JP2010236780A - Heating apparatus and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heating apparatus and a control program estimating user's hot/cold feeling with high accuracy without kept into contact with a user. <P>SOLUTION: A controller 160 includes a temperature detecting part detecting temperatures of a low back region R<SB>MID</SB>and a foot region R<SB>LOWER</SB>, a humidity detecting part 163 detecting a humidity of the foot region R<SB>LOWER</SB>, a hot/cold feeling estimation value calculating part 164 calculating a hot/cold feeling estimation value I<SB>p</SB>according to the temperature and humidity of the foot region R<SB>LOWER</SB>and the temperature of the low back region R<SB>MID</SB>, and an adjusting part 165 for adjusting a set temperature T<SB>s</SB>according to the hot/cold feeling estimation value I<SB>p</SB>. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a heating apparatus and a control program for adjusting an adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature becomes a set temperature.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for the purpose of adjusting the environmental temperature of a user, a heating device such as an air conditioner or an electric blanket used at bedtime has been widely used. Such a thermal appliance adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature (for example, the room temperature or the temperature in the bed) that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes the set temperature. In addition, a method for estimating a user's feeling of “hot” or “cold” (hereinafter referred to as “warm feeling”) has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

Specifically, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, skin surface heat flow Q _sk , skin temperature T _sk , deep temperature T _cr , skin temperature time change rate T _sk / dt, deep temperature time change rate T _cr / Based on dt, the thermal sensation is estimated. The thermal sensation is indicated by a thermal sensation estimated value I that quantitatively indicates the thermal sensation based on the following equation (1). In Expression (1), A to F are predetermined coefficients.

I = A * _Qsk + B * _Tsk + C * _Tsk / dt + D * _Tcr + E * _Tcr / dt + F (1)
The thermal appliance controls the thermal sensation estimated value I to be within the predetermined range when the thermal sensation estimated value I is outside the predetermined range.

JP 2006-194540 A

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to attach a large number of sensors for measuring the user's body temperature to the user's body during the user's sleep period. In particular, a sensor that measures the temperature of the user's rectum or tympanic membrane is used to measure the deep temperature T _cr of the user. Therefore, since a burden is put on a user's sleep, it was difficult to provide a user with a comfortable sleep.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described situation, and an object thereof is to provide a heating apparatus and a control program capable of accurately estimating the user's thermal feeling without attaching a sensor to the user's body. To do.

  A thermal appliance according to a feature of the present invention is a thermal appliance that controls an adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature, which is the temperature of the adjustment target, becomes a set temperature, and the user's waist is arranged among the adjustment targets. A temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of a waist region that is a region to be touched and a temperature of a foot region that is a region where both feet of the user are arranged, and a humidity detection unit that detects the humidity of the foot region of the adjustment target, and A thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit that calculates an estimated thermal sensation value that is an estimated value of the thermal sensation value indicating the thermal sensation of the user according to the temperature of the waist region and the temperature and humidity of the foot region, The gist is to include an adjustment unit that adjusts the set temperature according to the thermal sensation estimated value calculated by the thermal sensation calculation unit.

  According to the heating device according to the feature of the present invention, it is only necessary to detect the temperature and humidity in the foot region and the temperature in the waist region, so that it is not necessary to attach a sensor to the user's body. Therefore, since the user is non-invasive and non-restraining, comfortable sleep can be provided to the user. In addition, since the estimated thermal sensation is calculated according to the temperature and humidity of the foot area and the temperature of the waist area, which are important factors in controlling the thermal sensation of the user, the thermal sensation of the user is reduced. It can be estimated with high accuracy.

  In the heating device according to the feature of the present invention, the foot region includes a first region that is a region between both feet, a second region that is a left region of both feet, and a third region that is a right region of both feet. The temperature detection unit may detect the temperatures of the first region, the second region, and the third region, and the humidity detection unit may detect the humidity of each of the first region, the second region, and the third region. .

  Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the temperature and humidity of the foot region without attaching a sensor to the user's body.

  In the thermal appliance according to the feature of the present invention, the thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit may calculate the thermal sensation estimated value based on the following equation (2).

_{I p = A t * T LOWER} + B t * T MID + C h * H LOWER + D ··· (2)
In (Equation (2), _{I p} is the thermal sensation _estimate, A _t, is B t, respectively _{C h} and D are predetermined constants, T _LOWER first region, second region and third region (The average temperature of each region, T _MID is the temperature of the waist region, and H _LOWER is the average humidity of each of the first region, the second region, and the third region.)
Accordingly, since it is simpler than the case where the thermal sensation estimated value I is calculated based on the above formula (1), the processing load in the thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit can be reduced.

In the above formula (2), _{A t} is a value ranging from 0.0076 or more and 0.0084 or less, _{B t} is a value in the range of 0.04 or more and 0.06 or less, _{C h} is , −90.635 or more and −60.423 or less, and D may be a value in the range of −0.83475 or more and −0.755525 or less.

  In this case, as will be described in the subjective evaluation experiment described later, the absolute value of the difference between the maximum value of the thermal sensation value by subjectivity and the maximum value of the thermal sensation estimation value by the estimation formula can be suppressed to within 0.5. . Therefore, it is possible to estimate the thermal sensation of the user with high accuracy.

  A control program according to a feature of the present invention is a control program that causes a computer to function as a heating apparatus that adjusts an adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes a set temperature. Step A for detecting the temperature of the waist region, which is the region where the user's waist is placed among the adjustment targets, and the temperature of the foot region, which is the region where both feet of the user are placed, and the humidity of the foot region among the adjustment targets; Step B for calculating the thermal sensation estimated value indicating the thermal sensation of the user according to the detected humidity of the foot region, and the temperature of the user according to the detection results of the temperature detection unit and the humidity detection unit The gist is to execute Step C for calculating a thermal sensation estimated value indicative of cooling sensation and Step D for adjusting a set temperature in accordance with the calculated thermal sensation estimated value.

  The control method according to the feature of the present invention is a control method for controlling the temperature to be adjusted so that the temperature to be adjusted, which is the temperature to be adjusted, becomes a set temperature. Step B for calculating a thermal sensation estimation value indicating the thermal sensation of the user according to the humidity in the foot region, and the thermal sensation of the user according to the detection results of the temperature detection unit and the humidity detection unit The gist is to include Step C for calculating the thermal sensation estimated value and Step D for adjusting the set temperature according to the calculated thermal sensation estimated value.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the thermal appliance and control program which can estimate a user's thermal sensation accurately can be provided, without contacting a user.

1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a temperature control system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of the bed S which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block block diagram of the controller 160 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the controller 160 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating a subjective evaluation experiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a subjective evaluation experiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a subjective evaluation experiment. Is a graph showing changes in the thermal sensation value I _s and a thermal sensation estimate I _p obtained in the subjective evaluation. It is a figure for demonstrating a thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula. It is a figure for demonstrating a thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula. It is a figure for demonstrating a thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula. It is a figure for demonstrating a thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic.

(1) Overall Schematic Configuration of Temperature Control System FIG. 1 is an overall schematic configuration diagram of a temperature control system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the bed S according to the embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the temperature control system 1 according to the embodiment includes a bed S and a heating device 100.

The bed S is a space for the user to sleep. The bed S is an adjustment target whose temperature is adjusted by the heating device 100. The bed S is formed by the mattress S _MAT and the comforter S _QUI . User, sleep on a mattress _{S MAT} to form a bed S. As shown in FIG. 2, the bed S includes a waist region R _{MID in} which the user's waist is disposed, and a foot region R _{LOWER in} which both feet of the user are disposed.

Here, in the present embodiment, the waist region R _MID is a region around the user's waist. Specifically, the waist region R _MID among the region formed between the user and the mattress S _MAT, an area up "thigh" from "solar plexus" of the user. In the present embodiment, the foot region R _LOWER is a region around both feet of the user. Specifically, the foot region R _LOWER is a region from the user's “thigh” to the “lower end” of the mattress S _MAT among the regions formed between the mattress S _MAT and the comforter S _QUI .

In the present embodiment, the foot region R _LOWER is composed of a first region R ₁ , a second region R _2, and a third region R ₃ as shown in FIG. The first region R _1, of the area formed between the mattress S _MAT and comforters S _QUI, a region formed between the legs of the user. The second region R _2, of the area formed between the mattress S _MAT and comforters S _QUI, a right area of the feet of the user. The third region R _3, of the region formed between the mattress S _MAT and comforters S _QUI, a left area of the feet of the user.

Thermal instrument 100, as is the temperature to be adjusted adjusted temperature T _o is the set temperature T _s, for adjusting the adjustment target temperature T _o. In the present embodiment, the adjustment target is bed S, adjusted the temperature T _o is the internal temperature of the bed S. As described below, adjusted the temperature T _o is the average value of the measured values by the temperature sensor provided in the bed S. As shown in FIG. 1, the heating apparatus 100 includes a blower 110, a temperature sensor 120, temperature / humidity sensors 130, 140, 150, and a controller 160.

  The blower 110 is a blower that sends air into the bed S. The blower 110 receives a control signal from the controller 160 via the connection line 101. The blower 110 sends hot air or cold air into the bed S according to the control signal. The air outlet of the blower 110 is disposed, for example, on the user's foot side, but is not limited thereto.

The temperature sensor 120 is provided in the waist region R _MID . Temperature sensor 120 may be incorporated in the mattress _{S MAT,} it may be disposed on the mattress _{S MAT.} The temperature sensor 120 measures a waist temperature T _MID that is the temperature of the waist region R _MID . The temperature sensor 120 converts the measurement result into an electrical signal, and transmits the electrical signal obtained by the conversion to the controller 160 via the connection line 102.

Each of the temperature and humidity sensors 130, 140, 150 is provided in the foot region R _LOWER . Specifically, temperature and humidity sensor 130 is disposed in a first region R ₁ of the foot region R _LOWER. Temperature and humidity sensor 140 is disposed in the second region _{R 2} of the foot region R _LOWER. Temperature and humidity sensor 150 is disposed in the third region _{R 3} of the foot region R _LOWER. The temperature and humidity sensor 130, 140, 150, respectively, may be incorporated in the mattress _{S MAT,} may be disposed on the surface of the mattress _{S MAT.}

Temperature and humidity sensor 130 includes a first temperature _{T R1} which is the first temperature region _{R 1,} and a first humidity _{H R1} is a first humidity region _{R 1} is measured. Temperature and humidity sensor 140, a second temperature _{T R2} is a second region _{R 2} of the temperature, and a second humidity _{H R2} is a second humidity region _{R 2} is measured. Temperature and humidity sensor 150 measures a third temperature _{T R3} is the temperature of the third region _{R 3,} and a third humidity _{H R3} is a humidity of the third region _{R 3.} Each of the temperature / humidity sensors 130, 140, and 150 converts the measurement result into an electrical signal and transmits the electrical signal obtained by the conversion to the controller 160 via the connection line 102.

The controller 160 detects each temperature T and each humidity H based on the electrical signal received via the connection line 102. In accordance with each temperature T and each humidity H, the controller 160 calculates a thermal sensation estimated value I _p indicating a feeling of “hot” or “cold” of the user (hereinafter, “thermal sensation”). The controller 160 adjusts the set temperature T _s according to the thermal sensation estimated value.

(2) Configuration of Controller FIG. 3 is a functional block configuration diagram of the controller 160. 3, the controller 160 includes a sensor I / F unit 161, a temperature detection unit 162, a humidity detection unit 163, a thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit 164, an adjustment unit 165, and a blower I / F. A portion 166 and a display portion 167.

(2.1) Sensor I / F Unit The sensor I / F unit 161 is connected to the temperature sensor 120 and the temperature / humidity sensors 130, 140, and 150 via the connection line 101. The sensor I / F unit 161 receives an electrical signal indicating temperature and an electrical signal indicating humidity. The sensor I / F unit 161 transmits an electrical signal indicating the temperature to the temperature detection unit 162. The sensor I / F unit 161 transmits an electrical signal indicating humidity to the humidity detection unit 163.

(2.2) Detection Unit The temperature detection unit 162 detects the waist temperature T _MID , the first temperature T _R1 , the second temperature T _R2, and the third temperature T _R3 based on the transmitted electrical signal. Further, the temperature detection unit 162 detects the foot temperature T _LOWER that is the temperature of the foot region R _LOWER by calculating an average value of the first temperature T _R1 , the second temperature T _R2, and the third temperature T _R3 . Further, the temperature detecting portion 162, by calculating the average value of the lumbar temperature T _MID and feet temperature T _LOWER, detects the adjusted temperature T _o.

The humidity detector 163 detects the first humidity H _R1 , the second humidity H _R2, and the third humidity H _R3 based on the transmitted electrical signal. Further, the humidity detection unit 163 detects the foot humidity H _LOWER that is the humidity of the foot region R _LOWER by calculating an average value of the first humidity H _R1 , the second humidity HR _2, and the third humidity _HR 3.

(2.3) Thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit The thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit 164 is a thermal chill indicating the user's thermal sensation according to the waist temperature T _MID , the foot temperature T _LOWER, and the foot humidity H _LOWER. The estimated feeling value I _p is calculated. Here, the thermal sensation of the user is a subjective evaluation of the user, and the calculated thermal sensation estimated value I _p is an estimated value that quantitatively indicates the thermal sensation of the user. Should. Therefore, based on the thermal sensation estimate I _p, thermal sensation of the user is estimated.

Specifically, the thermal sensation estimation value calculation unit 164, based on the following thermal sensation estimate calculation equation (3) to calculate the thermal sensation estimate I _p of the user.

_{I p = A t * T LOWER} + B t * T MID + C h * H LOWER + D ··· (3)
Incidentally, thermal sensation estimate calculation formula (3) in _{A t,} B t, each _{C h} and D, a predetermined constant. To maintain a high accuracy of estimating the thermal sensation based on the thermal sensation estimate _{I p} is, _{A t} is a value within the range of the 0.0076 or more and 0.0084 or less, _{B t} is and 0.04 or 0. 06 the following values in the range, _{C h} is a value within the range of the -90.635 above and -60.423 less, D is to be a value within a range of -0.83475 or more and -0.75525 less preferable. Also, _{A t} is 0.008, _{B t} is 0.05, _{C h} is -75.529, when D is -0.795, temperature based on thermal sensation estimate _{I p} It is possible to further improve the estimation accuracy of the cool feeling. A method for deriving the thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula (3) will be described later.

(2.4) Adjustment Unit The adjustment unit 165 adjusts the set temperature T _s according to the thermal sensation estimated value I _p calculated by the thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit 164. Specifically, the adjustment unit 165 determines whether or not the thermal sensation estimated value I _p is within a predetermined range (lower limit value I _MIN to upper limit value I _MAX ).

When the thermal sensation estimated value I _p is within a predetermined range, the user can sleep comfortably without feeling “hot” or “cold”. On the other hand, if the thermal sensation estimation value I _p is less than the lower limit value I _MIN, the user feels a "cold", when thermal sensation estimated value I _p is greater than the upper limit value I _MAX, the user is "hot" I feel.

Adjustment unit 165, if the thermal sensation estimate _{I p} is within a predetermined range, or adjusting the target temperature _{T o} and the absolute value │Δ _T │ steps value _{T step} difference delta _T between the set temperature _{T s} If larger, the set temperature T _s is maintained. Here, the step value T _step, a value used to determine the presence or absence of necessity of controlling the adjusted temperature T _o by the blower 110. That is, if the adjusted temperature _{T o} is away from the set temperature _{T s} above step value _{T step,} adjusted the temperature _{T o} is controlled by the blower 110. On the other hand, if the adjusted temperature _{T o} is not far from the set temperature _{T s} above step value _{T step,} adjusted the temperature _{T o} is not controlled by the blower 110.

On the other hand, the adjustment unit 165 increases the set temperature T _s when the absolute value | Δ _T | is equal to or smaller than the step value T _step and the thermal sensation estimated value I _p is smaller than the lower limit value I _MIN . . Further, the adjustment unit 165 reduces the set temperature T _s when the absolute value | Δ _T | is equal to or less than the step value T _step and the thermal sensation estimated value I _p is larger than the upper limit value I _MAX . It should be noted that the adjustment unit 165 adjusts the set temperature T _s within a predetermined range (lower limit value T _MIN to upper limit value T _MAX ).

(2.5) Blower I / F unit blower I / F unit 166 in accordance with the difference delta _T between the set temperature _{T s} which is adjusted by the adjustment unit 165 and the adjustment target temperature _{T o,} and generates a control signal. The blower I / F unit 166 transmits a control signal to the blower 110 via the connection line 101. Blower I / F unit 166, when adjusted the temperature _{T o} is higher than the set temperature _{T s,} controls the blower 110 to feed the cold air into the bed S. Blower I / F unit 166, when adjusted the temperature _{T o} is lower than the set temperature _{T s,} controls the blower 110 to pump hot air into the bed S. Note that the blower I / F unit 166 may increase the wind temperature as the set temperature T _s increases, and may increase the wind force as the absolute value | Δ _T | increases.

(2.6) Display Unit The display unit 167 displays that the user is “comfortable”, “hot” or “cold” based on the thermal sensation estimated value I _p . Further, the display unit 167 may display the operating status of the blower 110 (wind temperature, air volume, etc.), the set temperature T _s and the adjustment target temperature T _o , or their transition.

(3) Operation of Controller FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller 160 according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, in step S10, the controller 160 detects the lumbar temperature _{T MID,} foot temperature T _LOWER, feet humidity H _LOWER and the adjustment target temperature _{T o.}

In step S11, the controller 160 is based on the thermal sensation estimate calculation equation (3) to calculate the thermal sensation estimate _{I p.}

In step S12, the controller 160 determines whether or not the thermal sensation estimate _{I p} is less than the lower limit value _{I MIN} or more and the upper limit value _{I MAX.} If the thermal sensation estimated value _Ip is not less than the lower limit value I _{MIN and not} more than the upper limit value I _MAX , the process ends. If the thermal sensation estimate _{I p} is not less than the lower limit value _{I MIN} or more and the upper limit value _{I MAX,} the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the controller 160, the absolute value │Δ _T │ difference delta _T between the adjusted temperature _{T o} and the set temperature _{T s} is equal to or greater than the step value _{T step.} If the absolute value │Δ _T │ is larger than the step value T _step, because it is the way the control of the adjusted temperature T _o, the process ends. If the absolute value │Δ _T │ is equal to or less than the step value T _step, out of range thermal sensation estimate I _p is given, and adjusted the temperature T _o is an uncontrolled. In this case, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the controller 160 determines whether the difference is less than the lower limit value _{I MIN} is thermal sensation estimate _{I p.} If the thermal sensation estimate _{I p} is smaller than the lower limit value _{I MIN,} the process proceeds to step S15. If the thermal sensation estimate _{I p} is not less than the lower limit value _{I MIN,} that is, when the thermal sensation estimate _{I p} is greater than the upper limit _{I MAX,} the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S15, the controller 160 increases the set temperature T _s .

In step S16, the controller 160 reduces the set temperature _{T s.}

In step S17, the controller 160 generates a control signal in accordance with the difference delta _T between the adjusted set temperature T _s and adjusted the temperature T _o, and transmits the generated control signal to the blower 110.

(4) Derivation of thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula Next, a derivation method of the thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula (3) will be described with reference to the drawings. For the purpose of deriving a formula for calculating the thermal sensation estimation value, the present applicant has verified through the temperature / humidity detection region specifying experiment which temperature / humidity in the bed S affects the user's thermal sensation. Later, a thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula was derived by a subjective evaluation experiment.

  In addition, the temperature / humidity detection region identification experiment was conducted as follows: “Akihiro Kanamori, Fumio Yoneda, Yoshihisa Fujiwara, Hidefumi Matsuura, Atsuko Ishiguro, Kyoji Ishizu, (2006) ”, Biomedical Engineering Symposium 2006 Abstracts, pp. 164-166 ".

  Subjective evaluation experiments are as follows: “Megumi Mori, Shuichi Sakurai, Kei Takada, Hiroaki Tanaka (2003)“ Experimental Consideration on Prediction of Thermal Sensation in Unsteady State ”, Architectural Institute of Japan Proceedings, No. 563, pp. 9-15 ".

(4.1) Temperature / Humidity Detection Region Specific Experiment (4.1.1) Experimental Device As shown in FIG. 5, nine regions (region A ₁ to region) on the user side surface of the mattress S _MAT forming the bed S I ₁ ) was provided, and temperature / humidity sensors (temperature / humidity sensor a ₁ to temperature / humidity sensor i ₁ ) for measuring the temperature / humidity of each region were arranged.

Here, the region sandwiched between the region E ₁ and the region E ₂ is the above-described waist region R _MID . A region sandwiched between the regions G ₁ , H ₁ , I ₁ and the regions G ₂ , H ₂ , I ₂ is the above-described foot region R _LOWER . Specifically, a region sandwiched between the region H ₁ and the region H ₂ is the first region R ₁ , a region sandwiched between the region G ₁ and the region G ₂ is the second region R ₂ , and the region I ₁ and the region A region sandwiched by I ₂ corresponds to the third region R ₃ .

The region sandwiched by the region _{B 1,} E _{1, H} 1 and region _{B 2,} E _{2, H} 2 is the central region body center of the user is located. A region sandwiched between the regions A ₁ , D ₁ , G ₁ and the regions A ₂ , D ₂ , G ₂ is a right region where the right side of the user's body is arranged, and the regions C ₁ , F ₁ , I _The region sandwiched between ₁ and the regions C ₂ , F ₂ , and I ₂ is a left region where the left side of the user's torso is disposed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, provided with a quilt S _QUI user-side surface into nine areas forming a bed S (region A _{2 ~} region I _2), temperature and humidity sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the areas (Temperature / humidity sensor a ₂ to temperature / humidity sensor i ₂ ) were arranged. Each of the regions A ₂ to I ₂ is a region facing each of the regions A ₁ to I ₁ .

  Although not shown, a temperature sensor for measuring the user's skin temperature is attached to the user's body (the back of the foot, below the knees, the thigh, the abdomen, the back, the back of the hand, the upper arm, the forehead) and the user's deep part. A temperature sensor for measuring temperature was inserted into the user's body (rectum, tympanic membrane).

(4.1.2) Experimental method At first, the temperature and humidity constant (temperature 16 ° C., humidity of 45%) in a room kept at, use in bedding S formed by overlapping comforter _{S QUI} on mattress _{S MAT} Lay on his back. At this time, the user's waist is placed on the temperature / humidity sensor e ₁ , the user's right foot is placed between the temperature / humidity sensor g ₁ and the temperature / humidity sensor h ₁ , and the user's left foot is placed on the temperature / humidity sensor i _1. disposed between the bets temperature and humidity sensor h _1.

  And the transition data of the user's skin temperature and deep temperature during sleep, and the transition data of the temperature and humidity in each of 18 regions in the bed S were acquired.

  In this experiment, each transition data for 4 nights was acquired based on the above method.

(4.1.3) Experimental Results Multiple regression analysis was performed using the acquired transition data of skin temperature and deep temperature and the transition data of temperature and humidity in each of the 18 regions in the bed S. As a dependent variable, an average value of skin temperature or deep temperature was used, and as independent variables, temperature and humidity in each of 18 regions were used.

  As a result, a significant correlation (p <0.001) based on the Pearson product-moment correlation is recognized between the transition of the temperature and humidity around the user's feet and the temperature around the waist and the transition of the skin temperature. I understood it. Therefore, statistically, it was recognized that there is a correlation between the two. Specifically, the following formula (4), which is the prototype of the above formula (3), was obtained.

_{I p = A t * T LOWER} + B t * T MID + C h * H LOWER + D ··· (4)
Here, T _LOWER in Equation (4) is an average temperature of the foot region R _LOWER . That is, T _LOWER is an average value of temperatures detected by the temperature / humidity sensor g ₁ , the temperature / humidity sensor h _1, and the temperature / humidity sensor i ₁ .

Further, T _MID in the equation (4) is the temperature of the waist region R _MID . That is, T _MID is a temperature value detected by the temperature / humidity sensor e ₁ .

Moreover, H _LOWER in Formula (4) is the average humidity of the foot region R _LOWER . That is, H _LOWER is an average value of humidity detected by the temperature / humidity sensor g ₁ , the temperature / humidity sensor h _1, and the temperature / humidity sensor i ₁ .

From the above, it has been clarified that the temperature and humidity of the foot region R _{LOWER and} the temperature of the waist region R _MID in the bed S affect the temperature change of the user during sleep. Accordingly, it has been found that the temperature / humidity of the foot region R _{LOWER and} the temperature of the waist region R _MID among the 18 regions in the bed S have a particularly great influence on the thermal sensation of the user.

(4.2) Subjective evaluation experiment (4.2.1) Experimental device As described above, the temperature / humidity detection region specific experiment results in the temperature / humidity of the foot region R _{LOWER and} the temperature of the waist region R _{MID to} the user's sense of thermal It was found to have an effect.

Accordingly, in the subjective evaluation experiment, among the experimental devices used in the temperature / humidity detection region specifying experiment, the temperature / humidity sensors g ₁ , h ₁ , i ₁ disposed in the foot region R _LOWER and the waist region R _MID are disposed. A temperature sensor e ₁ (in e ₁ , a humidity sensor function is not required) was provided.

(4.2.2) Experimental method At first, the temperature and humidity constant (temperature 16 ° C., humidity of 45%) in a room kept at, use in bedding S formed by overlapping comforter _{S QUI} on mattress _{S MAT} Lay on his back. At this time, the user's waist is disposed on the temperature sensor e ₁ , the user's right foot is disposed between the temperature / humidity sensor g ₁ and the temperature / humidity sensor h ₁ , and the user's left foot is disposed on the temperature / humidity sensor i ₁ . disposed between the temperature and humidity sensor h _1.

  Next, while the air was sent into the bed S by the blower 110, the thermal sensation of the user was subjectively evaluated. Specifically, the operation of the blower 110 was stopped for 0 to 30 minutes after the start of the experiment. For 30 to 60 minutes after the start of the subsequent experiment, warm air of 32 ° C. was sent to the bed S by the blower 110. For 60 to 90 minutes after the start of the subsequent experiment, the blower 110 sent air to the bed S. The operation of the blower 110 was stopped for 90 to 120 minutes after the start of the subsequent experiment.

Then, based on the subjective rating scale shown in FIG. 7, it obtains the actual thermal sensation value I _s by subjective evaluation of the thermal sensation of the user per minute 7 stages, in the foot region R _LOWER foot temperature T _LOWER, were obtained transition data feet humidity H _LOWER in lumbar temperature _{T MID} and foot region R _LOWER in lumbar region _{R MID.}

Although the user tends to feel comfortable when thermal sensation is -1 and +1 or less, in this experiment, following the thermal sensation estimate for the actual thermal sensation value I _s In order to verify the property, the temperature in the bed S was intentionally changed by the blower 110.

(4.2.3) and the experimental results obtained thermal sensation value _{I s,} the temperature T _LOWER, based on the transition data of the temperature _{T MID} and the average humidity H _LOWER, each coefficient in the above formula (4) the following formula by combining a strong correlation with the thermal sensation value I _s of the combination of (5) was derived.

I _p = 0.008 * T _LOWER + 0.05 * T _MID + −75.529 * H _LOWER −0.795 (5)
8, changes in the thermal sensation estimate I _p according to equation (5) is a graph showing with the passage of thermal sensation value I _s subjective. Was calculated correlation value between thermal sensation estimate I _p and thermal sensation value I _s with Pearson product moment correlation formula, the correlation value was 0.916. Generally, 0.9 or more is a strong correlation in academic societies and statistics, so it was confirmed that there is a strong correlation between the two.

Next, the appropriate range of each coefficient was examined based on Equation (5). In the present embodiment, the absolute value of the difference between the maximum value and the thermal sensation maximum value of the estimated value I _p of the thermal sensation value I _s is a proper range of less than 0.5. This, if the absolute value is less than 0.5 of the difference between the maximum value and the thermal sensation maximum value of the estimated value I _p of the thermal sensation value I _s, the thermal sensation value is because regarded as the same. Incidentally, changing the coefficients, thermal sensation estimate I _p output merely is translated, the correlation value itself hardly changes, thermal sensation value I _s and thermal sensation estimate I _p of each The appropriate range of each coefficient was examined by taking the difference between the maximum values.

9, the value of _{A t} is the coefficient of T _LOWER, is a graph showing a change in the thermal sensation estimates in case of varying in a range of 0.008 ± 0.008 × 20%. As shown in FIG. 9, _{A t,} if it is 0.008 ± 0.008 × 5%, of the difference between the maximum value and the thermal sensation maximum value of the estimated value _{I p} of the thermal sensation value _{I s} The absolute value was within 0.5. Therefore, the proper range of _{A t} was found to be at 0.0076 or more and 0.0084 or less.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the transition of the thermal sensation estimated value when the value of B _t that is the coefficient of T _MID is varied within a range of 0.05 ± 0.05 × 20%. As shown in FIG. 10, _{B t,} if it is 0.05 ± 0.05 × 20%, of the difference between the maximum value and the thermal sensation maximum value of the estimated value _{I p} of the thermal sensation value _{I s} The absolute value was within 0.5. Therefore, the appropriate range of _{B t} was found to be 0.04 or more and 0.06 or less.

11, the value of the coefficients of the H _{LOWER C h,} is a graph showing a change in the thermal sensation estimates in case of varying in a range of -75.529 ± 75.529 × 20%. As shown in FIG. 11, _{C h,} when it is -75.529 ± 75.529 × 20%, the difference between the maximum value and the thermal sensation maximum value of the estimated value _{I p} of the thermal sensation value _{I s} The absolute value of was within 0.5. Therefore, the proper range of _{C h} was found to be at -90.635 above and -60.423 less.

FIG. 12 is a graph showing the transition of the thermal sensation estimated value when the value of D is varied in a range of −0.795 ± 0.795 × 20%. As shown in FIG. 12, D, when a -0.795 ± 0.795 × 5%, of the difference between the maximum value and the thermal sensation maximum value of the estimated value _{I p} of the thermal sensation value _{I s} The absolute value was within 0.5. Therefore, it was found that the proper range of D is −0.83475 or more and −0.75555 or less.

  From the above, by using the appropriate range of each coefficient, the thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula (6) corresponding to the thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula (3) was derived.

_{I p = A t * T LOWER} + B t * T MID + C h * H LOWER + D ... (6)
However,
0.076 ≦ A _t ≦ 0.0084
0.04 ≦ B _t ≦ 0.06
−90.635 ≦ C _h ≦ −60.423
−0.83475 ≦ D ≦ −0.75525
(Function and effect)
Controller 160 according to the present embodiment, a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the lumbar region R _MID and foot region R _LOWER, a humidity sensor 163 for detecting the humidity of the foot region R _LOWER, temperature and humidity of the foot region R _LOWER And a thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit 164 that calculates the thermal sensation estimated value I _p according to the temperature of the lower back region R _MID , and an adjustment unit that adjusts the set temperature T _s according to the thermal sensation estimated value I _p 165.

According to the controller 160 according to the present embodiment, it is only necessary to detect the temperature / humidity of the foot region R _LOWER where the user's both feet are arranged and the temperature of the waist region, so there is no need to attach a sensor to the user's body. . Therefore, since the user is non-invasive and non-restraining, comfortable sleep can be provided to the user.

Here, since human limbs have a large surface area to volume ratio, heat dissipation is higher than other parts. In particular, the human foot is more sensitive to thermal sensation than the hand, and heat transfer by blood is difficult because it is farthest from the heart. Therefore, the waist temperature T _MID , the foot temperature T _LOWER, and the foot temperature T _LOWER are important factors in controlling the user's thermal sensation, and by controlling these, thermal balance in the human body is achieved. Can be maintained. This could be confirmed by a derivation experiment of the thermal sensation estimated value calculation formula described above.

Here, according to the controller 160 according to the present embodiment, the thermal sensation estimated value _Ip is calculated according to the waist temperature T _MID , the foot temperature T _LOWER, and the foot humidity H _LOWER . Therefore, based on the thermal sensation estimate I _p calculated, it is possible to accurately estimate the thermal sensation of the user.

  As a result, even in the unconscious state during sleep, the temperature in the bed S can be automatically controlled to a temperature suitable for the user by accurately estimating the thermal sensation that varies between individuals for each user.

The foot region R _LOWER includes a first region R ₁ that is a region between both feet, a second region R ₂ that is a region on the left side of both feet, and a third region R ₃ that is a region on the right side of both feet. Including. Therefore, the temperature and humidity of the foot region R _LOWER can be accurately detected without attaching a sensor to the user's body.

Further, the thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit 164 calculates the thermal sensation estimated value I _p based on the above equation (3). Therefore, it is simpler than the case where the thermal sensation estimated value I is calculated based on the above formula (1). Therefore, the processing load in the thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit 164 can be reduced.

In the above formula (3), _{A t} is a value in the range of 0.0076 or more and 0.0084 or less, _{B t} is a value in the range of 0.04 or more and 0.06 or less, _{C h} is It is preferably a value in the range of −90.635 or more and −60.423 or less, and D is a value in the range of −0.83475 or more and −0.755525 or less. In this case, as described in the subjective evaluation experiment, the absolute value of the difference between the thermal sensation value of the maximum value of the thermal sensation estimate I _p by the maximum value and the estimated equation thermal sensation value I _s subjective 0 It can be suppressed to within 5. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the thermal sensation of the user with high accuracy.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the descriptions and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure limit the present invention. From this disclosure, various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, in the above embodiment, the temperature in the bed S is adjusted by sending air by the blower 110, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electric blanket may be used instead of the blower 110. In this case, the controller 160, in accordance with the difference delta _T between the set temperature T _s and adjusted the temperature T _o, by switching ON / OFF of electric blankets, it is possible to adjust the temperature in the bed S.

In the above embodiment, by calculating the average value of the lumbar temperature T _MID and feet temperature T _LOWER, it is assumed that for detecting the adjusted temperature T _o, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, thermal instrument 100, the average temperature of the whole in the bed S may be adjusted target temperature T _o.

  The hardware configuration of the controller 160 described above can be realized as a program module. Therefore, the processing executed in the controller 160 described above may be executed by a general-purpose computer having the function of the controller 160 or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Temperature control system 100 ... Thermal apparatus 101 ... Connection line 102 ... Connection line 110 ... Blower 120 ... Temperature sensor 130,140,150 ... Temperature / humidity sensor 160 ... Controller 161 ... Sensor I / F part 162 ... Temperature detection part 163 ... Humidity detection unit 164 ... thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit 165 ... adjustment unit 166 ... blower I / F unit 167 ... display unit a _{1 to} i ₁ ... temperature and humidity sensor a _{2 to} i ₂ ... temperature and humidity sensor

Claims (5)

A heating device that controls the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target becomes a set temperature,
A temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of a waist region that is a region in which the user's waist is disposed and a foot region that is a region in which both feet of the user are disposed, among the adjustment targets;
A humidity detection unit that detects the humidity of the foot region of the adjustment target;
Thermal sensation estimation that calculates a thermal sensation estimated value that is an estimated value of the thermal sensation value indicating the thermal sensation of the user according to the detected temperature of the waist region and the temperature and humidity of the foot region. A value calculator,
A heating apparatus comprising: an adjustment unit that adjusts the set temperature in accordance with the thermal sensation estimated value calculated by the thermal sensation calculation unit. The foot region includes a first region that is a region between the feet, a second region that is a left region of the feet, and a third region that is a right region of the feet,
The temperature detection unit detects temperatures of the first region, the second region, and the third region,
The said humidity detection part detects the humidity of each of the said 1st area | region, the said 2nd area | region, and the said 3rd area | region, The thermal appliance of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. The thermal appliance according to claim 2, wherein the thermal sensation estimated value calculation unit calculates the thermal sensation estimated value based on the following mathematical formula.
_{I = A t * T LOWER +} B t * T MID + C h * H LOWER + D
(In the above formula, A _t , B _t , _Ch and D are each a predetermined constant, T _LOWER is an average temperature in each of the first region, the second region and the third region, and T _(MID is the temperature of the waist region, and H _LOWER is the average humidity in each of the first region, the second region, and the third region.) A _t is a value ranging from 0.0076 or more and 0.0084 or less,
B _t is a value in the range of 0.04 or more and 0.06 or less,
C _h is a value in the range of -90.635 above and -60.423 less,
The heating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein D is a value in a range of -0.83475 or more and -0.755525 or less. A control program that causes a computer to function as a thermal appliance that adjusts the adjustment target temperature so that the adjustment target temperature that is the temperature of the adjustment target is a set temperature.
Detecting the temperature of the waist region, which is the region where the user's waist is placed among the adjustment targets, and the temperature of the foot region, where the both feet of the user are placed, and the humidity of the foot region among the adjustment targets Step A and
Calculating a thermal sensation estimated value indicating a thermal sensation of the user according to the detected humidity of the foot region; and
Calculating a thermal sensation estimated value indicating a thermal sensation of the user according to the detection results of the temperature detection unit and the humidity detection unit; and
A control program for executing the step D of adjusting the set temperature according to the calculated thermal sensation estimated value.

Images