US20080264087A1 - Air conditioning controller - Google Patents
Air conditioning controller Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080264087A1 US20080264087A1 US12/081,856 US8185608A US2008264087A1 US 20080264087 A1 US20080264087 A1 US 20080264087A1 US 8185608 A US8185608 A US 8185608A US 2008264087 A1 US2008264087 A1 US 2008264087A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air conditioning
- temperature
- user
- unit
- air conditioner
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00642—Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices
- B60H1/00964—Control systems or circuits characterised by including features for automatic and non-automatic control, e.g. for changing from automatic to manual control
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating [HVAC] devices
- B60H1/00642—Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices
- B60H1/00735—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
- F24F11/46—Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F2110/00—Control inputs relating to air properties
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
- Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
- Y02T10/80—Technologies aiming to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions common to all road transportation technologies
- Y02T10/88—Optimized components or subsystems, e.g. lighting, actively controlled glasses
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a technology for controlling an air conditioner.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H5-310028 discloses a conventional technology in which operation of an air conditioner is optimally controlled based on environment.
- an automotive air conditioner is used to remove mist or frost (condensation) from the window.
- mist or frost condensation
- the air conditioner cannot effectively remove condensation from the window.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. S62-227809 discloses a conventional technology in which, even if an automotive air conditioner is in energy saving mode, upon detecting mist or frost on the window, cooling operation is preferentially performed.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-16443 discloses a conventional technology in which, based on user's efforts, it is evaluated whether the user has acted in an environmentally-friendly manner.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-125668 discloses a conventional technology in which, each time a user operates a temperature-setting button, a threshold of an energy-saving temperature range is displayed in a remote control display, and thus the user is urged to drive in an environmentally-friendly manner.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-220907 discloses another conventional technology in which a user is notified of specific electric charge and data related to electricity saving.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-166868 discloses still another conventional technology in which a vehicle user can easily recognize a pattern of change in fuel consumption when a temperature setting is changed.
- the air conditioner operates in the same manner for a certain time period.
- an automotive air conditioner is also used to remove mist or frost (condensation) from the window. Because a swift removal is required to secure visibility for a driver and driving safety, the air conditioner needs to be used to the maximum capacity. Thus, evaluating user operation only from the operation of the air conditioner is not appropriate.
- an air conditioning controller including a determining unit that determines, based on a user setting, operation of an air conditioner; an acquiring unit that acquires an interior temperature of a target space for air conditioning control; and an evaluating unit that compares the user setting with an ideal setting or operation of the air conditioner based on the user setting with operation of the air conditioner based on the ideal setting to evaluate the operation of the air conditioner based on the user setting. Based on the interior temperature, the evaluating unit changes an evaluation threshold, or suspends evaluating the operation of the air conditioner.
- an air conditioning controller including a calculating unit that calculates, based on an exterior temperature, an ideal target temperature; a determining unit that acquires a user setting that specifies a target temperature in a target space for air conditioning control, and determines, based on the target temperature, operation of an air conditioner; and an evaluating unit that compares operation of the air conditioner based on the target temperature with operation of the air conditioner based on the ideal target temperature to evaluate the user setting.
- an air conditioning controller including a determining unit that determines, based on a user setting, operation of an automotive air conditioner; an evaluating unit that evaluates any one of the user setting and operation of the automotive air conditioner based on the user setting; and a suspending unit that suspends the evaluating unit from performing evaluation for a predetermined time period in a specific state.
- FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of an air conditioning controller according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a graph for explaining a temperature setting and the operation of air conditioners
- FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a comparison of operations of the air conditioners
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the air conditioning controller for comparing the operations of the air conditioners
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process performed by the air conditioning controller when the vehicle interior temperature is outside a predetermined range
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another process performed by the air conditioning controller when the vehicle interior temperature is outside a predetermined range.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of the air conditioning controller immediately after a user boards a vehicle or during defrosting.
- FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an automotive air conditioning controller 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the air conditioning controller 10 is connected to an input unit 21 , an external temperature sensor 22 , an interior temperature sensor 23 , an engine-water temperature sensor 24 , a defroster 25 , a compressor 31 , a blower 32 , an air-mixing actuator 33 , a display unit 41 , and a speaker 42 .
- the input unit 21 receives, from a user (a driver of a vehicle, etc.), input related to, for example, switching on/off air conditioning operation and a target vehicle interior temperature.
- the input unit 21 can include hardware buttons, switches, or a touch panel.
- the external temperature sensor 22 detects the temperature outside the vehicle, i.e., external or exterior temperature.
- the interior temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature inside the vehicle.
- the engine-water temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature of cooling water of an engine.
- the defroster 25 removes mist, frost, or condensation from windows (mainly rear windows) of the vehicle.
- the compressor 31 , the blower 32 , and the air-mixing actuator 33 are automotive air conditioners.
- the air-mixing actuator 33 mixes, in a predetermined ratio, air cooled due to circulation of a refrigerant by the compressor 31 and air warmed due to engine cooling water.
- the blower 32 blows the mixed air inside the vehicle.
- the display unit 41 and the speaker 42 provide data to the user in the form of display output and sound output, respectively.
- the display unit 41 , the speaker 42 , and the input unit 21 can also be shared with other automotive devices such as a navigation system and a car audio system.
- the air conditioning controller 10 controls the automotive air conditioners such as the compressor 31 , the blower 32 , and the air-mixing actuator 33 .
- the air conditioning controller 10 includes an air conditioning unit 11 , an evaluating unit 12 , a calculating unit 13 , a determining unit 14 , and a defrosting operation detector 15 .
- the air conditioning unit 11 determines the operation of the automotive air conditioners (the compressor 31 , the blower 32 , and the air-mixing actuator 33 ), and controls each automotive air conditioner based on the determination.
- the air conditioning unit 11 controls the operation of the automotive air conditioners while monitoring a detection result of the interior temperature sensor 23 , thus reducing the vehicle interior temperature to 20° C.
- the evaluating unit 12 includes a comparing unit 12 a, a threshold changing unit 12 b, and an evaluation terminating unit 12 c, and evaluates whether air conditioning operation based on user input is environmentally friendly, i.e., performs ecology evaluation. Specifically, the evaluating unit 12 compares a vehicle interior temperature setting (target temperature inside the vehicle) specified by the user and an ideal temperature setting that is environmentally friendly. If the vehicle interior temperature set by the user is within a predetermined range from the ideal temperature, the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate and is environmentally friendly. If the vehicle interior temperature set by the user is outside the predetermined range, the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate.
- a vehicle interior temperature setting target temperature inside the vehicle
- ideal temperature setting that is environmentally friendly. If the vehicle interior temperature set by the user is within a predetermined range from the ideal temperature, the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate and is environmentally friendly. If the vehicle interior temperature set by the user is outside the predetermined range, the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is
- the calculating unit 13 Based on the exterior temperature, the calculating unit 13 sets an ideal temperature.
- the calculating unit 13 can store ideal temperatures in association with exterior temperatures in the form of a map. For example, if the exterior temperature at the time of cooling is less than or equal to 38° C., corresponding ideal temperature can be 28° C., and if the external temperature exceeds 39° C., corresponding ideal temperature can be 25° C.
- the ideal temperature setting can also be derived from the external temperature in an arbitrary manner. Besides, apart from the temperature setting, the calculating unit 13 can also calculate an ideal operation of the automotive air conditioners.
- Ecology evaluation of user operation is repeatedly performed at predetermined intervals, for example, during the operation of the automotive air conditioners. Evaluation results are summed up and output through the display unit 41 and the speaker 42 , thus urging the user to specify an environmentally-friendly setting. While the result of the ecology evaluation is explained herein as being reported to the user, it can be used for any purpose in an arbitrary manner.
- the vehicle interior temperature is very high (36° C. in FIG. 2 ) at the time of boarding the vehicle, regardless of a temperature setting specified by the user, a maximum level of cooling is required until the vehicle interior temperature is reduced to some extent.
- vehicle interior temperature transitions A 1 and A 2 shown in FIG. 2 regardless of whether the user has specified 28° C., i.e., ideal temperature setting, or 18° C. at an air conditioning operation starting point (time t 1 ), the air conditioners operate in the same manner for a certain time period (until time t 1 in FIG. 2 ).
- a temperature setting specified by the user can be evaluated as to whether it allows the air conditioners to operate environmentally friendly.
- accurate evaluation is difficult immediately after the user boards the vehicle.
- the actual operation of the air conditioners is compared with the ideal operation, a threshold for ecology evaluation is changed in a specific state such as immediately after the user boards the vehicle, or ecology evaluation is not performed for a specific time period.
- the comparing unit 12 a compares the operation (blowing direction and blowing amount of the blower 32 , air mixing of the air-mixing actuator 33 , internal air circulation and external air introduction, etc.) of the automotive air conditioners calculated by the air conditioning unit 11 based on a temperature setting specified by the user, and the operation of the automotive air conditioners calculated by the calculating unit 13 based on an ideal temperature setting.
- the air conditioning unit 11 compares the actual air conditioning operation. Due to this, the set content from the user can be precisely evaluated.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the air conditioning controller 10 that is repeated during the operation of the automotive air conditioners.
- the calculating unit 13 calculates an ideal temperature setting from the external temperature (step S 101 ).
- the air conditioning unit 11 calculates ideal air conditioning operation from the ideal temperature setting (step S 102 ).
- the air conditioning unit 11 calculates actual air conditioning operation from a temperature setting specified by user input (step S 103 ).
- the evaluating unit 12 compares the ideal air conditioning operation and the actual air conditioning operation performed based on the user input (step S 104 ).
- step S 105 Based on the comparison, if a difference between the ideal air conditioning operation and the actual air conditioning operation is within an acceptable range (Yes at step S 105 ), the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate (step S 106 ). If the difference is not within the acceptable range (No at step S 105 ), the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate (step S 107 ) and ends the process.
- FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process performed by the air conditioning controller 10 when the vehicle interior temperature is outside a predetermined range.
- this process for example, when the vehicle interior temperature is extremely high in summer or low in winter, it is assumed that the user has just boarded the vehicle and the vehicle interior temperature is not yet sufficiently controlled. Thus, ecology evaluation is not performed until the vehicle interior temperature is within the predetermined range.
- the determining unit 14 acquires the vehicle interior temperature sensed by the interior temperature sensor 23 (step S 201 ). If the vehicle interior temperature is not within a predetermined range (No at step S 202 ), the determining unit 14 determines that the user has just boarded the vehicle. The evaluation terminating unit 12 c terminates or suspends the evaluation, and the process ends.
- the calculating unit 13 calculates the ideal temperature setting from the external temperature (step S 203 ).
- the evaluating unit 12 compares a temperature setting specified by user input and the ideal temperature setting calculated by the calculating unit 13 (step S 204 ).
- step S 205 Based on the comparison, if a difference between the specified temperature setting and the ideal temperature setting is equal to or less than a threshold (Yes at step S 205 ), the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate (step S 206 ). If the difference is above the threshold (No at step S 205 ), the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate (step S 207 ), and the process ends.
- FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another process performed by the air conditioning controller 10 when the vehicle interior temperature is outside a predetermined range.
- the air conditioning controller 10 when the vehicle interior temperature is extremely high in summer or low in winter, it is assumed that the user has just boarded the vehicle and the vehicle interior temperature is not yet sufficiently controlled.
- the evaluating unit 12 temporarily changes a threshold for ecology evaluation and performs the evaluation.
- the determining unit 14 acquires the vehicle interior temperature sensed by the interior temperature sensor 23 (step S 301 ). If the vehicle interior temperature is not within a predetermined range (No at step S 302 ), the determining unit 14 determines that the user has just boarded the vehicle.
- the threshold changing unit 12 b changes a threshold for ecology evaluation (step S 303 ).
- the calculating unit 13 calculates an ideal temperature setting from the external temperature (step S 304 ).
- the evaluating unit 12 compares a temperature setting specified by user input and the ideal temperature setting calculated by the calculating unit 13 (step S 305 ).
- step S 306 If a difference between the specified temperature setting and the ideal temperature setting is less than or equal to the threshold (Yes at step S 306 ), the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate (step S 307 ). If the difference is above the threshold (No at step S 306 ), the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate (step S 308 ), and the process ends.
- the determining unit 14 determines whether the user has just boarded the vehicle; however, this can be determined by any other methods. For example, whether the user has just boarded the vehicle can also be determined from a temperature of the cooling water of the engine. Further, by detecting a change in pressure to a seat surface or using image recognition, it can also be determined whether the user has just boarded the vehicle.
- the air conditioners operate to remove mist or frost (condensation) from the window, a swift removal is required to secure visibility for a driver and to secure driving safety. Thus, the air conditioners need to be used to the maximum capacity.
- FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process performed by the air conditioning controller 10 while the defroster 25 is operating.
- the determining unit 14 determines a boarding state of the user from the vehicle interior temperature and an engine water temperature, and if a predetermined time period has not elapsed after his/her boarding the vehicle (Yes at step S 401 ), the evaluation terminating unit 12 c terminates the evaluation, and the process ends.
- the defrosting operation detector 15 is monitoring the operation of the defroster 25 . If the defroster 25 is operating (Yes at step S 402 ), the evaluation terminating unit 12 c terminates the evaluation, and the process ends.
- the calculating unit 13 calculates an ideal temperature setting from the external temperature (step S 403 ).
- the evaluating unit 12 compares a temperature setting specified by user input and the ideal temperature setting calculated by the calculating unit 13 (step S 404 ).
- step S 405 If a difference between the specified temperature setting and the ideal temperature setting is less than or equal to a threshold (Yes at step S 405 ), the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate (step S 406 ). If the difference is above the threshold (No at step S 405 ), the evaluating unit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate (step S 407 ), and the process ends.
- the air conditioning controller 10 when comparing the actual operation of the air conditioners, in a specific state such as immediately after the user boards the vehicle or during defrosting, the air conditioning controller 10 changes a threshold for ecology evaluation or suspends ecology evaluation. Due to this, whether air conditioning operation by the user is environmentally friendly can be accurately determined. Thus, reliability of evaluation can be enhanced, and the user can behave in an environmentally-friendly manner.
- the user sets a target vehicle interior temperature during cooling operation.
- the present invention is not to be thus limited, and can be applied with the same effect to heating operation. Further, the user can separately specify blowing direction and blowing amount, air mixing, switching between internal air circulation and external air introduction, and the like.
- the air warmed by the cooling water of the engine is mixed with the air cooled by the refrigerant that is circulated by the compressor and the mixed air is blown inside the vehicle. Due to this, a degree of environmentally-friendly behavior of the user does not always match a degree of actual influence on the environment. Therefore, in the above embodiment, whether the user is behaving in an environmentally-friendly manner is qualitatively evaluated rather than measuring the actual extent of influence on the environment due to the operation by the user and the user is instructed about the course of action.
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Abstract
An air conditioning controller includes an air conditioning unit and an evaluating unit. The air conditioning unit determines operation of an air conditioner such that a temperature specified by a user setting matches a vehicle interior temperature. The evaluating unit compares the temperature specified by the user setting and an ideal temperature, and determines, for ecology evaluation, whether the user setting is environmentally friendly. The air conditioning controller compares actual operation of the air conditioner with ideal operation, or changes a threshold for the ecology evaluation or suspends the ecology evaluation in a specific state.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a technology for controlling an air conditioner.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Recently, efforts to reduce emission of greenhouse gases have been emphasized. For example, users are recommended to set a cooler to a temperature of 28° C. and a heater to 20° C., and to technically reduce exhaust gases emitted from vehicles. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. H5-310028 discloses a conventional technology in which operation of an air conditioner is optimally controlled based on environment.
- Apart from control of temperature in a vehicle, an automotive air conditioner is used to remove mist or frost (condensation) from the window. However, for example, in energy-saving mode, the air conditioner cannot effectively remove condensation from the window. To overcome the drawback, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. S62-227809 discloses a conventional technology in which, even if an automotive air conditioner is in energy saving mode, upon detecting mist or frost on the window, cooling operation is preferentially performed.
- Recently, in addition to operation control of vehicles, there has been proposed technologies which provide information to users and, based on evaluation of users' operation, urge the users to behave in an environmentally-friendly manner. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-16443 discloses a conventional technology in which, based on user's efforts, it is evaluated whether the user has acted in an environmentally-friendly manner. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2006-125668 discloses a conventional technology in which, each time a user operates a temperature-setting button, a threshold of an energy-saving temperature range is displayed in a remote control display, and thus the user is urged to drive in an environmentally-friendly manner.
- Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-220907 discloses another conventional technology in which a user is notified of specific electric charge and data related to electricity saving. Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2003-166868 discloses still another conventional technology in which a vehicle user can easily recognize a pattern of change in fuel consumption when a temperature setting is changed.
- However, upon evaluating operation input from a user, if a vehicle interior temperature setting (target vehicle interior temperature for air conditioning) specified by the user is evaluated by simply comparing it with an ideal temperature setting that is environmentally friendly, evaluation accuracy decreases.
- Specifically, if the vehicle interior temperature is very high at the time of boarding the vehicle, regardless of a temperature setting specified by a user, a maximum level of cooling is required until the vehicle interior temperature is reduced to some extent. Thus, regardless of whether the user has specified 28° C., i.e., ideal temperature setting, or 18° C., the air conditioner operates in the same manner for a certain time period.
- Thus, in a situation that results in the same operation of the air conditioner, it is not appropriate to evaluate user operation based only on the temperature setting.
- As described above, an automotive air conditioner is also used to remove mist or frost (condensation) from the window. Because a swift removal is required to secure visibility for a driver and driving safety, the air conditioner needs to be used to the maximum capacity. Thus, evaluating user operation only from the operation of the air conditioner is not appropriate.
- However, the actual operation state of the air conditioner and an operation purpose thereof are not considered in the conventional technologies. Due to this, user operation cannot be evaluated accurately. Low accuracy in evaluation reduces the reliability of an evaluation result, and thus the user cannot be urged to behave in an environmentally-friendly manner.
- It is an object of the present invention to at least partially solve the problems in the conventional technology.
- According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning controller including a determining unit that determines, based on a user setting, operation of an air conditioner; an acquiring unit that acquires an interior temperature of a target space for air conditioning control; and an evaluating unit that compares the user setting with an ideal setting or operation of the air conditioner based on the user setting with operation of the air conditioner based on the ideal setting to evaluate the operation of the air conditioner based on the user setting. Based on the interior temperature, the evaluating unit changes an evaluation threshold, or suspends evaluating the operation of the air conditioner.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning controller including a calculating unit that calculates, based on an exterior temperature, an ideal target temperature; a determining unit that acquires a user setting that specifies a target temperature in a target space for air conditioning control, and determines, based on the target temperature, operation of an air conditioner; and an evaluating unit that compares operation of the air conditioner based on the target temperature with operation of the air conditioner based on the ideal target temperature to evaluate the user setting.
- According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning controller including a determining unit that determines, based on a user setting, operation of an automotive air conditioner; an evaluating unit that evaluates any one of the user setting and operation of the automotive air conditioner based on the user setting; and a suspending unit that suspends the evaluating unit from performing evaluation for a predetermined time period in a specific state.
- The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of an air conditioning controller according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a graph for explaining a temperature setting and the operation of air conditioners; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining a comparison of operations of the air conditioners; -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the air conditioning controller for comparing the operations of the air conditioners; -
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process performed by the air conditioning controller when the vehicle interior temperature is outside a predetermined range; -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another process performed by the air conditioning controller when the vehicle interior temperature is outside a predetermined range; and -
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of the air conditioning controller immediately after a user boards a vehicle or during defrosting. - Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an automotiveair conditioning controller 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theair conditioning controller 10 is connected to aninput unit 21, an external temperature sensor 22, aninterior temperature sensor 23, an engine-water temperature sensor 24, a defroster 25, acompressor 31, ablower 32, an air-mixing actuator 33, adisplay unit 41, and aspeaker 42. - The
input unit 21 receives, from a user (a driver of a vehicle, etc.), input related to, for example, switching on/off air conditioning operation and a target vehicle interior temperature. Theinput unit 21 can include hardware buttons, switches, or a touch panel. The external temperature sensor 22 detects the temperature outside the vehicle, i.e., external or exterior temperature. Theinterior temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature inside the vehicle. The engine-water temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature of cooling water of an engine. The defroster 25 removes mist, frost, or condensation from windows (mainly rear windows) of the vehicle. - The
compressor 31, theblower 32, and the air-mixingactuator 33 are automotive air conditioners. The air-mixingactuator 33 mixes, in a predetermined ratio, air cooled due to circulation of a refrigerant by thecompressor 31 and air warmed due to engine cooling water. Theblower 32 blows the mixed air inside the vehicle. - The
display unit 41 and thespeaker 42 provide data to the user in the form of display output and sound output, respectively. Thedisplay unit 41, thespeaker 42, and theinput unit 21 can also be shared with other automotive devices such as a navigation system and a car audio system. - The
air conditioning controller 10 controls the automotive air conditioners such as thecompressor 31, theblower 32, and the air-mixingactuator 33. Theair conditioning controller 10 includes anair conditioning unit 11, an evaluatingunit 12, a calculatingunit 13, a determiningunit 14, and adefrosting operation detector 15. - Based on user input and vehicle interior temperature, the
air conditioning unit 11 determines the operation of the automotive air conditioners (thecompressor 31, theblower 32, and the air-mixing actuator 33), and controls each automotive air conditioner based on the determination. - For example, if the user provides input to instruct to reduce a target vehicle interior temperature to 20° C., the
air conditioning unit 11 controls the operation of the automotive air conditioners while monitoring a detection result of theinterior temperature sensor 23, thus reducing the vehicle interior temperature to 20° C. - The evaluating
unit 12 includes a comparingunit 12 a, athreshold changing unit 12 b, and anevaluation terminating unit 12 c, and evaluates whether air conditioning operation based on user input is environmentally friendly, i.e., performs ecology evaluation. Specifically, the evaluatingunit 12 compares a vehicle interior temperature setting (target temperature inside the vehicle) specified by the user and an ideal temperature setting that is environmentally friendly. If the vehicle interior temperature set by the user is within a predetermined range from the ideal temperature, the evaluatingunit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate and is environmentally friendly. If the vehicle interior temperature set by the user is outside the predetermined range, the evaluatingunit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate. - Based on the exterior temperature, the calculating
unit 13 sets an ideal temperature. The calculatingunit 13 can store ideal temperatures in association with exterior temperatures in the form of a map. For example, if the exterior temperature at the time of cooling is less than or equal to 38° C., corresponding ideal temperature can be 28° C., and if the external temperature exceeds 39° C., corresponding ideal temperature can be 25° C. The ideal temperature setting can also be derived from the external temperature in an arbitrary manner. Besides, apart from the temperature setting, the calculatingunit 13 can also calculate an ideal operation of the automotive air conditioners. - Ecology evaluation of user operation is repeatedly performed at predetermined intervals, for example, during the operation of the automotive air conditioners. Evaluation results are summed up and output through the
display unit 41 and thespeaker 42, thus urging the user to specify an environmentally-friendly setting. While the result of the ecology evaluation is explained herein as being reported to the user, it can be used for any purpose in an arbitrary manner. - Upon evaluating operation input from the user, if a vehicle interior temperature setting specified by the user is evaluated by simply comparing it with an ideal temperature setting that is environmentally friendly, this may result in low evaluation accuracy.
- For example, as shown in
FIG. 2 , if the vehicle interior temperature is very high (36° C. inFIG. 2 ) at the time of boarding the vehicle, regardless of a temperature setting specified by the user, a maximum level of cooling is required until the vehicle interior temperature is reduced to some extent. - That is, as indicated by vehicle interior temperature transitions A1 and A2 shown in
FIG. 2 , regardless of whether the user has specified 28° C., i.e., ideal temperature setting, or 18° C. at an air conditioning operation starting point (time t1), the air conditioners operate in the same manner for a certain time period (until time t1 inFIG. 2 ). - Due to this, after lapse of a predetermined time period from the start of the air conditioning operation (for example, time tn), a temperature setting specified by the user can be evaluated as to whether it allows the air conditioners to operate environmentally friendly. However, accurate evaluation is difficult immediately after the user boards the vehicle.
- To enhance evaluation accuracy, in the
air conditioning controller 10, the actual operation of the air conditioners is compared with the ideal operation, a threshold for ecology evaluation is changed in a specific state such as immediately after the user boards the vehicle, or ecology evaluation is not performed for a specific time period. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the comparingunit 12 a compares the operation (blowing direction and blowing amount of theblower 32, air mixing of the air-mixingactuator 33, internal air circulation and external air introduction, etc.) of the automotive air conditioners calculated by theair conditioning unit 11 based on a temperature setting specified by the user, and the operation of the automotive air conditioners calculated by the calculatingunit 13 based on an ideal temperature setting. - Thus, instead of directly comparing the set content from the user, the
air conditioning unit 11 compares the actual air conditioning operation. Due to this, the set content from the user can be precisely evaluated. -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of theair conditioning controller 10 that is repeated during the operation of the automotive air conditioners. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , first, the calculatingunit 13 calculates an ideal temperature setting from the external temperature (step S101). Theair conditioning unit 11 calculates ideal air conditioning operation from the ideal temperature setting (step S102). - Next, the
air conditioning unit 11 calculates actual air conditioning operation from a temperature setting specified by user input (step S103). The evaluatingunit 12 compares the ideal air conditioning operation and the actual air conditioning operation performed based on the user input (step S104). - Based on the comparison, if a difference between the ideal air conditioning operation and the actual air conditioning operation is within an acceptable range (Yes at step S105), the evaluating
unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate (step S106). If the difference is not within the acceptable range (No at step S105), the evaluatingunit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate (step S107) and ends the process. - Explained next is a process in which the
air conditioning controller 10 changes a threshold for ecology evaluation in a specific state such as immediately after the user boards the vehicle, or does not perform ecology evaluation for a specific period. -
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process performed by theair conditioning controller 10 when the vehicle interior temperature is outside a predetermined range. In this process, for example, when the vehicle interior temperature is extremely high in summer or low in winter, it is assumed that the user has just boarded the vehicle and the vehicle interior temperature is not yet sufficiently controlled. Thus, ecology evaluation is not performed until the vehicle interior temperature is within the predetermined range. - Specifically, first, the determining
unit 14 acquires the vehicle interior temperature sensed by the interior temperature sensor 23 (step S201). If the vehicle interior temperature is not within a predetermined range (No at step S202), the determiningunit 14 determines that the user has just boarded the vehicle. Theevaluation terminating unit 12 c terminates or suspends the evaluation, and the process ends. - If the vehicle interior temperature is within the predetermined range (Yes at step S202), the calculating
unit 13 calculates the ideal temperature setting from the external temperature (step S203). The evaluatingunit 12 compares a temperature setting specified by user input and the ideal temperature setting calculated by the calculating unit 13 (step S204). - Based on the comparison, if a difference between the specified temperature setting and the ideal temperature setting is equal to or less than a threshold (Yes at step S205), the evaluating
unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate (step S206). If the difference is above the threshold (No at step S205), the evaluatingunit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate (step S207), and the process ends. -
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another process performed by theair conditioning controller 10 when the vehicle interior temperature is outside a predetermined range. In this process, for example, when the vehicle interior temperature is extremely high in summer or low in winter, it is assumed that the user has just boarded the vehicle and the vehicle interior temperature is not yet sufficiently controlled. Thus, the evaluatingunit 12 temporarily changes a threshold for ecology evaluation and performs the evaluation. - Specifically, first, the determining
unit 14 acquires the vehicle interior temperature sensed by the interior temperature sensor 23 (step S301). If the vehicle interior temperature is not within a predetermined range (No at step S302), the determiningunit 14 determines that the user has just boarded the vehicle. Thethreshold changing unit 12 b changes a threshold for ecology evaluation (step S303). - If the vehicle interior temperature is within the predetermined range (Yes at step S302), or after the threshold is changed (step S303), the calculating
unit 13 calculates an ideal temperature setting from the external temperature (step S304). The evaluatingunit 12 compares a temperature setting specified by user input and the ideal temperature setting calculated by the calculating unit 13 (step S305). - If a difference between the specified temperature setting and the ideal temperature setting is less than or equal to the threshold (Yes at step S306), the evaluating
unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate (step S307). If the difference is above the threshold (No at step S306), the evaluatingunit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate (step S308), and the process ends. - As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , based on the vehicle interior temperature, the determiningunit 14 determines whether the user has just boarded the vehicle; however, this can be determined by any other methods. For example, whether the user has just boarded the vehicle can also be determined from a temperature of the cooling water of the engine. Further, by detecting a change in pressure to a seat surface or using image recognition, it can also be determined whether the user has just boarded the vehicle. - Apart from immediately after the user boards the vehicle, when the air conditioners operate to remove mist or frost (condensation) from the window, a swift removal is required to secure visibility for a driver and to secure driving safety. Thus, the air conditioners need to be used to the maximum capacity.
- As during a predetermined time period after the user boards the vehicle, the
air conditioning controller 10 also controls the evaluatingunit 12 not to perform ecology evaluation while the defroster 25 is operating to remove mist or frost from the window.FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process performed by theair conditioning controller 10 while the defroster 25 is operating. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , first, the determiningunit 14 determines a boarding state of the user from the vehicle interior temperature and an engine water temperature, and if a predetermined time period has not elapsed after his/her boarding the vehicle (Yes at step S401), theevaluation terminating unit 12 c terminates the evaluation, and the process ends. - The
defrosting operation detector 15 is monitoring the operation of the defroster 25. If the defroster 25 is operating (Yes at step S402), theevaluation terminating unit 12 c terminates the evaluation, and the process ends. - If the defroster 25 is not operating (No at step S402), the calculating
unit 13 calculates an ideal temperature setting from the external temperature (step S403). The evaluatingunit 12 compares a temperature setting specified by user input and the ideal temperature setting calculated by the calculating unit 13 (step S404). - If a difference between the specified temperature setting and the ideal temperature setting is less than or equal to a threshold (Yes at step S405), the evaluating
unit 12 determines that the setting is appropriate (step S406). If the difference is above the threshold (No at step S405), the evaluatingunit 12 determines that the setting is not appropriate (step S407), and the process ends. - Thus, when comparing the actual operation of the air conditioners, in a specific state such as immediately after the user boards the vehicle or during defrosting, the
air conditioning controller 10 changes a threshold for ecology evaluation or suspends ecology evaluation. Due to this, whether air conditioning operation by the user is environmentally friendly can be accurately determined. Thus, reliability of evaluation can be enhanced, and the user can behave in an environmentally-friendly manner. - In the above embodiment, the user sets a target vehicle interior temperature during cooling operation. However, the present invention is not to be thus limited, and can be applied with the same effect to heating operation. Further, the user can separately specify blowing direction and blowing amount, air mixing, switching between internal air circulation and external air introduction, and the like.
- In the automotive air conditioners, which are powered by the engine, the air warmed by the cooling water of the engine is mixed with the air cooled by the refrigerant that is circulated by the compressor and the mixed air is blown inside the vehicle. Due to this, a degree of environmentally-friendly behavior of the user does not always match a degree of actual influence on the environment. Therefore, in the above embodiment, whether the user is behaving in an environmentally-friendly manner is qualitatively evaluated rather than measuring the actual extent of influence on the environment due to the operation by the user and the user is instructed about the course of action.
- According to an embodiment of the present invention, taking actual operation state of air conditioners into account, it can be determined whether air conditioning operation by a user is environmentally friendly with high accuracy.
- Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims are not to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying all modifications and alternative constructions that may occur to one skilled in the art that fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.
Claims (6)
1. An air conditioning controller comprising:
a determining unit that determines, based on a user setting, operation of an air conditioner;
an acquiring unit that acquires an interior temperature of a target space for air conditioning control; and
an evaluating unit that compares the user setting with an ideal setting or operation of the air conditioner based on the user setting with operation of the air conditioner based on the ideal setting to evaluate the operation of the air conditioner based on the user setting, wherein
based on the interior temperature, the evaluating unit changes an evaluation threshold, or suspends evaluating the operation of the air conditioner.
2. The air conditioning controller according to claim 1 , wherein the user setting specifies a target temperature in the target space.
3. An air conditioning controller comprising:
a calculating unit that calculates, based on an exterior temperature, an ideal target temperature;
a determining unit that acquires a user setting that specifies a target temperature in a target space for air conditioning control, and determines, based on the target temperature, operation of an air conditioner; and
an evaluating unit that compares operation of the air conditioner based on the target temperature with operation of the air conditioner based on the ideal target temperature to evaluate the user setting.
4. An air conditioning controller comprising:
a determining unit that determines, based on a user setting, operation of an automotive air conditioner;
an evaluating unit that evaluates any one of the user setting and operation of the automotive air conditioner based on the user setting; and
a suspending unit that suspends the evaluating unit from performing evaluation for a predetermined time period in a specific state.
5. The air conditioning controller according to claim 4 , wherein the predetermined time period is determined based on at least any one of an engine water temperature and a vehicle interior temperature.
6. The air conditioning controller according to claim 4 , wherein the specific state includes a state after a user boards a vehicle and a state during defrosting to remove window condensation.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2007-117610 | 2007-04-26 | ||
JP2007117610A JP2008273332A (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2007-04-26 | Air-conditioning control device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080264087A1 true US20080264087A1 (en) | 2008-10-30 |
Family
ID=39885399
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/081,856 Abandoned US20080264087A1 (en) | 2007-04-26 | 2008-04-22 | Air conditioning controller |
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US (1) | US20080264087A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008273332A (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20100235046A1 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Methods and systems for preconditioning vehicles |
CN105737340A (en) * | 2016-03-09 | 2016-07-06 | 深圳微自然创新科技有限公司 | Intelligent control method and device for air conditioner temperature |
CN108979928A (en) * | 2017-05-31 | 2018-12-11 | 丰田自动车株式会社 | Remote start system, central server, vehicle, remote start-up method |
US10388159B2 (en) * | 2016-07-05 | 2019-08-20 | Hyundai Motor Company | Internet of things system and control method thereof |
US20190291741A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile | System for vehicle seat comprising a functional device, an input interface, and a control device |
US10773567B2 (en) | 2015-10-26 | 2020-09-15 | Denso Corporation | Ecological vehicle air conditioner evaluation device |
CN112484237A (en) * | 2020-11-20 | 2021-03-12 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Defrosting control method, device and equipment and air conditioner |
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JP2011037385A (en) * | 2009-08-12 | 2011-02-24 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Energy saving evaluation device and energy saving evaluation method for air conditioner control device for vehicle |
JP5511059B2 (en) * | 2010-03-19 | 2014-06-04 | アイシン・エィ・ダブリュ株式会社 | Fuel saving driving evaluation device and fuel saving driving evaluation program |
JP2012037200A (en) * | 2010-08-11 | 2012-02-23 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Remote control for air conditioner |
WO2012029649A1 (en) * | 2010-08-30 | 2012-03-08 | シャープ株式会社 | Air purifier, display method for air purifier, and air conditioner |
JP6255752B2 (en) * | 2013-07-04 | 2018-01-10 | ダイキン工業株式会社 | Air conditioning management system and air conditioning management program |
JP6287576B2 (en) * | 2014-05-21 | 2018-03-07 | 株式会社デンソー | Air conditioner for vehicles |
JP6169534B2 (en) * | 2014-05-29 | 2017-07-26 | シャープ株式会社 | Message notification device, message notification method, message output device, message output system, portable device, automobile, air conditioning device, and program |
JP6384451B2 (en) * | 2015-10-26 | 2018-09-05 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle display device |
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US5791407A (en) * | 1995-06-15 | 1998-08-11 | Rapids Defrost System, Inc. | Remote and programmable indash defrost/cooling system |
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Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20100235046A1 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2010-09-16 | Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc. | Methods and systems for preconditioning vehicles |
US9403417B2 (en) * | 2009-03-12 | 2016-08-02 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Methods and systems for preconditioning vehicles |
US10773567B2 (en) | 2015-10-26 | 2020-09-15 | Denso Corporation | Ecological vehicle air conditioner evaluation device |
CN105737340A (en) * | 2016-03-09 | 2016-07-06 | 深圳微自然创新科技有限公司 | Intelligent control method and device for air conditioner temperature |
US10388159B2 (en) * | 2016-07-05 | 2019-08-20 | Hyundai Motor Company | Internet of things system and control method thereof |
CN108979928A (en) * | 2017-05-31 | 2018-12-11 | 丰田自动车株式会社 | Remote start system, central server, vehicle, remote start-up method |
US20190291741A1 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2019-09-26 | Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile | System for vehicle seat comprising a functional device, an input interface, and a control device |
US11603106B2 (en) * | 2018-03-21 | 2023-03-14 | Faurecia Sièges d'Automobile | System for vehicle seat comprising a functional device, an input interface, and a control device |
CN112484237A (en) * | 2020-11-20 | 2021-03-12 | 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 | Defrosting control method, device and equipment and air conditioner |
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