JP2020186873A - Air conditioning control device, air-conditioning control system, air conditioning control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning control device, an air-conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method and a program that can reduce electricity charges while providing an air-conditioned space pleasant to a user.SOLUTION: A collection part 102 periodically collects biological information on a user who is present in an air-conditioned space of an air conditioner and environmental information on the air-conditioned space. A control part 107 controls, based upon an evaluation value obtained by evaluating the amenity of the user as to the biological information and environmental information, the air conditioner so as to suppress the electricity charge of the air conditioner below a time-zone upper-limit amount found for each of a plurality of successive time zones.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method and a program.

Conventionally, a technique for automatically controlling an air conditioner has been known in order to provide a comfortable air-conditioned space for a sleeping user.

For example, in Patent Document 1, while the user is sleeping, the operation of the air conditioner is started in the sleep air-conditioning mode in which the set temperature is predetermined, and the sleeping state of the user is estimated from the biological information of the sleeping user. The technology is disclosed. In this technique, the estimated sleep state indicates sleeplessness, and when the room temperature is higher than the set temperature, the air conditioner is controlled based on the previously estimated sleep state and the estimated room temperature. To.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-47324

In the above technology, the air conditioner is controlled in consideration of the comfort of the user, but the electricity charge of the air conditioner is not considered, so that the electricity charge increases. On the other hand, if priority is given to controlling electricity prices, user comfort may be sacrificed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method, and a program capable of suppressing electricity charges while providing a comfortable air conditioning space for the user. The purpose is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, the air conditioning controller according to the present invention
An air conditioning controller that controls an air conditioner
A collecting means for periodically collecting the biological information of the user existing in the air-conditioned space of the air conditioner and the environmental information of the air-conditioned space.
Based on the evaluation value that evaluates the comfort of the user with respect to the biological information and the environmental information, the electricity charge of the air conditioner should be suppressed to the time zone upper limit amount or less required for each of a plurality of consecutive time zones. Also includes a control means for controlling the air conditioner.

In the air conditioning control device of the present invention, the electricity charge of the air conditioner is settled within the time zone upper limit required for each of a plurality of consecutive time zones based on the user's biological information and the environmental information of the air conditioning target space. Control. Thereby, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method and a program capable of suppressing electricity charges while providing a comfortable air conditioning space for the user.

Block diagram of the air conditioning control system according to the first embodiment A block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the air conditioning controller according to the first embodiment. Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning controller according to the first embodiment The figure which shows the correspondence relationship between the room temperature and the temperature evaluation value which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the correspondence relationship between the indoor humidity and the humidity evaluation value which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the correspondence relationship between the outdoor temperature and the outside air temperature evaluation value which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the correspondence relationship between the number of times of turning over and the body movement evaluation value which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the data about the electric charge record which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the correspondence relationship between the control level of the air-conditioning control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 and the control content. The figure which shows the control example of the air-conditioning control apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment The figure which shows the example of the image displayed on the screen of the terminal apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an air conditioning control process executed by the air conditioning control device according to the first embodiment. A flowchart showing a display process executed by the terminal device according to the first embodiment. Block diagram of the air conditioning control system according to the second embodiment Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the third embodiment Block diagram of the air conditioning control system according to the modified example

(Embodiment 1)
The air-conditioning control system 1 according to the first embodiment is a system capable of both suppressing electricity charges and comforting the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning control system 1 includes an air conditioning control device 100 that controls the operation of the air conditioner 300, a terminal device 200 used by a user who operates the air conditioner 300, and an air conditioner 300. Be prepared.

The air conditioning control device 100 communicates with the terminal device 200 via the network 400. The air conditioning control device 100 controls the air conditioner 300 according to the operation content specified by the user in the terminal device 200.

The terminal device 200 is a device used by a user who operates the air conditioner 300. The terminal device 200 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

The air conditioner 300 performs operations such as heating operation and cooling operation based on the information transmitted from the terminal device 200.

The network 400 is a wireless or wired communication network, and is, for example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), a telephone network, or the like.

Next, the hardware configuration of the air conditioning controller 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The air conditioning controller 100 stores a processor 11 that performs processing for controlling the air conditioner 300, a main storage unit 12 that is used as a work area of the processor 11, and various data used for processing of the processor 11. It has a storage unit 13, a communication unit 14 for communicating with an external device, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) 15 for measuring time. The main storage unit 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the RTC 15 are all connected to the processor 11 via the bus 16.

The processor 11 includes an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor 11 realizes various functions of the air conditioning control device 100 by executing a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13.

The main storage unit 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). A program is loaded into the main storage unit 12 from the auxiliary storage unit 13. Then, the main storage unit 12 is used as a work area of the processor 11.

The auxiliary storage unit 13 includes a non-volatile memory represented by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). In addition to the program, the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores various data used in the processing of the processor 11. The auxiliary storage unit 13 supplies the data used by the processor 11 to the processor 11 according to the instruction of the processor 11, and stores the data supplied from the processor 11.

The communication unit 14 includes a network interface circuit for communicating with an external device. The communication unit 14 receives a signal from an external device and outputs the data indicated by this signal to the processor 11. Further, the communication unit 14 transmits a signal indicating the data output from the processor 11 to an external device.

The RTC15 is a timekeeping device provided with an oscillation circuit using a crystal oscillator. The RTC 15 has, for example, a built-in battery and continues timing even while the power of the air conditioning controller 100 is off.

Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal device 200 includes a processor 21 that performs processing according to input from a user, a main storage unit 22 that is used as a work area of the processor 21, and an auxiliary storage unit 23 that stores various data used for processing of the processor 21. It has a communication unit 24 for communicating with an external device, an input unit 25 for acquiring information input by the user, an output unit 26 for presenting various information to the user, and an RTC 27 for measuring time. The main storage unit 22, the auxiliary storage unit 23, the communication unit 24, the input unit 25, the output unit 26, and the RTC 27 are all connected to the processor 21 via the bus 28.

The processor 21, the main storage unit 22, the auxiliary storage unit 23, the communication unit 24, and the RTC 27 have the same functions as the processor 11, the main storage unit 12, the auxiliary storage unit 13, the communication unit 14, and the RTC 15, respectively.

The input unit 25 includes an input device such as an input key and a pointing device. The input unit 25 acquires the information input by the user and notifies the processor 21 of the acquired information.

The output unit 26 includes an output device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a speaker. The output unit 26 may form a touch screen integrally formed with the pointing device constituting the input unit 25. The output unit 26 presents various information to the user according to the instruction of the processor 21.

Next, the hardware configuration of the air conditioner 300 will be described with reference to FIG. The air conditioner 300 includes a heat exchanger 31 for adjusting the temperature of the blown air, a fan 32 for blowing the blown air, a wind direction control plate 33 for adjusting the direction of the blown air, and indoor and outdoor. It includes a temperature sensor 34 for measuring temperature, a humidity sensor 35 for measuring indoor and outdoor humidity, a thermal image sensor 36 for detecting the surface temperature of an object, and an air conditioning control device 100. Each component is controlled by the air conditioning controller 100.

The heat exchanger 31 exchanges heat between the air taken in by the fan 32 and the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 31.

The fan 32 takes in the air around the air conditioner 300 from the suction port, and blows out the air heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger 31 from the air outlet. As the fan 32, for example, a sirocco fan, a turbo fan, or the like is adopted.

The wind direction control plate 33 adjusts the direction of air whose temperature is adjusted by its inclination, that is, the wind direction.

The temperature sensor 34 detects the indoor temperature of the air-conditioned space and the outdoor temperature outside the air-conditioned space.

The humidity sensor 35 detects the humidity inside the air-conditioned space and the outdoor humidity outside the air-conditioned space.

The thermal image sensor 36 detects the temperature of the surface of an object such as a floor surface, a wall surface, a ceiling surface, a human body, furniture, a window, a door, etc. in an air-conditioned space within a range that can be imaged by the sensor, and has a two-dimensional temperature distribution. To get. As the thermal image sensor 36, an infrared sensor is typically used.

Next, the function of the air conditioning controller 100 will be described with reference to FIG. Functionally, the air conditioning control device 100 includes a receiving unit 101 that receives information related to control from the terminal device 200, a collecting unit 102 that collects biological information and environmental information, and a determination that determines whether or not the user is sleeping. A unit 103, an evaluation unit 104 that obtains evaluation values for biological information and environmental information, a management unit 105 that manages the actual electricity rate, a plan generation unit 106 that generates an electricity rate usage plan, and an air conditioner 300. A control unit 107 for controlling and a transmission unit 108 for transmitting information regarding the actual electricity charges to the terminal device 200 are provided.

The receiving unit 101 receives the operation mode information that specifies the operation mode of the air conditioner 300 from the terminal device 200 operated by the user. The receiving unit 101 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 11 and the communication unit 14. The receiving unit 101 is an example of the receiving means.

The operation mode includes a normal operation mode and a sleeping operation mode. The normal operation mode is a mode in which the user manually sets the operation of the air conditioner 300. The bedtime operation mode is a mode in which the air conditioner 300 is automatically controlled when the user goes to bed. When the bedtime operation mode is selected, the air conditioning control device 100 starts the air conditioning control process described later.

Further, the receiving unit 101 receives the setting information from the terminal device 200, which specifies whether or not to allow the control unit 107 to control the time zone upper limit.

The time zone upper limit amount is the amount set for each time zone when the bedtime is divided into a plurality of time zones, and is the upper limit amount of the electricity charge that can be used in each time zone, and is represented by a cumulative value. Will be done. The time zone upper limit amount is obtained by the plan generation unit 106 as described later. Hereinafter, the setting information that permits control exceeding the time zone upper limit amount is referred to as comfort-oriented setting information, and the setting information that does not allow control exceeding the time zone upper limit amount is referred to as economic efficiency-oriented setting information.

In addition, the receiving unit 101 receives a request from the terminal device 200 to present the actual result of the electricity charge managed by the management unit 105.

The collecting unit 102 periodically collects the biological information of the user existing in the air-conditioned space of the air conditioner 300 and the environmental information of the air-conditioned space. The collecting unit 102 is realized by the processor 11. The collecting unit 102 is an example of collecting means.

The biological information is the posture, the change in posture, and the body temperature obtained from the thermal image acquired by the thermal image sensor 36 of the air conditioner 300.

The environmental information is the indoor / outdoor temperature measured by the temperature sensor 34, the indoor / outdoor humidity measured by the humidity sensor 35, and the time measured by the RTC 15.

Further, "collecting periodically" means that the collecting unit 102 repeatedly collects biological information and environmental information, and the collecting interval is not limited to a constant value. The interval is arbitrarily determined by the manager of the air conditioning control device 100. The interval may be set according to a predetermined rule or may be set to an irregular value.

The determination unit 103 determines whether or not the user is sleeping based on the biological information and the environmental information collected by the collection unit 102. The determination unit 103 is realized by the processor 11. The determination unit 103 is an example of the determination means.

For example, since the body temperature at the end of the body rises and the body temperature at the center falls during bedtime, the determination unit 103 raises the temperature at the end and the temperature at the center in the region where the user is estimated from the thermal image. When it detects that the temperature has dropped, it is determined that the user has gone to bed. Alternatively, the determination unit 103 may determine that the user has fallen asleep when detecting the lying posture for a predetermined period based on the region in which the user is estimated from the thermal image. Further, the determination unit 103 may determine whether or not the user has gone to bed based on the time. Further, the determination unit 103 may determine whether or not the user has gone to bed based on both the thermal image and the time.

The evaluation unit 104 obtains evaluation values for biological information and environmental information after the operation in the sleeping operation mode is started. The evaluation unit 104 is realized by the processor 11.

Here, the evaluation value is a numerical value representing the degree to which the user feels comfortable with respect to the biological information and the environmental information. In the present embodiment, the evaluation unit 104 obtains evaluation values for the indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and outdoor temperature collected by the collection unit 102. In addition, the evaluation unit 104 estimates the user's turning over from the thermal image collected by the collecting unit 102, and obtains an evaluation value for the number of times of turning over. The evaluation value corresponding to the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, the outdoor temperature, and the number of times of turning over can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the air conditioning control device 100.

6 to 9 show examples of evaluation values associated with indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, and the number of times of turning over. The evaluation values of FIGS. 6 to 9 take values 1 to 6, and the larger the value, the more comfortable it is. FIG. 6 is an example of the correspondence between the indoor temperature and the temperature evaluation value for evaluating the comfort of the indoor temperature. FIG. 7 is an example of the correspondence between the indoor humidity and the temperature evaluation value for evaluating the comfort of the indoor humidity. FIG. 8 is an example of the correspondence between the outdoor temperature and the outdoor air temperature evaluation value for evaluating the comfort of the outdoor temperature. FIG. 9 is an example of the correspondence between the number of times of turning over per hour and the body movement evaluation value for evaluating the comfort estimated from the number of times of turning over. The evaluation unit 104 obtains an evaluation value for each item after the operation in the sleeping operation mode is started according to the correspondence relationship of FIGS. 6 to 9.

The management unit 105 manages the actual electricity charges required for operating the air conditioner 300. The management unit 105 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 11, the auxiliary storage unit 13, and the communication unit 14.

FIG. 10 shows an example of data on the actual electricity rate managed by the management unit 105. The table of FIG. 10 shows the date, the electricity charge for the amount of electricity used in the entire residence of the user, the user's bedtime, and the electricity charge for each unit time used for the air conditioner 300 during the bedtime. The ratio of the electricity charge of the air conditioner 300 used during bedtime to the electricity charge used in the entire house, the control level indicating the control contents of the air conditioner 300, the temperature evaluation value, the humidity evaluation value, and the outside temperature. The evaluation value and the body movement evaluation value are included. As shown in FIG. 11, the control content is associated with the numerical value of the control level. The management unit 105 accesses the server device that manages the user's electricity charge at a predetermined time, acquires the electricity charge information, and registers the acquired information in the table of FIG.

The record on the first line of the tail bull in FIG. 10 shows that the charge for the amount of electricity used in the entire user's residence on "May 1, 2019" is "300 yen", and "21:00 to 21" during bedtime. The charge for the amount of electricity used by the air conditioner 300 by "hour 59" is "10 yen", and the electricity charge required to use the air conditioner 300 while sleeping is 10 of the total electricity charge for the day. %, And at "21:00 to 21:59" during bedtime, the air conditioner 300 is operated with the control content indicated by the control level "3", the temperature evaluation value is "6", and the humidity evaluation value is It indicates that "4", the outside temperature evaluation value is "5", and the body movement evaluation value is "4".

The plan generation unit 106 generates a usage plan of the electricity charge of the air conditioner 300 at bedtime based on the actual electricity charge of the air conditioner 300. The plan generation unit 106 is realized by the processor 11. The plan generation unit 106 is an example of the plan generation means.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the control executed by the air conditioning control device 100. Hereinafter, the functions of the plan generation unit 106 and the control unit 107 will be described with reference to FIG. In the control example of FIG. 12, the bedtime is divided into three time zones, and the temperature evaluation value, the humidity evaluation value, the outside temperature evaluation value, the body movement evaluation value, and the body movement evaluation value for each unit time (1 hour) are shown. It includes the control level, electricity charges, time zone upper limit amount for each time zone, usage plan, and usage record. Each evaluation value shall be a value evaluated at the timing when each unit time ends. The electricity charge indicates the electricity charge (yen) per hour required when the air conditioner 300 is operated under the control content indicated by the control level under the conditions indicated by the evaluation value. This electricity rate is estimated based on the electricity rate actual table of FIG. 10, as will be described later. Let this electricity charge be the electricity charge actually required for the operation of the air conditioner 300. The usage plan shows the cumulative value of electricity charges that are assumed to be used every hour from the start to the end of bedtime. The usage record shows the cumulative value of the electricity charges actually required for each hour from the start to the end of bedtime.

When the determination unit 103 determines that the user has gone to bed, the plan generation unit 106 sets the determined time as the bedtime start time. Further, the plan generation unit 106 sets the average value of the end times of the bedtime in the table of FIG. 10 as the time when the user's current bedtime ends. Then, the plan generation unit 106 obtains the average of the electricity charges for each hour from the bedtime start time to the bedtime end time from the actual electricity charges in the table of FIG. Hereinafter, the obtained average value will be used as the usage plan.

An example of the usage plan obtained from the actual electricity charges in the table of FIG. 10 when the bedtime start time is 21:00 and the bedtime end time is 7:59 in the usage plan column of FIG. Shown.

Next, the plan generation unit 106 divides the bedtime into a plurality of time zones, and sets the upper limit amount of the time zone required for using the air conditioner 300 for each time zone. The maximum time zone amount is determined based on the usage plan.

The number of time zones for dividing the bedtime can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the air conditioning controller 100. In the present embodiment, the number of time zones is "3". Further, the time at which the bedtime is divided can also be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the air conditioning control device 100. For example, the administrator previously sets the bedtime included in 18:00 to 0:59 as "time zone 1" and the bedtime included in 1:00 to 4:59 as "time zone 2". The bedtime included in the period from 5:00 to 11:59 is set as "time zone 3".

When it is determined that the bedtime start time is 21:00 and the bedtime end time is 7:59, the plan generation unit 106 sets 21:00 to 0:59 as “time zone 1” and 1:00 to The bedtime included in 4:59 is set as "time zone 2", and the bedtime included in 5:00 to 7:59 is set as "time zone 3".

The maximum time zone amount is calculated as follows. Since the value of the usage plan from the start of bedtime to the end of "time zone 1", that is, the total amount of electricity charges until the end of "time zone 1" is "22 (yen)", the plan generation unit 106 obtains the time zone upper limit amount of "time zone 1" as "22 (yen)". Similarly, since the total amount of electricity charges from the start of bedtime to the end of "time zone 2" is "28 (yen)", the plan generation unit 106 determines the time zone upper limit amount of "time zone 2". Is calculated as "28 (yen)". Further, since the total amount of electricity charges from the start of bedtime to the end of "time zone 3" is "30 (yen)", the plan generation unit 106 sets the time zone upper limit amount of "time zone 3". Ask for "30 (yen)".

Based on the evaluation values of the biological information and the environmental information, the control unit 107 of FIG. 5 suppresses the electricity charge of the air conditioner 300 in a plurality of time zones to be equal to or less than the time zone upper limit amount of each time zone, and air. Control the harmony machine. The control unit 107 is realized by the processor 11. The control unit 107 is an example of the control means.

Specifically, when the evaluation value becomes a value equal to or less than the threshold value in the first period included in the time zone, the control unit 107 controls the control content after the first period to increase the electricity charge per unit time. When the content is changed and the evaluation value exceeds the threshold value in the second period included in the time zone, the control content after the second period is changed to the control content in which the electricity rate per unit time decreases. The first period, the second period and the threshold value can be arbitrarily set by the manager of the air conditioning control device 100. For example, suppose that the administrator sets the first period as "1 hour", the second period as "2 hours", and the threshold value as the evaluation value "4".

Electricity charges per unit time are estimated based on control levels and evaluation values. In the present embodiment, the electricity rate per unit time is the electricity rate per hour shown in FIG. The electricity rate per hour shall be estimated by using the control level, the outside air temperature evaluation value, the temperature evaluation value, and the value indicating the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature as parameters. The value indicating the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature shall be the value obtained by subtracting the temperature evaluation value from the outside air temperature evaluation value.

The control unit 107 refers to the table of the actual electricity charges in FIG. 10, and combines the control level, the outside air temperature evaluation value, the temperature evaluation value, and the value indicating the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature, and the electricity charge per hour. From the relationship with, the value of the electricity charge per hour in FIG. 12 is obtained. For example, from the electricity rate actual table in FIG. 10, it corresponds to the combination of the control level "3", the outside air temperature evaluation value "6", the temperature evaluation value "4", and the value "2" indicating the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature. Acquire the electricity charges for the attached unit time for the past three times. Then, when the average value of the electricity charges of the past three times is obtained as the outside air temperature evaluation value "6", the temperature evaluation value "4", and the value "2" indicating the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature, the control level "3" It is regarded as the electricity charge per hour when operating with the control contents indicated by ".

Here, the value of the control level is a value in the unit time at which control is started with the control content associated with this control level, and the values of the other parameters are the values of the unit time before this unit time. .. For example, the electricity charge "4 (yen)" in the unit time from 0 o'clock in FIG. 12 has the control level "4" in the unit time from 0 o'clock and the outside temperature evaluation value "6" in the unit time from 23:00. , A value obtained by combining the temperature evaluation value "4" and the value "2" indicating the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature. The electricity charge "10 (yen)" in the unit time of 21:00, which is the first unit time of FIG. 12, depends on the combination of the control level in the unit time of 21:00 and other evaluation values in the unit time of 21:00. Let it be the calculated value. In this way, the electricity charges in the table of the actual electricity charges in FIG. 12 are obtained.

In the present embodiment, when at least one of the plurality of evaluation values is obtained to have a threshold value of "4" or less in the first period, the control unit 107 raises the control level. Further, when even one of the plurality of evaluation values is obtained in the second period to exceed the threshold value “4” for two hours in a row, the control unit 107 lowers the control level.

When the control unit 107 changes to a control content in which the electricity charge per unit time increases, the value obtained by adding the electricity charge required for the control content to be changed to the electricity charge used up to that point is equal to or less than the upper limit of the time zone. Judge whether it fits in. The control unit 107 adopts the control content to be changed when it is determined that the amount falls within the time zone upper limit amount.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the temperature evaluation value is obtained as "4" in the unit time from 23:00, the control unit 107 changes the control level of the unit time from the next 0 o'clock from "3" to "3". Plan to change to 4 ”. When the control unit 107 changes to the control level "4", the control level "4" and 23:00 to 23:00 to change the hourly electricity charge required for the operation of the control level "4". Estimate based on the evaluation value at 59 minutes. Then, the control unit 107 adds the estimated value to the electricity charge used up to that point, that is, the usage record "18 (yen)", and the added value falls within the time zone upper limit amount of "time zone 1". Judge whether or not. If the electricity charge when controlled at the control level "4" is estimated to be "4 (yen)", the usage record (yen) added to the usage record "18 (yen)" is the time of "time zone 1". Since the band upper limit amount is "22 (yen)" or less, the control unit 107 controls the air conditioner 300 with the control content associated with the control level "4" from 0:00 to 0:59 next time. Control. That is, the control unit 107 changes the control content of the set temperature "26 ° C." to the control content of the set temperature "25 ° C.".

On the other hand, when the control unit 107 determines that the time zone upper limit amount or less does not fit, whether or not the reception unit 101 has received the setting information that allows the control exceeding the time zone upper limit amount, that is, the comfort-oriented setting information. To judge. When the control unit 107 determines that the comfort-oriented setting information has been received, the control unit 107 adopts this control content even if the electricity charge required for the control content to be changed exceeds the time zone upper limit amount.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the humidity evaluation value is obtained as "4" in the unit time from 3 o'clock, the control unit 107 changes the control level of the unit time from the next 4:00 to "3". Plan to change to "4". Then, when the control unit 107 is changed to the control level "4", the value obtained by adding the electricity charge required for the operation of the control level "4" to the usage record "27 (yen)" used up to that point is the "time". It is judged whether or not it falls within the time zone upper limit amount of band 2 ". If the electricity charge when controlled at the control level "4" is estimated to be "2 (yen)", the usage record (yen) added to this is the time zone upper limit amount "28 (yen)" for "time zone 2". ) ”. In this case, the control unit 107 determines whether or not the comfort-oriented setting information has been received. When the comfort-oriented setting information is received, the control unit 107 controls the air conditioner 300 with the control content associated with the control level "4" in the next unit time from 4 o'clock.

On the other hand, when the control unit 107 determines that the setting information permitting the control exceeding the time zone upper limit amount has not been received, that is, the economic efficiency setting information has been received, the control content is not changed. The air conditioner 300 is continuously controlled by the control content associated with the control level "3" even in the unit time from the next 4 o'clock.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when a value exceeding "4" is obtained for the temperature evaluation value in the unit time from 0 o'clock and 1 o'clock, the control unit 107 sets the threshold value of the evaluation value in the second period. It is judged that the temperature is exceeded, and the control level in the unit time from the next 2 o'clock is lowered from "4" to "3". That is, the control unit 107 changes the control content of the set temperature "25 ° C." to the control content of the set temperature "26 ° C.".

The control unit 107 continues the above control until the time or the sleeping state satisfies the end condition. Here, the termination condition can be arbitrarily set by the administrator of the air conditioning control device 100. For example, when the time reaches the bedtime end time estimated by the plan generation unit 106, or after a predetermined time has elapsed from the bedtime start time, the control unit 107 ends the control of the sleep operation mode. Alternatively, when the time continuously determined by the determination unit 103 that the user is not sleeping elapses for a predetermined time, the control unit 107 ends the control of the sleep operation mode.

When the transmission unit 108 receives a request for information on the actual electricity rate from the terminal device 200, the transmission unit 108 transmits the requested data to the terminal device 200 with reference to the table of FIG. 10 managed by the management unit 105. ..

Next, the function of the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal device 200 includes a receiving unit 201 that receives information on electricity charges, a display unit 202 that displays information on electricity charges, and a transmitting unit 203 that transmits information on the operation of the air conditioner 300.

The receiving unit 201 receives data related to the actual electricity charges from the air conditioning control device 100. The receiving unit 201 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 21 and the communication unit 24.

For example, the receiving unit 201 receives the data of the actual electricity charges shown in FIG. 10 from the air conditioning control device 100.

The display unit 202 displays the actual electricity rate based on the data received by the receiving unit 201. The display unit 202 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 21, the input unit 25, and the output unit 26.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an image displayed by the display unit 202. The bar graph 41 of the image 40 shows the cumulative value of the electricity charges used at bedtime for the air conditioner 300. Further, the solid line 42 indicates the target value of the electricity charge of the air conditioner 300 used during the bedtime, which is obtained based on the target amount of the electricity charge for one month set by the user. The dotted line 43 shows a predicted value obtained from the actual electricity charges used during bedtime. The information displayed in the image 40 is not information about the electricity charge of the air conditioner 300 used at bedtime, but the electricity of the air conditioner 300 used at bedtime with respect to the electricity charge of the entire user's residence. It may be information about the rate ratio.

Further, the display unit 202 displays buttons 44 and 45 for selecting setting information. Further, the display unit 202 displays the recommended value of the upper limit amount during sleep in the column 46, and displays the button 47 for setting the upper limit amount. The recommended value of the upper limit amount during bedtime is the time zone upper limit amount of the last time zone of the bedtime of the day obtained by the plan generation unit 106. When the button 47 is selected, the display unit 202 displays a screen requesting the specification of the maximum amount of money during bedtime for one day, and accepts the specification of the maximum amount of money from the user. Further, the display unit 202 displays the target amount of electricity charges for one month in the column 48, and displays the button 49 for setting the target amount. When the button 49 is selected, the display unit 202 displays a screen requesting the designation of the target amount, and accepts the designation of the target amount from the user. Further, a button 50 for the user to approve the end of the operation is displayed.

The transmission unit 203 transmits the operation mode information, the setting information, the information indicating the upper limit amount amount, and the information indicating the target amount amount to the air conditioning control device 100 based on the operation of the user. The transmission unit 203 is realized by the cooperation of the processor 21 and the communication unit 24.

For example, when the button 44 is selected by the user, the transmission unit 203 transmits the comfort-oriented setting information to the air conditioning control device 100. When the button 45 is selected by the user, the transmission unit 203 transmits the economic efficiency setting information to the air conditioning control device 100.

Further, when the button 47 is selected by the user and the upper limit amount of money during sleep for one day is specified, the transmission unit 203 transmits the designated upper limit amount of money during sleep to the air conditioning control device 100. The plan generation unit 106 corrects the upper limit amount for each time zone based on the upper limit amount during bedtime. For example, the time zone upper limit amounts of "time zone 1", "time zone 2", and "time zone 3" obtained based on the usage plan are "22 (yen)", "28 (yen)", and "", respectively. If it is "30 (yen)" and the upper limit amount during sleep specified by the user is "33 (yen)", the upper limit amount during sleep is "33 (yen)" and the upper limit amount for the last time zone The difference "3 (yen)" of "30 (yen)" is evenly distributed in each time zone. That is, the plan generation unit 106 sets the upper limit amount of the time zone of "time zone 1", "time zone 2", and "time zone 3" to "23 (yen)", "30 (yen)", and "33 (yen)". ) ”.

Next, the air conditioning control process executed by the air conditioning control device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the receiving unit 101 receives the operation mode information indicating the sleeping operation mode from the terminal device 200, the air conditioning control process of FIG. 15 is started.

The collecting unit 102 periodically collects the biometric information of the user existing in the air-conditioned space of the air conditioner 300 and the environmental information of the air-conditioned space (step S101). Then, the determination unit 103 determines whether or not the user has started sleeping based on the biological information and the environmental information collected by the collection unit 102 (step S102). When the determination unit 103 determines that the user has started going to bed (step S102; YES), the plan generation unit 106 generates a usage plan with reference to the actual electricity charges managed by the management unit 105 (step). S103). On the other hand, when the determination unit 103 determines that the user has not started sleeping (step S102; NO), the process returns to step S101.

When the usage plan is generated by the plan generation unit 106, the evaluation unit 104 obtains evaluation values for the biological information and the environmental information collected by the collection unit 102 at a predetermined timing (step S104). Next, the control unit 107 determines whether or not any of the evaluation values is equal to or less than the threshold value in the first period included in the time zone (step S105). When the control unit 107 determines that one of the evaluation values is equal to or less than the threshold value (step S105; YES), the control unit 107 plans and attempts to change the control content in which the electricity rate per unit time increases. It is determined whether or not the value obtained by adding the electricity charge required for the content to the electricity charge used so far falls within the time zone upper limit (step S106).

When the control unit 107 determines that it is equal to or less than the upper limit of the time zone (step S106; YES), the control content for increasing the electricity charge per unit time, that is, the control level is raised to control the air conditioner 300 (step). S107). After the control level is raised, the process proceeds to step S111. On the other hand, when the control unit 107 determines that the electricity charge required for the control content for which the change is planned exceeds the upper limit of the time zone (step S106; NO), whether or not the comfort-oriented setting information is received by the reception unit 101. Is determined (step S108). When the control unit 107 determines that the comfort-oriented setting information has been received by the reception unit 101 (step S108; YES), the control unit 107 raises the control level and controls the air conditioner 300 (step S107). On the other hand, when the control unit 107 determines that the comfort-oriented setting information is not received by the receiving unit 101 or the economy-oriented setting information is received (step S108; NO), the control unit 107 does not change the control level. Then, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S105, when the control unit 107 determines that none of the evaluation values is below the threshold value (step S105; NO), then whether or not any of the evaluation values exceeds the threshold value in the second period. (Step S109). When the control unit 107 determines that any of the evaluation values exceeds the threshold value in the second period (step S109; YES), the control content in which the electricity rate per unit time is lowered, that is, the control level is lowered to achieve air conditioning. The machine 300 is controlled (step S110). On the other hand, if the control unit 107 determines that none of the evaluation values exceeds the threshold value in the second period (step S109; NO), it determines whether or not the end condition is satisfied (step S111). When the control unit 107 determines that the end condition is satisfied (step S111; YES), the control unit 107 ends the air conditioning control process. On the other hand, when the control unit 107 determines that the end condition is not satisfied (step S111; NO), the process returns to step S104.

Next, the display process executed by the terminal device 200 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the terminal device 200 receives the data of the actual electricity bill from the air conditioning control device 100, the display process of FIG. 16 is started.

As shown in FIG. 14, the display unit 202 displays the actual electricity rate on the screen of the terminal device 200 (step S201). The display unit 202 displays the buttons 44 and 45 on the screen, and when any of the buttons 44 and 45 is selected, the transmission unit 203 sends the setting information associated with the buttons 44 and 45 to the air conditioning control device 100. (Step S202). Further, the display unit 202 displays a column 46 showing a recommended value of the upper limit amount required for sleeping for the air conditioner 300 and a button 47 for setting the upper limit amount, and the button 47 is selected to set the upper limit amount. When specified, the transmission unit 203 transmits a request for setting the designated upper limit amount to the air conditioning control device 100 (step S203).

Further, the display unit 202 displays a column 48 indicating the target amount and a button 49 for setting the target amount on the screen, and when the displayed button 49 is selected and the target amount is specified, the transmission unit 203 displays. , A request for setting the designated target amount is transmitted to the air conditioning control device 100 or the server device that manages the target amount (step S204). Further, the display unit 202 displays a dotted line 43 indicating the predicted value on the screen (step S205). Then, the display unit 202 determines whether or not the button 50 for approving the end of the operation has been selected by the user (step S206). When the button 50 is selected (step S206; YES), the display unit 202 ends the display process. On the other hand, if the button 50 is not selected (step S206; NO), the process returns to step S202.

Conventionally, if the operation of the air conditioner is controlled so as not to exceed the electricity rate that can be used while sleeping, the specified electricity rate is reached shortly after the start of operation, and the user spends the rest of the time during bedtime. Comfort was sometimes sacrificed. However, according to the present embodiment, by dividing the bedtime into a plurality of time zones and setting an upper limit amount for each time zone, the economy and user comfort of suppressing the electricity bill over the entire bedtime. It is possible to perform control that achieves both.

(Embodiment 2)
The air conditioning control system 1 of the second embodiment controls the air conditioner based on the biological information and the environmental information collected by the collecting device.

The air conditioning control system 1 of the second embodiment is a system in which a collecting device is added to the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the air conditioning control system 1 of the second embodiment includes an air conditioning control device 100 that controls the operation of the air conditioner 300, a terminal device 200 used by a user who operates the air conditioner 300, and air conditioning. The machine 300 and the collecting device 500 are provided.

The air conditioning control device 100, the terminal device 200, and the air conditioner 300 have the same functions as those in the first embodiment.

The collecting device 500 collects biological information and environmental information. Specifically, the collecting device 500 is a wearable sensor terminal worn by the user. The collecting device 500 measures the user's heart rate, body movement, and body temperature in a predetermined cycle.

Further, the collecting device 500 is an illuminometer and a microphone installed in the air-conditioned space. The collecting device 500 measures the illuminance and the volume in the room at a predetermined cycle.

When the collecting device 500 receives a request from the air conditioning control device 100 to provide the biological information and the environmental information, the collecting device 500 transmits the measured biological information and the environmental information to the air conditioning control device 100.

The air conditioning control device 100 that has received the biological information and the environmental information from the collecting device 500 replaces or additionally collects the biological information and the environmental information collected by the collecting unit 102, and the biological information and the environmental information collected by the collecting device 500. Control based on.

For example, when the determination unit 103 of the air conditioning control device 100 detects any one of a decrease in the user's heart rate, a decrease in body movement, a decrease in body temperature, a decrease in indoor illuminance, and a decrease in volume from the transmitted information, It is determined that the user's bedtime has started.

Further, the evaluation unit 104 of the air conditioning control device 100 obtains a body movement evaluation value based on, for example, the body movement measured by the wearable sensor terminal.

According to the present embodiment, by using various biological information and environmental information, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the patient is sleeping, and further, it is possible to evaluate the comfort of the user with high accuracy.

(Embodiment 3)
The air conditioning control system 1 of the third embodiment controls the air conditioner based on the target value of the electricity rate for a period of one day or more.

The air conditioning control system 1 of the third embodiment includes an air conditioning control device 100, a terminal device 200, and an air conditioner 300. The air conditioner 300 has the same functions as those of the first embodiment, and the air conditioning control device 100 and the terminal device 200 have the following functions in addition to the same functions as those of the first embodiment.

First, the function of the terminal device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The terminal device 200 is connected to a receiving unit 201 that receives information on electricity charges, a display unit 202 that displays information on electricity charges, a transmitting unit 203 that transmits information on the operation of the air conditioner 300, and an air conditioning control device 100. A target generation unit 204 for generating control target information to be transmitted is provided. The display unit 202 has the same function as that of the first embodiment.

In addition to the function of the receiving unit 201 of the first embodiment, the receiving unit 201 has a function of receiving the information necessary for the target generation unit 204 to generate the control target information. The control target information is information indicating a target amount of electricity charges required for operating the air conditioner 300 at bedtime. As will be described later, the target generation unit 204 obtains a target amount of electricity charges for a predetermined period. The predetermined period is a period of one day or more, and can be arbitrarily set by the user. Hereinafter, the predetermined period will be one week.

For example, the receiving unit 201 receives the weather, the maximum temperature, and the minimum temperature for one week from today from an external server device.

The target generation unit 204 generates control target information of the air conditioner 300. The target generation unit 204 is realized by the processor 21.

Specifically, the target generation unit 204 refers to the actual electricity charges of the air conditioner at bedtime in the table of FIG. 10, and sets the daily target amount of the electricity charges at bedtime for one week from today. Ask. For example, from the table of FIG. 10, the average daily electricity bill at bedtime from today to the past week is set as the daily target amount. Then, the target generation unit 204 weights the daily target amount based on the weekly weather, the maximum temperature, and the minimum temperature received by the reception unit 201, and corrects the target amount. For example, on the day with the highest maximum temperature in a week, the largest coefficient is multiplied by the target amount, and on the day with the lowest maximum temperature in the week, the smallest coefficient is multiplied by the target amount.

When the user specifies the maximum amount of money during bedtime for one day, the target generation unit 204 corrects the target amount for each day. For example, the terminal device 200 receives from the user the designation of the day for modifying the target amount and the upper limit amount in one week, and the target generation unit 204 sets the target amount on the designated day as the designated upper limit amount.

In addition to the function of the transmission unit 203 of the first embodiment, the transmission unit 203 transmits the control target information to the air conditioning control device 100.

For example, the target generation unit 204 generates control target information including the target amount for one week every day at 12:00, and the transmission unit 203 transmits the generated control target information to the air conditioning control device 100. To do.

The reception unit 101, the plan generation unit 106, and the control unit 107 of the air conditioning control device 100 have the following functions in addition to the functions of the reception unit 101, the plan generation unit 106, and the control unit 107 of the first embodiment. The receiving unit 101 of the air conditioning control device 100 receives the control target information from the terminal device 200. Then, the plan generation unit 106 corrects each time zone upper limit amount so that the target amount of the daily electricity charge shown in the control target information becomes the time zone upper limit amount of the last time zone of the day. The control unit 107 controls the air conditioner 300 so as not to exceed the modified upper limit amount for each time zone.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the maximum time zone amounts of "time zone 1", "time zone 2" and "time zone 3" are "22 (yen)", "28 (yen)" and "30 (yen)". ) ”, And if the target amount for the day is“ 33 (yen) ”, the plan generator 106 will use the target amount“ 33 (yen) ”based on the ratio of the electricity charges available in each time zone. ) ”And the time zone upper limit amount“ 30 (yen) ”in the last time zone, the difference“ 3 (yen) ”is distributed to each time zone. In "time zone 1", "time zone 2" and "time zone 3", electricity charges for "22 (yen)", "6 (yen)" and "2 (yen)" can be used, so plan generation Based on the ratio of the electricity charges, the unit 106 sets the distribution amount to each time zone as "2.2 (yen)", "0.6 (yen)", and "0.2 (yen)". Obtain and correct the time zone upper limit amount for each time zone to "24.2 (yen)", "30.8 (yen)" and "33 (yen)".

According to this embodiment, the air conditioner can be controlled based on the usage tendency and prediction of the electricity rate for a long period of one day or more.

(Modification example)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible in carrying out the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the air conditioning control device 100 is included in the air conditioner 300, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 19, the air conditioning control system 1 may be configured such that the air conditioning control device 100 and the air conditioner 300 are connected via the network 400.

Further, in the above embodiment, the collection unit 102 and the determination unit 103 may not be included in the air conditioning control device 100, and may be provided on the cloud server.

Further, in the above embodiment, the electricity charge per hour is determined based on the control level, the outside air temperature evaluation value, the temperature evaluation value, and the value indicating the difference between the indoor temperature and the target temperature, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when cooling, the indoor humidity affects the electricity rate, and when heating, the outdoor humidity affects the electricity rate. Therefore, when calculating the hourly electricity rate, the evaluation value for the outdoor humidity is calculated. Evaluation values for indoor and outdoor humidity may be added as parameters.

Further, in the above embodiment, the interval for collecting biological information and environmental information, the definition of the evaluation value, the number of time zones for dividing the bedtime, the time of division, the first period, the second period, the threshold value, and the end condition are , May be set by the user of the terminal device 200.

Further, in the first embodiment, the order of the display processing steps of the terminal device 200 is not limited to that shown in FIG. The order of steps S202 to S205 can be changed.

Further, in the second embodiment, the predetermined period may be set by the administrator of the air conditioning control device 100.

Further, the collecting device 500 of the second embodiment may upload the collected biological information and environmental information to the cloud server instead of transmitting them to the air conditioning control device 100. Then, the air conditioning control device 100 may access the cloud server and acquire the collected biological information and environmental information.

Further, in the third embodiment, the receiving unit 201 may receive the area information and the seasonal information of the user's residence in addition to the weather, the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature. Then, the target generation unit 204 may use this information to correct the control target information obtained from the actual electricity rate. For example, the target generation unit 204 obtains the fluctuation tendency of the temperature from the region and the season, and corrects the control target information.

Further, by applying an operation program that defines the operation of the air conditioning control device 100 according to the above embodiment to an existing personal computer or information terminal device, the personal computer or information terminal device can be used as the air conditioning control device 100 according to the embodiment. It is also possible to make it work.

The distribution method of such a program is arbitrary, and is stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or a memory card. It may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

The present invention allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, 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 indicated not by the embodiment but by the claims. Then, various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the equivalent meaning of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention can provide an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning control method and a program capable of suppressing electricity charges while providing a comfortable air conditioning space for the user.

1 Air conditioning control system, 11,21 processors, 12,22 main memory, 13,23 auxiliary storage, 14,24 communication, 15,27 RTC, 16,28 bus, 25 input, 26 output, 31 heat Exchanger, 32 fan, 33 wind direction control plate, 34 temperature sensor, 35 humidity sensor, 36 thermal image sensor, 40 image, 41 bar graph, 42 solid line, 43 dotted line, 44, 45, 47, 49, 50 button, 46, 48 Column, 100 air conditioning control device, 101,201 receiving unit, 102 collecting unit, 103 judgment unit, 104 evaluation unit, 105 management unit, 106 plan generation unit, 107 control unit, 108, 203 transmitting unit, 200 terminal device, 202 display Department, 204 target generator, 300 air conditioner, 400 network, 500 collector.

Claims (10)

An air conditioning controller that controls an air conditioner
A collecting means for periodically collecting the biological information of the user existing in the air-conditioned space of the air conditioner and the environmental information of the air-conditioned space.
Based on the evaluation value that evaluates the comfort of the user with respect to the biological information and the environmental information, the electricity charge of the air conditioner should be suppressed to the time zone upper limit amount or less required for each of a plurality of consecutive time zones. Also provided with a control means for controlling the air conditioner.
Air conditioning controller. The control means
When the evaluation value becomes a value equal to or less than the threshold value in the first period included in the plurality of time zones, the control content after the first period is changed to the control content in which the electricity charge per unit time increases. change,
When the evaluation value exceeds the threshold value in the second period included in the plurality of time zones, the control content after the second period is changed to the control content in which the electricity rate per unit time decreases. change,
The air conditioning controller according to claim 1. Further, a receiving means for receiving setting information for permitting the control means to control the time zone upper limit from the terminal device operated by the user is provided.
When the setting information is received by the receiving means, the control means controls to exceed the time zone upper limit amount based on the evaluation value.
The air conditioning controller according to claim 1 or 2. The air-conditioning controller according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of consecutive time zones is a time zone during which the user is sleeping. A determination means for determining whether or not the user is sleeping based on the biological information and the environmental information collected by the collection means, and
Further provided with a plan generation means for generating a usage plan for the air conditioner based on the actual electricity charges of the user and obtaining the time zone upper limit amount based on the generated usage plan.
The plan generation means sets the time when the user is determined to have started going to bed by the determination means as the start time of the first time zone among the plurality of time zones.
The air conditioning controller according to claim 4. The biological information includes the posture, the change in posture and the body temperature obtained from the thermal image acquired by the thermal image sensor of the air conditioner, and the heart rate, body movement and body temperature acquired by the wearable sensor terminal worn by the user. At least one of them is included,
The air conditioning controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The environmental information includes at least one of the temperature, humidity, illuminance and sound of the air-conditioned space and the temperature and humidity outside the air-conditioned space.
The air conditioning controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An air conditioning control system including an air conditioner, an air conditioning control device for controlling the air conditioner, and a terminal device used by a user existing in the air conditioning target space of the air conditioner.
The air conditioning controller
A collecting means for periodically collecting the biological information of the user and the environmental information of the air-conditioned space.
Based on the evaluation value that evaluates the comfort of the user with respect to the biological information and the environmental information, the electricity charge of the air conditioner should be suppressed to the time zone upper limit amount or less required for each of a plurality of consecutive time zones. In addition, a control means for controlling the air conditioner is provided.
The terminal device is
A target generation unit that generates control target information indicating the target amount of the electricity rate based on the past usage record of the electricity rate.
A transmission unit that transmits the control target information to the air conditioning control device is provided.
The air conditioning controller
An air-conditioning control system that corrects the upper limit of the time zone based on the control target information. The collecting means periodically collects the biological information of the user existing in the air-conditioned space of the air conditioner and the environmental information of the air-conditioned space.
Based on the evaluation value obtained by evaluating the user's comfort with respect to the biological information and the environmental information, the control means determines the electricity charge of the air conditioner for each of a plurality of consecutive time zones. Control the air conditioner so as to suppress the following,
Air conditioning control method. Computer,
A collecting means that periodically collects the biological information of the user existing in the air-conditioned space of the air conditioner and the environmental information of the air-conditioned space.
Based on the evaluation value that evaluates the comfort of the user with respect to the biological information and the environmental information, the electricity charge of the air conditioner should be suppressed to the time zone upper limit amount or less required for each of a plurality of consecutive time zones. To function as a control means for controlling the air conditioner.
program.

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