updated by the server device 5 to the communication adapter 3 via the communication network 8. Note that the relay device 6 is arranged in the data center, or the like.

[0034] The relay device 6 includes a first relay unit 6A, a second relay unit 6B, and a third relay unit 6C. The first relay unit 6A transmits various types of data relevant to presence/non-presence patterns (referred to as operation history data below) from the communication adapter 3 to the server device 5 via the communication network 8 and transmits the presence/non-presence pattern that is generated or updated by the server device 5 to the communication adapter 3 via the communication network 8.

The second relay unit 6B acquires conditions for operating

the indoor unit 21 (such as an operation mode of cooling or

heating and a set temperature) that are set by the user

using the terminal device 7 at the place where the user has

gone and transmits the operation conditions to the indoor

unit 21. The third relay unit 6C, for example, acquires

external data, such as weather forecasts and calendar

information (mainly national holiday information) from the

communication network 8, such as the Internet, and

transmits the acquired external data to the server device

5. The third relay unit 6C transmits the external data to

the communication adapter 3 via the communication network

8.

[00351 Configuration of Communication Adapter

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a

configuration of the communication adapter 3. The

communication adapter 3 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a

first communication unit 31, a second communication unit

32, a storage unit 33, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit)

34. The first communication unit 31 is, for example, a

communication IF (Interface), such as UART (Universal

Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter), that makes a

communication connection between the controller 21D in the

indoor unit 21 and the CPU 34. The second communication

unit 32 is, for example, a communication unit, such as a

communication IF of a WLAN, or the like, that makes a communication connection between the router 4 and the CPU 34. The storage unit 33 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores various types of information, such as data and a program. The CPU 34 controls the entire communication adapter 3.

[00361 The storage unit 33 in the communication adapter 3 illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a history memory 33A, a presence/non-presence pattern memory 33B, a prediction result memory 33C, and an external memory 33D. The history memory 33A temporarily stores the operation history data that is acquired from the indoor unit 21. For example, the results of detection in every 10 minutes by the human detection sensor 21B on whether a human is present in the indoor space. The presence/non-presence pattern memory 33B stores the presence/non-presence patterns that are acquired from the server device 5.

[0037] The presence/non-presence pattern is, for example, a pattern that is generated by the server device 5 with respect to each day of week and that presents a tendency of presence and non-presence of the user in the air conditioning space, using results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B in the past, for example, results of detecting presence or non-presence in the past 30 days, day-of-week information, and national holiday information. In the embodiment, five types of presence/non-presence patterns are generated at maximum and presence/non-presence patterns are associated with the respective days of week such that it is possible to determine in what presence/non-presence pattern the user tends to behave in each day of week. For example, there are a tendency of behaving in Presence/non-presence pattern 1 on Monday and Tuesday and a tendency of behaving in Presence/non-presence pattern 2 on Wednesday and Thursday.

There are a tendency of behaving in Presence/non-presence pattern 3 on Thursday and Friday, a tendency of behaving in Presence/non-presence pattern 4 on Saturday, and a tendency of behaving in Presence/non-presence Pattern 5 on Sunday. The results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B in the past 30 days are used when generating presence/non presence patterns because of the following reasons. More results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B for generation of presence/non-presence patterns increases accuracy of prediction using the presence/non-presence patterns and thus it is preferable that results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B are as many as possible. On the other hand, for example, assume the case, where presence/non-presence patterns are generated using results of detection in the past 90 days such that many results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B are acquired. When the time in which the air conditioner 2 is set is the time when the summertime in which the cooling operation is performed frequently starts and or the time when the wintertime in which the heating operation is performed frequently starts, the summer time and the winter time go by while presence/non-presence patterns are generated and thus it is not possible to make predictions of behaviors of the user based on results of predicting whether the user will be present and a recommendation for the air-conditioning operation to be described below in the summertime and the wintertime. Thus, in the embodiment, results of detecting presence or non-presence by the human detection sensor 21B in the past 30 days are used to generate presence/non-presence patterns such that accuracy of presence/non-presence patterns are ensured and predictions of behaviors of the user based on the results of predicting whether the user will be present and recommendations of the air-conditioning operation can be made in an appropriate time. Note that the results of detecting presence or non-presence in the past 30 days are information obtained by accumulating results of detecting presence or non-presence every 10 minutes in 30 days. The embodiment exemplifies the case where the results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B in the past 30 days are used to generate presence/non-presence patterns; however, the present invention is limited to them. Changes may be made as appropriate according to the period from the time when the air conditioner 2 is set until the time when the air conditioner 2 is used frequently.

[00381 The day-of-week information is information on the

days of week that are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and is obtained by calculation

by the CPU 34. The national holiday information is

information that identifies national holidays from among

the days of week of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and is acquired from the

outside via the second communication unit 32. Note that

the national holiday information is acquired from the

outside because there is the case where a national holiday

changes every year. The prediction result memory 33C

stores results of predicting presence or non-presence in 24

hours that are results of predicting whether a human will

be present in the air conditioning space every 10 minutes

in 24 hours using the presence/non-presence patterns. The

CPU 34 is able to recognize the results of predicting

presence or non-presence in 24 hours with respect to each

air conditioning space with reference to the prediction

result memory 33C. The external memory 33D stores the

external data that is acquired from the outside, such as

the national holiday information and weather forecasts described above.

[00391 The CPU 34 includes a collector 34A, a

transmitter 34B, a receiver 34C, a setting unit 34D, and a

presence/non-presence predictor 34E.

[0040] The collector 34A acquires results of detecting

whether a human is present in each air conditioning space

at given periods, for example, in acquisition timing of

every 10 minutes from the indoor unit 21. The air

conditioning space is, for example an air conditioning

space, such as a living room or a bed room. The collector

34A collects the acquired current results of detecting

whether a human is present in the acquired air conditioning

space by the human detection sensor 21B every 10 minutes.

There are three types of variables for non-presence,

presence, and unspecified. Among the results of detecting

presence or non-presence, "non-presence" is a result of

detection in the case where no human can be detected in the

air-conditioning space. The result of detection of "non

presence" is a second detection value. Among the results

of detecting presence or non-presence, "presence" is a

result of detection in the case where a human is detected

in the air-conditioning space. This result of detection of "presence" is a first detection value. Among the results

of detecting presence or non-presence, "unspecified"

corresponds to none one of presence and non-presence, in

other words, is a third detection value not corresponding

to any one of the first detection value and the second

detection value, and is a result of detection that is not

used to generate a presence/non-presence pattern. The

collector 34A stores the results of detecting presence or

non-presence in each air conditioning space that is

acquired every 10 minutes in the history memory 33A.

[0041] When the results of detecting presence or non- presence in two days are stored in the history memory 33A, transmitter 34B transmits the results of detecting presence or non-presence in two days that are stored in the history memory 33A to the server device 5 via the communication network 8. Note that, the server device 5 generates five types of presence/non-presence patterns at maximum described above using the results of detecting presence or non-presence in the past 30 days that are sequentially received from the communication adapter 3. The receiver

34C receives the presence/non-presence pattern with respect

to each air conditioning space from the server device 5 via

the communication network 8 and stores the received

presence/non-presence pattern in the presence/non-presence

pattern memory 33B. The setting unit 34D applies the

presence/non-presence patterns being stored to the

presence/non-presence predictor 34E.

[0042] The presence/non-presence predictor 34E selects a

presence/non-presence pattern that is used for prediction

from among the presence/non-presence patterns that are

applied by the setting unit 34D, using the current results

of detection by the human detection sensor 21B, that is,

results of detecting presence or non-presence that are the

results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B from

the time at which presence or non-presence is predicted to

a time a certain time before, the current day-of-week

information, and the current national holiday information.

The presence/non-presence predictor 34E predicts whether a

human will be present in the air conditioning space using

the selected presence/non-presence pattern and obtains

results of predicting presence or non-presence in 24 hours.

The certain time is a time needed to obtain the number of

sets of data that make it possible to ensure accuracy in

selecting an optimum presence/non-presence pattern from among the presence/non-presence patterns in view of the last result of detecting presence or non-presence.

[0043] Selecting a presence/non-presence pattern that is

used for prediction and a method of predicting whether the

user will be present using the selected presence/non

presence pattern will be described in detail below. Note

that the following description describes the case where

predictions on whether the user will be present are made at

8:00 every day and predictions of presence or non-presence

of the user in 24 hours from 8:00 of the day to 8:00 of the

next day are made. In the embodiment, the predictions on

the 24 hours are made separately with respect to two

periods of 1) 8:00 of the day to 0:00 of the next day and

2) 0:00 of the next day to 8:00 of the next day and the

predictions are used collectively as results of the

prediction on the 24 hours.

[0044] <1) Prediction on whether user will be present

from 8:00 of the day to 0:00 of the next day>

First of all, when the time to predict whether the

user will be present, for example, 8:00 of the day comes,

the presence/non-presence predictor 34E acquires results of

detecting whether a human is present by the human detection

sensor 21B from a time a certain time before the time of

prediction, for example, from 21:00 of the day before the

day of prediction until 8:00 of the day. Next, the

presence/non-presence predictor 34E compares the

presence/non-presence patterns with each other and

determines whether there is a difference between the

presence/non-presence patterns. Specifically, it is

determined whether a difference between presence/non

presence patterns is equal to a given value or larger.

More specifically, presence or non-presence of the user

every 10 minutes from 0:00 to 8:00 in the presence/non- presence patterns are compared. When the number of portions ("time frames" below) between which presence or non-presence differs is smaller than a given value, for example, 10, it is determined that the difference between the presence/non-presence patterns is within an allowable range (there is no difference between the patterns on presence and non-presence from 0:00 to 8:00). On the other hand, when the number of time frames on which presence or non-presence of the user every 10 minutes from 0:00 to 8:00 differs is 10 or larger, it is determined that the difference between the presence/non-presence patterns is out of the allowable range (there is a difference between the patterns of presence and non-presence from 0:00 to

8:00).

[0045] Based on the results of comparing the

presence/non-presence patterns, the presence/non-presence

predictor 34E selects a presence/non-presence pattern to be

used for prediction. When the difference between the

presence-non-presence patterns is smaller than a given

value (when there is no difference between the patterns of

presence and non-presence from 0:00 tO 8:00), a

presence/non-presence pattern that is associated with the

day or week of the day of prediction is selected. When the

difference between the presence-non-presence patterns is

equal to or larger than the given value (when there is a

difference between the patterns of presence and non

presence from 0:00 tO 8:00), the results of detecting

whether a human is present that are acquired from 0:00 to

8:00 and presence and non-presence from 0:00 tO 8:00 in

each presence/non-presence pattern are compared to each

other. A presence/non-presence pattern that is most

approximate to the results of detection is selected. The

presence/non-presence predictor 34E extracts presence and non-presence from 8:00 to 0:00 in the selected presence/non-presence pattern as results of predicting whether the user will be present from 8:00 of the day to

0:00 of the next day. Associating each presence/non

presence pattern and the day-of-week information are

associated with each other and predicting whether the user

is present according to the results of comparison between

presence/non-presence patterns as described above makes it

possible to predict whether the user will be present

accurately while reducing the number of presence/non

presence patterns to a number smaller than the number of

days of week.

[0046] It is originally desirable to generate a

presence/non-presence pattern with respect to each day of

week and select a presence/non-presence pattern to be used

according to the day of week of the day on which it is

actually predicted whether the user will be present. This

is because generating a presence/non-presence pattern with

respect to each day of week makes it possible to expect an

increase in accuracy of prediction. Increasing the number

of presence/non-presence patterns more however causes an

increase in the amount of communication between the

communication adapter 3 and the server device 5 and an

increase in the capacity of memory needed for the

communication adapter and the air conditioning system 1 is

overloaded.

[0047] Thus, in the embodiment, presence/non-presence

patterns are up to five types at maximum and the same

pattern is applied to a day of week of which predicted

presence/non-presence pattern is regarded as the same as

described above. For example, Presence/non-presence

pattern 1 is applied to Monday and Tuesday, Presence/non

presence pattern 2 is applied to Wednesday and Thursday,

Presence/non-presence pattern 3 is applied to Thursday and

Friday, Presence/non-presence pattern 4 is applied to

Saturday, and Presence/non-presence pattern 5 is applied to

Sunday. Generating a presence/non-presence pattern to meet

a plurality of days of week however has a risk that

accuracy of prediction lowers compared to the case where a

presence/non-presence pattern is generated with respect to

each day of week and the patterns are used to predict

whether the user will be present.

[0048] In order to deal with such a situation, in the

embodiment, the method of selecting a presence/non-presence

pattern to be used to predict whether the user will be

present according to the results of comparing presence/non

presence patterns. When the difference between the

presence/non-presence patterns is smaller than the given

value, it is not possible to determine which of the

presence/non-presence patterns should be used using the

acquired information on whether the user is present until

the time of prediction (8:00) and thus, if a presence/non

presence pattern that meets the day of week of the day of

prediction is selected, accuracy of prediction does not

lower. When the difference between the presence/non

presence patterns is equal to or larger than the given

value, it is possible to distinguish the presence/non

presence patterns and thus, by comparing the acquired

information on whether the user is present and the results

of prediction of each presence/non-presence patterns and

selecting a presence/non-presence pattern that is the most

approximate to the results of detection, accuracy of

prediction is ensured.

[0049] <2) Prediction on whether User will be present

from 0:00 of the next day to 8:00 of the next day>

First of all, the presence/non-presence predictor 34E reads the day of week of the next day of the day on which it is predicted whether the user will be present from the external memory 33D. Next, the presence/non-presence predictor 34E selects a presence/non-presence pattern corresponding to the read day of week from the presence/non-presence patterns. The presence/non-presence predictor 34E extracts results of predicting whether the user will be present from 0:00 of the next day to 8:00 of the next day from the selected presence/non-presence pattern.

[00501 At the stage of 8:00 of the day on which it is

predicted whether the user will be present, different from

the case where 1) it is predicted whether the user will be

present from the day 8:00 to 0:00 of the next day, there is

no result of detecting whether the user is present by the

human detection sensor 21B at and after 8:00 of the day.

For this reason, in a prediction on whether the user will

be present from 0:00 of the next day to 8:00 of the next

day, a presence/non-presence pattern to be used for

prediction is selected based on the day of week of the next

day and it is predicted whether the user will be present

from 0:00 of the next day to 8:00 of the next day using the

selected presence/non-presence pattern.

[0051] Collectively using the result of 1) predicting

whether the user will be present from 8:00 of the day to

0:00 of the next day and the result of 2) predicting

whether the user will be present from 0:00 of the next day

to 8:00 of the next day, the presence/non-presence

predictor 34E predicts whether the user will be present in

24 hours from 8:00 of the day to 8:00 of the next day. The

presence/non-presence predictor 34E outputs the results of

prediction as the results of predicting presence or non

presence in 24 hours to the prediction result memory 33C.

The prediction result memory 33C stores the results of

predicting presence or non-presence in 24 hours. When the

time frame on which predictions are made contains a

national holiday, the presence/non-presence predictor 34E

regards the time frame as the same as a holiday and obtains

results of predicting presence or non-presence in the air

conditioning space in 24 hours. The presence/non-presence

predictor 34E excludes a result of detecting presence or

non-presence indicating "unspecified" (third detection

value) in the results of detecting presence or non-presence

that are results of detection by the human detection sensor

21B to be used to predict whether the user will be present

in the air conditioning space. In other words, the results

of detecting presence or non-presence indicating

"unspecified" are excluded are not used to generate or

update the presence/non-presence patterns and therefore it

is possible to increase accuracy of prediction using the

generated or updated presence/non-presence patterns.

[0052] For example, at 8:00 and 20:00 every day serving

as given times that are times at which presence or non

presence is detected, the presence/non-presence predictor

34E may predict whether the user will be present in the air

conditioning space from the given time to a time 24 hours

later. Specifically, the presence/non-presence predictor

34E obtains results of predicting presence or non-presence

in 24 hours that are results of predicting whether the user

will be present. The presence/non-presence predictor 34E

increases accuracy of prediction by obtaining results of

detecting presence or non-presence in 24 hours from each of

the given times every half a day. Results of predicting

presence or non-presence in 24 hours are, for example,

results of predicting whether the user is present in the

air conditioning space, for example, every 10 minutes.

FIG. 7 is an illustration illustrating an example of the

results of predicting presence or non-presence in 24 hours.

The results of predicting presence or no-presence

illustrated in FIG. 7 are results of predicting presence or

non-presence every 10 minutes from the given time to a time

24 hours later. Data presenting the results of predicting

presence or no-presence presents "1" in the case of

presence and "0" in the case of non-presence.

[00531 Configuration of Server Device

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a

configuration of the server device 5. The server device 5

illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a communication unit 51, a

storage unit 52, and a CPU 53. The communication unit 51

is a communication IF that makes a communication connection

between the relay device 6 and the CPU 53. The storage

unit 52, for example, includes a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and

a ROM or a RAM and stores various types of information,

such as data and a program. The CPU 53 controls the entire

server device 5.

[0054] The storage unit 52 in the server device 5

illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a history data memory 52A

and a pattern storage unit 52B. The history data memory

52A stores operation history data, such as results of

detecting presence or non-presence in the air conditioning

space in two days, received from the communication adapter

3. The pattern storage unit 52B stores the presence/non

presence patterns that are generated by the server device 5

and updates the generated presence/non-presence patterns

using the acquired data and stores the updated

presence/non-presence patterns.

[00551 The CPU 53 in the server device 5 includes a

receiver 53A, an acquisition unit 53B, a generator 53C, and

a transmitter 53D.

[00561 The receiver 53A is connected to the communication adapters 3 for a plurality of the indoor units 21, receives results of detecting presence or non presence in every air conditioning space in two days from the communication adapter 3 via the router 4, the communication network 8, and the relay device 6 and stores the received results of detecting presence or non-presence in two days. The receiver 53A receives the days-of-week information and the national holiday information from the communication adapter 3. Note that the day-of-week information may be calculated by the CPU 53 of the server device 5 and be obtained and the national holiday information may be acquired by the server device 5 from the outside directly. The acquisition unit 53B acquires the day-of-week information and the national holiday information that are received by the receiver 53A. The acquisition unit 53B acquires the day-of-week information and the national holiday information that are received by the receiver 53A.

[0057] FIG. 9 is an illustration illustrating an example of the data that is used to generate a presence/non presence pattern. The data used to generate a presence/non-presence pattern includes the results of detecting presence or non-presence serving as sensor data, the day-of-week information serving as day-of-week data, and the national holiday information serving as national holiday data. The results of detecting presence or non presence are, as described above, results of detecting whether a human is present in the air conditioning space by the human detection sensor 21B every 10 minutes. As described above, a result of detecting presence or non presence indicating "unspecified" is not used to generate or update a presence/non-presence pattern.

[00581 During a given period of storage in the history data memory 52A, the generator 53C, for example, uses the results of detecting presence or non-presence in 30 days that are the results of detection in the past, the day-of week information and the national holiday information and generates a presence/non-presence of the user in the air conditioning space of the indoor unit 21. The generator 53C stores the generated presence/non-presence pattern in the pattern storage unit 52B. When the time frame corresponding to the results of detecting presence or non presence contains a national holiday, the generator 53C regards the time frame as a holiday. After storing the presence/non-presence pattern in the pattern storage unit 52B, the generator 53C updates the presence/non-presence patterns being stored in the pattern storage unit 52B using the results of detecting presence or non-presence in six days in the history data memory 52A that are not used for generation. The generator 53C then stores the updated presence/non-presence patterns in the pattern storage unit 52B.

[00591 When the air conditioner 2 is set in a living room, the generator 53C extracts results of detecting presence or non-presence on a weekday, for example, Monday (excluding national holidays) from the results of detecting presence or non-presence in the living room that are being stored in the history data memory 52A. Furthermore, the generator 53C extracts results of detecting presence or non-presence excluding "unspecified" from the extracted results of detecting presence or non-presence on Monday and, based on the extracted results of detecting presence or non-presence in the living room, generates a presence/non-presence pattern predicting whether a human will be present in the living room on Monday.

[00601 The generator 53C extracts results of detecting

presence or non-presence on national holidays and Sunday

from the results of detecting presence or non-presence in

the living room that are being stored in the history data

memory 52A. Furthermore, the generator 53C extracts

results of detecting presence or non-presence excluding

"unspecified" from the results of detecting presence or

non-presence on national holidays and Sunday and, based on

the extracted results of detecting presence or non-presence

in the living room, generates a presence/non-presence

pattern predicting whether a human will be present in the

living room on Sunday.

[0061] In other words, the generator 53C generates a

presence/non-presence pattern of each day of week in the

air conditioning space in which the indoor unit 21 is set.

Note that, for convenience of explanation, the case where a

presence/non-presence pattern of each day of week is

generated is exemplified and, for example, the days from

Monday to Friday excluding national holidays may be

regarded as weekdays and a presence/non-presence pattern of

each air conditioning space of the weekdays may be

generated and the national holidays, Saturday and Sunday

may be regarded as holidays and a presence/non-presence

pattern of each air conditioning space of the holidays may

be generated. National holidays, Saturday and Sunday are

exemplified as holidays; however, holidays are not limited

to this, and, for example, Tuesday may be set as a holiday

regardless of the holidays and the national holidays on the

calendar and it is possible to make a change.

[0062] FIG. 10 is an illustration illustrating an

example of the generated presence/non-presence patterns of

the user. Pattern 1 that is a presence/non-presence

pattern illustrated in FIG. 10 is a presence/non-presence pattern presenting presence and non-presence of the user in the air conditioning space on Monday and Tuesday. Note that, although not illustrated in the drawings, a presence/non-presence pattern of the user in the air conditioning space from Wednesday to Saturday excluding national holidays is also predicted. Pattern 2 is a presence/non-presence pattern presenting presence or non presence of the user in the air conditioning space of Sunday and national holidays.

[00631 Based on the results of detecting presence or non-presence, the day-of-week information, and the national holiday information, the generator 53C generates or updates the presence/non-presence pattern with respect to each air conditioning space and each day of week and stores the generated or updated presence/non-presence patterns in the pattern storage unit 52B. The transmitter 53D transmits the presence/non-presence pattern with respect to each air conditioning space and each day of week that are being stored in the pattern storage unit 52B to the communication adapter 3 via the relay device 6, the communication network 8, and the router 4.

[0064] <About Generation of Presence/non-presence Patterns in Air Conditioning System> Generation of a presence/non-presence patterns in the air conditioning system 1 of the embodiment will be described next. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of process operations performed by the CPU 53 of the server device 5 involved in the generating process of generating a presence/non-presence pattern. The generating process is a process of generating a presence/non-presence pattern first after the air conditioner 2 is set in an air conditioning space later. The receiver 53A in the CPU 53 of the server device 5 in FIG. 11 communicates with the communication adapter 3 regularly, for example, at 0:00 every day and determines whether results of detecting presence or non-presence in two days with respect to each air conditioning space are received from the communication adapter 3 (step Sl). Note that the communication adapter

3 keeps storing in the history memory 33A until results of

detecting presence or non-presence in two days are

obtained. When the results of detecting presence or non

presence in two days are obtained (Step 11: Yes), the

receiver 53A stores the received results of detecting

presence or non-presence in two days in the history data

memory 52A of the storage unit 52 (step S12). The

generator 53C in the CPU 53 determines whether results of

detecting presence or non-presence in 30 days are stored in

the history data memory 52A (step S13). When results of

detecting presence or non-presence in 30 days are stored

(step S13: Yes), the generator 53C generates a

presence/non-presence pattern of each day of week with

respect to each air conditioning space based on the stored

results of detecting presence or non-presence, the day-of

week information, and the national holiday information

(step S14). Note that, when acquiring results of detecting

presence or non-presence in two days, the acquisition unit

53B in the CPU 53 collectively acquires the day-of-week

information and the national holiday information on the

days of detection of the results of detecting presence or

non-presence in two days or associates the day-of-week

information and the national holiday information that are

acquired by the server device 5 with the acquired results

of detecting presence or non-presence in two days. The

case where the generator 53C generates a presence/non

presence pattern of each day of week is exemplified;

however, two presence/non-presence patterns of holidays and weekdays may be generated, and a change may be made as appropriate.

[00651 The generator 53C stores the generated presence/non-presence pattern in the pattern storage unit 52B (step S15). The transmitter 53D in the CPU 53 transmits the presence/non-presence pattern stored in the pattern storage unit 52B to the communication adapter 3 (step S16) and ends the process operations in FIG. 11.

[00661 In the process at step Sl, when results of detecting presence or non-presence in two days with respect to each air conditioning space are not received (step Sl: No), the receiver 53A returns to the process at step Sl. In the process at step S13, when results of detecting presence or non-presence in 30 days are not stored (step S13: No), the receiver 53A returns to the process at step Si'.

[0067] When the results of detecting presence or non presence in 30 days with respect to each air conditioning space from the communication adapter 3 are stored, the CPU 53 generates a presence/non-presence pattern of each day of week on which it is predicted whether the user is present in the air conditioning space based on the results of detecting presence or non-presence in 30 days, the day-of week information, and the national holiday information. The CPU 53 then transmits the generated presence/non presence pattern to the communication adapter 3. As a result, the server device 5 is able to provide the presence/non-presence pattern of each day of week that is used in the air conditioning space to the communication adapter 3.

[00681 FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of process operations performed by the CPU 53 of the server device 5 involved in an updating process of updating presence/non-presence patterns. The updating process is a process of updating the content of presence/non-presence patterns stored in the pattern storage unit 52B. The receiver 53A in FIG. 12 communicates with the communication adapter 3 regularly, for example, at 0:00 every day and determines whether results of detecting presence or non presence in two days with respect to each air conditioning space are received from the communication adapter 3 (step S21). Note that the communication adapter 3 keeps storing in the history memory 33A until results of detecting presence or non-presence in two days are obtained. When the results of detecting presence or non-presence in two days are obtained (Step 21: Yes), the receiver 53A stores the received results of detecting presence or non-presence in two days in the history data memory 52A of the storage unit 52 (step S22). The generator 53C determines whether results of detecting presence or non-presence in 6 days that are not used for generation are stored in the history data memory 52A (step S23).

[00691 When the results of detecting presence or non presence in 6 days that are not used for generation are stored (step S23: Yes), the generator 53C updates the presence/non-presence patterns of the respective days of week with respect to each air conditioning space based on the stored results of detecting presence or non-presence, the day-of-week information, and the national holiday information (step S24). The generator 53C stores the updated presence/non-presence patterns of the respective days of week with respect to each air conditioning space in the pattern storage unit 52B (step S25). The transmitter 53D transmits the presence/non-presence patterns of the respective days of week with respect to each air conditioning space that are stored in the pattern storage unit 52B to the communication adapter 3 (step S26). The receiver 53A then returns to the process at step S21 in order to determine whether results of detecting presence/non-presence in two days with respect each air conditioning space are received.

[0070] In the process at step S21, when results of

detecting presence or non-presence in two days are not

received (step S21: No), the receiver 53A returns to the

process at step S21. In the process at step S23, when

results of detecting presence or non-presence in 6 days are

not stored (step S23: No), the receiver 53A returns to the

process at step S21.

[0071] Each time results of detecting presence or non

presence in 6 days are obtained from the communication

adapter 3 after generation of the presence/non-presence

patterns, the CPU 53 updates the presence/non-presence

patterns of the respective days of week with respect to the

conditioning space based on the results of detecting

presence or non-presence in 6 days, the day-of-week

information, and the national holiday information. The CPU

53 then transmits the updated presence/non-presence

patterns to the communication adapter 3. As a result, the

server device 5 is able to provide the communication

adapter 3 with the latest presence/non-presence patterns of

the respective days of week to be used for the air

conditioning space.

[0072] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of

process operations performed by the controller 21D of the

indoor unit 21 involved in a power-saving process. The

power-saving process is a process of, using results of

detection by the human detection sensor 21B and results of

prediction by the presence-non-presence predictor 34E,

continuing the power-saving operation or switching from the air-conditioning operation to any one of the first power saving operation and the second power-saving operation. The controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 in FIG. 13 determines whether it is in the air conditioning operation in the cooling mode, the dehumidifying mode, or the heating mode (step S31). When it is in the air-conditioning operation (step S31: Yes), the controller 21D determines whether the human detection sensor 21B detects whether no human is present (step S32). Note that the controller 21D loads results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B, for example, every 10 milliseconds and substantially keeps loading results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B.

[0073] When the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present (step S32: Yes), based on the results of predicting presence or non-presence that is acquired from the presence/non-presence predictor 34E of the communication adapter 3, the controller 21D extracts results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time from the current time, that is, a time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present (step S34). Note that the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time from the current time is, for example, the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the air-conditioning space from the current time to a time 60 minutes ahead.

[0074] Based on the extracted results of predicting whether a human will be present, the controller 21D determines whether the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate non-presence (step S35). When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate non-presence (step S35: Yes), the controller 21D executes the second power-saving operation (step S36), and ends the processing operations illustrated in FIG. 13. The controller 21D determines that the user will not be present in the air conditioning space and executes the second power-saving operation, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption compared to, needless to say, the case where the air conditioner 2 is performing the air conditioning operation and the case where the air conditioner 2 is performing the first power-saving operation. When the human detection sensor 21B detects that a human is present while the air conditioning operation is stopped because of the second power-saving operation in the process at step S36, the second power saving operation may be stopped and the air conditioning operation performed before the second power-saving operation may be restarted.

[0075] When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate non presence (step S35: No), the controller 21D determines whether the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate presence according to the extracted results of predicting whether a human will be present (step S37). When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate presence (step S37: Yes), the controller 21D determines whether the human detection sensor 21B keeps detecting that no human is present in the second given time from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present in the process at step S32 (step S38).

[0076] When it is kept detected that no human is present in the second given time from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present (step

S38: Yes), the controller 21D returns to the process at

step S36 in order to execute the second power-saving

operation. In the case where it is determined that no

human is present in the air conditioning space according to

the results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B

even when the results of predicting whether a human is

present in the first given time all indicate presence, the

controller 21D is able to reduce the power consumption of

the air conditioner 2 as appropriate by executing the

second power-saving operation. When it is not kept

detected that no human is present in the second given time

from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B

detects that no human is present (step S38: No), the

controller 21D ends the processing operations illustrated

in FIG. 13 while keeping the air-conditioning operation

that is performed currently. In this case, by determining

that no human is present in the air conditioning space and

continues the air conditioning operation, the controller

21D is able to ensure comfortableness to a human in the air

conditioning space.

[0077] When the results of predicting whether a human

will be present in the first given time all indicate non

presence (step S37: No), the controller 21D recognizes that

presence or non-presence are mixed in the results of

predicting whether a human will be present in the first

given time or there is no result of prediction (step S39).

The controller 21D then executes the first power-saving

operation (step S40). When presence and non-presence are

mixed in the results of predicting whether a human will be

present in the first given time or there is no results of

prediction, there is a possibility that the user is present

in the air conditioning space and thus the controller 21D executes the first power-saving operation in which, while the power-saving effect is lower than that in the second power-saving operation, the air conditioning operation is not stopped, thereby ensuring comfortableness to the user while reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner

2. When the human detection sensor 21B detects that a

human is present while the first power saving operation is

being executed in the process at step S40, the fist power

saving operation may be stopped and the air conditioning

operation performed before the first power-saving operation

may be restarted.

[0078] After executing the first power-saving operation,

the controller 21D determines whether the human detection

sensor 21B keeps detecting that no human is present during

the third given time from the time when the human detection

sensor 21B detects that no human is present in the process

at step S32 (step S41).

[0079] When it is kept detected that no human is present

during the third given time from the time at which the

human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present

in the process at step S32 (Step S41: Yes), the controller

21D returns to step S36 in order to execute the second

power-saving operation. Even in the case where there is a

possibility that a human is present as a result of the

process at step S39, when the controller 21D determines

that no human is present in the air conditioning space

according to the results of detection by the human

detection sensor 21B, the controller 21D executes the

second power-saving operation, thereby making possible to

reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 2.

[0080] When the human detection sensor 21B does not keep

detecting that no human is present during the third given

time from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present (step S41: No), the controller 21D returns to the process at step S40 and keeps the first power-saving operation. When the controller 21D does not keep detecting that no human is present during the third given time, the controller 21D determines that there is a possibility that a human is present in the air conditioning space and keeps the first power-saving operation, thereby making it possible to ensure comfortableness to the user while reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2.

[0081] When it is not in the air-conditioning operation

(step S31: No), or when the human detection sensor 21B does

not detect that no human is present (step S32: No), the

controller 21D ends the process operation illustrated in

FIG. 13.

[0082] <Effect of Embodiment 1>

Using results of detection by the human detection

sensor 21B and results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E, the controller 21D makes a switch

from the air conditioning operation to the power-saving

operation of which power consumption is smaller than that

of the air conditioning operation. As a result, for

example, when it is detected that no human is present

during execution of the air conditioning operation and it

is predicted that no human will be present from results of

predicting presence or non-presence, it is determined that

the user is not present in the air conditioning space and

switching from the air-conditioning operation to the power

saving operation makes it possible to prioritize a power

saving effect of reducing the power consumption of the air

conditioner 2. In other words, the air conditioner 2 is

able to realize comfortableness by performing the air

conditioning operation when the user is present in the air conditioning space and is able to increase energy-saving by performing the power-saving operation when the user is not in the air-conditioning space.

[00831 When the controller 21D detects that a human is

present during execution of the power-saving operation, the

controller 21D restarts the air-conditioning operation. As

a result, even during execution of the power-saving

operation, when the human detection sensor 21B detects that

a human is present, the air conditioning operation is

restarted and thus it is possible to ensure comfortableness

to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0084] The controller 21D refers to the results of

prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E from

the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects

that no human is present during execution of the air

conditioning operation and, when the results of prediction

all indicate that a human is present, the controller 21D

keeps the air-conditioning operation. As a result, even

when it is temporarily detected that no human is present

during execution of the air conditioning operation, when

the results of predicting presence or non-presence indicate

that a human will be present, it is determined that the

user is present in the air conditioning space and the air

conditioning operation is kept, which makes it possible to

ensure comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning

space.

[00851 The controller 21D refers to the results of

prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E on

the first given time, for example, 60 minutes from the time

at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no

human is present during execution of the air conditioning

operation. When the results of prediction on the first

given time indicate that a human will be present according the referred results of prediction, the controller 21D keeps the air conditioning operation. As a result, even when it is temporarily detected that no human is present during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that the user will be present in the air conditioning space in the first given time and the air conditioning operation is kept, which makes it possible to ensure comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[00861 The controller 21D refers to the results of

prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E on

the first given time from the time at which the human

detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present

during execution of the air conditioning operation. When

the results of prediction on the first given time all

indicate that no human is present according the referred

results of prediction, the controller 21D makes a switch

from the air conditioning operation to the power-saving

operation. For example, the controller 21D refers to the

results of prediction by the presence/non-presence

predictor 34E on the first given time, for example, 60

minutes from the time at which the human detection sensor

21B detects that no human is present during execution of

the air conditioning operation. When the results of

prediction all indicate that no human will be present

according the referred results of prediction, the

controller 21D makes a switch from the air conditioning

operation to the power-saving operation. As a result, when

it is detected that no human is present during execution of

the air-conditioning operation and no human is present from

the results of predicting presence or non-presence, a

switch from the air conditioning operation to the power

saving operation is made and therefore it is possible to prioritize the power-saving effect.

[0087] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E on the first given time, for

example, 60 minutes from the time when the human detection

sensor 21B detects that no human is present during

execution of the air conditioning operation. When the

results of prediction all indicate that no human is present

according to the referred results of prediction, the power

saving operation execution unit 21D1 makes a switch from

the air-conditioning operation to the second power-saving

operation. As a result, because it is determined that no

user will be present in the air conditioning space in the

first given time from detection of non-presence of a human

during execution of the air conditioning operation and a

switch from the air conditioning operation to the second

power-saving operation is made, it is possible to reduce

the power consumption compared to, needless to say, the

case where the air conditioner 2 is performing the air

conditioning operation and the case where the air

conditioner is performing the first power-saving operation.

[0088] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E on the first given time, for

example, 60 minutes during execution of the air

conditioning operation. The power-saving operation

execution unit 21D1 keeps the air-conditioning operation

when the results of prediction all indicate that a human is

present according to the referred results of prediction.

As a result, even when it is temporarily detected that no

human is present during execution of the air-conditioning

operation, it is determined that the user will be present

in the air-conditioning space in the first given time and the air-conditioning operation is kept, which makes it possible to ensure comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[00891 When the human detection sensor 21B keeps

detecting that no human is present during the second given

time, for example, 60 minutes from the time at which the

human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present

when keeping the air conditioning operation, the power

saving operation execution unit 21D1 makes a switch from

the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving

operation. As a result, even in the case where the results

of predicting presence or non-presence in the first given

time all indicate that a human will be present and the air

conditioning operation is kept, because it is determined

that the user is not present in the air conditioning space

and a change from the air conditioning operation to the

second power-saving operation is made, it is possible to

reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 as

appropriate.

[00901 The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E on the first given time, for

example, 60 minutes during execution of the air

conditioning operation. When presence of the user and non

presence of the user are mixed in the referred results of

prediction according to the results of prediction, the

power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 makes a switch

from the air-conditioning operation to the first-power

saving operation. As a result, when presence of a human

and non-presence of a human are mixed as the results of

predicting presence or non-presence in the first given time

from detection of non-presence of a human during execution

of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that there is a possibility that the user is present in the air conditioning space. Then, a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation is made, which thus makes it possible to reduce the power consumption while ensuring comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0091] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E on the first given time, for

example, 60 minutes during execution of the air

conditioning operation. When there is no result of

prediction to be referred to, the power-saving operation

execution unit 21D1 makes a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the first-power saving operation.

As a result, when there is no result of predicting presence

or non-presence in the first given time from detection of

non-presence of a human during execution of the air

conditioning operation, it is determined that there is a

possibility that the user is present in the air

conditioning space. Then, a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation

is made, which thus makes it possible to reduce the power

consumption while ensuring comfortableness to the user in

the air conditioning space.

[0092] In the case where it is kept detected that no

human is present for the third given time, for example, 180

minutes from the time at which the human detection sensor

21B detects that no human is present when the power-saving

operation execution unit 21D1 is executing the first power

saving operation because presence and non-presence are

mixed in the results of prediction in the first given time

from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B

detects that no human is present or there is no result of prediction, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 makes a switch from the first power-saving operation to the second power-saving operation. As a result, in the case where it is determined that no human is present in the air conditioning space according to the results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B even when the first power saving operation is being executed, that is, there is a possibility that a human is present, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 by executing the second power-saving operation.

[00931 <Modification of Embodiment 1>

Note that, as for the communication adapter 3 of

Embodiment 1, the case where a presence/non-presence

pattern to be used for prediction is selected from a

plurality of presence/non-presence patterns using results

of detecting presence or non-presence, day-of-week

information, and national holiday information and it is

predicted whether the user is present in the air

conditioning space using the selected presence/non-presence

pattern is exemplified; however, the server device 5 may

predict whether the user will be present in the air

conditioning space. In this case, the server device 5

selects a presence/non-presence pattern to be used for

prediction from a plurality of presence/non-presence

patterns using results of detecting presence or non

presence from the given time at which at which it is

predicted whether the user will be present in the air

conditioning space to a time a given time before, day-of

week information, and national holiday information. The

server device 5 then transmits results of predicting

presence or non-presence to the air conditioner 2 via the

communication adapter 3. As a result, because the server

device 5 is able to generate a presence/non-presence pattern and execute prediction of presence or non-presence, it is able to reduce the processing load on the side of the communication adapter 3.

[0094] The presence/non-presence predictor 34E selects a

presence/non-presence pattern to be used for prediction

from a plurality of presence/non-presence patterns using

results of detecting presence or non-presence from a given

time to a time a given time before, day-of-week

information, and national holiday information. The case

where the presence/non-presence predictor 34E predicts

presence or non-presence in the air conditioning space in

24 hours using the selected presence/non-presence pattern

has been exemplified. The presence/non-presence predictor

34E however may select a presence/non-presence pattern to

be used for prediction using results of detecting presence

or non-presence from a given time to a time a given time

before and day-of-week information even without national

holiday information.

[0095] As for the air conditioning system 1, the case

where the air conditioner 2, the communication adapter 3,

and the server device 5 are used for process sharing such

that generating a presence/non-presence pattern is to the

server device 5, predicting presence or non-presence is to

the communication adapter 3, and making an instruction to

start the air-conditioning operation is to the indoor unit

21 of the air conditioner 2 has been exemplified; however,

the communication adapter 3 may be caused to execute

predicting presence or non-presence and making an

instruction to start the air conditioning operation, that

is, the communication adapter 3 may execute all the

processes in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 and changes may be made as

appropriate.

[0096] The air conditioner 2 may be caused to execute processes of generating a presence-non-presence pattern, predicting presence or non-presence, and making an instruction to start the air conditioning operation and an embodiment thereof will be described as Embodiment 2 below. Note that the same components as those of Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals as those of Embodiment 1 and thus description of redundant configurations and operations will be omitted.

[0097] <Embodiment 2> FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioner 2A of Embodiment 2. An indoor unit 210 in the air conditioner 2A illustrated in FIG. 14 includes, in addition to the main unit 21A, the human detecting sensor 21B, the light receiving unit 21C, and the controller 21D, an acquisition unit 21E1, a presence/non-presence pattern 21F, a generator 21G, and a presence/non-presence predictor 21H. The acquisition unit 21E1 acquires day-of-week information. The presence/non presence pattern 21F is a pattern obtained by generating a presence/non-presence pattern indicating whether a user is present in an air conditioning space with respect to each day of week.

[0098] The generator 21G generates the presence/non presence pattern 21F using results of detecting presence or non-presence by the human detection sensor 21B, day-of-week information, and national holiday information. When a time frame corresponding to the results of detecting presence or non-presence by the human detection sensor 21B contains a national holiday, the generator 21G regards the time frame as the same as a holiday. Note that a result of detecting presence or non-presence indicating "unspecified" among the results of detecting presence or non-presence is not used for the presence/non-presence pattern 21F. The presence/non-presence predictor 21H selects a presence/non presence pattern to be used for prediction using the results of detecting presence or non-presence from a given time that is a time at which it is predicted whether the user will be present to a time a given time before from a plurality of presence/non-presence patterns. Furthermore, using the selected presence/non-presence pattern, the presence/non-presence predictor 21H predicts whether the user will be present in the air conditioning space. The controller 21D makes a switch from an air-conditioning operation to a power-saving operation of which power consumption is smaller than the air-conditioning operation using the results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B and results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 21H to be described below. The power saving operation execution unit 21D1 in the controller 21D makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to any one of a first power-saving operation to a second power saving operation based on the length of a time during which the user is not present, which is the time obtained from the results of prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 21H.

[00991 The generator 21G generates the presence/non presence pattern 21F using results of detecting presence or non-presence by the human detection sensor 21B in a first given period, for example, 30 days. The generator 21G stores the results of detecting presence or non-presence by the human detection sensor 21B in a storage unit not illustrated in the drawings not via the communication adapter 3 and, using the stored results of detecting presence or non-presence, executes the generating process illustrated in FIG. 11 in order to generate or update the presence/non-presence pattern 21F.

[0100] At a given time, for example, 8:00 or 20:00 every

day, the presence/non-presence predictor 21H predicts

whether the user will be present in the air conditioning

space in a second given period from the given time, for

example, to a time 24 hours later using the selected

presence/non-presence pattern. The presence/non-presence

predictor 21H predicts whether the user will be present in

the air conditioning space every third given time, for

example, every 10 minutes. When the time frame on which

predictions are made contains a national holiday, the

presence/non-presence predictor 21H regards the time frame

as the same as a holiday and predicts presence or non

presence in the air conditioning space in 24 hours. The

presence/non-presence predictor 21H excludes a result of

detecting presence or non-presence indicating "unspecified"

from the results of detecting presence or non-presence by

the human detection sensor 21B that are used to predict

whether the user will be present in the air conditioning

space.

[0101] Based on the results of detection by the human

detection sensor 21B and the results of prediction by the

presence/non-presence predictor 21H, the power-saving

operation execution unit 21D1 keeps the air conditioning

operation or switches from the air conditioning operation

to any one of the first power-saving operation and the

second power-saving operation.

[0102] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 21H on a first given time, for example,

60 minutes from a time at which the human detection sensor

21B detects that no human is present during execution of

the air conditioning operation. When the results of

prediction all indicate that no human is present according to the referred results of prediction, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 determines that the user will not be present in the air conditioning space in the first given time and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation.

[0103] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 21H on the first given time from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present during execution of the air conditioning operation and, when the results of prediction all indicate that a human is present, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 determines that the user will be present in the air conditioning space during the first given time and keeps the air conditioning operation without making a switch to the power-saving operation.

[0104] When the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 keeps the air conditioning operation because the results of prediction performed after the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present all indicate presence and when the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present, in the case where it is kept detected that no human is present during a second given time from the time at which the non-presence is detected, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 determines that the user is not present in the air conditioning space. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 then makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power saving operation.

[0105] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1 refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 21H on the first given time from the time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human is present during execution of the air conditioning operation and, when presence of a human and non-presence of a human are mixed in the results of prediction, determines that there is a possibility that the user will be present in the air-conditioning space in the first given time and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation.

[0106] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D1

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 21H on the first given time from the

time at which the human detection sensor 21B detects that

no human is present during execution of the air

conditioning operation and, for example, even when the

presence/non-presence predictor 34E has no result of

prediction because presence/non-presence patterns to be

described below are being generated, determines that there

is a possibility that the user is present in the air

conditioning space and makes a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the first power saving operation.

[0107] When the first power-saving operation is being

executed because presence of a human and non-presence of a

human are mixed in the results of prediction performed

after the human detection sensor 21B detects that no human

is present or the presence/non-presence predictor 21H has

no result of prediction and when the human detection sensor

detects that no human is present, in the case where it is

kept detected that no human is present for a third given

time, for example, 180 minutes from the time at which the

no-presence is detected, the power-saving operation

execution unit 21D1 determines that the user is not present

in the air conditioning space. The power-saving operation

execution unit 21D1 then makes a switch from the first

power saving operation to the second power saving operation.

[0108] <Effect of Embodiment 2> Using results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B and results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 21H, the air conditioner 2A of Embodiment 2 makes a switch from an air conditioning operation to a power-saving operation of which power consumption is smaller than that of the air conditioning operation. As a result, for example, when it is detected that no human is present during execution of the air conditioning operation and results of predicting presence or non-presence in the first given time from the time at which it is detected that no human is present contains non presence of a human, it is determined that no human will be present in the air conditioning space in the first given time or the first given time has a time frame in which no human is present in the air conditioning space. A switch from the air-conditioning operation to the appropriate power-saving operation is made according to the time on which on which non-presence of a human is predicted and thus it is possible to reduce the power consumption while ensuring comfortableness to the user.

[0109] Note that the case where the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 in the air conditioner 2 of Embodiment 1 makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the power-saving operation based on results of detection by the human detection sensor 21B and results of prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E has been exemplified. Even if there is no result of detection by the human detection sensor 21B, however, a switch from the air conditioning operation to the power-saving operation may be made based on results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E and an embodiment thereof will be described as Embodiment 3 below.

[Embodiment 3]

[0110] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioner 2B of Embodiment 3. Note that the same components as those of the air conditioner 2 of Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals as those of the air conditioner 2 and thus description of redundant components and operations will be omitted. A power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 in the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 illustrated in FIG. 15 makes a switch from an air conditioning operation to a power-saving operation using presence/non-presence information indicating presence or non-presence of a user in an air conditioning space. Specifically, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E regularly every 10 minutes and, based on the results of prediction, makes a switch from an air conditioning operation to a power-saving operation.

[0111] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E in the first given time, for example, 60 minutes during execution of the air conditioning operation. When the results of prediction all indicate that no human will be present according to the referred results of prediction, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 determines that the user will not be present in the air conditioning space in the first given time and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation.

[0112] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E in the first given time during execution of the air conditioning operation and, when the results of prediction all indicate that a human will be present, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 determines that the user will be present in the air conditioning space in the first given time and makes no switch to the power-saving operation and keeps the air conditioning operation.

[0113] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2

refers to results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E in the first given time during

execution of the air conditioning operation and, when

presence of a human and non-presence of a human are mixed

in the results of prediction, the power-saving operation

execution unit 21D2 determines that there is a possibility

that the user will be present in the air conditioning space

in the first given time and makes a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation.

[0114] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2

refers to results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E in the first given time during

execution of the air conditioning operation and, for

example, even when the presence/non-presence predictor 34E

has no result of prediction because presence/non-presence

patterns to be described below are being generated,

determines that there is a possibility that the user will

be present in the air conditioning space in the first given

time and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation

to the first power saving operation.

[0115] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of

process operations performed by the controller 21D of the

indoor unit 21 involved in a second power-saving process.

The second power-saving process is a process of, using

results of prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E, keeping the power-saving operation or making a switch from the air conditioning operation to any one of the first power-saving operation and the second power saving operation. Note that the controller 21D executes the second power-saving process illustrated in FIG. 16 regularly, for example, every 10 minutes. The controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 in FIG. 16, for example, determines whether it is in the air conditioning operation in the cooling mode, the dehumidifying mode, or the heating mode (step S51). When it is in the air conditioning operation (step S51: Yes), the controller 21D extracts results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time from the current time based on the results of predicting presence or non-presence that are acquired from the presence/non-presence predictor 34E of the communication adapter 3 (step S53). Note that the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time from the current time is, for example, results of predicting whether a human will be present in the air conditioning space from the current time to a time 60 minutes ahead.

[0116] Based on the extracted results of predicting whether a human will be present, the controller 21D determines whether the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate non-presence (step S54). When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate non-presence (step S54: Yes), the controller 21D executes the second power-saving operation (step S55), and ends the processing operations illustrated in FIG. 15. The controller 21D determines that the user will not be present in the air conditioning space and executes the second power-saving operation, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption compared to, needless to say, the case where the air conditioner 2B is performing the air conditioning operation and the case where the air conditioner 2B is performing the first power-saving operation. Note that, when presence of a human is predicted according to the results of predicting whether a human will be present while the air conditioning operation is being stopped because of the second power-saving operation in the process at step S55, the second power saving operation may be stopped and the air conditioning operation performed before the second power-saving operation may be restarted.

[0117] When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all do not indicate non-presence (step S54: No), the controller 21D determines whether the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate presence according to the extracted results of predicting whether a human will be present (step S56). When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate presence (step S56: Yes), the controller 21D keeps the air conditioning operation that is currently performed and ends the process operations illustrated in FIG. 15. In this case, the controller 21D determines that a human is present in the air conditioning space and keeps the air conditioning operation, thereby making it possible to ensure comfortableness to a human in the air conditioning space.

[0118] When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all do not indicate presence (step S56: No), the controller 21D recognizes that presence and non-presence are mixed in the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time or there is no result of prediction (step S57). The controller 21D then executes the first power-saving operation (step S58). When presence and non-presence are mixed in the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time or there is no result of prediction, there is a possibility that the user will be present in the air conditioning space and thus the controller 21D executes the first power-saving operation in which, while the power-saving effect is lower than that in the second power-saving operation, the air conditioning operation is not stopped, thereby ensuring comfortableness to the user while reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2B. When presence of a human is predicted using the results of predicting whether a human will be present while the first power saving operation is being executed in the process at step S58, the fist power-saving operation may be stopped and the air conditioning operation performed before the first power-saving operation may be restarted.

[0119] After executing the first power-saving operation, the controller 21D determines whether a set temperature reaches a threshold temperature (step S59). Note that the threshold temperature, for example, is a maximum shift temperature that differs in each operation mode. When the set temperature reaches the threshold temperature (step S59: Yes), the controller 21D returns to the process at step S55 in order to execute the second power-saving operation of stopping the air conditioning operation. As a result, the controller 21D determines that no human is present in the air conditioning space and executes the second power-saving operation, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 2.

[0120] When the set temperature does not reach the threshold temperature (step S59: No), the controller 21D returns to the process at step S58 in order to keep the first power-saving operation in which the set temperature is shifted in stages. As a result, the controller 21D determines that there is a possibility that a human will be present in the air conditioning space and keeps the first power-saving, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 while ensuring comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0121] When it is not in the air conditioning operation (step S51: No), the controller 21D ends the process operations illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0122] <Effect of Embodiment 3> Using results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E, the controller 21D makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the power-saving operation of which power consumption is smaller than that of the air conditioning operation. As a result, for example, when it is predicted that no human will be present from the results of predicting presence or non-presence during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that the user is not present in the air conditioning space and a switch from the air conditioning operation to an appropriate power-saving operation is made, which thus makes it possible to prioritize the power-saving effect of reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. In other words, the air conditioner 2B is able to realize comfortableness by performing the air conditioning operation when the user is present in the air conditioning space and is able to increase energy-saving by performing the power-saving operation when the user is not in the air conditioning space.

[0123] The controller 21D refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E on the given time, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation and, when the results of prediction all indicate presence of a human, keeps the air conditioning operation. As a result, when the results of predicting presence or non presence in the given time indicate that a human will be present during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that the user will be present in the air conditioning space in the given time and the air conditioning operation is kept, which thus makes it possible to ensure comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0124] The controller 21D refers to the results of

prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor 34E on

the first given time, for example, 60 minutes from the

current time during execution of the air conditioning

operation and, when the results of prediction on the given

time all indicate that no human will be present, makes a

switch from the air conditioning operation to the power

saving operation. As a result, because a switch from the

air conditioning operation to the power-saving operation is

made when the results of predicting presence or non

presence in the given time from the current time indicate

that no human will be present during execution of the air

conditioning operation, it is possible to prioritize the

power-saving effect.

[0125] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E on the first given time, for

example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution

of the air conditioning operation and, when the results of

prediction all indicate that no human will be present, makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation. As a result, when the results of predicting presence or non-presence in the first given time from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation indicate that no human will be present, it is determined that the user is not present in the air conditioning space and a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation is made, which thus makes it possible to prioritize the power-saving effect.

[0126] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E on the first given time, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation and, when the results of prediction all indicate that a human will be present, keeps the second power-saving operation. As a result, because it is determined that the user is present in the air conditioning space when the results of predicting presence or non-presence in the first given time from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation indicate presence of a human and the air conditioning operation is kept, it is possible to ensure comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0127] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2 refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor 34E on the first given time, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation and, when presence of a human and non-presence of a human are mixed as the results of prediction, makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation. As a result, when presence of a human and non-presence of a human are mixed as the results of predicting presence or non-presence in the first given time from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that there is a possibility that the user will be present in the air conditioning space. Then, a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power saving operation is made, which thus makes it possible to reduce the power consumption while ensuring comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0128] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D2

refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E on the first given time, for

example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution

of the air conditioning operation and, when there is no

result of prediction, makes a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the first-power saving operation.

As a result, when there is no result of predicting presence

or non-presence in the first given time from the current

time during execution of the air conditioning operation, it

is determined that there is a possibility that the user

will be present in the air conditioning space. Then, a

switch from the air conditioning operation to the first

power-saving operation is made, which thus makes it

possible to reduce the power consumption while ensuring

comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0129] The case where the controller 21D of the indoor

unit 21 in the air conditioner 2 of Embodiment 1 makes a

switch from the air conditioning operation to the power

saving operation based on the results of detection by the

human detection sensor 21B and the results of prediction by

the presence/non-presence predictor 34E has been

exemplified. Instead of generating or updating the

presence/non-presence pattern with respect to each air conditioning space and each day of week based on the results of detecting presence or non-presence, the day-of week information, and the national holiday information by the generator 53C of the server device 5, however, the presence/non-presence pattern(sometimes referred to as a statistical pattern below) of the user with respect to each day of week may be obtained by statistically processing the result of detection with respect to each date and time in the past by the human detection sensor 21B and storing a probability that the user is not present in a freely selected time frame in a day in association with the time frame and a switch from the air conditioning operation to the power-saving operation may be made using the obtained presence/non-presence pattern with respect to each day of week, and an embodiment thereof will be described as Embodiment 4 below.

[Embodiment 4]

[0130] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioner 2C of Embodiment 4. Note that the same components as those of the air conditioner 2 of Embodiment 1 are denoted with the same reference numerals as those of the air conditioner 2 and thus description of redundant components and operations will be omitted. A power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 in the controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 illustrated in FIG. 15 makes a switch from an air conditioning operation to a power-saving operation using presence/non-presence information indicating whether a human is present in an air conditioning space. Specifically, based on a statistical pattern indicating whether a human is present in the air conditioning space, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the power- saving operation. The statistical pattern, for example, is obtained with respect to each time frame by storing a probability that the user is not present in a freely selected time frame in a day in association with the time frame as described above. The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 refers to the statistical pattern corresponding to the current day of week regularly, for example, every 10 minutes and, based on the referred statistical pattern, predicts whether a human will be present in the air conditioning space.

[0131] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 refers to a statistical pattern of the first given time, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation and predicts whether a human will be present from the statistical pattern. When the results of prediction all indicate that no human will be present, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 determines that the user will not be present in the air conditioning space in the first given time and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation.

[0132] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 refers to a statistical pattern of the first given time, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation and predicts whether a human will be present from the statistical pattern. When results of prediction all indicate that a human will be present, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 determines that the user will be present in the air conditioning space in the first given time and does not make a switch to a power-saving operation and keeps the air conditioning operation.

[0133] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 refers to a statistical pattern of the first given time, for example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation and predicts whether a human will be present from the statistical pattern. When presence of a human and non-presence of a human are mixed in the results of prediction, the power saving operation execution unit 21D3 determines that there is a possibility that the user will be present in the air conditioning space in the first given time and makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation.

[0134] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3

refers to a statistical pattern of the first given time,

for example, 60 minutes from the current time during

execution of the air conditioning operation and predicts

whether a human will be present from the statistical

pattern. When there is no result of prediction, the power

saving operation execution unit 21D3 determines that there

is a possibility that the user will be present in the air

conditioning space in the first given time and makes a

switch from the air conditioning operation to the first

power-saving operation.

[0135] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of

process operations performed by the controller 21D of the

indoor unit 21 involved in a third power-saving process.

The third power-saving process is a process of, using

results of predicting whether a human will be present in

the air conditioning space according to the statistical

pattern of the current day of week, keeping the air

conditioning operation or making a switch from the air

conditioning operation to any one of the first power-saving

operation and the second power-saving operation. Note that

the controller 21D executes the third power-saving process illustrated in FIG. 18 regularly, for example, every 10 minutes. The controller 21D of the indoor unit 21 in FIG. 18, for example, determines whether it is in the air conditioning operation in the cooling mode, the dehumidifying mode, or the heating mode (step S61). When it is in the air conditioning operation (step S61: Yes), the controller 21D selects a statistical pattern of presence and non-presence corresponding to the current day of week (step S62). Based on the selected statistical pattern, the controller 21D acquires results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time from the current time (step S63). Note that the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time from the current time are, for example, results of predicting whether a human will be present in the air conditioning space from the current time to a time 60 minutes ahead.

[0136] Based on the acquired results of predicting whether a human will be present, the controller 21D determines whether the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate non-presence (step S64). When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate non-presence (step S64: Yes), the controller 21D executes the second power-saving operation (step S65), and ends the process operations illustrated in FIG. 18. The controller 21D determines that the user will not be present in the air conditioning space and executes the second power-saving operation, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption compared to, needless to say, the case where the air conditioner 2C is performing the air conditioning operation and the case where the air conditioner 2C is performing the first power-saving operation. Note that, when presence of a human is predicted according to the results of predicting whether a human will be present while the air conditioning operation is being stopped because of the second power-saving operation in the process at step S65, the second power saving operation may be stopped and the air conditioning operation performed before the second power-saving operation may be restarted.

[0137] When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all do not indicate non-presence (step S64: No), the controller 21D determines whether the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate presence based on the acquired results of predicting whether a human will be present (step S66). When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all indicate presence (step S66: Yes), the controller 21D keeps the air conditioning operation that is currently performed and ends the process operations illustrated in FIG. 18. In this case, the controller 21D determines that a human is present in the air conditioning space and keeps the air conditioning operation, thereby making it possible to ensure comfortableness to a human in the air conditioning space.

[0138] When the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time all do not indicate presence (step S66: No), the controller 21D recognizes that presence and non-presence are mixed in the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time or there is no result of prediction (step S67). The controller 21D then executes the first power-saving operation (step S68). When presence and non-presence are mixed in the results of predicting whether a human will be present in the first given time or there is no result of prediction, there is a possibility that the user will be present in the air conditioning space and thus the controller 21D executes the first power-saving operation in which, while the power-saving effect is lower than that in the second power-saving operation, the air conditioning operation is not stopped, thereby ensuring comfortableness to the user while reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2B. When presence of a human is predicted using the results of predicting whether a human will be present while the first power saving operation is being executed in the process at step S68, the fist power-saving operation may be stopped and the air conditioning operation performed before the first power-saving operation may be restarted.

[0139] After executing the first power-saving operation,

the controller 21D determines whether a set temperature

reaches a threshold temperature (step S69). Note that the

threshold temperature, for example, is a maximum shift

temperature that differs in each operation mode. When the

set temperature reaches the threshold temperature (step

S69: Yes), the controller 21D returns to the process at

step S65 in order to execute the second power-saving

operation of stopping the air conditioning operation. As a

result, the controller 21D determines that the user is not

in the air conditioning space and executes the second

power-saving operation, thereby making it possible to

reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 2.

[0140] When the set temperature does not reach the

threshold temperature (step S69: No), the controller 21D

returns to the process at step S58 in order to keep the

first power-saving operation in which the set temperature

is shifted in stages. As a result, the controller 21D determines that there is a possibility that a human will be present in the air conditioning space and keeps the first power-saving, thereby making it possible to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 while ensuring comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0141] When it is not in the air conditioning operation

(step S61: No), the controller 21D ends the process

operations illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0142] <Effect of Embodiment 4>

Using results of predicting presence or non-presence

based on the statistical pattern of presence and non

presence, the controller 21D makes a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the power-saving operation of

which power consumption is smaller than that of the air

conditioning operation. As a result, for example, when it

is predicted that no human will be present from the results

of predicting presence or non-presence during execution of

the air conditioning operation, it is determined that the

user is not present in the air conditioning space and a

switch from the air conditioning operation to an

appropriate power-saving operation is made, which thus

makes it possible to prioritize the power-saving effect of

reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2C.

In other words, the air conditioner 2C is able to realize

comfortableness by performing the air conditioning

operation when the user is present in the air conditioning

space and is able to increase energy-saving by performing

the power-saving operation when the user is not in the air

conditioning space.

[0143] The controller 21D refers to the statistical

pattern of presence and non-presence in the given time, for

example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution

of the air conditioning operation and predicts whether a human will be present from the statistical pattern. When the results of prediction all indicate that a human will be present, the controller 21D keeps the air conditioning operation. As a result, when the results of predicting presence or non-presence in the given time indicate that a human will be present during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that the user will be present in the air conditioning space in the given time and the air conditioning operation is kept, which thus makes it possible to ensure comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0144] The controller 21D refers to the statistical

pattern of presence and non-presence in the given time, for

example, 60 minutes from the current time during execution

of the air conditioning operation and predicts whether a

human will be present from the statistical pattern. When

the results of prediction on the given time all indicate

that no human will be present, the controller 21D makes a

switch from the air conditioning operation to the power

saving operation. As a result, because a switch from the

air conditioning operation to the power-saving operation is

made when the results of predicting presence or non

presence in the given time from the current time indicate

no human will be present during execution of the air

conditioning operation, it is possible to prioritize the

power-saving effect.

[0145] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3

refers to the statistical pattern of the first given time,

for example, 60 minutes from the current time during

execution of the air conditioning operation and predicts

whether a human will be present from the statistical

pattern. When the results of prediction all indicate that

no human will be present, the power-saving operation execution unit 21D3 makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation. As a result, when the results of predicting presence or non-presence in the first given time from the current time indicate presence of no human during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that the user is not present in the air conditioning space and a switch from the air conditioning operation to the second power-saving operation is made, which thus makes it possible to prioritize the power-saving effect.

[0146] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3

refers to the statistical pattern of the first given time,

for example, 60 minutes from the current time during

execution of the air conditioning operation and predicts

whether a human will be present from the statistical

pattern. When the results of prediction all indicate that

a human will be present, the power-saving operation

execution unit 21D3 keeps the air conditioning operation.

As a result, when the results of predicting presence or

non-presence in the first given time from the current time

indicate that a human will be present during execution of

the air conditioning operation, it is determined that the

user is present in the air conditioning space and the air

conditioning operation is kept, which thus makes it

possible to ensure comfortableness to the user in the air

conditioning space.

[0147] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3

refers to the statistical pattern of the first given time,

for example, 60 minutes from the current time during

execution of the air conditioning operation and predicts

whether a human will be present from the statistical

pattern. When presence of a human and non-presence of a

human are mixed as the results of prediction, the power- saving operation execution unit 21D3 makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation. As a result, when presence of a human and non presence of a human are mixed as the results of predicting presence or non-presence in the first given time from the current time during execution of the air conditioning operation, it is determined that there is a possibility that the user will be present in the air conditioning space. Then, a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation is made, which thus makes it possible to reduce the power consumption while ensuring comfortableness to the user in the air conditioning space.

[0148] The power-saving operation execution unit 21D3

refers to the statistical pattern of the first given time,

for example, 60 minutes from the current time during

execution of the air conditioning operation and predicts

whether a human will be present from the statistical

pattern. When there is no result of prediction, the power

saving operation execution unit 21D3 makes a switch from

the air conditioning operation to the first-power saving

operation. As a result, when there is no result of

predicting presence or non-presence in the first given time

from the current time during execution of the air

conditioning operation, it is determined that there is a

possibility that the user will be present in the air

conditioning space. Then, a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation

is made, which thus makes it possible to reduce the power

consumption while ensuring comfortableness to the user in

the air conditioning space.

[0149] <Modification of Embodiments>

The given time, the first given time, the second given time, and the third given time of Embodiments 1 to 4 are changeable as appropriate.

[0150] The case where the controller 21D of the indoor

unit 21 of Embodiment 1 makes a switch from the air

conditioning operation to the power-saving operation based

on the results of detection by the human detection sensor

21B and the results of prediction by the presence/non

presence predictor 34E has been exemplified. A switch from

the air conditioning operation to the power-saving

operation however may be made based on a date and time when

the user is present or not present in the air conditioning

space that is freely set by the user or a date and time

when the user is present or not present that is set in a

Web calendar, and changes can be made as appropriate.

[0151] Each component of each unit illustrated in the

drawings need not necessarily be configured physically as

illustrated in the drawings. In other words, specific

modes of distribution and integration of units are not

limited to those illustrated in the drawings and all or

part of the units can be configured by functional or

physical distribution or integration in any unit according

to various types of load and usage.

[0152] Furthermore, all or given part of various types

of processing functions implemented by each device may be

executed on a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (or a

microcomputer, such as or a MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or

a MCU (Micro Controller Unit)). Needless to say, all or

any part of the various types of processing functions may

be executed on a program that is analyzed and executed by

the CPU (or a microcomputer, such as a MPU or a MCU) or on

hardware according to a wired logic.

Reference Signs List

[0153] 1 AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

2, 2A AIR CONDITIONER

3 COMMUNICATION ADAPTER

5 SERVER DEVICE

21, 210 INDOOR UNIT

21B HUMAN DETECTION SENSOR

21D CONTROLLER

21D1, 21D2, 21D3 POWER-SAVING OPERATION EXECUTION

UNIT

21F PRESENCE/NON-PRESENCE PATTERN

21G GENERATOR

21H PRESENCE/NON-PRESENCE PREDICTOR

34E PRESENCE/NON-PRESENCE PREDICTOR

Claims (13)

1. Claim 1. An air conditioner comprising:

   a controller that, using presence/non-presence

   information indicating whether a user is present in an air

   conditioning space, makes a switch from an air conditioning

   operation to a power-saving operation of which power

   consumption is smaller than the power consumption of the

   air conditioning operation,

   wherein the controller makes a switch from the air

   conditioning operation to any one of a first power-saving

   operation that prioritizes comfortableness to the user and

   a second power-saving operation that prioritizes a power

   saving effect as the power-saving operation.
2. Claim 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein

   the power-saving operation includes

   the first power-saving operation in which a set

   temperature in the air conditioning operation before the

   switch to the power-saving operation is changed and of

   which power consumption is smaller than the power

   consumption of the air conditioning operation before the

   switch to the power-saving operation; and

   the second power-saving operation in which the air

   conditioning operation is stopped.
3. Claim 3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, further

   comprising a human detection sensor that detects whether a

   human is present in the air conditioning space,

   wherein, using the presence/non-presence information

   obtained from results of detection by the human detection

   sensor during execution of the air conditioning operation,

   the controller makes a switch from the air conditioning

   operation to any one of the first power-saving operation and the second power-saving operation.
4. Claim 4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein

   the controller comprises:

   a presence/non-presence predictor that, using a

   plurality of presence/non-presence patterns representing a

   tendency of presence and non-presence of the user in the

   air conditioning space, predicts whether a human will be

   present in the air conditioning space; and

   a power-saving operation execution unit that refers to

   a length of time in which no human is present from the

   presence/non-presence information that is results of

   predicting whether a human will be present by the

   presence/non-presence predictor and, based on the length of

   time in which no human will be present, makes a switch from

   the air conditioning operation to any one of the first

   power-saving operation and the second power-saving

   operation.
5. Claim 5. The air conditioner according to claim 2, further

   comprising a human detection sensor that detects whether a

   human is present in the air conditioning space,

   wherein the controller comprises:

   a presence/non-presence predictor that, using a

   plurality of presence/non-presence patterns representing a

   tendency of presence and non-presence of the user in the

   air conditioning space, predicts whether a human will be

   present in the air conditioning space; and

   a power-saving operation execution unit that refers to

   a length of time in which no human will be present from the

   presence/non-presence information containing results of

   detection by the human detection sensor and results of

   predicting whether a human will be present by the presence/non-presence predictor and, based on the length of time in which no human will be present, makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to any one of the first power-saving operation and the second power-saving operation.
6. Claim 6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein

   the power-saving operation execution unit refers to the

   results of prediction by the presence/non-presence

   predictor on a first given time from a time at which the

   human detection sensor detects that no human is present

   during execution of the air conditioning operation and,

   when the results of prediction indicate that no human will

   be present, makes a switch from the air conditioning

   operation to the second power-saving operation.
7. Claim 7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein

   the power-saving operation execution unit refers to the

   results of prediction by the presence/non-presence

   predictor on the first given time during execution of the

   air conditioning operation and, when the results of

   prediction indicate that a human will be present, keeps the

   air conditioning operation.
8. Claim 8. The air conditioner according to claim 7,

   wherein, when the air conditioning operation is kept and it

   is kept detected that no human is present during a second

   given time from the time at which the human detection

   sensor detects that no human is present, the power-saving

   operation execution unit makes a switch from the air

   conditioning operation to the second power-saving

   operation.
9. Claim 9. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the power-saving operation execution unit refers to the results of prediction by the presence/non-presence predictor on the first given time during execution of the air conditioning operation and, when presence of a human and non-presence of a human are mixed in the results of prediction, makes a switch from the air conditioning operation to the first power-saving operation.
10. Claim 10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein, when it is kept detected that no human is preset during a third given time from the time at which the detection sensor detects that no human is present during execution of the first power-saving operation, the power saving operation execution unit makes a switch from the first power-saving operation to the second power-saving operation.
11. Claim 11. An air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner including a human detection sensor that detects whether a human is present in an air conditioning space; a server device that generates a plurality of presence/non presence patterns that are generated using results of detection by the human detection sensor in the past and that represents a tendency of presence and non-presence of a user in the air conditioning space; and a communication adapter that makes communication between the air conditioner and the server device, wherein the air conditioning system comprises: a presence/non-presence predictor that selects a presence/non-presence pattern from the presence/non presence patterns using current results of detection by the human detection sensor and that predicts whether a human will be present in the air conditioning space using the selected presence/non-presence pattern; and a controller that makes a switch to a first power saving operation prioritizing comfortableness to the user and a second power-saving operation prioritizing a power saving effect among power-saving operations of which power consumption is smaller than that of an air conditioning operation using results of detection by the human detection sensor and results of prediction by the presence/non presence predictor.
12. Claim 12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein the presence/non-presence predictor is in the server device, and the controller is in the air conditioner.
13. Claim 13. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein the presence/non-presence predictor is in the communication adapter, and the controller is in the air conditioner.