ENVIRONMENT CONTROL DEVICE, ENVIRONMENT ADJUSTMENT DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONER, ENVIRONMENT CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/JP2023/040056, filed Nov. 7, 2023, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-013127, filed Jan. 31, 2023, the contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an environment control device, an environment adjustment device, an air conditioner, an environment control method, and a program.

BACKGROUND ART

The air conditioner of Patent Document 1 determines the attribute of a target person, and controls the volume of air and the number of revolutions of the compressor in accordance with the attribute of the person. This configuration improves the comfort of the target person.

CITATION LIST

Patent Document

• Patent Document 1: WO 2018/0029757

SUMMARY

A first aspect is directed to an environment control device comprising a control unit configured to control an environment adjustment portion configured to adjust an environment of a space in which a person is present. The control unit is configured to generate a second signal indicating biological information of a target person by processing a first signal output from a non-contact biosensor configured to detect biological information of the person present in the space, based on state information indicating a state of the person present in the space acquired by a state acquisition unit; estimate emotion information of the target person, based on the second signal; and control the environment adjustment portion, based on the emotion information of the target person.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic piping system diagram of the air conditioner.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating an internal structure of an indoor unit of the air conditioner.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating main devices of the air conditioner.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a Russell's emotion circumplex model.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a target-prioritized operation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a second signal generation process.

FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner of a fourth variation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment shown below, and various changes can be made within the scope without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since each of the drawings is intended to illustrate the present disclosure conceptually, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for the sake of ease of understanding.

An environment control device (E) of the present disclosure is applied to an air conditioner (10). The air conditioner (10) is an example of an environment adjustment device. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (10) applies an environmental stimulus to a target person (T) in an indoor space (I) which is a target space. The air conditioner (10) adjusts an environment of the indoor space (I). The air conditioner (10) conditions air in the indoor space (I). The air conditioner (10) of this embodiment adjusts the temperature of air in the indoor space (I).

(1) Configuration of Air Conditioner

(1-1) General Configuration

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner (10) includes an outdoor unit (20), an indoor unit (30), a first connection pipe (12), and a second connection pipe (13). The air conditioner (10) is a pair-type air conditioner including one outdoor unit (20) and one indoor unit (30). The first connection pipe (12) is a gas connection pipe, and the second connection pipe (13) is a liquid connection pipe. The outdoor unit (20) and the indoor unit (30) are connected to each other via the first connection pipe (12) and the second connection pipe (13) to constitute a refrigerant circuit (11). The refrigerant circuit (11) circulates the refrigerant therethrough to perform a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant is, for example, difluoromethane.

(1-2) Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit (20) is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit (20) includes an outdoor casing (20a), a compressor (21), an outdoor heat exchanger (22), an expansion valve (23), a four-way switching valve (24), and an outdoor fan (25). The outdoor casing (20a) houses the compressor (21), the outdoor heat exchanger (22), the expansion valve (23), the four-way switching valve (24), and the outdoor fan (25).

The compressor (21) is, for example, a rotary compressor of an oscillating piston type, a rotary type, or a scroll type. The outdoor heat exchanger (22) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The four-way switching valve (24) switches between a first state (the state indicated by the solid curves in FIG. 2) and a second state (the state indicated by the broken curves in FIG. 2). The four-way switching valve (24) in the first state makes a discharge portion of the compressor (21) and a gas end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22) communicate with each other, and makes a suction portion of the compressor (21) and the first connection pipe (12) communicate with each other. The four-way switching valve (24) in the second state makes the discharge portion of the compressor (21) and the first connection pipe (12) communicate with each other, and makes the suction portion of the compressor (21) and the gas end of the outdoor heat exchanger (22) communicate with each other. The outdoor fan (25) is a propeller fan.

(1-3) Indoor Unit

The indoor unit (30) illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is installed in the indoor space (I). The indoor unit (30) is a wall-mounted unit installed on a wall (W) of the indoor space (I). The indoor unit (30) includes an indoor casing (30a), an air filter (31), an indoor heat exchanger (32), an indoor fan (33), a drain pan (34), first flaps (35), and second flaps (36).

The indoor casing (30a) is formed in a hollow shape that is long in the left-right direction. The indoor casing (30a) houses the air filter (31), the indoor heat exchanger (32), the indoor fan (33), the drain pan (34), the first flaps (35), and the second flaps (36). The indoor casing (30a) has an inlet (41) and an outlet (42). The inlet (41) is formed in an upper portion of the indoor casing (30a). The inlet (41) is an opening through which air is sucked into the indoor space (I). The inlet (41) extends in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the indoor casing (30a). The outlet (42) is formed near the front side in a lower portion of the indoor casing (30a). The outlet (42) extends in the longitudinal direction of the indoor casing (30a). The indoor casing (30a) includes therein an air passage (43) from the inlet (41) to the outlet (42).

The air filter (31) is disposed upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (32) in the air passage (43). The air filter (31) is a mesh member formed along the inlet (41). The air filter (31) catches dust in intake air sucked through the inlet (41).

The indoor heat exchanger (32) is disposed upstream of the indoor fan (33) in the air passage (43). The indoor heat exchanger (32) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The indoor heat exchanger (32) allows heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and air transferred by the indoor fan (33).

The indoor fan (33) is an example of a fan. The indoor fan (33) is a cross-flow fan. The indoor fan (33) extends in the longitudinal direction of the indoor casing (30a). The indoor fan (33) is rotationally driven by a fan motor (33a). The indoor fan (33) transfers air in the air passage (43). When the indoor fan (33) is driven, air in the indoor space (I) is sucked into and flows through the air passage (43). At the same time, the air in the air passage (43) is blown out through the outlet (42). The indoor fan (33) is configured to adjust the volume of blown air supplied to the indoor space (I) through the outlet (42). The number of revolutions of the fan motor (33a) is adjusted to adjust the volume of blown air.

The drain pan (34) is disposed below the indoor heat exchanger (32). The drain pan (34) is a tray which receives water generated in the indoor casing (30a). The drain pan (34) receives condensation water generated on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger (32).

The first flaps (35) and the second flaps (36) constitute an airflow direction adjustment portion configured to adjust the airflow direction of blown air. The indoor unit (30) includes two first flaps (35) and eight second flaps (36), but these numbers are mere examples. The first flaps (35) adjust the up-and-down direction of the blown air. The second flaps (36) adjust the left-right direction of the blown air. The two first flaps (35) are arranged in the up-and-down direction. The first flaps (35) extend in the longitudinal direction of the indoor casing (30a). The first flaps (35) are driven by a first flap motor (35a) so as to turn in the up-and-down direction. The multiple second flaps (36) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the indoor casing (30a). The second flaps (36) extend in the up-and-down direction. The second flaps (36) are driven by a second flap motor (36a) so as to turn in the left-right direction.

(1-4) Remote Controller

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, the air conditioner (10) includes a remote controller (50). The remote controller (50) includes an operation unit (51) and a display (52). The operation unit (51) allows the user to input various instructions to the air conditioner (10). The operation unit (51) is a button, a switch, or a touch panel. The instructions include switching the air conditioner (10) ON and OFF, selecting the operating mode of the air conditioner (10), and changing the set temperature of the indoor space (I). The display (52) displays information on the state and the operation of the air conditioner (10). This information includes the operating mode and the set temperature of the air conditioner (10).

(1-5) Sensor

The air conditioner (10) includes multiple sensors. The multiple sensors include an indoor temperature sensor (55), an infrared ray sensor (56), and a radio-frequency sensor (57). The indoor temperature sensor (55) is disposed near the inlet (41). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the infrared ray sensor (56) and the radio-frequency sensor (57) are disposed on the front surface of the indoor casing (30a). The infrared ray sensor (56) and the radio-frequency sensor (57) are disposed at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) on the front surface of the indoor casing (30a).

The indoor temperature sensor (55) detects the temperature of air in the indoor space (I). The indoor temperature sensor (55) detects the temperature of air sucked into the inlet (41).

The infrared ray sensor (56) detects the temperature distribution of air in the indoor space (I) and the surface temperature of a person in the indoor space (I). The infrared ray sensor (56) is used to divide the indoor space (I) into multiple two-dimensional sections and acquire data of the temperatures of the sections.

The radio-frequency sensor (57) is a sensor for acquiring emotion information of the target person (T). The radio-frequency sensor (57) is a vital sensor configured to detect biological signals of the target person (T) by using microwaves. The radio-frequency sensor (57) is a non-contact vital sensor. In other words, the radio-frequency sensor (57) can detect biological signals of the target person (T) without contact with the target person (T). The biological signals include signals derived from respiration, heartbeat, pulse waves, brain waves, body movement, and the like of the target person (T). The radio-frequency sensor (57) corresponds to a biosensor of the present disclosure.

(1-6) Control Unit

The control unit (100) constitutes an environment control device (E) configured to control an air conditioner (10). Strictly speaking, the control unit (100) is configured to control an air conditioning portion (A). The air conditioning portion (A) is a mechanical element required to perform air conditioning of the indoor space (I). The air conditioning portion (A) constitutes an environment adjustment portion for adjusting the environment around the target person and applying an environmental stimulus to the target person (T).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the control unit (100) includes an indoor control unit (IC), an outdoor control unit (OC), and an operation control unit (RC). The indoor control unit (IC), the outdoor control unit (OC), and the operation control unit (RC) are configured to communicate with each other in a wired or wireless manner. The indoor control unit (IC), the outdoor control unit (OC), and the operation control unit (RC) each include a micro control unit (MCU), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs to be executed by the CPU.

The outdoor control unit (OC) is provided for the outdoor unit (20). The outdoor control unit (OC) is disposed inside the outdoor casing (20a). The outdoor control unit (OC) controls the compressor (21), the expansion valve (23), the four-way switching valve (24), and the outdoor fan (25). Strictly speaking, the outdoor control unit (OC) controls start and stop of the compressor (21), the number of revolutions of the compressor (21), the opening degree of the expansion valve (23), the state of the four-way switching valve (24), start and stop of operation of the outdoor fan (25), and the number of revolutions of the outdoor fan (25).

The indoor control unit (IC) is provided for the indoor unit (30). The indoor control unit (IC) is disposed inside the indoor casing (30a). The indoor control unit (IC) controls the indoor fan (33). Specifically, the indoor control unit (IC) controls start and stop of the indoor fan (33) and the number of revolutions of the fan motor (33a) of the indoor fan (33). The indoor control unit (IC) controls the first flaps (35) and the second flaps (36). Specifically, the indoor control unit (IC) controls the first flap motor (35a) and the second flap motor (36a) so as to adjust the angular positions of the first flaps (35) and the second flaps (36).

The detection signals detected by the indoor temperature sensor (55), the infrared ray sensor (56), and the radio-frequency sensor (57) are input to the indoor control unit (IC).

The operation control unit (RC) transmits, to the indoor control unit (IC), a command for the operating mode and the set temperature input by the user using the operation unit (51). This command is transmitted from the indoor control unit (IC) to the outdoor control unit (OC).

(2) Basic Operation

The air conditioner (10) performs the cooling operation and the heating operation.

(2-1) Cooling Operation

The cooling operation is an operation for cooling air in the indoor space (I) so that the air in the indoor space (I) approaches the set temperature (target temperature). In the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (24) is switched to the first state. The refrigerant that has compressed in the compressor (21) dissipates heat in the outdoor heat exchanger (22) and is then decompressed in the expansion valve (23). The refrigerant that has been decompressed evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger (32). The air that has cooled in the indoor heat exchanger (32) is supplied to the indoor space (I). The refrigerant that has evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (32) is sucked into the compressor (21).

(2-2) Heating Operation

The heating operation is an operation for heating air in the indoor space (I) so that the air in the indoor space (I) approaches the set temperature (target temperature). In the heating operation, the four-way switching valve (24) is switched to the second state. In the heating operation, the refrigerant that has compressed in the compressor (21) dissipates heat in the indoor heat exchanger (32), and is then decompressed in the expansion valve (23). The air that has heated in the indoor heat exchanger (32) is supplied to the indoor space (I). The refrigerant that has been decompressed evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger (22), and is then sucked into the compressor (21).

(3) Target-Prioritized Operation

The air conditioner (10) performs target-prioritized operation. The target-prioritized operation includes applying an environmental stimulus to the target person (T) identified based on the priority information and keeping the pleasant emotions of the target person (T). Details of the target-prioritized operation will be described.

(3-1) State Acquisition Unit

The air conditioner (10) includes a state acquisition unit (80) for acquiring state information indicating the state of a person present in the indoor space (I). The state acquisition unit (80) comprises an infrared ray sensor (56) and a first arithmetic processing unit (81). In this embodiment, the first arithmetic processing unit (81) is provided in the control unit (100) of the air conditioner (10). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the first arithmetic processing unit (81) is provided in the indoor control unit (IC).

The state acquisition unit (80) generates a two-dimensional thermal image indicating the temperature distribution in the indoor space (I), based on the output of the infrared ray sensor (56). The thermal image is a lattice arrangement of a plurality of pixels, for example. The state acquisition unit (80) outputs the state information of the person, based on the generated thermal image. The state acquisition unit (80) analyzes the thermal image and outputs the state information of the person. The state information of the person present in the indoor space (I) is obtainable in this manner. The state information includes information on the number, location, posture, or physique of the people present in the indoor space (I).

(3-2) Emotion Estimation Unit

The air conditioner (10) includes an emotion estimation unit (60) for estimating the emotion information of the target person (T). The emotion estimation unit (60) comprises a radio-frequency sensor (57) and a second arithmetic processing unit (61). In this embodiment, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) is provided in the control unit (100) of the air conditioner (10). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) is provided in the indoor control unit (IC).

The emotion estimation unit (60) estimates the emotion information of the target person (T), based on a biological signal detected by the radio-frequency sensor (57). The emotion estimation unit (60) of this embodiment estimates the emotion of the target person (T), based on the pleasant-unpleasant valence and the state of arousal-nonarousal. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the emotion of a person can be represented by, for example, an emotion circumplex model estimated by Russell. With the horizontal axis X indicating the pleasant-unpleasant valence, and the vertical axis Y indicating the arousal-nonarousal, the emotion circumplex model conceptually represents the relationship between the emotion of a person and the valence of emotion and degree of arousal. Accordingly, the emotion of a person can be estimated by grasping the pleasant-unpleasant valence and the state of arousal-nonarousal.

The pleasant-unpleasant valence can be estimated on the basis of the index indicating the state of autonomic nerve. The parameters of the valence include autonomic balance (LF/HF) and autonomic neural activity (SDNN). These parameters can be all acquired on the basis of heartbeat components extracted from the biological signals detected by the radio-frequency sensor (57).

The “LF/HF” indicates the balance between the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve of the target person (T). The emotion estimation unit (60) performs, for example, frequency analysis of heartbeat intervals to determine a low-frequency component (LF) in a range between 0.05 Hz to 0.20 Hz and a high-frequency component (HF) of 0.20 Hz or higher, thereby determining the ratio of these components as LF/HF. The HF is greater when the parasympathetic nerves dominate the sympathetic nerves, and the LF is greater when the sympathetic nerves dominate the parasympathetic nerves. Thus, if the target person (T) feels uncomfortable and is highly stressed, the target person (T) has a higher LF/HF. Conversely, if the target person (T) feels comfortable and is less stressed, the target person (T) has a lower LF/HF.

The SDNN is an index indicating the variation of N-N intervals. The SDNN is, for example, a standard deviation of N-N intervals in five minutes. The SDNN is greater when the parasympathetic nerves dominate the sympathetic nerves, and smaller when the sympathetic nerves dominate the parasympathetic nerves. Thus, if the target person (T) feels uncomfortable and is highly stressed, the target person (T) has a smaller SDNN. Conversely, if the target person (T) feels comfortable and is less stressed, the target person (T) has a greater SDNN.

The state of arousal-nonarousal affects the body movement, respiration, heartbeat, and other conditions of the target person (T). Accordingly, whether the target person (T) is in the state of arousal or the state of nonarousal can be estimated by extracting the signals derived from the body movement, the respiration, and the heartbeat from the biological signals acquired by the radio-frequency sensor (57).

As described above, if the pleasant-unpleasant valence and the state of arousal-nonarousal are known, it is possible to estimate the emotion of the target person (T) using the emotion circumplex model.

(3-3) Specific Control Operation of Target-Prioritized Operation

Details of the target-prioritized operation will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8.

When the user operates the operation unit (51) of the remote controller (50) to perform an input operation to start the target-prioritized operation, the control unit (100) is requested to start the target-prioritized operation. In response, the control unit (100) starts the target-prioritized operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the target-prioritized operation starts, the control unit (100) identifies the target person (T) in step S11, based on the priority information input by the user. Specifically, the control unit (100) first outputs, to the display (52), a signal for prompting the user to input the priority information. When this signal is output to the display (52), the user operates the operation unit (51) to input the priority information. In receipt of the priority information, the control unit (100) identifies the target person (T), based on the input priority information. The user operates the operation unit (51) and selects one piece of priority information or multiple pieces of priority information from the multiple pieces of priority information displayed on the display (52).

The priority information relates to priorities used in identifying the target person (T) for the emotion estimation. Examples of the priority information include information on the location (e.g., front, center, or back) in the indoor space (I), the attribute (e.g., infant or adult) of the person, the posture (e.g., standing, sitting, or lying) of the person, and the state (e.g., sleeping or resting) of the person. For example, if the indoor space (I) is divided into three sections in the direction away from the indoor unit (30), and the information on the location input as the priority information is “front,” the target person (T) is a person in the closest section to the indoor unit (30). The target person (T) here may be identified based on a piece of priority information or multiple pieces of priority information.

Next, in step S12, the control unit (100) causes the air conditioning portion (A) to start an initial operation. In the initial operation, the same operation as the cooling operation or the heating operation described above is performed so that the temperature of the indoor space (I) approaches a predetermined temperature. That is, the air cooled or heated by the indoor heat exchanger (32) is supplied to the indoor space (I). The predetermined temperature here is, for example, a target temperature indoors. The target temperature corresponds to a set temperature set by the remote controller (50). In the initial operation, the first flaps (35) and the second flaps (36) are adjusted so that the blown air reaches the target person (T).

Next, from step S13 to step S16, the control unit (100) performs an emotion estimation operation. In the emotion estimation operation, the control unit (100) estimates the emotion information of the target person (T). Specifically, the control unit (100) estimates the pleasant-unpleasant valence and the state of arousal-nonarousal of the target person (T) as described above, based on the biological signal detected by the radio-frequency sensor (57).

Specifically, in step S13, the state acquisition unit (80) acquires state information of the person present in the indoor space (I). That is, in step S13, the first arithmetic processing unit (81) acquires the state information of the person as described above, based on the output of the infrared ray sensor (56).

Next, in step S14, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) acquires the first signal output from the radio-frequency sensor (57). The first signal includes a signal derived from respiration, heartbeat, pulse wave, body movement, and other conditions of the people including the target person (T) present in the indoor space (I). If there is only one person in the indoor space (I), the first signal is a signal in which signals derived from the respiration, heartbeat, or other conditions of the person are superimposed. If there are multiple people in the indoor space (I), the first signal is a signal in which signals derived from the respirations, heartbeats, and other conditions of all the people present in the indoor space (I) are superimposed.

Next, in step S15, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) generates the second signal, based on the first signal and the state information. Specifically, in step S15, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) generates the second signal by processing the first signal based on the state information. Details of the process of generating the second signal (second signal generation process) will be described later.

Next, in step S16, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) estimates the emotion information of the target person (T), based on the generated second signal. Specifically, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) estimates the pleasant-unpleasant valence and the state of arousal-nonarousal of the target person (T), based on the second signal.

Next, in step S17, the control unit (100) determines whether the condition indicating that the emotion of the target person (T) falls within a pleasant range is met. This condition indicates that the estimated emotion of the target person (T) is in the range on the right side of the vertical axis Y of the emotion circumplex model in FIG. 6. This condition may be, for example, the condition that the LF/HF described above is smaller than a predetermined value, or the condition that the SDNN is larger than a predetermined value.

In step S17, if it is determined that the target person (T) is in a pleasant emotional state, the initial operation of step S12 is executed continuously. In step S17, if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the control unit (100) performs an emotion improvement operation. In the emotion improvement operation, the control unit (100) controls the air conditioning portion (A) to improve the emotion of the target person (T). Specifically, the control unit (100) controls the air conditioning portion (A) under a different operating condition from the current operating condition, while sending blown air toward the target person (T). The different operating condition at this moment is preferably an operating condition that shifts the emotion of the target person (T) opposite to the current state. To “shift the emotion of the target person (T) opposite to the current state” refers to, for example, changing the emotion of the target person (T) toward “PLEASANT” and “NON-AROUSAL” if the current emotion of the target person (T) is on the “UNPLEASANT” and “AROUSAL” side, and changing the emotion of the target person (T) toward “PLEASANT” and “AROUSAL” if the current emotion of the target person (T) is on the “UNPLEASANT” and “NON-AROUSAL” side in the emotion circumplex model in FIG. 6.

In order to change the emotion of the target person (T) from “UNPLEASANT” and “AROUSAL” to “PLEASANT” and “NON-AROUSAL,” the control unit (100) operates the air conditioning portion (A) under a first operating condition for the arousal side to raise the temperature of the indoor air to a temperature higher than the current temperature, for example. That is, the control unit (100) raises the target temperature of the indoor air. Accordingly, the number of revolutions of the compressor (21) is adjusted to raise the refrigerant temperature (e.g., the condensation temperature or the evaporation temperature) of the indoor heat exchanger. As a result, a thermal stimulus caused by raising the temperature is applied to the target person (T). An increase in the ambient temperature of the target person (T) leads the target person (T) toward the state of “NON-AROUSAL” and makes the valence of the target person (T) closer to “PLEASANT.”

As another means for changing the emotion of the target person (T) from “UNPLEASANT” and “AROUSAL” to “PLEASANT” and “NON-AROUSAL,” the control unit (100) operates the air conditioning portion (A) under a second operating condition for the arousal side to decrease the volume of air to the volume of air smaller than the current volume of air, for example. That is, the control unit (100) decreases the number of revolutions of the indoor fan (33) to decrease the volume or speed of the blown air. As a result, a wind stimulus caused by decreasing the volume of air is applied to the target person (T). A decrease in the volume of the air acting on the target person (T) leads the target person (T) toward the state of “NON-AROUSAL” and makes the valence of the target person (T) closer to “PLEASANT.”

Since the thermal stimulus or the wind stimulus to the target person (T) decreases as described above, it is possible to shift the emotion of the target person (T) to “PLEASANT” and “NON-AROUSAL” side.

On the other hand, in order to change the emotion of the target person (T) from “UNPLEASANT” and “NON-AROUSAL” to “PLEASANT” and “AROUSAL,” the control unit (100) operates the air conditioning portion (A) under a first operating condition for the nonarousal side to decrease the temperature of the indoor air to a temperature lower than the current temperature, for example. That is, the control unit (100) lowers the target temperature of the indoor air. Accordingly, the number of revolutions of the compressor (21) is adjusted to lower the refrigerant temperature (e.g., the condensation temperature or the evaporation temperature) of the indoor heat exchanger. As a result, a thermal stimulus caused by lowering the temperature is applied to the target person (T). A decrease in the ambient temperature of the target person (T) leads the target person (T) toward the state of “AROUSAL” and makes the valence of the target person (T) closer to “PLEASANT.”

As another means for changing the emotion of the target person (T) from “UNPLEASANT” and “NON-AROUSAL” to “PLEASANT” and “AROUSAL,” the control unit (100) operates the air conditioning portion (A) under a second operating condition for the nonarousal side to increase the volume of air to the volume of air larger than the current volume of air, for example. That is, the control unit (100) increases the number of revolutions of the indoor fan (33) to increase the volume or speed of the blown air. As a result, a wind stimulus caused by increasing the volume of air is applied to the target person (T). An increase in the volume of air acting on the target person (T) leads the target person (T) toward the state of “AROUSAL” and makes the valence of the target person (T) closer to “PLEASANT.”

Since the thermal stimulus or the wind stimulus to the target person (T) increases as described above, it is possible to shift the emotion of the target person (T) to “PLEASANT” and “AROUSAL” side.

In the emotion improvement operation, the control unit (100) operates the air conditioning portion (A) under an operating condition different from the current operating condition for a longer time than a predetermined period, and then performs the emotion estimation operation described above. The control unit (100) continues the current operating condition or operates the air conditioning portion (A) under an operating condition different from the current operating condition, in accordance with the emotion of the target person (T) obtained by the emotion estimation operation.

(3-4) Second Signal Generation Process

In the second signal generation process shown in FIG. 8, in step S21, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) extracts a signal (hereinafter referred to as a “heart rate signal”) derived from a heartbeat from the first signal.

Next, in step S22, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) determines whether the information on the number of people contained in the state information indicates one or multiple people. In step S22, if the information on the number of people is determined to indicate a single person, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S22, if the information on the number of people is determined to indicate multiple people, the process proceeds to step S24.

In step S23, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) determines whether the information on the posture of the target person (T) contained in the state information indicates the person is facing sideways. Here, “facing sideways” means that the front of the target person (T) is not facing the indoor unit (30). Since there is only one person in the indoor space (I) in this step, the heart rate signal extracted from the first signal in step S21 is the heart rate signal of the target person (T).

In step S23, if the information on the posture is determined to indicate the person is “facing sideways,” the process proceeds to step S25. In step S23, if the information on the posture is determined to indicate the person is “not facing sideways,” the heart rate signal extracted from the first signal is output as the second signal.

In step S25, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) performs an amplification processing on the heart rate signal of the target person (T). When the person is facing sideways, the signal of the person output from the radio-frequency sensor (57) has a small amplitude. The heart rate signal is amplified because if the signal of the person facing sideways is used as it is to estimate the emotion, the signal of the person facing sideways is buried in noise, and the emotion might not be estimated. In step S25, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) may perform filter processing on the heart rate signal of the target person (T) using filters with different levels. In step S25, after processing the signal, the processed signal is output as the second signal.

In step S24, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) extracts the heart rate signal of the target person (T) from the heart rate signal extracted from the first signal, based on the location information of the people included in the state information. Specifically, in step S24, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) extracts a signal with a predetermined amplitude from the heart rate signal extracted from the first signal, in accordance with the relative location of the target person (T) in the indoor space (I). The heart rate signal of the target person (T) is extracted in this manner.

Specifically, since there are multiple people in the indoor space (I) in this step, the heart rate signal extracted from the first signal is a signal in which heart rate signals of the multiple people are superimposed. The biological signals, including heart rate signals, output from the radio-frequency sensor (57) have various amplitudes depending on the distance between the radio-frequency sensor (57) and a person. Specifically, the amplitude of the output biological signal decreases with an increase in the distance between the radio-frequency sensor (57) and the person. That is, if there are people in the indoor space (I) at different locations, the first signal is a signal in which multiple biological signals with different amplitudes are superimposed.

For example, if there are three people in the indoor space (I), the heart rate signal of the first signal includes the heart rate signal with the largest amplitude, the heart rate signal with the second largest amplitude, and the heart rate signal with the smallest amplitude. The heart rate signal with the largest amplitude belongs to the person closest to the radio-frequency sensor (57). The heart rate signal with the second largest amplitude belongs to the person second closest to the radio-frequency sensor (57). The heart rate signal with the smallest amplitude belongs to the person farthest from the radio-frequency sensor (57). In this example, if the target person (T) is the person farthest from the radio-frequency sensor (57), the heart rate signal of the target person (T) can be extracted by extracting the heart rate signal with the smallest amplitude from the signal in which the multiple heart rate signals are superimposed.

Since it is possible to grasp the relative location of the person from the relative magnitude of the amplitude in this manner, the heart rate signals with various amplitudes can be associated with the location information (i.e., the distance information from the radio-frequency sensor (57)) of the people included in the state information. By associating the heart rate signals with different amplitudes, included in the first signal, with the location information of multiple people included in the state information, it becomes possible to identify which individual in the indoor space (I) a specific heart rate signal included in the first signal belongs to. That is, the heart rate signal of the target person (T) can be extracted by extracting a signal with a predetermined amplitude from the signal in which multiple heart rate signals are superimposed, in accordance with the relative location of the target person (T). The second arithmetic processing unit (61) can estimate the emotion information of the target person (T), based on the identified heart rate signal of the individual target person (T); therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy in estimating the emotion information.

In step S26, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) determines whether the information on the posture of the target person (T) contained in the state information indicates the target person (T) is facing sideways.

In step S26, if it is determined that the information on the posture of the target person (T) indicates the person is “facing sideways,” the process proceeds to step S27. In step S26, if it is determined that the information on the posture indicates the person is “not facing sideways,” the heart rate signal of the target person (T) extracted in step S24 is output as the second signal.

In step S27, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) performs amplification processing on the heart rate signal of the target person (T), similar to step S25. In step S27, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) may perform filter processing on the heart rate signal of the target person (T) using filters with different levels. In step S27, after processing the signal, the processed signal is output as the second signal.

As described above, the second arithmetic processing unit (61) generates the second signal based on the first signal and the state information to identify the heart rate signal of the target person (T) and perform appropriate processing on the identified heart rate signal; it is thus possible to improve the accuracy in estimating the emotion information of the target person (T). The air conditioning portion (A) is then controlled based on the emotion information of the target person (T) which is estimated with the improved accuracy; it is thus possible to keep the pleasant emotions of the target person (T).

For example, if the location information input as the priority information is “front,” the person at the front in the indoor space (I) is regarded as the target person (T), and the emotion of that person is estimated; and the air conditioning portion (A) is controlled to keep the pleasant emotions of that person. For example, if the location information and the posture information, input as the priority information, are “far” and “lying,” the person lying at the back in the indoor space (I) is regarded as the target person (T), and the emotion of that person is estimated; and the air conditioning portion (A) is controlled to keep the pleasant emotions of that person.

For example, if the attribute information input as the priority information is “infant,” the control unit (100) identifies an infant in the indoor space (I), based on the physique information and location information included in the state information and the heart rate signal included in the first signal. Specifically, the person with a small physique and a small amplitude of the heart rate signal is identified as an infant. The identified infant is regarded as the target person (T), and the emotion of that infant is estimated; and the air conditioning portion (A) is controlled to keep the pleasant emotions of that infant. Even if the infant as the target person (T) moves in the indoor space (I), the location of the infant can be identified by the infrared ray sensor (56); therefore, it is possible to estimate the emotion of the infant continuously and control the air conditioning portion (A) in accordance with the emotion of the infant.

(3-5) Method of Controlling Target-Prioritized Operation

As described above, the control method of the present disclosure includes the processes described in the above items (3-1), (3-2), (3-3), and (3-4) and FIGS. 7 and 8.

Specifically, the control method includes: generating a second signal indicating biological information of a target person (T) by processing a first signal output from a radio-frequency sensor (57), based on state information acquired by a state acquisition unit (80); estimating emotion information of the target person (T), based on the second signal; and controlling the air conditioning portion (A), based on the emotion information of the target person (T).

The control method further includes: generating the second signal by extracting, from the first signal, a signal indicating the biological information of the target person (T), based on the state information. The control method includes: generating the second signal by extracting a signal with a predetermined amplitude from the first signal in accordance with a relative location of the target person (T) in the indoor space (I). The control method includes: identifying the target person (T), based on priority information set by a user.

The control method of the present disclosure may include processes described in detail in the following variations and other embodiments.

(3-6) Program

The storage of the control unit (100) stores a program for causing a computer to execute the control method related to the target-prioritized operation described above. The control method referred to herein includes all the processes described in the above item (3-5) “Method of Controlling Target-Prioritized Operation.”

(4) Features of Embodiment

(4-1)

The control unit (100) of this embodiment: generates a second signal indicating biological information of a target person (T) by processing a first signal output from a radio-frequency sensor (57) configured to detect biological information of a person present in the indoor space (I), based on state information indicating a state of the person present in the indoor space (I) acquired by a state acquisition unit (80); estimates emotion information of the target person (T), based on the second signal; and controls the air conditioning portion (A), based on the emotion information of the target person (T).

Since the radio-frequency sensor (57) is a non-contact biosensor, the output of the radio-frequency sensor (57) may be weak depending on the location and posture of a person present in the indoor space (I). If the output of the radio-frequency sensor (57) is weak, the emotion of the target person (T) sometimes cannot be grasped accurately even when the emotion of the target person (T) is estimated based on the output signal of the radio-frequency sensor (57). In addition, if there are multiple people in the indoor space (I), it is impossible to identify which output signal corresponds to each individual; therefore, it is impossible to estimate the emotion of the individual target person (T) and difficult to adjust the environment to make it pleasant for the target person (T).

In contrast, in this embodiment, the second signal is generated by processing the first signal, which is the output signal of the radio-frequency sensor (57), based on the state information of the person. The emotion information of the target person (T) is estimated based on this second signal. It is thus possible to improve the accuracy in estimating the emotion information.

(4-2)

The state information of the embodiment includes information on the number, locations, postures, or physiques of the people present in the indoor space (I).

In this embodiment, the state information includes information on the number, locations, postures, or physiques of the people present in the indoor space (I), which enables proper processing of the first signal in accordance with these pieces of information. Accordingly, it is possible to generate the second signal that enables sufficient estimation of the emotion information.

(4-3)

The biological information of the embodiment includes information on a heartbeat, a pulse wave, a body movement, or respiration of the person present in an indoor space (I). In this embodiment, the biological information includes the information on the heartbeat, the pulse wave, the body movement, or the respiration of the person present in the indoor space (I), which enables estimation of the emotion information.

(4-4)

The first signal of the embodiment is a signal in which the biological information on multiple people is superimposed, and the control unit (100) generates the second signal by extracting, from the first signal, a signal indicating the biological information of the target person (T), based on the state information.

In this embodiment, if there are multiple people in the indoor space (I), a signal indicating the biological information of the target person (T) is extracted from the first signal in which biological signals of the multiple people are superimposed. Accordingly, the signal indicating the biological information of the individual target person (T) is identified, which enables accurate estimation of the emotion information of the target person (T).

(4-5)

The first signal of the embodiment is a signal in which multiple signals with different amplitudes are superimposed, and the control unit (100) generates the second signal by extracting a signal with a predetermined amplitude from the first signal in accordance with a relative location of the target person (T) in the indoor space (I).

According to the radio-frequency sensor (57), a signal of a person who is relatively close to the radio-frequency sensor (57) has a larger amplitude, and a signal of a person who is relatively far from the radio-frequency sensor (57) has a smaller amplitude. In this embodiment, the control unit (100) can identify the signal indicating the biological information of the individual target person (T) by extracting a signal with a predetermined amplitude from the first signal in accordance with the relative location of the target person (T) in the indoor space (I).

(4-6)

The control unit (100) of the embodiment identifies the target person (T), based on priority information set by a user. In this embodiment, the target person (T) is identified based on the priority information set by the user. It is thus possible to adjust the environment to make it preferable for the person prioritized by the user when there are multiple people in the indoor space (I).

(4-7)

The emotion estimation unit (60) of the embodiment estimates the emotion of the target person (T), based on the pleasant-unpleasant valence and the degree of arousal of the target person (T). The emotion of the target person (T) can be specified using, for example, the Russell's emotion circumplex model in FIG. 6.

(5) Variations

The above embodiment may be modified as follows. Differences from the above embodiment will be described below.

(5-1) First Variation

In the target-prioritized operation of a first variation, multiple people may be identified as target persons (T) in identifying the target person (T). In addition, at this time, priorities may be set for the multiple target persons (T). The priorities may be set automatically or manually by the user.

In the case of automatic priority setting, if, for example, there is an infant in the indoor space (I), the infant is regarded as the target person (T) with the highest priority because infants are less adaptable to temperature changes.

For example, suppose that in setting the priority manually, the user inputs “infant” as the first priority (highest priority) of the priority information, and “adult” and “front” as the second priority (second highest priority after the first priority) of the priority information.

In this case, if the control unit (100) determines that there is an infant in the indoor space (I), the control unit (100) identifies the infant as the target person (T) and controls the air conditioning portion (A) to make the environment pleasant for the infant. If the control unit (100) determines that there is no infant in the indoor space (I), the control unit (100) determines whether there is a person with the second priority, that is an “adult” at the “front” in the indoor space (I), based on the state information. If the control unit (100) determines that there is a person corresponding to the second priority of the priority information, the control unit (100) regards this person corresponding to the second priority of the priority information as the target person (T) and controls the air conditioning portion (A) to make the environment pleasant for this target person (T). If the control unit (100) determines that this target person (T) is not present, the control unit (100) may make notification of the fact on the display (52) or may execute an operation other than the target-prioritized operation (e.g., an automatic operating mode).

In this manner, the control unit (100) controls the air conditioning portion (A) in accordance with the priority of the target person (T). Accordingly, the environment can be adjusted to make it pleasant for the target person (T) whose priority is set high by the user.

(5-2) Second Variation

In the target-prioritized operation of a second variation, after the start of the initial operation, the control unit (100) does not have to perform the emotion estimation operation if the control unit (100) determines both that there is only one person in the indoor space (I) and that the target person (T) is not resting in the same place in the indoor space (I) (i.e., active). This is because the target person (T) needs to be at rest in order to estimate the pleasant-unpleasant valence based on the index indicating the state of the autonomic nerve, and it is difficult to estimate the pleasant-unpleasant valence accurately if the target person (T) is active in the indoor space (I).

If the control unit (100) determines both that there is only one person in the indoor space (I) and that the person is not resting at the same place in the indoor space (I), the control unit (100) outputs a signal to notify that the emotion cannot be estimated. Specifically, the control unit (100) outputs this signal to the display (52). The display (52) notifies the target person (T) of information indicating that “the emotion of the target person cannot be estimated” by means of a character, a figure, an icon, a code, or any other suitable type of indication. That is, the display (52) serves as a notification unit for providing the information described above for notifying the target person (T). The notification unit may provide the above information by means of sound or light.

(5-3) Third Variation

In the target-prioritized operation of a third variation, after the start of the initial operation, the control unit (100) does not have to perform the emotion estimation operation if the control unit (100) determines both that there is only one person in the indoor space (I) and that the target person (T) is sleeping. This is because the pleasant environment differs between when the person is sleeping and when the person is active. While the target person (T) is sleeping, the control unit (100) controls the air conditioning portion (A) to make the environment suitable for sleep.

(5-4) Fourth Variation

In the target-prioritized operation of a fourth variation, after the start of the initial operation, if there is only one person in the indoor space (I), the physique is small, and the heart rate or the respiration rate is different from a predetermined condition, the control unit (100) may determine that the person in the indoor space (I) is an infant. The predetermined condition here is a normal range of the heart rate or the respiration rate of a typical adult. In this case, if the person in the indoor space (I) is an infant, and the target person (T) determined is an infant, the determination range of the parameter used when estimating the emotion is changed. Accordingly, it is possible to estimate the emotion corresponding to infants and improve the accuracy of emotion estimation.

(5-4) Fourth Variation

(5-4-1) Basic Configuration

The air conditioning portion (A) of the embodiment has a function of adjusting the temperature of the air in the indoor space (I) and a function of adjusting the volume of air to be supplied to the target person (T). In addition, the air conditioning portion (A) of the fourth variation includes a ventilation element (70) configured to ventilate the indoor space (I). Strictly speaking, the ventilation element (70) has an air supply function of supplying outside air to the indoor space (I), and an air exhaust function of exhausting the air in the indoor space (I) to the outside. As shown in FIG. 9, the ventilation element (70) includes a ventilation fan (71), a duct (72), and a flow path switching mechanism (73).

The ventilation fan (71) is installed in the outdoor unit (20). The volume of air of the ventilation fan (71) is variable by adjusting the number of revolutions of a fan motor.

The duct (72) is a member that forms a flow path through which air flows. The duct (72) may be a rigid tube or a flexible hose. The duct (72) penetrates the wall (W), together with the connection pipe (12, 13). One end of the duct (72) communicates with the outdoor space (O), and the other end of the duct (72) is connected to the air passage (43) in the indoor unit (30). Preferably, one end of the duct (72) is connected to the air passage (43) upstream of the indoor heat exchanger (32).

The flow path switching mechanism (73) is connected to an intermediate portion of the duct (72). The duct (72) includes a plurality of flow paths and a damper (not shown) for switching these flow paths. The duct (72) is switched between a first state and a second state. The duct (72) in the first state allows the suction side of the ventilation fan (71) and the outdoor space (O) to communicate with each other, and the blow-out side of the ventilation fan (71) and the air passage (43) of the indoor unit (30) communicate with each other. The duct (72) in the second state allows the suction side of the ventilation fan (71) and the air passage (43) of the indoor unit (30) to communicate with each other, and the blow-out side of the ventilation fan (71) and the outdoor space (O) to communicate with each other.

The control unit (100) controls the ventilation element (70). Specifically, the control unit (100) controls the start and stop of the ventilation fan (71), the number of revolutions of the ventilation fan (71), and the state of the flow path switching mechanism (73). The control unit (100) controls the ventilation element (70) to switch between the air supply operation and exhaust operation.

In the air supply operation, the control unit (100) cause the flow path switching mechanism (73) to be in the first state and operates the ventilation fan (71). In the air supply operation, the outdoor air in the outdoor space (O) is supplied to the indoor space (I) through the duct (72) and the air passage (43).

In the exhaust operation, the control unit (100) causes the flow path switching mechanism (73) to be in the second state and operates the ventilation fan (71). In the exhaust operation, the air in the indoor space (I) is discharged to the outdoor space (O) through the air passage (43) and the duct (72).

(5-4-2) Target-Prioritized Operation

In the target-prioritized operation of the fourth variation, if the current emotion of the target person (T) is on the “UNPLEASANT” and “AROUSAL” side, the control unit (100) decreases the amount of ventilation of the indoor space (I) so that it is smaller than the amount of ventilation in the current operation in the emotion improvement operation. That is, the control unit (100) controls the ventilation element (70) to reduce the amount of ventilation of the indoor space (I). The amount of ventilation here may be the amount of ventilation in the air supply operation described above, or may be the amount of ventilation in the exhaust operation. The CO₂ concentration in the indoor space (I) increases as the amount of ventilation decreases. As a result, in this operation, a stimulus associated with the ventilation is applied to the target person (T). The stimulus associated with the ventilation can also be said to be caused by a change in the concentration of a gas component, such as CO₂, in the indoor space (I). An increase in the amount of CO₂ around the target person (T) leads the target person (T) toward the state of “NON-AROUSAL” and makes the valence of the target person (T) closer to “PLEASANT.”

In the target-prioritized operation of the fourth variation, if the current emotion of the target person (T) is on the “UNPLEASANT” and “NON-AROUSAL” side, the control unit (100) increases the amount of ventilation of the indoor space (I) so that it is larger than the amount of ventilation in the current operation in the emotion improvement operation. That is, the control unit (100) controls the ventilation element (70) to increase the amount of ventilation of the indoor space (I). The CO₂ concentration in the indoor space (I) decreases as the amount of ventilation increases. As a result, in this operation, a stimulus associated with the ventilation is applied to the target person (T). A decrease in the amount of CO₂ around the target person leads the target person (T) toward the state of “AROUSAL” and makes the valence of the target person (T) closer to “PLEASANT.”

(5-5) Fifth Variation

The control unit (100) may execute the emotion improvement operation, based only on the pleasant-unpleasant valence, without determining whether the target person (T) is in a state of arousal or a state of nonarousal. In this case, the emotion estimation unit (60) estimates the emotion information regarding the degree of pleasantness relating to the pleasant-unpleasant emotional state of the target person (T).

(5-6) Sixth Variation

The control unit (100) may control the air conditioning portion (A) to improve other emotions of the target person (T) than the pleasant-unpleasant emotion in the emotion improvement operation. In this case, the emotion estimation unit (60) estimates the information on emotions other than the pleasant-unpleasant emotions in the emotion circumplex model in FIG. 6, for example.

(6) Other Embodiments

The above embodiments may be modified as follows.

(6-1) Other Examples of Environment Adjustment Device

The environment adjustment device of the embodiment is an air conditioner (10) including an air conditioning portion (A). The environment adjustment device may be however another device as long as the device includes an environment adjustment portion capable of applying an environmental stimulus to the target person (T). The environment adjustment device may be, for example, a floor heating device, a bathtub water temperature adjustment device, a sauna device, or a sound generation device.

The floor heating device includes an environment adjustment portion configured to adjust the temperature of the floor surface so as to apply a thermal stimulus to the target person (T). The bathtub water temperature adjustment device has an environment adjustment portion configured to adjust the water temperature in the bathtub in which the target person (T) is present so as to apply a thermal stimulus to the target person (T). The sauna device includes an environment adjustment portion configured to adjust the temperature of a sauna space in which the target person (T) is present so as to apply a thermal stimulus to the target person (T). The sound generation device includes an environment adjustment portion configured to emit sound so as to apply a sound stimulus to the target person (T).

(6-2) Other Examples of Emotion Estimation Unit

The emotion estimation unit (60) may have a different configuration as long as it is capable of estimating the emotion of the target person (T). Specifically, the emotion estimation unit (60) may include another sensor instead of the radio-frequency sensor (57). The non-contact sensor may be, for example, a millimeter-wave radar.

The second arithmetic processing unit (61) of the emotion estimation unit (60) may be configured as a separate element from the control unit (100). Specifically, for example, the emotion estimation unit (60) may be configured as a unit including the sensor described above and the second arithmetic processing unit (61) and may output the emotion of the target person (T) estimated by the emotion estimation unit (60) to the control unit (100). In this case, the control unit (100) controls the environment adjustment portion, based on the emotion of the target person (T) received from the unit.

(6-3) Other Examples of State Acquisition Unit

The state acquisition unit (80) may have a different configuration as long as it is capable of acquiring the state information of the person present in the indoor space (I). Specifically, the state acquisition unit (80) may include another sensor instead of the infrared ray sensor (56). The infrared ray sensor (56) constitutes a headcount sensor for identifying the number of target persons (T). The infrared ray sensor (56) constitutes a location detector for identifying the locations of the target persons (T). The infrared ray sensor (56) constitutes a posture detector for identifying the postures of the target persons (T). The infrared ray sensor (56) constitutes a physique detector for identifying the physiques of the target persons (T). The headcount sensor, the location detector, the posture detector, and the physique detector may be, for example, imaging devices that capture still images or moving images of the target persons (T). In this case, the imaging device may be a thermal camera.

The first arithmetic processing unit (81) of the state acquisition unit (80) may be configured as a separate element from the control unit (100). Specifically, for example, the state acquisition unit (80) may be configured as a unit including the sensor described above and the first arithmetic processing unit (81) and may output the state information of the target person (T) acquired by the state acquisition unit (80) to the control unit (100). In this case, the control unit (100) generates the second signal by processing the first signal based on the state information of the target person (T) received from the unit.

(6-4) Other Examples of Control Unit

The control unit (100) may be provided in a communicative management device for the air conditioner (10). The management device is, for example, a server device, a centralized management device, or a terminal device. The terminal device may be a smartphone or a tablet terminal owned by the user.

(6-5) Other Examples of Air Conditioner

The air conditioner (10) is a pair-type air conditioner including one indoor unit (30) and one outdoor unit (20). However, the air conditioner (10) may be of an indoor-multi-type air conditioner including two or more indoor units (30), or of an outdoor-multi-type air conditioner including two or more outdoor units (20).

The air conditioner (10) may be a ventilator configured to provide air ventilation, an air purifier configured to purify air, or a humidity control apparatus configured to humidify or dehumidify air. In other words, the “air conditioning” described herein means not only temperature control of air but also ventilation of air, purification of air, and humidity control of air.

While the embodiment and variation thereof have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. The elements according to the embodiment, the variations thereof, and the other embodiments may be combined and replaced with each other.

The expressions such as “first,” “second,” “third,” . . . , described above are used to distinguish the terms to which these expressions are given, and do not limit the number and order of the terms.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the present disclosure is useful for an environment control device, an environment adjustment device, an air conditioner, an environment control method, and a program.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES

• • 10 Air Conditioner
  • 57 Radio-Frequency Sensor (Biosensor)
  • 80 State Acquisition Unit
  • 100 Control Unit
  • A Air Conditioning Portion (Environment Adjustment Portion)
  • E Environment Control Device
  • T Target Person