WO2021166079A1 - Integrated air-conditioning controller, air-conditioning control system, and air-conditioning control method - Google Patents

Integrated air-conditioning controller, air-conditioning control system, and air-conditioning control method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021166079A1
WO2021166079A1 PCT/JP2020/006328 JP2020006328W WO2021166079A1 WO 2021166079 A1 WO2021166079 A1 WO 2021166079A1 JP 2020006328 W JP2020006328 W JP 2020006328W WO 2021166079 A1 WO2021166079 A1 WO 2021166079A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
air
photographing
air conditioning
unit
integrated controller
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Application number
PCT/JP2020/006328
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
中野　聡
Original Assignee
三菱電機株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 三菱電機株式会社 filed Critical 三菱電機株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2020/006328 priority Critical patent/WO2021166079A1/en
Priority to JP2022501445A priority patent/JP7357757B2/en
Publication of WO2021166079A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021166079A1/en

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63—Electronic processing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/89—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2120/00—Control inputs relating to users or occupants
    • F24F2120/10—Occupancy

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an air conditioning integrated controller, an air conditioning control system, and an air conditioning control method that control the operation of a plurality of air conditioners in an air conditioning control system.
  • a thermal image processing device acquires a thermal image from a plurality of infrared sensors arranged in space, and corrects each thermal image based on an offset amount consisting of a photographing position and a photographing inclination of each thermal image. , A technique for generating an overall thermal image of the entire space using the corrected thermal image is disclosed.
  • the thermal image processing apparatus cannot accurately detect the position of the heat source, that is, the person, the offset amount cannot be accurately obtained from the thermal image. Therefore, the thermal image processing apparatus has a problem that it cannot generate an overall thermal image with high accuracy.
  • the present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present disclosure is to obtain an air-conditioning integrated controller capable of improving the detection accuracy of the number and position of people in the air-conditioning target space.
  • the present disclosure includes a plurality of photographing units installed in an air-conditioned target space, each of which faces a designated target range and outputs a thermal image. It is an air conditioning integrated controller that controls the operation of a plurality of air conditioners in an air conditioning control system.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller includes a synchronous control unit that controls a plurality of imaging units to be synchronized and simultaneously photographed, and a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images, which is information on the number and position of people detected from the thermal image.
  • a control signal for controlling the operation is sent to the occupancy determination unit that outputs information and the air conditioner that controls the air conditioning at the position where a person exists among a plurality of air conditioners by inputting the occupancy information. It is equipped with an air conditioning control unit that outputs.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller according to the present disclosure has the effect of improving the detection accuracy of the number and position of people in the air-conditioning target space.
  • a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller according to the first embodiment The figure which shows the example of the arrangement of the heat source photographed by the imaging apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the example of the arrangement of the heat source photographed by the two imaging apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1.
  • a flowchart showing the operation of the photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment A flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the air conditioning control system 1 according to the first embodiment.
  • the air conditioner control system 1 includes an image pickup device 2a, 2b, an air conditioner indoor unit 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, an air conditioner outdoor unit 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and an air conditioner integrated controller 5. , And a remote controller 6.
  • the air conditioner control system 1 is a system in which the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operations of the air conditioner indoor units 3a to 3h and the air conditioner outdoor units 4a to 4d in the air conditioner target space.
  • the photographing device 2a and the air-conditioning indoor units 3a to 3d are connected by the air-conditioning remote control communication line 7a, and the photographing device 2b and the air-conditioning indoor units 3e to 3h are connected by the air-conditioning remote control communication line 7b.
  • the air conditioner indoor units 3a and 3b and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4a are connected by the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8a, and the air conditioner indoor units 3c and 3d and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4b are connected by the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8b.
  • the air conditioner indoor units 3e and 3f and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4c are connected by the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8c, and the air conditioner indoor units 3g and 3h and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4d are connected by the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8d. Further, in the air conditioner control system 1, the air conditioner outdoor units 4a to 4d and the air conditioner integrated controller 5 are connected by an air conditioner centralized communication line 9.
  • the photographing devices 2a and 2b when the photographing devices 2a and 2b are not distinguished, they are referred to as the photographing device 2, when the air conditioner indoor units 3a to 3h are not distinguished, they are referred to as the air conditioner indoor unit 3, and when the air conditioner outdoor units 4a to 4d are not distinguished, they are referred to. It may be referred to as an air conditioner outdoor unit 4. Further, the air conditioner indoor units 3a to 3h and the air conditioner outdoor units 4a to 4d may be collectively referred to as an air conditioner.
  • the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operation of the air conditioner
  • the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operation of the air conditioner indoor unit 3
  • the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operation of the air conditioner outdoor unit 4
  • the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operation of the air conditioner outdoor unit 4.
  • the controller 5 controls the operations of the air conditioner indoor unit 3 and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4.
  • the air-conditioning remote control communication lines 7a and 7b are not distinguished, it may be referred to as an air-conditioning remote control communication line 7, and when the air-conditioning internal / external communication lines 8a to 8d are not distinguished, it may be referred to as an air-conditioning internal / external communication line 8.
  • the photographing device 2 and the air conditioner integrated controller 5 communicate with each other via the air conditioner remote controller communication line 7, the air conditioner indoor unit 3, the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4, and the air conditioner centralized communication line 9. conduct. Further, the air conditioner integrated controller 5 and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 communicate with each other via the air conditioner centralized communication line 9. Further, the air conditioner integrated controller 5 and the air conditioner indoor unit 3 communicate with each other via the air conditioner centralized communication line 9, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4, and the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8. In the following description, the configuration via the route may be omitted.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the photographing devices 2a and 2b and the air conditioner indoor units 3a to 3h in the air conditioner control system 1 according to the first embodiment.
  • the photographing devices 2a and 2b and the air-conditioning indoor units 3a to 3h are installed on the ceiling of the air-conditioning target space 100 or the like.
  • the photographing device 2a photographs the range of the photographing range 101a in the air-conditioned space 100.
  • the photographing device 2a can detect the heat source 102 within the photographing range 101a.
  • the photographing device 2b photographs the range of the photographing range 101b in the air-conditioned space 100.
  • the photographing device 2b can detect the heat source 102 within the photographing range 101b.
  • the configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an example, and is not limited thereto.
  • the number of air conditioner indoor units 3 connected to the photographing device 2 is not limited to four.
  • the air conditioning control system 1 can also include three or more photographing devices 2.
  • the installation positions of the photographing devices 2a and 2b are not limited to the ceiling, and may be installed at a high position near the ceiling of the wall surface as long as the heat source in the air-conditioned space can be detected.
  • the configuration of the photographing device 2 will be described.
  • the photographing device 2 includes a photographing unit 21 and an image analysis unit 22.
  • the photographing unit 21 is installed in the air-conditioning target space, and shoots in the direction of the target range designated by the air-conditioning integrated controller 5.
  • the shooting unit 21 is a movable infrared camera whose shooting direction can be changed.
  • the photographing unit 21 outputs the thermal image obtained by photographing to the image analysis unit 22.
  • the plurality of photographing units 21 are installed in the air-conditioning target space, and each of them faces the direction of the designated target range to shoot and output a thermal image.
  • each of the plurality of photographing units 21 can independently change the photographing direction by the rotation operation.
  • the image analysis unit 22 detects the number and position of people included in the thermal image from the thermal image acquired from the photographing unit 21.
  • the image analysis unit 22 outputs the detection information, which is the information on the number and position of the detected people, to the air conditioning integrated controller 5. That is, each of the plurality of photographing devices 2 outputs the detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 includes a synchronous control unit 51, an occupant determination unit 52, an air-conditioning control unit 53, and a display unit 54.
  • the synchronization control unit 51 controls a plurality of photographing units 21, that is, a plurality of photographing devices 2 to be synchronized and simultaneously photographed. Specifically, the synchronization control unit 51 specifies a target range for a plurality of shooting units 21, and synchronously operates the plurality of shooting units 21 so as to shoot the same target range from different directions at the same time. ..
  • the occupant determination unit 52 acquires detection information from each of the plurality of photographing devices 2.
  • the occupant determination unit 52 inputs a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images from the plurality of photographing devices 2 and information on the positions, shooting directions, and shooting times of the plurality of photographing devices 2, and has a target range. Determine the number and location of people in the room included in.
  • the occupancy determination unit 52 outputs occupancy information indicating the number and position of persons included in the target range to the air conditioning control unit 53.
  • the air conditioning control unit 53 receives occupant information as input, and outputs a control signal for controlling the operation to the air conditioner that controls the air conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air conditioners.
  • the display unit 54 displays occupant information.
  • the administrator of the air-conditioning control system 1 can grasp the area with many people by checking the occupant information displayed on the display unit 54, and can manually change to an appropriate air-conditioning control.
  • the remote controller 6 the user sets the operation mode, the desired temperature, and the like for the air conditioner indoor unit 3.
  • the remote controller 6 is connected only to the air conditioner indoor unit 3h, but each air conditioner indoor unit 3 may be provided with the remote controller 6.
  • one remote controller 6 may be able to connect to a plurality of air conditioner indoor units 3.
  • the remote controller 6 may include a display unit similar to the display unit 54 included in the air conditioning integrated controller 5 and display occupant information.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photographing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment.
  • the photographing unit 21 determines whether or not there is an instruction of the target range of photographing from the air conditioning integrated controller 5 (step S101). When there is no instruction of the target range from the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 (step S101: No), the photographing unit 21 waits until the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 instructs the target range. When the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 instructs the target range (step S101: Yes), the photographing unit 21 determines the photographing direction and photographs the instructed target range (step S102).
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 may instruct each photographing device 2 to individually instruct the photographing device 2 to photograph the same target range.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 calculates the photographing direction individually for each photographing device 2, a processing load is applied.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 may instruct each photographing device 2 to photograph the same target range by giving a common instruction using coordinates capable of specifying the target range.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 since the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 only gives a common instruction to each photographing device 2, the processing load can be reduced. However, since it is necessary for the photographing device 2 to calculate the actual photographing direction so as to face the direction of the instructed target range, a processing load is applied.
  • one of the methods may be selected in consideration of the processing capacity of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 and the photographing device 2, the number of the photographing devices 2, and the like.
  • the method of instructing the photographing range from the air conditioning integrated controller 5 to the photographing device 2 is not limited to these methods.
  • the photographing unit 21 outputs the thermal image obtained by the photographing to the image analysis unit 22 (step S103).
  • the image analysis unit 22 detects the number and position of people from the thermal image acquired from the photographing unit 21 (step S104).
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an actual target range as seen from the photographing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a thermal image obtained by photographing the target range shown in FIG. 4 by the photographing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance from the photographing device 2 to the heat source and the size in the thermal image according to the first embodiment.
  • the two heat sources 201 and 202 shown in FIG. 4 are represented as heat sources 211 and 122 in the thermal image shown in FIG. When the actual heat sources 201 and 202 are humans, they can be regarded as having a constant size on average.
  • the size in the thermal image and the position in the thermal image also differ depending on the distance between the photographing device 2 and the heat source 222. This is because, as in the shooting range 221 of the width 223 to 227 that fits in one pixel of the shooting unit 21 shown in FIG. 6, the farther the distance from the shooting device 2 is, the larger the range that fits in one pixel in the thermal image. Because.
  • the photographing device 2 when the photographing device 2 is installed at a high position such as the ceiling of the air-conditioned space and the image is taken diagonally downward, the closer the heat source is to the photographing device 2, the larger the size in the thermal image. It becomes larger and its position in the thermal image is lower. Further, the farther the heat source is from the photographing device 2, the smaller the size in the thermal image and the higher the position in the thermal image. Therefore, if the image analysis unit 22 has information on the height of the photographing device 2 from the floor surface, the photographing direction of the photographing unit 21, and the height of the heat source from the floor, the thermal image is obtained together with the thermal image shown in FIG.
  • the position of the heat source can be specified from the characteristics of the size and position of the heat source represented inside.
  • the height of the heat source from the floor can be regarded as the same for any heat source as long as it is a human.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the image analysis unit 22 according to the first embodiment detects the number and position of people who are heat sources from the thermal image.
  • the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows the details of the operation of step S104 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the image analysis unit 22 extracts one heat source included in the thermal image from the thermal image acquired from the photographing unit 21 (step S201). In the example of FIG. 5, there are two heat sources included in the thermal image.
  • the image analysis unit 22 identifies the position of the extracted heat source from the position and size of the extracted heat source in the thermal image (step S202). When all the heat sources have not been extracted from the thermal image (step S203: No), the image analysis unit 22 returns to step S201 and repeats the above operation. When all the heat sources are extracted from the thermal image (step S203: Yes), the image analysis unit 22 ends the detection operation from the thermal image.
  • the image analysis unit 22 can grasp the number of people by returning to step S201 and counting the number of repeating the
  • the image analysis unit 22 generates detection information which is information indicating the number and positions of people included in the thermal image (step S105).
  • the image analysis unit 22 outputs the generated detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5 (step S106).
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 according to the first embodiment.
  • the synchronous control unit 51 has instructed the plurality of photographing devices 2 to take a picture in the target range last time, that is, a predetermined period has elapsed since the plurality of taking pictures 2 were made to take a picture of the air-conditioned space. Whether or not it is determined (step S301). If the specified period has not elapsed (step S301: No), the synchronization control unit 51 waits until the specified period elapses.
  • the synchronization control unit 51 instructs the plurality of imaging devices 2 to capture the target range (step S302).
  • the synchronization control unit 51 may instruct each photographing device 2 to individually instruct the photographing direction for each photographing device 2, or may use coordinates or the like that can specify the target range to each photographing device 2 in common. May be instructed.
  • the synchronous control unit 51 may instruct only the photographing device 2 whose imaging range includes the target range. In this case, the synchronization control unit 51 notifies the occupant determination unit 52 of information such as the number of photographing devices 2 that have indicated the target range.
  • the occupant determination unit 52 determines whether or not the detection information has been acquired from all the imaging devices 2 for the imaging device 2 for which the synchronization control unit 51 has instructed the imaging direction (step S303). When the detection information has not been acquired from at least one photographing device 2 (step S303: No), the occupant determination unit 52 waits until the detection information is acquired from all the photographing devices 2. When the detection information is acquired from all the photographing devices 2 (step S303: Yes), the occupancy determination unit 52 determines the number and position of the persons included in the target range (step S304).
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of heat sources 303 and 304 photographed by the photographing apparatus 2a according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 9 shows an example in which the photographing apparatus 2a is installed on the ceiling 301 of the air-conditioned space, and the heat sources 303 and 304 are present on the floor 302.
  • the photographing apparatus 2a detects the heat sources 303 and 304 as one heat source. Therefore, in the detection information output from the photographing device 2a, the number of heat sources, that is, the number of people is one.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of heat sources 303 and 304 photographed by the two imaging devices 2a and 2b according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example in which the photographing devices 2a and 2b are installed on the ceiling 301 of the air-conditioned space, and the heat sources 303 and 304 are present on the floor 302.
  • the photographing apparatus 2b can detect the heat sources 303 and 304 as two heat sources. Therefore, in the detection information output from the photographing device 2b, the number of heat sources, that is, the number of people is two.
  • the occupant determination unit 52 acquires detection information having different contents from the photographing devices 2a and 2b shown in FIG. However, as shown in FIG.
  • the occupant determination unit 52 uses information on the height of the photographing devices 2a and 2b from the floor 302, the photographing direction, and the height of the heat sources 303 and 304 from the floor 302, as shown in FIG. It is possible to grasp the positional relationship between the photographing devices 2a and 2b and the heat sources 303 and 304. Therefore, in the occupancy determination unit 52, the detection information of the photographing device 2a is photographed by overlapping the heat sources 303 and 304, so that the detected heat source, that is, the person is less than the detection information of the photographing device 2b. Can be determined. In this way, the occupant determination unit 52 acquires detection information from the plurality of photographing devices 2 and uses the plurality of detection information to accurately determine the number and position of people actually in the target range. be able to.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the occupant determination unit 52 according to the first embodiment determines the number and position of people from the detection information.
  • the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 shows the details of the operation of step S304 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the occupancy determination unit 52 determines whether or not the number of detected persons is the same in all the acquired detection information (step S401). When the number of detected persons is different (step S401: No), the occupant determination unit 52 determines the height of the photographing devices 2a and 2b from the floor 302, the photographing direction, and the heat sources 303 and 304 from the floor 302. By using information such as height information, the number of people actually in the target range is specified (step S402).
  • step S401 determines the position of each detected person (step S403).
  • the occupant determination unit 52 determines that the person is at the position indicated by the detection information when the position of the person indicated by each detection information is the same.
  • the position of each person for example, when the position of the person indicated by each detection information is different, the occupant determination unit 52 determines that there is a person between the positions indicated by each detection information.
  • the occupancy determination unit 52 generates occupancy information indicating the number and position of persons included in the target range (step S305).
  • the occupancy determination unit 52 outputs the occupancy information to the display unit 54 and the air conditioning control unit 53 (step S306).
  • the display unit 54 displays the occupant information (step S307).
  • the air-conditioning control unit 53 receives occupant information as input, and controls the operation of the air-conditioner that controls the air-conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air-conditioners included in the air-conditioning control system 1.
  • a signal is generated (step S308) and output (step S309).
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing circuit included in the air conditioning integrated controller 5 according to the first embodiment.
  • the display unit 54 is a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
  • the synchronous control unit 51, the occupancy determination unit 52, and the air conditioning control unit 53 are realized by a processing circuit.
  • the processing circuit is, for example, a processor 91 that executes a program stored in the memory 92, and a memory 92.
  • each function of the processing circuit is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.
  • the software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92.
  • each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92. It can also be said that these programs cause the computer to execute the procedures and methods of the air conditioning integrated controller 5.
  • the processor 91 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like.
  • the memory 92 includes, for example, non-volatile or volatile such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and EPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically EPROM).
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • flash memory EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and EPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically EPROM).
  • Semiconductor memory magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini disk, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc. are applicable.
  • the processing circuit may be dedicated hardware.
  • the processing circuit is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate). Array), or a combination of these.
  • Each function of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 may be realized by a processing circuit for each function, or each function may be collectively realized by a processing circuit.
  • a part may be realized by dedicated hardware and a part may be realized by software or firmware.
  • the processing circuit can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by the dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.
  • the photographing unit 21 is an infrared sensor that can obtain a thermal image as described above.
  • the image analysis unit 55 is realized by a processing circuit.
  • the processing circuit may be composed of a processor 91 and a memory 92, or may be dedicated hardware.
  • the air conditioning integrated controller 5 instructs a plurality of photographing devices 2 to photograph a target range in the air conditioning target space.
  • the plurality of photographing devices 2 simultaneously photograph the designated target range from different directions, detect the number and position of people from the obtained thermal image, and output the detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 has decided to determine the actual number and position of people by using a plurality of detection information from thermal images taken from different directions. As a result, the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 uses the detection information of the heat image taken by the other photographing device 2 even when the heat source, that is, the person is photographed overlapping, in the thermal image taken by the one photographing device 2.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 can improve the detection accuracy of the number and position of people in the air-conditioning target space.
  • the air-conditioning control system 1 can perform comfortable air-conditioning control according to the number and position of people who have detected it with high accuracy.
  • the photographing device 2 includes an image analysis unit 22 and outputs detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller includes an image analysis unit and the photographing device outputs a thermal image to the air-conditioning integrated controller will be described.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the air conditioning control system 1a according to the second embodiment.
  • the air conditioning control system 1a replaces the photographing devices 2a and 2b and the air conditioning integrated controller 5 with the photographing devices 10a and 10b and the air conditioning integrated controller 5a with respect to the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. be.
  • the photographing devices 10a and 10b when they are not distinguished, they may be referred to as the photographing device 10.
  • the configuration of the photographing device 10 will be described.
  • the photographing device 10 includes a photographing unit 21.
  • the photographing unit 21 is the same as the photographing unit 21 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but the output destination of the thermal image obtained by photographing is different.
  • the photographing unit 21 of the second embodiment outputs the heat image obtained by taking a picture to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a. That is, each of the plurality of photographing devices 10 outputs a thermal image to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a.
  • FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photographing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.
  • the photographing unit 21 determines whether or not there is an instruction of the target range of photographing from the air conditioning integrated controller 5a (step S501). When there is no instruction of the target range from the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a (step S501: No), the photographing unit 21 waits until the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a instructs the target range. When the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a instructs the target range (step S501: Yes), the photographing unit 21 determines the photographing direction and photographs the instructed target range (step S502). The photographing unit 21 outputs the thermal image obtained by the photographing to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a (step S503).
  • the configuration of the air conditioning integrated controller 5a will be described.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a is an image analysis unit 55 added to the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
  • the operation of the image analysis unit 55 is the same as the operation of the image analysis unit 22 included in the photographing apparatus 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
  • the image analysis unit 55 acquires thermal images from each of the plurality of photographing devices 10, detects the number and position of people included in the thermal image from each thermal image, and uses the information on the number and position of the detected people. Outputs multiple detection information for a plurality of thermal images.
  • FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller 5a according to the second embodiment.
  • the synchronization control unit 51 has instructed the plurality of photographing devices 10 for the shooting target range last time, that is, a predetermined period has elapsed since the plurality of shooting devices 10 were allowed to shoot the air-conditioning target space. Whether or not it is determined (step S601). If the specified period has not elapsed (step S601: No), the synchronization control unit 51 waits until the specified period elapses. When the specified period has elapsed (step S601: Yes), the synchronization control unit 51 instructs the plurality of imaging devices 10 to photograph the target range (step S602).
  • the image analysis unit 55 determines whether or not thermal images have been acquired from all the imaging devices 10 for the imaging device 10 for which the synchronization control unit 51 has instructed the imaging direction (step S603). When the thermal image is not acquired from at least one photographing device 10 (step S603: No), the image analysis unit 55 waits until the thermal image is acquired from all the photographing devices 10.
  • the image analysis unit 55 detects the number and position of people from the thermal images acquired from the photographing unit 21 (step S604).
  • the image analysis unit 55 generates detection information which is information indicating the number and positions of people included in the thermal image (step S605).
  • the image analysis unit 55 outputs the generated detection information to the occupant determination unit 52 (step S606).
  • the occupant determination unit 52 acquires a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images from the image analysis unit 55.
  • the occupant determination unit 52 determines the number and position of persons included in the target range (step S607).
  • the occupancy determination unit 52 generates occupancy information indicating the number and position of persons included in the target range (step S608).
  • the occupancy determination unit 52 outputs the occupancy information to the display unit 54 and the air conditioning control unit 53 (step S609).
  • the display unit 54 displays the occupant information (step S610).
  • the air-conditioning control unit 53 receives occupant information as input, and controls the operation of the air-conditioner that controls the air-conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air-conditioners provided in the air-conditioning control system 1a. A signal is generated (step S611) and output (step S612).
  • the image analysis unit 55 is realized by a processing circuit like the image analysis unit 22 of the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment.
  • the processing circuit may be composed of a processor 91 and a memory 92, or may be dedicated hardware.
  • the plurality of photographing devices 10 output thermal images to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a.
  • the air conditioning integrated controller 5a has decided to detect the number and position of people from the obtained thermal image. Even in this case, the air conditioning control system 1a can obtain the same effect as the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment.
  • the photographing device 10 since the photographing device 10 outputs a thermal image to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a, air conditioning is compared with the case where the photographing device 2 outputs the detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5 in the first embodiment. The amount of data due to communication within the control system 1a increases. Further, since the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a of the second embodiment performs image analysis on the thermal images of all the photographing devices 10, the processing load increases as compared with the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, since each photographing device 10 does not include the image analysis unit 22, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be suppressed.
  • the administrator of the air conditioning control system considers the communication capacity in the air conditioning control system, the number of photographing devices to be used, and the like, and considers the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment or the air conditioning control system 1a of the second embodiment. You can choose either.
  • Embodiment 3 In the first embodiment, it is assumed that all the heat sources detected in the thermal image captured by the imaging unit 21 of the imaging device 2 are humans. However, when the air-conditioning target space targeted by the air-conditioning control system 1 is an office floor or the like, devices such as a personal computer and a monitor used in the air-conditioning target space are also heat sources. In the third embodiment, a method of excluding a heat source other than a human from the thermal image captured by the imaging unit 21 of the imaging device 2 will be described. Although the first embodiment will be described as an example, it can also be applied to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image analysis unit 22 according to the third embodiment.
  • the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 shows the details of the operation of step S104 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
  • the image analysis unit 22 stores the thermal image acquired from the photographing unit 21 (step S701).
  • the image analysis unit 22 extracts one heat source included in the thermal image from the thermal image (step S702).
  • the image analysis unit 22 uses the heat image stored in the past to determine whether or not the extracted heat source is moving in a specified period (step S703).
  • step S703: No When there is no movement in the specified period (step S703: No), the image analysis unit 22 considers that the extracted heat source is not a person and excludes the extracted heat source from the count of the number of people. The image analysis unit 22 returns to step S702 and repeats the above operation.
  • step S703: Yes the image analysis unit 22 considers that the extracted heat source is a person, and determines that the extracted heat source has a position and size in the thermal image of the extracted heat source. The position is specified (step S704). When all the heat sources have not been extracted from the thermal image (step S705: No), the image analysis unit 22 returns to step S702 and repeats the above operation.
  • the image analysis unit 22 ends the detection operation from the thermal image. In this way, the image analysis unit 22 excludes the heat source included in the thermal image from the target of the detection information as the heat source that does not move in the specified period as the heat source other than the human.
  • the image analysis unit 55 of the air conditioning integrated controller 5a shown in FIG. 13 performs the same operation as described above.
  • the image analysis unit 22 of the photographing device 2 moves in a predetermined period in the thermal image obtained by being photographed by the photographing unit 21. Exclude the heat source without a person from the count of the number of people, assuming that it is not a person.
  • the image analysis unit 22 generates detection information that counts only people and outputs it to the air conditioning integrated controller 5.
  • the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 can perform comfortable air-conditioning control according to the number and positions of people who have detected it with high accuracy.
  • the configuration shown in the above embodiments is an example, and can be combined with another known technique, can be combined with each other, and does not deviate from the gist. It is also possible to omit or change a part of the configuration.
  • 1,1a air conditioner control system 2a, 2b, 10a, 10b imaging device, 3a to 3h air conditioner indoor unit, 4a to 4d air conditioner outdoor unit, 5,5a air conditioner integrated controller, 6 remote controller, 7a, 7b air conditioner remote control communication line, 8a-8d air conditioner internal / external communication line, 9 air conditioner centralized communication line, 21 photographing unit, 22,55 image analysis unit, 51 synchronous control unit, 52 occupant determination unit, 53 air conditioner control unit, 54 display unit.

Abstract

An air-conditioning control system (1) equipped with a plurality of image-capturing units (21), each of which is installed in a space to be air conditioned, and each of which captures an image while facing the direction of a specified target area and outputs a thermal image, wherein an integrated air-conditioning controller (5) that controls the operation of a plurality of air conditioners comprises: a synchronization control unit (51) that controls the plurality of image-capturing units (21) to synchronize together and capture images simultaneously; a room occupant determination unit (52) that uses, as inputs, a plurality of sets of detection information corresponding to the plurality of thermal images, said information relating to the number and positions of people as detected from the thermal images, and information relating to the positions, image-capturing directions, and image-capturing times of the plurality of image-capturing units (21), determines the number and positions of people included in the target area, and outputs room occupant information indicating the number and positions of people included in the target area; and an air-conditioning control unit (53) that uses the room occupant information as an input and outputs a control signal for controlling the operation to those of the plurality of air conditioners that control air-conditioning for the positions where people are present.

Description

空調統合コントローラ、空調制御システムおよび空調制御方法Air conditioning integrated controller, air conditioning control system and air conditioning control method
　本開示は、空調制御システムにおいて複数の空調機の動作を制御する空調統合コントローラ、空調制御システムおよび空調制御方法に関する。 The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning integrated controller, an air conditioning control system, and an air conditioning control method that control the operation of a plurality of air conditioners in an air conditioning control system.
　従来、複数の空調機を備え、空調対象空間において、人が存在する位置の空調機の動作を制御して、効率的に空調制御を行うシステムがある。このようなシステムでは、空調対象空間において人が存在する位置を正確に検出する必要がある。特許文献１には、熱画像処理装置が、空間に配置された複数の赤外線センサから熱画像を取得し、各熱画像の撮影位置および撮影傾きからなるオフセット量に基づいて各熱画像を補正し、補正後の熱画像を用いて空間全体の全体熱画像を生成する技術が開示されている。 Conventionally, there is a system that is equipped with a plurality of air conditioners and controls the operation of the air conditioner at the position where a person exists in the air-conditioned space to efficiently control the air conditioning. In such a system, it is necessary to accurately detect the position where a person exists in the air-conditioned space. In Patent Document 1, a thermal image processing device acquires a thermal image from a plurality of infrared sensors arranged in space, and corrects each thermal image based on an offset amount consisting of a photographing position and a photographing inclination of each thermal image. , A technique for generating an overall thermal image of the entire space using the corrected thermal image is disclosed.
特開２０１８－２００２５２号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-20252
　しかしながら、上記従来の技術によれば、赤外線センサの撮影方向によっては、ある赤外線センサでは人が重なっている状態で撮影されることがある。この場合、熱画像処理装置は、熱源すなわち人の位置を正確に検出できないため、熱画像からオフセット量を正確に求めることができない。そのため、熱画像処理装置は、精度良く全体熱画像を生成できない、という問題があった。 However, according to the above-mentioned conventional technology, depending on the shooting direction of the infrared sensor, a certain infrared sensor may shoot with people overlapping. In this case, since the thermal image processing apparatus cannot accurately detect the position of the heat source, that is, the person, the offset amount cannot be accurately obtained from the thermal image. Therefore, the thermal image processing apparatus has a problem that it cannot generate an overall thermal image with high accuracy.
　本開示は、上記に鑑みてなされたものであって、空調対象空間において人の数および位置の検出精度を向上可能な空調統合コントローラを得ることを目的とする。 The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present disclosure is to obtain an air-conditioning integrated controller capable of improving the detection accuracy of the number and position of people in the air-conditioning target space.
　上述した課題を解決し、目的を達成するために、本開示は、空調対象空間に設置され各々が指定された対象範囲の方向を向いて撮影して熱画像を出力する複数の撮影部を備える空調制御システムにおいて、複数の空調機の動作を制御する空調統合コントローラである。空調統合コントローラは、複数の撮影部を同期して同時に撮影させる制御を行う同期制御部と、熱画像から検出された人の数および位置の情報である複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報と、複数の撮影部の位置、撮影方向、および撮影時刻の情報とを入力とし、対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を判定し、対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を示す在室者情報を出力する在室者判定部と、在室者情報を入力とし、複数の空調機のうち人が存在する位置の空調を制御する空調機に対して、動作を制御するための制御信号を出力する空調制御部と、を備える。 In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present disclosure includes a plurality of photographing units installed in an air-conditioned target space, each of which faces a designated target range and outputs a thermal image. It is an air conditioning integrated controller that controls the operation of a plurality of air conditioners in an air conditioning control system. The air-conditioning integrated controller includes a synchronous control unit that controls a plurality of imaging units to be synchronized and simultaneously photographed, and a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images, which is information on the number and position of people detected from the thermal image. , The position of multiple shooting units, shooting direction, and shooting time information are input, the number and position of people included in the target range are determined, and the number and position of people included in the target range are indicated. A control signal for controlling the operation is sent to the occupancy determination unit that outputs information and the air conditioner that controls the air conditioning at the position where a person exists among a plurality of air conditioners by inputting the occupancy information. It is equipped with an air conditioning control unit that outputs.
　本開示に係る空調統合コントローラは、空調対象空間において人の数および位置の検出精度を向上できる、という効果を奏する。 The air-conditioning integrated controller according to the present disclosure has the effect of improving the detection accuracy of the number and position of people in the air-conditioning target space.
実施の形態１に係る空調制御システムの構成例を示す図The figure which shows the configuration example of the air-conditioning control system which concerns on Embodiment 1. 実施の形態１に係る空調制御システムのうち撮影装置および空調室内機の配置例を示す図The figure which shows the arrangement example of the photographing apparatus and the air-conditioning indoor unit among the air-conditioning control system which concerns on Embodiment 1. 実施の形態１に係る撮影装置の動作を示すフローチャートA flowchart showing the operation of the photographing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係る撮影装置から見た実際の対象範囲の例を示す図The figure which shows the example of the actual target range seen from the photographing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. 実施の形態１に係る撮影装置が図４に示す対象範囲を撮影して得られた熱画像の例を示す図The figure which shows the example of the thermal image obtained by photographing the target area shown in FIG. 4 by the photographing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. 実施の形態１に係る撮影装置から熱源までの距離と熱画像内での大きさとの関係を示す図The figure which shows the relationship between the distance from the photographing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 to a heat source, and the size in a thermal image. 実施の形態１に係る画像解析部が熱画像から熱源である人の数および位置を検出する動作を示すフローチャートA flowchart showing an operation in which the image analysis unit according to the first embodiment detects the number and position of people who are heat sources from a thermal image. 実施の形態１に係る空調統合コントローラの動作を示すフローチャートA flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller according to the first embodiment. 実施の形態１に係る撮影装置が撮影した熱源の配置の例を示す図The figure which shows the example of the arrangement of the heat source photographed by the imaging apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. 実施の形態１に係る２つの撮影装置が撮影した熱源の配置の例を示す図The figure which shows the example of the arrangement of the heat source photographed by the two imaging apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. 実施の形態１に係る在室者判定部が検出情報から人の数および位置を判定する動作を示すフローチャートA flowchart showing an operation in which the occupant determination unit according to the first embodiment determines the number and position of people from the detection information. 実施の形態１に係る空調統合コントローラが備える処理回路の例を示す図The figure which shows the example of the processing circuit provided in the air-conditioning integrated controller which concerns on Embodiment 1. 実施の形態２に係る空調制御システムの構成例を示す図The figure which shows the configuration example of the air-conditioning control system which concerns on Embodiment 2. 実施の形態２に係る撮影装置の動作を示すフローチャートA flowchart showing the operation of the photographing apparatus according to the second embodiment. 実施の形態２に係る空調統合コントローラの動作を示すフローチャートA flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller according to the second embodiment. 実施の形態３に係る画像解析部の動作を示すフローチャートA flowchart showing the operation of the image analysis unit according to the third embodiment.
　以下に、本開示の実施の形態に係る空調統合コントローラ、空調制御システムおよび空調制御方法を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。なお、この実施の形態によりこの開示が限定されるものではない。 Hereinafter, the air conditioning integrated controller, the air conditioning control system, and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that this embodiment does not limit this disclosure.
実施の形態１．
　図１は、実施の形態１に係る空調制御システム１の構成例を示す図である。空調制御システム１は、撮影装置２ａ，２ｂと、空調室内機３ａ，３ｂ，３ｃ，３ｄ，３ｅ，３ｆ，３ｇ，３ｈと、空調室外機４ａ，４ｂ，４ｃ，４ｄと、空調統合コントローラ５と、リモートコントローラ６と、を備える。空調制御システム１は、空調対象空間において、空調統合コントローラ５が、空調室内機３ａ～３ｈおよび空調室外機４ａ～４ｄの動作を制御するシステムである。空調制御システム１では、撮影装置２ａと空調室内機３ａ～３ｄとが空調リモコン通信線７ａによって接続され、撮影装置２ｂと空調室内機３ｅ～３ｈとが空調リモコン通信線７ｂによって接続されている。また、空調制御システム１では、空調室内機３ａ，３ｂと空調室外機４ａとが空調内外通信線８ａによって接続され、空調室内機３ｃ，３ｄと空調室外機４ｂとが空調内外通信線８ｂによって接続され、空調室内機３ｅ，３ｆと空調室外機４ｃとが空調内外通信線８ｃによって接続され、空調室内機３ｇ，３ｈと空調室外機４ｄとが空調内外通信線８ｄによって接続されている。また、空調制御システム１では、空調室外機４ａ～４ｄと空調統合コントローラ５とが空調集中系通信線９によって接続されている。 Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the air conditioning control system 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner control system 1 includes an image pickup device 2a, 2b, an air conditioner indoor unit 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3f, 3g, 3h, an air conditioner outdoor unit 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and an air conditioner integrated controller 5. , And a remote controller 6. The air conditioner control system 1 is a system in which the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operations of the air conditioner indoor units 3a to 3h and the air conditioner outdoor units 4a to 4d in the air conditioner target space. In the air-conditioning control system 1, the photographing device 2a and the air-conditioning indoor units 3a to 3d are connected by the air-conditioning remote control communication line 7a, and the photographing device 2b and the air-conditioning indoor units 3e to 3h are connected by the air-conditioning remote control communication line 7b. Further, in the air conditioner control system 1, the air conditioner indoor units 3a and 3b and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4a are connected by the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8a, and the air conditioner indoor units 3c and 3d and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4b are connected by the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8b. The air conditioner indoor units 3e and 3f and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4c are connected by the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8c, and the air conditioner indoor units 3g and 3h and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4d are connected by the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8d. Further, in the air conditioner control system 1, the air conditioner outdoor units 4a to 4d and the air conditioner integrated controller 5 are connected by an air conditioner centralized communication line 9.
　以降の説明において、撮影装置２ａ，２ｂを区別しない場合は撮影装置２と称し、空調室内機３ａ～３ｈを区別しない場合は空調室内機３と称し、空調室外機４ａ～４ｄを区別しない場合は空調室外機４と称することがある。また、空調室内機３ａ～３ｈおよび空調室外機４ａ～４ｄをまとめて空調機と称することがある。空調統合コントローラ５が空調機の動作を制御するとは、空調統合コントローラ５が空調室内機３の動作を制御する、または、空調統合コントローラ５が空調室外機４の動作を制御する、または、空調統合コントローラ５が空調室内機３および空調室外機４の動作を制御する場合である。また、空調リモコン通信線７ａ，７ｂを区別しない場合は空調リモコン通信線７と称し、空調内外通信線８ａ～８ｄを区別しない場合は空調内外通信線８と称することがある。 In the following description, when the photographing devices 2a and 2b are not distinguished, they are referred to as the photographing device 2, when the air conditioner indoor units 3a to 3h are not distinguished, they are referred to as the air conditioner indoor unit 3, and when the air conditioner outdoor units 4a to 4d are not distinguished, they are referred to. It may be referred to as an air conditioner outdoor unit 4. Further, the air conditioner indoor units 3a to 3h and the air conditioner outdoor units 4a to 4d may be collectively referred to as an air conditioner. When the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operation of the air conditioner, the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operation of the air conditioner indoor unit 3, the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operation of the air conditioner outdoor unit 4, or the air conditioner integrated controller 5 controls the operation of the air conditioner outdoor unit 4. This is a case where the controller 5 controls the operations of the air conditioner indoor unit 3 and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4. Further, when the air-conditioning remote control communication lines 7a and 7b are not distinguished, it may be referred to as an air-conditioning remote control communication line 7, and when the air-conditioning internal / external communication lines 8a to 8d are not distinguished, it may be referred to as an air-conditioning internal / external communication line 8.
　空調制御システム１において、撮影装置２および空調統合コントローラ５は、空調リモコン通信線７、空調室内機３、空調内外通信線８、空調室外機４、および空調集中系通信線９を介して通信を行う。また、空調統合コントローラ５および空調室外機４は、空調集中系通信線９を介して通信を行う。また、空調統合コントローラ５および空調室内機３は、空調集中系通信線９、空調室外機４、および空調内外通信線８を介して通信を行う。以降の説明では、経由する構成については省略することがある。 In the air conditioner control system 1, the photographing device 2 and the air conditioner integrated controller 5 communicate with each other via the air conditioner remote controller communication line 7, the air conditioner indoor unit 3, the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4, and the air conditioner centralized communication line 9. conduct. Further, the air conditioner integrated controller 5 and the air conditioner outdoor unit 4 communicate with each other via the air conditioner centralized communication line 9. Further, the air conditioner integrated controller 5 and the air conditioner indoor unit 3 communicate with each other via the air conditioner centralized communication line 9, the air conditioner outdoor unit 4, and the air conditioner internal / external communication line 8. In the following description, the configuration via the route may be omitted.
　図２は、実施の形態１に係る空調制御システム１のうち撮影装置２ａ，２ｂおよび空調室内機３ａ～３ｈの配置例を示す図である。空調制御システム１において、撮影装置２ａ，２ｂおよび空調室内機３ａ～３ｈは、空調対象空間１００の天井などに設置される。撮影装置２ａは、空調対象空間１００において、撮影範囲１０１ａの範囲を撮影する。撮影装置２ａは、撮影範囲１０１ａ内の熱源１０２を検出することができる。同様に、撮影装置２ｂは、空調対象空間１００において、撮影範囲１０１ｂの範囲を撮影する。撮影装置２ｂは、撮影範囲１０１ｂ内の熱源１０２を検出することができる。なお、図１および図２に示す空調制御システム１の構成は一例であって、これに限定されない。撮影装置２に接続される空調室内機３の数は４つに限定されない。また、空調制御システム１は、３つ以上の撮影装置２を備えることも可能である。また、撮影装置２ａ，２ｂの設置位置は、天井に限定されず、空調対象空間にある熱源を検出可能な位置であれば、壁面の天井付近の高い位置などに設置されてもよい。 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the photographing devices 2a and 2b and the air conditioner indoor units 3a to 3h in the air conditioner control system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the air-conditioning control system 1, the photographing devices 2a and 2b and the air-conditioning indoor units 3a to 3h are installed on the ceiling of the air-conditioning target space 100 or the like. The photographing device 2a photographs the range of the photographing range 101a in the air-conditioned space 100. The photographing device 2a can detect the heat source 102 within the photographing range 101a. Similarly, the photographing device 2b photographs the range of the photographing range 101b in the air-conditioned space 100. The photographing device 2b can detect the heat source 102 within the photographing range 101b. The configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an example, and is not limited thereto. The number of air conditioner indoor units 3 connected to the photographing device 2 is not limited to four. Further, the air conditioning control system 1 can also include three or more photographing devices 2. Further, the installation positions of the photographing devices 2a and 2b are not limited to the ceiling, and may be installed at a high position near the ceiling of the wall surface as long as the heat source in the air-conditioned space can be detected.
　撮影装置２の構成について説明する。撮影装置２は、撮影部２１と、画像解析部２２と、を備える。撮影部２１は、空調対象空間に設置され、空調統合コントローラ５から指定された対象範囲の方向を向いて撮影する。撮影部２１は、撮影方向を変更可能な可動式の赤外線カメラである。撮影部２１は、撮影して得られた熱画像を画像解析部２２へ出力する。空調制御システム１として見た場合、複数の撮影部２１は、空調対象空間に設置され各々が指定された対象範囲の方向を向いて撮影して熱画像を出力する。空調制御システム１において、複数の撮影部２１は、回転動作によって各々が独立して撮影方向を変えることができる。画像解析部２２は、撮影部２１から取得した熱画像から、熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を検出する。画像解析部２２は、検出された人の数および位置の情報である検出情報を空調統合コントローラ５へ出力する。すなわち、複数の撮影装置２の各々は、検出情報を空調統合コントローラ５へ出力する。 The configuration of the photographing device 2 will be described. The photographing device 2 includes a photographing unit 21 and an image analysis unit 22. The photographing unit 21 is installed in the air-conditioning target space, and shoots in the direction of the target range designated by the air-conditioning integrated controller 5. The shooting unit 21 is a movable infrared camera whose shooting direction can be changed. The photographing unit 21 outputs the thermal image obtained by photographing to the image analysis unit 22. When viewed as the air-conditioning control system 1, the plurality of photographing units 21 are installed in the air-conditioning target space, and each of them faces the direction of the designated target range to shoot and output a thermal image. In the air conditioning control system 1, each of the plurality of photographing units 21 can independently change the photographing direction by the rotation operation. The image analysis unit 22 detects the number and position of people included in the thermal image from the thermal image acquired from the photographing unit 21. The image analysis unit 22 outputs the detection information, which is the information on the number and position of the detected people, to the air conditioning integrated controller 5. That is, each of the plurality of photographing devices 2 outputs the detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5.
　空調統合コントローラ５の構成について説明する。空調統合コントローラ５は、同期制御部５１と、在室者判定部５２と、空調制御部５３と、表示部５４と、を備える。同期制御部５１は、複数の撮影部２１、すなわち複数の撮影装置２を、同期して同時に撮影させる制御を行う。具体的には、同期制御部５１は、複数の撮影部２１に対して対象範囲を指定し、同時刻において同じ対象範囲を異なる方向から撮影するように複数の撮影部２１を同期して動作させる。在室者判定部５２は、複数の撮影装置２の各々から検出情報を取得する。在室者判定部５２は、複数の撮影装置２からの複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報と、複数の撮影装置２の位置、撮影方向、および撮影時刻の情報とを入力とし、対象範囲に含まれる在室者である人の数および位置を判定する。在室者判定部５２は、対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を示す在室者情報を空調制御部５３へ出力する。空調制御部５３は、在室者情報を入力とし、複数の空調機のうち人が存在する位置の空調を制御する空調機に対して、動作を制御するための制御信号を出力する。表示部５４は、在室者情報を表示する。空調制御システム１の管理者は、表示部５４に表示される在室者情報を確認することによって、人の多いエリアを把握することができ、適切な空調制御に手動で変更することができる。 The configuration of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 will be described. The air-conditioning integrated controller 5 includes a synchronous control unit 51, an occupant determination unit 52, an air-conditioning control unit 53, and a display unit 54. The synchronization control unit 51 controls a plurality of photographing units 21, that is, a plurality of photographing devices 2 to be synchronized and simultaneously photographed. Specifically, the synchronization control unit 51 specifies a target range for a plurality of shooting units 21, and synchronously operates the plurality of shooting units 21 so as to shoot the same target range from different directions at the same time. .. The occupant determination unit 52 acquires detection information from each of the plurality of photographing devices 2. The occupant determination unit 52 inputs a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images from the plurality of photographing devices 2 and information on the positions, shooting directions, and shooting times of the plurality of photographing devices 2, and has a target range. Determine the number and location of people in the room included in. The occupancy determination unit 52 outputs occupancy information indicating the number and position of persons included in the target range to the air conditioning control unit 53. The air conditioning control unit 53 receives occupant information as input, and outputs a control signal for controlling the operation to the air conditioner that controls the air conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air conditioners. The display unit 54 displays occupant information. The administrator of the air-conditioning control system 1 can grasp the area with many people by checking the occupant information displayed on the display unit 54, and can manually change to an appropriate air-conditioning control.
　リモートコントローラ６は、空調室内機３に対して、ユーザが運転モード、所望の温度などを設定する。なお、図１の例では、リモートコントローラ６が空調室内機３ｈのみに接続されているが、空調室内機３毎にリモートコントローラ６を備えるようにしてもよい。また、１つのリモートコントローラ６で複数の空調室内機３に接続できるようにしてもよい。また、リモートコントローラ６は、空調統合コントローラ５が備える表示部５４と同様の表示部を備え、在室者情報を表示してもよい。 In the remote controller 6, the user sets the operation mode, the desired temperature, and the like for the air conditioner indoor unit 3. In the example of FIG. 1, the remote controller 6 is connected only to the air conditioner indoor unit 3h, but each air conditioner indoor unit 3 may be provided with the remote controller 6. Further, one remote controller 6 may be able to connect to a plurality of air conditioner indoor units 3. Further, the remote controller 6 may include a display unit similar to the display unit 54 included in the air conditioning integrated controller 5 and display occupant information.
　つづいて、撮影装置２の動作について説明する。図３は、実施の形態１に係る撮影装置２の動作を示すフローチャートである。撮影装置２において、撮影部２１は、空調統合コントローラ５から撮影の対象範囲の指示があったか否かを判定する（ステップＳ１０１）。空調統合コントローラ５から対象範囲の指示がない場合（ステップＳ１０１：Ｎｏ）、撮影部２１は、空調統合コントローラ５から対象範囲の指示があるまで待機する。空調統合コントローラ５から対象範囲の指示があった場合（ステップＳ１０１：Ｙｅｓ）、撮影部２１は、撮影方向を決定して、指示された対象範囲を撮影する（ステップＳ１０２）。 Next, the operation of the photographing device 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photographing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment. In the photographing device 2, the photographing unit 21 determines whether or not there is an instruction of the target range of photographing from the air conditioning integrated controller 5 (step S101). When there is no instruction of the target range from the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 (step S101: No), the photographing unit 21 waits until the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 instructs the target range. When the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 instructs the target range (step S101: Yes), the photographing unit 21 determines the photographing direction and photographs the instructed target range (step S102).
　空調統合コントローラ５、詳細には同期制御部５１から撮影装置２へ対象範囲を指示する方法については、いくつかの方法がある。例えば、空調統合コントローラ５が、各撮影装置２へ撮影装置２毎に個別に撮影方向を指示して同一対象範囲が撮影されるように指示してもよい。この場合、空調統合コントローラ５は、撮影装置２毎に個別に撮影方向を算出するため処理負荷がかかる。ただし、撮影装置２は、指示された撮影方向に向けて撮影するだけなので処理負荷を低くできる。また、空調統合コントローラ５が、各撮影装置２へ対象範囲を特定可能な座標などを用いて共通の指示をして同一対象範囲が撮影されるように指示してもよい。この場合、空調統合コントローラ５は、各撮影装置２に共通の指示をするだけなので処理負荷を低くできる。ただし、撮影装置２は、指示された対象範囲の方向を向くように実際の撮影方向を算出する必要があるため処理負荷がかかる。空調制御システム１では、空調統合コントローラ５および撮影装置２の処理能力、撮影装置２の数などを考慮して、いずれかの方法を選択すればよい。なお、空調統合コントローラ５から撮影装置２へ撮影範囲を指示する方法については、これらの方法に限定されない。 There are several methods for instructing the target range from the air conditioning integrated controller 5, specifically the synchronous control unit 51, to the photographing device 2. For example, the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 may instruct each photographing device 2 to individually instruct the photographing device 2 to photograph the same target range. In this case, since the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 calculates the photographing direction individually for each photographing device 2, a processing load is applied. However, since the photographing device 2 only shoots in the instructed shooting direction, the processing load can be reduced. Further, the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 may instruct each photographing device 2 to photograph the same target range by giving a common instruction using coordinates capable of specifying the target range. In this case, since the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 only gives a common instruction to each photographing device 2, the processing load can be reduced. However, since it is necessary for the photographing device 2 to calculate the actual photographing direction so as to face the direction of the instructed target range, a processing load is applied. In the air conditioning control system 1, one of the methods may be selected in consideration of the processing capacity of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 and the photographing device 2, the number of the photographing devices 2, and the like. The method of instructing the photographing range from the air conditioning integrated controller 5 to the photographing device 2 is not limited to these methods.
　図３のフローチャートの説明に戻る。撮影部２１は、撮影によって得られた熱画像を画像解析部２２へ出力する（ステップＳ１０３）。画像解析部２２は、撮影部２１より取得した熱画像から人の数および位置を検出する（ステップＳ１０４）。 Return to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. The photographing unit 21 outputs the thermal image obtained by the photographing to the image analysis unit 22 (step S103). The image analysis unit 22 detects the number and position of people from the thermal image acquired from the photographing unit 21 (step S104).
　画像解析部２２において、熱画像から人の数および位置を検出する方法について説明する。図４は、実施の形態１に係る撮影装置２から見た実際の対象範囲の例を示す図である。図５は、実施の形態１に係る撮影装置２が図４に示す対象範囲を撮影して得られた熱画像の例を示す図である。図６は、実施の形態１に係る撮影装置２から熱源までの距離と熱画像内での大きさとの関係を示す図である。図４に示す２つの熱源２０１，２０２は、図５に示す熱画像では、熱源２１１，２１２のように表される。実際の熱源２０１，２０２が人である場合、平均的には一定の大きさであると見なすことができる。しかしながら、図６に示すように、撮影装置２と熱源２２２との距離によって、熱画像内での大きさが異なり、また、熱画像内での位置も異なってくる。これは、撮影範囲２２１において、図６に示す撮影部２１の１ピクセルに収まる幅２２３～２２７のように、撮影装置２からの距離が遠いほど、熱画像内の１ピクセルに収まる範囲が大きくなるためである。 The image analysis unit 22 will explain a method of detecting the number and position of people from a thermal image. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an actual target range as seen from the photographing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a thermal image obtained by photographing the target range shown in FIG. 4 by the photographing apparatus 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance from the photographing device 2 to the heat source and the size in the thermal image according to the first embodiment. The two heat sources 201 and 202 shown in FIG. 4 are represented as heat sources 211 and 122 in the thermal image shown in FIG. When the actual heat sources 201 and 202 are humans, they can be regarded as having a constant size on average. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the size in the thermal image and the position in the thermal image also differ depending on the distance between the photographing device 2 and the heat source 222. This is because, as in the shooting range 221 of the width 223 to 227 that fits in one pixel of the shooting unit 21 shown in FIG. 6, the farther the distance from the shooting device 2 is, the larger the range that fits in one pixel in the thermal image. Because.
　図６に示すように、撮影装置２が空調対象空間の天井など高い位置に設置され、斜め下に向けて撮影した場合、撮影装置２からの距離が近い熱源ほど、熱画像内でのサイズが大きくなり、熱画像内での位置が下側になる。また、撮影装置２からの距離が遠い熱源ほど、熱画像内でのサイズが小さくなり、熱画像内での位置が上側になる。そのため、画像解析部２２は、図６に示す熱画像とともに、撮影装置２の床面からの高さ、撮影部２１の撮影方向、および熱源の床からの高さの情報があれば、熱画像内に表される熱源の大きさおよび位置の特徴から、熱源の位置を特定することができる。熱源の床からの高さについては、熱源が人であればどの熱源でも同じとみなすことができる。 As shown in FIG. 6, when the photographing device 2 is installed at a high position such as the ceiling of the air-conditioned space and the image is taken diagonally downward, the closer the heat source is to the photographing device 2, the larger the size in the thermal image. It becomes larger and its position in the thermal image is lower. Further, the farther the heat source is from the photographing device 2, the smaller the size in the thermal image and the higher the position in the thermal image. Therefore, if the image analysis unit 22 has information on the height of the photographing device 2 from the floor surface, the photographing direction of the photographing unit 21, and the height of the heat source from the floor, the thermal image is obtained together with the thermal image shown in FIG. The position of the heat source can be specified from the characteristics of the size and position of the heat source represented inside. The height of the heat source from the floor can be regarded as the same for any heat source as long as it is a human.
　図７は、実施の形態１に係る画像解析部２２が熱画像から熱源である人の数および位置を検出する動作を示すフローチャートである。図７に示すフローチャートは、図３に示すフローチャートのステップＳ１０４の動作の詳細を示すものである。画像解析部２２は、撮影部２１より取得した熱画像から、熱画像に含まれる熱源を１つ抽出する（ステップＳ２０１）。図５の例では、熱画像に含まれる熱源は２つである。画像解析部２２は、抽出した熱源の熱画像内での位置および大きさから、抽出した熱源の位置を特定する（ステップＳ２０２）。熱画像から全ての熱源を抽出していない場合（ステップＳ２０３：Ｎｏ）、画像解析部２２は、ステップＳ２０１に戻って上記動作を繰り返し実施する。熱画像から全ての熱源を抽出した場合（ステップＳ２０３：Ｙｅｓ）、画像解析部２２は、熱画像からの検出動作を終了する。画像解析部２２は、ステップＳ２０１に戻って上記動作を繰り返した数をカウントすることによって、人の数を把握することができる。 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the image analysis unit 22 according to the first embodiment detects the number and position of people who are heat sources from the thermal image. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows the details of the operation of step S104 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The image analysis unit 22 extracts one heat source included in the thermal image from the thermal image acquired from the photographing unit 21 (step S201). In the example of FIG. 5, there are two heat sources included in the thermal image. The image analysis unit 22 identifies the position of the extracted heat source from the position and size of the extracted heat source in the thermal image (step S202). When all the heat sources have not been extracted from the thermal image (step S203: No), the image analysis unit 22 returns to step S201 and repeats the above operation. When all the heat sources are extracted from the thermal image (step S203: Yes), the image analysis unit 22 ends the detection operation from the thermal image. The image analysis unit 22 can grasp the number of people by returning to step S201 and counting the number of repeating the above operations.
　図３のフローチャートの説明に戻る。画像解析部２２は、熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を示す情報である検出情報を生成する（ステップＳ１０５）。画像解析部２２は、生成した検出情報を空調統合コントローラ５へ出力する（ステップＳ１０６）。 Return to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. The image analysis unit 22 generates detection information which is information indicating the number and positions of people included in the thermal image (step S105). The image analysis unit 22 outputs the generated detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5 (step S106).
　つづいて、空調統合コントローラ５の動作について説明する。図８は、実施の形態１に係る空調統合コントローラ５の動作を示すフローチャートである。空調統合コントローラ５において、同期制御部５１は、前回、複数の撮影装置２に対して撮影の対象範囲を指示、すなわち複数の撮影装置２に空調対象空間を撮影させてから規定された期間経過したか否かを判定する（ステップＳ３０１）。規定された期間経過していない場合（ステップＳ３０１：Ｎｏ）、同期制御部５１は、規定された期間が経過するまで待機する。規定された期間経過した場合（ステップＳ３０１：Ｙｅｓ）、同期制御部５１は、複数の撮影装置２に対して撮影の対象範囲を指示する（ステップＳ３０２）。前述のように、同期制御部５１は、各撮影装置２へ撮影装置２毎に個別に撮影方向を指示してもよいし、各撮影装置２へ対象範囲を特定可能な座標などを用いて共通の指示をしてもよい。また、同期制御部５１は、空調制御システム１が多くの撮影装置２を備える場合、撮影範囲に対象範囲が含まれる撮影装置２のみに対して対象範囲を指示してもよい。この場合、同期制御部５１は、対象範囲を指示した撮影装置２の数の情報などを在室者判定部５２へ通知する。 Next, the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 according to the first embodiment. In the air-conditioning integrated controller 5, the synchronous control unit 51 has instructed the plurality of photographing devices 2 to take a picture in the target range last time, that is, a predetermined period has elapsed since the plurality of taking pictures 2 were made to take a picture of the air-conditioned space. Whether or not it is determined (step S301). If the specified period has not elapsed (step S301: No), the synchronization control unit 51 waits until the specified period elapses. When the specified period has elapsed (step S301: Yes), the synchronization control unit 51 instructs the plurality of imaging devices 2 to capture the target range (step S302). As described above, the synchronization control unit 51 may instruct each photographing device 2 to individually instruct the photographing direction for each photographing device 2, or may use coordinates or the like that can specify the target range to each photographing device 2 in common. May be instructed. Further, when the air conditioning control system 1 includes many photographing devices 2, the synchronous control unit 51 may instruct only the photographing device 2 whose imaging range includes the target range. In this case, the synchronization control unit 51 notifies the occupant determination unit 52 of information such as the number of photographing devices 2 that have indicated the target range.
　在室者判定部５２は、同期制御部５１が撮影方向を指示した撮影装置２について、全ての撮影装置２から検出情報を取得したか否かを判定する（ステップＳ３０３）。少なくとも１つの撮影装置２から検出情報を取得していない場合（ステップＳ３０３：Ｎｏ）、在室者判定部５２は、全ての撮影装置２から検出情報を取得するまで待機する。全ての撮影装置２から検出情報を取得した場合（ステップＳ３０３：Ｙｅｓ）、在室者判定部５２は、対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を判定する（ステップＳ３０４）。 The occupant determination unit 52 determines whether or not the detection information has been acquired from all the imaging devices 2 for the imaging device 2 for which the synchronization control unit 51 has instructed the imaging direction (step S303). When the detection information has not been acquired from at least one photographing device 2 (step S303: No), the occupant determination unit 52 waits until the detection information is acquired from all the photographing devices 2. When the detection information is acquired from all the photographing devices 2 (step S303: Yes), the occupancy determination unit 52 determines the number and position of the persons included in the target range (step S304).
　ここで、在室者判定部５２が、対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を判定する方法について説明する。図９は、実施の形態１に係る撮影装置２ａが撮影した熱源３０３，３０４の配置の例を示す図である。図９では、撮影装置２ａが空調対象空間の天井３０１に設置され、熱源３０３，３０４が床３０２に存在している例を示している。撮影装置２ａは、図９に示す位置に熱源３０３，３０４がある場合、熱源３０３，３０４を１つの熱源として検出してしまう。そのため、撮影装置２ａから出力される検出情報では、熱源、すなわち人の数は１人になってしまう。 Here, a method for determining the number and position of people included in the target range by the occupancy determination unit 52 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of heat sources 303 and 304 photographed by the photographing apparatus 2a according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the photographing apparatus 2a is installed on the ceiling 301 of the air-conditioned space, and the heat sources 303 and 304 are present on the floor 302. When the heat sources 303 and 304 are located at the positions shown in FIG. 9, the photographing apparatus 2a detects the heat sources 303 and 304 as one heat source. Therefore, in the detection information output from the photographing device 2a, the number of heat sources, that is, the number of people is one.
　図１０は、実施の形態１に係る２つの撮影装置２ａ，２ｂが撮影した熱源３０３，３０４の配置の例を示す図である。図１０でも同様に、撮影装置２ａ，２ｂが空調対象空間の天井３０１に設置され、熱源３０３，３０４が床３０２に存在している例を示している。撮影装置２ｂは、図１０に示す位置に熱源３０３，３０４がある場合、熱源３０３，３０４を２つの熱源として検出することができる。そのため、撮影装置２ｂから出力される検出情報では、熱源、すなわち人の数は２人になる。在室者判定部５２は、図１０に示す撮影装置２ａ，２ｂから、内容の異なる検出情報を取得することになる。しかしながら、在室者判定部５２は、撮影装置２ａ，２ｂの床３０２からの高さ、撮影方向、および熱源３０３，３０４の床３０２からの高さの情報を用いることで、図１０に示すような撮影装置２ａ，２ｂと熱源３０３，３０４との位置関係を把握することができる。そのため、在室者判定部５２は、撮影装置２ａの検出情報は、熱源３０３，３０４が重なって撮影されたため、検出された熱源、すなわち人が、撮影装置２ｂの検出情報よりも少なくなっていると判定することができる。このように、在室者判定部５２は、複数の撮影装置２から検出情報を取得し、複数の検出情報を利用することによって、実際に対象範囲にいる人の数および位置を精度良く判定することができる。 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of heat sources 303 and 304 photographed by the two imaging devices 2a and 2b according to the first embodiment. Similarly, FIG. 10 shows an example in which the photographing devices 2a and 2b are installed on the ceiling 301 of the air-conditioned space, and the heat sources 303 and 304 are present on the floor 302. When the heat sources 303 and 304 are located at the positions shown in FIG. 10, the photographing apparatus 2b can detect the heat sources 303 and 304 as two heat sources. Therefore, in the detection information output from the photographing device 2b, the number of heat sources, that is, the number of people is two. The occupant determination unit 52 acquires detection information having different contents from the photographing devices 2a and 2b shown in FIG. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the occupant determination unit 52 uses information on the height of the photographing devices 2a and 2b from the floor 302, the photographing direction, and the height of the heat sources 303 and 304 from the floor 302, as shown in FIG. It is possible to grasp the positional relationship between the photographing devices 2a and 2b and the heat sources 303 and 304. Therefore, in the occupancy determination unit 52, the detection information of the photographing device 2a is photographed by overlapping the heat sources 303 and 304, so that the detected heat source, that is, the person is less than the detection information of the photographing device 2b. Can be determined. In this way, the occupant determination unit 52 acquires detection information from the plurality of photographing devices 2 and uses the plurality of detection information to accurately determine the number and position of people actually in the target range. be able to.
　図１１は、実施の形態１に係る在室者判定部５２が検出情報から人の数および位置を判定する動作を示すフローチャートである。図１１に示すフローチャートは、図８に示すフローチャートのステップＳ３０４の動作の詳細を示すものである。在室者判定部５２は、取得した全ての検出情報において検出された人の数が同じか否かを判定する（ステップＳ４０１）。検出された人の数が異なる場合（ステップＳ４０１：Ｎｏ）、在室者判定部５２は、撮影装置２ａ，２ｂの床３０２からの高さ、撮影方向、および熱源３０３，３０４の床３０２からの高さの情報などの情報を用いることで、実際に対象範囲にいる人の数を特定する（ステップＳ４０２）。検出された人の数が同じ場合（ステップＳ４０１：Ｙｅｓ）、またはステップＳ４０２の動作後、在室者判定部５２は、検出された各人の位置を判定する（ステップＳ４０３）。在室者判定部５２は、各人の位置について、各検出情報で示される人の位置が同一の場合は検出情報で示される位置に人がいると判定する。在室者判定部５２は、各人の位置について、例えば、各検出情報で示される人の位置が異なる場合は各検出情報で示される位置の間に人がいると判定する。 FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation in which the occupant determination unit 52 according to the first embodiment determines the number and position of people from the detection information. The flowchart shown in FIG. 11 shows the details of the operation of step S304 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The occupancy determination unit 52 determines whether or not the number of detected persons is the same in all the acquired detection information (step S401). When the number of detected persons is different (step S401: No), the occupant determination unit 52 determines the height of the photographing devices 2a and 2b from the floor 302, the photographing direction, and the heat sources 303 and 304 from the floor 302. By using information such as height information, the number of people actually in the target range is specified (step S402). When the number of detected persons is the same (step S401: Yes), or after the operation of step S402, the occupant determination unit 52 determines the position of each detected person (step S403). Regarding the position of each person, the occupant determination unit 52 determines that the person is at the position indicated by the detection information when the position of the person indicated by each detection information is the same. Regarding the position of each person, for example, when the position of the person indicated by each detection information is different, the occupant determination unit 52 determines that there is a person between the positions indicated by each detection information.
　図８のフローチャートの説明に戻る。在室者判定部５２は、対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を示す在室者情報を生成する（ステップＳ３０５）。在室者判定部５２は、在室者情報を表示部５４および空調制御部５３へ出力する（ステップＳ３０６）。表示部５４は、在室者情報を表示する（ステップＳ３０７）。空調制御部５３は、在室者情報を入力とし、空調制御システム１が備える複数の空調機のうち、人が存在する位置の空調を制御する空調機に対して、動作を制御するための制御信号を生成し（ステップＳ３０８）、出力する（ステップＳ３０９）。 Return to the explanation of the flowchart of FIG. The occupancy determination unit 52 generates occupancy information indicating the number and position of persons included in the target range (step S305). The occupancy determination unit 52 outputs the occupancy information to the display unit 54 and the air conditioning control unit 53 (step S306). The display unit 54 displays the occupant information (step S307). The air-conditioning control unit 53 receives occupant information as input, and controls the operation of the air-conditioner that controls the air-conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air-conditioners included in the air-conditioning control system 1. A signal is generated (step S308) and output (step S309).
　つづいて、空調統合コントローラ５のハードウェア構成について説明する。図１２は、実施の形態１に係る空調統合コントローラ５が備える処理回路の例を示す図である。空調統合コントローラ５において、表示部５４は、ＬＣＤ（Liquid　Crystal　Display）などのモニタである。同期制御部５１、在室者判定部５２、および空調制御部５３は、処理回路により実現される。処理回路は、例えば、メモリ９２に格納されるプログラムを実行するプロセッサ９１、およびメモリ９２である。 Next, the hardware configuration of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a processing circuit included in the air conditioning integrated controller 5 according to the first embodiment. In the air conditioning integrated controller 5, the display unit 54 is a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The synchronous control unit 51, the occupancy determination unit 52, and the air conditioning control unit 53 are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is, for example, a processor 91 that executes a program stored in the memory 92, and a memory 92.
　処理回路がプロセッサ９１およびメモリ９２で構成される場合、処理回路の各機能は、ソフトウェア、ファームウェア、またはソフトウェアとファームウェアとの組み合わせにより実現される。ソフトウェアまたはファームウェアはプログラムとして記述され、メモリ９２に格納される。処理回路では、メモリ９２に記憶されたプログラムをプロセッサ９１が読み出して実行することにより、各機能を実現する。また、これらのプログラムは、空調統合コントローラ５の手順および方法をコンピュータに実行させるものであるともいえる。 When the processing circuit is composed of the processor 91 and the memory 92, each function of the processing circuit is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92. In the processing circuit, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92. It can also be said that these programs cause the computer to execute the procedures and methods of the air conditioning integrated controller 5.
　ここで、プロセッサ９１は、ＣＰＵ（Central　Processing　Unit）、処理装置、演算装置、マイクロプロセッサ、マイクロコンピュータ、またはＤＳＰ（Digital　Signal　Processor）などであってもよい。また、メモリ９２には、例えば、ＲＡＭ（Random　Access　Memory）、ＲＯＭ（Read　Only　Memory）、フラッシュメモリ、ＥＰＲＯＭ（Erasable　Programmable　ＲＯＭ）、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ（登録商標）（Electrically　ＥＰＲＯＭ）などの、不揮発性または揮発性の半導体メモリ、磁気ディスク、フレキシブルディスク、光ディスク、コンパクトディスク、ミニディスク、またはＤＶＤ（Digital　Versatile　Disc）などが該当する。 Here, the processor 91 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. Further, the memory 92 includes, for example, non-volatile or volatile such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and EPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically EPROM). Semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini disk, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc. are applicable.
　処理回路については、専用のハードウェアであってもよい。処理回路が専用のハードウェアで構成される場合、処理回路は、例えば、単一回路、複合回路、プログラム化したプロセッサ、並列プログラム化したプロセッサ、ＡＳＩＣ（Application　Specific　Integrated　Circuit）、ＦＰＧＡ（Field　Programmable　Gate　Array）、またはこれらを組み合わせたものが該当する。空調統合コントローラ５の各機能を機能別に処理回路で実現してもよいし、各機能をまとめて処理回路で実現してもよい。 The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware. When the processing circuit is composed of dedicated hardware, the processing circuit is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate). Array), or a combination of these. Each function of the air conditioning integrated controller 5 may be realized by a processing circuit for each function, or each function may be collectively realized by a processing circuit.
　なお、空調統合コントローラ５の各機能について、一部を専用のハードウェアで実現し、一部をソフトウェアまたはファームウェアで実現するようにしてもよい。このように、処理回路は、専用のハードウェア、ソフトウェア、ファームウェア、またはこれらの組み合わせによって、上述の各機能を実現することができる。 Note that, for each function of the air conditioning integrated controller 5, a part may be realized by dedicated hardware and a part may be realized by software or firmware. As described above, the processing circuit can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by the dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.
　撮影装置２のハードウェア構成についても同様である。撮影装置２において、撮影部２１は前述のように熱画像が得られる赤外線センサである。画像解析部５５は処理回路により実現される。処理回路は、プロセッサ９１およびメモリ９２で構成されてもよいし、専用のハードウェアであってもよい。 The same applies to the hardware configuration of the photographing device 2. In the photographing device 2, the photographing unit 21 is an infrared sensor that can obtain a thermal image as described above. The image analysis unit 55 is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be composed of a processor 91 and a memory 92, or may be dedicated hardware.
　以上説明したように、本実施の形態によれば、空調制御システム１において、空調統合コントローラ５は、複数の撮影装置２に対して、空調対象空間内の撮影の対象範囲を指示する。複数の撮影装置２は、指示された対象範囲を異なる方向から同時に撮影し、得られた熱画像から人の数および位置を検出し、検出情報を空調統合コントローラ５へ出力する。空調統合コントローラ５は、異なる方向から撮影された熱画像による複数の検出情報を用いて、実際の人の数および位置を判定することとした。これにより、空調統合コントローラ５は、ある撮影装置２で撮影された熱画像では熱源、すなわち人が重なって撮影された場合でも、他の撮影装置２で撮影された熱画像による検出情報を用いることで、熱画像上で重なっている熱源を切り分け、熱源、すなわち人の数および位置を精度良く検知することができる。空調統合コントローラ５は、空調対象空間において人の数および位置の検出精度を向上させることができる。空調制御システム１は、精度良く検知した人の数および位置に応じて、快適な空調制御を行うことができる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the air conditioning control system 1, the air conditioning integrated controller 5 instructs a plurality of photographing devices 2 to photograph a target range in the air conditioning target space. The plurality of photographing devices 2 simultaneously photograph the designated target range from different directions, detect the number and position of people from the obtained thermal image, and output the detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5. The air-conditioning integrated controller 5 has decided to determine the actual number and position of people by using a plurality of detection information from thermal images taken from different directions. As a result, the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 uses the detection information of the heat image taken by the other photographing device 2 even when the heat source, that is, the person is photographed overlapping, in the thermal image taken by the one photographing device 2. Therefore, it is possible to isolate the overlapping heat sources on the thermal image and accurately detect the heat sources, that is, the number and position of people. The air-conditioning integrated controller 5 can improve the detection accuracy of the number and position of people in the air-conditioning target space. The air-conditioning control system 1 can perform comfortable air-conditioning control according to the number and position of people who have detected it with high accuracy.
実施の形態２．
　実施の形態１では、撮影装置２が、画像解析部２２を備え、空調統合コントローラ５に対して検出情報を出力していた。実施の形態２では、空調統合コントローラが画像解析部を備え、撮影装置が空調統合コントローラへ熱画像を出力する場合について説明する。 Embodiment 2.
In the first embodiment, the photographing device 2 includes an image analysis unit 22 and outputs detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5. In the second embodiment, a case where the air-conditioning integrated controller includes an image analysis unit and the photographing device outputs a thermal image to the air-conditioning integrated controller will be described.
　図１３は、実施の形態２に係る空調制御システム１ａの構成例を示す図である。空調制御システム１ａは、図１に示す実施の形態１の空調制御システム１に対して、撮影装置２ａ，２ｂおよび空調統合コントローラ５を、撮影装置１０ａ，１０ｂおよび空調統合コントローラ５ａに置き換えたものである。以降の説明において、撮影装置１０ａ，１０ｂを区別しない場合は撮影装置１０と称することがある。 FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the air conditioning control system 1a according to the second embodiment. The air conditioning control system 1a replaces the photographing devices 2a and 2b and the air conditioning integrated controller 5 with the photographing devices 10a and 10b and the air conditioning integrated controller 5a with respect to the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. be. In the following description, when the photographing devices 10a and 10b are not distinguished, they may be referred to as the photographing device 10.
　撮影装置１０の構成について説明する。撮影装置１０は、撮影部２１を備える。撮影部２１は、図１に示す実施の形態１の撮影部２１と同様であるが、撮影して得られた熱画像の出力先が異なる。実施の形態２の撮影部２１は、撮影して得られた熱画像を空調統合コントローラ５ａへ出力する。すなわち、複数の撮影装置１０の各々は、熱画像を空調統合コントローラ５ａへ出力する。 The configuration of the photographing device 10 will be described. The photographing device 10 includes a photographing unit 21. The photographing unit 21 is the same as the photographing unit 21 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, but the output destination of the thermal image obtained by photographing is different. The photographing unit 21 of the second embodiment outputs the heat image obtained by taking a picture to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a. That is, each of the plurality of photographing devices 10 outputs a thermal image to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a.
　図１４は、実施の形態２に係る撮影装置１０の動作を示すフローチャートである。撮影装置１０において、撮影部２１は、空調統合コントローラ５ａから撮影の対象範囲の指示があったか否かを判定する（ステップＳ５０１）。空調統合コントローラ５ａから対象範囲の指示がない場合（ステップＳ５０１：Ｎｏ）、撮影部２１は、空調統合コントローラ５ａから対象範囲の指示があるまで待機する。空調統合コントローラ５ａから対象範囲の指示があった場合（ステップＳ５０１：Ｙｅｓ）、撮影部２１は、撮影方向を決定して、指示された対象範囲を撮影する（ステップＳ５０２）。撮影部２１は、撮影によって得られた熱画像を空調統合コントローラ５ａへ出力する（ステップＳ５０３）。 FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the photographing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. In the photographing device 10, the photographing unit 21 determines whether or not there is an instruction of the target range of photographing from the air conditioning integrated controller 5a (step S501). When there is no instruction of the target range from the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a (step S501: No), the photographing unit 21 waits until the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a instructs the target range. When the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a instructs the target range (step S501: Yes), the photographing unit 21 determines the photographing direction and photographs the instructed target range (step S502). The photographing unit 21 outputs the thermal image obtained by the photographing to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a (step S503).
　空調統合コントローラ５ａの構成について説明する。空調統合コントローラ５ａは、図１に示す実施の形態１の空調統合コントローラ５に対して、画像解析部５５を追加したものである。画像解析部５５の動作は、図１に示す実施の形態１の撮影装置２が備える画像解析部２２の動作と同様である。画像解析部５５は、複数の撮影装置１０の各々から熱画像を取得し、各熱画像から当該熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を検出し、検出された人の数および位置の情報である複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報を出力する。 The configuration of the air conditioning integrated controller 5a will be described. The air-conditioning integrated controller 5a is an image analysis unit 55 added to the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The operation of the image analysis unit 55 is the same as the operation of the image analysis unit 22 included in the photographing apparatus 2 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The image analysis unit 55 acquires thermal images from each of the plurality of photographing devices 10, detects the number and position of people included in the thermal image from each thermal image, and uses the information on the number and position of the detected people. Outputs multiple detection information for a plurality of thermal images.
　図１５は、実施の形態２に係る空調統合コントローラ５ａの動作を示すフローチャートである。空調統合コントローラ５ａにおいて、同期制御部５１は、前回、複数の撮影装置１０に対して撮影の対象範囲を指示、すなわち複数の撮影装置１０に空調対象空間を撮影させてから規定された期間経過したか否かを判定する（ステップＳ６０１）。規定された期間経過していない場合（ステップＳ６０１：Ｎｏ）、同期制御部５１は、規定された期間が経過するまで待機する。規定された期間経過した場合（ステップＳ６０１：Ｙｅｓ）、同期制御部５１は、複数の撮影装置１０に対して撮影の対象範囲を指示する（ステップＳ６０２）。画像解析部５５は、同期制御部５１が撮影方向を指示した撮影装置１０について、全ての撮影装置１０から熱画像を取得したか否かを判定する（ステップＳ６０３）。少なくとも１つの撮影装置１０から熱画像を取得していない場合（ステップＳ６０３：Ｎｏ）、画像解析部５５は、全ての撮影装置１０から熱画像を取得するまで待機する。 FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning integrated controller 5a according to the second embodiment. In the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a, the synchronization control unit 51 has instructed the plurality of photographing devices 10 for the shooting target range last time, that is, a predetermined period has elapsed since the plurality of shooting devices 10 were allowed to shoot the air-conditioning target space. Whether or not it is determined (step S601). If the specified period has not elapsed (step S601: No), the synchronization control unit 51 waits until the specified period elapses. When the specified period has elapsed (step S601: Yes), the synchronization control unit 51 instructs the plurality of imaging devices 10 to photograph the target range (step S602). The image analysis unit 55 determines whether or not thermal images have been acquired from all the imaging devices 10 for the imaging device 10 for which the synchronization control unit 51 has instructed the imaging direction (step S603). When the thermal image is not acquired from at least one photographing device 10 (step S603: No), the image analysis unit 55 waits until the thermal image is acquired from all the photographing devices 10.
　全ての撮影装置１０から熱画像を取得した場合（ステップＳ６０３：Ｙｅｓ）、画像解析部５５は、撮影部２１より取得した熱画像から人の数および位置を検出する（ステップＳ６０４）。画像解析部５５は、熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を示す情報である検出情報を生成する（ステップＳ６０５）。画像解析部５５は、生成した検出情報を在室者判定部５２へ出力する（ステップＳ６０６）。在室者判定部５２は、画像解析部５５から複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報を取得する。在室者判定部５２は、対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を判定する（ステップＳ６０７）。在室者判定部５２は、対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を示す在室者情報を生成する（ステップＳ６０８）。在室者判定部５２は、在室者情報を表示部５４および空調制御部５３へ出力する（ステップＳ６０９）。表示部５４は、在室者情報を表示する（ステップＳ６１０）。空調制御部５３は、在室者情報を入力とし、空調制御システム１ａが備える複数の空調機のうち、人が存在する位置の空調を制御する空調機に対して、動作を制御するための制御信号を生成し（ステップＳ６１１）、出力する（ステップＳ６１２）。 When the thermal images are acquired from all the photographing devices 10 (step S603: Yes), the image analysis unit 55 detects the number and position of people from the thermal images acquired from the photographing unit 21 (step S604). The image analysis unit 55 generates detection information which is information indicating the number and positions of people included in the thermal image (step S605). The image analysis unit 55 outputs the generated detection information to the occupant determination unit 52 (step S606). The occupant determination unit 52 acquires a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images from the image analysis unit 55. The occupant determination unit 52 determines the number and position of persons included in the target range (step S607). The occupancy determination unit 52 generates occupancy information indicating the number and position of persons included in the target range (step S608). The occupancy determination unit 52 outputs the occupancy information to the display unit 54 and the air conditioning control unit 53 (step S609). The display unit 54 displays the occupant information (step S610). The air-conditioning control unit 53 receives occupant information as input, and controls the operation of the air-conditioner that controls the air-conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air-conditioners provided in the air-conditioning control system 1a. A signal is generated (step S611) and output (step S612).
　空調統合コントローラ５ａのハードウェア構成について、画像解析部５５は、実施の形態１の撮影装置２の画像解析部２２と同様、処理回路により実現される。処理回路は、プロセッサ９１およびメモリ９２で構成されてもよいし、専用のハードウェアであってもよい。 Regarding the hardware configuration of the air conditioning integrated controller 5a, the image analysis unit 55 is realized by a processing circuit like the image analysis unit 22 of the imaging device 2 of the first embodiment. The processing circuit may be composed of a processor 91 and a memory 92, or may be dedicated hardware.
　以上説明したように、本実施の形態によれば、空調制御システム１ａにおいて、複数の撮影装置１０は、熱画像を空調統合コントローラ５ａへ出力する。空調統合コントローラ５ａは、得られた熱画像から人の数および位置を検出することとした。この場合においても、空調制御システム１ａは、実施の形態１の空調制御システム１と同様の効果を得ることができる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the air conditioning control system 1a, the plurality of photographing devices 10 output thermal images to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a. The air conditioning integrated controller 5a has decided to detect the number and position of people from the obtained thermal image. Even in this case, the air conditioning control system 1a can obtain the same effect as the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment.
　なお、実施の形態２では、撮影装置１０が空調統合コントローラ５ａへ熱画像を出力するため、実施の形態１において撮影装置２が空調統合コントローラ５へ検出情報を出力する場合と比較して、空調制御システム１ａ内での通信によるデータ量が増大する。また、実施の形態２の空調統合コントローラ５ａは、全ての撮影装置１０の熱画像について画像解析を行うため、実施の形態１の空調統合コントローラ５と比較して処理負荷が増大する。一方で、各撮影装置１０は、画像解析部２２を備えないため、簡易な構成にすることができ、コストを抑えることができる。そのため、空調制御システムの管理者は、空調制御システム内の通信容量、使用する撮影装置の数などを考慮して、実施の形態１の空調制御システム１、または実施の形態２の空調制御システム１ａのいずれかを選択することができる。 In the second embodiment, since the photographing device 10 outputs a thermal image to the air conditioning integrated controller 5a, air conditioning is compared with the case where the photographing device 2 outputs the detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller 5 in the first embodiment. The amount of data due to communication within the control system 1a increases. Further, since the air-conditioning integrated controller 5a of the second embodiment performs image analysis on the thermal images of all the photographing devices 10, the processing load increases as compared with the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 of the first embodiment. On the other hand, since each photographing device 10 does not include the image analysis unit 22, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be suppressed. Therefore, the administrator of the air conditioning control system considers the communication capacity in the air conditioning control system, the number of photographing devices to be used, and the like, and considers the air conditioning control system 1 of the first embodiment or the air conditioning control system 1a of the second embodiment. You can choose either.
実施の形態３．
　実施の形態１では、撮影装置２の撮影部２１によって撮影される熱画像で検出される熱源は全て人であることを想定していた。しかしながら、空調制御システム１が空調制御の対象とする空調対象空間がオフィスフロアなどの場合、空調対象空間で使用されるパーソナルコンピュータ、モニタなどの機器も熱源となる。実施の形態３では、撮影装置２の撮影部２１によって撮影された熱画像から、人以外の熱源を除外する方法について説明する。なお、実施の形態１を例にして説明するが、実施の形態２にも適用可能である。 Embodiment 3.
In the first embodiment, it is assumed that all the heat sources detected in the thermal image captured by the imaging unit 21 of the imaging device 2 are humans. However, when the air-conditioning target space targeted by the air-conditioning control system 1 is an office floor or the like, devices such as a personal computer and a monitor used in the air-conditioning target space are also heat sources. In the third embodiment, a method of excluding a heat source other than a human from the thermal image captured by the imaging unit 21 of the imaging device 2 will be described. Although the first embodiment will be described as an example, it can also be applied to the second embodiment.
　実施の形態３において、空調制御システム１の構成は、図１に示す実施の形態１のときの空調制御システム１の構成と同様である。実施の形態３では、画像解析部２２の動作が、実施の形態１のときの動作と異なる。図１６は、実施の形態３に係る画像解析部２２の動作を示すフローチャートである。図１６に示すフローチャートは、図３に示すフローチャートのステップＳ１０４の動作の詳細を示すものである。画像解析部２２は、撮影部２１より取得した熱画像を記憶する（ステップＳ７０１）。画像解析部２２は、熱画像から、熱画像に含まれる熱源を１つ抽出する（ステップＳ７０２）。画像解析部２２は、過去に記憶した熱画像を用いて、抽出した熱源について、規定された期間において動きがあるか否かを判定する（ステップＳ７０３）。 In the third embodiment, the configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 is the same as the configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, the operation of the image analysis unit 22 is different from the operation of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image analysis unit 22 according to the third embodiment. The flowchart shown in FIG. 16 shows the details of the operation of step S104 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The image analysis unit 22 stores the thermal image acquired from the photographing unit 21 (step S701). The image analysis unit 22 extracts one heat source included in the thermal image from the thermal image (step S702). The image analysis unit 22 uses the heat image stored in the past to determine whether or not the extracted heat source is moving in a specified period (step S703).
　規定された期間において動きがない場合（ステップＳ７０３：Ｎｏ）、画像解析部２２は、抽出した熱源は人ではないとして、抽出した熱源を人の数のカウントから除外する。画像解析部２２は、ステップＳ７０２に戻って上記動作を繰り返し実施する。規定された期間において動きがある場合（ステップＳ７０３：Ｙｅｓ）、画像解析部２２は、抽出した熱源は人であるとして、抽出した熱源の熱画像内での位置および大きさから、抽出した熱源の位置を特定する（ステップＳ７０４）。熱画像から全ての熱源を抽出していない場合（ステップＳ７０５：Ｎｏ）、画像解析部２２は、ステップＳ７０２に戻って上記動作を繰り返し実施する。熱画像から全ての熱源を抽出した場合（ステップＳ７０５：Ｙｅｓ）、画像解析部２２は、熱画像からの検出動作を終了する。このように、画像解析部２２は、熱画像に含まれる熱源のうち、規定された期間において動きの無い熱源を人以外の熱源として、検出情報の対象から除外する。なお、実施の形態３を実施の形態２に適用する場合、図１３に示す空調統合コントローラ５ａの画像解析部５５が、上記と同様の動作を行う。 When there is no movement in the specified period (step S703: No), the image analysis unit 22 considers that the extracted heat source is not a person and excludes the extracted heat source from the count of the number of people. The image analysis unit 22 returns to step S702 and repeats the above operation. When there is movement in the specified period (step S703: Yes), the image analysis unit 22 considers that the extracted heat source is a person, and determines that the extracted heat source has a position and size in the thermal image of the extracted heat source. The position is specified (step S704). When all the heat sources have not been extracted from the thermal image (step S705: No), the image analysis unit 22 returns to step S702 and repeats the above operation. When all the heat sources are extracted from the thermal image (step S705: Yes), the image analysis unit 22 ends the detection operation from the thermal image. In this way, the image analysis unit 22 excludes the heat source included in the thermal image from the target of the detection information as the heat source that does not move in the specified period as the heat source other than the human. When the third embodiment is applied to the second embodiment, the image analysis unit 55 of the air conditioning integrated controller 5a shown in FIG. 13 performs the same operation as described above.
　以上説明したように、本実施の形態によれば、空調制御システム１において、撮影装置２の画像解析部２２は、撮影部２１で撮影されて得られた熱画像において、規定された期間において動きがない熱源は人ではないとして、人の数のカウントから除外する。画像解析部２２は、人のみをカウントした検出情報を生成して、空調統合コントローラ５へ出力する。これにより、空調統合コントローラ５は、精度良く検知した人の数および位置に応じて、快適な空調制御を行うことができる。 As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the air conditioning control system 1, the image analysis unit 22 of the photographing device 2 moves in a predetermined period in the thermal image obtained by being photographed by the photographing unit 21. Exclude the heat source without a person from the count of the number of people, assuming that it is not a person. The image analysis unit 22 generates detection information that counts only people and outputs it to the air conditioning integrated controller 5. As a result, the air-conditioning integrated controller 5 can perform comfortable air-conditioning control according to the number and positions of people who have detected it with high accuracy.
　以上の実施の形態に示した構成は、一例を示すものであり、別の公知の技術と組み合わせることも可能であるし、実施の形態同士を組み合わせることも可能であるし、要旨を逸脱しない範囲で、構成の一部を省略、変更することも可能である。 The configuration shown in the above embodiments is an example, and can be combined with another known technique, can be combined with each other, and does not deviate from the gist. It is also possible to omit or change a part of the configuration.
　１，１ａ　空調制御システム、２ａ，２ｂ，１０ａ，１０ｂ　撮影装置、３ａ～３ｈ　空調室内機、４ａ～４ｄ　空調室外機、５，５ａ　空調統合コントローラ、６　リモートコントローラ、７ａ，７ｂ　空調リモコン通信線、８ａ～８ｄ　空調内外通信線、９　空調集中系通信線、２１　撮影部、２２，５５　画像解析部、５１　同期制御部、５２　在室者判定部、５３　空調制御部、５４　表示部。 1,1a air conditioner control system, 2a, 2b, 10a, 10b imaging device, 3a to 3h air conditioner indoor unit, 4a to 4d air conditioner outdoor unit, 5,5a air conditioner integrated controller, 6 remote controller, 7a, 7b air conditioner remote control communication line, 8a-8d air conditioner internal / external communication line, 9 air conditioner centralized communication line, 21 photographing unit, 22,55 image analysis unit, 51 synchronous control unit, 52 occupant determination unit, 53 air conditioner control unit, 54 display unit.

Claims (18)

  1. 　空調対象空間に設置され各々が指定された対象範囲の方向を向いて撮影して熱画像を出力する複数の撮影部を備える空調制御システムにおいて、複数の空調機の動作を制御する空調統合コントローラであって、
    　前記複数の撮影部を同期して同時に撮影させる制御を行う同期制御部と、
    　前記熱画像から検出された人の数および位置の情報である複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報と、前記複数の撮影部の位置、撮影方向、および撮影時刻の情報とを入力とし、前記対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を判定し、前記対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を示す在室者情報を出力する在室者判定部と、
    　前記在室者情報を入力とし、前記複数の空調機のうち人が存在する位置の空調を制御する空調機に対して、動作を制御するための制御信号を出力する空調制御部と、
    　を備える空調統合コントローラ。     An air-conditioning integrated controller that controls the operation of multiple air-conditioners in an air-conditioning control system that is installed in the air-conditioning target space and has multiple imaging units that shoot and output thermal images, each facing the direction of the specified target range. There,
    A synchronous control unit that controls the plurality of photographing units to be synchronized and simultaneously photographed, and a synchronous control unit.
    A plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images, which is information on the number and positions of people detected from the thermal image, and information on the positions, shooting directions, and shooting times of the plurality of photographing units are input as described above. An occupancy determination unit that determines the number and position of people included in the target range and outputs occupancy information indicating the number and position of people included in the target range.
    An air conditioner control unit that receives the occupant information as input and outputs a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner that controls the air conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air conditioners.
    Air conditioning integrated controller with.
  2. 　前記空調制御システムは、複数の撮影装置、および前記空調統合コントローラから構成され、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々は、前記撮影部と、前記熱画像から前記熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を検出し、検出された人の数および位置の情報である前記検出情報を出力する画像解析部とを備え、
    　前記在室者判定部は、前記複数の撮影装置の各々から前記検出情報を取得する、
    　請求項１に記載の空調統合コントローラ。     The air conditioning control system is composed of a plurality of photographing devices and the air conditioning integrated controller.
    Each of the plurality of photographing devices detects the number and position of people included in the thermal image from the photographing unit and the thermal image, and outputs the detection information which is information on the number and position of the detected people. Equipped with an image analysis unit
    The occupant determination unit acquires the detection information from each of the plurality of photographing devices.
    The air conditioning integrated controller according to claim 1.
  3. 　前記空調制御システムは、複数の撮影装置、および前記空調統合コントローラから構成され、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々は、前記撮影部を備え、
    　前記空調統合コントローラは、さらに、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々から熱画像を取得し、各熱画像から当該熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を検出し、検出された人の数および位置の情報である複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報を出力する画像解析部、
    　を備え、
    　前記在室者判定部は、前記画像解析部から複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報を取得する、
    　請求項１に記載の空調統合コントローラ。     The air conditioning control system is composed of a plurality of photographing devices and the air conditioning integrated controller.
    Each of the plurality of photographing devices includes the photographing unit.
    The air conditioning integrated controller further
    Thermal images are acquired from each of the plurality of photographing devices, the number and positions of people included in the thermal images are detected from each thermal image, and a plurality of thermal image components which are information on the number and positions of the detected people. Image analysis unit that outputs multiple detection information of
    With
    The occupant determination unit acquires a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images from the image analysis unit.
    The air conditioning integrated controller according to claim 1.
  4. 　前記画像解析部は、前記熱画像に含まれる熱源のうち、規定された期間において動きの無い熱源を人以外の熱源として前記検出情報の対象から除外する、
    　請求項３に記載の空調統合コントローラ。     Among the heat sources included in the thermal image, the image analysis unit excludes a heat source that does not move during a specified period from the target of the detection information as a heat source other than a human.
    The air conditioning integrated controller according to claim 3.
  5. 　前記複数の撮影部は、回転動作によって各々が独立して撮影方向を変えることができ、
    　前記同期制御部は、前記複数の撮影部に対して前記対象範囲を指定し、同時刻において同じ前記対象範囲を異なる方向から撮影するように前記複数の撮影部を同期して動作させる、
    　請求項１から４のいずれか１つに記載の空調統合コントローラ。     Each of the plurality of photographing units can independently change the photographing direction by the rotation operation.
    The synchronization control unit designates the target range for the plurality of photographing units, and synchronously operates the plurality of photographing units so as to shoot the same target range from different directions at the same time.
    The air conditioning integrated controller according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
  6. 　さらに、
    　前記在室者情報を表示する表示部、
    　を備える請求項１から５のいずれか１つに記載の空調統合コントローラ。     Moreover,
    A display unit that displays the occupant information,
    The air conditioning integrated controller according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
  7. 　空調対象空間において、複数の空調機の動作を制御する空調制御システムであって、
    　前記空調対象空間に設置され各々が指定された対象範囲の方向を向いて撮影して熱画像を出力する複数の撮影部と、
    　前記熱画像から前記熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を検出し、検出された人の数および位置の情報である検出情報を出力する画像解析部と、
    　前記複数の撮影部を、同期して同時に撮影させる制御を行う同期制御部と、
    　複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報と、前記複数の撮影部の位置、撮影方向、および撮影時刻の情報とを入力とし、前記対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を判定し、前記対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を示す在室者情報を出力する在室者判定部と、
    　前記在室者情報を入力とし、前記複数の空調機のうち人が存在する位置の空調を制御する空調機に対して、動作を制御するための制御信号を出力する空調制御部と、
    　を備える空調制御システム。     An air conditioning control system that controls the operation of multiple air conditioners in an air-conditioned space.
    A plurality of photographing units installed in the air-conditioned space, each of which faces a designated target range and outputs a thermal image.
    An image analysis unit that detects the number and position of people included in the thermal image from the thermal image and outputs detection information that is information on the number and position of the detected people.
    A synchronous control unit that controls the plurality of photographing units to be synchronized and simultaneously photographed, and a synchronous control unit.
    By inputting a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images and information on the positions, shooting directions, and shooting times of the plurality of photographing units, the number and position of people included in the target range are determined, and the target is described. An occupancy determination unit that outputs occupancy information indicating the number and position of people included in the range, and
    An air conditioner control unit that receives the occupant information as input and outputs a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner that controls the air conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air conditioners.
    Air conditioning control system equipped with.
  8. 　前記空調制御システムは、複数の撮影装置、および空調統合コントローラから構成され、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々は、前記撮影部と、前記画像解析部とを備え、
    　前記空調統合コントローラは、前記同期制御部と、前記在室者判定部と、前記空調制御部とを備え、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々は、前記検出情報を前記空調統合コントローラへ出力する、
    　請求項７に記載の空調制御システム。     The air conditioning control system is composed of a plurality of photographing devices and an air conditioning integrated controller.
    Each of the plurality of photographing devices includes the photographing unit and the image analysis unit.
    The air-conditioning integrated controller includes the synchronous control unit, the occupancy determination unit, and the air-conditioning control unit.
    Each of the plurality of photographing devices outputs the detection information to the air conditioning integrated controller.
    The air conditioning control system according to claim 7.
  9. 　前記空調制御システムは、複数の撮影装置、および空調統合コントローラから構成され、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々は、前記撮影部を備え、
    　前記空調統合コントローラは、前記同期制御部と、前記画像解析部と、前記在室者判定部と、前記空調制御部とを備え、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々は、前記熱画像を前記空調統合コントローラへ出力する、
    　請求項７に記載の空調制御システム。     The air conditioning control system is composed of a plurality of photographing devices and an air conditioning integrated controller.
    Each of the plurality of photographing devices includes the photographing unit.
    The air-conditioning integrated controller includes the synchronous control unit, the image analysis unit, the occupancy determination unit, and the air-conditioning control unit.
    Each of the plurality of photographing devices outputs the thermal image to the air conditioning integrated controller.
    The air conditioning control system according to claim 7.
  10. 　前記画像解析部は、前記熱画像に含まれる熱源のうち、規定された期間において動きの無い熱源を人以外の熱源として前記検出情報の対象から除外する、
    　請求項７から９のいずれか１つに記載の空調制御システム。     Among the heat sources included in the thermal image, the image analysis unit excludes a heat source that does not move during a specified period from the target of the detection information as a heat source other than a human.
    The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.
  11. 　前記複数の撮影部は、回転動作によって各々が独立して撮影方向を変えることができ、
    　前記同期制御部は、前記複数の撮影部に対して前記対象範囲を指定し、同時刻において同じ前記対象範囲を異なる方向から撮影するように前記複数の撮影部を同期して動作させる、
    　請求項７から１０のいずれか１つに記載の空調制御システム。     Each of the plurality of photographing units can independently change the photographing direction by the rotation operation.
    The synchronization control unit designates the target range for the plurality of photographing units, and synchronously operates the plurality of photographing units so as to shoot the same target range from different directions at the same time.
    The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 7 to 10.
  12. 　さらに、
    　前記在室者情報を表示する表示部、
    　を備える請求項７から１１のいずれか１つに記載の空調制御システム。     Moreover,
    A display unit that displays the occupant information,
    The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 7 to 11.
  13. 　空調対象空間に設置され各々が指定された対象範囲の方向を向いて撮影して熱画像を出力する複数の撮影部を備える空調制御システムにおいて、複数の空調機の動作を制御する空調統合コントローラの空調制御方法であって、
    　同期制御部が、前記複数の撮影部を同期して同時に撮影させる制御を行う同期ステップと、
    　在室者判定部が、前記熱画像から検出された人の数および位置の情報である複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報と、前記複数の撮影部の位置、撮影方向、および撮影時刻の情報とを入力とし、前記対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を判定し、前記対象範囲に含まれる人の数および位置を示す在室者情報を出力する判定ステップと、
    　空調制御部が、前記在室者情報を入力とし、前記複数の空調機のうち人が存在する位置の空調を制御する空調機に対して、動作を制御するための制御信号を出力する制御ステップと、
    　を含む空調制御方法。     An air-conditioning integrated controller that controls the operation of multiple air-conditioners in an air-conditioning control system that is installed in the air-conditioning target space and has multiple imaging units that shoot and output thermal images, each facing the direction of the specified target range. It is an air conditioning control method
    A synchronization step in which the synchronization control unit controls the plurality of photographing units to be synchronized and simultaneously photographed.
    The occupant determination unit determines a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images, which is information on the number and positions of people detected from the thermal image, and the positions, shooting directions, and shooting times of the plurality of photographing units. A determination step in which information is input, the number and position of people included in the target range are determined, and occupant information indicating the number and position of people included in the target range is output.
    A control step in which the air conditioner control unit inputs the occupant information and outputs a control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner that controls the air conditioning at the position where a person exists among the plurality of air conditioners. When,
    Air conditioning control methods including.
  14. 　前記空調制御システムは、複数の撮影装置、および前記空調統合コントローラから構成され、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々は、前記撮影部と、前記熱画像から前記熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を検出し、検出された人の数および位置の情報である前記検出情報を出力する画像解析部とを備え、
    　前記判定ステップにおいて、前記在室者判定部は、前記複数の撮影装置の各々から前記検出情報を取得する、
    　請求項１３に記載の空調制御方法。     The air conditioning control system is composed of a plurality of photographing devices and the air conditioning integrated controller.
    Each of the plurality of photographing devices detects the number and position of people included in the thermal image from the photographing unit and the thermal image, and outputs the detection information which is information on the number and position of the detected people. Equipped with an image analysis unit
    In the determination step, the occupant determination unit acquires the detection information from each of the plurality of photographing devices.
    The air conditioning control method according to claim 13.
  15. 　前記空調制御システムは、複数の撮影装置、および前記空調統合コントローラから構成され、
    　前記複数の撮影装置の各々は、前記撮影部を備え、
    　さらに、
    　画像解析部が、前記複数の撮影装置の各々から熱画像を取得し、各熱画像から当該熱画像に含まれる人の数および位置を検出し、検出された人の数および位置の情報である複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報を出力する解析ステップ、
    　を含み、
    　前記判定ステップにおいて、前記在室者判定部は、前記画像解析部から複数の熱画像分の複数の検出情報を取得する、
    　請求項１３に記載の空調制御方法。     The air conditioning control system is composed of a plurality of photographing devices and the air conditioning integrated controller.
    Each of the plurality of photographing devices includes the photographing unit.
    Moreover,
    The image analysis unit acquires a thermal image from each of the plurality of photographing devices, detects the number and position of people included in the thermal image from each thermal image, and is information on the number and position of the detected people. Analysis step that outputs multiple detection information for multiple thermal images,
    Including
    In the determination step, the occupant determination unit acquires a plurality of detection information for a plurality of thermal images from the image analysis unit.
    The air conditioning control method according to claim 13.
  16. 　前記解析ステップにおいて、前記画像解析部は、前記熱画像に含まれる熱源のうち、規定された期間において動きの無い熱源を人以外の熱源として前記検出情報の対象から除外する、
    　請求項１５に記載の空調制御方法。     In the analysis step, the image analysis unit excludes, among the heat sources included in the thermal image, a heat source that does not move in a specified period from the target of the detection information as a heat source other than a human.
    The air conditioning control method according to claim 15.
  17. 　前記複数の撮影部は、回転動作によって各々が独立して撮影方向を変えることができ、
    　前記同期ステップにおいて、前記同期制御部は、前記複数の撮影部に対して前記対象範囲を指定し、同時刻において同じ前記対象範囲を異なる方向から撮影するように前記複数の撮影部を同期して動作させる、
    　請求項１３から１６のいずれか１つに記載の空調制御方法。     Each of the plurality of photographing units can independently change the photographing direction by the rotation operation.
    In the synchronization step, the synchronization control unit designates the target range for the plurality of photographing units, and synchronizes the plurality of photographing units so as to shoot the same target range from different directions at the same time. To work,
    The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 13 to 16.
  18. 　さらに、
    　表示部が、前記在室者情報を表示する表示ステップ、
    　を含む請求項１３から１７のいずれか１つに記載の空調制御方法。     Moreover,
    A display step in which the display unit displays the occupant information,
    The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the air conditioning control method comprises.
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