JPH04344049A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To furnish an air conditioner with an automatic operation function and an operation motor selective function by optimum voice to each individual. CONSTITUTION:An operation remote controller 1 is provided with a command word recognition processing circuit 407 and a speaker discrimination processing circuit 408 and a speaker-dependent automatic operation setting temperature RAM 105 and a speaker-dependent operation mode information RAM 108. During voice-induced operation, operation command words are recognized. What is more, the speaker is discriminated so that the data, such as setting voice of the speaker and air capacity of the RAM, may be renovated. The data renovated by daily operation means information under such a condition that the speaker feels that optimum. The speaker is discriminated by voice-induced automatic operation and operation mode selection. This construction makes it possible to provide air conditioning optimum to each individual since data is read and operation is started or operation mode is transferred.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to air conditioners, and in particular to air conditioners that use voice recognition and a speaker identification function obtained by using the results to perform air conditioning that is suitable for each individual person. Involved in harmonizing machines.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art An air conditioner is operated by pressing buttons on an operating section provided on the main body of the air conditioner or a wired or wireless portable operating section (usually called a remote control) provided outside the main body.

[0003] Improved functionality of air conditioners, such as various operating functions for cooling, dehumidification, and heating, timer functions for starting and stopping,
The number of buttons on the control panel continues to increase as devices become more precise with temperature settings, and are equipped with functions to set air volume and direction. Each function is accomplished by selecting and pressing one of these many buttons. For this reason, it is becoming difficult for people, especially the elderly, to operate air conditioners.

[0004] Therefore, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 102635/1983, it was proposed to apply voice recognition to perform voice operations instead of button operations.

On the other hand, an automatic driving function has been proposed to simplify various button operations. This system automatically sets cooling, dehumidification, or heating operation, temperature settings, and air volume settings and starts operation by simply pressing the operation button. For example, set the temperature of the air conditioner to 27 degrees,
The set temperature for heating operation is set at 23 degrees, the difference between the indoor temperature at the time the operation button is pressed and the previous set temperature is detected, the type of operation is set, and operation is started. If the indoor temperature is 27 degrees Celsius or higher, cooling operation is started, if it is 23 degrees Celsius or lower, heating operation is started, and the air conditioner is controlled so that the room temperature eventually becomes 27 degrees Celsius or 23 degrees Celsius.

However, the comfortable temperature differs depending on the person.
Some people are dissatisfied with the predetermined conditions (27 degrees of cooling and 23 degrees of heating). Specifically, the comfortable temperature differs by about 4 degrees for people who are sensitive to heat and those who are sensitive to cold. Those who are dissatisfied with this automatic operation must change the temperature setting using the temperature setting button.

[0007] Therefore, a method has been proposed in which a plurality of operation buttons are provided and operation is started under different set temperature conditions depending on which operation button is pressed. For example, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 3-1036, a portable operation unit is provided with three operation buttons. One is designed for people who are sensitive to heat, one is designed for normal people, and one is designed for people who are sensitive to cold. If you press the button for people who are sensitive to heat, the temperature will be set to a lower temperature (21 degrees for heating, 25 degrees for cooling) and operation will begin. On the other hand, if you press the button for people who are sensitive to cold, the temperature will be set higher (25 degrees for heating and 29 degrees for cooling) and it will start operating. The button for ordinary people is set to an intermediate value between these values and starts operation.

[0008] As described above, in the past, automatic driving functions have been provided that take into account individual differences to some extent.

[0009]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, the set temperature for automatic driving is determined in advance based on the average comfortable temperature for everyone, so some people who are sensitive to heat may Even if you start driving with a human button, you will still be dissatisfied. In other words, autonomous driving should be performed under optimal conditions for each individual.

Furthermore, there are three operation buttons, and selecting and pressing one of them can easily lead to operational errors. It can frequently happen that a person who is sensitive to heat presses the adjacent normal button.

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to use voice recognition technology to enable driving operation by voice, identify who uttered the voice, and determine the set temperature for automatic driving based on the identification result. To provide an air conditioner that can perform air conditioning suitable for each individual.

[0012]Furthermore, it is possible to change the set temperature by voice, and when this change is performed, it is possible to identify who performed the operation, and to set the set temperature value during automatic operation of that person based on the result of the previous operation. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner that can automatically obtain the optimum automatic operation temperature setting for each individual by updating the air conditioner while learning the air conditioner.

[0013]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention registers in advance a plurality of (two or more) operation command words from a plurality of (two or more) speakers, and recognizes these operation command words. a voice recognition means, a speaker identification means for identifying from the recognition result of the voice recognition means which one of the plurality of speakers is speaking, and a set temperature value storage means for each speaker during automatic driving corresponding to the plurality of speakers. It is unique in that the air conditioner is equipped with the following.

[0014]

[Operation] The voice recognition means recognizes the operation command word. The speaker identification means identifies the speaker who uttered the operation command word.

[0015] While the air conditioner is operating, if a certain speaker utters a temperature change command word such as "hot", the air conditioner sets the set temperature value to a value 2 degrees lower than the current indoor temperature and starts operating. continue. At this time, the set temperature value of the speaker in the set temperature value storage unit for each speaker is updated by a predetermined process. In this way, the latest temperature value that the speaker feels comfortable with is stored as the set temperature value for each speaker.

[0016] When a certain speaker utters a driving operation command word, for example, ``drive'', the air conditioner reads the set temperature value of that speaker from the set temperature value storage means for each speaker and starts automatic operation using that value. .

[0017] In this way, the air conditioner according to the present invention can learn and memorize the temperature that an individual feels is optimal, and can start automatic operation according to the individual's set temperature value, so that it can provide comfortable air conditioning to everyone. .

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in detail below using a small air conditioner used in a household (consisting of a father, mother, and children) as an example.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of an air conditioner according to the present invention in which the operating device is in the form of an operating remote control separated from the main body of the air conditioner. FIG. 1 shows the operating device, and FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the air conditioner main body.

The operation remote control 1 mainly includes a control circuit 101 consisting of a microprocessor etc. that controls the whole, a transmission circuit 201 that transmits operation information, and various buttons 301 to 303 for operating the air conditioner by button operation. , various buttons 409 to 413 for voice operations, circuits 402 to 408 for voice recognition, and the like.

For manual operation, the operation remote control 1 includes:
A run button 301 is provided as a means for instructing the start of operation, a temperature switching button 302 that allows the operator to change the set temperature as desired, and a stop button 303 that stops the operation.

In order to operate by voice, the operation remote control 1 includes a microphone 401 that collects voice and converts it into an electrical signal, a feature extraction circuit 402 that extracts phonetic features from the voice signal as parameters, and an input voice. Input pattern memory 403 temporarily stores characteristic parameters of signals as time series patterns, command word standard pattern memory 404 registers and stores characteristic parameters of operation command word sounds as time series patterns, and inputs feature parameters extracted by feature extraction circuit 402. A changeover switch 405 switches output between the pattern memory 403 and the command word standard pattern memory 404, and the difference between the time series pattern in the input pattern memory and one operation command word time series pattern in the command word standard pattern memory is determined by an inter-pattern distance value. a pattern matching processing circuit 406 that outputs the command word as a command word, a command word recognition processing circuit 407 that recognizes the command word from the distance value, a speaker of the command word recognized from the distance value and speaker information provided in the command word standard pattern memory 404; A speaker identification processing circuit 408 that identifies
A registration button 409 for registering a command word, a speaker button A410 for specifying a speaker to be registered at the time of registration, a speaker button B411, a speaker button C412, a voice button 413 for instructing voice operations, and a voice button 413 for command word registration. Alternatively, it is provided with a voice synthesis circuit 414 for providing guidance during voice operations, and a speaker 415 for outputting this guidance voice.

The control circuit 101 consists of a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as MPU) 102 and a storage section 103, and in the storage section 103, predetermined automatic operation setting temperatures (for example, heating 23 degrees, cooling 27 degrees) are fixedly stored. An automatic operation setting temperature ROM 104 for storing automatic operation setting temperatures, a rewritable automatic operation setting temperature RAM 105 for each speaker that stores automatic operation setting temperatures as many as the number of buttons for speakers (for three people), and a temporary RAM 105 for transmitting operation information to the air conditioner body. Operation mode information RAM1 as memory
There is 06.

Further, there is a circuit battery 601 that supplies current to the circuit of the operating remote control, and a backup battery 602 that backs up data in the command word standard pattern memory 404 and the automatic operation setting temperature RAM 105 for each speaker when this circuit battery is exhausted. There is.

The air conditioner main body 2 includes a control circuit 501 consisting of an MPU, etc. that controls the air conditioner, and a reception circuit 502 that receives operation information signals from the operation remote control 1.
, a room temperature sensor 50 that detects the room temperature around the air conditioner main body.
3. Indoor fan motor 504, outdoor fan motor 505
, a compressor 506, and a power source 507 that supplies current to the circuit.

Furthermore, the control circuit 501 includes an MPU 508
and an operation mode information RAM 509 that stores the set temperature and the like set by the operation remote control.

The operations of the remote controller 1 and the air conditioner main body 2 according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be sequentially explained below. (1) Operation of the remote control (a) Operation of the remote control by manual operation The operation of the remote control by manual operation will be explained with reference to the operation flowchart of FIG. In the case of manual operation, the air conditioner is operated by pressing the operation button 301, temperature switching button 302, and stop button 303.

If the power of the circuit battery 601 is sufficient (step 10), the MPU 102 and the transmitting circuit 201 are initialized (step 11). Then, if data is not written in the automatic operation setting temperature RAM 105 for each speaker (step 12), the automatic operation setting temperature ROM 104
The automatic operation setting temperature set in advance is transferred as is to the area of each speaker in the automatic operation setting temperature RAM 105 for each speaker (step 13). If data has already been written, no transfer will occur.

FIG. 4 shows the automatic operation setting temperature RAM 10 for each speaker.
5 shows the set temperature storage state. Temperature settings for heating and cooling are stored in correspondence with each speaker button. This stored content is retained by the backup battery 602 even if the circuit battery 601 is exhausted.

The operations in steps 10 to 13 are performed only once when a battery is inserted into the operation remote control 1, and as long as the battery is inserted, the operations in steps 14 and subsequent steps will not be performed. Ru.

While the battery has power, button inputs are monitored (steps 14, 15), and the type of button is determined (step 16).

[0032] If the registration button 409 is pressed,
A voice registration process (step 17) of the operation command word is performed. If the voice button 413 has been pressed, voice operation processing (step 18) is performed. These two processes will be explained later.

If the type of button pressed is the temperature switching button 302, it is first determined whether or not it is in operation (step 19), and if it is not in operation, the process returns to determination of battery power (step 14). On the other hand, if the operation is in progress, the set temperature contents in the operation mode information RAM 106 are changed according to the operation details of the temperature switching button 302 according to the current operation mode, and information on the changed operation mode is sent to the air conditioner via the transmission circuit 201. It is transmitted to the machine body 2 (step 20).

If the next button pressed is the operation button 301, first the operation start information is transmitted (step 21). The information is transmitted to the air conditioner main body 2 (step 22).

If the pressed button is the stop button 303, operation stop information is transmitted to the air conditioner body 2 through the transmission circuit 201 (step 23).

In this way, the manual button operation information is sent to the air conditioner main body 2, and the air conditioner main body operates accordingly. However, in the case of manual operation, unlike voice operation, which will be explained later, automatic operation starts operation at a predetermined temperature setting. (b) Operation Command Word Registration Operation The operation command word registration operation for enabling the air conditioner to be operated by voice will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To simplify the explanation, it is assumed that the voice operation content is the same as the manual operation content.

In other words, as a command word, the operation button 301
"Run" corresponds to the stop button 303, "Stop" corresponds to the stop button 303, "Hot" to decrease the set temperature by 2 degrees, and "Cold" to increase the set temperature by 2 degrees, corresponding to the temperature change button 302. There are a total of 4 command words. Note that the set temperature is approximately the same as the room temperature if a sufficient amount of time has elapsed since the air conditioner was operated.

[0038] When the registration button 409 is pressed, MPU1
02 detects this, and the voice synthesis circuit 414 and speaker 4
15 to provide guidance, for example, "Please press the speaker button" (step 24). When one of the three speaker buttons A, B, and C is pressed (step 25), the speaker button is determined (A, B, or C) (step 26).

Next, the speech synthesis circuit 414 is used to provide guidance (step 27) saying, "Please say driving."
The driver is prompted to input "Driving" and is placed in a voice accepting state (step 28). When "driving" is uttered (step 29), the voice is converted into an electrical signal by the microphone 401 and input to the feature extraction circuit 402, where it is converted into feature parameters. The feature parameter time series from the feature extraction circuit 402 is sent via the "driving" pattern changeover switch 405 to the command word standard pattern memory 404 corresponding to the pressed speaker button and stored therein (step 30).

[0040] Repeating the above, "stop", "hot",
A standard pattern for one speaker of "cold" is registered in the command word standard pattern memory 404 in association with a speaker button. The same goes for other speakers.

The feature extraction circuit 402 monitors the power value of the input audio signal, and if it is above a predetermined level, it is the beginning of the uttered command word, and if it is below the predetermined level again, it is the end. to decide. In other words, the feature extraction circuit 4
02 detects a voice utterance section (also called voice cutout) and outputs the characteristic parameters of this section as a time series. Note that although the above example describes section detection using only the power value, the detection is not limited to this, and other parameters may be used. By cutting out the voice, a silent section or low-level background noise from the reminder to the utterance will not be output to the command word standard pattern memory 404 or the input pattern memory 403. This audio cutout function also operates in the case of audio operation, which will be described next.

During the above registration operation, the changeover switch 40
5 selects the command word standard pattern memory 404 and is maintained until the registration of one series of command words (four words) is completed. When this registration is completed, the changeover switch 405 is switched to select the input pattern memory 403.

FIG. 6 shows the command word registration state of the command word standard pattern memory 404. Each command word standard pattern is managed with a code added thereto so that the standard pattern can be specified for each speaker and each command word. For example, speaker button A
A1 for the "driving" pattern of the speaker who pressed , A2 for the "stop" pattern, A3 for the "hot" pattern, and "cold"
A code is added to the pattern, such as A4, B1 to the "driving" pattern of the speaker who pressed the speaker button B, etc., so that they can be read out individually.

[0044] Also, this command word standard pattern memory 40
4 is backed up by a backup battery 602, and even if the circuit battery 601 is exhausted, the registered command word pattern is retained. (c) Operation of voice operation The operation when operating the air conditioner by voice will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8. 7 and 8 specifically represent step 18 in FIG. 3. When the voice button 413 is pressed, the MPU 102 detects this and prompts the voice synthesis circuit 414 to input voice (step 31). Thereafter, the MPU 102 enters a state in which it receives the command voice uttered by the speaker (step 32).

The utterance of the speaker is monitored (step 33), and if there is no utterance for a predetermined period of time, a timeout is determined and the process returns to determination of the circuit battery power (step 14). If it is within the predetermined time (step 34), the voice reception state is entered again.

When the speaker utters, the voice is extracted by the feature extraction circuit 402, and the feature parameter time series pattern is input to the input pattern memory 403 (step 35).
).

Next, the pattern matching processing circuit 40 determines the inter-pattern distance between the input voice pattern in the input pattern memory 403 and each standard pattern in the command word standard pattern memory 404.
6 (step 36).

That is, the distance DA1 between the input voice pattern and the standard pattern of speaker A "driving", the distance DA2 between the standard pattern of speaker A "stop", . . .
Distances from the "driving" standard pattern DB1, . . . and all speakers and all command words registered in sequence are calculated.

The command word recognition processing circuit 407 searches for the minimum value from the previous distance values (step 36a). Then, the input command voice is recognized from the code added to the command standard pattern that gave the minimum distance value (step 37).
). For example, if the minimum value is DA2, the command voice is recognized as "stop".

Based on the recognition result, the speaker identification circuit 408 identifies the speaker who uttered the input command word from the code added to the command word standard pattern that gave the minimum distance value (FIG. 8 steps 38a, 38b, 38c). For example, if the minimum value is DB1, the speaker is identified as the person who pressed the speaker button B at the time of registration.

[0051] If the command voice is recognized as "hot" or "cold", speaker identification processing is performed (steps 38a, 38b), and it is first determined whether the driver is driving (steps 39a, 39b). When the vehicle is not in operation, the process returns to determining the circuit battery power (step 14).

On the other hand, when driving, the voice synthesis circuit 41
4 to guide the resulting temperature change (steps 40a, 40b). For example, the guidance says, "The current temperature setting is * degrees. Change it to # degrees."

Next, the content of the set temperature in the operating mode information RAM 106 is changed in accordance with the recognition result in accordance with the current operating mode. If it is recognized as "hot", the set temperature will be set 2 degrees lower than the current set temperature, and if it is recognized as "cold", it will be set 2 degrees lower than the current set temperature.
Change the set temperature to a higher temperature. Information on the changed operation mode is transmitted to the air conditioner main body 2 via the transmission circuit 201 (steps 41a, 41b).

Furthermore, based on the result of speaker identification of the command voice, the speaker-specific automatic operation setting temperature RAM 105 of the speaker is stored.
The set temperature is also updated to the changed set temperature (steps 42a, 42b). When in the cooling operation mode, the cooling set temperature is updated, and when in the heating operation mode, the heating set temperature is updated.

Then, the process returns to the voice receiving state again (step 32). This is to subsequently accept other command words. The other command words include, for example, an operation command word for changing the air volume. Although this embodiment does not support changing the air volume by voice operation, it is clear that this can also be designed to be voice operated.

If the command voice is recognized as "run", speaker identification processing is performed (step 38c), and then operation start information is sent to the air conditioner body 2 through the transmission circuit 201.
(Step 43). and speech synthesis circuit 41
Step 4 provides guidance for starting operation (step 44). For example, the driver may be guided by saying, "Let's start driving."

Next, the MPU 102 reads the automatic operation setting temperature of the speaking speaker indicated by the identification processing circuit 408 from the automatic operation setting temperature RAM 105 for each speaker, writes it to the operation mode information RAM 106, and transmits the automatic operation setting temperature to the transmission circuit 201. to the air conditioner main body 2 (step 45). Then, the process returns to the voice receiving state again (step 32). When the command voice is recognized as "stop", operation stop information is transmitted to the air conditioner main body 2 through the transmission circuit 201 in the same manner as when the stop button is operated (step 46). Next, the voice synthesis circuit 414 provides guidance to stop the operation (
Step 47), and return to determination of circuit battery power (Step 14). (2) Operation of the air conditioner main body The operation of the air conditioner main body 2 will be explained with reference to the operation flowchart shown in FIG. When the power is turned on (step 48), the MPU5
08, the control circuit 501 and the reception circuit 502, which are comprised of the operation mode information RAM 509, are initialized (step 49).

The operations in steps 48 and 49 are operations that are performed only once when the air conditioner body 2 is connected to, for example, a home outlet, and as long as the air conditioner body 2 is connected to the outlet, The operations following step 50 are performed.

While the power is on, the received signal is monitored (step 50). If there is a received signal (step 51), the type of operation information of the received signal is determined (
Step 52).

If it is determined that the operation information indicates a stoppage of operation, it is determined whether or not it is in operation (step 53), and if it is in operation, the operation is stopped (step 54). Then, the process returns to power-on monitoring (step 50).

[0061] If it is determined that the operation information indicates the start of operation, it is determined whether or not the operation is in progress (step 55).
If the air conditioner is not in operation, the room temperature is read from the room temperature sensor 503 provided in the air conditioner body 2 (step 56).

Next, an operation mode information signal such as a set temperature is received together with the operation start information (step 57).
Then, this driving mode information is stored in the driving mode information RAM5.
09 (step 58).

Next, the type of operation such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, etc. is determined based on the difference between the set temperature and the detected room temperature (step 59).
).

Thereafter, the compressor 506, indoor fan motor 504, and outdoor fan motor 505 are started up (step 60).

Next, the room temperature is read (step 61), and based on the difference from the set temperature, the compressor 506 and indoor fan motor 50 are
4. Calculate the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 505 (step 62), and give commands to the compressor 506, indoor fan motor 504, and outdoor fan motor 505, respectively (step 63). Then return to power-on monitoring (step 50)
.

Here, the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 504,
It is assumed that the rotation speed and the like of the compressor 506 are determined by a predetermined method. For example, each table such as Tables 1 to 4 may be followed.

[0067]

[Table 1]

[0068]

[Table 2]

[0069]

[Table 3]

[0070]

[Table 4] In addition, if the received signal is an operation start information signal and the air conditioner is in operation, the room temperature is read (step 61), and the rotation speed of the fan motor and compressor is calculated based on the difference from the set value ( Step 62) and commands to these are performed (
Step 63). The above process (
Steps 61, 62, 63) are performed. If the received signal is a driving mode information signal, the received driving mode information is written into the driving mode information RAM 509 (step 64), and the above processing (steps 61, 62, 63) is executed.

As described above, according to the present invention, the air conditioner can be operated by voice in the same way as conventional button operations.

[0072] Also, by speaker identification, the temperature setting for automatic driving is automatically set to a value that is optimal for the speaker, and when driving is started by voice, the temperature setting that is optimal for the speaker is automatically selected. In this way, an optimal temperature environment can be provided to each individual.

In this embodiment, to simplify the explanation, voice operations are limited to starting and stopping operation, and switching the set temperature. It is clear that devices can also be made voice-operable. For example, register the command words "powerful" and "quiet", set the air volume setting for the indoor fan motor in the operation mode information, say "powerful" to set the air volume to strong wind, say "quiet" to set it to a gentle breeze, and then send it. The design should be such that it is sent to the air conditioner body through a circuit.

It is also clear that the backup battery 602 is not necessary if the command word standard pattern and the automatic operation setting temperature RAM for each speaker are configured with a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM.

FIG. 10 shows a functional block diagram of a second embodiment of the air conditioner operating device according to the present invention. In FIG. 10, the same symbols as in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts. As the air conditioner main body, one similar to that shown in FIG. 2 can be used. 107
is a set temperature change history RAM for each speaker, which stores the results of temperature switching by voice operations performed by each speaker for a predetermined period of time.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the set temperature in the automatic operation set temperature RAM 105 for each speaker is simply rewritten each time the set temperature is changed. For this reason, the temperature setting for automated driving is strongly influenced by the individual's short-term mood and condition.

For example, when you have a cold, you turn the heating temperature higher, and after sweating in the summer, you turn the air conditioner temperature lower. If that person starts driving the next day, the vehicle will automatically operate at the temperature set from the previous day, even though the conditions have changed from the previous day.

As described above, it is not preferable to change the set temperature for automatic operation every time the set temperature is changed. Originally, the temperature setting for automatic driving should be a certain long-term average temperature that the person feels comfortable with. This embodiment makes this possible.

FIG. 11 shows a part of the flowchart of the voice operation process in this embodiment. The flowchart of the voice operation processing of this embodiment is almost the same as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 (FIGS. 7 and 8), except that the processing steps 42a and 42b of FIG. 8 are replaced with the flowchart shown in FIG. 11. be. Each time a speaker changes the temperature setting using an operation command word such as "hot" or "cold", a new temperature setting for the speaker is written into the speaker-specific temperature setting change history RAM 107 (step 65). This speaker-specific temperature setting change history RAM 107 is stored in FIFO (Fi
rst In First Out) format, and stores a predetermined number of set temperatures. The predetermined number is, for example, 12, and if it is assumed that the temperature is changed twice a day, the set temperature for one week can be stored for each speaker. When a new set temperature is written, the oldest set temperature is discarded. Note that the above 12 pieces are just one example, and the number is not limited to this.

[0080] And set temperature change history RAM 107 for each speaker.
The automatic operation setting temperature is calculated using all the speaker-specific temperature setting data (step 66), and is written into the speaker-specific automatic operation temperature setting RAM 105 of the speaker (step 67). Although arithmetic averaging is a simple method for calculating the automatic operation setting temperature, it is not limited to this method.

Other operations are the same as those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, so explanations will be omitted.

In this way, according to this embodiment, each time the set temperature is changed, the set temperature for automatic operation is changed taking into account the past set temperature changes made by the speaker, including the current set temperature. Therefore, the comfortable temperature of the speaker can always be maintained as the automatic operation setting temperature without being affected by short-term mood or state changes of the speaker. Then, just by saying "drive", automatic operation can be started at the optimal temperature setting for each speaker, providing the speaker with the optimal temperature environment.

FIG. 12 shows a functional block diagram of a third embodiment of an air conditioner operating device according to the present invention. In FIG. 12, the same symbols as in FIG. 1 indicate the same parts. As the air conditioner main body, one similar to that shown in FIG. 2 can be used. 108
is an operation mode information RAM for each speaker, which stores operation mode information for each speaker when the air conditioner is in steady operation, such as air volume, wind direction, wind blowing state, etc. in addition to the set temperature.

[0084] Here, the wind blowing state refers to continuous wind, wind that intermittents at a certain period, wind that intermittents irregularly, or the like. In addition, steady operation refers to the operating state of the fan motor and compressor to maintain the set temperature.

[0085] At the start of operation, the fan motor and compressor are generally rotated at high speed in order to quickly bring the indoor temperature to the set temperature, and as soon as the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature becomes smaller, the rotation speed is reduced. I am made to do so. Control of the fan motor and compressor at this time is designed to maximize time and power saving effects.

[0086] When steady operation is reached, the set temperature is generally maintained, the rotational speeds of the fan motor and compressor are reduced, and the rotational speed of the indoor fan motor can be set relatively freely.

[0087] Since the period of steady operation is long, personal preference is given priority. For example, the way the wind hits you is greatly influenced by personal preference. People who are sensitive to heat prefer strong winds, while ordinary people prefer natural breezes, such as occasional breezes.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when someone starts driving and is in steady operation, if another speaker tries to change the temperature, air volume, wind direction, or wind blowing condition to his or her preference, the message " Change the temperature by saying ``hot'' or ``cold'', then utter the operation command word to change the air volume (for example, ``powerful'',
"Quiet"), then utter the operation command word to change the wind direction (e.g. "up", "middle", "down"), then utter the operation command word to change the wind outlet state (e.g. "continuous",
It becomes necessary to utter many operation command words in succession ("intermittent").

[0089] This embodiment attempts to realize a "favorite" function. This is done by registering the operation command word "favorite" and storing the driving mode information RAM 10 for each speaker.
8 was established. In addition to the set temperature, this speaker-specific operating mode information RAM 108 contains operating mode information that the individual thinks is preferable for steady operation, such as setting data for the indoor fan motor's air volume, air direction, and wind blowing state. remember.

Data is written to the speaker-specific driving mode information RAM 108 in the same manner as in the first embodiment (FIG. 1) and the second embodiment (FIG. 10). Do this every time you make a vocal change.

However, as in the second embodiment, the average data is calculated from a plurality of changed data for a predetermined period, and then the automatic operation setting temperature RAM 105 for each speaker and the operation mode information RA for each speaker are calculated.
In order to update M108, as in FIG. 10, the speaker-specific temperature setting change history RAM 107, the speaker-specific operating mode information that stores a predetermined number of set values for air volume, wind direction, and wind blowing state each time the setting values are changed. It is sufficient to provide a change history RAM. The RAM is not shown in FIG. In this case, for example, a large number of data stored in the change history RAM 108 may be used as the average data of the air volume, air direction, and air blowing state.

[0092] If the speaker utters "favorite" while driving normally, this operation command word is recognized and the speaker is identified. Next, the operating mode information of the speaker is read from the operating mode information RAM 108 for each speaker, written to the operating mode information RAM 106, and sent to the air conditioner body 2 via the transmitting circuit 201. .

Other operations The button operations of the remote control 1, the operations by voice operation, and the operations of the air conditioner main body 2 are the same as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and the embodiment of FIG. 10, and therefore their explanations will be omitted.

As explained above, according to this embodiment,
By uttering one word, ``your preference,'' it is possible to set the temperature, air volume, wind direction, and wind blowing condition that the speaker feels comfortable with all at once. Further, automatic operation start similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can also be performed.

[0095] In the above embodiments, an example in which the operating device takes the form of an operating remote control has been explained, but it is clear that similar effects can be obtained even if the operating device is integrated into the main body of the air conditioner. It is.

In the configuration in which the air conditioner is integrated, the transmitting circuit 201 and the receiving circuit 502 are unnecessary, and the circuit battery 60
1 can be omitted by using the power supply 507, the operation mode information RAM 106 and 509 are shared, and the M
The design can also be changed so that the PUs 102 and 508 are shared.

Note that the button operations in the embodiment may be replaced with some other operation means. Especially the voice button 4
13 has to be pressed every time you want to perform voice operations, which is annoying. Therefore, by utilizing the habit of people holding the remote control 1 in their hand and bringing the microphone 401 close to their mouth when inputting voice, the fact that the remote control 1 is held in a person's hand is detected by a change in the induced voltage. The output of the handheld detection means can be used in place of the voice button 413. To further ensure this, the proximity of the remote control 1 to the mouth may be detected when the amount of movement of the remote controller 1 exceeds a predetermined value, and the output of the handheld detection means may be supplemented. To detect the amount of movement,
For example, an acceleration sensor can be used. Further, although the microphone 401 and speaker 415 are built into the operation remote control 1 in the embodiment, they may be installed in separate housings and connected to the feature extraction circuit 402 and the voice synthesis circuit 414, respectively, through a wireless communication path. That is clear.

[0098] In this case, registration button 4 related to voice operation
09, speaker button A410, speaker button B411, speaker button C412, audio button 413 are microphone 40
It is desirable to install it in the same housing as 1. These button press information may be transmitted to the MPU 102 through the wireless channel using a modem or the like.

[0099]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can be operated by voice using voice recognition technology.

[0100] Also, by using speaker identification technology, the temperature setting for automatic driving is automatically set to the optimum value for the individual speaker, and the optimum temperature setting for the individual speaker is automatically selected when driving starts. This makes it possible to provide an air conditioner that can provide the speaker with an optimal temperature environment.

[0101] Also, by using speaker identification technology, the operating mode information (set temperature, air volume, wind direction, wind blowing state) is automatically set to the optimum value for the individual speaker, and the above-mentioned By simply uttering the words to shift to the driving mode ("your preference"), the vehicle can shift to the driving mode that is most suitable for the person speaking, and provide the person with the optimal temperature, wind, etc. environment. We can provide the best air conditioners.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioner main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the operating remote control.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a set temperature storage state of a speaker-specific automatic operation set temperature RAM.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of voice registration processing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a command word registration state of a command word standard pattern memory.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of voice operation processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of voice operation processing following FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner main body.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an operating device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing part of voice operation processing.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of an operating device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Operation remote control 2 Air conditioner body 402 Feature extraction circuit 403 Input pattern memory 404 Command word standard pattern memory 406 Pattern matching processing circuit 407 Command word recognition processing circuit 408 Speaker identification processing circuit 105 Automatic operation setting temperature RAM for each speaker 107 Speaker Separate setting temperature change history RAM108 Operating mode information for each speaker RAM602 Backup battery

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An air conditioner comprising an operating device and an air conditioner main body, comprising: voice recognition means for recognizing operation command words uttered by a plurality of speakers; and a voice recognition means for recognizing operation command words uttered by a plurality of speakers; speaker identification means for identifying a person who is speaking, and speaker-specific set temperature value storage means for storing a set temperature value for automatic driving for each speaker, and when a word instructing to start driving is uttered, the voice The recognition means recognizes the operation start command,
The speaker identification means identifies the speaker of the utterance, and the speaker's set temperature value for automatic driving is obtained from the speaker-specific set temperature value storage means, and the automatic driving is started. Air conditioner with special features. 2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, when a word commanding a temperature change is uttered, the voice recognition means recognizes the temperature change, changes the set temperature, and identifies the speaker. An air conditioner characterized in that the device identifies the speaker of the utterance and changes the setting value of the speaker in the speaker-specific temperature setting value storage device. 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising speaker-specific set temperature change history storage means for storing a predetermined number of set temperature values for each speaker each time the set temperature value is changed. When the command word is uttered, the voice recognition means recognizes the temperature change and changes the set temperature, and the speaker identification means identifies the speaker who uttered the utterance, and changes the set temperature for each speaker. The set temperature is written in the area for that speaker in the history storage means, and the set temperature value for that speaker in the speaker-specific set temperature value storage means is stored in the predetermined setting temperature value for that speaker in the speaker-specific set temperature change history storage means. An air conditioner characterized in that the set temperature value of the number is changed to a value obtained by a predetermined calculation process. 4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the speaker-specific temperature setting storage means and the speaker-specific temperature setting change history storage means are backed up by a second power source different from other circuit power sources. An air conditioner characterized by: 5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the speaker-specific temperature setting storage means and the speaker-specific temperature setting change history storage means are constructed of non-volatile memory. 6. An air conditioner comprising an operating device and an air conditioner main body, comprising: voice recognition means for recognizing operation command words uttered by a plurality of speakers; and a voice recognition means for recognizing operation command words uttered by a plurality of speakers; speaker identification means for identifying the person who is speaking; and speaker-specific driving mode information storage means for storing at least one driving mode information such as set temperature, air volume, wind direction, and wind blowing state for each speaker. When a word for selecting a driving mode is uttered, the voice recognition means recognizes the selection of the driving mode, the speaker identification means identifies the speaker of the utterance, and the driving mode information of the speaker is obtained. An air conditioner characterized in that the operating state is changed by obtaining the information from the speaker-specific operating mode information storage means. 7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, wherein when a word instructing to change a set temperature, air volume, wind direction, wind blowing state, etc. is uttered, the voice recognition means recognizes the change; In addition to changing the set temperature, air volume, wind direction, wind blowing state, etc., the speaker identification means identifies the speaker who made the utterance, and the set temperature and air volume of the speaker are changed in the speaker-specific driving mode information storage means. , an air conditioner characterized in that setting values such as wind direction, wind blowing state, etc. can be changed. 8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein each time the set temperature, air volume, wind direction, and air blowing state are changed for each speaker, the set value is changed by a predetermined number of times. comprising a speaker-specific driving mode information change history storage means for storing, when a word instructing a change in a set temperature, air volume, wind direction, wind blowing state, etc. is uttered, the voice recognition means recognizes the change; At the same time as changing the set temperature, air volume, wind direction, wind blowing state, etc., the speaker identifying the person who made the utterance is identified by the speaker identifying means, and the information is stored in the area of the speaker in the speaker-specific driving mode information change history storage means. Write the set values such as the set temperature, air volume, wind direction, wind blowing condition, etc.
The set values of the speaker's set temperature, air volume, wind direction, wind blowing state, etc. in the speaker-specific driving mode information storage means are stored in a predetermined number of speakers' set values in the speaker-specific driving mode information change history storage means. An air conditioner characterized in that a set value is changed to a value determined by a predetermined calculation process. 9. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined calculation process is an arithmetic average. 10. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the speaker-specific operation mode information storage means and the speaker-specific operation mode information change history storage means are provided by a second power source different from other circuit power sources. An air conditioner characterized by a backup. 11. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein the speaker-specific operation mode information storage means and the speaker-specific operation mode information change history storage means are constructed of non-volatile memory. Machine.