JP2001033075A - Controller for air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a more comfortable and environmentally gentle control by recognizing the movement of persons in a room based on an image decision criteria and controlling an air conditioner through an air conditioning control means. SOLUTION: A CCD camera 31 constituting an indoor recognition means 3 for recognizing the state of persons in a room detects the brightness in the room and an A/D converting means 32 converts an image signal from the CCD camera 31 into image data. An image recognition means 34 recognizes current image state by comparing current image data from the A/D converting means 32 with past image data preserved in an image preserving means 33. A decision reference selecting means 36 selects an image decision criterion of the image recognition means 34 based on the recognition results of a brightness recognition means 35 and the content set by a mode setting means 1a. An air conditioning control means 4 controls the air conditioner body 50 based on the information from the indoor recognition means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control device for an air conditioner, and more particularly to a control device for detecting and controlling the movement of a person.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 5, a control device for an air conditioner includes a setting means 1 for setting an operation mode, a set temperature, and the like; a temperature detecting means 2 for detecting a room temperature and an outside air temperature; The vehicle is provided with a person recognizing unit 3 ′ for recognizing the presence or absence of a person using an infrared sensor or the like, and an air conditioner control unit 4 for controlling the air conditioner 50. The air conditioner 5 is based on the mode and the set temperature, the indoor temperature and the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detecting means 2, and the recognition result from the human recognition means 3 '.
0 was controlled. For example, the control is performed so that the operation is performed in the normal operation mode so that the temperature becomes the set temperature if a person is present, and is switched to the energy saving mode in which the set temperature is brought close to the outside air temperature when the person is not present. However, for example, when a person is moving, a request to lower the temperature occurs because the body temperature rises, so that the user has to manually lower the set temperature and drive.
In addition, when the user is at rest, the temperature drops too much because the body temperature drops, and a request to raise the air temperature occurs. Therefore, the user has to manually increase the set temperature and drive. As described above, in order to obtain a more comfortable indoor environment, it is necessary to change the set temperature and drive according to the movement of a person. In addition, in consideration of environmental issues, it is necessary to switch to the energy saving mode and drive if there are no people.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and realizes more comfortable and more environmentally friendly control by recognizing human motion by changing a criterion according to the brightness of a room. It is an object of the present invention to provide a control device for an air conditioner.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a setting means for setting an operation mode, a set temperature, and the like; a temperature detecting means for detecting a room temperature and an outside air temperature; An air conditioner control means for controlling an air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner control means operates an operation mode and a set temperature set in the setting means; and an indoor temperature detected by the temperature detection means. And an air conditioner control device for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on the outside air temperature and the recognition result from the indoor recognition means, wherein the indoor recognition means converts an indoor image into an image signal. Means, A / D conversion means for converting the image signal into image data, image storage means for storing the image data, brightness recognizing means for detecting the brightness in the room, and brightness in the room. A criterion selecting means for selecting an image criterion, and comparing the image data stored in the image storage means with the image data from the A / D conversion means and selecting the criterion selected by the criterion selecting means. And a control unit for controlling each of the units, and the criterion selection unit recognizes a person's movement based on a background update difference based on the indoor brightness recognized by the brightness recognition unit. Select a background update difference criterion or a frame difference criterion for recognizing a person's movement with a frame difference,
The image recognition means recognizes the movement of a person in the room based on the selected image determination criterion, and the air conditioner control means controls the air conditioner based on the recognition result.

If the brightness recognizing means recognizes that the room is bright, the criterion selecting means selects a background update difference criterion for recognizing a person's movement based on the background update difference, and recognizes that the room is dark. In this case, the control device for the air conditioner is configured such that the criterion selecting means selects a frame difference criterion for recognizing a person's movement based on the frame difference.

The criterion selection means selects a background update difference criterion when the normal mode is set in the setting means, and selects a frame difference criterion when the rest mode is set. The control device for the air conditioner is as follows.

The brightness recognizing section is a control device for an air conditioner which recognizes the brightness of an image input to the image input means.

When the rest mode is set in the setting means, after a normal operation for a certain time, the criterion selection means selects a frame difference criterion, and the image recognition means recognizes the frame difference criterion based on the frame difference criterion. The air conditioner control device is configured such that the air conditioner control means controls the air conditioner based on the result.

When the criterion selecting means selects a frame difference criterion, and the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on the frame difference criterion, and recognizes that there is no motion of a person for a certain period of time, the set temperature is reduced. The control device of the air conditioner is designed to be operated with a small difference from the outside air temperature.

In the case where the criterion selecting means selects a frame difference criterion, and the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on the frame difference criterion, and recognizes that a person's movement exists even after a certain period of time has elapsed. The air conditioner is configured to operate with the set temperature set to a value having a large difference from the outside air temperature.

When the criterion selecting means selects a background difference criterion, and the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on the criterion for determining a background difference and continuously recognizes the same state as the background image for a predetermined time or more, The control device of the air conditioner is designed to operate with the set temperature set to a value having a small difference from the outside air temperature.

The criterion selecting means selects a background difference criterion. If the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on the criterion for determining a background difference and recognizes a state different from the background image for a predetermined time or more, the set temperature is set. The control device of the air conditioner is designed to operate at a value having a large difference from the outside air temperature.

When the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on a background difference criterion, the image data is divided into a plurality of blocks, and as a result of comparison, a position storage section for storing the position of a block different from the background image; A position comparison unit is provided for comparing the position of the block from the storage unit with the position of the block for which the change has been newly recognized. The updated image data is updated, and the control device of the air conditioner is configured to operate with the set temperature set to a value having a small difference from the outside air temperature.

[0014]

As described above, in the control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention, the room recognizing means converts the image of the room into an image signal, and converts the image signal into image data. A / D converting means, image storing means for storing the same image data, brightness recognizing means for detecting the brightness in the room, criterion selecting means for selecting an image criterion based on the brightness in the room, An image recognition unit that compares image data stored in the image storage unit with image data from the A / D conversion unit and recognizes an image based on a criterion selected by the criterion selection unit; The determination unit selects the background update difference based on the brightness of the room recognized by the brightness recognition unit. A frame difference criterion for recognizing the movement of the person, the image recognizing means recognizes the motion of the person in the room based on the selected image criterion, and the air conditioner controlling means controls the air conditioner based on the recognition result. Since it is possible to select a criterion according to the brightness of the room and perform image recognition, for example, it is possible to determine whether a person is moving or has turned over, so that it is more comfortable Thus, more environmentally friendly control becomes possible.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An air conditioner control apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a main block diagram showing an embodiment of a control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a setting unit including a mode setting unit 1a for setting an operation mode and a temperature setting unit 1b for setting a set temperature. Reference numeral 2 denotes a temperature detecting means including an indoor temperature detecting section 2a for detecting the indoor temperature and an outdoor temperature detecting section 2b for detecting the outdoor temperature. Reference numeral 3 denotes an indoor recognizing means for recognizing a state of a person in the room, which has the following configuration. Reference numeral 31 denotes a CCD camera, which converts an indoor image into an image signal and detects its brightness. Reference numeral 32 denotes an A / D converter for converting an image signal from the CCD camera 31 into image data. 33 is the A / D conversion means 3
This is an image storing means for storing the image data from step 2 in a rewritten manner at regular intervals. 34 is the A / D conversion means 3
This is an image recognizing means for comparing the current image data from No. 2 with past image data (= background image data) stored in the image storing means 33 and recognizing the state of the current image. The image recognizing means 34 divides the image data into a plurality of blocks, and compares the average luminance value of the image data for each block.
A position calculation unit 34 that calculates the position of the block where the change has been recognized.
b and a position storage unit 34c for storing the position of the same block
And a position comparing unit 34d for comparing the stored block position with the position of a block that has newly changed. Reference numeral 35 denotes brightness recognizing means for recognizing whether the brightness of the room is bright or dark. For example, the brightness recognizing unit 35 recognizes the brightness based on the level of the video signal detected by the CCD camera 31. Numeral 36 is a criterion selecting means for selecting an image criterion of the image recognizing means 34 based on the recognition result of the brightness recognizing means 35 and the setting contents of the mode setting means 1a. The image criterion includes a background update difference criterion that updates image data stored in the image storage unit when no change is recognized for a certain period of time, and recognizes a motion of a person based on a background update difference. There is a frame difference criterion for updating the image data stored in the image storage means and recognizing the motion of a person based on the frame difference. Reference numeral 37 denotes a control unit which controls each of the units and units. Numeral 38 denotes an energy saving timer which measures the time during which the position of a block in which a change in the luminance of image data during image recognition is recognized does not change based on the background update difference determination criterion. Reference numeral 39 denotes a timer which measures the time during which there is no change in the luminance of image data during image recognition based on the frame difference criterion. A rest timer 40 measures the time from when the rest mode is set in the mode setting means 1a to when the criterion selecting means 36 selects the frame difference criterion. Reference numeral 4 denotes an air conditioner control unit, which controls the air conditioner main body 50 based on recognition information from the indoor recognition unit. 50 is the air conditioner body.

The operation of the above configuration will now be described. FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are operation flow charts for explaining the operation of the control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the basic operation after the power is turned on, and FIGS. This shows a steady operation after the elapse. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. Air conditioner 5
When a power supply (not shown) of 0 is turned on, a predetermined initial operation is performed (ST1), and then the operation of a start button (not shown) is monitored (ST2). Then, when the operation start button is pressed, first, control is performed so as to rapidly reach the set temperature (ST3), and it is monitored whether the set temperature has been reached (ST4).
Then, when the set temperature is reached, a transition is made to the steady operation shown in FIGS.

In the normal operation shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, first, image data taken by the CCD camera 31 and output from the A / D conversion means is written and stored in the image storage means 33 (ST5). Next, the brightness of the room is recognized (ST6), it is determined whether the room is bright (ST7), and if it is recognized as bright, it is confirmed whether the set operation mode is the normal mode (ST8), and the normal mode is set. If so, the criterion selecting means 36 selects the image criterion and the background difference criterion (ST9), and the image data comparing section 34a of the image recognizing means 34 compares the image data stored in the image storing means 33 with the A / D. The current image data from the conversion means 32 is compared for each block (ST10), and the change of the image data for each block is monitored (ST11). For example, when a person enters the room and the change is recognized, the changed block is checked. Check the position (ST
12) Yes. If the position has changed in ST13, it is recognized that a person is moving, the energy saving timer 39 is set (ST14), and the operation is performed in the normal operation mode in which the operation is performed so as to approach the set temperature (ST15). The data is updated (ST5).

In step ST13, if the position has not changed, it is recognized that the person is not moving, and it is monitored whether the energy saving timer 39 has timed out (ST16). Operate in the energy saving mode (ST17), and update the image data (S17).
T5). If it is not time-out at ST16, the current operation mode (normal mode)
And the image data is updated (ST5). In step ST11, if no change is found in the image data, it is recognized that no person has entered the room, and the timeout of the energy saving timer is monitored (ST18). , The image data is updated (ST5). And
If a timeout has not occurred in ST18, the current operation mode is continued and the image data is updated (ST5).

If it is determined in ST7 that the image is dark, the criterion selecting means 36 selects the image criterion as the frame difference criterion (ST20). If there is, the criterion selecting means 36 selects the image criterion and also the frame difference criterion (ST20). And image recognition means 3
4 and the A / D conversion means 3 with the image data of one frame before stored in the image storage means 33 by the image data comparison part 34a
2 is compared with the current image data for each block (ST
21) and monitor changes in image data for each block (ST)
22) Then, when a change in image data is recognized, for example, as a result of a person moving, the sleep timer 40 is set (ST2).
3) At the same time, the time-out of the timer 38 is monitored (ST24). If the time-out occurs, the operation is recognized in a normal mode (ST25), and the image data is updated (ST5). I have. ST2
If it is not time-out at 4, the current operation mode is continued and the image data is updated (ST5). If no change in the image data is recognized in ST22, the timer 37 is set (ST26) and the timeout of the rest timer 40 is monitored (ST27).
If a timeout occurs, the operation is performed in the energy saving mode, and the image data is updated (ST5).
If there is no timeout in ST27, the current operation mode is continued and the image data is updated (ST5).

[0020]

As described above, according to the control device for an air conditioner of the present invention, the room recognizing means converts the image in the room into an image signal, and converts the image signal into image data. A / D converting means, image storing means for storing the same image data, brightness recognizing means for detecting the brightness in the room, criterion selecting means for selecting an image criterion based on the brightness in the room, An image recognition unit that compares image data stored in the image storage unit with image data from the A / D conversion unit and recognizes an image based on a criterion selected by the criterion selection unit; A background update difference criterion or a frame difference, in which the criterion selection means recognizes a person's movement by a background update difference, based on the room brightness recognized by the brightness recognition means. A frame difference criterion for recognizing a person's motion is selected, and the image recognition unit recognizes the motion of a person in the room based on the selected image criterion, and the air conditioner control unit controls the air conditioner based on the recognition result. Since control is performed, it is possible to select a criterion according to the brightness of the room and perform image recognition, so that, for example, it is possible to determine whether a person is moving or has turned over, Comfortable and more environmentally friendly control is possible.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main part block diagram showing an embodiment of a control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an operation flowchart showing a basic operation of the control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation flowchart showing a steady operation of the control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a continued operation flowchart showing a steady operation of the control device for an air conditioner according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing a conventional control device for an air conditioner.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 setting means 1a mode setting part 1b temperature setting part 2 temperature detecting means 2a indoor temperature detecting part 2b outdoor temperature detecting part 3 indoor recognizing means 31 CCD camera 32 A / D converting means 33 image storing means 34 image recognizing means 34a image data comparison Unit 34b Position calculation unit 34c Position storage unit 34d Position comparison unit 35 Brightness recognition unit 36 Judgment criterion selection unit 37 Control unit 38 Energy saving timer 39 Timer 40 Sleep timer 4 Air conditioner control unit 50 Air conditioner body

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner comprising: setting means for setting an operation mode, a set temperature, and the like; temperature detecting means for detecting an indoor temperature or an outside air temperature; an indoor recognizing means for recognizing a motion of a person in a room; Control means for controlling the air conditioner,
The air conditioner control means controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the operation mode and the set temperature set in the setting means, the room temperature and the outside air temperature detected by the temperature detection means, and the recognition result from the room recognition means. A control device of an air conditioner for controlling, wherein the room recognizing means converts an image in a room into an image signal, and an A / A which converts the image signal into image data.
D conversion means, image storage means for storing the same image data, brightness recognition means for recognizing the brightness of the room, criterion selection means for selecting an image criterion based on the brightness of the room, Image recognition means for recognizing a comparison result between the image data stored in the means and the image data from the A / D conversion means based on the image criterion selected by the criterion selection means; Means, and the criterion selecting means selects an image criterion according to the brightness of the room recognized by the brightness recognizing means, and the image recognizing means determines the movement of a person in the room based on the selected image criterion. Air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner control means controls an operation mode such as a rest mode, an energy saving mode, and a normal mode of the air conditioner based on the recognition result. Control device of Japanese machine. 2. A criterion for determining a background update difference or a frame for recognizing a motion of a person based on a background update difference, wherein the criterion selection unit updates image data stored in the image storage unit when there is no change for a predetermined time. 2. The control of the air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the image data stored in the image storage means is updated every time, and a frame difference criterion for recognizing a motion of a person based on a frame difference is selected. apparatus. 3. When the brightness recognizing unit recognizes that the room is bright, the criterion selecting unit selects the background update difference criterion, and when it recognizes that the room is dark,
3. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein said criterion selecting means selects a frame difference criterion. 4. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein said criterion selecting means selects an image criterion according to an operation mode set in said setting means. 5. The criterion selection means selects a background update difference criterion when the normal mode is set in the setting means, and sets the background update difference criterion when the rest mode is set. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein a frame difference judgment criterion is selected after a lapse of a predetermined time from the selection. 6. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the brightness recognizing unit recognizes the brightness of an image input to the image input unit. 7. When the sleep mode is set in the setting means, after normal operation for a certain time, the criterion selection means selects a frame difference criterion, and the image recognition means based on the frame difference criterion. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 2 or 5, wherein the air conditioner control means controls the air conditioner according to the recognition result of (1). 8. The criterion selecting means selects a frame difference criterion. If the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on the frame difference criterion and recognizes that a human motion has not been present for a predetermined time or more, a setting is made. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the operation is performed by setting the temperature to a value having a small difference from the outside air temperature. 9. The criterion selecting means selects a frame difference criterion, and the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on the frame difference criterion, and recognizes that there is a motion of a person even after a predetermined time has elapsed. 8. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein in the case, the operation is performed with the set temperature set to a value having a large difference from the outside air temperature. 10. When the criterion selecting means selects a background difference criterion, and the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on the background difference criterion and continuously recognizes the same state as the background image for a predetermined time or more. 8. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the controller is operated with the set temperature set to a value having a small difference from the outside air temperature. 11. The criterion selecting means selects a background difference criterion. If the image recognizing means recognizes an image based on the criterion for determining a background difference and recognizes a state different from the background image for a predetermined time or more, a setting is made. 3. An operation in which the temperature is set to a value having a large difference from the outside air temperature.
The control device for an air conditioner as described in the above. 12. A position storage unit for storing a position of a block different from a background image as a result of dividing the image data into a plurality of blocks and comparing the image data when the image recognition unit recognizes an image based on a background difference determination criterion; A position comparison unit that compares the position of the block from the same position storage unit with the position of the block that has newly recognized a change; and when the position of the block has been in the same state for a predetermined time or more, the image storage unit 3. The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the image data stored in the air conditioner is updated, and the operation is performed with the set temperature set to a value having a small difference from the outside air temperature.