JP2019002634A - Controller for air-conditioner and air-conditioner system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a controller for an air-conditioner on which a room temperature Tr, a preset room temperature Ts, and a temperature difference therebetween are displayed along with a change thereof in a color image.SOLUTION: A controller 30 for an air-conditioner includes a communication part 31, a control part 33, and a display part 34 that visualizes an air condition state in a room as an image. The control part 33 includes an operation control part 33a and an image processing part 33b. The operation control part 33a includes a function for taking-in a room temperature Tr, a function for taking-in a preset room temperature Ts, a function for changing the preset room temperature Ts on the basis of the information provided from an external body, and a function for indicating the air-conditioner 1 to transmit the room temperature Tr and the preset room temperature Ts. The image processing part 33b performs an image signal processing for generating an image in which the room temperature Tr and the preset room temperature Ts are displayed in a color tone liked with a temperature scale. The display part 34 displays a color image on the basis of the image signal generated by the image processing part 33b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a controller for an air conditioning apparatus and an air conditioning system using the same.

  In a conventional general air conditioner, an indoor temperature sensor is attached in the vicinity of the air conditioner. For this reason, the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor is the temperature in the vicinity of the air conditioner, and cannot be said to be the average temperature in the air-conditioned room. In order to improve this point, in recent air conditioners, a remote controller is installed as a controller for an air conditioner in a room away from the air conditioner, and an indoor temperature sensor is attached to this remote controller, or a remote room temperature is controlled. Infrared differences to be measured are being used.

  By the way, in the case of this air conditioning apparatus, as shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 4, the room temperature and the indoor set temperature are displayed by character information such as numerals. In recent years, there are many air conditioners equipped with a so-called automatic operation function that automatically selects and operates a cooling operation, a heating operation, an air blowing operation, and the like. Also in the apparatus, as shown in Patent Literature 1 to Patent Literature 4, display about the room temperature, the indoor set temperature, and the operation mode is performed by character information.

JP 2008-101798 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-147591 Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 4-68538 JP 2014-214935 A

  As described above, the conventional air-conditioning apparatus displays the room temperature and the indoor set temperature as character information for the convenience of use by the user, but these character displays are small. For this reason, it is not only troublesome for the user to read such small character information, but it may also be difficult to read when the remote control is installed in a dim place. Further, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to intuitively confirm whether or not the air-conditioning operation is performed as intended only from the character information regarding the room temperature and the indoor set temperature.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and in order to make it easy for a user to check whether the air-conditioning operation is performed as intended, the current room temperature, the indoor set temperature, and its An object of the present invention is to provide a controller for an air conditioner that displays a temperature difference as a color image.

  The controller for an air conditioner that solves the above problems includes an indoor temperature sensor that detects a room temperature Tr in a room to be air-conditioned, a communication unit that performs information communication between an air conditioner that air-conditions the room, and an operation operation of the controller And a display unit for visualizing the indoor air-conditioning state as an image. The control unit captures the room temperature Tr and captures the indoor set temperature Ts of the air conditioner. Operation control having a function, a function of changing the indoor set temperature Ts based on information given from the outside, and a function of instructing to transmit the captured room temperature Tr and the changed indoor set temperature Ts to the air conditioner The room temperature Tr that has been captured, and the room temperature Ts that has been captured or changed by the hue associated with the temperature scale. And a video processing unit which performs video signal processing for the video, the display unit is configured to display a color image based on the video signal generated by the video processing unit.

  According to the controller for an air conditioner having such a configuration, the current room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts are displayed as a color image with a hue associated with a temperature scale. Therefore, it is possible to intuitively grasp not only the current room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts, but also the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts. Therefore, it is possible to intuitively understand whether the air conditioning operation is performed as intended through the current temperature state of the indoor space and the operating state of the air conditioner. As a result, the air conditioner can be operated in a direction that matches the user's feeling.

  The color image displayed on the display unit has a pattern floating on the background, and the background and the pattern are temperature scales such that one displays the room temperature Tr and the other displays the indoor set temperature Ts. Are adjusted to different densities by adjusting lightness and / or saturation, and the background and pattern hues are changed to a room temperature Ts and a room temperature Tr. The temperature scale is preferably linked so that the maximum set temperature is red, the minimum set temperature is blue, and the middle is sequentially changed. .

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to recognize the room temperature Tr, the room set temperature Ts, the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr and the room set temperature Ts, and the changes thereof in one image, so that the current state of the art can be intuitively recognized. The adaptability of the air-conditioning operation can be determined.

  It is preferable that the color image has a light hue with the background displaying the room temperature Tr and a dark hue with the pattern displaying the indoor set temperature Ts.

According to such a configuration, since the background can be imaged as an indoor space, there is an advantage that it is easy to intuitively image the display of the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts.
The operation control unit configuring the control unit further includes a function of capturing an operation mode of the air conditioner, and the video processing unit configuring the control unit includes the captured room temperature Tr and the captured or It is preferable that the video signal processing is performed so that the changed indoor set temperature Ts and the captured operation mode of the air conditioner are displayed as hues associated with a temperature scale.

  According to such a configuration, the user can recognize the current operation mode of the air conditioner together with the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts from the color image, so whether the current air conditioning operation is as intended. It becomes easier to recognize whether or not. In the past, when the air conditioner automatically operated, it was difficult to grasp what kind of operation is currently being performed, and it was difficult to determine whether the setting was appropriate. Such a problem is solved.

  The color image has a light hue as the background displaying room temperature Tr, the pattern is formed into a polka dot pattern, and a dark hue as displaying the indoor set temperature Ts. It is preferable that the operation mode of the air conditioner is displayed by movement.

  According to such a configuration, there is an advantage that an image can be intuitively easily displayed as the display of the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts, and the driving mode can be easily recognized.

  The color image is formed so that the polka dot pattern flows downward during cooling operation, the polka dot pattern moves upward during heating operation, and the polka dot pattern flows horizontally during blowing operation or dehumidifying operation near the indoor set temperature Ts. It is preferable that

  According to such a configuration, since the movement of the polka dot pattern matches the image of the direction in which the room temperature Tr changes due to the operation mode of the air conditioner, the operation display function by color video is simple and clear. is there.

The color image is preferably formed such that the flow rate of the polka dot pattern changes depending on the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts.
In a general air conditioner, the capacity is increased as the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts increases. Therefore, according to such a configuration, the image of the movement of the polka dot pattern matches the image of the current capacity of the air conditioner, so that an image that intuitively recognizes whether the current air conditioning operation is as intended. As preferred.

  In the controller for the air conditioner, an operation detection sensor for detecting an operation representing a user's intention to change the indoor set temperature Ts is provided, and the operation control unit is configured to detect the user's operation detected by the operation detection sensor. When the meaning is confirmed and it is confirmed that it means the change of the indoor set temperature Ts, the indoor set temperature Ts is changed to correspond to this operation, and the changed indoor set temperature Ts is changed to the air to the communication unit. It is preferable that the transmission is instructed to be transmitted to the harmonic machine.

  According to such a configuration, since the user can intuitively change and set the indoor set temperature Ts, it becomes easy to realize an operation according to the user's intention. In addition, when such a controller is applied to an air conditioner that automatically controls operation modes such as cooling, heating, and air blowing, a remote controller provided for each air conditioner can be omitted.

The motion detection sensor detects a gesture of moving the user's hand,
The operation control unit is configured to correct the indoor set temperature Ts upward or downward by the detected operation when the operation detected by the operation detection sensor is an operation based on a predetermined rule. It is preferable that

  According to such a configuration, the indoor set temperature Ts can be changed with a simple gesture in the image of the user's operation intention. For example, the indoor set temperature Ts can be changed up and down by the vertical movement of the hand.

  In addition, the controller for the air conditioner includes a confirmation unit that confirms the necessity of starting the operation of the air conditioner, and the operation control unit is configured to perform communication when the necessity is confirmed by the confirmation unit. It is preferable that an operation start command is issued to the air conditioner directly or via the Internet.

  According to such a configuration, the operation of the air conditioner can be started / stopped by an instruction from the controller side without providing an operation switch on the air conditioner side. The confirmation means may be an appropriate device such as a switch.

  The confirmation means is a human detection sensor, and the operation control unit issues an operation start command to the air conditioner via the communication unit when the person detection sensor first detects a person entering the room. It is preferable that it is comprised.

  According to such a configuration, the air conditioner can be operated simultaneously when a person enters the air-conditioned room. It is also possible to configure the operation of the air conditioner to be stopped by using this confirmation means.

The display unit preferably has a projection image display function.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the operation status with a large color image projected on an appropriate surface such as a wall surface, and thus it is easy to confirm the air-conditioning operation status. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the air-conditioning operation status while performing some work.

  The air conditioning system according to the present invention is configured such that the controller for an air conditioner functions as a controller for a plurality of air conditioners via the Internet.

  According to such a configuration, in an air conditioning system in which a plurality of air conditioners are installed in one room, a single controller for the air conditioner can be used as a controller for these air conditioners. .

  According to the controller for an air conditioner, it is possible to intuitively understand whether the air conditioner operation is performed as intended through the current temperature state of the indoor space and the operation state of the air conditioner.

It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the air conditioning system using the controller for air conditioning apparatuses which concerns on embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement which a user lowers indoor preset temperature Ts to the low temperature side with respect to the controller for air conditioning apparatuses. It is explanatory drawing of the operation | movement which a user raises indoor setting temperature Ts to the high temperature side with respect to the controller for air conditioning apparatuses. It is explanatory drawing of the image | video projected by the controller for air conditioning apparatuses, Comprising: (a) is a video image figure, (b) is the content explanatory drawing of the video image figure. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for associating a hue scale and a temperature scale in the controller for the air conditioner. It is a flowchart which shows the driving | operation operation | movement of the controller for air conditioning apparatuses. It is explanatory drawing of the air conditioning system which concerns on the modification and connected the several air conditioner with respect to the controller for one air conditioning apparatus via the internet. It is an image image figure projected by the controller for the air harmony device concerning a modification.

  Hereinafter, a controller for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention and an air conditioning system using the same will be described. In addition, this invention is not limited to the illustration described below, but is shown by a claim, and it is intended that all the changes within the meaning and range equivalent to a claim are included. The

(Overall configuration of air conditioning system)
The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is a case where one room is air-conditioned by a single air conditioner 1 as a typical example. One air conditioner 1 is a typical separation-type air conditioner in which one indoor unit 20 is connected to one outdoor unit 10. As a terminal for controlling the air conditioner 1, one air conditioner controller 30 is arranged. The air conditioner 1 and the air conditioner controller 30 are configured to exchange information by wireless communication. Wireless communication uses a wireless LAN, ZigBee, Bluetooth (registered trademark), optical communication, or the like.

(Configuration of air conditioner)
As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 is a separation-type air conditioner in which an indoor unit 20 installed indoors and an outdoor unit 10 installed outdoors are connected to electric wires and refrigerant piping.
The outdoor unit 10 is a refrigerant such as a control unit 11, a compressor 12, a four-way switching valve 13, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 10 based on an instruction from the indoor unit 20. It is equipped with circuit-related equipment, an outdoor fan 14 for an outdoor heat exchanger, and the like. The four-way switching valve switches the refrigerant circuit to the cooling cycle or the heating cycle, and is switched by the control unit 11.

  The indoor unit 20 includes a communication unit 21 for performing information communication with the air conditioner controller 30, an operation instruction from the air conditioner controller 30, and a room temperature Tr transmitted from the air conditioner controller 30 and the room. A controller 22 for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the set temperature Ts, and refrigerant circuit related devices such as an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) are provided.

  The control unit 22 is connected to the control unit 11 of the outdoor unit 10 by wiring, and is configured to control the operation of the entire air conditioner 1 in cooperation with the control unit 11 of the outdoor unit 10. The indoor unit 20 also includes an indoor fan 23 for an indoor heat exchanger whose number of rotations is controlled by the control unit 22, a wind direction plate 24 that adjusts the direction of the blown air whose angle is adjusted by the control unit 22, and the like. .

  The air conditioner 1 configured as described above has an automatic operation function of automatically selecting and switching between a cooling operation, a heating operation, and a blower operation. In the automatic operation, for example, when the detected room temperature Tr becomes higher than the cooling start set temperature that is higher than the indoor set temperature Ts by a predetermined temperature, the cooling operation is performed, and the room temperature Tr is lower than the indoor set temperature Ts by a predetermined temperature. Heating operation is performed when the temperature becomes lower than the heating start set temperature. Further, in this automatic operation, in a temperature region where the room temperature Tr is between the cooling start set temperature and the heating start set temperature, that is, in a temperature region near the indoor set temperature Ts, the indoor thermo-off is performed, and the air blowing operation in which the compressor 12 is stopped is performed. Do.

(Configuration of controller for air conditioner)
As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner controller 30 includes a communication unit 31 for exchanging information with the indoor unit 20, necessary for the operation of the air conditioner 1, and the operation of the air conditioner controller. Sensors 32 for acquiring information necessary for the operation, and a control unit 33 for overall control of the operation of the air conditioner controller 30 are provided. The controller 30 for the air conditioner also visualizes the air-conditioning state based on the video signal generated in the storage unit 35 and the control unit 33 that store information and operation programs necessary for performing the function of the control unit 33. Is provided.

  The air conditioner controller 30 having such a configuration is formed as an independent structure that can be placed in a free direction on a plane of an appropriate table such as a desk. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the air conditioner controller 30 includes sensors 32 on one surface, a display 34 on the opposite surface, and a control unit inside. 33 is provided. In the following description, the surface of the air conditioner controller 30 on which the sensors 32 are provided is referred to as a front surface, and the surface on which the display unit 34 is provided is referred to as a back surface.

  The communication unit 31 exchanges information with the communication unit 21 of the indoor unit 20 by wireless communication as described above. The information transmitted from the air conditioner 1 to the air conditioner controller 30 includes information related to an air conditioning operation mode such as a cooling operation, a heating operation, or an air blowing operation. On the other hand, information transmitted from the air conditioner controller 30 to the air conditioner 1 includes information on the room temperature Tr in the current air-conditioning target room and the indoor set temperature Ts that is the air conditioning target temperature, and start and stop of the air conditioning operation. There is command information about.

  As the sensors 32, a human detection sensor 32a for detecting the presence or absence of a person in the air-conditioning target room, an operation detection sensor for detecting an action when the user expresses an intention to change the indoor set temperature Ts for the air-conditioning operation. 32b, an indoor temperature sensor 32c for detecting a room temperature Tr in the air-conditioned room is provided. Here, the human detection sensor 32a is provided as confirmation means for confirming the necessity of starting the operation of the air conditioner 1 and the controller 30 for the air conditioner.

  The human detection sensor 32a uses an infrared sensor that detects an infrared ray radiated by a human body, and is configured by a plurality of infrared sensors so that a person can be detected in any direction. Based on the information detected by the human detection sensor 32a, the control unit 33 determines the presence or absence of a person in the air-conditioned room.

  The motion detection sensor 32b is a so-called gesture sensor, and the light emitted from the built-in infrared light emitting LED hits the detection target, and the change of the reaction light is detected by the light receiving element to detect the movement of the target. . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.2 and FIG.3, it arrange | positions in the front surface of the controller 30 for air conditioning apparatuses. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the room set temperature Ts is to be changed to the low temperature side, the hand is set to move downward on the front side of the controller 30 for the air conditioner. As shown in FIG. 3, when the room set temperature Ts is desired to be changed to the high temperature side, the hand is set to move upward on the front side of the controller 30 for the air conditioner. The motion detection sensor 32b reads the hand movement, and the read motion signal is input to the control unit 33, and the control unit 33 determines the reading operation.

  The indoor temperature sensor 32c is attached to the controller 30 for an air conditioner. Therefore, the temperature of the space close to a person can be detected as the room temperature Tr. The mounting position of the indoor temperature sensor 32c is not limited to the front surface portion, and may be the upper surface or the side surface.

  The control unit 33 exchanges signals with each unit, and visually checks the current air conditioning state with an operation control unit 33a that controls each unit so that the operation of the air conditioning apparatus controller 30 and the air conditioning system is performed without any problem. And a video processing unit 33b for generating a converted video.

  The operation control unit 33a instructs the start of the operation of the air conditioner controller 30 when the human detection sensor 32a first detects a person entering the room where the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped. A function of instructing the air conditioner 1 to start operation is provided. The operation control unit 33a has a function of taking in the room temperature Tr detected by the room temperature sensor 32c after the start of the operation of the air conditioner controller 30, a function of transmitting the taken in room temperature Tr to the air conditioner 1, and a storage unit 35 has a function of reading the initial value of the indoor set temperature Ts stored in 35. Further, the operation control unit 33a has a function of continuously taking in the room temperature Tr detected by the room temperature sensor 32c after the operation start instruction to the air conditioner 1, and a function of sequentially transferring the taken in room temperature Tr to the air conditioner 1. have. In addition, when the operation detection sensor 32b detects a user operation, the operation control unit 33a determines whether the operation indicates an intention to change the indoor set temperature Ts, and this operation is the indoor set temperature Ts. When it is detected that the operation indicates an intention to change the air conditioner 1, it has a function of transmitting the change value of the indoor set temperature Ts to the air conditioner 1.

  When there is an instruction to start the operation of the controller 30 for the air conditioner, the video processing unit 33b receives the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts taken into the operation control unit 33a and the air conditioner via the communication unit 31. 1 of operation mode is read. The video processing unit 33b processes the video signal so that the display unit 34 can display a video that visualizes these temperatures and driving modes.

  The display unit 34 displays a video based on the video signal generated by the video processing unit 33b. The display unit 34 in this embodiment enlarges and projects a color image 40 as shown in FIG.

  The storage unit 35 is composed of a ROM type memory and a non-volatile RAM type memory, and stores data and programs necessary for operating the air conditioner controller 30. The storage unit 35 also stores the indoor set temperature Ts transmitted from the operation control unit 33a when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped.

(About color images)
As shown in FIG. 4A, the color image 40 is an image in which a polka dot pattern 42 is floated on the background 41. The background 41 is a hue that displays the room temperature Tr, which is the temperature of the indoor space, and the polka dot pattern 42 is a hue that displays the indoor set temperature Ts. The background 41 representing the room temperature Tr and the polka dot pattern 42 representing the indoor set temperature Ts have the same hue, but the brightness and saturation are adjusted so that the two can be clearly color-coded to clarify the shade of the hue. Yes. In the present embodiment, the background, that is, the hue of the room temperature Tr is thinned.

Further, in the color image 40, the hues of the background 41 and the polka dot pattern 42 are set so as to follow the room temperature Tr and the room set temperature Ts when they change.
As shown in FIG. 5, the hue scale 45 applied to the background 41 and the polka dot pattern 42 is obtained by continuously changing from a red color having a wavelength of 750 nm to a blue color having a cold color having a wavelength of 450 nm. This is linked to the temperature scale 46. The temperature scale 46 is graduated at equal intervals with respect to the hue scale 45, and the temperature corresponding to the red color having a wavelength of 750 nm is 28 ° C., and the blue color having a wavelength of 450 nm is 16 ° C.
By being linked in this way, the indoor set temperature Ts can be set in the range of 16 ° C to 28 ° C. When the room temperature Tr exceeds 28 ° C., it is displayed in red with the same hue as 28 ° C., and when the temperature is lower than 16 ° C., it is displayed in blue with the same hue as 16 ° C.

Therefore, since the hues of the background 41 and the polka dot pattern 42 are linked to the temperature in this way, the hue difference between them is expressed as a temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr.
Moreover, as shown in FIG.4 (b), the polka dot pattern 42 is set so that it may move as a flow of an up-down direction or a horizontal direction. Specifically, in the case of heating operation, the polka dot pattern 42 is allowed to flow upward so as to match the image of raising the room temperature Tr to the high temperature side, and in the case of cooling operation, it matches the image of lowering the room temperature Tr to the low temperature side. The polka dot pattern 42 is flowed downward, and in the case of the air blowing operation near the indoor set temperature Ts, the polka dot pattern 42 is flowed in the horizontal direction, for example, the right direction. The color difference between the polka dot pattern 42 and the background 41 is set so as to increase as the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr increases.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the operation detected by the operation detection sensor 32b by the operation control unit 33a is an operation intended to widen the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr, the indoor set temperature Ts The hue of the polka dot pattern 42 representing the indoor set temperature Ts is changed to a warm color system so that the temperature difference with the room temperature Tr increases. Then, the flow rate of the polka dot pattern 42 in which the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr is commensurate with the enlargement becomes an image. When it is determined that the operation detected by the operation detection sensor 32b is an operation intended to reduce the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr, the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr The hue of the polka dot pattern 42 representing the indoor set temperature Ts is changed to a cold color system so that the temperature difference is reduced. Then, the flow rate of the polka dot pattern 42 corresponding to the reduction in the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr is slowed down. More specifically, in the heating operation, when there is an operation of raising the hand, it is determined that the operation is to increase the indoor set temperature Ts, and the indoor set temperature Ts is changed to the high temperature side. As a result, the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr is increased, so that the upward flow speed of the polka dot pattern 42 is increased. Conversely, if there is an operation to lower the hand during the heating operation, it is determined that the indoor set temperature Ts is desired to be lowered, and the indoor set temperature Ts is changed to the low temperature side, whereby the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature are changed. Since the temperature difference from Tr becomes small, the upward flow of the polka dot pattern 42 changes to the rightward flow.

  In the cooling operation, if there is an operation for lowering the hand, it is determined that the operation is to lower the indoor set temperature Ts, the indoor set temperature Ts is changed to the low temperature side, and the hue of the polka dot pattern 42 is changed to the cold color system. Is done. Then, since the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr is increased, the downward flow speed of the polka dot pattern 42 is increased. Conversely, if there is an operation to raise the hand during the cooling operation, it is determined that the operation is to increase the indoor set temperature Ts, the indoor set temperature Ts is changed to the high temperature side, and the hue of the polka dot pattern 42 becomes a warm color system. Be changed. Then, since the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr becomes small, the downward flow of the polka dot pattern 42 changes to the rightward flow.

(About operation of controller for air conditioner)
Next, the operation of the air conditioner controller 30 will be described with reference to FIG.
When a person enters the room where the air conditioner 1 is stopped for the first time, the person detection sensor 32a constituting the confirmation means for confirming the necessity of starting the operation of the air conditioner 1 detects this (step S1). The operation control unit 33a of the control unit 33 captures this human detection and starts the operation of the air conditioner controller 30. Accordingly, the room temperature sensor 32c detects the room temperature Tr and transmits it to the operation control unit 33a (step S2). In addition, the operation control unit 33a takes in the indoor set temperature Ts stored in the storage unit 35 when the previous air conditioner 1 is stopped (step S3). Then, the operation control unit 33a notifies the air conditioner 1 of the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts (step S4), and commands the start of automatic operation (step S5).

  On the other hand, the operation control unit 33a reads the operation mode of the automatic operation performed by the air conditioner 1. Then, it is determined whether or not the read operation mode is a blowing operation (step S6). When it is determined that the operation is a blowing operation (YES in step S6), the video processing unit 33b receives this information and generates a color image 40 in the blowing mode, and based on this, the display unit 34 displays the color image in the blowing mode. 40 is projected (step S7). The image in the air blowing mode is an image in which the polka dot pattern 42 flows in the horizontal direction (right direction). In this case, since the room temperature Tr is close to the indoor set temperature Ts, the hue of the background 41 is the hue of the polka dot pattern 42. It becomes a hue close to. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the projected image is projected from the back side of the air conditioner controller 30 toward the opposing wall surface. The user can select the direction of the air conditioner controller 30 based on his / her own judgment.

  If it is determined in step S6 that it is not a fan operation (NO in step S6), it is determined whether it is a cooling operation (step S8). When it is determined that the cooling operation is being performed (YES in step S8), the video processing unit 33b receives this information and generates a color image 40 in the cooling mode, and based on this, the display unit 34 displays the color image in the cooling mode. 40 is projected (step S9). The image in the cooling mode is an image in which the polka dot pattern 42 flows downward. In this case, the indoor set temperature Ts is lower than the room temperature Tr, and the hue of the indoor set temperature Ts is a cold color system that approaches blue as compared with the hue of the room temperature Tr. If it is determined in step S8 that the cooling operation is not being performed (NO in step S8), the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is the heating operation. Therefore, the video processing unit 33b receives this information and generates the color image 40 in the heating mode, and the color image 40 in the heating mode is projected on the display unit 34 based on this information (step S10). The image in the heating mode is an image in which the polka dot pattern 42 flows upward. In this case, the indoor set temperature Ts is higher than the room temperature Tr, and the hue of the room set temperature Ts is a warm color system that approaches red as compared with the hue of the room temperature Tr.

  Thus, when the controller 30 for air conditioning apparatuses is driving | running operation, when the operation | movement showing the intention to change the setting temperature of indoor setting temperature Ts is detected by the operation | movement detection sensor 32b (it is YES at step S11). ), The operation control unit 33a determines the meaning of this operation (step S12). The operation control unit 33a determines whether the detected operation increases or decreases the indoor set temperature Ts, and how many degrees C to change (step S12). As shown in FIG. 2, the action of shaking the hand downward means lowering the indoor set temperature Ts, and as shown in FIG. 3, the action of shaking the hand upward means raising the indoor set temperature Ts. To do. In addition, the change temperature number of the indoor set temperature Ts is set to change depending on the number of times of waving.

  The operation control unit 33a changes the indoor set temperature Ts based on the above determination (step S13), and transmits this to the video processing unit 33b and the air conditioner 1 (step S14). On the air conditioner 1 side, the operation is controlled based on the changed indoor set temperature Ts. On the other hand, the air conditioner controller 30 is controlled so as to project the color image 40 based on the confirmed operation mode by confirming the change of the operation mode by the air conditioner 1 (steps S6 to S10). Note that the hue of the background 41 in the color image 40 changes as the room temperature Tr changes.

  Next, during the operation of the air conditioner controller 30, if the operation intended to change the indoor set temperature Ts is not confirmed, the operation control unit 33a repeats the human detection sensor 32a repeatedly every predetermined time. Is detected (step S15). If no person is detected (NO in step S15) and a certain time has elapsed (YES in step S16), it is determined that no person is present. Further, the indoor set temperature Ts at that time is recorded in the storage unit 35 so as to be the indoor set temperature Ts when the next operation is resumed (step S17), and the operation of the air conditioner controller 30 is stopped and the air An operation stop command is commanded to the harmony machine 1 (step S16).

(How to use controller for air conditioner)
Next, how the user uses the air conditioner controller 30 will be described.
As is apparent from the description of the operation of the air conditioner controller 30, no special operation is required for the start and stop of the operation of the air conditioner controller 30. It is automatically controlled by people coming and going. The air conditioner 1 is started and stopped in synchronization with the start and stop of the operation of the air conditioner controller 30. The operation control excluding the start and stop of the operation of the air conditioner 1 is automatically controlled by the control unit 22 and the control unit 11 based on the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts transmitted from the air conditioner controller 30. Is done. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 allows the user to perform the air conditioning operation in accordance with the user's intention by changing the setting of the indoor set temperature Ts by viewing the color image 40 of the air conditioner controller 30. .

  The indoor set temperature Ts at the start of operation of the air conditioner controller 30 and the air conditioner 1 is set to the indoor set temperature Ts before the operation is stopped. In the case of new installation, since there is no indoor set temperature Ts before the operation is stopped, the factory setting is set to a constant temperature, for example, 25 ° C.

Thus, once driving | running | working is started, a user should just drive-operate like the specific example described below.
If the user feels that the color image 40 is hot when in the heating mode, the user may swing his / her hands down an appropriate number on the front side of the air conditioner controller 30 as shown in FIG. In this way, the indoor set temperature Ts can be lowered to the low temperature side to approach the room temperature Tr. As the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr becomes smaller, the heating capacity of the air conditioner 1 is also suppressed, and the speed flowing above the polka dot pattern 42 also decreases. Further, the hue of the polka dot pattern 42 approaches the hue of the background 41. Thus, when the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr becomes equal to or less than a certain temperature, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is switched from the heating operation to the air blowing operation, and accordingly, the air conditioner controller 30 also performs heating. The mode is switched to the air blowing mode. The polka dot pattern 42 is switched from the upward direction to the horizontal right direction by being switched to the air blowing mode. The user can intuitively feel that such a change on the color image 40 will result in an operation mode that suppresses an increase in the room temperature Tr.

  In addition, when the user feels that the color image 40 is cold when in the heating mode, the user may swing an appropriate number of hands upward on the front side of the air conditioner controller 30 as shown in FIG. In this way, the indoor set temperature Ts can be raised to the high temperature side. As the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr increases, the heating capacity of the air conditioner 1 is increased, and the speed of the polka dot pattern 42 flowing upward also increases in the controller 30 for the air conditioner. The hue of the polka dot pattern 42 becomes a warm color system, and the difference from the hue with the background 41 becomes large. The user can intuitively feel that the air conditioner 1 is being operated so as to quickly raise the room temperature Tr by such a change on the color image 40.

  Next, when the user feels that the color image 40 is hot when in the air blowing mode, the user may swing his / her hands down an appropriate number on the front side of the air conditioner controller 30 as shown in FIG. In this way, the indoor set temperature Ts can be lowered to the lower temperature side than the room temperature Tr. When the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is switched from the blowing operation to the cooling operation, and accordingly, in the controller 30 for the air conditioner Also, the air blowing mode is switched to the cooling mode. Along with this switching, the hue of the polka dot pattern 42 changes to a cold color system and is separated from the hue of the background 41. Then, when the color image 40 is switched to the cooling mode, the flow direction of the polka dot pattern 42 is switched from the horizontal right direction to the downward direction. The user can intuitively feel that the operation mode that lowers the room temperature Tr is caused by such a change on the color image 40.

  In addition, when the user feels that the color image 40 is cold when in the air blowing mode, the user may swing his / her hands upward as appropriate on the front side of the air conditioner controller 30 as shown in FIG. Thus, the indoor set temperature Ts can be set higher than the room temperature Tr. When the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr becomes a predetermined value or more, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is switched from the air blowing operation to the heating operation, and accordingly, in the controller 30 for the air conditioner The air blowing mode is switched to the heating mode. Along with this switching, the hue of the polka dot pattern 42 changes to a warm color system and leaves the hue of the background 41. Then, by switching the color image 40 to the heating mode, the flow direction of the polka dot pattern 42 is switched from the horizontal right direction to the upward direction. The user can intuitively feel that the driving mode is such that the room temperature Tr is raised by such a change on the color image 40.

  Next, when the user feels that the color image 40 is hot when in the cooling mode, the user may swing his / her hands down an appropriate number on the front side of the air conditioner controller 30 as shown in FIG. In this way, the indoor set temperature Ts can be lowered to the low temperature side. As the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr increases, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1 is increased, and the speed of flowing below the polka dot pattern 42 is increased. Further, the hue of the polka dot pattern 42 becomes a cold color system, and the difference from the hue with the background 41 becomes large. The user can intuitively feel that the air conditioner 1 is operated so as to further lower the room temperature Tr due to such a change on the color image 40.

  In addition, when the user feels that the color image 40 is cold when in the cooling mode, the user may swing his / her hands upward as appropriate on the front side of the air conditioner controller 30 as shown in FIG. In this way, the indoor set temperature Ts can be raised to the high temperature side to approach the room temperature Tr. As the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr becomes smaller, the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 1 is also suppressed, and the speed of flowing below the polka dot pattern 42 also decreases. Further, the hue of the polka dot pattern 42 approaches the hue of the background 41. Thus, when the temperature difference between the indoor set temperature Ts and the room temperature Tr becomes equal to or lower than a certain temperature, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is switched from the cooling operation to the air blowing operation, and accordingly, the air conditioner controller 30 also performs cooling. The mode is switched to the air blowing mode. Then, when the color image 40 is switched to the air blowing mode, the flow direction of the polka dot pattern 42 is switched from the downward direction to the horizontal right direction. The user can intuitively feel that such a change on the color image 40 results in an operation mode in which the decrease in the room temperature Tr is suppressed.

(Effect of this embodiment)
Since the air conditioner controller 30 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, the following effects can be achieved.

  (1) Since the current room temperature Tr and the room set temperature Ts are displayed as a color image 40 with a hue associated with the temperature scale 46, not only the current room temperature Tr and room set temperature Ts but also the room temperature Tr It is also possible to intuitively grasp the temperature difference between the temperature and the indoor set temperature Ts. Therefore, by recognizing the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 in addition to this information, it is possible to intuitively grasp whether the air conditioning operation is performed as intended. As a result, the air conditioner 1 can be operated in a direction that matches the user's feeling.

  (2) Since one color image 40 can recognize the room temperature Tr, the room set temperature Ts, the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr and the room set temperature Ts, and the changes thereof, it can intuitively recognize the current air conditioning operation. Can be determined.

  (3) The color image 40 is formed so that the polka dot pattern 42 has a dark hue and displays the indoor set temperature Ts, and the background has a light hue and displays the room temperature Tr. Therefore, since the background 41 can be imaged as an indoor space, there is an advantage that an image can be intuitively easily displayed as a display of the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts.

  (4) The operation control unit 33a configuring the control unit 33 is configured to capture the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 together with the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts, and the video processing unit 33b configuring the control unit 33 further includes: A video signal for displaying the current room temperature Tr, the indoor set temperature Ts, and the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 as the color video 40 is generated. Therefore, the user can recognize these pieces of information collectively with a single video, so it is easy to intuitively determine what kind of driving is currently as intended.

(5) Since the color image 40 is formed to display the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 by the movement of the polka dot pattern 42, the operation mode can be easily grasped.
(6) Since the polka dot pattern 42 is formed to flow downward during the cooling operation, upward during the heating operation, and horizontally during the air blowing operation, the movement of the polka dot pattern 42 and the operation of the air conditioner 1 are performed. The image of the direction in which the room temperature Tr changes according to the aspect matches, and the operation display function by the color image 40 is simple and clear.

  (7) The color image 40 is formed so that the flow speed of the polka dot pattern 42 increases as the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts increases during the cooling operation and the heating operation. On the other hand, the air conditioner 1 is generally formed such that the capacity increases as the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts increases. Therefore, the flow velocity of the polka dot pattern 42 and the capacity of the air conditioner 1 are image-matched, which is preferable as an image for intuitively recognizing whether the air-conditioning operation is as intended.

  (8) Since the operation detection sensor 32b is configured to detect an operation representing the user's intention display, the indoor set temperature Ts can be changed and set intuitively. Therefore, it becomes easy to realize the operation according to the user's intention.

  (9) Since the motion detection sensor 32b is configured to detect the motion representing the user's intention display with the gesture sensor and discriminate it, the indoor set temperature Ts can be determined with a simple gesture such as a vertical motion of the hand. Can be changed.

  (10) Since the confirmation means for confirming the necessity of starting the operation of the air conditioner 1 is provided in the controller 30 for the air conditioner, it is not necessary to provide the operation switch in the air conditioner 1. Therefore, there is no need for a remote control for driving operation.

  (11) Since the human detection sensor 32a serves as confirmation means for confirming the necessity of starting the operation of the air conditioner 1, the air conditioner 1 automatically starts and stops without waiting for a user operation. can do.

  (12) Since the display unit 34 has a projection image display function, it is possible to grasp the driving situation with a large color image 40 projected on an appropriate surface such as a wall surface. Therefore, it is easy to check the air-conditioning operation status, and it is possible to grasp the air-conditioning operation status while performing some work.

  (13) Since the air conditioner controller 30 has a structure that can be placed on an appropriate flat surface or wall surface, the controller is placed on an appropriate place and directed to an appropriate surface in an appropriate direction. An image can be projected. Therefore, handling is very good.

(Modification)
The description about each of the above embodiments is an exemplification of a mode that the controller 30 for an air conditioner and the air conditioning system according to the present invention can take, and is not limited to the mode, and can be modified as shown below. Also good. In addition, regarding the modification shown below, it is good also as a form which combined the at least 2 modification which is not mutually contradictory.

  (1) The air conditioning system in the above embodiment is an example in which one air conditioner 1 is used in the air-conditioning target room. However, it is used when a plurality of air conditioners 1 are used in a large room. Is also possible. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, one air conditioner controller 30 and a plurality of air conditioners 1 are connected via the Internet 50, and a plurality of air conditioner controllers 30 are connected by a single air conditioner controller 30. You may make it control the air conditioner 1 simultaneously.

(2) Regarding the display unit 34, in the above-described embodiment, the screen is enlarged and projected onto the wall surface. However, the display unit 34 may be a device that displays on a display such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL.
(3) Regarding the association between the hue scale 45 and the temperature scale 46, the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature of the temperature scale 46 may be changed. For example, the minimum temperature 16 ° C. may be 14 ° C., and the maximum temperature 28 ° C. may be 35 ° C. Further, the hue scale 45 is assumed to change continuously, but may be changed step by step.

  (4) With respect to the color image 40 projected by the display unit 34, an image clearly indicating the association between the hue scale 45 and the temperature scale 46 may be included. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a white portion 48 is formed below the color image 40 shown in FIG. 4A, and the hue scale 45 and the temperature scale 46 shown in FIG. A correlation diagram may be shown. In this way, in addition to the hue of the background 41 and the polka dot pattern 42 and the movement of the polka dot pattern 42, the relationship between the temperature and the hue can be recognized more accurately, and the air conditioning operation state can be grasped more accurately. it can. The position showing the correlation diagram between the hue scale 45 and the temperature scale 46 may be changed as appropriate.

  (5) Regarding the color image 40 projected by the display unit 34, the background 41 is a hue for displaying the room temperature Tr and the polka dot pattern 42 is the hue for displaying the indoor set temperature Ts. However, this may be displayed in reverse. Good. Further, the color image 40 is not limited to the symbol illustrated in FIG. 4A, and may be a freely changed symbol image. In this case, the current temperature value may be displayed over the symbol display, and it may be displayed how the room temperature Tr changes with time.

  (6) Regarding the color image 40 displayed by the display unit 34, in the above-described embodiment, the operation mode of the air conditioner 1 is represented by changing the flow direction of the polka dot pattern 42, and the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature are displayed. Although the flow velocity was changed in proportion to the temperature difference from Ts, those not including this display are also included in the present invention. That is, in this case, the room temperature Tr is displayed with the hue of the background 41, the indoor set temperature Ts is displayed with the hue of the polka dot pattern 42, and these hues are changed following the changes in the room temperature Tr and the indoor set temperature Ts. It may be just that.

  (7) Regarding the confirmation means for confirming the necessity of starting the operation of the air conditioner 1 and the air conditioner controller 30, switches such as a touch sensor may be used instead of the human detection sensor 32 a in the above embodiment. However, in this case, the user needs to operate it himself.

  (8) Regarding the operation detection method for detecting an operation in which the user expresses an intention to change the indoor set temperature Ts for the air conditioning operation, in the embodiment, the intention detection is performed by a hand gesture, and the operation detection sensor 32b Although this was detected, it may be replaced with another intention display operation to detect this operation. For example, the user's intention to change the indoor set temperature Ts may be expressed as an action such as brain wave, expiration, eye movement, finger movement with respect to the touch cursor, and the sensor may be used to detect this.

  (9) Although the indoor temperature sensor 32c is mounted in the air conditioner controller 30 in the above embodiment, it is preferable that the indoor temperature sensor 32c detects the average space temperature in the room. It is good also as what was arrange | positioned in the position different from the controller 30 for harmony devices.

  (10) Regarding the automatic operation of the air conditioner 1, the air blowing operation is performed in the vicinity of the indoor set temperature Ts, but the dehumidifying operation may be performed instead of the air blowing operation. In addition, the air-cooling dehumidifying operation may be performed in a higher temperature region near the indoor set temperature Ts, and the air-warming dehumidifying operation may be performed in a lower temperature region near the indoor set temperature Ts. In this case, the video mode in the air conditioner controller 30 in this case is naturally not the air blowing mode, but must be displayed as the dehumidifying mode.

  (11) The air conditioner 1 is a separate type air conditioner with one indoor unit for one outdoor unit, but a multi-type separate type air conditioner with a plurality of indoor units for one outdoor unit. It may be an indoor / outdoor integrated air conditioner.

  (12) Although the air conditioner 1 is of a type that does not include a remote controller, the air conditioner 1 is an air conditioner that can perform the start / stop operation of the air conditioner 1 and the setting operation of the indoor set temperature Ts with the remote controller. When there is an instruction to change the indoor set temperature Ts from the controller 30 for a harmony device, it may be possible to enable the control by interrupting it to enable control.

Tr Room temperature Ts Indoor set temperature 1 Air conditioner 10 Outdoor unit 11 Control unit 12 Compressor 13 Four-way switching valve 14 Outdoor fan 20 Indoor unit 21 Communication unit 22 Control unit 23 Indoor fan 24 Wind direction plate 30 Air conditioner controller 31 Communication Unit 32 Sensors 32a Human detection sensor 32b Motion detection sensor 32c Indoor temperature sensor 33 Control unit 33a Operation control unit 33b Image processing unit 34 Display unit 35 Storage unit 40 Color image 41 Background 42 Polka dot pattern 45 Hue scale 46 Temperature scale 48 White Department 50 Internet

Claims (14)

An indoor temperature sensor (32c) for detecting a room temperature Tr in the air-conditioned room;
A communication unit (31) that performs information communication with the air conditioner (1) that air-conditions the room;
A control unit (33) for overall control of the operation of the controller;
A display unit (34) for visualizing the indoor air conditioning state as an image,
The control unit (33) has a function of taking in the room temperature Tr, a function of taking in a room set temperature Ts of the air conditioner (1), a function of changing the room set temperature Ts based on information given from the outside, and The operation control unit (33a) having a function of instructing to transmit the captured room temperature Tr and the changed indoor set temperature Ts to the air conditioner (1), the captured room temperature Tr, and the captured or A video processing unit (33b) for performing video signal processing for converting the changed indoor set temperature Ts into a video displayed with a hue associated with the temperature scale (46),
The said display part (34) is comprised so that a color image | video (40) may be displayed based on the video signal produced | generated by the said image | video process part (33b). Controller for air conditioners. The color image (40) displayed on the display unit (34) has a pattern on a background (41),
The background (41) and the pattern are given a hue associated with the temperature scale (46) so that one displays the room temperature Tr and the other displays the indoor set temperature Ts, and the lightness or saturation or By adjusting both of these, it is adjusted to a different darkness,
The background (41) and the hue of the pattern are configured to change following the change of the indoor set temperature Ts and the change of the room temperature Tr,
The controller for an air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the tying to the temperature scale (46) is performed such that the highest set temperature is red and the lowest set temperature is blue, and the intermediate temperature sequentially changes. The air according to claim 2, wherein the color image (40) has a thin hue as the background (41) displays room temperature Tr, and a dark hue as the pattern displays the indoor set temperature Ts. Controller for harmonic equipment. The controller for an air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the operation control unit (33a) constituting the control unit (33) further includes a function of taking in an operation mode of the air conditioner (1),
The video processing unit (33b) constituting the control unit (33) includes the captured room temperature Tr, the captured or changed indoor set temperature Ts, and the captured air conditioner (1). An air conditioner controller configured to perform video signal processing for making an operation mode an image displayed by a hue associated with a temperature scale (46). The color image (40) has a thin hue as the background (41) displays the room temperature Tr, and the pattern is formed in a polka dot pattern (42) and displays the indoor set temperature Ts. The controller for an air conditioner according to claim 4, further configured to display an operation mode of the air conditioner (1) by the movement of the polka dot pattern (42). The color image (40) shows that the polka dot pattern (42) turns blue during the cooling operation, the polka dot pattern (42) turns red during the heating operation, and the air blowing operation or the dehumidifying operation near the indoor set temperature Ts. The controller for an air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein the polka dot pattern (42) is displayed in an intermediate color and flows in a horizontal direction. The controller for an air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein the color image (40) is formed such that a hue difference of the polka dot pattern (42) appears depending on a temperature difference between a room temperature Tr and an indoor set temperature Ts. . In the controller for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An operation detection sensor (32b) for detecting an operation indicating a user's intention to change the indoor set temperature Ts is provided,
The operation control unit (33a) confirms the meaning of the user's operation detected by the operation detection sensor (32b), and if it is confirmed that it means a change in the indoor set temperature Ts, it corresponds to this operation. The controller for an air conditioner is configured to change the indoor set temperature Ts to the communication unit (31) and instruct the communication unit (31) to transmit the changed indoor set temperature Ts to the air conditioner (1). The motion detection sensor (32b) detects a gesture of moving the user's hand,
When the operation detected by the operation detection sensor (32b) is based on a predetermined rule, the operation control unit (33a) moves the indoor set temperature Ts upward or downward depending on the detected operation. The controller for an air conditioner according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to be modified. In the controller for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
Having confirmation means for confirming the necessity of starting the operation of the air conditioner (1);
The operation control unit (33a) is configured to issue an operation start command to the air conditioner (1) via the communication unit (31) when the necessity is confirmed by the confirmation unit. Controller for air conditioner. The confirmation means is a human detection sensor (32a),
The operation control unit (33a) issues an operation start command to the air conditioner (1) via the communication unit (31) when the person detection sensor (32a) first detects a person entering the room. It is comprised as follows. The controller for air conditioning apparatuses of Claim 10. The controller for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display unit (34) has a projected image display function. The controller for an air conditioner according to claim 12, wherein the controller has a structure that can be placed on a plane. The controller for an air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
An air conditioning system configured to function as a controller for a plurality of air conditioners (1) via the Internet (50).