JP2013145333A - Air-conditioning equipment control adapter and air-conditioning equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent voice recognition from being started with unintended timing.SOLUTION: A communication circuit 40 performs serial communication with air-conditioning equipment connected via a communication wire 5. A sound recognition circuit 42 analyses and recognizes the voice of a user inputted through a receiving microphone 41, and outputs a recognition result thereof to a microcomputer 43. When the current processing state of the microcomputer 43 is a voice recognition controlling state, the microcomputer 43 generates control data for controlling the air-conditioning equipment on the basis of the recognition result obtained by the voice recognition circuit 42 and transmits the control data to the air-conditioning equipment via the communication circuit 40. When the microcomputer 43 recognizes that a plural different keywords are uttered by the user at time intervals in a prescribed range, the microcomputer 43 sets the current processing state to a voice recognition controlling state.

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner control adapter that recognizes a user's voice and controls an air conditioner, and an air conditioner that operates by recognizing a user's voice.
About.

  Conventionally, various technologies for controlling an air conditioner and an audio device by voice have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  When it is determined that the input voice indicates a predetermined command, the voice recognition control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 starts an operation by voice recognition of the air conditioner or the audio device. Thereby, for example, even if the operator cannot operate the switch for starting voice recognition, the air conditioner and the audio device can be operated.

JP 2000-194393 A

  For example, in an air conditioning system introduced into an office building or the like, in general, indoor units or the like are often embedded in the ceiling. In such an air conditioning system, when newly installing or replacing an indoor unit, etc., or when performing periodic maintenance, it is very convenient if the operation control of the indoor unit etc. can be performed by voice, Workability can be improved.

  However, when the technique proposed in Patent Document 1 is adopted for the above air conditioning system, a voice uttered by a person who is not the original operator is input as a specific voice, and voice recognition may be started. I cannot deny sex. In addition, if there is another person nearby during the maintenance work, the specific voice may be easily known to the person, and there is a problem that confidentiality is low.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and can prevent voice recognition from being started at a timing unintended by the user in controlling the air-conditioning apparatus by voice, and has high confidentiality. It aims at providing the air-conditioning equipment control adapter and air-conditioning equipment which can be expected to become.

In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioner control adapter according to the present invention includes:
A communication unit that communicates with a specific air conditioner using a predetermined communication method;
A voice input unit for inputting voice;
A speech recognition unit that analyzes and recognizes input speech;
Control that generates control data for controlling the air conditioner based on the recognition result by the voice recognition unit and transmits the control data to the air conditioner via the communication unit when the processing state is voice recognition control. An apparatus,
The control device, when recognizing that a plurality of different keywords are uttered at a predetermined time interval by the user, sets the processing state during the voice recognition control.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent voice recognition from being started at a timing unintended by the user and control the air-conditioning equipment by voice, and it can be expected that confidentiality is also improved.

It is a figure showing the whole air-conditioning system composition to which the air-conditioning equipment control adapter concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the air-conditioning equipment control adapter of Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the microcomputer with which the air-conditioning equipment control adapter of Embodiment 1 is provided. It is a figure for demonstrating a command name list table. It is a figure for demonstrating a numerical name list table. It is a figure for demonstrating a start keyword definition table. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the air-conditioning equipment control adapter of Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioning equipment which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the audio | voice processing part with which the air-conditioning equipment of Embodiment 2 is provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an air conditioning system to which an air conditioning equipment control adapter 4 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. This air conditioning system is installed in an office building, for example, and includes an outdoor unit 1 and a plurality of indoor units 2 (2A, 2B,...) As shown in FIG. The outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2 are connected via a communication line 3 so that they can communicate with each other. Although not shown, the communication line 3 is connected to a controller (air conditioning management device) that controls and manages the air conditioning system in an integrated manner. Moreover, the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2 are connected by the refrigerant | coolant piping for circulating a refrigerant | coolant.

  Each air conditioner (outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2) is assigned a communication address (device address). In the present embodiment, the device address of the outdoor unit 1 is “51”, and the device addresses of the outdoor units 2A and 2B are “101” and “102”, respectively.

  The air conditioner control adapter 4 recognizes the voice of the user (operator), converts it into a control command for the air conditioner, generates control data including the converted control command, and connects via the communication line 5 Operation control of the air conditioner to be performed (in the example of FIG. 1, the indoor unit 2B) is performed. In this embodiment, serial communication is performed between the air conditioner control adapter 4 and each air conditioner in accordance with the standards of the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner control adapter 4 includes a communication circuit 40, a reception microphone 41, a voice recognition circuit 42, and a microcomputer 43. The communication circuit 40 (communication unit) is connected to the communication line 5 and performs serial communication with an air conditioner (for example, the indoor unit 2B) connected to the communication line 5 in accordance with JEMA standards.

  The receiving microphone 41 is a microphone for inputting a worker's voice and the like. The speech recognition circuit 42 (speech recognition unit) is a circuit that recognizes input speech by a known method. The voice recognition circuit 42 outputs a voice recognition result (for example, text data) to the microcomputer 43.

  The microcomputer 43 (control device) is a microcomputer including a readable / writable semiconductor memory such as a microprocessor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a flash memory. The microcomputer 43 generates control data based on the recognition result output from the voice recognition circuit 42. Then, the microcomputer 43 transmits the generated control data to the connected air conditioning device via the communication circuit 40. The format of the control data is the same as the control data between the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2.

  The method for supplying power to the air conditioner control adapter 4 is not limited. For example, the air conditioner control adapter 4 may be configured to include a battery or the like, or may include an external power supply terminal or a non-contact power supply unit, and may be supplied with power from a connected air conditioner in a wired or non-contact manner. .

  Each air conditioner (the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2) is operated by a user operating a remote controller (not shown) corresponding to each air conditioner or operating an air conditioning management device (not shown). Perform the operation according to the contents. Each air conditioner is provided with a JEMA terminal for connection to the communication line 5 and also performs an operation according to control data input from the JEMA terminal.

  The microcomputer 43 of the air conditioning equipment control adapter 4 has a plurality of processing states. In the present embodiment, there are three processing states: “Non-speech recognition control in progress”, “Speech recognition control in progress”, and “Start accepting”.

  “Non-speech recognition control is in progress” refers to a state in which control by voice recognition to the air conditioner is not started by the air conditioner control adapter 4. In this state, even if the worker utters a predetermined control sound (for example, “Shunten” (trial operation)), control corresponding to the sound is not performed. In this embodiment, when two different keywords determined in advance by the operator during “non-voice recognition control” are uttered in a predetermined order and at a predetermined time interval, the processing state is set to “under voice recognition control”. Transition.

  “During voice recognition control” means a state in which control by voice recognition to the air conditioner is started by the air conditioner control adapter 4, and in this state, when the operator emits a predetermined control voice, Control corresponding to the sound is performed on the connected air-conditioning equipment.

  Further, “being accepted” is a state in which control by voice recognition to the air conditioner is not started by the air conditioner control adapter 4, although details will be described later, but the voice recognition control uttered by the user is not performed. This is the state after recognizing the first predetermined keyword for starting.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the microcomputer 43 of the air conditioner control adapter 4 functionally includes a processing distribution unit 430, a control content specifying unit 431, a start determining unit 432, a time measuring unit 433, and control data generation. Part 434.

  When the recognition result is output from the speech recognition circuit 42, the processing distribution unit 430 should perform either processing according to the recognition result based on the current processing state, either the control content specifying unit 431 or the start determination unit 432. Determine whether. For example, when the current processing state is “Non-speech recognition control in progress” or “Start accepting”, the processing distribution unit 430 determines that the start determination unit 432 should perform processing, and determines whether to start processing. Notification to the unit 432.

  On the other hand, if the current processing state is other than the above, that is, “Voice recognition control is in progress”, the processing distribution unit 430 determines that the control content specifying unit 431 should perform processing, and specifies an instruction to execute the processing. Notification to the unit 431.

  Upon receiving the above notification from the processing distribution unit 430, the control content identification unit 431 recognizes the recognition result (text data) of the speech recognition circuit 42, a command name list table (see FIG. 4), and a numerical name list table (see FIG. 5), the content of the control uttered (instructed) by the worker is specified. The command name list table is a data table in which a plurality of data in which command IDs and names are associated are registered for each command that can be controlled by the air conditioner control adapter 4. The command name list table is stored in advance in a ROM, a semiconductor memory or the like provided in the microcomputer 43.

  The numerical name list table is a data table in which a plurality of data in which numerical values and names are associated are registered. Similar to the command name list table, the numerical name list table is stored in advance in a ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like included in the microcomputer 43.

  For example, when the worker utters “Shunten”, the control content identification unit 431 refers to the command name list table and the content (command) of the control uttered (instructed) by the worker is “trial operation”. Specify "start". Further, for example, when the worker utters “deed”, the control content specifying unit 431 refers to the command name list table and the control content (command) instructed by the worker is “stop of trial operation”. Identifies it.

  Further, for example, when the worker utters “Do it,” the control content specifying unit 431 similarly refers to the command name list table, and the control content (command) instructed by the worker is “device”. “New address setting”. In this case, the control content specifying unit 431 enters a state of waiting for specification of a numerical value that is continuously spoken by the worker after a breath. In addition, "one breath" here means the time interval within 1 to 10 seconds, for example. In this state, for example, when the worker utters “Hyakuni”, the control content specifying unit 431 refers to the numerical name list table and the content (numerical value) of the control instructed by the worker is “102”. Is identified. That is, in this case, the operator has instructed a new setting of the device address “102”. As described above, in this embodiment, when an operator wants to instruct “new setting of device address”, first, he speaks “I'm doing it,” and then within 10 seconds after at least 1 second has passed. , Utter the number of the address you want to set (for example, “Hyakuni”).

  In addition, when the operator wants to end the control by the voice recognition to the air conditioner by the air conditioner control adapter 4, the worker may say “Shuyu”. In this case, the control content identification unit 431 refers to the command name list table, identifies that the content instructed by the operator is “End of voice recognition control”, and sets the processing state to “Non-voice recognition control in progress”. Transition.

  When the start determination unit 432 receives the above notification from the processing distribution unit 430, the start determination unit 432 refers to the start keyword definition table (see FIG. 6), and the recognition result (text data) of the speech recognition circuit 42 is defined as a defined keyword. It is determined whether or not it matches. The start keyword definition table is a data table in which keywords for starting voice recognition control are defined, and is stored in advance in a ROM, a semiconductor memory, or the like provided in the microcomputer 43.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, two keywords “onseiseigo” and “kaishi” are defined as start keywords together with a number indicating the order of their utterances. In the example of FIG. 6, it is shown that “Oisei Seigyo” is first uttered, and then “Kaishi” is uttered, which is a condition for starting the voice control.

  When the current processing state is “non-voice recognition control in progress” and the worker utters “onseigo”, the start determination unit 432 has uttered the first (first) keyword by the worker. The current processing state is shifted to “Starting acceptance”. Then, if the operator utters “Kaishi” within a predetermined range of time interval, that is, after the first time has elapsed and within the second time has elapsed, the start determination unit 432 To determine that the next (second) keyword has been uttered, and shift the current processing state to “during speech recognition control”. Thereby, operation control by voice is possible for the air conditioner connected to the air conditioner control adapter 4. Although the first and second times are arbitrary design matters, in the present embodiment, the first time is 1 second and the second time is 10 seconds.

  On the other hand, if the operator does not utter “Kaishi” within the second time after the current processing state becomes “start accepting”, the start determination unit 432 sets the current process state to “start accepting”. ”To“ Non-speech recognition control in progress ”.

  The timing unit 433 starts timing in response to an instruction from the control content specifying unit 431 or the start determining unit 432, and when the specified time is reached, notifies the control source specifying unit 431 or start determining unit 432 of the instruction source to that effect. (Timeout notification).

  The control data generation unit 434 generates control data for controlling the corresponding air conditioner based on the control content (command or command + numerical value) specified by the control content specifying unit 431. Then, the command generation unit 434 transmits the generated control data to the air conditioner (for example, the indoor unit 2B) via the communication circuit 40.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the air conditioner control adapter 4 connected to the air conditioner (for example, the indoor unit 2B). The air conditioner control adapter 4 repeatedly executes the following processing while the power is on.

  When the worker makes a voice and the receiving microphone 41 inputs the voice (step S101; YES), the voice recognition circuit 42 analyzes and recognizes the inputted voice (input voice) (step S102). The voice recognition circuit 42 outputs a recognition result (for example, text data) to the microcomputer 43.

  When the current processing state is “Non-speech recognition control” or “Start accepting” (step S103; YES), the processing distribution unit 430 of the microcomputer 43 notifies the start determination unit 432 of a process execution instruction. Upon receiving such notification, the start determination unit 432, when the current processing state is “starting acceptance” (step S104; YES), the elapsed time from the time when the processing state is shifted to “starting acceptance”. Is determined to be within a predetermined range (step S105). Specifically, the start determination unit 432 determines whether one second has elapsed from the above time and within 10 seconds.

  As a result, when it is not within the predetermined range (step S105; NO), the start determination unit 432 shifts the current processing state to “non-voice recognition control in progress” (step S106). And the process of the air-conditioning equipment control adapter 4 returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, when it falls within the predetermined range (step S105; YES), the start determination unit 432 refers to the start keyword definition table, and the recognition result of the input speech is the second keyword (here “kaishi”). Is determined (step S107). If the recognition result of the input voice does not match the second keyword (step S107; NO), the processing of the air conditioner control adapter 4 returns to step S101. On the other hand, when the recognition result of the input voice matches the second keyword (step S107; YES), the start determination unit 432 shifts the current processing state to “during voice recognition control” (step S108). And the process of the air-conditioning equipment control adapter 4 returns to step S101. When the processing state is “during voice recognition control”, the operator can control the target air conditioner by voice.

  When the determination in step S104 is NO, that is, when the current processing state is “during non-voice recognition control”, the start determination unit 432 refers to the start keyword definition table, and the recognition result of the input voice is the first keyword. It is determined whether or not it matches (here, “Oisei Seigyo”) (step S109). When the recognition result of the input voice does not match the first keyword (step S109; NO), the processing of the air conditioner control adapter 4 returns to step S101.

  On the other hand, when the recognition result of the input voice matches the first keyword (step S109; YES), the start determination unit 432 specifies the first and second times to the time measurement unit 433 and starts time measurement. (Step S110). Then, the start determination unit 432 shifts the current processing state to “start accepting” (step S111). And the process of the air-conditioning equipment control adapter 4 returns to step S101.

  If the determination in step S103 is NO, that is, if the current processing state is “during voice recognition control”, the processing distribution unit 430 notifies the control content specifying unit 431 of a processing execution instruction. Upon receiving such notification, the control content identification unit 431 identifies the instruction content of the worker with reference to the command name list table and the numerical name list table as described above. As a result, when the operator's instruction content is specified as “command” (start of trial operation, stop of trial operation) or “command + numerical value” (new setting of device address “XX” number) (step S112; YES) ), The control content identification unit 431 notifies the control data generation unit 434 to that effect.

  Upon receiving such notification, the control data generation unit 434 generates control data storing the command ID specified by the control content specifying unit 431 or the command ID + the specified numerical value (step S113). Then, the control data generation unit 434 transmits the generated control data to the air conditioner (for example, the indoor unit 2B) via the communication circuit 40 (step S114). And the process of the air-conditioning equipment control adapter 4 returns to step S101.

  The air conditioning device that has received the control data performs an operation based on the command ID or the command ID + numerical value included in the control data. For example, when the command ID is “00”, the trial operation is started, and when the command ID is “01”, the trial operation is stopped. For example, when the command ID is “02” and the numerical value specified is “102”, the outdoor unit 1 or an air conditioning management device (not shown) is notified that its own device address is “102”. The new setting of the device address is necessary when, for example, a new air conditioning device is newly added to the air conditioning system.

  In the case of NO in step S112, when the operator's instruction content is specified as “end of voice recognition control” (step S115; YES), the control content specifying unit 431 sets the processing state to “non-voice recognition”. The process is shifted to “in control” (step S116). And the process of the air-conditioning equipment control adapter 4 returns to step S101. When the processing state is “during non-voice recognition control”, the operator cannot control the target air conditioner by voice.

  As described above, according to the air conditioner control adapter 4 of the present embodiment, it is possible to control the operation of the target air conditioner by voice. Therefore, for example, it is possible to improve workability in replacement or maintenance of an air conditioner installed in an office building or the like. In addition, since it can be controlled by voice, it is possible to control even when an air conditioner is installed in a place or environment where radio waves and infrared light are not easily transmitted.

  Furthermore, since voice recognition control is started when a plurality of different keywords predetermined by the operator are uttered at predetermined time intervals, voice recognition is prevented from starting at a timing unintended by the worker. It is possible to secure confidentiality.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. The air conditioning equipment (outdoor unit, indoor unit) according to the second embodiment configures an air conditioning system installed in an office building, for example, as in the first embodiment. However, the air conditioner of this embodiment is different from the air conditioner (the outdoor unit 1 and each indoor unit 2) of the first embodiment in that it has the same function as the air conditioner control adapter 4 of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the air conditioner 6 of the present embodiment includes an audio processing unit 60 and a main body unit 61. The main body 61 (air adjusting unit) is a processing unit for realizing the original function (for example, adjusting the air temperature) of the air conditioner 6 (for example, an indoor unit). Since the function of the main body 61 is general, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, the voice processing unit 60 is a processing unit having the same functions as those of the air conditioner control adapter 4 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the reception microphone 601, the voice recognition circuit 602, and the microcomputer 603 are used. And comprising. These are configured with substantially the same specifications as the reception microphone 41, the voice recognition circuit 42, and the microcomputer 43 of the air conditioner control adapter 4, and have the same processing functions.

  In other words, the receiving microphone 601 inputs the worker's voice and the like, and the voice recognition circuit 602 recognizes the input voice by a well-known method and outputs a voice recognition result (for example, text data) to the microcomputer 603.

  The microcomputer 603 starts voice recognition control when a plurality of different keywords predetermined by the operator are uttered at predetermined time intervals. During the voice recognition control, the microcomputer 603 generates control data for controlling the operation of the main body 61 based on the recognition result output from the voice recognition circuit 602 and outputs the control data to the main body 61. The main body 61 performs a driving operation according to the control data output from the sound processing unit 60.

  Thus, the air conditioner 6 of the present embodiment can achieve the same effects as the air conditioner control adapter 4 of the first embodiment.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, it is one condition for starting voice recognition control that two different keywords are uttered in a predetermined order by an operator. Voice recognition control may be started when a keyword is uttered at a predetermined time interval. Also, three or more keywords may be set.

  Also, there are various operations that can be controlled by voice. For example, it may be possible to specify cooling, heating, or air blowing, or to change the set temperature. In addition, in the case where voice control is performed by connecting an air conditioner control adapter to an air conditioner as in the first embodiment, the air conditioner may be checked for connection of the air conditioner control adapter.

  Also, there are various communication methods between the air conditioner and the air conditioner control adapter. For example, the air conditioner control adapter may be installed near the air conditioner, and both may perform serial communication using infrared rays. If it does in this way, voice control is attained also to an air-conditioning equipment which is not provided with a terminal (for example, JEMA terminal) for communication with an air-conditioning equipment control adapter, and versatility increases.

  Further, it is also possible to input a plurality of electronic sounds having different frequencies instead of the voice as a start condition for the voice recognition control. In this case, for example, the worker may output the electronic sound or the like from a portable terminal or the like possessed by the worker. Even if it does in this way, it can prevent that voice recognition starts at the timing which an operator does not intend, and can also secure secrecy.

  Further, in the air conditioner of the second embodiment, a keyword that is a start condition for voice recognition control may be changed as appropriate. For example, a two-dimensional code indicating a different keyword every predetermined time is displayed on the display unit of the air conditioner, and the operator reads the two-dimensional code using a mobile terminal or the like, converts it into a keyword, and then speaks. It may be. Thus, the confidentiality is further enhanced by appropriately changing the keyword.

  In addition, a device (air conditioner control device) corresponding to the air conditioner control adapter is connected to the communication line in the air conditioning system, that is, the communication line 3, so that all the air conditioners constituting the air conditioner system can be controlled by voice. May be. In this case, the air conditioner control device specifies the air conditioner to be controlled based on the device address designated by the operator by voice. In this way, workability such as maintenance is improved, and it is only necessary to install a small number (for example, one) of air conditioner control devices, so that cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the air conditioner control adapter of the first embodiment and the air conditioner of the second embodiment, the configuration further includes an LED and a speaker, and the result of voice control is output such as LED lighting / flashing, voice and buzzer sound. It may be possible to notify the worker. In this way, the operator can immediately know the result of the voice control, and further improvement in workability can be expected.

  Various embodiments and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outdoor unit 2 (2A, 2B) Indoor unit 3, 5 Communication line 4 Air conditioning equipment control adapter 6 Air conditioning equipment 40 Communication circuit 41, 601 Reception microphone 42, 602 Voice recognition circuit 43, 603 Microcomputer 60 Voice processing part 61 Main part 430 Processing distribution unit 431 Control content identification unit 432 Start determination unit 433 Timekeeping unit 434 Control data generation unit

Claims (4)

A communication unit that communicates with a specific air conditioner using a predetermined communication method;
A voice input unit for inputting voice;
A speech recognition unit that analyzes and recognizes input speech;
Control that generates control data for controlling the air conditioner based on the recognition result by the voice recognition unit and transmits the control data to the air conditioner via the communication unit when the processing state is voice recognition control. An apparatus,
When recognizing that a plurality of different keywords are uttered by a user at a predetermined time interval, the control device sets the processing state during the voice recognition control.
An air conditioner control adapter. The control device notifies a user of a control result for the air conditioner in a predetermined manner.
The air conditioner control adapter according to claim 1. A communication unit that communicates with a specific air conditioner using a predetermined communication method;
A voice input unit for inputting voice;
A speech recognition unit that analyzes and recognizes input speech;
Control that generates control data for controlling the air conditioner based on the recognition result by the voice recognition unit and transmits the control data to the air conditioner via the communication unit when the processing state is voice recognition control. An apparatus,
When recognizing that electronic sounds having a plurality of different frequencies are emitted at a predetermined time interval, the control device sets the processing state during the voice recognition control.
An air conditioner control adapter. An air conditioning unit;
A voice input unit for inputting voice;
A speech recognition unit that analyzes and recognizes input speech;
A control device that generates control data for controlling the air conditioner based on a recognition result by the voice recognizer and outputs the control data to the air conditioner when the processing state is voice recognition control; Prepared,
When recognizing that a plurality of different keywords are uttered by a user at a predetermined time interval, the control device sets the processing state during the voice recognition control.
Air conditioning equipment characterized by that.

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