JP7374355B2 - Air conditioning control system, control device, air conditioning control method and program - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Techniques have been proposed for controlling indoor air conditioning in consideration of users' air conditioning preferences (for example, Patent Document 1). In the environment adjustment system proposed in Patent Document 1, an environment server uses pre-registered user air conditioning preference information (for example, degree of cooling, wind strength, etc.) and environment sensors such as temperature sensors. This information is compared with environmental information such as temperature detected in real time, and instructions are given to the air conditioning equipment to adjust the air conditioning according to the user's preferences.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-101048

The above-mentioned conventional technology performs air conditioning when a user is present in a closed space such as a room (that is, a space to be air-conditioned). For this reason, for example, when a user first enters a workroom that is not used by anyone on that day during summer or winter, there is a large temperature difference between the user's desired temperature and the room temperature, which may impair the user's comfort. , there is a problem that it hinders work efficiency.

The above problem can be solved by continuing air conditioning regardless of the presence or absence of a user, but this wastes energy and is not practical. Therefore, there is a need for a new technology that can provide a comfortable feeling to the user upon entering the room while suppressing unnecessary energy consumption.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an air conditioning control system, a control device, an air conditioning control method, and a program that can provide a comfortable feeling to the user when entering the room while suppressing unnecessary energy consumption. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above objective, the air conditioning control system according to the present disclosure includes:
An air conditioner that air-conditions the room,
User information storage means for storing user information including at least identification information of a mobile terminal and air conditioning control information regarding air conditioning control of the room for each user;
a user detection terminal installed outside the room and detecting passage of the user by communicating with a mobile terminal;
and air conditioning control means for controlling the air conditioner to pre-cool or pre-warm the room based on the air conditioning control information corresponding to the user when the passage of the user is detected by the user detection terminal. ,
The air conditioning control information includes the longest duration of precooling or prewarming of the room,
The air conditioning control means is configured to control the air conditioner when the longest duration time elapses after precooling or prewarming of the room is started, or when entry of a person into the room is detected, whichever comes first. Stop pre-cooling or pre-warming the room .

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a comfortable feeling to the user upon entering the room while suppressing unnecessary energy consumption.

A diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning control system in an embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control device in an embodiment Diagram for explaining installation of a user detection terminal in an embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user detection terminal in an embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal in an embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server in an embodiment Diagram showing an example of user information in an embodiment The relationship of data exchange in the embodiment is illustrated. Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a user terminal in an embodiment A diagram showing an example of a precooling/prewarming control setting screen in an embodiment Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a user detection terminal in an embodiment Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control device in an embodiment Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server in an embodiment Flowchart showing the procedure of precooling/prewarming start processing in the embodiment Flowchart showing the procedure of precooling/prewarming end processing in the embodiment Diagram for explaining an example where a building has multiple entrances in a modified example of the embodiment A diagram showing an example of a precooling/prewarming control setting screen in a modified example of the embodiment

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning control system 1 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The air conditioning control system 1 is an example of an air conditioning control system according to the present disclosure, and is, for example, a system that controls the air conditioning of each of a plurality of work rooms in a building B where manufacturing, development, etc. are performed in a company. The air conditioning control system 1 includes a control device 2, a user detection terminal 3, an air conditioner 4 and a lighting device 5 installed corresponding to each work room, and a user terminal 6 owned by each of a plurality of users. and a server 7.

<Control device 2>
The control device 2 is an example of a control device according to the present disclosure. The control device 2 is an equipment controller that is installed at an appropriate location in the building B and controls each air conditioner 4 and each lighting device 5 corresponding to each work room. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 2 includes a first communication interface 20, a second communication interface 21, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 22, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, and a RAM as a hardware configuration. (Read Only Memory) 24 and an auxiliary storage device 25. These components are interconnected via a bus 26.

The first communication interface 20 communicates with other devices, such as the user detection terminal 3, each air conditioner 4, each lighting device 5, etc., via a network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or CAN (Campus Area Network). It is a wired or wireless LAN interface for The second communication interface 21 is a wired or wireless LAN for communicating with another device, for example, the server 7, via a network N2 such as a LAN, CAN, MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet. It is an interface.

The CPU 22 centrally controls the control device 2 . Details of the functions of the control device 2 realized by the CPU 22 will be described later. The ROM 23 stores firmware and data used when executing the firmware. The RAM 24 is used as a work area for the CPU 22.

The auxiliary storage device 25 is composed of a readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. Examples of the readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 25 stores various programs including programs for controlling each air conditioner 4 and each lighting device 5 (hereinafter referred to as equipment control program), and data used when executing these programs. is memorized.

Both the above equipment control program and an update program for updating the equipment control program can be downloaded to the control device 2 from another device such as the server 7. In addition, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), magneto-optical disk, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, HDD, SSD (Solid State Drive), memory in which these programs are stored. By connecting a computer-readable recording medium such as a card to the control device 2, the control device 2 can also import these programs.

<User detection terminal 3>

The user detection terminal 3 is an example of a user detection terminal according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the user detection terminal 3 is installed near the entrance of building B, and communicates wirelessly with the user terminal 6 carried by the user to detect when the user passes through, in other words, when the user enters building B. Detect what has happened. As shown in FIG. 4, the user detection terminal 3 includes a first communication interface 30, a second communication interface 31, a CPU 32, a ROM 33, a RAM 34, and an auxiliary storage device 35 as a hardware configuration. These components are interconnected via a bus 36.

The first communication interface 30 is a wireless communication interface for short-range wireless communication with the user terminal 6 owned by each user. For example, the first communication interface 30 communicates with the user terminal 6 based on Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy. The second communication interface 31 is a wired or wireless LAN interface for communicating with the control device 2 via the network N1.

The CPU 32 controls the user detection terminal 3 in an integrated manner. Details of the functions of the user detection terminal 3 realized by the CPU 32 will be described later. The ROM 33 stores firmware and data used when executing the firmware. The RAM 34 is used as a work area for the CPU 32.

The auxiliary storage device 35 is composed of a readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, an HDD, and the like. Examples of the readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include EEPROM and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 35 stores a user detection program and data used when executing the user detection program. The user detection program receives a wireless signal transmitted from the user terminal 6, extracts an ID (identification) that is identification information for identifying the user terminal 6 from the received wireless signal, and extracts the extracted ID. This is a program in which a process for transmitting a notification including a notification (hereinafter referred to as a user detection notification) to the control device 2 is written.

Both the user detection program and the update program for updating the user detection program described above can be downloaded from other devices such as the control device 2 to the user detection terminal 3. In addition, by connecting a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, or memory card in which these programs are stored to the user detection terminal 3, user detection can be performed. It is also possible for the terminal 3 to import these programs.

<Air conditioner 4>
Each air conditioner 4 is an example of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure. Although not shown in the drawings, each air conditioner 4 includes an indoor unit installed indoors and an outdoor unit installed outdoors, and air-conditions the corresponding work room. Each air conditioner 4 includes a wired or wireless LAN interface for communicating with the control device 2 via the network N1, and its operation is controlled by control commands from the control device 2.

<Lighting device 5>
Although not shown, each lighting device 5 includes an LED (light emitting diode), a microcomputer, an inverter control circuit, etc., and illuminates the work room in which it is installed. The lighting device 5 is turned on or off by a user operating a corresponding switch or a corresponding lighting remote control, and when turned on, lights at a specified output level.

The lighting device 5 is also equipped with a wired or wireless LAN interface for communicating with the control device 2 via the network N1, and in response to a request from the control device 2, the lighting device 5 can transmit the ID, which is the identification information of the device itself, and the current Lighting state data including information indicating the operating state (on or off) is transmitted to the control device 2.

<User terminal 6>
The user terminal 6 is an example of a mobile terminal according to the present disclosure. The user terminal 6 is an electronic device owned by each user working in the building B, and is, for example, a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. As shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 6 includes a display 60, an operation reception unit 61, a first communication interface 62, a second communication interface 63, a CPU 64, a ROM 65, a RAM 66, and an auxiliary storage device 67. Be prepared. These components are interconnected via a bus 68.

The display 60 is configured to include display devices such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display 60 displays various screens and the like according to user operations under the control of the CPU 64.

The operation reception unit 61 is configured to include one or more input devices such as a push button, a touch panel, a touch pad, etc., and receives operation input from a user, and sends a signal related to the received operation to the CPU 64.

The first communication interface 62 is a wireless communication interface for short-range wireless communication with the user detection terminal 3. The second communication interface 63 is a wireless LAN interface for communicating with other devices, such as the server 7, via the network N2.

The CPU 64 centrally controls the user terminal 6. Details of the functions of the user terminal 6 realized by the CPU 64 will be described later. The ROM 65 stores firmware and data used when executing the firmware. The RAM 66 is used as a work area for the CPU 64.

The auxiliary storage device 67 includes a readable/writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM and a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 67 stores various programs including an application program (hereinafter referred to as a pre-cooling/pre-warming application) for receiving services provided by the air conditioning control system 1 (hereinafter referred to as a pre-cooling/pre-warming service). , and data used when executing these programs are stored.

Both the pre-cooling/pre-warming app and the update program for updating the pre-cooling/pre-warming app can be downloaded to the user terminal 6 from another device such as the server 7 . In addition, by connecting a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, or memory card in which these programs are stored to the user terminal 6, the user terminal 6 It is also possible to import these programs.

<Server 7>
Server 7 is an example of a server according to the present disclosure. The server 7 is a so-called cloud server and is connected to the network N2. The server 7 includes a communication interface 70, a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, and an auxiliary storage device 74, as shown in FIG. These components are interconnected via a bus 75.

The communication interface 70 is a wired or wireless LAN interface for communicating with another device, for example, the control device 2, via the network N2. The CPU 71 centrally controls the server 7 . Details of the functions of the server 7 realized by the CPU 71 will be described later. The ROM 72 stores firmware and data used when executing the firmware. The RAM 73 is used as a work area for the CPU 71.

The auxiliary storage device 74 is an example of user information storage means according to the present disclosure. The auxiliary storage device 74 is composed of a readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, an HDD, and the like. Examples of the readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include EEPROM and flash memory. A user information DB 740 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 74 . Although not shown, the auxiliary storage device 74 also stores various programs including programs for realizing cloud computing services (hereinafter referred to as cloud programs) and data used when executing these programs. is memorized.

Both the above cloud program and an update program for updating the cloud program can be downloaded to the server 7 from another server. In addition, by connecting a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, or memory card that stores these programs to the server 7, the server 7 can read these programs. It is also possible to import programs.

The user information DB 740 is a database for collecting and managing information (hereinafter referred to as user information) regarding users who subscribe to pre-cooling/pre-warming services at each base (that is, each building B) for each user. . User information for the number of subscribers is registered in the user information DB 740. As shown in FIG. 7, the user information includes a user ID, password, user terminal ID, precooling/prewarming control information, and the like.

The user information is newly generated when the user activates the pre-cooling/pre-warming app installed on the user terminal 6 and registers via a user registration screen (not shown), and is registered in the user information DB 740. . Note that the user can update his or her user information as appropriate using the pre-cooling/pre-warming app.

In FIG. 7, the user terminal ID is identification information for identifying the user terminal 6 owned by the user, and is, for example, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), serial number, etc. of the user terminal 6. The user terminal ID is automatically acquired by the server 7 at the time of user registration, and is stored in the user information.

The precooling/prewarming control information is an example of air conditioning control information according to the present disclosure, and is information regarding precooling/prewarming control set by the user. Pre-cooling/pre-warming control refers to control that air-conditions (cools or heats) the work room in advance so that the user does not feel uncomfortable when entering the work room. The precooling/prewarming control information includes work room information, set temperature, designated operating time, and the like.

The work room information is information indicating the work room where the user works, for example, the name of the work room (a room number such as "401" may be used), such as "4th floor control laboratory". be. The set temperature is the room temperature desired by the user upon entering the work room. The designated operating time is an example of the longest duration time according to the present disclosure, and is the operating time of the pre-cooling/pre-warming mode in the air conditioner 4 corresponding to the work room specified by the user. The precooling/prewarming mode will be described later. The user sets the approximate time required from entering building B until entering the work room as the designated operating time. For example, the user determines the designated driving time by taking into account not only the travel time to the work room, but also the time required for changing into work clothes, daily meetings in other rooms, and the like.

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship of data exchange in the air conditioning control system 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the user terminal 6 transmits setting information to the server 7. Further, the user terminal 6 transmits a wireless signal. The user detection terminal 3 receives a wireless signal transmitted from the user terminal 6, and transmits a user detection notification based on the received wireless signal to the control device 2.

Upon receiving the user detection notification transmitted from the user detection terminal 3, the control device 2 transmits inquiry data based on the received user detection notification to the server 7. The control device 2 receives inquiry response data sent from the server 7 as a response to the sent inquiry data. The control device 2 acquires operating state data and lighting state data from the air conditioner 4 and the lighting device 5, which are specified based on the received inquiry response data. Further, the control device 2 transmits a control command to the specified air conditioner 4. When the precooling/prewarming control is completed, the control device 2 transmits a completion notification to the server 7.

When the server 7 receives the completion notification sent from the control device 2, it sends the user notification to the corresponding user terminal 6.

<Functional configuration of user terminal 6>
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user terminal 6. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the user terminal 6 functionally includes a setting reception section 600, a setting information transmission section 601, a wireless signal transmission section 602, a notification reception section 603, and a notification screen display section 604. Be prepared. These functional units of the user terminal 6 are realized by the CPU 64 executing the above-mentioned pre-cooling/pre-warming application stored in the auxiliary storage device 67.

The setting reception unit 600 receives settings related to precooling/prewarming control from the user. For example, the setting reception unit 600 displays a precooling/prewarming control setting screen as shown in FIG. 10, and receives settings for each item regarding the precooling/prewarming control from the user. The user enters the name of the work room to be used, that is, the work room to be subjected to pre-cooling/pre-warming control, the set temperature, and the specified operating time of the pre-cool/pre-warming mode via the pre-cooling/pre-warming control setting screen. . Note that the setting reception unit 600 may be provided with a checklist, radio buttons, list boxes, etc., so that the user can set each item by a selection operation.

The setting information transmitting unit 601 transmits information indicating the contents set by the user (hereinafter referred to as setting information) to the server 7 via the network N2.

The wireless signal transmitter 602 periodically transmits a wireless signal containing the user terminal ID of the user terminal 6.

The notification receiving unit 603 receives a user notification sent from the server 7 upon completion of operation in the precooling/prewarming mode. When the notification receiving unit 603 receives the user notification, the notification screen display unit 604 displays a notification screen on the display 60 to notify the user that the operation in the precooling/prewarming mode has been completed.

<Functional configuration of user detection terminal 3>
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the user detection terminal 3. As shown in FIG. Functionally, the user detection terminal 3 includes a wireless signal receiving section 300 and a user detection notification section 301. These functional units of the user detection terminal 3 are realized by the CPU 32 executing the above-described user detection program stored in the auxiliary storage device 35.

When a user carrying a user terminal 6 enters the building B, the user detection terminal 3 detects the passage of the user. That is, in the user detection terminal 3, the radio signal receiving unit 300 receives the radio signal transmitted from the user terminal 6, and acquires the user terminal ID of the user terminal 6 from the received radio signal. The user detection notification unit 301 generates a user detection notification including an ID that is identification information of the user detection terminal 3 and the user terminal ID acquired by the wireless signal reception unit 300, and sends the generated user detection notification to the network N1. It is transmitted to the control device 2 via.

<Functional configuration of control device 2>
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control device 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the control device 2 functionally includes a notification receiving section 200, a user information inquiry section 201, an inquiry response data receiving section 202, an air conditioning control section 203, and a completion notification section 204. Be prepared. These functional units of the control device 2 are realized by the CPU 22 executing the above-described equipment control program stored in the auxiliary storage device 25.

The notification receiving unit 200 is an example of a notification receiving unit according to the present disclosure. The notification receiving unit 200 receives a user detection notification sent from the user detection terminal 3. The notification receiving unit 200 supplies the received user detection notification to the user information inquiry unit 201. The user information inquiry unit 201 is an example of an inquiry means according to the present disclosure. When the user information inquiry unit 201 receives the user detection notification from the notification reception unit 200, it inquires the server 7 for user information corresponding to the user detected by the user detection terminal 3. Specifically, the user information inquiry unit 201 extracts the user terminal ID from the user detection notification, and generates inquiry data including the extracted user terminal ID. Then, the user information inquiry unit 201 transmits the generated inquiry data to the server 7 via the network N2.

The inquiry response data receiving unit 202 is an example of an air conditioning control information receiving unit according to the present disclosure. The inquiry response data receiving unit 202 receives inquiry response data sent from the server 7 as a response to the sent inquiry data. If the received inquiry response data includes information indicating that the corresponding user information has not been found, the inquiry response data receiving unit 202 discards the inquiry response data. On the other hand, if the received inquiry response data includes information indicating that corresponding user information has been found, the inquiry response data receiving unit 202 extracts precooling/prewarming control information from the inquiry response data. Then, the extracted precooling/prewarming control information is supplied to the air conditioning control unit 203.

The air conditioning control unit 203 is an example of an air conditioning control means according to the present disclosure. The air conditioning control unit 203 identifies the workroom corresponding to the user from the workroom information included in the precooling/prewarming control information supplied from the inquiry response data receiving unit 202. Then, the air conditioning control unit 203 specifies the air conditioner 4 and lighting device 5 corresponding to the specified work room, based on the specified work room and the equipment information DB 250. The equipment information DB 250 is a database in which information associating work rooms, air conditioners 4, and lighting devices 5 is registered, and is stored in the auxiliary storage device 25. In the equipment information DB 250, for example, information that associates the name of the work room, the ID of the air conditioner 4, and the ID of the lighting device 5 is registered.

The air conditioning control unit 203 acquires operating state data from the specified air conditioner 4. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 203 transmits a notification requesting operation information data to the air conditioner 4 via the network N1. The air conditioner 4 that has received this notification transmits operating state data in which the current air conditioning mode, current room temperature, etc. are stored to the control device 2. In this embodiment, the air conditioning mode includes a normal operation mode, an OFF mode, and a precooling/prewarming mode.

The normal operation mode is operation according to the user's operation via an air conditioning remote control (not shown) provided in each work room, or if the air conditioner 4 is equipped with an AI (Artificial Intelligence) function, the AI This means that the device is in a state where it is operating according to its functions. OFF mode means a stopped state of operation. The pre-cooling/pre-warming mode is an air conditioning mode that is activated according to a control command from the control device 2, and after the specified operation time mentioned above has elapsed, cooling operation or heating is started so that the room temperature of the work room reaches the temperature desired by the user. Refers to the state of driving. Normally, in the precooling/prewarming mode, air conditioning takes time, so the power consumption of the air conditioner 4 is smaller than in the normal operation mode.

Moreover, the air conditioning control unit 203 acquires the above-mentioned lighting state data from the specified lighting device 5. As described above, the lighting state data includes information indicating whether the lighting is on or off.

If the specified air conditioner 4 is in the OFF mode and the specified lighting device 5 is off, the air conditioning control unit 203 causes the specified air conditioner 4 to start operating in the precooling/prewarming mode. A control command is generated for the air conditioner 4, and the generated control command is transmitted to the air conditioner 4 via the network N1. The control command in this case includes information instructing switching to the precooling/prewarming mode, and the set temperature and designated operating time extracted from the precooling/prewarming control information. The air conditioner 4 that has received the control command switches the air conditioning mode to precooling/prewarming mode, and after the specified operating time included in the control command has elapsed, the room temperature of the work room becomes the set temperature included in the control command. Air condition the work room accordingly.

In addition, if there are multiple identified air conditioners 4, that is, if multiple air conditioners 4 correspond to the work room, the above-mentioned "Identified air conditioner 4 is in OFF mode" when generating the above control command. The condition ``is'' means that ``all the specified air conditioners 4 are in the OFF mode''. In addition, if there are multiple identified lighting devices 5, that is, if multiple lighting devices 5 are installed in the work room, the above “Identified lighting device 5” when generating the above control command The condition "the lights are off" means "all the specified lighting devices 5 are off."

If the specified air conditioner 4 is in a mode other than the OFF mode, or if the specified lighting device 5 is lit, the air conditioning control unit 203 determines that there is no need to pre-cool/pre-warm the work room, and performs the above-mentioned operation. Does not generate control commands.

In addition, when multiple air conditioners 4 correspond to the work room, the condition that "the specified air conditioner 4 is in a mode other than OFF mode" when not generating the above control command is changed to "if any air conditioner 4 This means that the machine 4 is in a mode other than OFF mode. In addition, when multiple lighting devices 5 are installed in the work room, the condition that “the specified lighting device 5 is lit” when not generating the control command is changed to “any one of the lighting devices 5 is lit”. This means that the lighting device 5 is on.

When the specified operating time has elapsed after transmitting the above control command, the air conditioning control unit 203 switches the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner 4 from the precooling/prewarming mode to the OFF mode, and notifies the completion notification unit 204 to that effect. .

In addition, if the lighting device 5 of the work room turns on before the specified operating time elapses after transmitting the above control command, the air conditioning control unit 203 considers that the user has entered the work room, and the air conditioner 5 Switch the air conditioning mode from pre-cooling/pre-warming mode to normal operation mode. Note that when a plurality of lighting devices 5 are installed in the work room, the air conditioning control unit 203 determines that a user has entered the work room when any of the lighting devices 5 in the work room is turned on. As a result, the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner 4 is switched from the precooling/prewarming mode to the normal operation mode.

Upon receiving the above notification from the air conditioning control unit 203, the completion notification unit 204 sends information indicating that precooling/prewarming of the work room has been completed, the ID of the air conditioner, and the user terminal of the corresponding user terminal 6. A completion notification containing the ID is generated, and the generated completion notification is sent to the server 7 via the network N2.

<Functional configuration of server 7>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 7. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the server 7 functionally includes a setting information receiving section 700, a user information managing section 701, an inquiry data receiving section 702, a user information searching section 703, an inquiry responding section 704, It includes a notification receiving section 705 and a user notification section 706. These functional units of the server 7 are realized by the CPU 71 executing the above-mentioned cloud program stored in the auxiliary storage device 74.

Setting information receiving section 700 receives setting information sent from user terminal 6. The settings information receiving unit 700 supplies the received settings information to the user management unit 701.

The user information management section 701 updates the user information DB 740 based on the setting information supplied from the setting information receiving section 700. Specifically, when the setting information is based on user registration, the user information management unit 701 generates new user information based on the setting information and registers the generated user information in the user information DB 740. On the other hand, if the setting information is based on a setting change, the user information management unit 701 updates the corresponding user information registered in the user information DB 740 based on the setting information.

The inquiry data receiving unit 702 receives inquiry data sent from the control device 2. The inquiry data receiving unit 702 supplies the received inquiry data to the user information searching unit 703.

The user information search unit 703 uses the user terminal ID included in the inquiry data supplied from the inquiry data receiving unit 702 as a key to search the user information DB 740 for corresponding user information.

The inquiry response unit 704 generates inquiry response data for responding to the control device 2 based on the search results of the user information search unit 703. The inquiry response data includes information indicating whether or not corresponding user information has been found. Moreover, when corresponding user information is found, the inquiry response data further includes precooling/prewarming control information included in the user information. The inquiry response unit 704 transmits the generated inquiry response data to the control device 2 via the network N2.

The notification receiving unit 705 receives the completion notification sent from the control device 2. The notification receiving unit 705 supplies the received completion notification to the user notification unit 706.

When a completion notification is supplied from the notification receiving unit 705, the user notification unit 706 notifies the user that the pre-cooling/pre-warming mode operation has been completed for the user terminal 6 with the user terminal ID included in the completion notification. A user notification for notification is sent via network N2.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the precooling/prewarming start process executed by the air conditioning control system 1.
(Step S101)
The user detection terminal 3 determines whether or not a user is detected. Specifically, when the user detection terminal 3 receives a wireless signal from the user terminal 6 carried by the user, it determines that the user has passed through the entrance of the building B where the user terminal 3 is installed. If the passage of the user is detected (step S101; YES), the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S102. On the other hand, if the passage of the user is not detected (step S101; NO), the user detection terminal 3 continues to perform the determination in step S101.

(Step S102)
The user detection terminal 3 notifies the control device 2 that a user has been detected. Specifically, the user detection terminal 3 extracts the user terminal ID included in the wireless signal received from the user terminal 6. Then, the user detection terminal 3 generates a user detection notification including the ID of the user detection terminal 3 and the extracted user terminal ID, and transmits the generated user detection notification to the control device 2 via the network N1. After that, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S103.

(Step S103)
The control device 2 queries the server 7 for user information corresponding to the user detected by the user detection terminal 3. Specifically, the control device 2 extracts the user terminal ID from the user detection notification received from the user detection terminal 3, and generates inquiry data including the extracted user terminal ID. Then, the control device 2 transmits the generated inquiry data to the server 7 via the network N2. After that, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S104.

(Step S104)
The server 7 searches for user information corresponding to the user and returns the search results to the control device 2. Specifically, the server 7 uses the user terminal ID included in the inquiry data received from the control device 2 as a key to search the user information DB 740 for corresponding user information. Then, the server 7 generates inquiry response data for responding to the control device 2 based on the user information search results.

The inquiry response data includes information indicating whether or not user information has been found. Moreover, when corresponding user information is found, the inquiry response data further includes precooling/prewarming control information included in the user information. The server 7 transmits the generated inquiry response data to the control device 2 via the network N2. After that, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S105.

(Step S105)
Based on the inquiry response data received from the server 7, the control device 2 determines whether user information corresponding to the user detected by the user detection terminal 3 exists. If the user information corresponding to the user does not exist (step S105; NO), the control device 2 discards the inquiry response data. After that, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 returns to step S101. On the other hand, if user information corresponding to the user exists (step S105; YES), the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S106.

(Step S106)
Based on the inquiry response data received from the server 7, the control device 2 specifies the work room corresponding to the user, and specifies the air conditioner 4 and lighting device 5 corresponding to the specified work room. After that, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S107.

(Step S107)
The control device 2 acquires operating state data and lighting state data from the specified air conditioner 4 and lighting device 5, respectively, and determines that the specified air conditioner 4 is in the OFF mode and the specified lighting device 5 is turned off. Determine whether or not. If the specified air conditioner 4 is in the OFF mode and the specified lighting device 5 is turned off (step S107; YES), the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S108. On the other hand, if the specified air conditioner 4 is in a mode other than the OFF mode, or if the specified lighting device 5 is lit (step S107; NO), the control device 2 determines that there is no need to pre-cool/pre-warm the work room. It is determined that there is no air conditioner, and the process of the air conditioning control system 1 returns to step S101.

(Step S108)
The control device 2 generates a control command instructing the start of operation in the precooling/prewarming mode, and transmits the generated control command to the air conditioner 4. The control command includes a set temperature, which is a target room temperature for the precooling/prewarming mode, and a designated operating time for the precooling/prewarming mode. The air conditioner 4 that has received the control command performs air conditioning of the work room so that the room temperature of the work room becomes the set temperature after the specified operating time has elapsed. After the process of step S108, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 returns to step S101.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the precooling/prewarming termination process executed by the air conditioning control system 1. The precooling/prewarming completion process is executed for each work chamber in which precooling/prewarming is currently being performed.
(Step S201)
The control device 2 periodically (for example, every minute) acquires lighting state data from the lighting device 5 in the work room and determines whether the lighting device 5 is turned on, that is, from off to on. Determine whether the operating state has changed. If the lighting device 5 is not lit (step S201; NO), the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S203. On the other hand, when the lighting device 5 is turned on (step S201; YES), the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S202.

(Step S202)
When the user enters the work room, the control device 2 switches the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner 4 from the precooling/prewarming mode to the normal operation mode. As described above, in the normal operation mode, operation is performed according to a user's operation via an air conditioner remote control (not shown) or according to an AI function. Note that if the air conditioner 4 is not equipped with an AI function and the user is not operating the air conditioner remote control when entering the work room, the air conditioner 4 will be operated by the user when the air conditioner remote control is operated. The air conditioning of the work room is performed according to the previously set details (temperature setting, air volume, etc.) via the . After that, the air conditioning control system 1 ends the precooling/prewarming completion process for the work room.

(Step S203)
The control device 2 determines whether the elapsed time since the air conditioner 4 started operating in the precooling/prewarming mode has reached the designated operating time. If the elapsed time since the start of operation in the precooling/prewarming mode has not reached the designated operating time (step S203; NO), the process of the air conditioning control system 1 returns to step S201. On the other hand, if the elapsed time since the start of operation in the precooling/prewarming mode has reached the designated operating time (step S203; YES), the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S204.

(Step S204)
The control device 2 switches the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner 4 from the precooling/prewarming mode to the OFF mode. After that, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S205.

(Step S205)
The control device 2 notifies the server 7 of the completion of precooling/prewarming. Specifically, the control device 2 sends a completion notification that includes information indicating that precooling/prewarming of the work room has been completed, the ID of the air conditioner, and the user terminal ID of the corresponding user terminal 6. and sends the generated completion notification to the server 7 via the network N2. After that, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S206.

(Step S206)
Upon receiving the completion notification sent from the control device 2, the server 7 notifies the corresponding user terminal 6 of the completion of precooling/prewarming. Specifically, the server 7 sends a user notification to the user terminal 6 of the user terminal ID included in the received completion notification via the network N2 to notify the user that the operation in the pre-cooling/pre-warming mode has been completed. Send via. After that, the process of the air conditioning control system 1 transitions to step S207.

(Step S207)
Upon receiving the user notification sent from the server 7, the user terminal 6 notifies the user of the completion of precooling/prewarming. Specifically, the user terminal 6 displays a notification screen on the display 60 indicating that the operation in the pre-cooling/pre-warming mode has been completed. After that, the air conditioning control system 1 ends the precooling/prewarming completion process for the work room.

<If multiple users have set up the same work room>
If multiple users have set up the same work room, control will give priority to the user who arrives at the work room sooner (determined based on the timing detected by the user detection terminal 3 and the designated operating time). It will be done. For example, if the work rooms of users A and B are the same, and the designated operating time is both set to 30 minutes, if user A is detected first, the air conditioner 4 corresponding to the work room will be turned off. The air conditioning mode is switched from the OFF mode to the precooling/prewarming mode, and operation in the precooling/prewarming mode is performed according to the contents of the precooling/prewarming control information set in advance by the user A.

Assume that user B is detected 10 minutes after user A is detected. In this case, since user A arrives at the work room earlier than user B, the precooling/prewarming mode is subsequently operated with the content of the precooling/prewarming control information corresponding to user A. If no one has entered the work room even after 30 minutes have passed since the start of precooling/prewarming, the operation in the precooling/prewarming mode based on user A's settings ends. However, since user B will arrive at the work room in 10 minutes, the control device 2 changes the target user from user A to user B.

As a result, the control device 2 does not switch the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner 4 to the OFF mode even if the operation in the precooling/prewarming mode based on the settings of the user A ends, and the control device 2 does not switch the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner 4 to the OFF mode for the next 10 minutes. B performs precooling/prewarming control based on the content of precooling/prewarming control information set in advance.

Next, we will explain a case where user A's designated driving time is set to 30 minutes and user B's designated driving time is set to 10 minutes, and user A is detected first and user B is detected 10 minutes later. . In this case, first, the precooling/prewarming mode is operated according to the precooling/prewarming control information set in advance by user A, but if user B is detected later, user B can quickly enter the work room. , the control device 2 changes the target user from user A to user B. Thereby, from now on, precooling/prewarming control is performed based on the content of the precooling/prewarming control information set in advance by user B.

Thereafter, if no one has entered the work room even after 10 minutes, which is the specified operating time set by user B, has elapsed, the operation in the precooling/prewarming mode based on the user B's settings ends. However, since user A will arrive at the work room in 10 minutes, the control device 2 changes the target user from user B to user A. Thereby, the control device 2 thereafter performs precooling/prewarming control based on the content of the precooling/prewarming control information set in advance by user A.

As explained above, according to the air conditioning control system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress unnecessary energy consumption, provide a comfortable feeling to the user when entering the work room, and improve the user's work efficiency. Improvements can be made.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes can of course be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, a user detection terminal 3 may be further installed in each work room, and by receiving a wireless signal from the user terminal 6, the user detection terminal 3 may be able to detect a user in the work room. In this case, even if the control device 2 receives a user detection notification from the user detection terminal 3 installed in the work room in step S201 of the precooling/prewarming end process (see FIG. 15), the determination condition is satisfied. Then, the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner 4 is switched to the normal operation mode.

Further, when the determination condition in step S203 of the precooling/prewarming end process (see FIG. 15) is satisfied, the control device 2 performs cooling or heating instead of switching the air conditioning mode of the air conditioner 4 to the OFF mode. However, it may be possible to switch to a power saving mode in which the air conditioning is weaker than in the normal operating mode and the precooling/prewarming mode, that is, the power consumption is lower than in the normal operating mode and the precooling/prewarming mode.

In the above case, the user may be able to set the power saving mode operation in advance via the user terminal 6. In this case, the user terminal 6 receives settings regarding whether to switch from the precooling/prewarming mode to the OFF mode or the power saving mode via the precooling/prewarming control setting screen (see FIG. 10). Furthermore, the user terminal 6 may accept the setting of the operating time in the power saving mode and the setting of the temperature setting in the power saving mode. Then, the server 7 may manage user information in which information regarding such settings is included in the precooling/prewarming control information in the user information DB 740.

Further, a plurality of user detection terminals 3 that detect when a user enters the building B may be installed. In this case, in order to prevent detection errors due to malfunctions, two or more user detection terminals 3 may be installed near the same entrance of building B, or user detection terminals 3 may be installed at multiple locations within building B. may be installed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16, if building B has multiple entrances (entrances a and b), multiple user detection terminals 3 (user detection terminals 3a and 3b) are installed corresponding to each entrance. You may also do so.

When a plurality of user detection terminals 3 are installed to detect the passage of a user, the user terminal 6 detects the route from the user to the user's work room via the pre-cooling/pre-warming control setting screen (see FIG. 10). The selection of one or more user detection terminals 3 that match the above may be accepted. At this time, the user terminal 6 displays information indicating the location where each user detection terminal 3 is installed, and accepts the user's selection of one or more locations that match the route to the user's work room. In this way, selection of one or more corresponding user detection terminals 3 may be accepted.

In the above case, the precooling/prewarming control information in the user information corresponding to the user managed by the server 7 includes the ID of each user detection terminal 3 selected by the user. When the control device 2 receives the user detection notification from the user detection terminal 3, it generates inquiry data including the ID of the user detection terminal 3 and the user terminal ID extracted from the user detection terminal 3, and transmits it to the server 7. The server 7 that has received the inquiry data searches the user information DB 740 for corresponding user information using the ID of the user detection terminal 3 and the user terminal ID included in the inquiry data as keys.

Further, the air conditioning control system 1 may air condition a plurality of buildings. In this case, for example, the user terminal 6 may receive a designation from the user of the entrance of the building to be used (in other words, the user detection terminal 3 installed at the entrance) as shown in FIG. 17.

In addition, the user terminal 6 receives multiple settings from the user for a combination of one or more user detection terminals 3 that detect the user and the work room via the pre-cooling/pre-warming control setting screen (see FIG. 10). You can also do this. In this case, the user terminal 6 may accept settings such as set temperature and designated operating time for each combination from the user.

The user terminal 6 also allows the user to set whether or not to perform precooling/prewarming control via the precooling/prewarming control setting screen (see FIG. 10), and to set the same It may also be possible to accept settings such as the interval (for example, 4 hours, etc.) until pre-cooling/pre-warming is re-implemented for the work room, and whether or not to notify the user when pre-cooling/pre-warming is completed.

The user terminal 6 also receives information from the user via the pre-cooling/pre-warming control setting screen (see FIG. 10) regarding the sensory characteristics of the air temperature (e.g., sensitivity to heat, sensitivity to cold, etc.) and requests for air conditioning (e.g., stronger than usual). , weaker than usual, etc.) may be accepted. In this case, the control device 2 adjusts the set temperature, air volume, etc., taking into consideration the sensory characteristics of the user, the demand for air conditioning, etc. For example, if "Sensitive to heat" is set, the target room temperature during pre-cooling is set to -0.5°C, and if "Sensitive to cold" is set, the target room temperature during pre-warming is set to +0.5°C. ℃.

Furthermore, if the user is wearing a wearable device such as a smart watch that is equipped with sensors that measure biological data, the measured values of each sensor may be taken into account in the pre-cooling/pre-warming control. . Sensors that measure biological data include, for example, body temperature sensors, heart rate sensors, sweat rate sensors, and the like. The measured value of each sensor is transmitted from the wearable device to the user terminal 6, and transferred from the user terminal 6 to the server 7.

The server 7 compares the measured value of the biometric data sent from the user terminal 6 with the normal value for the type of biometric data, and uses the comparison result (for example, normal, high, low, etc.) as the biometric information of the user. , and is sent to the control device 2 together with the inquiry response data. Here, the normal value of the biometric data may be a value within the normal range for a general adult, or may be a value statistically obtained from the history of biometric data acquired from the user. . In the latter case, the server 7 stores and manages the history of each type of biometric data of each user over a certain period of time in the user information DB 740.

When biological information is sent from the server 7, the control device 2 executes precooling/prewarming control that takes the biological information into consideration. For example, if the user's heart rate is high, the target room temperature for pre-cooling/pre-warming is set to -0.5°C, and if the user's heart rate is low, the target room temperature for pre-cooling/warming is set to +0. .5℃.

Further, the user terminal 6 may accept from the user not only the designation of the work room to be used, but also the setting of the use area in the work room. If there are a plurality of air conditioners 4 corresponding to the work room, the control device 2 may cause only the air conditioners 4 corresponding to the set use area to operate in the pre-cooling/pre-warming mode. Furthermore, when one indoor unit is installed in the work room, the wind direction of the indoor unit may be adjusted so that the air conditioning is focused on a set use area.

In addition, the control device 2, user terminal 6, or server 7 can learn the operating time of the pre-cooling/pre-warming mode by measuring the time from when the user enters the building B to when the user enters the set work room. Good too.

In the above embodiment, when the air conditioner 4 receives a control command indicating the start of operation in the precooling/prewarming mode from the control device 2, the air conditioner 4 switches the air conditioning mode to the precooling/prewarming mode for the specified operating time included in the control command. and pre-cooling/pre-warming mode operation based on the set temperature. That is, the air conditioner 4 was equipped with a pre-cooling/pre-warming mode operation function. However, the air conditioner 4 does not necessarily have to have a pre-cooling/pre-warming mode operation function. In that case, the control device 2 monitors the operating state of the air conditioner 4 at any time and adjusts the output of the air conditioner 4 so that the room temperature in the work room reaches the temperature desired by the user after the specified operating time has elapsed. .

Further, the user terminal 6 carried by the user only needs to have a function of periodically transmitting a wireless signal including the user terminal ID of the user terminal 6 (wireless signal transmitter 602 in FIG. 9). That is, the user terminal 6 has a function of accepting settings related to precooling/prewarming control from the user and transmitting information indicating the accepted contents to the server 7 (setting receiving unit 600 and setting information transmitting unit 601 in FIG. 9), and the server 7 It is not necessarily necessary to have the function of receiving and displaying user notifications from the user (notification receiving unit 603 and notification screen display unit 604 in FIG. 9). In this case, the user configures settings related to precooling/prewarming control via a terminal installed separately in building B (an air conditioning remote control for each work room may also be used), and confirms the notification from server 7. good.

Further, the control device 2 may manage user information of each user. That is, the control device 2 may be configured to include a database similar to the user information DB 740.

Further, all or part of the functional units of the control device 2 (see FIG. 12) may be realized by dedicated hardware, or all or part of the functional units of the user detection terminal 3 (see FIG. 11) A part may be realized by dedicated hardware, or all or part of the functional units of the user terminal 6 (see FIG. 9) may be realized by dedicated hardware. However, all or part of the functional units of the server 7 (see FIG. 13) may be realized by dedicated hardware. The dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

The technical ideas related to each of the above-mentioned modifications may be realized individually, or may be realized in combination as appropriate.

The present disclosure is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from its broad spirit and scope. Further, the embodiments described above are for explaining the present disclosure, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure can be suitably employed in an air conditioning control system that air-conditions a building.

1 air conditioning control system, 2 control device, 3 user detection terminal, 4 air conditioner, 5 lighting device, 6 user terminal, 7 server, 20, 30, 62 first communication interface, 21, 31, 63 second communication interface, 22 , 32, 64, 71 CPU, 23, 33, 65, 72 ROM, 24, 34, 66, 73 RAM, 25, 35, 67, 74 Auxiliary storage device, 26, 36, 68, 75 Bus, 60 Display, 61 Operation reception unit, 70 Communication interface, 200, 603, 705 Notification reception unit, 201 User information inquiry unit, 202 Inquiry response data reception unit, 203 Air conditioning control unit, 204 Completion notification unit, 250 Device information DB, 300 Wireless signal reception unit , 301 User detection notification unit, 600 Setting reception unit, 601 Setting information transmission unit, 602 Wireless signal transmission unit, 604 Notification screen display unit, 700 Setting information reception unit, 701 User information management unit, 702 Inquiry data reception unit, 703 User Information search unit, 704 Inquiry response unit, 706 User notification unit, 740 User information DB

Claims (9)

An air conditioner that air-conditions the room,
User information storage means for storing user information including at least identification information of a mobile terminal and air conditioning control information regarding air conditioning control of the room for each user;
a user detection terminal installed outside the room and detecting passage of the user by communicating with a mobile terminal;
and air conditioning control means for controlling the air conditioner to pre-cool or pre-warm the room based on the air conditioning control information corresponding to the user when the passage of the user is detected by the user detection terminal. ,
The air conditioning control information includes the longest duration of precooling or prewarming of the room,
The air conditioning control means is configured to control the air conditioner when the longest duration time elapses after precooling or prewarming of the room is started, or when entry of a person into the room is detected, whichever comes first. An air conditioning control system that stops pre-cooling or pre-warming a room . The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioning control information includes information regarding air conditioning desired by the user. The air conditioning control means controls the air conditioner to continue air conditioning the room with lower power consumption than during precooling or prewarming when stopping precooling or prewarming of the room due to the elapse of the maximum duration time. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2 . The room is a room selected by the user in advance from among a plurality of rooms,
The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the air conditioning control information includes information indicating a room selected by the user. A plurality of the user detection terminals are installed,
The air conditioning control information includes identification information of each of one or more user detection terminals selected by the user,
When the passage of the user is detected by one or more user detection terminals selected by the user, the air conditioning control means precools or preheats the room based on the air conditioning control information corresponding to the user. The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which controls the air conditioner so as to. a server comprising the user information storage means;
A control device comprising the air conditioning control means,
The control device includes:
Claim: When receiving a notification from the user detection terminal that the passage of a user has been detected through communication with the user detection terminal, the air conditioning control information corresponding to the user is acquired from the server through communication with the server. 6. The air conditioning control system according to any one of 1 to 5 . A control device for controlling an air conditioner that air-conditions a room,
notification receiving means for receiving a user detection notification indicating that the passage of the user has been detected from a user detection terminal installed outside the room that detects the passage of the user;
Inquiry means for inquiring a server for air conditioning control information related to air conditioning control of the room corresponding to the user when the user detection notification is received;
air conditioning control information receiving means for receiving the air conditioning control information sent from the server in response to the inquiry;
an air conditioning control means for controlling the air conditioner to precool or preheat the room based on the air conditioning control information ;
The air conditioning control information includes the longest duration of precooling or prewarming of the room,
The air conditioning control means is configured to control the air conditioner when the longest duration time elapses after precooling or prewarming of the room is started, or when entry of a person into the room is detected, whichever comes first. A control device that stops precooling or preheating a room . An air conditioning control method for controlling an air conditioner that air-conditions a room, the method comprising:
receiving a user detection notification indicating that the passage of the user has been detected from a user detection terminal installed outside the room that detects the passage of the user;
Upon receiving the user detection notification, query a server for air conditioning control information regarding air conditioning control of the room corresponding to the user;
receiving the air conditioning control information sent from the server in response to the inquiry;
The air conditioner is controlled to precool or preheat the room based on the air conditioning control information , and after the precooling or prewarming of the room is started, the longest duration included in the air conditioning control information elapses. An air conditioning control method that stops pre-cooling or pre-warming the room when the earlier of the above occurs and when a person enters the room is detected. computer,
notification receiving means for receiving a user detection notification indicating that the passage of the user has been detected from a user detection terminal installed outside the room that detects the passage of the user;
Inquiry means for inquiring a server for air conditioning control information related to air conditioning control of the room corresponding to the user when the user detection notification is received;
air conditioning control information receiving means for receiving the air conditioning control information sent from the server in response to the inquiry;
functioning as an air conditioning control means that controls an air conditioner corresponding to the room to precool or preheat the room based on the air conditioning control information ;
The air conditioning control information includes the longest duration of precooling or prewarming of the room,
The air conditioning control means is configured to control the air conditioner when the longest duration time elapses after precooling or prewarming of the room is started, or when entry of a person into the room is detected, whichever comes first. A program that stops pre-cooling or pre-warming a room .

Images