WO2021171873A1

WO2021171873A1 - Control method, program, and information processing device

Info

Publication number: WO2021171873A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/002657
Authority: WO
Inventors: 兼人小川
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2020-02-27
Filing date: 2021-01-26
Publication date: 2021-09-02
Also published as: CN114096788A; JPWO2021171873A1

Abstract

A control method comprising: a step for acquiring air outlet information relating to a plurality of air outlets (12a), (12b), (12c); a step for displaying, in a touch panel portion (38) so as to be superimposed on an image (44) obtained by capturing an image of an indoor space (6) from a view point of an air conditioner (8), icons (46) each indicating a space range in an indoor space (6) where air-conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of air outlets (12a), (12b), (12c) reaches; a step for receiving operational information indicating an operation by a user for changing the number of the icons (46) or regions occupied by the icons (46) on the image (44); a step for generating control information on the basis of the air outlet information and the operational information; and a step for controlling the air conditioner (8) on the basis of the control information.

Description

Control method, program and information processing device

This disclosure relates to control methods, programs and information processing devices.

Patent Documents 1 to 4 disclose a terminal device for controlling an air conditioner. An image showing a floor plan of the room is displayed on the touch panel unit of this terminal device. By operating the touch panel unit, the user specifies the plane position and height position of the room to which the conditioned air from the air conditioner is to be delivered.

Japanese Patent No. 5837641 Japanese Patent No. 5925954 Japanese Patent No. 6282926 Japanese Patent No. 6374734

The present disclosure provides a control method, a program, and an information processing device that can set the wind direction of an air conditioner by intuitive operation.

The control method in the present disclosure is an air conditioner capable of communicating with a terminal device having a display unit and the terminal device via a network, and having a plurality of air outlets for blowing conditioned air toward an indoor space. A control method in an air-conditioning system including the above, wherein (a) a step of acquiring outlet information regarding the plurality of outlets, and (b) the display unit displays the indoor space from the viewpoint of the air conditioner. A step of superimposing and displaying a figure indicating the spatial range of the indoor space to which the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of air outlets reaches on the captured image, and (c) the number of the figures, or A step of receiving operation information indicating an operation of a user who changes an area occupied by the figure on the image, (d) a step of generating control information based on the air outlet information and the operation information, and (e). ) Includes a step of controlling the air conditioner based on the control information.

Further, the information processing device in the present disclosure is an information processing device for controlling an air conditioner having a plurality of air outlets for blowing conditioned air toward an indoor space, and is an air conditioner for controlling the plurality of air outlets. The space range of the indoor space to which the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of outlets reaches is shown on the image obtained by capturing the indoor space from the viewpoint of the acquisition unit for acquiring information and the air conditioner. A display unit that superimposes and displays the figures, a reception unit that receives operation information indicating the operation of the user who changes the number of the figures or the area occupied by the figures on the image, the air outlet information, and the operation. A generation unit that generates control information for controlling the air conditioner based on the information, and a communication unit that transmits the control information to the air conditioner are provided.

According to the control method and the like in the present disclosure, the wind direction and the like of the air conditioner can be set by intuitive operation.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of wind direction control by the air conditioner according to the embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of wind direction control by the air conditioner according to the embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel unit in the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel unit in the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4C is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel unit in the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 4D is a diagram showing a display example of a touch panel unit in the terminal device according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the terminal device according to the embodiment when an icon is added. FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the icon is added. FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the icon is added. FIG. 6C is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the icon is added. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the terminal device according to the embodiment when the area of the icon is changed. FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the area of the icon is changed. FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the area of the icon is changed. FIG. 8C is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the area of the icon is changed. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the terminal device according to the embodiment when the icon is deleted. FIG. 10A is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the icon is deleted. FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the icon is deleted. FIG. 10C is a diagram for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment when the icon is deleted. FIG. 11 is a table showing a control example of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. FIG. 12A is a diagram for explaining a control example of FIG. FIG. 12B is a diagram for explaining a control example of FIG. FIG. 12C is a diagram for explaining a control example of FIG. FIG. 12D is a diagram for explaining a control example of FIG. FIG. 13 is a table showing another control example of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. FIG. 14A is a diagram for explaining a control example of FIG. FIG. 14B is a diagram for explaining a control example of FIG. FIG. 14C is a diagram for explaining a control example of FIG. FIG. 14D is a diagram for explaining a control example of FIG. FIG. 15 is a table showing still another control example of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment.

(Knowledge on which this disclosure was based)
The present inventor has found that the following problems arise with respect to the technology described in the "Background technology" column.

In the conventional terminal device described above, the user wants to deliver the conditioned air from the air conditioner by operating the touch panel unit while comparing the actual room with the floor plan displayed on the touch panel unit of the terminal device. It is necessary to estimate the plane position and height position inside. Therefore, there arises a problem that it is difficult to accurately specify the plane position and the height position in the room where the conditioned air from the air conditioner is to be delivered.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and duplicate explanations for substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy of the following description and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that the inventor intends to provide the accompanying drawings and the following description in order for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims by these. ..

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15.

[1. Overview of air conditioning system]
First, the outline of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an air conditioning system 2 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air-conditioning system 2 is a system for air-conditioning an indoor space 6 such as the inside of a user 4's house. The air conditioning system 2 includes an air conditioner 8 and a terminal device 10 (an example of an information processing device).

The air conditioner 8 is arranged on the wall surface of the indoor space 6, and has a plurality of (three in the present embodiment)

outlets

12a, 12b, and 12c for blowing conditioned air toward the indoor space 6. doing. The plurality of

air outlets

12a, 12b, 12c can independently blow out conditioned air toward different space ranges 14a, 14b, 14c in the indoor space 6 (three in the present embodiment). .. In the present specification, the "spatial range" means a specific range having a three-dimensional size in the indoor space 6.

The plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c are arranged so that a part of the wind direction range of the conditioned air of each of the pair of adjacent outlets overlaps with each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A described later, a part of the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a (the range surrounded by the solid line in FIG. 3A) is the wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b adjacent to the air outlet 12a. It overlaps with a part of (the range surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3B). Further, a part of the wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b overlaps with a part of the wind direction range 16c (the range surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 3B) of the air outlet 12c adjacent to the air outlet 12b. The "wind direction range" means the maximum variable range of the wind direction of the conditioned air blown out from each of the

outlets

12a, 12b, and 12c.

Further, the air conditioner 8 has a camera 18 for photographing the indoor space 6 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8. The camera 18 is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera.

The terminal device 10 is a device for operating (controlling) the air conditioner 8, for example, a smartphone or tablet terminal operated by the user 4. The terminal device 10 can communicate with the air conditioner 8 via the network 28 (see FIG. 2 described later). The user 4 can set the wind direction and the like of the air conditioner 8 by operating the terminal device 10 as described later.

[2. Functional configuration of air conditioning system]
Next, the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4D. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing an example of wind direction control by the air conditioner 8 according to the embodiment. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing a display example of the touch panel unit 38 in the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment. 3A and 3B are schematic views of the air conditioner 8 as viewed from directly above.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 8 includes an image generation unit 20, an outlet information management unit 22, a communication unit 24, and an operation control unit 26.

The image generation unit 20 generates image information showing an image of the indoor space 6 captured from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 based on the image capture data from the camera 18 (see FIG. 1). The image generation unit 20 outputs the generated image information to the communication unit 24.

The outlet information management unit 22 manages outlet information relating to a plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c. The outlet information includes, for example, the number of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, the wind direction ranges 16a, 16b, 16c of the respective conditioned air of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, Information including the number of louvers arranged in each of the 12c and for adjusting the direction of the conditioned air blown out from each of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, and at least one of the movable ranges of the louvers. be.

The louver includes a plurality of vertical movement louvers and a plurality of left and right movement louvers. By operating the plurality of vertical movement louvers in the vertical direction (vertical direction), the wind direction of the conditioned air blown out from the corresponding outlets of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c is changed (moved) in the vertical direction. Let me. By operating the plurality of left-right operation louvers in the left-right direction (horizontal direction), the wind direction of the conditioned air blown out from the corresponding outlets of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c is changed (moved) in the left-right direction. Let me.

The communication unit 24 transmits and receives various information to and from the terminal device 10 via the network 28. Specifically, the communication unit 24 transmits the image information from the image generation unit 20 and the air outlet information from the air outlet information management unit 22 to the terminal device 10. In addition, the communication unit 24 receives control information (described later) from the terminal device 10.

The operation control unit 26 controls the operation of the air conditioner 8 based on the control information received by the communication unit 24. Specifically, the operation control unit 26 switches the operation mode of the air conditioner 8 to, for example, a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode based on the control information.

Further, the operation control unit 26 drives the louvers arranged at each of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c based on the control information. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the operation control unit 26 blows out from the air outlet 12a by driving a plurality of left and right operation louvers 30 arranged at the air outlet 12a so as to be retracted inward based on the control information. The wind direction of the conditioned air is concentrated inside. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the operation control unit 26 drives the plurality of left and right operation louvers 30 arranged at the air outlet 12a so as to expand outward based on the control information, thereby causing the operation control unit 26 to expand from the air outlet 12a. The wind direction of the conditioned air that is blown out is diffused to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10 includes a communication unit 32, a first acquisition unit 34, a second acquisition unit 36 (an example of an acquisition unit), and a touch panel unit 38 (an example of a reception unit and a display unit). ), An operation information management unit 40, and a generation unit 42.

The communication unit 32 transmits and receives various information to and from the air conditioner 8 via the network 28. Specifically, the communication unit 32 receives the image information and the outlet information from the air conditioner 8. Further, the communication unit 32 transmits the control information from the generation unit 42 to the air conditioner 8.

The first acquisition unit 34 acquires the image information received by the communication unit 32 and outputs the acquired image information to the touch panel unit 38.

The second acquisition unit 36 acquires the outlet information received by the communication unit 32, and outputs the acquired outlet information to the touch panel unit 38 and the generation unit 42.

The touch panel unit 38 is a user interface that receives operation information indicating various operations of the user 4. In addition, the touch panel unit 38 displays various screens.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the touch panel unit 38 displays an image 44 showing the indoor space 6 captured by the camera 18 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 based on the image information from the first acquisition unit 34.

As shown in FIG. 4B, for example, when the user 4 double-tap the image 44 displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the touch panel unit 38 superimposes the icon 46 (an example of a figure) on the image 44. Display it. The icon 46 is an icon indicating the space range of the indoor space 6 to which the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, and 12c reaches, and is, for example, a rectangular solid line frame. The shape of the icon 46 is not limited to this, and may be a figure of any shape. At this time, in order to maintain the visibility of the image 44 displayed on the touch panel unit 38, a part or all of the icon 46 may be transmitted with a predetermined transmittance.

The user 4 displays the icon 46 in the area of the image 44 corresponding to the space range of the indoor space 6 to which the conditioned air is to be delivered while looking at the image 44 displayed on the touch panel unit 38. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the user 4 wants to deliver the conditioned air to the kitchen 48 in the indoor space 6, for example, the user 4 displays the icon 46a in the area of the image 44 corresponding to the kitchen 48. Further, when the user 4 wants to deliver the conditioned air to the dining room 50 of the indoor space 6, for example, the user 4 displays the icon 46b in the area of the image 44 corresponding to the dining room 50.

An example of how to edit the icon 46 will be described below. When a new icon 46 is added (that is, the number of icons 46 is changed) while the icon 46 is already displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the user 4 can use, for example, an image 44 other than the existing icon 46. Double tap the area. As a result, the touch panel unit 38 adds and displays a new icon 46 on the image 44. The upper limit of the number of icons 46 that can be displayed on the touch panel unit 38 is determined based on the outlet information from the communication unit 32 (for example, the number of a plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, etc.).

Further, when the existing icon 46 is deleted (that is, the number of the icons 46 is changed) while the icon 46 is already displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the user 4 double-tap the existing icon 46, for example. Operate, etc. As a result, the touch panel unit 38 deletes the display of the existing icon 46.

Further, when the existing icon 46 is moved (that is, the area occupied by the existing icon 46 on the image 44 is changed) while the icon 46 is already displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the user 4 may, for example, move the existing icon 46. Drag the existing icon 46 or the like. As a result, the touch panel unit 38 moves the existing icon 46 on the image 44.

Further, when the size of the existing icon 46 is enlarged (that is, the area occupied by the existing icon 46 on the image 44 is changed) while the icon 46 is already displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the user 4 For example, pinch out an existing icon 46. As a result, the touch panel unit 38 enlarges the size of the existing icon 46 on the image 44.

Further, when the size of the existing icon 46 is reduced (that is, the area occupied by the existing icon 46 on the image 44 is changed) while the icon 46 is already displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the user 4 For example, pinch-in operation of the existing icon 46 or the like. As a result, the touch panel unit 38 reduces the size of the existing icon 46 on the image 44.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the upper limit of the editable size of the icon 46 corresponds to the maximum wind direction range of the conditioned air from the air conditioner 8. Further, the lower limit of the editable size of the icon 46 corresponds to the minimum wind direction range of the conditioned air from the air conditioner 8. When the user 4 tries to increase the size of the icon 46 to a size exceeding the upper limit of the editable size, or reduces the size to a size lower than the lower limit of the editable size. The touch panel unit 38 may display an error message or the like for notifying the user to that effect, or may automatically adjust the size of the icon 46 to an editable size. Alternatively, the touch panel unit 38 may display an upper limit or a lower limit of the editable size of the icon 46.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the editable size range of the icon 46 (that is, the wind direction range of the conditioned air from the air conditioner 8) is from the image 44 displayed on the touch panel unit 38 to the outside of the image 44. When it exists over the area, for example, a black frame area 52 may be separately displayed in the area outside the image 44. That is, the size of the frame region 52 corresponds to the maximum wind direction range of the conditioned air from the air conditioner 8. As a result, the user 4 can edit the size of the icon 46 from the image 44 displayed on the touch panel unit 38 to the area outside the image 44.

If the operation of the user 4 for editing the icon 46 is not continuously executed for a predetermined time, the touch panel unit 38 determines that the editing of the icon 46 is completed.

The touch panel unit 38 receives the operation information indicating the number of icons 46 or the operation of the user who changes the area occupied by the icons 46 on the image 44 as described above. The touch panel unit 38 outputs the received operation information to the operation information management unit 40.

The operation information management unit 40 manages the operation information from the touch panel unit 38. The operation information management unit 40 outputs the operation information to the generation unit 42.

The generation unit 42 generates control information for controlling the air conditioner 8 based on the air outlet information from the second acquisition unit 36 and the operation information from the operation information management unit 40. The generation unit 42 outputs the generated control information to the communication unit 32.

[3. Operation of air conditioning system]
[3-1. When adding an icon]
The operation of the air conditioning system 2 when the icon 46 is added will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 6C. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is added. 6A to 6C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is added. 6A to 6C are schematic views of the air conditioner 8 when viewed from directly above.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the first acquisition unit 34 of the terminal device 10 acquires the image information received by the communication unit 32 (S101), and outputs the acquired image information to the touch panel unit 38. Further, the second acquisition unit 36 acquires the air outlet information received by the communication unit 32 (S101), and outputs the acquired air outlet information to the touch panel unit 38 and the generation unit 42.

The touch panel unit 38 displays an image 44 showing the indoor space 6 captured by the camera 18 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 based on the image information from the first acquisition unit 34 (S102). When the user 4 double-tap the area of the image 44 displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the touch panel unit 38 receives the operation information indicating the operation of adding the icon 46 (S103). As a result, the touch panel unit 38 adds and displays the icon 46 (hereinafter, also referred to as “additional icon 46”) on the image 44 (S104).

Further, the touch panel unit 38 outputs the received operation information to the operation information management unit 40, and the operation information management unit 40 outputs the operation information from the touch panel unit 38 to the generation unit 42. Based on the operation information, the generation unit 42 determines whether or not the number of existing icons (hereinafter, also referred to as “existing icons”) before adding the additional icon 46 is 0 (S105).

When the number of existing icons before adding the additional icon 46 is 0 (YES in S105), the generation unit 42 sets the area of the additional icon 46 to the wind direction range based on the operation information and the outlet information. All included outlets are calculated (S106). In the example shown in FIG. 6A, since the region of the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a and the wind direction range 16b of the outlet 12b, the generation unit 42 calculates the two

outlets

12a and 12b. ..

The generation unit 42 determines all the calculated outlets as the outlets to be controlled by the additional icon 46 (S107). In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the generation unit 42 determines both of the calculated two

outlets

12a and 12b as the outlets to be controlled by the additional icon 46. The controlled outlet of the additional icon 46 means an outlet controlled so as to blow out conditioned air toward the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the additional icon 46.

The generation unit 42 prevents the vertical operation louver and the left / right operation louver arranged at the determined outlet so that the conditioned air blown out from the outlet does not protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the additional icon 46. Generate control information including control commands for operation (S108). In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the generation unit 42 blows out the vertical movement louvers and the left and right movement louvers arranged in each of the two

determined outlets

12a and 12b from each of the two

outlets

12a and 12b. It generates control information including a control command for operating the conditioned air so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the additional icon 46.

The generation unit 42 outputs the generated control information to the communication unit 32. The communication unit 32 transmits the control information from the generation unit 42 to the air conditioner 8 (S109). As a result, the operation control unit 26 of the air conditioner 8 controls each of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, and 12c based on the control information from the terminal device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the operation control unit 26 has two vertical operation louvers and two left and right operation louvers arranged in each of the two

outlets

12a and 12b based on the control information from the terminal device 10. The conditioned air blown out from each of the

air outlets

12a and 12b is operated so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the additional icon 46.

Returning to step S105, if the number of existing icons before adding the additional icon 46 is one or more (NO in S105), the generation unit 42 determines the additional icon 46 based on the operation information and the outlet information. And all the air outlets in which each area of all the existing icons is included in the wind direction range (S110).

In the example shown in FIG. 6B, one existing icon 46A is displayed on the touch panel unit 38 before the additional icon 46 is added. Since the area of the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a, the generation unit 42 calculates one outlet 12a for the additional icon 46. Further, since the region of the existing icon 46A is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a and the wind direction range 16b of the outlet 12b, the generation unit 42 calculates two

outlets

12a and 12b for the existing icon 46A. do.

In the example shown in FIG. 6C, two existing

icons

46A and 46B are displayed on the touch panel unit 38 before the additional icon 46 is added. Since the area of the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction range 16b of the outlet 12b and the wind direction range 16c of the outlet 12c, the generation unit 42 calculates two

outlets

12b and 12c for the additional icon 46. Further, since the region of the existing icon 46A is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a and the wind direction range 16b of the outlet 12b, the generation unit 42 calculates two

outlets

12a and 12b for the existing icon 46A. do. Further, since the region of the existing icon 46B is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a, the generation unit 42 calculates one outlet 12a for the existing icon 46B.

The generation unit 42 calculates a combination of non-overlapping air outlets between the additional icon 46 and all existing icons (S111), and determines whether or not there is a non-overlapping air outlet (S112). When there are non-overlapping air outlets (YES in S112), the generation unit 42 determines the control target air outlets of the additional icon 46 and the existing icon by the combination of the non-overlapping air outlets (S113).

In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the generation unit 42 determines one outlet 12a as the outlet to be controlled by the additional icon 46, and determines one outlet 12b as the outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46A. do. In this case, the generation unit 42 a) indicates the vertical operation louver and the left / right operation louver arranged in the determined one outlet 12a, and the conditioned air blown out from the one outlet 12a by the additional icon 46. The vertical movement louvers and the left and right movement louvers arranged in one outlet 12b determined to be operated so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 were blown out from one outlet 12b. It generates control information including a control command for operating the conditioned air so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46A (S108). Then, the process proceeds to step S109 described above.

In the example shown in FIG. 6C, the generation unit 42 determines one outlet 12c as the outlet to be controlled by the additional icon 46, and determines one outlet 12b as the outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46A. Then, one outlet 12a is determined as the outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46B. In this case, the generation unit 42 a) indicates the vertical operation louver and the left / right operation louver arranged in the determined one outlet 12c, and the conditioned air blown out from one outlet 12c by the additional icon 46. The conditioned air blown out from the outlet 12b is operated so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 and b) the vertically operating louvers and the left and right operating louvers arranged in the determined one outlet 12b are operated. One blower is operated so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46A, and c) the vertical movement louver and the left / right movement louver arranged at the determined one outlet 12a are operated. It generates control information including a control command for operating the conditioned air blown out from the outlet 12a so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46B (S108). Then, the process proceeds to step S109 described above.

Returning to step S112, if there is no unique outlet (NO in S112), the generation unit 42 instructs the touch panel unit 38 to delete the display of the additional icon 46 (S114), and displays an error message. The touch panel unit 38 is instructed to do so (S115). In this case, the generation unit 42 generates control information including a control command for maintaining the control target outlet of the existing icon in the state before adding the additional icon 46 (S108). Then, the process proceeds to step S109 described above.

[3-2. When changing the icon area]
The operation of the air conditioning system 2 when the area of the icon 46 is changed (that is, the icon 46 is moved) will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 8C. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment when the area of the icon 46 is changed. 8A to 8C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment when the area of the icon 46 is changed. 8A to 8C are schematic views of the air conditioner 8 when viewed from directly above.

As shown in FIG. 7, first, the first acquisition unit 34 of the terminal device 10 acquires the image information received by the communication unit 32 (S201), and outputs the acquired image information to the touch panel unit 38. Further, the second acquisition unit 36 acquires the air outlet information received by the communication unit 32 (S201), and outputs the acquired air outlet information to the touch panel unit 38 and the generation unit 42.

The touch panel unit 38 displays an image 44 showing the indoor space 6 captured by the camera 18 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 based on the image information from the first acquisition unit 34 (S202). When the user drags the icon 46 displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the touch panel unit 38 receives operation information indicating an operation of changing the area of the icon 46 (S203). As a result, the touch panel unit 38 changes the area of the icon 46 superimposed and displayed on the image 44 (S204).

Further, the touch panel unit 38 outputs the received operation information to the operation information management unit 40, and the operation information management unit 40 outputs the operation information from the touch panel unit 38 to the generation unit 42. Based on the operation information, the generation unit 42 determines whether or not the number of existing icons before changing the area of the icon 46 is two or more (S205).

When the number of existing icons before changing the area of the icon 46 is one (NO in S205), the generation unit 42 determines the area of the icon 46 after changing the area based on the operation information and the outlet information. Is calculated for all outlets included in the wind direction range (S206). In the example shown in FIG. 8A, since the region of the icon 46 after the region change is included in the wind direction range 16c of the outlet 12c, the generation unit 42 calculates one outlet 12c.

The generation unit 42 determines all the calculated air outlets as the air outlets to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area is changed (S207). In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the generation unit 42 determines one calculated outlet 12c as the outlet to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area is changed.

The generation unit 42 extrudes the vertically operating louvers and the left and right operating louvers arranged at the determined air outlets from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the icon 46 after the area is changed by the conditioned air blown out from the air outlets. Generate control information including a control command for operating the louver (S208). In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the generation unit 42 uses the vertically operating louvers and the left and right operating louvers arranged at the determined one outlet 12c after the conditioned air blown out from the one outlet 12c changes the area. It generates control information including a control command for operating the room space 6 so as not to exceed the space range indicated by the icon 46.

outlets

12a, 12b, and 12c based on the control information from the terminal device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the operation control unit 26 sets the vertical operation louver and the left / right operation louver arranged in one outlet 12c from one outlet 12c based on the control information from the terminal device 10. The conditioned air blown out is operated so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the icon 46 after the area change.

Returning to step S205, if the number of existing icons before changing the area of the icon 46 is two or more (YES in S205), the generation unit 42 changes the area based on the operation information and the outlet information. All the air outlets in which each region of the latter icon 46 and all the existing icons is included in the wind direction range are calculated (S210).

In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the area of the existing icon 46 is changed while the two existing

icons

46 and 46B are displayed on the touch panel unit 38. Since the area of the existing icon 46 after the area change is included in the wind direction range 16c of the air outlet 12c, the generation unit 42 calculates one air outlet 12c for the existing icon 46 after the area change. Further, since the region of the existing icon 46B is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a, the generation unit 42 calculates one outlet 12a for the existing icon 46B.

In the example shown in FIG. 8C, the area of the existing icon 46 is changed while the three existing

icons

46, 46B, 46C are displayed on the touch panel unit 38. Since the area of the existing icon 46 after the area change is included in the wind direction range 16c of the air outlet 12c, the generation unit 42 calculates one air outlet 12c for the existing icon 46 after the area change. Further, since the region of the existing icon 46B is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a, the generation unit 42 calculates one outlet 12a for the existing icon 46B. Further, since the region of the existing icon 46C is included in the wind direction range 16b of the outlet 12b and the wind direction range 16c of the outlet 12c, the generation unit 42 calculates two

outlets

12b and 12c with respect to the existing icon 46C. do.

The generation unit 42 calculates a combination of non-overlapping air outlets between the icon 46 after the area change and all the existing icons (S211), and determines whether or not there is a non-overlapping air outlet (S212). .. When there are non-overlapping air outlets (YES in S212), the generation unit 42 determines the control target air outlets of the icon 46 after the area change and the existing icon by the combination of the non-overlapping air outlets (YES in S212). S213).

In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the generation unit 42 determines one outlet 12c as the outlet to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area change, and one outlet 12a is the outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46B. Determined as an exit. In this case, the generation unit 42 a) displays the vertically operating louvers and the left and right operating louvers arranged at the determined one outlet 12c with the icon 46 after the area of the conditioned air blown out from the one outlet 12c is changed. The vertical operation louver and the left / right operation louver arranged in one outlet 12a determined by b) are operated so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by, and are operated from one outlet 12a. It generates control information including a control command for operating the blown out conditioned air so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46B (S208). Then, the process proceeds to step S209 described above.

In the example shown in FIG. 8C, the generation unit 42 determines one outlet 12c as the outlet to be controlled by the icon 46 after the area change, and one outlet 12a is the outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46B. It is determined as an outlet, and one outlet 12b is determined as an outlet to be controlled by the existing icon 46C. In this case, the generation unit 42 a) displays the vertically operating louvers and the left and right operating louvers arranged at the determined one outlet 12c, and the conditioned air blown out from the one outlet 12c is the icon 46A after the area is changed. The vertical operation louver and the left / right operation louver arranged in one outlet 12a determined by b) are operated so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by, and are operated from one outlet 12a. The conditioned air blown out is operated so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46B, and c) the vertical operation louver and the left / right operation louver arranged at one determined outlet 12b. Generates control information including a control command for operating the conditioned air blown out from one outlet 12b so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the existing icon 46C (S208). Then, the process proceeds to step S209 described above.

Returning to step S212, if there is no non-overlapping outlet (NO in S212), the generation unit 42 instructs the touch panel unit 38 to restore the area of the icon 46 after the area change (S214). Instruct the touch panel unit 38 to display an error message (S215). In this case, the generation unit 42 generates control information including a control command for maintaining the control target outlet of the existing icon in the state before changing the area of the icon 46 (S208). Then, the process proceeds to step S209 described above.

[3-3. When deleting the icon]
The operation of the air conditioning system 2 when the icon 46 is deleted will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 10C. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the terminal device 10 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is deleted. 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining the operation of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment when the icon 46 is deleted. 10A to 10C are schematic views of the air conditioner 8 as viewed from directly above.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, the first acquisition unit 34 of the terminal device 10 acquires the image information received by the communication unit 32 (S301), and outputs the acquired image information to the touch panel unit 38. Further, the second acquisition unit 36 acquires the air outlet information received by the communication unit 32 (S301), and outputs the acquired air outlet information to the touch panel unit 38 and the generation unit 42.

The touch panel unit 38 displays an image 44 showing the indoor space 6 captured by the camera 18 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 based on the image information from the first acquisition unit 34 (S302). When the user double-tap the existing icon 46 displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the touch panel unit 38 receives the operation information indicating the operation of deleting the icon 46 (S303). As a result, the touch panel unit 38 deletes the icon 46 superimposed and displayed on the image 44 (S304).

Further, the touch panel unit 38 outputs the received operation information to the operation information management unit 40, and the operation information management unit 40 outputs the operation information from the touch panel unit 38 to the generation unit 42. Based on the operation information, the generation unit 42 determines whether or not the number of existing icons before deleting the icon 46 is two or more (S305).

When the number of existing icons before deleting the icon 46 is one (NO in S305), the generation unit 42 is the control target of the deleted icon 46 based on the operation information and the outlet information. Block the vertical movement louvers and the left and right movement louvers arranged in each of all the outlets (or stop the blowing of conditioned air from each of the all outlets controlled by the deleted icon 46). ) Is generated (S306).

The generation unit 42 outputs the generated control information to the communication unit 32. The communication unit 32 transmits the control information from the generation unit 42 to the air conditioner 8 (S307). As a result, the operation control unit 26 of the air conditioner 8 controls each of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, and 12c based on the control information from the terminal device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 10A, the operation control unit 26 has a vertical operation louver and left and right louvers arranged at one air outlet 12a which was the control target of the deleted icon 46 based on the control information from the terminal device 10. It is controlled so as to block the operation louver (or stop the blowing of conditioned air from one outlet 12a which was the control target of the deleted icon 46).

Returning to step S305, if the number of existing icons before deleting the icon 46 is 2 or more (YES in S305), the generation unit 42 has all the remaining icons based on the operation information and the outlet information. All the air outlets in which each area of the icon (hereinafter, also referred to as “residual icon”) is included in the wind direction range are calculated (S308).

In the example shown in FIG. 10B, one remaining icon 46A is displayed on the touch panel unit 38 after the icon 46 is deleted. Since the region of the remaining icon 46A is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a and the wind direction range 16b of the outlet 12b, the generation unit 42 calculates two

outlets

12a and 12b for the remaining icon 46A.

In the example shown in FIG. 10C, after the icon 46 is deleted, the two remaining

icons

46A and 46B are displayed on the touch panel unit 38. Since the region of the remaining icon 46A is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a and the wind direction range 16b of the outlet 12b, the generation unit 42 calculates two

outlets

12a and 12b with respect to the existing icon 46A. Further, since the region of the remaining icon 46B is included in the wind direction range 16a of the outlet 12a, the generation unit 42 calculates one outlet 12a for the remaining icon 46B.

The generation unit 42 calculates a combination of non-overlapping air outlets among all the remaining icons (S309), and determines a control target air outlet of each remaining icon by the combination of non-overlapping air outlets (S310).

In the example shown in FIG. 10B, the generation unit 42 determines the two

outlets

12a and 12b as the outlets to be controlled by the remaining icon 46A. In this case, the generation unit 42 uses the conditioned air blown out from each of the two

outlets

12a and 12b to the vertically operating louvers and the left and right operating louvers arranged in each of the two

determined outlets

12a and 12b. A control information including a control command for operating the indoor space 6 so as not to exceed the space range indicated by the remaining icon 46A is generated (S306). Then, the process proceeds to step S307 described above.

In the example shown in FIG. 10C, the generation unit 42 determines one outlet 12b as the outlet to be controlled by the remaining icon 46A, and determines one outlet 12a as the outlet to be controlled by the remaining icon 46B. do. In this case, the generation unit 42 a) indicates the vertical operation louver and the left / right operation louver arranged in the determined one outlet 12b, and the conditioned air blown out from one outlet 12b by the remaining icon 46A. The vertical movement louvers and the left and right movement louvers arranged in one outlet 12a determined so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 were blown out from one outlet 12a. It generates control information including a control command for operating the conditioned air so as not to protrude from the space range of the indoor space 6 indicated by the residual icon 46B (S306). Then, the process proceeds to step S307 described above.

[4. Air conditioning system control example]
[4-1. If there is no existing icon]
A control example of the air conditioning system 2 when adding the additional icon 46 when the existing icon does not exist will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12C. FIG. 11 is a table showing a control example of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment. 12A to 12C are diagrams for explaining a control example of FIG.

[4-1-1. When there are two outlets]
First, a case where the air conditioner 8 has two

outlets

12a and 12b will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12B. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12A, when the area of the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction range 16a of one outlet 12a (that is, when output is possible with one outlet 12a), the 1 Output at the individual outlets 12a.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12B, when the area of the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction ranges 16a and 16b of the two

outlets

12a and 12b (that is, the output can be performed by the two

outlets

12a and 12b). In case), a) output with one outlet, or b) output with two outlets. When outputting with one outlet, output at the outlet (for example, outlet 12a) closer to the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 among the two

outlets

12a and 12b, or the previous time. Output is performed at an air outlet that is not used during the operation of (for example, air outlet 12b). When outputting with two outlets, output with two

outlets

12a and 12b alternately or at the same time.

When outputting at multiple outlets at the same time, for example, the air volume at each outlet is calculated by dividing the air volume (output amount) at the time of outputting at one outlet by the number of outlets. The air volume at each outlet may be controlled by weakening or the like. For example, when the air volume output from one outlet is "1", when outputting from two outlets, the air volume is 1/2 = 0.5 each (total "1"). You may. This also applies to the "simultaneous output" in FIG. 11 described below.

[4-1-2. When there are 3 outlets]
Next, a case where the air conditioner 8 has three

outlets

12a, 12b, and 12c will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12C. The case where the output is possible with one outlet and the case where the output is possible with two outlets are the same as the case where the air conditioner 8 has two

outlets

12a and 12b. Omit.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12C, when the region of the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction ranges 16a, 16b, 16c of the three

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c (that is, the three

outlets

12a, 12b). , 12c), a) output with one outlet, b) output with two outlets, or c) output with three outlets. When outputting with one outlet, output at the outlet (for example, outlet 12b) closest to the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 among the three

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, or Output is performed at an outlet (for example, outlet 12c) that was not used during the previous operation. When outputting with two outlets, the two outlets (for example, the two

outlets

12a and 12b) closest to the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 are output alternately or simultaneously. When outputting with three outlets, output with three

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c alternately or at the same time.

[4-1-3. When there are 4 outlets]
Next, a case where the air conditioner 8 has four

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12D. The air conditioner 8 has three

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c when it is possible to output with one outlet, when it is possible to output with two outlets, and when it has three outlets. Since it is the same as the case of having the above, the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12D, when the region of the additional icon 46 is included in the wind direction ranges 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d of the four

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, 12d (that is, the four outlets). In the case of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), a) output with one outlet, b) output with two outlets, c) output with three outlets, Or, d) Output with 4 air outlets. When outputting with one outlet, output is performed at the outlet (for example, outlet 12b) closest to the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 among the four

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. Alternatively, output is performed at an outlet (for example, outlet 12d) that has not been used during the previous operation. When outputting with two outlets, the two outlets (for example, the two

outlets

12a and 12b) closest to the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 are output alternately or simultaneously. When outputting with three outlets, the three outlets (for example, the three

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c) closest to the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 are output alternately or simultaneously. When outputting with four outlets, output with four

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, 12d alternately or simultaneously.

[4-2. If there is an existing icon]
A control example of the air conditioning system 2 when adding the icon 46 when the existing icon exists will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 14D. FIG. 13 is a table showing another control example of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment. 14A to 14D are diagrams for explaining a control example of FIG.

[4-2-1. If it is within the wind direction range of the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon]
As shown in FIG. 13, when the area of the additional icon (an example of the second figure) is within the wind direction range of the air outlet to be controlled of the existing icon (an example of the first figure), the existing icon Output at the air outlet to be controlled.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A, when the area of the additional icon 46 is within the wind direction range 16b of the air outlet 12b to be controlled by the existing icon 46A, the output is output by the one air outlet 12b. In this case, the outlet 12b alternately outputs to the spatial range indicated by the existing icon 46A and the additional icon 46, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14B, when the area of the additional icon 46 is within the wind direction ranges 16a and 16b of the

control target outlets

12a and 12b of the existing icon 46A, the two

outlets

12a , 12b is output. In this case, the two

outlets

12a and 12b output alternately or at the same time.

When outputting at multiple outlets at the same time, for example, the air volume at each outlet should be weakened with respect to the air volume obtained by dividing the air volume at the time of outputting at one outlet by the number of outlets. The air volume at each outlet may be controlled accordingly. For example, when the air volume output from one outlet is "1", when outputting from two outlets, the air volume is 1/2 = 0.5 each (total "1"). You may. This also applies to the "simultaneous output" in FIG. 13 described below.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, when the area of the additional icon is within the wind direction range of the outlet controlled by the existing icon, the output is output by an outlet other than the outlet controlled by the existing icon. ..

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14C, when the area of the additional icon 46A is within the wind direction ranges 16a and 16b of the

outlets

12a and 12b of the control target of the existing icon 46A, it is not the control target of the existing icon 46A. Output at the other outlet 12c. In this case, all outlets output alternately or simultaneously, or some outlets output alternately or simultaneously.

[4-2-2. When the wind direction of the air outlet to be controlled by the existing icon is out of range]
As shown in FIG. 13, when the area of the additional icon is outside the wind direction range of the air outlet of the control target of the existing icon, the output is performed by an air outlet other than the air outlet of the control target of the existing icon.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14D, the area of the additional icon 46 (an example of the second figure) is outside the wind direction range 16a of the air outlet 12a to be controlled by the existing icon 46A (an example of the first figure). In this case, the output is performed at the other two

outlets

12b and 12c. In this case, all outlets output alternately or simultaneously, or some outlets output alternately or simultaneously.

[4-3. When the spatial area indicated by the additional icon is larger than the specified size]
A control example of the air conditioning system 2 when the space area indicated by the additional icon 46 is a predetermined size or larger will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a table showing still another control example of the air conditioning system 2 according to the embodiment.

[4-3-1. When outputting with multiple outlets]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with a plurality of outlets, the plurality of outlets output alternately or simultaneously toward the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46.

[When outputting with 4-3-2.1 air outlets]
[4-3-2-1. Control the wind direction according to the operation mode]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one air outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 8.

When the operation mode is the cooling operation mode, the wind direction control is started from the upper range in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46. Specifically, in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46, the wind direction is slowly moved (changed) in the upper range, and the wind direction is moved faster in the lower range.

When the operation mode is the heating operation mode, the wind direction control is started from the lower range in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46. Specifically, in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46, the lower range moves the wind direction slowly, and the upper range moves the wind direction faster.

[4-3-2-2. Control the wind direction according to the presence or absence of an object]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one air outlet, objects existing in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46 (for example, a person, a pet, a window, a curtain, a door, a wall, a floor, a ceiling, and the like). The wind direction is controlled according to the presence or absence of a heat source, etc.).

When starting the wind direction control from the range where the object exists, the wind direction is moved slowly as the range where the object exists and faster as the range where the object does not exist in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46. ..

When starting the wind direction control from the range where the object does not exist, the wind direction is moved more slowly as the range where the object does not exist and faster as the range where the object exists in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46. ..

[4-3-2-3. Control the wind direction according to the user's attributes]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one air outlet, the attributes of the user 4 existing in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 (for example, adult, child, male, female, cold, hot, etc.) The wind direction is controlled according to (thick clothes, light clothes, short sleeves, long sleeves, shorts, long pants, large amount of activity, small amount of activity, high body temperature, low body temperature, etc.).

When the wind direction control is started from the range in which the user 4 of the predetermined attribute exists, the wind direction is moved more slowly as the range in which the user 4 of the predetermined attribute exists in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46, and the wind direction is moved to the predetermined attribute. The wind direction is moved faster as the user 4 does not exist.

When the wind direction control is started from the range in which the user 4 of the predetermined attribute does not exist, the wind direction is moved more slowly as the range in which the user 4 of the predetermined attribute does not exist in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46, and the wind direction is moved to the predetermined attribute. The wind direction is moved faster as the user 4 exists.

[4-3-2-4. Control the wind direction according to the distance between the object and the air conditioner]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one air outlet, objects existing in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46 (for example, a person, a pet, a window, a curtain, a door, a wall, a floor, a ceiling, and the like). The wind direction is controlled according to the distance between the heat source, etc.) and the air conditioner 8. The distance between the object and the air conditioner 8 is detected by a depth sensor or the like arranged in the air conditioner 8.

When starting the wind direction control from a range where the distance between the object and the air conditioner 8 is long, the wind direction is moved more slowly as the distance is farther from the spatial area indicated by 46 on the additional icon, and the range where the distance is shorter. Move the wind direction moderately fast.

When the wind direction control is started from a range where the distance between the object and the air conditioner 8 is short, the wind direction is slowly moved in the range indicated by the additional icon 46, and the farther the distance is, the closer the distance is. Move the wind direction quickly.

Instead of the control described above, the air volume may be increased in the range indicated by the additional icon 46 as the distance is longer, and may be decreased as the distance is shorter.

[4-3-2-5. Control the wind direction according to the direction]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one air outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the direction of the space area indicated by the additional icon 46.

When starting the wind direction control from a range closer to the predetermined direction, the wind direction is moved more slowly as the range closer to the predetermined direction is used in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46, and the wind direction is moved faster as the range is farther from the predetermined direction. ..

When starting the wind direction control from a range far from the predetermined direction, the wind direction is moved slowly as the range is farther from the predetermined direction in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46, and the wind direction is moved faster as the range is closer to the predetermined direction. ..

[4-3-2-6. Control the wind direction according to the temperature distribution in the indoor space]
As shown in FIG. 15, when the output is performed by one air outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the temperature distribution in the indoor space 6.

When starting the wind direction control from a range closer to the place of the predetermined temperature, the wind direction is slowly moved to the range closer to the place of the predetermined temperature in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46, and the range farther from the place of the predetermined temperature. Move the wind direction moderately fast.

When starting the wind direction control from a range far from the place of the predetermined temperature, the wind direction is slowly moved to the range farther from the place of the predetermined temperature in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46, and the range closer to the place of the predetermined temperature. Move the wind direction moderately fast.

[4-3-2-7. Control the wind direction according to the humidity distribution in the indoor space]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one air outlet, the wind direction is controlled according to the humidity distribution in the indoor space 6.

When starting the wind direction control from a range closer to the place of the predetermined humidity, the wind direction is slowly moved to the range closer to the place of the predetermined humidity in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46, and the range farther from the place of the predetermined humidity. Move the wind direction moderately fast.

When starting the wind direction control from a range far from the place of the predetermined humidity, the wind direction is slowly moved to the range farther from the place of the predetermined humidity in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46, and the range closer to the place of the predetermined humidity. Move the wind direction moderately fast.

[4-3-2-8. Move by one-stroke route]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one outlet, the wind direction is moved by a one-stroke path (that is, a path where some parts do not overlap) in the spatial area indicated by the additional icon 46.

[4-3-2-9. Move by random route]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one air outlet, the wind direction is moved by a random path (that is, a path where a part overlaps) in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46.

[4-3-2-10. Alternately move up and down and left and right]
As shown in FIG. 15, when outputting with one air outlet, the wind direction is alternately moved in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction in the space area indicated by the additional icon 46.

[5. effect]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the control method is capable of communicating with the terminal device 10 having the touch panel unit 38 and the terminal device 10 via the network 28, and directs the conditioned air toward the indoor space 6. This is a control method in an air conditioning system 2 including an air conditioner 8 having a plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c for blowing out. The control methods include (a) a step of acquiring outlet information regarding a plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, and 12c, and (b) an image 44 on which the indoor space 6 is captured from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8 in the touch panel unit 38. A step of superimposing and displaying an icon 46 indicating the space range of the indoor space 6 to which the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c reaches, and (c) the number of icons 46. Alternatively, a step of receiving operation information indicating an operation of the user 4 for changing the area occupied by the icon 46 on the image 44, (d) a step of generating control information based on the air outlet information and the operation information, and (e). ) Includes a step of controlling the air conditioner 8 based on the control information.

According to this, the user 4 can easily perform an operation of designating the space range of the indoor space 6 to which the conditioned air is to be delivered on the image 44 displayed on the touch panel unit 38. At this time, since the image 44 is an image obtained by capturing the indoor space 6 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8, the user 4 can easily estimate the space range of the indoor space 6 to which the conditioned air is to be delivered. As a result, the wind direction and the like of the air conditioner 8 can be set by an intuitive operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, the outlet information includes the number of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, the wind direction range of the respective conditioned air of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, and the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b. , 12c, the number of louvers for adjusting the direction of the conditioned air blown out from the outlet, and at least one of the movable range of the louvers.

According to this, control information can be accurately generated based on such outlet information and operation information.

Further, in the present embodiment, the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c are arranged so that a part of the wind direction range of the conditioned air of each of the pair of adjacent outlets overlaps with each other.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from two or more of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c can be delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), a specific outlet corresponding to the icon 46 indicated by the operation information is determined from the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c indicated by the outlet information. .. Control information for controlling a specific outlet is generated so that the conditioned air blown out from the specific outlet reaches the space range indicated by the icon 46.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from a specific outlet can be delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), when the icon 46 can be handled by two or more outlets among the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, the icon 46 among the two or more outlets is used. The outlet closest to the indicated spatial range is determined as the particular outlet.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from the outlet closest to the space range indicated by the icon 46 can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), when the icon 46 can be handled by two or more outlets out of the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, each of the two or more outlets is specified. Determined as an outlet.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from each of the two or more outlets can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), each of the two or more outlets is provided so that the conditioned air alternately blown out from each of the two or more outlets reaches the space range indicated by the icon 46. Generate control information for control.

According to this, the conditioned air alternately blown out from each of the two or more outlets can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), each of the two or more outlets is controlled so that the conditioned air blown out from each of the two or more outlets at the same time reaches the space range indicated by the icon 46. Generate control information to do so.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from each of the two or more outlets at the same time can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46.

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, the air conditioner among the two or more outlets. The air outlet that was not used in the previous operation of 8 is determined as a specific air outlet.

According to this, a plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c can be used evenly.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (c), when the existing icon is superimposed and displayed on the image 44 on the touch panel unit 38, the operation information is the additional icon 46 different from the existing icon in the image 44. This is information indicating the operation of the user 4 which is added and superimposed on the above. In the above (d), the outlet corresponding to the additional icon 46 among the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c is determined as a specific outlet corresponding to the existing icon.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from the outlet corresponding to the existing icon can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the additional icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (c), when the existing icon is superimposed and displayed on the image 44 on the touch panel unit 38, the operation information is the additional icon 46 different from the existing icon in the image 44. This is information indicating the user's operation to be added and superimposed on the top. In the above (d), the outlets other than the outlets corresponding to the existing icons among the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c are determined as specific outlets corresponding to the additional icon 46.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from the outlet other than the outlet corresponding to the existing icon can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the additional icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), control for controlling the specific air outlet so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes within the space range indicated by the icon 46. Generate information.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from a specific air outlet can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), the specific air outlet is provided so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes within the space range according to the operation mode of the air conditioner 8. Generate control information for control.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from the specific air outlet can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46 in consideration of the operation mode of the air conditioner 8.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet is the presence or absence of an object existing in the space range indicated by the icon 46, and the object and the air conditioner 8. The control information for controlling a specific air outlet is generated so as to change in the spatial range according to the distance of the user 4 and at least one of the attributes of the user 4 existing in the spatial range.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from a specific outlet is subjected to at least one of the presence / absence of an object, the distance between the object and the air conditioner 8, and the attributes of the user 4 existing in the space range. In consideration, it can be efficiently delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet is the direction of the space range indicated by the icon 46, the temperature distribution in the indoor space, and the humidity distribution in the indoor space. Generate control information to control a particular outlet so that it varies within the spatial range according to at least one.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from a specific air outlet is the space indicated by the icon 46 in consideration of at least one of the orientation of the space range, the temperature distribution in the indoor space, and the humidity distribution in the indoor space. It can be delivered efficiently to the range.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), the specific outlet is provided so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific outlet changes in a one-stroke path within the space range indicated by the icon 46. Generate control information for control.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), the specific outlet is controlled so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific outlet changes in a random path within the space range indicated by the icon 46. Generate control information to do so.

According to this, the conditioned air blown out from a specific air outlet can be delivered to the space range indicated by the icon 46 in a more natural wind direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the above (d), the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet is specified so as to change alternately in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction within the space range indicated by the icon 46. Generate control information to control the air outlet of.

According to this, the circulation of conditioned air in the indoor space 6 can be enhanced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the program is a program for causing a computer to execute any of the above-mentioned control methods.

Further, in the present embodiment, the terminal device 10 is an information processing device for controlling an air conditioner 8 having a plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c for blowing conditioned air toward the indoor space 6. .. The information processing device is on a second acquisition unit 36 (acquisition unit) that acquires outlet information regarding the plurality of

outlets

12a, 12b, 12c, and an image 44 that captures the indoor space 6 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8. , A touch panel unit 38 (display unit) that superimposes and displays an icon 46 indicating the space range of the indoor space 6 to which the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of

air outlets

12a, 12b, 12b reaches, and the icon 46. The air conditioner 8 is operated based on the touch panel unit 38 (reception unit) that receives the operation information indicating the operation of the user 4 that changes the number or the area occupied by the icon 46 on the image 44, and the air outlet information and the operation information. It includes a generation unit 42 that generates control information for control, and a communication unit 32 that transmits control information to the air conditioner 8.

(Other embodiments)
As described above, embodiments have been described as an example of the techniques disclosed in this application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiment to form a new embodiment.

Therefore, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

In the above embodiment, the camera 18 is composed of a CCD camera, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an infrared array sensor or the like may be used.

In the above embodiment, the camera 18 is built in the air conditioner 8, but the angle of the camera 18 with respect to the air conditioner 8 is set in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the like so that the angle of view of the camera 18 is as wide as possible. It may be adjustable.

In the above embodiment, the camera 18 is built in the air conditioner 8, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the camera 18 may be externally attached to the air conditioner 8, for example. Alternatively, the user 4 may use the camera mounted on the terminal device 10 to take an image of the indoor space 6 from the viewpoint of the air conditioner 8. In this case, the user 4 learns from the air conditioner 8 after the shipment of the air conditioner 8 the wind direction control method for delivering the conditioned air to the space range corresponding to the predetermined area in the image captured by the camera of the terminal device 10. You may let me.

In the above embodiment, the icon 46 is displayed on the touch panel unit 38, but for each icon 46, the operation information of the air conditioner 8 (for example, operation mode, set temperature, set humidity, air volume, etc.) can be edited. The operation of the user 4 may be accepted. When the icon 46 is added, the operation information of the air conditioner 8 may be set to the initial setting value. Further, when a plurality of icons 46 are displayed on the touch panel unit 38, the operation modes that can be set simultaneously for each of the plurality of icons 46 may be limited to the same operation mode (for example, cooling operation mode). good.

In the above embodiment, the operation information of the air conditioner 8 may be expressed by the color, pattern, shape, etc. of the icon 46. For example, when the color of the icon 46 is blue, it means that the set temperature of the air conditioner 8 is relatively low, and when the color of the icon 46 is red, the set temperature of the air conditioner 8 is compared. It may indicate that it is high.

In the above embodiment, the icon 46 may be rotated on the image 44 by, for example, the user 4 rotating while pinching on the touch panel unit 38.

In the above embodiment, the generation unit 42 of the terminal device 10 generates the control information, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation control unit 26 of the air conditioner 8 may generate the control information.

In the above embodiment, the icon 46 is a two-dimensional surface, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a point or a region having a three-dimensional size.

Further, the terminal device 10 may detect whether or not moving objects such as a person and a pet are included in the area of the icon 46. When a moving object is included in the area of the icon 46, the wind direction may be controlled so as to follow the movement of the moving object within the space range indicated by the icon 46. Alternatively, the area of the icon 46 may be changed according to the movement of the moving object. At this time, if there is no unique combination of outlets between the icon 46 to be followed and all the existing icons, the wind direction control regarding the icon 46 to be followed is prioritized, and the icon 46 to be followed and the outlet overlap. The same processing as the above-mentioned icon deletion operation may be executed for all the existing icons to be performed, and then the same processing as the above-mentioned icon area change operation may be executed for the icon 46 to be followed.

As described above, an embodiment has been described as an example of the technology in the present disclosure. To that end, the accompanying drawings and detailed explanations have been provided.

Therefore, among the components described in the attached drawings and the detailed description, not only the components essential for solving the problem but also the components not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the above technology. Can also be included. Therefore, the fact that those non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not immediately determine that those non-essential components are essential.

Further, since the above-described embodiment is for exemplifying the technology in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of claims or the equivalent scope thereof.

Further, the present disclosure may be a computer program that realizes the method shown above by a computer, or may be a digital signal composed of the computer program. In addition, the present disclosure also discloses a non-temporary recording medium capable of computer-reading the computer program or the digital signal, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, or a BD (Blue). -Ray (registered trademark) Disc), may be recorded in a semiconductor memory or the like. Further, the present disclosure is a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, in which the memory stores the computer program, and the microprocessor may operate according to the computer program. The memory includes a recording medium, and more specifically, a semiconductor memory inside the CPU such as a register or a cache memory, a main memory (main memory / RAM), and a storage (external memory / auxiliary scale) may be included. The storage may be online storage or offline storage.

The control method according to the present disclosure is applicable to, for example, an air conditioning system including a terminal device and an air conditioner.

2 Air conditioning system 4 User 6 Indoor space 8 Air conditioner 10

Terminal device

12a, 12b, 12c,

12d Outlet

14a, 14b,

14c Space range

16a, 16b, 16c, 16d Wind direction range 18 Camera 20 Image generator 22 Outlet

information Management unit

24, 32 Communication unit 26 Operation control unit 28 Network 30 Left / right operation louver 34 First acquisition unit 36 Second acquisition unit 38 Touch panel unit 40 Operation information management unit 42 Generation unit 44

Images

46, 46a, 46b, 46A, 46B, 46C Icon 48 Kitchen 50 Dining 52 Picture frame area

Claims

In an air conditioner system including a terminal device having a display unit and an air conditioner capable of communicating with the terminal device via a network and having a plurality of air outlets for blowing conditioned air toward an indoor space. It ’s a control method,
(A) A step of acquiring outlet information regarding the plurality of outlets, and
(B) In the display unit, the space range of the indoor space to which the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of outlets reaches is shown on the image obtained by capturing the indoor space from the viewpoint of the air conditioner. Steps to overlay and display figures,
(C) A step of receiving operation information indicating an operation of a user who changes the number of the figures or the area occupied by the figures on the image.
(D) A step of generating control information based on the outlet information and the operation information, and
(E) A control method including a step of controlling the air conditioner based on the control information.
The outlet information includes the number of the plurality of outlets, the wind direction range of the conditioned air of each of the plurality of outlets, and the direction of the conditioned air arranged at each of the plurality of outlets and blown out from the outlets. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the number of louvers for adjusting the louvers and at least one of the movable ranges of the louvers are included.
The control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of outlets are arranged so that a part of the wind direction range of the conditioned air of each of the pair of adjacent outlets overlaps with each other.
In (d) above
From the plurality of outlets indicated by the outlet information, a specific outlet corresponding to the figure indicated by the operation information is determined.
Any one of claims 1 to 3 that generates the control information for controlling the specific outlet so that the conditioned air blown out from the specific outlet reaches the space range indicated by the figure. The control method described in the section.
In (d), when the figure can be handled by two or more of the plurality of outlets, the outlet of the two or more outlets closest to the spatial range indicated by the figure is selected. The control method according to claim 4, wherein the specific air outlet is determined.
The fourth aspect of claim 4, wherein when the figure can be handled by two or more outlets among the plurality of outlets, each of the two or more outlets is determined as the specific outlet. Control method.
In the above (d), the said for controlling each of the two or more outlets so that the conditioned air alternately blown out from each of the two or more outlets reaches the space range shown by the figure. The control method according to claim 6, wherein control information is generated.
In (d), the control for controlling each of the two or more outlets so that the conditioned air blown out from each of the two or more outlets at the same time reaches the space range shown by the figure. The control method according to claim 6, wherein the information is generated.
In (d), when the figure can be handled by two or more outlets among the plurality of outlets, the outlets among the two or more outlets that were not used during the previous operation of the air conditioner. The control method according to claim 4, wherein the outlet is determined as the specific air outlet.
In (c), when the first figure is superimposed and displayed on the image in the display unit, the operation information is a second figure different from the first figure on the image. Information that indicates the user's operation to be added to and superimposed on
The control method according to claim 4, wherein in the above (d), the outlet corresponding to the first figure among the plurality of outlets is determined as the specific outlet corresponding to the second figure.
In (c), when the first figure is superimposed and displayed on the image in the display unit, the operation information is a second figure different from the first figure on the image. Information that indicates the user's operation to be added to and superimposed on
4. In the above (d), the outlet other than the outlet corresponding to the first figure among the plurality of outlets is determined as the specific outlet corresponding to the second figure. The control method described in.
In (d), the control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet changes within the space range indicated by the graphic. The control method according to claim 4.
In the above (d), the said for controlling the specific outlet so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific outlet changes within the space range according to the operation mode of the air conditioner. The control method according to claim 12, wherein control information is generated.
In (d), the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific air outlet is the presence or absence of an object existing in the space range indicated by the figure, the distance between the object and the air conditioner, and the air conditioner. The control according to claim 12, wherein the control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated so as to change within the spatial range according to at least one of the attributes of the user existing in the spatial range. Method.
In (d), the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific outlet is at least one of the orientation of the space range shown by the figure, the temperature distribution in the indoor space, and the humidity distribution in the indoor space. The control method according to claim 12, wherein the control information for controlling the specific air outlet is generated so as to change within the spatial range accordingly.
In the above (d), the said for controlling the specific outlet so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific outlet changes in a one-stroke path within the space range indicated by the figure. The control method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, which generates control information.
In the above (d), the control for controlling the specific outlet so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific outlet changes in a random path within the space range indicated by the figure. The control method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, which generates information.
In (d), the specific outlet is controlled so that the wind direction of the conditioned air from the specific outlet changes alternately in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction within the space range indicated by the figure. The control method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, which generates the control information for the purpose of generating the control information.
A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
An information processing device for controlling an air conditioner having a plurality of outlets for blowing conditioned air toward an indoor space.
An acquisition unit that acquires outlet information regarding the plurality of outlets, and
A display in which a figure showing the space range of the indoor space to which the conditioned air blown out from at least one of the plurality of outlets reaches is superimposed on the image obtained by capturing the indoor space from the viewpoint of the air conditioner. Department and
A reception unit that receives operation information indicating the number of the figures or the operation of the user who changes the area occupied by the figures on the image.
A generation unit that generates control information for controlling the air conditioner based on the air outlet information and the operation information.
An information processing device including a communication unit that transmits the control information to the air conditioner.