US20230116421A1

US20230116421A1 - Control device, control system, and control method

Info

Publication number: US20230116421A1
Application number: US17/777,884
Authority: US
Inventors: Shinsuke Kawaguchi
Original assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-11-11
Filing date: 2021-07-20
Publication date: 2023-04-13
Also published as: CN114761734A; JPWO2022102171A1; WO2022102171A1

Abstract

A server includes: a communicator that receives operation information indicating that a first apparatus starts a first operation of controlling an air temperature, the first apparatus being an air conditioner; an obtainer that obtains humidity information including a first humidity and a second humidity after the operation information has been received, the first humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the first apparatus, the second humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the second apparatus; and a processor that makes a determination on whether the first humidity and the second humidity obtained by the obtainer meet a condition indicating that a space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature is a same as a space in which the second apparatus is located, and outputs information indicating a result of the determination.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control system, and a control method.

BACKGROUND ART

There is a typical technique of reducing drying and condensation by a heating-mode operation of an air conditioner and an operation of a humidifier (see e.g., Patent Literature (PTL) 1).

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

[PTL 1] Japanese Patent No, 6196027

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problems

The technique assumes that the air conditioner and the humidifier are located in the same space. The air conditioner and the humidifier placed in different spaces fail to reduce the drying and condensation inside a room.
There is also a technique assuming that an air conditioner and another system placed in the same space. In such the technique, the air conditioner and another system placed in different spaces fail to perform a proper operation.
The present disclosure provides a control device, for example, which maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing an air conditioner.

Solutions to Problems

A control device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a communicator that receives operation information indicating that a first apparatus starts a first operation of controlling an aft temperature, the first apparatus being an aft conditioner; an obtainer that obtains humidity information including a first humidity and a second humidity after the operation information has been received, the first humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the first apparatus, the second humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of a second apparatus; and a processor that makes a determination on whether the first humidity and the second humidity obtained by the obtainer meet a condition indicating that a space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature is a same as a space in which the second apparatus is located, and outputs information indicating a result of the determination.
In this aspect, the control device outputs the information indicating that whether the second apparatus (corresponding to “another system”) is located in the space in which the first apparatus, which is the air conditioner, controls the air temperature and humidity, using the humidity information. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to place the second apparatus in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and humidity (e.g., moves the second apparatus to the space). This achieves the placement of the second apparatus in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and humidity. In this state, the second apparatus operates properly. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The obtainer may obtain the humidity information including at least one of a relative humidity or an absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first apparatus.
In this aspect, the control device makes the determination using at least the relative or absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first apparatus to output the information indicating whether the second apparatus is located in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and humidity. There is no need to utilize a humidity sensor other than the humidity sensor of the first apparatus, which reduces the number of the necessary humidity sensors and allows easier determination and output of the result of the determination. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The first apparatus may be a first air conditioner. The second apparatus may be a second air conditioner. After receiving the operation information, the communicator may transmit, to the second air conditioner, information for causing the second air conditioner to start a second operation of controlling an air humidity. The obtainer may obtain the humidity information including the first humidity and the second humidity after the second air conditioner has started the second operation. The first humidity may be measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner. The second humidity may be measured by the humidity sensor of the second air conditioner.
In this aspect, the control device outputs the information indicating whether the first and second air conditioners control the air temperature and humidity in the same space, using the humidity after the second air conditioner has started an operation. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to cause the first and second air conditioners to control the air temperature and humidity in the same space (e.g., moves the second air conditioner to the space). This achieves the control of the air temperature and humidity in the same space by the first and second air conditioners. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The first air conditioner may be a stationary heater. The second air conditioner may be a portable humidifier.
This aspect allows the control device to maintain a proper humidity, in other words, maintain a proper operation of another system, using the portable humidifier, which is the second air conditioner, in the space employing the stationary heater, which is the first air conditioner.
The humidity information may include: an absolute humidity as of a first time point measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner; and an absolute humidity as of a second time point measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner after the first time point. The processor may make the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a first condition that the absolute humidity as of the second time point is higher than the absolute humidity as of the first time point by a predetermined value or more.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the absolute humidities at two time points measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner, using the first condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The humidity information may include: a transition of a relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner. The processor may make the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a second condition that the relative humidity is continuously higher than a threshold.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the transition of the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first aft conditioner, using the second condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The humidity information may include: a first relative humidity as of a time point measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner; and a second relative humidity as of the time point measured by the humidity sensor of the second air conditioner. The processor may make the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a third condition that a value obtained by subtracting the first relative humidity from the second relative humidity is greater than or equal to a threshold.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the relative humidities measured by the respective humidity sensors of the first and second air conditioners, using the third condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The humidity information may include: a transition of at least one of a relative humidity or an absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner. The processor may make the determination using information obtained by inputting the humidity information obtained by the obtainer and an attribute value of the first air conditioner into a determination model that receives, as input, the transition of the at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity and the attribute value of the first air conditioner and outputs the information indicating whether the transition received meets the condition. The determination model may be generated in advance by machine learning.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the transition of at least one of the relative or absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner, using the determination model generated by the machine learning. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The obtainer may further obtain temperature information indicating an air temperature after the second air conditioner has started the second operation. The processor may further determine whether the air temperature indicated by the temperature information obtained by the obtainer meets the condition.
In this aspect, the control device outputs the information indicating whether the first and second air conditioners control the air temperature and humidity in the same space, further using the temperature after the second air conditioner has started an operation. Since the temperature after the second air conditioner has started the operation is used further, the condition can be determined more accurately than in the case using only the humidity after the second air conditioner has started the operation. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more accurately, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The obtainer may further obtain temperature information indicating an air temperature after the second air conditioner has started the second operation, and including a first temperature and a second temperature. The first temperature may be a temperature as of the time point measured by a temperature sensor of the first air conditioner. The second temperature may be a temperature as of the time point measured by a temperature sensor of the second air conditioner. The processor may make the determination based on the temperature information obtained by the obtainer, using the condition including a fourth condition that a value obtained by subtracting the second temperature from the first temperature is greater than or equal to a threshold.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the relative humidities measured by the respective humidity sensors of the first and second air conditioners and the temperatures measured by the respective temperature sensors of the first and second air conditioners, using the fourth condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The obtainer may further obtain temperature information indicating an air temperature after the second air conditioner has started the second operation, and including a transition of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor of the first air conditioner. The processor may make the determination based on information output by inputting the humidity information and the temperature information obtained by the obtainer and the attribute value of the first air conditioner into the determination model that receives a transition of at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity, the transition of the temperature, and the attribute value of the first air conditioner, and output information indicating whether the transition received meets the condition.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the transition of at least one of the relative or absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner and the transition of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the first air conditioner, using the determination model generated by the machine learning. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The second apparatus may be a portable sensing device including at least the humidity sensor. The obtainer may obtain the humidity information including the first humidity and the second humidity. The first humidity may be measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner. The second humidity may be measured by the humidity sensor of the portable sensing device.
In this aspect, the control device outputs the information indicating whether the portable sensing device is located in the space in which the air conditioner controls the air temperature and humidity. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to place the portable sensing device in the space in which the air conditioner controls the air temperature and humidity (e.g., moves the sensing device to the space). This achieves the placement of the portable sensing device in the space in which the air conditioner controls the air temperature and humidity. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The humidity information may include: a third relative humidity as of a time point measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner; and a fourth relative humidity as of the time point measured by the humidity sensor of the portable sensing device. The processor may make the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a fifth condition that a difference between the fourth relative humidity and the third relative humidity at the time point is smaller than or equal to a threshold.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner and the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the sensing device, using the fifth condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The humidity information may include: a transition of a third relative humidity in a time period measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner; and a transition of a fourth relative humidity in the time period measured by the humidity sensor of the portable sensing device. The processor may make the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a sixth condition that a value obtained by subtracting the third relative humidity from the fourth relative humidity at each time point within the time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the transition of the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner and the transition of the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the sensing device, using the sixth condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The obtainer may further obtain temperature information including a third temperature and a fourth temperature after the operation information has been received. The third temperature may be measured by a temperature sensor of the air conditioner, the fourth temperature being measured by a temperature sensor of the portable sensing device. The processor may further determine whether the third temperature and the fourth temperature indicated by the temperature information obtained by the obtainer meet the condition.
In this aspect, the control device outputs the information indicating whether the portable sensing device is located in the space in which the air conditioner controls the air temperature and humidity, further using the temperature after the receipt of the operation information. Since the temperature after the receipt of the operation information is used further, the condition can be determined more accurately than in the case using only the humidity. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more accurately, while utilizing the aft conditioner.
The temperature information may include: the third temperature as of a time point measured by the temperature sensor of the aft conditioner; and the fourth temperature as of the time point measured by the temperature sensor of the portable sensing device. The processor may make the determination based on the temperature information obtained by the obtainer, using the condition including a seventh condition that a value obtained by subtracting the third temperature from the fourth temperature at the time point is greater than or equal to a threshold.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the air conditioner and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the sensing device, using the seventh condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The temperature information may include: a transition of a third temperature in a time period measured by the temperature sensor of the air conditioner; and a transition of a fourth temperature in the time period measured by the temperature sensor of the portable sensing device.
the processor makes the determination based on the temperature information, using the condition including an eighth condition that a value obtained by subtracting the third temperature from the fourth temperature at each time point within the time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold.
This aspect allows the control device to make the determination more easily based on the transition of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the air conditioner and the transition of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the sensing device, using the eighth condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The condition may include a condition indicating that the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and the space in which the second apparatus is located are included in a same room or communicating rooms.
In this aspect, the control device outputs the information indicating whether the first and second apparatuses control the air temperature and humidity in the same room or communicating rooms. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to cause the first and second apparatus to control the temperature and humidity in the same room or communicating rooms. This achieves the control of the air temperature and humidity in the same room or communicating rooms by the first and second apparatuses. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
When the condition is determined not to be met, the processor may: (a) output an image indicating the result of the determination to a terminal to cause a display of the terminal to display the image output; or (b) output audio information indicating the result of the determination to the terminal to cause a speaker of the terminal to output the audio information output.
In this aspect, the control device encourages the user to take an action to achieve the placement of the second apparatus in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature, using the display or sound by the terminal. Accordingly, the control device achieves more proper maintenance of a proper humidity, in other words, maintenance of a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
A control system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the first apparatus that transmits the operation information to the control device; and the second apparatus that provides the humidity information to the control device.
This aspect provides at least the sane advantages as the control device described above.
A control method according to an aspect of the present disclosure is to be executed by a control device. The control method includes: receiving operation information indicating that a first apparatus starts a first operation of controlling an air temperature, the first apparatus being an air conditioner; after receiving the operation information, obtaining humidity information including a first humidity and a second humidity, the first humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the first apparatus, the second humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the second apparatus; and making a determination on whether the first humidity and the second humidity obtained in the obtaining meet a condition indicating that a space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature is a same as a space in which the second apparatus is located, and outputting information indicating a result of the determination.
This aspect provides at least the same advantages as the control device described above.
These general and specific aspects may be implemented using a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or any combination of systems, methods, integrated circuits, computer programs, or recording media.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The control device according to the present disclosure maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a control system according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 illustrates functions of the devices fog raying the control system according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first example of a temperature and a relative humidity controlled by the control system according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second example of the temperature and the relative humidity controlled by the control system according to Embodiment 1,

FIG. 5 illustrates notifications by the control system according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing of a server according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration of a control system according to a variation of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration of a control system according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 9 illustrates functions of the devices forming the control system according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 10 illustrates notifications by the control system according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing of a server according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration of a control system according to a variation of Embodiment 2.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Now, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessarily detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or the duplicated description of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessarily redundant description and facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.
The present inventor provides the appended drawings and the following description for sufficient understanding of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art, and not intended to limit the subject matters recited in the claims.
Now, the background of the present disclosure and the problems to be solved by the present disclosure will be described in detail. After that, the embodiments will be described.
Air conditioners have been used to control the temperature of a living space of a human. Once an air conditioner operates in a heating mode to increase the air temperature, the relative humidity of the air decreases.
The relative humidity of a human living space is to be maintained within a predetermined proper range (e.g., from about 40% to about 60%). This is for maintenance of the conditions and health of the human. Once the relative humidity of the air becomes lower than the proper range (i.e., the air is dried) with an increase in the temperature heated by an air conditioner, the conditions and health of the human damage the conditions and health of the human.
There is a technique of reducing condensation as well as maintaining a relative humidity within a proper range (i.e., reducing drying) by an operation of a humidifier, when an air conditioner controls an air temperature (see, e.g., PTL 1).
In general, an air conditioner is fixed in a room, whereas a humidifier is portable by a person.
The technique assumes that the air conditioner and the humidifier are located in the same space. Thus, the air conditioner and the humidifier placed in different spaces fail to perform an operation for reducing the drying in a room.
There is also a technique assuming that an air conditioner and another system are located in the same space.
For example, there is a sensing device that senses the environment around a sleeping person. The sensing device includes sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, or a microphone. The information (i.e., temperature, humidity, acceleration, angular velocity, or sound) obtained through sensing by the sensors may be analyzed as necessary and used, for example, to diagnose or improve the health conditions of the person. The sensing device is portable and assumed to be placed around the sleeping person (more specifically, on a bed sheet or a pillow, or within a range from 1 m to 2 m from the person).
If there is someone in the space in which an air conditioner is located, the sensing device described above is assumed to be placed in the same space as the air conditioner. If the air conditioner and the sensing device are located in different spaces, the sensing device fails to perform a proper operation, that is, the sensing of the environment around the person.
The present disclosure provides a control device, for example, which maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.

Embodiment 1

In this embodiment, a control device, for example, will be described which maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing an air conditioner. An example will be described here where the other system is a humidifier, that is, the control device, for example, which maintains a proper humidity, while utilizing the air conditioner.
FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of control system 1 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1 , control system 1 includes at least server 10, air conditioner 20, and humidifier 30. Note that control system 1 may further include terminal 40. The devices included in control system 1 have communication interfaces which are communicatively connected to network N. Network N may be located outside the home and include the Internet or a communication network of an Internet service provider.
The devices included in control system 1 are arranged at home of user U. If there is an access point of a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) at home of user U, the devices may be connected to network N through the access point.
Air conditioner 20 is an air conditioner placed in room 5 to control an air temperature, and corresponds to the “first air conditioner”. An example will be described where air conditioner 20 operates in a heating mode (i.e., performs a heating operation). In this case, air conditioner 20 is a heater.
Air conditioner 20 performs a heating operation to increase the air temperature inside room 5. Air conditioner 20 is connected to network N. Air conditioner 20 operates under control of server 10 or an instruction of remote controller 25. Air conditioner 20 is a stationary air conditioner (more specifically, a stationary heater) fixed to a wall or the ceiling of room 5 and not assumed to be moved from room 5 to another room for use in this embodiment.
Humidifier 30 is an air conditioner placed in room 5 to control an air humidity, and corresponds to the “second air conditioner”. Humidifier 30 may be a system (what is called a “humidifier”) that performs only humidification and may be another system (e.g., an air cleaner, an air conditioner, or other electrical equipment) with a humidifying function.
Humidifier 30 causes the air inside room 5 to contain moisture to increase the moisture content in the air inside room 5, in other words, increase the absolute humidity. Humidifier 30 is a portable humidifier placed on the floor of room 5 but is portable by user U. Humidifier 30 is assumed to be used inside room 5 and moved by user U to another room 6 different from room 5 for use.
Terminal 40 is a communication terminal owned by user U. Terminal 40 outputs, as a display or a sound, a determination result output by server 10. Upon receipt of an instruction for operating air conditioner 20 from user U, terminal 40 transmits an instruction for operating air conditioner 20 to server 10. Terminal 40 is a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or a smart speaker, for example.
Server 10 is a control device that controls operations of air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30.
Server 10 transmits information including an instruction for starting or ending an operation to each of air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 via network N to control the operations of air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30. Server 10 determines whether air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 are located in the same space based on the information generated through sensing by the sensors, which will be described later, included in air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30. Server 10 then outputs a determination result.
FIG. 2 illustrates functions of the devices forming control system 1 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2 , server 10 includes communicator 11, obtainer 12, and processor 13. The functional units of server 10 are implemented by a central processing unit (CPU, not shown) included in server 10 executing predetermined programs using a memory.
Communicator 11 is a functional unit including a communication interface to exchange information with another system via network N. Specifically, communicator 11 receives operation information indicating that air conditioner 20 starts an operation (also referred to as a “first operation”) of controlling the air temperature. Specifically, the first operation is a heating operation of increasing the air temperature.
Upon receipt of the operation information, communicator 11 transmits, to humidifier 30, information for starting the operation (also referred to as a “second operation”) of controlling the air humidity.
Obtainer 12 is a functional unit that obtains the humidity information indicating the air humidity. Obtainer 12 obtains the humidity information after communicator 11 has received the operation information and humidifier 30 has started the second operation.
Obtainer 12 obtains the humidity information via communicator 11. More specifically, obtainer 12 obtains the humidity information including at least the relative or absolute humidity measured by humidity sensor 23 of air conditioner 20. Obtainer 12 also obtains the humidity information including at least the relative or absolute humidity measured by humidity sensor 33 of humidifier 30. Obtainer 12 may further obtain the temperature information indicating the air temperature after humidifier 30 has started the second operation.
Processor 13 is a functional unit that determines whether air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 are located in the same space. Processor 13 determines whether the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 is located (i.e., the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity). Specifically, processor 13 determines whether the humidity indicated by the humidity information obtained by obtainer 12 meets a predetermined condition, and outputs information indicating a result of the determination. If obtainer 12 has received temperature information, processor 13 further determines whether the temperature indicated by the temperature information meets the condition described above.
The predetermined condition used by processor 13 for the determination indicates that the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity. This condition may include a condition indicating that the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as or communicates with the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity. It can also be said that this condition indicates that the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature and the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity fall within the area in which the air flows freely. In the “area in which the air flows freely”, the temperature gradient may be relatively small. While the “area in which the air flows freely” has a width of several meters to tens of meters in the horizontal and vertical directions, for example, but not limited thereto.
Processor 13 outputs the information indicating a result of the determination as follows. (a) Processor 13 outputs an image indicating a result of the determination to terminal 40 to cause display 43 of terminal 40 to display the output image. Alternatively, (b) processor 13 outputs audio information indicating a result of the determination to terminal 40 to cause speaker 44 of terminal 40 to output the received audio information as a sound.
As shown in FIG. 2 , air conditioner 20 includes communicator 21, air conditioning module 22, humidity sensor 23, and temperature sensor 24. Note that air conditioner 20 may include remote controller 25.
Communicator 21 is a functional unit including a communication interface to exchange information with another system via network N. Communicator 21 transmits or receives the information indicating that air conditioner 20 starts a heating operation. Air conditioner 20 starts a heating operation upon receipt of an instruction from remote controller 25 or from server 10. If a heating operation starts upon receipt of an instruction from remote controller 25, communicator 21 causes air conditioning module 22 to operate in a heating mode in accordance with the instruction received from remote controller 25. At the same time, communicator 21 transmits the information indicating that air conditioning module 22 or air conditioner 20 has started the heating operation. If an instruction has been received from server 10, communicator 21 receives an instruction for causing air conditioner 20 to start a heating operation from server 10. Communicator 21 then provides the received instruction to air conditioning module 22 to cause air conditioner 20 to start the heating operation. Communicator 21 transmits the humidity information generated by humidity sensor 23 to server 10. Communicator 21 may further transmit the temperature information generated by temperature sensor 24 to server 10.
Air conditioning module 22 is a module that controls an air temperature, more specifically, a heating module that increases the air temperature. Air conditioning module 22 functions to maintain the air temperature at a proper value (e.g., about 25° C.) based on the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 24.
Humidity sensor 23 is a sensor that senses an air humidity. Humidity sensor 23 senses the air humidity at the location of this humidity sensor 23, and outputs the information indicating the sensed humidity. The humidity sensed by humidity sensor 23 corresponds to the humidity in room 5 in which air conditioner 20 is located. The humidity sensed by humidity sensor 23 is also referred to as the “humidity at the location of air conditioner 20”.
Temperature sensor 24 is a sensor that senses an air temperature. Temperature sensor 24 senses the air temperature at the location of this temperature sensor 24, and outputs the information indicating the sensed temperature. The temperature sensed by temperature sensor 24 corresponds to the temperature in room 5 in which air conditioner 20 is located. The temperature sensed by temperature sensor 24 is also referred to as the “temperature at the location of air conditioner 20”.
Remote controller 25 is a controller that transmits an instruction for starting an operation of air conditioner 20. Remote controller 25 receives an operation (e.g., press of a button) for starting an operation of air conditioner 20 by user U. Remote controller 25 then transmits a signal for starting an operation of air conditioner 20 to air conditioner 20, in the form of infrared rays or radio waves.
As shown in FIG. 2 , humidifier 30 includes communicator 31, humidifier module 32, humidity sensor 33, and temperature sensor 34.
Communicator 31 is a functional unit including a communication interface to exchange information with another system via network N. Communicator 31 receives the information indicating that humidifier 30 starts an operation from server 10, and provides the received information to humidifier module 32 to cause humidifier 30 to start the humidifying operation.
Humidifier module 32 is a module that controls an air humidity, more specifically, a humidifying module that causes the air to contain the moisture to increase the air humidity. Humidifier module 32 functions to maintain the air humidity at a proper value (e.g., about 50%) or within a proper range (e.g., from about 40% to about 60%) based on the humidity sensed by humidity sensor 33.
Humidity sensor 33 is a sensor that senses an air humidity. Humidity sensor 33 senses the air humidity at the location of this humidity sensor 33, and outputs the information indicating the sensed humidity. Sensed by humidity sensor 33 is the humidity in the space in which humidifier 30 is located, more specifically, the humidity in room 5 when humidifier 30 is located in room 5, and the humidity in room 6 when humidifier 30 is located in room 6. The humidity sensed by humidity sensor 33 is also referred to as the “humidity at the location of humidifier 30”.
Temperature sensor 34 is a sensor that senses an air temperature. Temperature sensor 34 senses the air temperature at the location of this temperature sensor 34, and outputs the information indicating the sensed temperature. Sensed by temperature sensor 34 is the temperature in the space in which humidifier 30 is located, more specifically, the temperature in room 5 when humidifier 30 is located in room 5, and the temperature in room 6 when humidifier 30 is located in room 6. The temperature sensed by temperature sensor 34 is also referred to as the “temperature at the location of humidifier 30”.
As shown in FIG. 2 , terminal 40 includes communicator 41, controller 42, display 43, and speaker 44.
Communicator 41 is a functional unit that exchanges information with another system via network N. Communicator 41 receives information indicating a result of the determination and output by processor 13 of server 10, and provides the received information to at least one of display 43 or speaker 44.
Controller 42 is a functional unit that receives an operation by user U. Upon receipt of an operation for starting a heating operation of air conditioner 20 from user U, controller 42 provides an instruction for starting a heating operation of air conditioner 20 to communicator 41 to cause communicator 41 to transmit the instruction to server 10. Controller 42 is a touch panel, for example.
Display 43 is a display screen that displays an image. Display 43 displays an image as the information indicating a result of the determination by processor 13 of server 10 and provided by communicator 41.
Speaker 44 is an output device that outputs a sound. Speaker 44 outputs a sound as the information indicating a result of the determination by processor 13 of server 10 and provided by communicator 41.
The conditions used by processor 13 for the determination will be described more in detail.
The conditions used by processor 13 for the determination include at least a condition related to humidities. The condition includes conditions determinable by humidities without depending on temperatures, and conditions determinable by humidities and temperatures. The conditions will be described below.
(1) Conditions Determinable by Humidities without Depending on Temperatures

[Condition 1-1]

An absolute humidity has increased.
If humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 5, the absolute humidity in room 5 increases after the start of the humidifying operation. The following is thus determinable upon detection of an increase in the absolute humidity in room 5. Humidifier 30 performs the humidifying operation in room 5. That is, the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity.
This Condition 1-1 is expressed as follows using the absolute humidity as of a first time point after the start of the humidifying operation, and the absolute humidity as of a second time point after the first time point.

- The absolute humidity as of the second time point is higher than the absolute humidity as of the first time point by a predetermined value or more (a first condition).

Here, the first and second time points may be any times as long as meeting the order described above.
That is, absolute humidity AH1 as of the first time point and absolute humidity AH2 as of the second time point satisfy following expression (1).
AH2−AH1>Th1 (1)
Here, Th1 is a predetermined threshold which may be a predetermined value greater than or equal to zero. Th1 may be set to a value indicating the degree of the accuracy in measuring the absolute humidity by humidity sensor 23. For example, Th1 may be set as appropriate to 1 g/m³or 0.1 g/m³, for example, out of a range from 0 to 1 g/m³.

[Condition 1-2]

A relative humidity falls within a proper range.
If humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 5, the relative humidity is maintained within a proper range. The following is thus determinable upon detection that relative humidity in room 5 is maintained within the proper range. Humidifier 30 performs the humidifying operation in room 5. That is, the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity.
This Condition 1-2 is expressed as follows using the relative humidity after the start of the humidifying operation.

- The relative humidity is continuously higher than a threshold (a second condition).

As the threshold described above, the lower limit of the proper range may be employed.
Before humidifier 30 starts the humidifying operation, the relative humidity in room 5 may fall out of the proper range. In this case, the relative humidity may fall out of the proper range in a predetermined time period (several minutes to tens of minutes) after humidifier 30 has started the humidifying operation. In this case, the determination may be made using the transition of the relative humidity in several minutes to tens of minutes after humidifier 30 has started the humidifying operation.

[Condition 1-3]

The relative humidity at the location of humidifier 30 is higher than the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 by a threshold or more
If humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 5, the relative humidity at the location of humidifier 30 is almost equal to the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20. If humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 6, the relative humidity at the location of humidifier 30 increases or remains as it is. The relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 is reduced by a temperature increased by the heating operation of air conditioner 20. The following is thus determinable upon detection that the value obtained by subtracting the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 from the relative humidity at the location of humidifier 30 is greater than or equal to a threshold. Humidifier 30 performs the humidifying operation in room 5. That is, the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity.
This Condition 1-3 is expressed as follows using the relative humidity (also referred to as a “first relative humidity”) as of a time point measured by humidity sensor 23 of air conditioner 20 and the relative humidity (also referred to as a “second relative humidity”) as of the time point measured by humidity sensor 33 of humidifier 30.

- The value obtained by subtracting the first relative humidity from the second relative humidity is greater than or equal to a threshold (a third condition).

That is, relative humidity RH1 measured by humidity sensor 23 and relative humidity RH2 measured by humidity sensor 33 at the time point satisfy following expression (2).
RH2−RH1>Th2 (2)
Here, Th2 is a predetermined threshold which may be a predetermined value greater than zero. Th2 may be set to a value indicating the degree of the accuracy in measuring the relative humidity by humidity sensor 23 or 33. For example, Th2 may be set as appropriate to ±1% or ±5%, for example, out of a range from about ±1% to about ±5%.

[Condition 1-4]

The determination is based on humidities using a determination model.
Assume that the transition of at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity and the attribute value of air conditioner 20 are given. Then, whether the given transition meets the condition is determinable using a determination model. In this case, the determination model can be generated in advance by supervised machine learning using the following information. The information indicates whether following (a) to (c) are those in the case where the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity. (a) is a transition of at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity. (b) is the attribute value of air conditioner 20. (c) is transition (a) described above. The determination model to be generated receives the transition of at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity and the attribute value of air conditioner 20. The determination model then outputs the information indicating whether the received transition meets the condition.
Processor 13 then makes a determination using the information output by inputting, into the generated determination model, the transition information and the attribute value of air conditioner 20 obtained by obtainer 12.

(2) Conditions Determinable Based on Humidities and Temperatures

[Condition 2-1]

The relative humidity at the location of humidifier 30 is higher than the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 by a threshold or more, and the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 is higher than the temperature at the location of humidifier 30 by a threshold or more.
As in this Condition 1-3, the relative humidities at the locations of air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 behave differently between when humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 5, and when humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 6.
In addition, the temperatures at the locations of air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 behave differently between when humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 5, and when humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 6.
Specifically, when humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 5, the temperature at the location of humidifier 30 is substantially equal to the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20. When humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 6, the temperature at the location of humidifier 30 remains as it is, whereas the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 increases.
The following is thus determinable upon detection that the value obtained by subtracting the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 from the relative humidity at the location of humidifier 30 is greater than or equal to a threshold, and that the value obtained by subtracting the temperature at the location of humidifier 30 from the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 is greater than or equal to a threshold. Humidifier 30 performs a humidifying operation in room 5. That is, the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity.
This Condition 2-1 is expressed as follows using the relative humidity (also referred to as a “first relative humidity”) as of a time point measured by humidity sensor 23 of air conditioner 20, the relative humidity (also referred to as a “second relative humidity”) as of the time point measured by humidity sensor 33 of humidifier 30, and the temperature (also referred to as a “first temperature”) as of the time point measured by temperature sensor 24 of air conditioner 20, and the temperature (also referred to as a “second temperature”) as of the time point measured by temperature sensor 34 of humidifier 30.

- The value obtained by subtracting the first relative humidity from the second relative humidity is greater than or equal to a threshold, and the value obtained by subtracting the second temperature from the first temperature is greater than or equal to a threshold (a fourth condition).

That is, relative humidity RH1 measured by humidity sensor 23, relative humidity RH2 measured by humidity sensor 33, temperature T1 measured by temperature sensor 24, temperature T2 measured by temperature sensor 34 at the time point satisfy following expressions (3).
RH2−RH1>Th2 and T1−T2>Th3 (3)
Here, Th2 is the same as in Condition 1-3 described above. Th3 is a predetermined threshold which may be a predetermined value greater than zero. Th3 may be set to a value indicating the degree of the accuracy in measuring the temperature by temperature sensor 24 or 34. For example, Th3 may fall within a range from about ±1° C. to about ±2° C.

[Condition 2-2]

The determination is based on humidities and temperatures using a determination model.
Assume that the transition of at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity, the transition of the temperature, and the attribute value of air conditioner 20 are given. Then, whether the given transitions meet the condition is determinable using a determination model. In this case, the determination model can be generated in advance by supervised machine learning using the following information. The information indicates whether following (a) to (d) are those in the case where the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity. (a) is the transition of at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity. (b) is the transition of the temperature, (c) the attribute value of air conditioner 20. (d) are transitions (a) and (b) described above. The determination model to be generated receives the transition of at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity, the transition of the temperature, and the attribute value of air conditioner 20. The determination model then outputs the information indicating whether the received transitions meet the condition.
Processor 13 then makes a determination using the information output by inputting, into the generated determination model, the humidity information, the temperature information, and the attribute value of air conditioner 20 obtained by obtainer 12.
FIG. 3 illustrates a first example of a temperature and a relative humidity controlled by control system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3 shows changes in the temperature and the relative humidity in room 5 over time before and after air conditioner 20 has started a heating operation. At this time, humidifier 30 is located in room 5 as well as air conditioner 20.
As shown in FIG. 3 , before air conditioner 20 starts the heating operation, the temperature in room 5 is about 15° C. and the relative humidity is about 40%. After air conditioner 20 has started the heating operation, the temperature in room 5 increases to about 23° C. and the relative humidity is maintained at about 42% after slight fluctuations.
Such a change in the temperature is obtained by increasing the air temperature by the heating operation of air conditioner 20. Such a change in the humidity is obtained by the start of a humidifying operation by humidifier 30 in accordance with the start of the heating operation by air conditioner 20.
The relative humidity falls within a proper range before and after air conditioner 20 has started the heating operation. It can thus be said that room 5 maintains a relative temperature suitable for a human life before and after air conditioner 20 has started the heating operation.
FIG. 4 illustrates a second example of a temperature and a relative humidity controlled by control system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 shows changes in the temperature and the relative humidity in room 5 over time before and after air conditioner 20 has started a heating operation. At this time, humidifier 30 is located in room 6.
The temperature shown in FIG. 4 is the same as that in FIG. 3 . Before air conditioner 20 starts the heating operation, the relative humidity in room 5 is about 40%. After air conditioner 20 has started the heating operation, the relative humidity decreases to about 30%.
Such a change in the temperature is obtained by the heating operation of air conditioner 20 as in FIG. 3 . On the other hand, such a change in the humidity is obtained by humidifier 30 operating in room 6, in other words, not in room 5.
After air conditioner 20 has started the heating operation, the relative humidity is lower than the proper range. After air conditioner 20 has started the heating operation, room 5 fails to maintain a relative temperature suitable for a human life.
Control system 1 according to this embodiment detects the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is different from the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity as shown in FIG. 4 . Control system 1 then notifies user U of the fact. Accordingly, user U can move humidifier 30 to room 5 and encourage humidifier 30 to perform a humidifying operation in room 5.
FIG. 5 illustrates notifications by control system 1 according to this embodiment.
In FIG. 5 , (a) shows that a smartphone, which is an example of terminal 40, makes a notification using a display.
Upon obtainment of a result of the determination output by server 10, communicator 41 of terminal 40 displays the result of the determination as an image on display 43. The image displayed on display 43 is assumed to be viewed by user U.
For example, the image displayed on display 43 includes an image indicating an information providing message such as “The humidifier may be in a different room from the air conditioner.” This message is an example notification for providing user U with the information on the following fact. The space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is different from the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity.
Note that the notification described above may be a question such as “Is the humidifier in the same room as the air conditioner?”. If room 5 has a specific name, the notification may be made using the name. Specifically, if room 5 is a living room, the notification may be “Is the humidifier in the living room?”.
Alternatively, the notification may be an instruction such as “Move the humidifier to the same room as the air conditioner”. This message is an example notification for instructing user U to cause humidifier 30 to control the air humidity in the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature.
In FIG. 5 , (b) shows that a smart speaker, which is an example of terminal 40, makes a notification using a sound.
Upon obtainment of a result of the determination output by server 10, communicator 41 of terminal 40 causes speaker 44 to output the result of the determination as a sound. The sound output by speaker 44 is assumed to be heard by user U. The details of the notification are the same as in (a) of FIG. 5 .
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing of server 10 according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 6 , in step S1, communicator 11 determines whether a start signal for a heating operation has been received. If a signal is determined to be received (Yes in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2. If not (No in step S1), step S1 is executed again. That is, communicator 11 stands by in step S1 until receiving a start signal for a heating operation.
In step S2, communicator 11 transmits a signal (i.e., a start signal) for starting a humidifying operation to humidifier 30.
In step S3, obtainer 12 obtains humidity information indicating the air humidity after humidifier 30 has started the humidifying operation based on the signal transmitted in step S2. At this time, obtainer 12 may further obtain temperature information indicating the air temperature after humidifier 30 has started the humidifying operation based on the signal transmitted in step S2.
In step S4, processor 13 determines whether the humidity information received in step S3 meets a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition indicates that the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which humidifier 30 controls the air humidity. If a condition is determined to be met (Yes in step S4), the process proceed to step S5. If not (No in step S4), the series of processing shown in FIG. 6 ends.
In step S5, processor 13 outputs information indicating a result of the determination executed in step S4 to terminal 40. Upon receipt of the output information, terminal 40 notifies user U of a result of the determination using a display or a sound.
The series of processing shown in FIG. 6 causes server 10 to maintain a proper humidity, while utilizing the air conditioner.
An example has been described in this embodiment where the first air conditioner is an air conditioner, the first operation is heating, the second air conditioner is a humidifier, and the second operation is humidification. Here, the second operation is advantageous in canceling the state caused by the first operation. Specifically, assume that the first operation is heating. If heated, a closed space is dried with a decreased relative humidity. In this case, it can thus be said that the humidification as the second operation cancels the drying.
The following is assumable as another example. The first air conditioner is an air conditioner, the first operation is cooling, the second air conditioner is a dehumidifier, and the second operation is dehumidification. If cooled as the first operation, a closed space is moistened with an increased relative humidity. In this case, it can thus be said that the dehumidification as the second operation cancels the moistening.
Control system 1 employing no communication via network N outside the home is also conceivable (see, Variation of Embodiment 1 below). As compared to the case, control system 1 has the following advantage. Control system 1 includes server 10 connected to a plurality of air conditioners 20 and humidifiers 30 at home, determines the conditions of air conditioners 20 and humidifiers 30 at home, and outputs the results. Concentrated management of server 10 is advantages in reducing operation costs and power consumption of server 10 and resources for maintenance such as the upgrade of software.

[Variation of Embodiment 1]

In this variation, a control device, for example, different from that in Embodiment 1 will be described. The control device maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing an air conditioner, specifically, which maintains a proper humidity, while utilizing the air conditioner.
FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration of control system 2 according to this variation.
As shown in FIG. 7 , control system 2 includes at least air conditioner 20A and humidifier 30. Note that control system 2 may further include terminal 40. The devices included in control system 2 have communication interfaces which are communicatively connected to each other.
Air conditioner 20A is an air conditioner placed in room 5 to control an air temperature, and corresponds to the “first air conditioner”. Air conditioner 20A has, in addition to the function of air conditioner 20 in Embodiment 1, the function of server 10.
Air conditioner 20A also has a function as an access point of a wireless network at home of user U. As an advantage, this case requires no extra access point of the wireless network at home of user U.
Humidifier 30 and terminal 40 are the same as in Embodiment 1.
Control system 2 shown in FIG. 7 requires no communication via network N outside the home, and is, as an advantage, still available even after the occurrence of a communication disturbance at network N outside the home.
Assume that server 10 retains the information indicating that air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 are associated with each other. In this case, upon receipt of operation information indicating that air conditioner 20 starts an operation of controlling the air temperature, communicator 11 may transmit the information for starting the operation of controlling the air humidity to humidifier 30.
Note that the “information indicating that air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 are associated with each other” may be generated through an initial settings screen for setting communications of air conditioner 20 or humidifier 30 with server 10, for example. Specifically, on the initial settings screen, user U selects whether to control air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 in association. If user U has accepted to control air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 in association, the “information indicating that air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30 are associated with each other” may be generated.
In this variation, user U may make settings in accordance with the arrangement of air conditioner 20 and humidifier 30. If a plurality of air conditioners 20 are arranged, there is no need for processor 13 to make unnecessary determinations for those less likely to be placed in the same room as humidifier 30.
As described above, the control device according to Embodiment 1 and the variation of Embodiment 1 outputs the information indicating whether the second apparatus (corresponding to “another system”) is located in the space in which the first apparatus, which is the air conditioner, controls the air temperature and humidity, using the humidity information. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to place the second apparatus in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and humidity (e.g., moves the second apparatus to the space). This achieves the placement of the second apparatus in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and humidity. In this state, the second apparatus operates properly. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination using at least the relative or absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first apparatus to output information indicating whether the second apparatus is located in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and humidity. There is no need to utilize a humidity sensor other than the humidity sensor of the first apparatus, which reduces the number of the necessary humidity sensors and allows easier determination and output of a determination result. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device outputs the information indicating whether the first and second air conditioners control the air temperature and humidity in the same space, using the humidity after the second air conditioner has started an operation. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to cause the first and second air conditioners to control the air temperature and humidity in the same space (e.g., moves the second air conditioner to the space). This achieves the control of the air temperature and humidity in the same space by the first and second air conditioners. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system, using the portable humidifier, which is the second air conditioner, in the space employing the stationary heater, which is the first air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the absolute humidities at two time points measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner using the first condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the transition of the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner, using the second condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the relative humidities measured by the respective humidity sensors of the first and second air conditioners, using the third condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the transition of at least one of the relative or absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner, using the determination model generated by the machine learning. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device outputs the information indicating whether the first and second air conditioners control the air temperature and humidity in the same space, further using the temperature after the second air conditioner has started the operation. Since the temperature after the second air conditioner has started the operation is used further, the condition can be determined more accurately than in the case using only the humidity after the second air conditioner has started the operation. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more accurately, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the relative humidities measured by the respective humidity sensors of the first and second air conditioners and the temperatures measured by the respective temperature sensors of the first and second air conditioners, using the fourth condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the transition of at least one of the relative or absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner and the transition of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the first air conditioner, using the determination model generated by the machine learning. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device outputs the information indicating whether the first and second apparatuses control the air temperature and humidity in the same room or communicating rooms. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to cause the first and second apparatus to control the temperature and humidity in the same room or communicating rooms. This achieves the control of the air temperature and humidity in the same room or communicating rooms by the first and second apparatuses. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper humidity, in other words, maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device encourages the user to take an action to achieve the placement of the second apparatus in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature, using the display or sound by the terminal. Accordingly, the control device achieves more proper maintenance of a proper humidity, in other words, maintenance of a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.

Embodiment 2

In this embodiment, a control device, for example, will be described which maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing an air conditioner. An example will be described here where the other system is a sensing device, that is, the control device, for example, achieves sensing, while utilizing the air conditioner.
FIG. 8 illustrates a configuration of control system 1A according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8 , control system 1A includes at least server 10A, air conditioner 20, and sensing device 30A.
Air conditioner 20 corresponds to the “first apparatus”. Sensing device 30A corresponds to the “second apparatus”.
Unlike control system 1 described in Embodiment 1 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ), control system 1A includes sensing device 30A in place of humidifier 30, and server 10A in place of server 10. These points will be described below in detail. Note that control system 1A is the same as control system 1 described in Embodiment 1 in other respects.
Sensing device 30A is a sensing device placed in room 5 to sense the surrounding environment, and may correspond to the “second apparatus”. Sensing device 30A includes sensors such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a microphone as well as a communication interface. Sensing device 30A transmits information (i.e., temperature, humidity, acceleration, angular velocity, or sound) obtained through sensing by the sensors via the communication interface and network N to server 10A. Note that sensing device 30A may include a part of the sensors.
The information obtained by sensing device 30A may be used, for example, to diagnose or improve the health conditions of the user of sensing device 30A, for example.
Note that sensing device 30A may be mounted on other electrical equipment (e.g., portable lighting equipment or a portable television receiver). In this case, the communication interface of sensing device 30A may also serve as the communication interface of the other electrical equipment.
Server 10 A transmits information including an instruction for starting or ending an operation via network N to air conditioner 20 to control the operation of air conditioner 20. In addition, server 10A obtains the information obtained by a sensor provided by sensing device 30A.
Server 10A then determines whether air conditioner 20 and sensing device 30A are located in the same space based on the information sensed and generated by a sensor included in air conditioner 20, and outputs a result of the determination.
Now, functions of the devices forming control system 1A will be described.
FIG. 9 illustrates functions of the devices forming control system 1A according to this embodiment.
Out of the devices shown in FIG. 9 , air conditioner 20 and terminal 40 are the same as in Embodiment 1 and the description thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 9 , server 10A includes communicator 11, obtainer 12A, and processor 13A as functional units. The functional units of server 10A are implemented by a central processing unit (CPU, not shown) included in server 10A executing predetermined programs using a memory.
Communicator 11 is a functional unit including a communication interface to exchange information with another system via network N. Specifically, communicator 11 receives operation information indicating that air conditioner 20 starts an operation (also referred to as a “first operation”) of controlling the air temperature. Specifically, the first operation includes a heating operation of increasing the air temperature, a cooling operation of decreasing the air temperature, or a dehumidifying operation of decreasing the air humidity.
Obtainer 12A is a functional unit that obtains humidity information. Obtainer 12A obtains the humidity information including the following humidities, after communicator 11 has received operation information. One of the humidities (corresponding to the “first humidity”) is measured by a humidity sensor of air conditioner 20. The other (corresponding to the “second humidity”) is measured by the humidity sensor of sensing device 30A. Obtainer 12A obtains the humidity information via communicator 11. More specifically, obtainer 12A obtains the humidity information including at least the relative or absolute humidity measured by humidity sensor 23 of air conditioner 20.
Processor 13A is a functional unit that determines whether the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which sensing device 30A is located. Specifically, processor 13A determines whether the humidity indicated by the humidity information obtained by obtainer 12A meets a predetermined condition, and outputs information indicating a result of the determination. If obtainer 12A has received temperature information, processor 13A further determines whether the temperature indicated by the temperature information meets the condition described above.
The predetermined condition used by processor 13A for the determination indicates that the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which sensing device 30A is located. This condition is the same as in Embodiment 1.
Processor 13A outputs a result of the determination in the same manner as processor 13 in Embodiment 1.
As shown in FIG. 9 , sensing device 30A includes communicator 31A, humidity sensor 33A, temperature sensor 34A, acceleration sensor 35A, and microphone 36A. Note that sensing device 30A needs to include at least humidity sensor 33A and may or may not include temperature sensor 34A, acceleration sensor 35A, and microphone 36A.
Communicator 31A is a functional unit including a communication interface to exchange information with another system via network N.
Humidity sensor 33A and temperature sensor 34A are the same as humidity sensor 33 and temperature sensor 34, respectively.
Acceleration sensor 35A is a sensor (e.g., three-axis accelerometer) that senses an acceleration of sensing device 30A.
Acceleration sensor 35A senses an acceleration (e.g., triaxial acceleration) of sensing device 30A, and outputs information indicating the sensed acceleration. If sensing device 30A is located on a bed sheet or a pillow of a sleeping person, the acceleration sensed by acceleration sensor 35A indicates vibrations of the bed sheet or the pillow caused by the movement of the body of the person. Based on the acceleration, the movement of the body of the sleeping person can be analyzed.
Sensed by temperature sensor 34A is the temperature in the space in which sensing device 30A is located, more specifically, the temperature in room 5 when sensing device 30A is located in room 5, and the temperature in room 6 when sensing device 30A is located in room 6. The temperature sensed by temperature sensor 34A is also referred to as the “temperature at the location of sensing device 30A”.
Microphone 36A is a microphone that senses a sound around sensing device 30A. Microphone 36A senses a sound around sensing device 30A, and outputs audio information indicating the sensed sound. If sensing device 30A is located on a bed sheet or a pillow of a sleeping person, the sound sensed by microphone 36A includes a voice of the person or a sound or voice from surroundings to the person.
The conditions used by processor 13A for the determination will be described more in detail.
The conditions used by processor 13A for the determination include at least a condition related to humidities. The condition includes conditions determinable by humidities without depending on temperatures and conditions determinable by humidities and temperatures. The conditions will be described below.
(1) Conditions Determinable by Humidities without Depending on Temperatures

[Condition 3-1]

The difference between the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 and the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A is smaller than or equal to a threshold.
When sensing device 30A is located in room 5, the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 is substantially equal to the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A.
On the other hand, when sensing device 30A is located in room 6, the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 and the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A are independent from each other and often different from each other (may also be the same).
The following is thus determinable upon detection that the difference between the relative humidities at the location of sensing device 30A and at the location of air conditioner 20 is smaller than or equal to a threshold. Sensing device 30A is located in room 5. That is, the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which sensing device 30A is located.
This Condition 3-1 is expressed as follows using the relative humidity (also referred to as a “third relative humidity”) as of a time point measured by humidity sensor 23 of air conditioner 20, and the relative humidity (also referred to as a “fourth relative humidity”) as of the time point measured by humidity sensor 33A of sensing device 30A.

- The difference between the third and fourth relative humidities as of a time point is smaller than or equal to a threshold (a fifth condition).

That is, relative humidity RH3 measured by humidity sensor 23 and relative humidity RH4 measured by humidity sensor 33A at the time point satisfy following expression (4).
|RH4−RH3|≤Th4 (4)
Here, Th4 is a predetermined threshold which may be a predetermined value greater than zero. Th4 may be set to a value indicating the degree of the accuracy in measuring the relative humidity by humidity sensor 23 or 33A. For example, Th4 may be set as appropriate to ±1% or ±5%, for example, out of a range from about ±1% to about ±5%.

[Condition 3-2]

The difference between the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 and the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A within a time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold.
This Condition 3-1 relates to the relative humidities as of a time point. Alternatively, this Condition 3-1 is also applicable to the relative humidities as of each time point within a time period, that is, the transitions of the relative humidities in the time period.
This Condition 3-2 is expressed as follows using the relative humidity (also referred to as a “third relative humidity”) as of each time point measured by humidity sensor 23 of air conditioner 20 within a time period, and the relative humidity (also referred to as a “fourth relative humidity) as of the time point measured by humidity sensor 33A of sensing device 30A.

- The difference between the third and fourth relative humidities as of each time point within a time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold (a sixth condition).

[Condition 3-3] the Determination is Based on Humidities Using Determination Model

Assume that the transition of the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A and the transition of the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 are given. Then, whether the given transitions meet the condition is determinable using a determination model. In this case, the determination model can be generated in advance by supervised machine learning using the following information. The information indicates whether (a) to (c) are those in the case where the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which sensing device 30A is located. (a) is the transition of the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A. (b) is the transition of the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20. (c) are transitions (a) and (b) described above. The determination model to be generated receives the transition of the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A and the transition of the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20. The determination model then outputs the information indicating whether the received transitions meet the condition.
Processor 13A then makes a determination using the information output by inputting, into the generated determination model, the transition of the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A and the transition of the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 obtained by obtainer 12A.

(2) Conditions Determinable Based on Humidities and Temperatures

[Condition 4-1]

The difference between the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 and the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A is smaller than or equal to a threshold, and the difference between the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 and the temperature at the location of sensing device 30A is smaller than or equal to a threshold.
As in the description of Condition 3-1, when sensing device 30A is located in room 5, the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 is substantially equal to the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A. In addition, when sensing device 30A is located in room 5, the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 is substantially equal to the temperature at the location of sensing device 30A.
On the other hand, as in the description of Condition 3-1, when sensing device 30A is located in room 6, the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 and the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A are independent from each other and often different from each other (may also be the same). In addition, when sensing device 30A is located in room 6, the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 and the temperature at the location of sensing device 30A are independent from each other and often different from each other (may also be the same).
The following is thus determinable upon detection that the difference between the relative humidities at the location of sensing device 30A and at the location of air conditioner 20 is smaller than or equal to a threshold, and that the difference between the temperature at the location of sensing device 30A and the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 is smaller than or equal to a threshold. Sensing device 30A is located in room 5. That is, the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which sensing device 30A is located.
This Condition 4-1 is expressed as follows using the relative humidity (also referred to as a “third relative humidity”) and the temperature (also referred to as a “third temperature”) as of a time point measured by humidity sensor 23 of air conditioner 20, and the relative humidity (also referred to as a “fourth relative humidity”) and the temperature (also referred to as a “fourth temperature”) as of the time point measured by humidity sensor 33A of sensing device 30A.

- The difference between the third and fourth relative humidities is smaller than or equal to a threshold, and the difference between the third and fourth temperatures as of a time point is smaller than or equal to a threshold (a seventh condition).

That is, relative humidity RH3 measured by humidity sensor 23, relative humidity RH4 measured by humidity sensor 33A, T3 measured by temperature sensor 24, and temperature T4 measured by temperature sensor 34A at the time point satisfy following expressions (5).
|RH4−RH3|≤Th4 and |T4−T3|≤Th5 (5)
Here, Th4 is the same as in Condition 3-1 described above. Th5 is a predetermined threshold which may be a predetermined value greater than zero. Th5 may be set to a value indicating the degree of the accuracy in measuring the temperature by temperature sensor 24 or 34A. For example, Th5 may fall within a range from about ±1° C. to about ±2° C.

[Condition 4-2]

The difference between the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20 and the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A within a time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold.
This Condition 4-1 relates to the relative humidities and the temperatures as of a time point. Alternatively, this Condition 4-1 is also applicable to the relative humidities and temperatures at each time point within a time period, that is, the transitions of the relative humidities and the temperatures within a time period.
This condition 4-2 is expressed as follows using the relative humidity (also referred to as a “third relative humidity”) as of each time point in a time period measured by humidity sensor 23 of air conditioner 20, the relative humidity (also referred to as a “fourth relative humidity”) as of the time point measured by humidity sensor 33A of sensing device 30A, the temperature (also referred to as a “third temperature”) as of each time point in the time period measured by temperature sensor 24 of air conditioner 20, and the temperature (also referred to as a “fourth temperature”) as of the time point measured by temperature sensor 34A of sensing device 30A.

- The difference between the third and fourth relative humidities as of each time point within a time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold, and the difference between the third and fourth temperatures as of each time point within a time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold (an eighth condition).

[Condition 4-3] the Determination is Based on Humidities and Temperatures Using Determination Model

Assume that the transitions of the relative humidity and the temperature at the location of sensing device 30A, and the transitions of the relative humidity and the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 are given. Then, whether the given transitions meet the condition is determinable using a determination model. In this case, the determination model can be generated in advance by supervised machine learning using the following information. The information indicates whether (a) to (e) are those in the case where the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is the same as the space in which sensing device 30A is located. (a) is the transition of the relative humidity at the location of sensing device 30A. (b) is the transition of the relative humidity at the location of air conditioner 20. (c) is the transition of the temperature at the location of sensing device 30A. (d) is the transition of the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20. (e) are transitions (a) to (d) described above. The determination model to be generated receives the transitions of the relative humidity and the temperature at the location of sensing device 30A and the transitions of the relative humidity and the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20. The determination model then outputs the information indicating whether the received transitions meet the condition.
Processor 13A then makes a determination using the information output by inputting, into the generated determination model, the transitions of the relative humidity and the temperature at the location of sensing device 30A and the transitions of the relative humidity and the temperature at the location of air conditioner 20 obtained by obtainer 12A.
FIG. 10 illustrates notifications by control system 1A according to this embodiment. The notifications shown in FIG. 10 are made by sensing device 30A in place of humidifier 30 that makes similar notifications in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 5 ).
FIG. 10 , (a) shows that a smartphone, which is an example of terminal 40, makes a notification using a display.
Upon obtainment of a result of the determination output by server 10A, communicator 41 of terminal 40 displays the result of the determination as an image on display 43. The image displayed on display 43 is assumed to be viewed by user U.
For example, the image displayed on display 43 includes an image indicating an information providing a message such as “The sensing device may be in a different room from the air conditioner”. This message is an example notification for providing user U with the information on the following fact. The space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature is different from the space in which sensing device 30A controls the air humidity.
Note that the notification described above may be a question such as “Is the sensing device in the same room as the air conditioner?”. If room 5 has a specific name, the notification may be made using the name. Specifically, if room 5 is a living room, the notification may be “Is the sensing device in the living room?”.
Alternatively, the notification may be an instruction such as “Move the sensing device to the same room as the air conditioner”. This message is an example notification for instructing user U to cause sensing device 30A to control the air humidity in the space in which air conditioner 20 controls the air temperature.
In FIG. 10 , (b) shows that a smart speaker, which is an example of terminal 40, makes a notification using a sound.
Upon obtainment of a result of the determination output by server 10A, communicator 41 of terminal 40 causes speaker 44 to output the result of the determination as a sound. The sound output by speaker 44 is assumed to be heard by user U. The details of the notification are the same as in (a) of FIG. 10 .
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing of server 10A according to this embodiment.
Step S1 shown in FIG. 11 is the same as the step with the same reference numeral in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 6 ).
In step S2A, communicator 11 transmits a signal (i.e., a start signal) for starting sensing to sensing device 30A. Upon receipt of the start signal, sensing device 30A is assumed to start sensing. If sensing device 30A starts sensing without receiving any start signal, there is no need for communicator 11 to transmit any start signal.
Steps S3 to S5 are the same as the steps with the same reference numerals in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 6 ).
The series of processing shown in FIG. 11 causes server 10A to maintain a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.

[Variation of Embodiment 2]

In this variation, a control device different from that in Embodiment 2 will be described, which maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing an air conditioner.
FIG. 12 illustrates a configuration of control system 2A according to this variation.
As shown in FIG. 12 , control system 2A includes at least air conditioner 20A and sensing device 30A. Note that control system 2A may further include terminal 40. The devices included in control system 2A have communication interfaces which are communicatively connected to each other.
Air conditioner 20A is an air conditioner placed in room 5 to control an air temperature, and corresponds to the “first air conditioner”. Air conditioner 20A has, in addition to the function of air conditioner 20 in Embodiment 2, the function of server 10A.
Air conditioner 20A also has a function as an access point of a wireless network at home of user U. As an advantage, this case requires no extra access point of the wireless network at home of user U.
Sensing device 30A and terminal 40 are the same as in Embodiment 2.
Control system 2A shown in FIG. 12 requires no communication via network N outside the home, and is, as an advantage, still available even after the occurrence of a communication disturbance at network N outside the home.
Assume that server 10A retains the information indicating that air conditioner 20A and sensing device 30A are associated with each other. In this case, upon receipt of operation information indicating that air conditioner 20A starts an operation of controlling the air temperature, communicator 11 may transmit the information for starting sensing to sensing device 30A.
Note that the “information indicating that air conditioner 20A and sensing device 30A are associated with each other” may be generated through an initial settings screen for setting communications of air conditioner 20A and/or sensing device 30A with server 10A, for example. Specifically, on the initial settings screen, user U selects whether to control air conditioner 20A and sensing device 30A in association. If user U has accepted to control air conditioner 20A and sensing device 30A in association, the “information indicating that air conditioner 20A and sensing device 30A are associated with each other” may be generated.
In this variation, user U may make settings in accordance with the arrangement of air conditioner 20A and sensing device 30A. If a plurality of air conditioners 20A are arranged, there is no need for processor 13A to make unnecessary determinations for those less likely to be placed in the same room as sensing device 30A.
As described above, the control device according to Embodiment 2 and the variation of Embodiment 2 outputs the information indicating whether the second apparatus (corresponding to “another system”) is located in the space in which the first apparatus, which is the air conditioner, controls the air temperature and humidity, using the humidity information. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to place the second apparatus in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and humidity (e.g., moves the second apparatus to the space). This achieves the placement of the second apparatus in the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and humidity. In this state, the second apparatus operates properly. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device outputs the information indicating whether the portable sensing device is located in the space in which the air conditioner controls the air temperature and humidity. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to place the portable sensing device in the space in which the air conditioner controls the air temperature and humidity (e.g., moves the sensing device to the space). This achieves the placement of the portable sensing device in the space in which the air conditioner controls the air temperature and humidity. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner and the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the sensing device, using the fifth condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the transition of the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner and the transition of the relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the sensing device, using the sixth condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device outputs the information indicating whether the portable sensing device is located in the space in which the air conditioner controls the air temperature and humidity, further using the temperature after the receipt of the operation information. Since the temperature after the receipt of the operation information is used further, the condition can be determined more accurately than in the case using only the humidity. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more accurately, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the air conditioner and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the sensing device, using the seventh condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device makes the determination more easily based on the transition of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the air conditioner and the transition of the temperature measured by the temperature sensor of the sensing device, using the eighth condition. Accordingly, the control device maintains a proper operation of another system more easily, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The control device according to the present disclosure is also expressed as follows, but not limited thereto.
Specifically, a control device according to the present disclosure includes: an obtainer that obtains humidity information including a first humidity and a second humidity after a communicator has received operation information indicating that a first apparatus starts a first operation of controlling an air temperature, the first apparatus being an air conditioner, the first humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the first apparatus, the second humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of a second apparatus; and a processor that makes a determination on whether the first humidity and the second humidity obtained by the obtainer meet a condition indicating that a space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature is a same as a space in which the second apparatus is located, and outputs information indicating a result of the determination.
In this aspect, the control device outputs the information indicating whether the first and second air conditioners control the air temperature and humidity in the same space, using the humidity after the second air conditioner has started an operation. Based on the output information, the user takes an action to cause the first and second air conditioners to control the air temperature and humidity in the same space. This achieves the control of the air temperature and humidity in the same space by the first and second air conditioners. In this manner, the control device maintains a proper humidity, while utilizing the air conditioner.
The embodiments and variations have been described above as example techniques of the present disclosure. The accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided for this purpose.
Accordingly, the constituent elements included in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description may include not only those essential to achieve the objective, but also those not essential to achieve the objective. For this reason, these non-essential constituent elements should not be immediately construed as being essential based on the fact that they are included in the accompanying drawings or detailed description.
The embodiments and variations described above are illustrative examples of the present disclosure. Various modifications, substitutions, additions, and omissions can thus be made within the scope of the claims or a scope equivalent thereto.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable to a control device that controls an air conditioner in coordination with a system such as a humidifier or a sensing device.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

- 1, 1A, 2, 2A control system
- 5, 6 room
- 10, 10A server
- 11, 21, 31, 31A, 41 communicator
- 12, 12A obtainer
- 13, 13A processor
- 20, 20A air conditioner
- 22 air conditioning module
- 23, 33, 33A humidity sensor
- 24, 34, 34A temperature sensor
- 25 remote controller
- 30 humidifier
- 30A sensing device
- 32 humidifier module
- 35A acceleration sensor
- 36A microphone
- 40 terminal
- 42 controller
- 43 display
- 44 speaker
- N network
- U user

Claims

1. A control device comprising:

a communicator that receives operation information indicating that a first apparatus starts a first operation of controlling an air temperature, the first apparatus being an air conditioner;

an obtainer that obtains humidity information including a first humidity and a second humidity after the operation information has been received, the first humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the first apparatus, the second humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of a second apparatus; and

a processor that makes a determination on whether the first humidity and the second humidity obtained by the obtainer meet a condition indicating that a space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature is a same as a space in which the second apparatus is located, and outputs information indicating a result of the determination.

2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein

the obtainer obtains the humidity information including at least one of a relative humidity or an absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first apparatus.

3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein

the first apparatus is a first air conditioner,

the second apparatus is a second air conditioner,

after receiving the operation information, the communicator transmits, to the second air conditioner, information for causing the second air conditioner to start a second operation of controlling an air humidity, and

the obtainer obtains the humidity information including the first humidity and the second humidity after the second air conditioner has started the second operation, the first humidity being measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner, the second humidity being measured by the humidity sensor of the second air conditioner.

4. The control device according to claim 3, wherein

the first air conditioner is a stationary heater, and

the second air conditioner is a portable humidifier.

5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein

the humidity information includes:

an absolute humidity as of a first time point measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner; and

an absolute humidity as of a second time point measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner after the first time point, and

the processor makes the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a first condition that the absolute humidity as of the second time point is higher than the absolute humidity as of the first time point by a predetermined value or more.

6. The control device according to claim 4, wherein

the humidity information includes:

a transition of a relative humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner, and

the processor makes the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a second condition that the relative humidity is continuously higher than a threshold.

7. The control device according to claim 4, wherein

the humidity information includes:

a first relative humidity as of a time point measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner; and

a second relative humidity as of the time point measured by the humidity sensor of the second air conditioner, and

the processor makes the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a third condition that a value obtained by subtracting the first relative humidity from the second relative humidity is greater than or equal to a threshold.

8. The control device according to claim 4, wherein

the humidity information includes:

a transition of at least one of a relative humidity or an absolute humidity measured by the humidity sensor of the first air conditioner, and

the processor makes the determination using information obtained by inputting the humidity information obtained by the obtainer and an attribute value of the first air conditioner into a determination model that receives, as input, the transition of the at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity and the attribute value of the first air conditioner and outputs the information indicating whether the transition received meets the condition, the determination model being generated in advance by machine learning.

9. The control device according to claim 4, wherein

the obtainer further obtains temperature information indicating an air temperature after the second air conditioner has started the second operation, and

the processor further determines whether the air temperature indicated by the temperature information obtained by the obtainer meets the condition.

10. The control device according to claim 7, wherein

the obtainer further obtains temperature information indicating an air temperature after the second air conditioner has started the second operation, and including a first temperature and a second temperature, the first temperature being a temperature as of the time point measured by a temperature sensor of the first air conditioner, the second temperature being a temperature as of the time point measured by a temperature sensor of the second air conditioner, and

the processor makes the determination based on the temperature information obtained by the obtainer, using the condition including a fourth condition that a value obtained by subtracting the second temperature from the first temperature is greater than or equal to a threshold.

11. The control device according to claim 8, wherein

the obtainer further obtains temperature information indicating an air temperature after the second air conditioner has started the second operation, and including a transition of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor of the first air conditioner, and

the processor makes the determination based on information output by inputting the humidity information and the temperature information obtained by the obtainer and the attribute value of the first air conditioner into the determination model that receives a transition of at least one of the relative humidity or the absolute humidity, the transition of the temperature, and the attribute value of the first air conditioner, and outputs information indicating whether the transition received meets the condition.

12. The control device according to claim 1, wherein

the second apparatus is a portable sensing device including at least the humidity sensor, and

the obtainer obtains the humidity information including the first humidity and the second humidity, the first humidity being measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner, the second humidity being measured by the humidity sensor of the portable sensing device.

13. The control device according to claim 12, wherein

the humidity information includes:

a third relative humidity as of a time point measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner; and

a fourth relative humidity as of the time point measured by the humidity sensor of the portable sensing device, and

the processor makes the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a fifth condition that a difference between the fourth relative humidity and the third relative humidity at the time point is smaller than or equal to a threshold.

14. The control device according to claim 12, wherein

the humidity information includes:

a transition of a third relative humidity in a time period measured by the humidity sensor of the air conditioner; and

a transition of a fourth relative humidity in the time period measured by the humidity sensor of the portable sensing device, and

the processor makes the determination based on the humidity information, using the condition including a sixth condition that a value obtained by subtracting the third relative humidity from the fourth relative humidity at each time point within the time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold.

15. The control device according to claim 12, wherein

the obtainer further obtains temperature information including a third temperature and a fourth temperature after the operation information has been received, the third temperature being measured by a temperature sensor of the air conditioner, the fourth temperature being measured by a temperature sensor of the portable sensing device, and

the processor further determines whether the third temperature and the fourth temperature indicated by the temperature information obtained by the obtainer meet the condition.

16. The control device according to claim 15, wherein

the temperature information includes:

the third temperature as of a time point measured by the temperature sensor of the air conditioner; and

the fourth temperature as of the time point measured by the temperature sensor of the portable sensing device, and

the processor makes the determination based on the temperature information obtained by the obtainer, using the condition including a seventh condition that a value obtained by subtracting the third temperature from the fourth temperature at the time point is greater than or equal to a threshold.

17. The control device according to claim 15, wherein

the temperature information includes:

a transition of a third temperature in a time period measured by the temperature sensor of the air conditioner; and

a transition of a fourth temperature in the time period measured by the temperature sensor of the portable sensing device, and

the processor makes the determination based on the temperature information, using the condition including an eighth condition that a value obtained by subtracting the third temperature from the fourth temperature at each time point within the time period is smaller than or equal to a threshold.

18. The control device according to claim 1, wherein

the condition includes a condition indicating that the space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature and the space in which the second apparatus is located are included in a same room or communicating rooms.

19. The control device according to claim 1, wherein

when the condition is determined not to be met, the processor:

(a) outputs an image indicating the result of the determination to a terminal to cause a display of the terminal to display the image output; or

(b) outputs audio information indicating the result of the determination to the terminal to cause a speaker of the terminal to output the audio information output.

20. A control system comprising:

the control device according to claim 1;

the first apparatus that transmits the operation information to the control device; and

the second apparatus that provides the humidity information to the control device.

21. A control method to be executed by a control device, the control method comprising:

receiving operation information indicating that a first apparatus starts a first operation of controlling an air temperature, the first apparatus being an air conditioner;

after receiving the operation information, obtaining humidity information including a first humidity and a second humidity, the first humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the first apparatus, the second humidity being measured by a humidity sensor of the second apparatus; and

making a determination on whether the first humidity and the second humidity obtained in the obtaining meet a condition indicating that a space in which the first apparatus controls the air temperature is a same as a space in which the second apparatus is located, and outputting information indicating a result of the determination.