JP7152149B2 - Air conditioning system, program, information processing device and information processing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, a program, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method.

Conventionally, air conditioners have been used in various environments. For example, air conditioners are used to regulate the temperature and humidity of air in vehicles and the temperature and humidity of air in rooms.

Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 describe techniques for notifying the filter replacement timing of an air purifier. Patent Literature 3 describes a technique for controlling the opening and closing of an intake port cover according to the detection result of a dirt detection sensor.

JP-A-11-156131 JP-A-2000-210518 JP-A-4-35715

By the way, since the temperature and humidity inside the air conditioner become high, mold, bacteria, and the like grow when the air conditioner is used for a long period of time. When mold, bacteria, and the like proliferate inside the air conditioner, a foul odor is generated. Therefore, when using the air conditioner, the user must periodically clean the inside and replace the filter. However, even if the air conditioner emits an offensive odor, it is very difficult to determine the source of the odor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioning system, a program, an information processing device, and an information processing method for easily identifying odors originating from internal members of an air conditioner. aim.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an air conditioning system according to the present invention includes a fan, a ventilation path for discharging air blown by the fan to the outside, and air passing through the ventilation path. and a sensor device for detecting the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air before or after the position where the filter is provided in the airflow path in the airflow direction. , an information processing device having a determination unit that determines an odor generated from a member inside the air conditioner , wherein the determination unit includes a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is stopped; Based on the difference from the detection value of the sensor device when the fan is in operation, an odor originating from a member provided upstream of the sensor device is determined .

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to easily identify an odor originating from an internal member of an air conditioner.

Drawing 1 is a figure showing an air-conditioning system concerning an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the first sensor device and the second sensor device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first sensor device and the second sensor device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the odor determination process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment; FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for detecting the odor of an air conditioner by the information processing device. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the information processing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an information processing device according to a modification; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device.

Hereinafter, an air conditioning system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an air conditioning system 10 according to an embodiment. The air conditioning system 10 includes an air conditioner 18 and an information processing device 20 .

The air conditioner 18 adjusts the air condition in the room. For example, the air conditioner 18 adjusts the temperature of the air in the room by warming (heating) or cooling (cooling) the room. Also, the air conditioner 18 may adjust the humidity of the air in the room, or clean the air in the room (remove dust). In addition, the air conditioner 18 may blow air into the room or replace (ventilate) the air inside the room with the air outside the room.

The information processing device 20 is a computer having a data processing function, a wireless communication function and a display function. For example, the information processing device 20 is separate from the air conditioner 18, and may be, for example, a smart phone, tablet, mobile phone, laptop computer, or the like. The information processing device 20 may be a dedicated or general-purpose computer for air conditioning control provided in the room, or may be a circuit provided for operating and controlling the air conditioner 18 . Also, the information processing device 20 may be a server or the like that can be connected via a communication device. The information processing device 20 is used by a user who uses or manages the air conditioner 18 .

The air conditioner 18 has an odor detection section 30 . The odor detection unit 30 detects the odor of the air inside the air conditioner 18 at two different positions or at two different timings.

In this embodiment, the odor detection section 30 includes a first sensor device 32 and a second sensor device 34 . Each of the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 includes at least one sensing element. Each of the at least one detection element included in the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 detects the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in the air inside the air conditioner 18 . The first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 may be of identical construction.

In this embodiment, the detection element detects the mass of the causative substance as the amount of the causative substance. Alternatively, the detection element may detect the volume or molecular weight of the causative agent as the amount of the causative agent.

Each of the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 is detachable from the air conditioner 18 . The first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 can be installed inside the air conditioner 18 after the air conditioner 18 is manufactured (for example, after shipment from the factory). Details of the mounting positions of the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 will be described later.

The first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 transmit signals representing detection values of at least one detection element to the information processing device 20 by wireless communication. For example, the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 can communicate with the information processing device 20 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as IEEE802.11 or short-range wireless communication for digital devices such as IEEE802.15. is. In addition, the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 are wired to process signals representing respective detection values of at least one detection element via a network or a communication cable connected to the air conditioner 18. It may be sent to device 20 . Based on the difference between the two detection results from the odor detection unit 30, the information processing device 20 determines the odor originating from the member inside the air conditioner 18. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34. As shown in FIG. The first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 are small enough to be carried with one hand. For example, the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 are housed in a housing having a side of several millimeters to several centimeters. The shapes of the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 shown in FIG. 2 are examples, and may be of any shape.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34. As shown in FIG.

The first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 each have an internal sensor fan 38 , a sensor unit 40 , a communication section 48 , a control section 50 , and a battery 52 .

The sensor internal fan 38 takes in outside air and supplies the taken in air to the sensor unit 40 . For example, the in-sensor fan 38 is placed between the intake and the sensor unit 40 to send air outside the intake to the sensor unit 40 .

The sensor unit 40 includes at least one sensing element as described above. The detection element detects the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air blown from the internal sensor fan 38 . The sensor unit 40 then outputs a signal representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection element.

Note that when the sensor unit 40 includes a plurality of detection elements, the plurality of detection elements are elements of different types.

For example, any two detection elements included in the sensor unit 40 detect amounts of different types of odor-causing substances. For example, a first sensing element detects the amount of substance X and a second sensing element detects the amount of substance Y. FIG. Further, for example, any two detection elements included in the sensor unit 40 may detect the amount of the same type of odor-causing substance with different sensitivities. For example, a first detection element detects the amount of substance X with a first sensitivity, and a second detection element detects the amount of substance X with a second sensitivity lower than the first sensitivity.

Further, for example, any two detection elements included in the sensor unit 40 may detect the amounts of a plurality of odor-causing substances in combinations of different types. For example, the first detection element detects the total amount of substance X and substance Y, and the second detection element detects the total amount of substance X and substance Z. FIG. Further, for example, any two detection elements included in the sensor unit 40 may detect the amounts of a plurality of odor-causing substances of the same type combination with different sensitivities. For example, the first detection element detects the total amount of substance X and substance Y with a first sensitivity, and the second detection element detects the total amount of substance X and substance Y with a lower sensitivity than the first sensitivity. A second sensitivity may be detected.

The communication unit 48 transmits the signal output from the sensor unit 40 to the information processing device 20 by wireless communication. The control unit 50 manages and controls the operation of the sensor fan 38 , the sensor unit 40 and the communication unit 48 . For example, the control unit 50 controls the operation start timing and the operation end timing of the sensor fan 38 .

The battery 52 supplies operating power to the sensor fan 38 , the sensor unit 40 , the communication section 48 and the control section 50 . Note that the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 may have a power acquisition unit that acquires a power source from the outside instead of the battery 52 . The power acquisition unit supplies operating power to the sensor fan 38 , the communication unit 48 and the control unit 50 .

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit 40. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the sensor unit 40 is a QCM sensor capable of detecting the mass of minute substances contained in air. The sensor unit 40 is not limited to the QCM sensor, and may be a sensor of another type such as a gas sensor using a semiconductor thin film.

In this embodiment, the sensor unit 40 has a support 58 , at least one gas detection element 60 and a drive detection circuit 62 . Each of the at least one gas detection element 60 is attached to the support portion 58 .

Gas detection element 60 is an example of a detection element. In the example of FIG. 4, the sensor unit 40 has six gas detection elements 60-A to 60-F of different types. For example, each of the six gas detection elements 60-A to 60-F detects different types of odor-causing substances.

Each of the at least one gas detection element 60 includes a crystal oscillator cut to vibrate by a piezoelectric effect, two electrodes provided on both sides of the crystal oscillator, and at least one of the planes of the crystal oscillator. and an adsorbent membrane provided.

A part of the side surface of the crystal oscillator is held by the supporting portion 58 so as to be able to vibrate. An AC voltage is applied to the two electrodes from the drive detection circuit 62 . The adsorption film adsorbs specific causative substances contained in the surrounding air. Each of the at least one gas detection element 60 includes an adsorption film that adsorbs different substances. Specifically, each of the at least one gas detection element 60 includes an adsorption film that adsorbs the causative substance to be detected by the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 .

In such a gas detection element 60, when an AC voltage having a resonance frequency is applied to the two electrodes, the crystal oscillator vibrates due to the piezoelectric effect. The fundamental resonant frequency of a crystal oscillator is determined by mass and viscoelasticity. Therefore, when the causative substance is adsorbed on the adsorption film and the mass changes, the basic resonance frequency of the gas detection element 60 changes according to the change in the adsorbed mass.

The drive detection circuit 62 applies an AC voltage to each of the at least one gas detection element 60 and detects a change in the fundamental resonance frequency of each of the at least one gas detection element 60 when the fan 38 in the sensor blows air. . As a result, the drive detection circuit 62 can detect the mass of the odor-causing substance contained in the air blown by the in-sensor fan 38 for each of the at least one gas detection element 60 . The drive detection circuit 62 gives the detection value to the communication section 48 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the odor determination process.

The information processing device 20 acquires signals representing respective detection values of at least one sensing element from each of the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 . For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the information processing device 20 includes gas detection element 60-A, gas detection element 60-B, gas detection element 60-C, gas detection element 60-D, gas detection element 60-E and A signal representing the detection value of each gas detection element 60-F is obtained.

The information processing device 20 also stores a reference pattern representing a detection value indicating the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in air with a predetermined type of odor, which is detected by each of at least one detection element. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the information processing device 20 creates a reference pattern representing the detection values of the gas detection elements 60-A to 60-F when moldy odors, bacterial odors, and tobacco odors are detected. Remember.

The information processing device 20 acquires detection patterns representing respective detection values of at least one detection element, which are included in the signals acquired from the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34, and pre-stored predetermined types of detection patterns. Matching is performed with a reference pattern representing respective detection values of at least one detection element when an odor is generated. Then, when the detection patterns acquired from the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 match the reference pattern, the information processing device 20 detects the air supplied to the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34. The odor is determined to be a predetermined type of odor. The information processing device 20 may store reference patterns for a plurality of types of odors, and determine which reference pattern of odors one detection pattern matches. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the information processing device 20 determines that the odor of air given to the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 is a bacterial odor.

Furthermore, the information processing device 20 may also determine the intensity of each type of odor by matching. For example, the information processing device 20 stores a reference pattern for each type of odor and for each intensity of odor, and pre-stores detection patterns obtained from the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 . A reference pattern may be matched for each odor type and each odor intensity.

Further, the information processing apparatus 20 may update the pre-stored reference pattern by learning processing using the detection pattern obtained when the user senses that a predetermined type of odor is generated as training data. good. The information processing device 20 may periodically acquire reference patterns for each of a plurality of odor types and odor intensities from a server or the like, and update the stored reference patterns.

The information processing device 20 may determine the type and strength of the odor by other methods instead of such pattern matching. For example, the information processing device 20 may determine the type of odor and the strength of the odor using a technique such as a neural network.

Note that the example of FIG. 5 shows an example in which the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 output detection values of six types of gas detection elements 60-A to 60-F. However, the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 may output detection values of detection elements of less than six types or more than six types. Further, the example of FIG. 5 shows an example of judging moldy odor, bacterial odor, and tobacco odor. However, the information processing device 20 may determine odors other than these. Also, the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 of the present embodiment may output the detection value of one detection element.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 18. As shown in FIG. The air conditioner 18 has a heat exchanger 64 , a fan 66 , a ventilation path 68 , a filter 70 , a first sensor device 32 , a second sensor device 34 and a pressure sensor device 72 .

The heat exchanger 64 is, for example, an evaporator that evaporates the liquid refrigerant and cools or dehumidifies the air. The heat exchanger 64 is not limited to the evaporator, and may be other equipment used for heat exchange within the air conditioner 18 .

Fan 66 blows air through heat exchanger 64 . The fan 66 may be on the front-stage side of the heat exchanger 64 in the airflow direction, on the rear-stage side in the airflow direction, or on both the front-stage side and the rear-stage side in the airflow direction.

The ventilation path 68 is ventilated from the fan 66 and exhausts the air that has passed through the heat exchanger 64 to the outside. The ventilation path 68 may be pipe-shaped, for example, or may be a hole with a wide opening, for example.

The filter 70 is provided so as to block the air passage holes in the ventilation path 68 . Filter 70 removes dust (such as dust and minute substances) contained in the air passing through ventilation path 68 . Filter 70 is replaceable by the user.

The first sensor device 32 is arranged before the position where the filter 70 is provided in the ventilation path 68 in the air blowing direction. The first sensor device 32 detects the amount of the odor-causing substance contained in the air using each of the at least one detection element at the arranged position. That is, the first sensor device 32 detects the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air before passing through the filter 70 . The first sensor device 32 transmits a signal representing each detection value of at least one detection element to the information processing device 20 by wireless communication.

The second sensor device 34 is arranged after the position where the filter 70 is provided in the ventilation path 68 in the airflow direction. The second sensor device 34 detects the amount of the odor-causing substance contained in the air using each of the at least one detection element at the arranged position. That is, the second sensor device 34 detects the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air after passing through the filter 70 . The second sensor device 34 transmits a signal representing each detection value of at least one detection element to the information processing device 20 by wireless communication.

The first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 as described above function as an odor detection section 30 that detects the odor of the air inside the air conditioner 18 at two different positions or at two different timings.

The pressure sensor device 72 is arranged after the position where the filter 70 is provided in the ventilation path 68 in the air blowing direction. The pressure sensor device 72 detects the air pressure at the position where it is arranged. That is, the pressure sensor device 72 detects the pressure of air after passing through the filter 70 . The pressure sensor device 72 transmits a signal representing the detected pressure to the information processing device 20 by wireless communication.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the information processing device 20 according to the embodiment. The information processing device 20 realizes the functions shown in each block shown in FIG. 7 by executing a predetermined application program.

The information processing apparatus 20 realizing such functions includes a first acquisition unit 74, a second acquisition unit 76, a third acquisition unit 78, a fourth acquisition unit 80, a fifth acquisition unit 82, a first It has a difference calculation unit 84 , a second difference calculation unit 86 , a third difference calculation unit 88 , a pattern storage unit 90 , a determination unit 92 and an output unit 94 .

The first acquisition unit 74 acquires a signal representing a detection value of each of at least one detection element included in the first sensor device 32 when the fan 66 is stopped. The second acquisition unit 76 acquires a signal representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection element included in the first sensor device 32 when the fan 66 is in operation.

The third acquisition unit 78 acquires a signal representing each detection value of at least one detection element included in the second sensor device 34 when the fan 66 is stopped. A fourth acquisition unit 80 acquires a signal representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection element included in the second sensor device 34 when the fan 66 is in operation. Note that the first acquisition unit 74, the second acquisition unit 76, the third acquisition unit 78, and the fourth acquisition unit 80 may all be realized by common hardware, or any two or three of them may be common hardware. It may be implemented by hardware, or each may be implemented by separate hardware. The fifth acquisition unit 82 acquires a signal representing the air pressure detected by the pressure sensor device 72 while the fan 66 is operating.

The first difference calculation unit 84 calculates the first pattern representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection element acquired by the first acquisition unit 74 and the detection value of each of the at least one detection element acquired by the second acquisition unit 76. A first difference pattern representing a difference from a second pattern representing the detected value of is calculated. That is, the first difference calculation unit 84 calculates the first pattern representing the detection values of at least one detection element detected in the front stage of the filter 70 when the fan 66 is stopped, and the detection value of the filter 70 when the fan 66 is in operation. A first difference pattern representing a difference from a second pattern representing detection values of each of the at least one detection element detected in the preceding stage is calculated.

For example, the first difference calculator 84 subtracts the value representing the detection value of the corresponding detection element included in the second pattern from the value representing the detection value of each of at least one detection element included in the first pattern. . The first difference pattern calculated in this way represents the detected value of each of the at least one detecting element in the front stage of the filter 70, which is increased by operating the fan 66. FIG. Therefore, the first difference pattern represents detection values of at least one detection element whose source is a member (for example, the heat exchanger 64) provided upstream of the filter 70. FIG.

The second difference calculation unit 86 calculates the third pattern representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection element acquired by the third acquisition unit 78 and the detection value of each of the at least one detection element acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 80. A second difference pattern representing a difference from a fourth pattern representing the detected value of is calculated. That is, the second difference calculation unit 86 calculates the third pattern representing the detection values of at least one detection element detected in the subsequent stage of the filter 70 when the fan 66 is stopped and the detection value of the filter 70 when the fan 66 is in operation. A second difference pattern representing a difference from a fourth pattern representing detection values of each of the at least one detection element detected in the subsequent stage is calculated.

For example, the second difference calculator 86 subtracts the value representing the detection value of the corresponding detection element included in the fourth pattern from the value representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection element included in the third pattern. . The second difference pattern calculated in this way represents the detected value of each of the at least one detecting element after the filter 70 , which is increased by operating the fan 66 . Therefore, the second difference pattern represents the detection values of at least one detection element whose source is either the filter 70 or a member provided upstream of the filter 70 .

The third difference calculation unit 88 calculates the second pattern representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection element acquired by the second acquisition unit 76 and the detection value of each of the at least one detection element acquired by the fourth acquisition unit 80. A third difference pattern representing the difference from the fourth pattern representing the detected value of is calculated. That is, the third difference calculator 88 calculates the second pattern representing the detected value of each of the at least one detection element included in the first sensor device 32 when the fan 66 is in operation and the second sensor when the fan 66 is in operation. A third difference pattern is calculated that represents differences from a fourth pattern that represents the respective detection values of at least one sensing element included in the device 34 .

For example, the third difference calculator 88 subtracts the value representing the detection value of the corresponding detection element included in the fourth pattern from the value representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection element included in the second pattern. . The third difference pattern calculated in this manner represents the detection value of each of the at least one detection element increased by passing through the filter 70 . Accordingly, the third difference pattern represents detection values for each of at least one detector element originating from filter 70 .

The pattern storage unit 90 associates and stores one or more reference patterns for each of a plurality of types of odors and intensities. The reference pattern represents the detection value of each of the at least one detection element when the air with the corresponding odor is given. More specifically, the reference pattern is output from each of the at least one sensing element included in the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 when the corresponding type of odor and the corresponding odor intensity occurs. represents the detected value to be detected. For example, the pattern storage unit 90 stores the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 32 when a predetermined strong musty odor, a predetermined strong bacterial odor, and a predetermined strong tobacco odor are detected, respectively. A reference pattern representing detection values of each of the at least one detector element obtained by 34 is stored. Note that the pattern storage unit 90 may store patterns of other odors, not limited to such types of odors.

The determination unit 92 performs matching between the first difference pattern and one or more reference patterns stored in the pattern storage unit 90 . Then, when the first difference pattern matches any of the reference patterns, the determination unit 92 determines that the odor originating from a member (for example, the heat exchanger 64) provided upstream of the filter 70 is It is determined that the smell is of that type. More specifically, the determination unit 92 selects one of the one or more reference patterns that matches the difference pattern or is within a predetermined range. Then, the determination unit 92 determines that the odor is of the type corresponding to the selected reference pattern.

The case where the patterns match is not limited to the case where the two patterns are completely matched, but also the case where the two patterns match within a predetermined error, or the case where the closest reference pattern is selected from a plurality of reference patterns. include. Furthermore, the determination unit 92 may determine the strength of each type of odor. Thereby, the determination unit 92 can determine the type and strength of the odor generated in the member provided upstream of the filter 70 .

Furthermore, the determination unit 92 performs matching between the second difference pattern and one or more reference patterns stored in the pattern storage unit 90 . Then, when the second difference pattern matches any of the reference patterns, the determination unit 92 determines that the odor originating from the filter 70 and any of the members provided before the filter 70 is of the predetermined type. determined to be the smell of Furthermore, the determination unit 92 may determine the strength of each type of odor. Thereby, the determination unit 92 can determine the type and strength of the odor generated in any one of the filter 70 and the members provided upstream of the filter 70 .

Furthermore, the determination unit 92 performs matching between the third difference pattern and one or more reference patterns stored in the pattern storage unit 90 . Then, when the third difference pattern matches any of the reference patterns, the determination unit 92 determines that the odor generated from the filter 70 is a predetermined type of odor. Furthermore, the determination unit 92 may determine the strength of each type of odor. Thereby, the determination unit 92 can determine the type and strength of the odor generated in the filter 70 .

Further, the determination unit 92 may determine the clogging state of the filter 70 based on the pressure acquired by the fifth acquisition unit 82 . For example, when the pressure acquired by the fifth acquisition unit 82 is lower than a predetermined threshold, that is, when the pressure of the air behind the filter 70 when the fan 66 is in operation is lower than a predetermined threshold, It is determined that the filter 70 is clogged with dust.

Note that the determination unit 92 may determine the type of odor and the strength of the odor by other methods, not limited to such pattern matching. For example, the determination unit 92 may determine the type of odor and the strength of the odor that match the difference pattern using a neural network or the like.

The output unit 94 outputs information indicating the source of the odor determined by the determination unit 92 . Furthermore, the output unit 94 may output the type of odor and the strength of the odor. For example, the output unit 94 causes the display unit to display the determined odor source, odor type, and odor intensity. The output unit 94 may output the information indicating the source of the odor, the type of odor, and the intensity of the odor by voice, or may transmit the information to another device via the network.

Further, the output unit 94 may estimate and output the contamination degree of the odor source based on the odor type and odor strength of the odor source. For example, the output unit 94 displays the degree of contamination according to the strength of the odor for each of the members preceding the filter 70 (for example, the heat exchanger 64) and the filter 70. FIG. Moreover, the output unit 94 may also output information indicating whether or not the filter 70 is clogged.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for detecting the odor of the air conditioner 18 by the information processing device 20 . The information processing device 20 executes the processing from step S11 to step S22 in FIG. 8, for example, when receiving an instruction to detect the smell of the air conditioner 18, or periodically (every day, every week, etc.). do.

First, in step S<b>11 , the information processing device 20 transmits an instruction to stop the fan 66 to the air conditioner 18 . Subsequently, in step S12, the information processing device 20 gives an instruction to the first sensor device 32 to indicate the detection value of each of the at least one detection element included in the first sensor device 32 when the fan 66 is stopped. Get the first pattern. Subsequently, in step S13, the information processing device 20 gives an instruction to the second sensor device 34 to indicate the detection value of each of the at least one detection element included in the second sensor device 34 when the fan 66 is stopped. Get the third pattern.

Subsequently, in step S<b>14 , the information processing device 20 transmits an instruction to operate the fan 66 to the air conditioner 18 . Subsequently, in step S15, the information processing device 20 instructs the first sensor device 32 to indicate the detection value of each of the at least one sensing element included in the first sensor device 32 when the fan 66 is in operation. Get the second pattern. Subsequently, in step S16, the information processing device 20 gives an instruction to the second sensor device 34 to represent the detection value of each of the at least one sensing element included in the second sensor device 34 when the fan 66 is in operation. Get the fourth pattern.

Subsequently, in step S17, the information processing device 20 gives an instruction to the pressure sensor device 72 to acquire the pressure of the air behind the filter 70 detected by the pressure sensor device 72 when the fan 66 is in operation.

Subsequently, in step S18, the information processing device 20 calculates a first difference pattern representing the difference between the first pattern and the second pattern. That is, the information processing device 20 calculates the first difference pattern representing the detection values of each of the at least one detection element in the front stage of the filter 70 , which are increased by operating the fan 66 .

Subsequently, in step S19, the information processing device 20 calculates a second difference pattern representing the difference between the third pattern and the fourth pattern. That is, the information processing device 20 calculates the second difference pattern representing the detection values of each of the at least one detection element in the subsequent stage of the filter 70 , which are increased by operating the fan 66 .

Subsequently, in step S20, the information processing device 20 calculates a third difference pattern representing the difference between the second pattern and the fourth pattern. That is, the information processing device 20 calculates the third difference pattern representing the detection value of each of the at least one detection elements increased by the air passing through the filter 70 .

Subsequently, in step S21, the information processing device 20 matches each of the first difference pattern, the second difference pattern, and the third difference pattern with the reference pattern to determine the source of the odor, the type of odor, and the type of odor. determine strength. For example, based on the first difference pattern, the information processing device 20 determines the type and strength of the odor generated in a member (for example, the heat exchanger 64) provided upstream of the filter 70. FIG. In addition, based on the second difference pattern, the information processing device 20 determines the type of odor generated in any one of the filter 70 and the member provided upstream of the filter 70 (for example, the heat exchanger 64) and the type of odor. determine strength. The information processing device 20 also determines the type and strength of the odor generated in the filter 70 based on the third difference pattern.

Subsequently, in step S22, the information processing device 20 determines the clogging state of the filter 70 based on the pressure of the air behind the filter 70 detected by the pressure sensor device 72 when the fan 66 is in operation. For example, the information processing device 20 determines that the filter 70 is clogged when the detected pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold.

Subsequently, in step S23, the information processing device 20 displays information indicating the determined source of the odor, the type of odor, and the strength of the odor. For example, the information processing device 20 may determine the degree of contamination according to the strength of the odor for each source of odor, and display the determined degree of contamination. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 may display the determination result of the clogging state of the filter 70 . Then, the information processing device 20 ends this flow after completing the process of step S23.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the information processing device 20. As shown in FIG. The information processing device 20 displays the degree of contamination determined for each odor source, as shown in FIG. 9, for example. For example, the information processing device 20 determines the contamination level of each of the evaporator, the filter 70, and the whole (the whole including the evaporator and the filter 70) according to the strength of the odor, and displays the determined contamination level. Further, the information processing device 20 also displays the state of clogging of the filter 70 .

As described above, according to the air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment, it is possible to easily identify the source of the odor inside the air conditioner 18 . For example, according to the air conditioning system 10 , it is possible to easily identify the odor originating from the members of the air conditioner 18 upstream of the filter 70 and the odor originating from the filter 70 .

(Modification)
Next, an air conditioning system 10 according to a modification will be described. The air conditioning system 10 according to the modification has substantially the same functions and configuration as the air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. Reference numerals are attached, and detailed description is omitted except for differences.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an information processing device 20 according to a modification. Information processing apparatus 20 according to the modification further includes log storage unit 102 , estimation unit 104 , environment designation unit 106 , and learning data acquisition unit 108 .

The log storage unit 102 stores the first difference pattern calculated by the first difference calculation unit 84 in association with the acquisition times of the first pattern and the second pattern that are the basis of the first difference pattern. Further, the log storage unit 102 stores the second difference pattern calculated by the second difference calculation unit 86 in association with the acquisition time of the third pattern and the fourth pattern, which are the basis of the second difference pattern. Further, the log storage unit 102 stores the third difference pattern calculated by the third difference calculation unit 88 in association with the acquisition times of the second pattern and the fourth pattern that are the basis of the third difference pattern. Note that the log storage unit 102 may store a first pattern, a second pattern, a third pattern, and a fourth pattern instead of the first difference pattern, the second difference pattern, and the third difference pattern.

Based on the first difference pattern and the corresponding acquisition time stored in the log storage unit 102, the estimation unit 104 estimates the first difference pattern predicted to be calculated at a first time after the acquisition time. For example, the estimation unit 104 estimates the first difference pattern at the first time based on a plurality of first difference patterns corresponding to a plurality of acquisition times after the first time. For example, the estimating unit 104 identifies a function representing time change for each detected value of at least one detecting element included in the first difference pattern, and substitutes the first time for the identified function. Thereby, the estimation unit 104 can estimate the first difference pattern at the first time.

In addition, the estimation unit 104 also estimates the first difference pattern predicted to be calculated at the first time, similarly to the first difference pattern, for the second difference pattern and the third difference pattern.

Furthermore, the estimation unit 104 matches the estimated first difference pattern, second difference pattern, and third difference pattern at the first time with the reference pattern stored in the pattern storage unit 90, Estimate the odor source, odor type, and odor intensity. Then, the output unit 94 outputs the source of the odor, the type of odor, and the strength of the odor at the first time.

Furthermore, the estimating unit 104, based on the plurality of first difference patterns, the plurality of second difference patterns, and the plurality of third difference patterns stored in the log storage unit 102, and the acquisition times thereof, Each time, the time at which a predetermined type of odor becomes stronger than the threshold value may be estimated.

For example, the estimating unit 104 identifies functions representing temporal changes in detection values of at least one detection element for each of the first difference pattern, the second difference pattern, and the third difference pattern. Then, the estimating unit 104 determines the time at which the estimated first difference pattern, the second difference pattern, and the third difference pattern match the reference pattern corresponding to the predetermined type of odor stored in the pattern storage unit 90. calculate. Then, the output unit 94 outputs the time at which the predetermined type of odor reaches a predetermined intensity for each source.

Thus, the air-conditioning system 10 according to the modified example can estimate the occurrence of odors at future times. Thus, according to the air conditioning system 10, it is possible to provide the user with the cleaning timing and the replacement timing of the members inside the air conditioner 18 (for example, the heat exchanger 64 and the filter 70).

The environment designating unit 106 receives information designating the environment or device in which the air conditioner 18 is installed from the user. For example, the environment specifying unit 106 receives information that causes pollution of the air conditioner 18 . For example, the environment designating unit 106 receives information designating an environment with a lot of oil or an environment with a lot of dust emitting a predetermined type of smell.

The learning data acquisition unit 108 acquires a reference pattern corresponding to the designated environment from, for example, a server or a database stored in the information processing device 20 . For example, the reference pattern to be acquired is data obtained by learning the odor generated in the heat exchanger 64 and the filter 70 when used in a designated environment. Then, the learning data acquisition unit 108 stores the acquired reference pattern in the pattern storage unit 90 .

In this manner, the air conditioning system 10 according to the modification determines the odor inside the air conditioner 18 using an appropriate reference pattern according to the usage environment of the air conditioner 18 . As a result, according to the air conditioning system 10, the source of the odor inside the air conditioner 18 can be determined with high accuracy.

(Hardware configuration of information processing device 20)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing device 20. As shown in FIG. The information processing device 20 is implemented by, for example, a hardware configuration similar to that of a general computer. The information processing device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 , an operation device 202 , a display device 203 , a microphone 204 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 205 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 206 , and a storage device 207 . , a communication device 208 and a bus 209 . Each unit is connected by a bus 209 .

The CPU 201 uses a predetermined area of the RAM 206 as a work area to execute various processes in cooperation with various programs pre-stored in the ROM 205 or the storage device 207, and comprehensively controls the operation of each unit that constitutes the information processing apparatus 20. . In addition, the CPU 201 operates the operation device 202, the display device 203, the microphone 204, the communication device 208, etc. in cooperation with programs pre-stored in the ROM 205 or the storage device 207. FIG.

The operation device 202 is an input device such as a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like, receives information input by a user as an instruction signal, and outputs the instruction signal to the CPU 201 .

The display device 203 is a display unit such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The display device 203 displays various information based on display signals from the CPU 201 . For example, the display device 203 displays the type of odor, the strength of the odor, the estimated timing, and the like.

A microphone 204 is a device for inputting an audio signal. When recognizing a pre-recorded audio signal or an audio signal input from the communication device 208, the information processing device 20 does not need to include the microphone 204. FIG.

The ROM 205 non-rewritably stores programs used for controlling the information processing apparatus 20 and various setting information. The RAM 206 is a volatile storage medium such as SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). A RAM 206 functions as a work area for the CPU 201 .

The storage device 207 is a rewritable recording device such as a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory, or a magnetically or optically recordable storage medium. The storage device 207 stores programs used to control the information processing device 20 . The storage device 207 also functions as a pattern storage unit 90 .

The communication device 208 transmits and receives data to and from the first sensor device 32 and the second sensor device 34 . Also, the communication device 208 may transmit and receive data to and from a server or the like via a network.

A program executed by the information processing apparatus 20 of the present embodiment is provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, for example, and downloaded via the network. Also, the program executed by the information processing apparatus 20 of the present embodiment may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a portable storage medium or the like.

The programs executed by the information processing apparatus 20 of this embodiment include a first acquisition module, a second acquisition module, a third acquisition module, a fourth acquisition module, a fifth acquisition module, and a first difference calculation module. , a second difference calculation module, a third difference calculation module, a determination module, and an output module. The CPU 201 (processor) reads such a program from a storage medium or the like, and loads each of the above modules into the RAM 206 (main storage device). By executing such a program, the CPU 201 (processor) obtains the first acquisition unit 74, the second acquisition unit 76, the third acquisition unit 78, the fourth acquisition unit 80, the fifth acquisition unit 82, the first It functions as a difference calculation section 84 , a second difference calculation section 86 , a third difference calculation section 88 , a determination section 92 and an output section 94 . Note that the first acquisition unit 74, the second acquisition unit 76, the third acquisition unit 78, the fourth acquisition unit 80, the fifth acquisition unit 82, the first difference calculation unit 84, the second difference calculation unit 86, the third difference calculation A part or all of the unit 88, the determination unit 92 and the output unit 94 may be configured by hardware.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Embodiments may undergo various modifications.

10 Air conditioning system 18 Air conditioner 20 Information processing device 30 Odor detector 32 First sensor device 34 Second sensor device 38 Fan in sensor 40 Sensor unit 48 Communication unit 50 Control unit 52 Battery 58 Support unit 60 Gas detection element 62 Drive detection Circuit 64 Heat exchanger 66 Fan 68 Ventilation path 70 Filter 72 Pressure sensor device 74 First acquisition unit 76 Second acquisition unit 78 Third acquisition unit 80 Fourth acquisition unit 82 Fifth acquisition unit 84 First difference calculation unit 86 Second Difference calculation unit 88 Third difference calculation unit 90 Pattern storage unit 92 Judgment unit 94 Output unit 102 Log storage unit 104 Estimation unit 106 Environment designation unit 108 Learning data acquisition unit

Claims (13)

an air conditioner having a fan, a ventilation path for discharging air blown from the fan to the outside, and a filter for removing dust contained in the air passing through the ventilation path;
a sensor device for detecting the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in the air before or after the position where the filter is provided in the ventilation path in the air blowing direction;
an information processing device having a determination unit that determines an odor originating from a member inside the air conditioner;
with
The determination unit generates a member provided upstream of the sensor device based on a difference between a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is stopped and a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is operating. determine the source odor
air conditioning system. an air conditioner having a fan, a ventilation path for discharging air blown from the fan to the outside, and a filter for removing dust contained in the air passing through the ventilation path;
a first sensor device for detecting the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in the air at a stage in the airflow path before the position where the filter is provided in the airflow direction;
a second sensor device for detecting the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in the air at a position subsequent to the position where the filter is provided in the ventilation path in the air blowing direction ;
an information processing device having a determination unit that determines an odor originating from a member inside the air conditioner;
with
The determination unit detects an odor generated from the filter based on a difference between a detection value of the first sensor device when the fan is operating and a detection value of the second sensor device when the fan is operating. judge
air conditioning system. The sensor device includes at least one detection element that detects the amount of an odor-causing substance,
The information processing device further has a pattern storage unit that stores one or more reference patterns in association with each of a plurality of types of odors,
The reference pattern represents a detection value indicating the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in the air of the corresponding odor of each of the at least one detection element,
The determination unit includes a first pattern representing a detection value of each of the at least one detection element included in the sensor device when the fan is stopped, and a first pattern included in the sensor device when the fan is in operation. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein a first difference pattern representing a difference from a second pattern representing a detection value of each of said at least one detection element is matched with said reference pattern to determine the type of odor. system. Based on the first pattern and the second pattern, and acquisition times of the first pattern and the second pattern, the determination unit determines the first pattern and the second pattern at a first time after the acquisition time. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein a difference from the pattern is estimated to determine the source of the odor and the type of odor being generated at the first time. The judging unit judges the degree of contamination at the source of the odor according to the judged odor type and odor strength,
The air conditioning system according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 , wherein the information processing device further includes an output unit that outputs information representing the determined degree of pollution. Further comprising a pressure sensor device that detects the pressure of the air in the airflow direction after the position where the filter is provided in the airflow path,
6. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the determination unit determines the state of clogging of the filter based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor device during operation of the fan. The information processing device is separate from the air conditioner,
The sensor device is detachable from the air conditioner,
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor device transmits a detection result to the information processing device by wireless communication. An air conditioner having a fan, a ventilation path for discharging the air blown from the fan to the outside, and a filter for removing dust contained in the air passing through the ventilation path to an information processing device. A program for determining
The air conditioner is equipped with a sensor device that detects the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air before or after the position where the filter is provided in the ventilation path in the air blowing direction,
In the information processing device,
an acquisition step of acquiring a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is stopped and a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is operating ;
Based on the difference between the detection value of the sensor device when the fan is stopped and the detection value of the sensor device when the fan is operating, the odor generated by a member provided in the front stage of the sensor device is detected . a judgment step for judging;
program to run the An air conditioner having a fan, a ventilation path for discharging the air blown from the fan to the outside, and a filter for removing dust contained in the air passing through the ventilation path to an information processing device. A program for determining
The air conditioner includes a first sensor device that detects the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in the air at a stage in the airflow path before the position where the filter is provided in the airflow direction, and the filter in the airflow path. a second sensor device for detecting the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air is attached at a stage downstream of the provided position in the blowing direction,
In the information processing device,
an acquisition step of acquiring a detection value of the first sensor device when the fan is operating and a detection value of the second sensor device when the fan is operating;
a determination step of determining an odor generated from the filter based on the difference between the detection value of the first sensor device when the fan is operating and the detection value of the second sensor device when the fan is operating; ,
program to run the An information processing apparatus for determining internal odors in an air conditioner having a fan, a ventilation path for discharging air blown from the fan to the outside, and a filter for removing dust contained in the air passing through the ventilation path. and
The air conditioner is equipped with a sensor device that detects the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air before or after the position where the filter is provided in the ventilation path in the air blowing direction,
an acquisition unit that acquires a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is stopped and a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is operating;
Based on the difference between the detection value of the sensor device when the fan is stopped and the detection value of the sensor device when the fan is operating, the odor generated by a member provided in the front stage of the sensor device is detected. a judgment unit for judging;
Information processing device having An information processing apparatus for determining internal odors in an air conditioner having a fan, a ventilation path for discharging air blown from the fan to the outside, and a filter for removing dust contained in the air passing through the ventilation path. and
The air conditioner includes a first sensor device that detects the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in the air at a stage in the airflow path before the position where the filter is provided in the airflow direction, and the filter in the airflow path. a second sensor device for detecting the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air is attached at a stage downstream of the provided position in the blowing direction,
an acquisition unit that acquires a detection value of the first sensor device when the fan operates and a detection value of the second sensor device when the fan operates;
a determination unit that determines an odor generated from the filter based on the difference between the detection value of the first sensor device when the fan is operating and the detection value of the second sensor device when the fan is operating; ,
Information processing device having An information processing method for determining an internal odor in an air conditioner having a fan, a ventilation path for discharging air blown from the fan to the outside, and a filter for removing dust contained in the air passing through the ventilation path. and
The air conditioner is equipped with a sensor device that detects the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air before or after the position where the filter is provided in the ventilation path in the air blowing direction,
Acquiring a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is stopped and a detection value of the sensor device when the fan is operating ;
Based on the difference between the detection value of the sensor device when the fan is stopped and the detection value of the sensor device when the fan is operating, the odor generated by a member provided in the front stage of the sensor device is detected . Judge Information processing method. An information processing method for determining an internal odor in an air conditioner having a fan, a ventilation path for discharging air blown from the fan to the outside, and a filter for removing dust contained in the air passing through the ventilation path. and
The air conditioner includes a first sensor device that detects the amount of an odor-causing substance contained in the air at a stage in the airflow path before the position where the filter is provided in the airflow direction, and the filter in the airflow path. a second sensor device for detecting the amount of odor-causing substances contained in the air is attached at a stage downstream of the provided position in the blowing direction,
Acquiring a detection value of the first sensor device when the fan is operating and a detection value of the second sensor device when the fan is operating;
Based on the difference between the detection value of the first sensor device when the fan is operating and the detection value of the second sensor device when the fan is operating, an odor generated from the filter is determined.
Information processing methods.

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