AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM USING TEMPERATURE SENSOR TAG

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on and claims the benefits of priority from earlier Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-198289 filed Nov. 22, 2023, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning system using a temperature sensor tag.

2. Related Art

For an existing air-conditioning system, there is a technology in which air conditioning is to be controlled on the basis of a temperature near a person in order to set a temperature comfortable for the person. For example, according to a technology described in Patent Literature JP 2020-201018 A, when a person sets an air conditioner with a remote controller of the air conditioner, a temperature measured by a temperature sensor installed in the remote controller is acquired as a temperature near the person. According to a technology of Patent Literature JP 2015-081724 A, a temperature near a person is to be detected on the basis of a temperature distribution image and a captured image acquired by a thermopile and a camera.

SUMMARY

However, an operation device of an air conditioner, such as a remote controller, is often at a place distant from a person. For example, the operation device may be shared by a plurality of persons. Alternatively, the operation device may be installed in a room. For an air-conditioning system that controls air conditioning of a plurality of spaces, there is a possibility that none of the spaces is equipped with the operation device of the air conditioner or only some of the spaces are equipped with the operation devices. This makes it difficult to perform an air-conditioning control in accordance with the physical sensation of a person on the basis of a temperature measured by a temperature sensor installed in the operation device of the air conditioner.

Contrarily, in a case where a temperature near a person is to be detected with use of a temperature distribution image and a captured image of a room, it is possible to relatively accurately detect the temperature near the person. Such a technology, however, requires equipment such as a thermopile and a camera. This makes it more difficult to introduce the air-conditioning system as the scale of the air-conditioning system becomes larger.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an air-conditioning system that is able to perform air conditioning on the basis of a temperature near a user while being kept easy to introduce.

An air-conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an air conditioner configured to perform adjustment of a temperature of a predetermined space; a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication; one or more wireless tags configured to perform wireless communication and temperature measurement, the one or more wireless tags being configured to be supplied with electric power through the wireless communication; and a control unit configured to control the air-conditioning system. The one or more wireless tags are located in an object on which a person is to be seated or lie in the space. The control unit is configured to cause the air conditioner to perform the adjustment of the temperature of the space on the basis of a first temperature in a case where a change in at least one of a strength of a signal received from one of the one or more wireless tags by the communication unit through the wireless communication or response time of the wireless communication between one of the one or more wireless tags and the communication unit has changed, the first temperature being measured by the one of the one or more wireless tags and acquired via the communication unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air-conditioning system of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a space.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the air-conditioning system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a location of a wireless tag of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the air-conditioning system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air-conditioning system of a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the air-conditioning system of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air-conditioning system of a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the air-conditioning system of the third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A. First Embodiment

<A-1. Configuration of Air-Conditioning System>

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air-conditioning system 10 of a first embodiment. The air-conditioning system 10 adjusts a temperature of the interior of a building 20. For example, the air-conditioning system 10 may adjust temperatures of a living room, a bedroom, a dining room, and the like of a house. That is to say, the air-conditioning system 10 is a system that performs central air conditioning. Hereinafter, targets to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning system 10 are spaces R1 to R4. The spaces R1 to R4 are also collectively referred to simply as space.

The air-conditioning system 10 includes an air conditioner 110, a control unit 120, a tag communication unit 130, a wireless tag 140, and a temperature sensor 150. In the first embodiment, the control unit 120, the tag communication unit 130, and the temperature sensor 150 are connected to one another by wire. The control unit 120, the tag communication unit 130, and the temperature sensor 150 may be included in an air-conditioning controller 11 for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the technology. FIG. 1 illustrates, as the air-conditioning controller 11, later-described air-conditioning controllers 11r1 to 11r4, but does not illustrate any of the control unit 120, the tag communication unit 130, and the temperature sensor 150. FIG. 3 described later illustrates the control unit 120, the tag communication unit 130, and the temperature sensor 150.

The air conditioner 110 adjusts a temperature (i.e., a room temperature) of a predetermined space. The air conditioner 110 includes a heat exchanger 111, a duct 112, and an on-off valve. The heat exchanger 111 may adjust the temperatures of the spaces R1 to R4 by, for example, performing heat exchange between the interior of the spaces R1 to R4 and the exterior of the building 20 through a heat pump.

The air conditioner 110 is connected to the control unit 120 by wire. The air conditioner 110 receives an instruction for air conditioning from the control unit 120. The air conditioner 110 causes a valve of the duct 112 connected to one of the spaces R1 to R4 that is to be air-conditioned to be opened or closed. The air conditioner 110 performs heat exchange between the interior of the spaces R1 to R4 and the exterior of the building 20 through the duct 112 with the on-off valve opened.

The duct 112 is connected to each of the spaces R1 to R4 as illustrated in FIG. 1. The on-off valve opens and closes each of the plurality of ducts 112. Illustration of the on-off valves is omitted in FIG. 1 for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the technology.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the space R1. The duct 112 includes an opening portion 113 connected to the space. FIG. 2 illustrates the opening portion 113 of the duct 112 for use in the air conditioning of the space R1. Air to be subjected to heat exchange through the air conditioner 110 flows between the ducts 112 and the spaces R1 to R4 through the opening portions 113.

The air-conditioning controller 11 is provided in each of a plurality of spaces. In FIG. 1, the air-conditioning controllers 11r1 to 11r4 are provided in the spaces R1 to R4, respectively.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the air-conditioning system 10 of the first embodiment. Description will be made below on the control unit 120, the tag communication unit 130, and the temperature sensor 150 in the air-conditioning controller 11. It should be noted that a connection indicated by a solid line represents a wired connection in the block diagram. A connection indicated by a broken line represents a wireless connection.

The temperature sensor 150 measures a temperature of a space. The temperature sensor 150 is provided in each of the spaces R1 to R4. The temperature sensor 150 is provided in the space at the same position as the control unit 120. That is to say, the temperature sensor 150 measures a temperature near the control unit 120.

The temperature sensor 150 is connected to the control unit 120 by wire. Under the control of the control unit 120, the temperature sensor 150 measures a temperature of the space installed with the temperature sensor 150 and sends the measured temperature to the control unit 120. The temperature to be measured by the temperature sensor 150 will be described later.

The tag communication unit 130 wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag 140. The tag communication unit 130 may be, for example, a hardware module that is able to wirelessly communicate with the wireless tag 140 via Bluetooth (R). The tag communication unit 130, which complies with the Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.0, wirelessly supplies electric power to the wireless tag 140. The tag communication unit 130 receives a temperature and identification information regarding the wireless tag 140 from the wireless tag 140.

The tag communication unit 130 is connected to the control unit 120 by wire. The tag communication unit 130 wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag 140 in accordance with the instruction from the control unit 120. The tag communication unit 130 sends the information received from the wireless tag 140 to the control unit 120.

The tag communication unit 130 is installed in a space. Specifically, the tag communication unit 130 is installed in each of the spaces R1 to R4. The tag communication unit 130 is installed in the space at a position other than a floor. The wireless tag 140 may be located in, for example, an object on which a person 30 is to be seated or lie as described later. In this case, a body of the person 30 is likely to come between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140.

The wireless tag 140 performs wireless communication and temperature measurement. The wireless tag 140 is to be supplied with electric power through the wireless communication. The wireless tag 140 may be, for example, Wiliot IoT pixel manufactured by Wiliot Ltd. The wireless tag 140 includes a temperature sensor and a communication unit enabling wireless communication using Bluetooth. It should be noted that illustration of a configuration of the wireless tag 140 is omitted in FIG. 3. The wireless tag 140, which complies with the Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.0 as the tag communication unit 130, is to be wirelessly supplied with electric power from the tag communication unit 130. In response to the supply of electric power to the wireless tag 140, the temperature sensor of the wireless tag 140 measures a temperature. The wireless tag 140 sends the measured temperature and identification information regarding the wireless tag 140 to the tag communication unit 130. Hereinafter, the wireless tag 140 is also referred to as temperature sensor tag.

The tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 perform wireless communication via radio waves. The radio waves to be outputted from the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 may be damped in a case where they pass through a human body. That is to say, a radio field strength during the wireless communication between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 may be lowered in a case where a human body is between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140. Specifically, in a case where the wireless tag 140 is in contact with a human body and covered by the human body, the radio field strength during the wireless communication between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 may be lowered. It should be noted that a state where the wireless tag 140 is in contact with a human body also includes a state where the human body or the wireless tag 140 is covered by clothing or a cover that does not block radio waves. The radio field strength may be, for example, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).

Hereinafter, the radio field strength during the wireless communication performed in a state no human body is between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 is referred to as radio field strength during absence.

In a case where there is a human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140, the processing of the control unit 120 may be delayed. Specifically, the response time from when the control unit 120 causes the tag communication unit 130 to perform wireless communication to when the control unit 120 receives, from the tag communication unit 130, information sent from the wireless tag 140 is increased. One reason for the above is that a radio wave transferring information propagates by bypassing the human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140. That is to say, a propagation distance of the radio wave between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 becomes longer than in a case where there is no human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140. This leads to an increase in the response time of the wireless communication.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a location of the wireless tag 140 of the first embodiment. The wireless tag 140 may be a quadrangular sheet. The wireless tag 140 is located such that a front surface or rear surface of the wireless tag 140 faces an object. In FIG. 4, later-described first wireless tag 141 and second wireless tag 142 are, as an example of the wireless tag 140, located such that front surfaces or rear surfaces of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 face a chair Ob as the object. In the illustration in FIG. 4, the second wireless tag 142 is thickened for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the technology. A side surface of the second wireless tag 142 faces the front.

The two wireless tags 140 are located, in a space, in an object on which the person 30 is to be seated or lie. The object may be specifically a chair, a sofa, a bed, or the like. Description will be made below on, as an example of the object, the chair Ob as illustrated in FIG. 4.

The chair Ob includes a seating surface Obs and a backrest Obb. A dash-dotted line in FIG. 4 represents an outline of the person 30 seated on the seating surface Obs with his or her back against the backrest Obb. In the first embodiment, a plurality of wireless tags 140 located in the object includes the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142.

It should be noted that the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 are the wireless tags 140 with the same specification. This causes the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 to perform temperature measurement in response to being supplied with electric power from the tag communication unit 130 as described above. The temperature measured by the first wireless tag 141 and the temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 are distinguished by the control unit 120 as described later.

The first wireless tag 141 is located in the object at a position to be covered by a human body. Specifically, the first wireless tag 141 is located at a position where the surface facing the tag communication unit 130 is to be covered by a human body. The surface is the front surface or the rear surface of the first wireless tag 141. That is to say, in a case where the object is the chair Ob, the first wireless tag 141 is located on the seating surface Obs of the chair Ob.

Further, the first wireless tag 141 is located in a first region Obs1 of the seating surface Obs. The first region Obs1 is surrounded by a second region Obs2. The second region Obs2 is in a shape along the outline of the seating surface Obs. That is to say, the first wireless tag 141 is located on an inner side of the seating surface Obs. It should be noted that in a case where a cover for decoration or stain-proofing is disposed on the seating surface Obs, the seating surface Obs includes the cover.

The first wireless tag 141 is located on the seating surface Obs of the chair Ob, which makes the radio field strength of the wireless communication likely to be lowered. The tag communication unit 130 is installed in the space at a position other than the floor as described above. The tag communication unit 130 may be installed at a position higher than the seating surface Obs of the chair Ob. That is to say, in a case where the person 30 is seated on the seating surface Obs, the human body is likely to come between the tag communication unit 130 and the first wireless tag 141. Further, the first wireless tag 141 is located on the seating surface Obs of the chair Ob, which makes the first wireless tag 141 likely to be in contact with and covered by the human body. Thus, in a case where the first wireless tag 141 is located on the seating surface Obs of the chair Ob, the radio field strength of the wireless communication is likely to be lowered.

The second wireless tag 142 is located, in the object where the first wireless tag 141 is located, at a position where the body of the person 30 who is seated or lying is not in contact. That is to say, the second wireless tag 142 is located in the chair Ob at a position not to face the body of the person 30 who is seated. Specifically, the second wireless tag 142 is located at a position other than the seating surface Obs of the chair Ob. The second wireless tag 142 may be located on, for example, a side surface of the backrest Obb.

It should be noted that identification information assigned to the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 are stored in advance in the control unit 120. Specifically, prior to the start of air conditioning with use of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142, the first wireless tag 141 or the second wireless tag 142 is set as the wireless tag 140.

Information regarding the pair of first wireless tag 141 and second wireless tag 142 located in the same object is also stored in advance in the control unit 120 as the identification information regarding the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142. Work for setting the first wireless tag 141 or the second wireless tag 142 and work for determining the pair of first wireless tag 141 and second wireless tag 142 may be conducted during, for example, the manufacturing of the control unit 120.

Functions of the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 will be described later in detail.

The control unit 120 controls the air-conditioning system 10. The control unit 120 includes a processor 121, a read-only memory (ROM) 122, and a random-access memory (RAM) 123. The control unit 120 may be, for example, a microcomputer.

The ROM 122, which is a read-only semiconductor memory, stores in advance a control program for controlling the air-conditioning system 10. The RAM 123, which is a readable and writable semiconductor memory, stores information necessary for controlling the air-conditioning system 10.

The processor 121 implements a variety of functions by causing the control program stored in the ROM 122 to be loaded on the RAM 123 and executed. The processor 121 includes an air-conditioning control unit 121a, a communication control unit 121b, and a determination unit 121c. The control by the control unit 120 will be described below.

<A-2. Method of Controlling Air-Conditioning System>

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the control of the air-conditioning system 10 of the first embodiment. The control of the air-conditioning system 10 is to be started in response to the air-conditioning system 10 being turned on.

In Step S110 in FIG. 5, the processor 121 of the control unit 120 causes the tag communication unit 130 to supply electric power to the wireless tag 140. Specifically, the processor 121 causes the tag communication unit 130 to output, in the space, a radio wave for performing wireless communication with the wireless tag 140. The wireless tag 140 supplied with the electric power through the radio wave outputted from the tag communication unit 130 starts the temperature measurement. The wireless tag 140 sends a measured temperature and the identification information thorough the wireless communication. It should be noted that the processor 121 causes the tag communication unit 130 to perform the wireless communication in a cycle shorter than one second. The communication control unit 121b illustrated in FIG. 3 performs the process in Step S110.

In Step S120 in FIG. 5, the processor 121 determines whether the radio field strength during the wireless communication with the first wireless tag 141 has changed. Specifically, the processor 121 acquires the identification information regarding the wireless tag 140 through the tag communication unit 130. The processor 121 identifies the first wireless tag 141 on the basis of the identification information. The processor 121 acquires the radio field strength during the wireless communication with the first wireless tag 141. Subsequently, the processor 121 determines whether the radio field strength has changed as follows.

In a case where the radio field strength falls within a predetermined first range, the processor 121 causes the process to proceed to Step S130. In a case where the radio field strength falls within a second range higher in strength than the first range, the processor 121 causes the process to proceed to Step S150. The determination unit 121c illustrated in FIG. 3 performs the process in Step S120.

The first range is a radio field strength range lower in strength than the second range. The second range is a radio field strength range set for the above-described radio field strength during absence. In a case where the radio field strength when receiving the identification information is smaller than the range of the radio field strength during absence (i.e., the second range), the processor 121 determines that the radio field strength when receiving the identification information falls within the first range.

It should be noted that the range of the radio field strength during absence is a range based on a radio field strength in a state where no human body is between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140. A radio field strength in a state where a human body is between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 is thus smaller than the range of the radio field strength during absence. The range of the radio field strength during absence is stored in advance in the control unit 120 prior to the start of the process indicated by the flowchart. For example, the air-conditioning controller 11 further may include an operation unit and the user may use the operation unit to cause the control unit 120 to measure the radio field strength in the state where no human body is between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 for a plurality of times. The control unit 120 determines and stores the range of the radio field strength during absence on the basis of a plurality of radio field strengths obtained by the above-described measurement.

The second range is the range of the radio field strength during absence. In a case where the radio field strength when receiving the identification information is within the range of the radio field strength during absence, the processor 121 determines that the radio field strength when receiving the identification information falls within the second range.

In Step S130 in FIG. 5, the processor 121 causes the air conditioner 110 to adjust a room temperature on the basis of a first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142. Specifically, the processor 121 acquires the identification information regarding the wireless tag 140 and the measured temperature through the tag communication unit 130. The processor 121 identifies the second wireless tag 142 that performs the wireless communication on the basis of the identification information. The processor 121 acquires the temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 as the first temperature.

The processor 121 controls the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of a difference between the first temperature and a predetermined set temperature. For example, the air-conditioning controller 11 may further include an operation unit so that the user sets the set temperature. The set temperature may be a room temperature desirable for the physical sensation of the person 30. As the room temperature felt by the person 30 becomes close to the set temperature, the person 30 feels the room temperature comfortable. The first temperature, which is measured by the wireless tag 140 located in an object close to the person 30, is unlikely to be different from the room temperature felt by the person 30. Accordingly, the room temperature is adjusted on the basis of the first temperature by the air conditioner 110, so that the room temperature is adjusted to a temperature for the person 30 to feel comfortable. It should be noted that the air-conditioning control unit 121a illustrated in FIG. 3 performs the process in Step S130.

In Step S140 in FIG. 5, the processor 121 determines whether the air-conditioning system 10 is to be stopped. In a case where no instruction for stopping the air-conditioning system 10 has been received, the processor 121 causes the process to return to Step S110. In a case where an instruction for stopping the air-conditioning system 10 has been received, the processor 121 terminates the process. The instruction for stopping the air-conditioning system 10 is to be issued by, for example, the user operating the operation unit of the air-conditioning controller 11.

In Step S150 in FIG. 5, the processor 121 controls the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of a second temperature at a predetermined position distant from the object. Specifically, in a case where no change in the above-described wireless communication has been detected, the processor 121 causes the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 150 provided at the same position as the control unit 120. That is to say, the processor 121 controls the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of a temperature at a position distant from the object. The air-conditioning control unit 121a illustrated in FIG. 3 performs the process in Step S150.

The control unit 120 determines whether the radio field strength of a signal received from the first wireless tag 141 located in the object by the tag communication unit 130 has changed. In a case where the radio field strength has changed, the control unit 120 causes the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 located in the object where the first wireless tag 141 is located. In a case where no change in the wireless communication has been detected, the control unit 120 causes the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of the second temperature at the predetermined position distant from the object.

In such an embodiment, for example, in a case where the person 30 is seated, the wireless communication by the first wireless tag 141 located in the chair Ob is highly likely to be interfered by the human body. That is to say, with the human body being between the tag communication unit 130 and the first wireless tag 141, the radio field strength during the wireless communication may be lowered. In response to the lowering of the radio field strength, the control unit 120 can detect that the person 30 is seated on the chair Ob. Further, since located in the same object as the first wireless tag 141, the second wireless tag 142 is highly likely to be able to measure a temperature near the person 30. Accordingly, in a case where the radio field strength during the wireless communication with the first wireless tag 141 is lowered, the control unit 120 uses the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 to adjust the room temperature. The air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment is thus able to perform air conditioning on the basis of the temperature near the person 30. As a result, it is possible to adjust the room temperature to a temperature for the person 30 to feel comfortable. Moreover, the first wireless tag 141 and the second wireless tag 142 are inexpensive as compared with a camera, a thermopile, and the like. Further, the wireless tag 140, which is to be supplied with electric power in a contactless manner, is allowed to be easily installed in furniture such as the chair Ob or a bed. Therefore, the air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment is able to perform air conditioning on the basis of the temperature near the person 30 while being kept easy to introduce.

In particular, the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 when the above-described radio field strength is lowered may be a temperature closer to the person 30 than the temperature sensor 150 installed in the air-conditioning controller 11. The first temperature may thus be a temperature close to a temperature felt by the person 30. For example, in a case where the person 30 is seated on the chair Ob beside the window as in FIG. 2, a temperature near the person 30 measured by the second wireless tag 142 is changeable depending on sunlight or wind. However, a position where the temperature sensor 150 is installed within the air-conditioning controller 11 is distant from beside the window. A temperature at that position is thus unlikely to change as compared with the temperature near the person 30. The air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment adjusts the room temperature on the basis of the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 located in the chair Ob, which makes it possible to deal with a change in the temperature near the person 30. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the room temperature to a temperature for the person 30 to feel comfortable.

Moreover, the control unit 120 controls the adjustment of the temperature of the space on the basis of the first temperature in a case where the strength of the signal falls within the predetermined first range, whereas acquiring the second temperature at the predetermined position distant from the object and controlling the adjustment of the temperature of the space on the basis of the second temperature in a case where the strength of the signal falls within the second range higher in strength than the first range. That is to say, the air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment adjusts the room temperature on the basis of the first temperature only in a case where the radio field strength falls within the first range and, otherwise, adjusts the room temperature on the basis of the second temperature. Thereby, the room temperature is to be adjusted on the basis of the first temperature in a case where the person 30 is near the object in which the wireless tag 140 is located. In a case where no person 30 is near the object, the room temperature is to be adjusted on the basis of the second temperature at the position distant from the object. This makes it possible to adjust the room temperature on the basis of the temperature at a position where the person 30 possibly exists. It should be noted that the air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment enables a reduction in processing costs for the detection of the radio field strength as compared with in a case where the room temperature is to be adjusted on the basis of, for example, the amount of change in the radio field strength. Therefore, the air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment is able to adjust the room temperature in a simplified manner.

Moreover, the first wireless tag 141 is located on the seating surface Obs of the chair Ob. Thus, in the air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment, a radio field strength of the wireless communication is likely to be lowered when the person 30 is seated on the seating surface Obs. This allows the person 30 to be detected accurately.

Moreover, the second wireless tag 142 is located in the chair at a position other than the seating surface Obs. This makes the second wireless tag 142, which is located in the chair at the position other than the seating surface Obs, unlikely to be influenced by a body temperature. Therefore, the air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment is able to adjust the room temperature to a temperature for the person 30 to feel comfortable.

Moreover, the first wireless tag 141 is located in the first region Obs1. This makes the first wireless tag 141 highly likely to be covered by a human body. The radio field strength of the wireless communication with the first wireless tag 141 is thus more likely to be lowered when the person 30 is seated on the seating surface Obs. Therefore, the air-conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment is allowed to more accurately detect the person 30.

Moreover, the air-conditioning system 10 is equipped with no camera, so that the privacy of the person 30 in the space is not to be violated.

B. Second Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air-conditioning system 10a of a second embodiment. The air-conditioning system 10 of the first embodiment includes the plurality of air-conditioning controllers 11 (i.e., the plurality of control units 120). However, the air-conditioning system 10a of the second embodiment includes an air-conditioning controller 11a (i.e., a control unit 120a) only for the space R1 out of the spaces R1 to R4. The components of the air-conditioning system 10a of the second embodiment are the same as those of the air-conditioning system 10 of the first embodiment except components referred to below.

The air-conditioning system 10a of the second embodiment includes a relay 160. Moreover, the control unit 120a of the second embodiment includes a first communication unit 124.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the air-conditioning system 10a of the second embodiment. The relay 160 performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 124 of the control unit 120a and the wireless tag 140. The relay 160 includes a processor 161, a ROM 162, a RAM 163, a second communication unit 164, a tag communication unit 165, and a temperature sensor 166. The processor 161, the ROM 162, the RAM 163, the tag communication unit 165, and the temperature sensor 166 have substantially the same functions as the processor 121, the ROM 122, the RAM 123, the tag communication unit 130, and the temperature sensor 150 of the air-conditioning controller 11a. It should be noted that the processor 161 does not have to have the functions of the air-conditioning control unit 121a, the communication control unit 121b, and the determination unit 121c. For example, the processor 161 may have only the function of the determination unit 121c out of the above functions. In this case, the determination unit 121c of the processor 161 may send a result of determination to the processor 121 through the second communication unit 164 and the first communication unit 124.

The relay 160 is installed in the space at the position where the air-conditioning controller 11 of the first embodiment is located.

The functions of the tag communication unit 165 and the temperature sensor 166 of the relay 160 are substantially the same as the functions of the tag communication unit 130 and the temperature sensor 150 of the air-conditioning controller 11a. The tag communication unit 165 performs wireless communication with the wireless tag 140 located in the space where the relay 160 is installed. The temperature sensor 166 measures a temperature, in the space where the relay 160 is installed, at the position where the relay 160 is installed.

The second communication unit 164 performs wireless communication with the first communication unit 124 of the control unit 120a. The second communication unit 164 is a hardware module that enables wireless communication with the first communication unit 124 using Bluetooth. The second communication unit 164 receives the instruction from the control unit 120 through the first communication unit 124. The second communication unit 164 sends a temperature measured by the wireless tag 140 and acquired through the tag communication unit 165 and the identification information to the first communication unit 124.

The processor 161 controls the second communication unit 164 and the tag communication unit 165. Specifically, the processor 161 receives the instruction from the control unit 120a through the second communication unit 164. The processor 161 causes the tag communication unit 165 to perform wireless communication with the wireless tag 140.

The first communication unit 124 performs wireless communication with the second communication unit 164 of the relay 160. A function of the first communication unit 124 is substantially the same as the function of the second communication unit 164. The first communication unit 124 sends the instruction from the control unit 120a to the processor 161 through the second communication unit 164. The first communication unit 124 receives a temperature measured by the wireless tag 140 and the identification information through the second communication unit 164.

The control unit 120a of the second embodiment performs substantially the same control as that of the control unit 120 of the first embodiment. This facilitates the introduction of the air-conditioning system 10 as compared with in a case where the plurality of control units 120 are provided.

C. Third Embodiment

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air-conditioning system 10b of a third embodiment. In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 120 is installed inside the space. However, the control unit 120 may be installed outside the space as in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the air-conditioning system 10b of the third embodiment. The air-conditioning system 10b of the third embodiment includes no air-conditioning controller 11. Specifically, the air-conditioning system 10b includes neither the tag communication unit 130 nor the temperature sensor 150 of the air-conditioning controller 11a of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, only the relay 160 includes a tag communication unit and a temperature sensor. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the relay 160 is installed in every space. The other components of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.

This eliminates the necessity of installing the control unit 120 insides the space. This facilitates the installation of the control unit 120 connected to the air conditioner 110 by wire.

D. Fourth Embodiment

In the first embodiment, all of the spaces R1 to R4 are equipped with the respective air-conditioning controllers 11 and wireless tags 140. However, only one space may be equipped with the air-conditioning controller 11 and the wireless tag 140. For example, only the space R1 may be equipped with the air-conditioning controller 11 and the wireless tag 140. The control unit 120 may perform air conditioning of the spaces R1 to R4 on the basis of the first temperature acquired in the space R1.

E. Fifth Embodiment

In the above-described embodiments, the two wireless tags 140 are located in an object. However, only one of the wireless tags 140 may be located in an object. Specifically, only the second wireless tag 142 may be located in an object. The second wireless tag 142 in the fifth embodiment also serves as the first wireless tag 141 in the other embodiments. In a case where the object is the chair Ob, only the second wireless tag 142 is located on the seating surface Obs.

It should be noted that comparing the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 in a state where a human body is in contact with the second wireless tag 142 with the room temperature, an error may occur due to the influence of the body temperature. Accordingly, the control unit 120 corrects the measured first temperature by using, as a correction value, a difference between a first temperature in a state where no human body is in contact with the second wireless tag 142 and a first temperature in a state where a human body is in contact with the second wireless tag 142.

The first temperature in a state where no human body is in contact with the second wireless tag 142 may be measured by, for example, another second wireless tag 142 located in another object and that is not in contact with a human body. The control unit 120 thus uses the correction value to correct the first temperature measured by the second wireless tag 142 in a state of being in contact with a human body, which makes it possible to correct an error from the room temperature occurring due to the contact with a human body.

Moreover, for example, a first temperature measured before a human body comes into contact with the second wireless tag 142 may be used as the first temperature in a state where no human body is in contact with the second wireless tag 142. Specifically, the control unit 120 stores the first temperature in a case where the radio field strength falls within the second range. The control unit 120 may determine the correction value on the basis of a difference between the stored first temperature and the first temperature in a state where a human body is in contact with the second wireless tag 142.

This facilitates the introduction of the air-conditioning system 10 as compared with in a case where the plurality of wireless tags 140 are used.

F. Sixth Embodiment

In the above-described embodiments, the two wireless tags 140 or the single wireless tag 140 is located in an object. However, three or more wireless tags 140 may be located in an object. For example, in a case where the object is the chair Ob, one of the first wireless tags 141 may be located on the seating surface Obs and two of the second wireless tags 142 may be located at positions other than the seating surface Obs. The respective second wireless tags 142 may be located in, for example, the backrest Obb and a leg.

This allows the air-conditioning system 10 to have an enhanced reliability as compared with in a case of being based on one first temperature measured by the single second wireless tag 142. Further, in a case where the two second wireless tags 142 are located in an object at respective different portions as described above, arrival times of radio waves may be different between the two second wireless tags 142. In this case, supply of electric power via arrived radios waves, measurement responsive to the supply of electric power, and time to send the measured first temperature may also be different between the two second wireless tags 142. That is to say, the first temperatures may be sent at respective different times. This increases a success rate for the air-conditioning controller 11 to receive the first temperature, enabling stable communication regarding the first temperature.

G. Seventh Embodiment

In the above-described embodiments, the control unit 120 causes the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of the first temperature in response to a change in the radio field strength during the wireless communication with the wireless tag 140. However, the control unit 120 may cause the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of the first temperature in response to a change in response time for wireless communication with the wireless tag 140. Specifically, in a case where an average of response time per unit of time is larger than predetermined response time, the control unit 120 causes the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of the first temperature. In a case where the average of response time per unit of time is smaller than the predetermined response time, the control unit 120 causes the air conditioner 110 to adjust the room temperature on the basis of a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 150. The predetermined response time is to be measured in a state where there is no human body between the tag communication unit 130 and the wireless tag 140 by, for example, the user operating the operation unit of the air-conditioning controller 11. The measured response time is to be stored in the control unit 120.

H. Eighth Embodiment

In the above-described embodiments, the wireless tag 140 is located in the chair Ob. However, the wireless tag 140 may be located in a bed. In a case where the wireless tag 140 is located in the bed, the first wireless tag 141 is located on an upper surface of a mattress for the person 30 to lie on. The second wireless tag 142 is located at a position other than the upper surface of the mattress for the person 30 to lie on. For example, the second wireless tag 142 may be located on a side surface of the mattress or a headboard.

I. Modification Examples

(1) In the above-described embodiments, the four spaces are to be subjected to air conditioning by the air-conditioning system 10. However, one space or three spaces may be to be subjected to air conditioning by the air-conditioning system 10.

(2) In the above-described embodiments, the spaces are exemplified by rooms such as a living room, a bed room, and a dining room. However, the spaces may be spaces other than a room, such as a corridor, a bathroom, and a lavatory.

(3) In the above-described embodiments, the air-conditioning system 10 may be, for example, a system that performs central air conditioning. However, the air-conditioning system 10 is not limited to the system that performs central air conditioning. The air-conditioning system 10 may be an air-conditioning system including an air conditioner installed for each space.

(4) In the above-described embodiments, the object may be a chair, a sofa, or a bed. However, the object is not limited to the above. The object only has to be an object on which the person 30 is able to be seated or lie. For example, the object may be a rail or a step on which the person 30 may be seated. Moreover, the object may be a mat on which the person 30 may lie.

(5) In the above-described embodiments, the wireless tag 140 may be a quadrangular sheet. However, the wireless tag 140 may have a different shape. For example, the shape of the wireless tag 140 may be a circle or a triangle. Moreover, the wireless tag 140 may be a card or a chip, which is unlikely to be deformed.

(6) In the above-described embodiments, the first wireless tag 141 is located in the first region Obs1 of the seating surface Obs. The first region Obs1 is surrounded by the second region Obs2. The second region Obs2 has a shape along the outline of the seating surface Obs. However, the first wireless tag 141 may be provide in the second region Obs2. That is to say, the first wireless tag 141 may be provided on an outer side of the seating surface Obs. The first wireless tag 141 only has to be provided on the seating surface Obs.

(7) In the first embodiment, the second wireless tag 142 is provided on the side surface of the backrest Obb. However, the position at which the second wireless tag 142 is located is not limited to the above. The second wireless tag 142 only has to be provided at a portion not to face the human body of the person 30 who is seated. For example, the second wireless tag 142 may be provided on a rear side of the backrest Obb or a leg of the chair Ob.

(8) In the above-described embodiments, the work for setting the first wireless tag 141 or the second wireless tag 142 and the work for determining the pair of first wireless tag 141 and second wireless tag 142 may be conducted during the manufacturing of the control unit 120. However, these works may be conducted after the air-conditioning system 10 is introduced in the building 20. For example, the air-conditioning system 10 may include an operation unit for operating the control unit 120. The user may use the operation unit to set the first wireless tag 141 or the second wireless tag 142. The user thus can add and replace the wireless tag 140 flexibly.

(9) In the first embodiment, a change in the radio field strength of the wireless communication is to be determined in accordance with a magnitude of the radio field strength. However, a change in the radio field strength of the wireless communication may be determined in another way. For example, a change in the radio field strength of the wireless communication may be to be determined in accordance with a magnitude of the amount of a change in the radio field strength.

(10) In the above-described embodiments, the second temperature is a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 150. However, the second temperature may be a temperature measured by the wireless tag 140 located in an object on which no person 30 is seated or lying.

(11) In the above-described embodiments, the air-conditioning control unit 121a, the communication control unit 121b, and the determination unit 121c are functions of the processor 121. However, the air-conditioning control unit 121a, the communication control unit 121b, and the determination unit 121c may be functions of another processor. For example, the processor 161 of the relay 160 of the third embodiment may have the functions of the communication control unit 121b and the determination unit 121c. That is to say, the control unit 120 may be implemented by a plurality of microcomputers.

(12) In the above-described embodiments, the air conditioner 110 receives the instruction for air conditioning from the control unit 120 connected by wire. However, the air conditioner 110 may receive the instruction for air conditioning from the control unit 120 through wireless communication.

(13) In the above-described embodiments, the wireless communication is to be performed using Bluetooth. However, the wireless communication may be to be performed using a technology other than Bluetooth. For example, the wireless communication may be WiFi. Specifically, the tag communication unit 130 may supply electric power to the wireless tag 140 and send/receive information to/from the wireless tag 140 through wireless communication using WiFi.

(14) In the above-described embodiments, the setting of the set temperature and the stop of the air-conditioning system 10 are to be performed by a user operation. However, the setting of the set temperature, the issuance of the instruction for stopping the air-conditioning system 10, and the like are not necessarily to be performed in this way. For example, a predetermined set temperature may be to be set in the control unit 120 in accordance with an outside air temperature. Moreover, the control unit 120 may cause the air-conditioning system 10 to stop in a case where the set temperature and the first temperature have almost no difference.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be implemented by a variety of configurations without departing from the scope thereof. For example, in order to solve the above-described problem or achieve the above-described effect, the technical features of the above-described embodiments may be replaced or combined, if necessary. Moreover, any of the technical features may be deleted insofar as being not essential, if necessary.