AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to, for example, an air conditioning control system for controlling air conditioning equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literature (PTL) 1 discloses an air conditioning method. In this air conditioning method, the change in skin temperature of the air-conditioned person is predicted from the temperature difference between the current skin temperature of the air-conditioned person and the current indoor temperature, and the indoor temperature is controlled to bring the indoor temperature to a comfortable temperature of the air-conditioned person based on the predicted change in skin temperature.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

• • [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-112680

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The present invention provides an air conditioning control system and the like that can easily perform temperature control that reduces power consumption while making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort.

Solution to Problem

An air conditioning control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an obtainer, a first determiner, a second determiner, and a controller. The obtainer obtains a predetermined time of return to a predetermined space in a facility by a user. The first determiner determines an operation start time based on the predetermined time, a size of the predetermined space, and a capability of air conditioning equipment provided in the predetermined space, the operation start time being before the predetermined time and being a time at which the air conditioning equipment starts operation. The second determiner determines, as a first comfortable temperature, a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time, and determines, as a second comfortable temperature, a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time after elapse of a fixed period from the predetermined time. The controller controls the air conditioning equipment. The controller executes a first control and a second control. In the first control, the controller controls the air conditioning equipment to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to the first comfortable temperature during the period from the operation start time to the predetermined time. In the second control, the controller controls the air conditioning equipment to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to the second comfortable temperature after the predetermined time.

An air conditioning control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes obtaining, determining an operation start time, determining first and second comfortable temperatures, and controlling. In the obtaining, a predetermined time of return to a predetermined space in a facility by a user is obtained. In the determining of the operation start time, the operation start time is determined based on the predetermined time, a size of the predetermined space, and a capability of air conditioning equipment provided in the predetermined space, the operation start time being before the predetermined time and being a time at which the air conditioning equipment starts operation. In the determining of the first and second comfortable temperatures, a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time is determined as the first comfortable temperature, and a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time after elapse of a fixed period from the predetermined time is determined as the second comfortable temperature. In the controlling, the air conditioning equipment is controlled. In the controlling, a first control and a second control are executed. In the first control, the air conditioning equipment is controlled to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to the first comfortable temperature during the period from the operation start time to the predetermined time. In the second control, the air conditioning equipment is controlled to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to the second comfortable temperature after the predetermined time.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The air conditioning control system and the like according to the present invention has an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration including an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates change in set temperature of air conditioning equipment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates problems with an air conditioning control system according to a comparative example.

FIG. 5 illustrates advantages of an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of an air conditioning control system according to a first variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration including an air conditioning control system according to a second variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of an air conditioning control system according to a second variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates change in set temperature of air conditioning equipment according to a second variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment described below illustrates a general or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, elements, the arrangement and connection of the elements, steps, order of the steps, etc., shown in the following embodiments are mere examples, and therefore do not limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, among the elements in the following embodiments, those not recited in any of the independent claims are described as optional elements.

Note that the figures are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily precise illustrations. In the figures, elements that are essentially the same share the same reference signs, and repeated description may be omitted or simplified in some cases.

1. Overall Configuration

First, the overall configuration including the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration including air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment. Air conditioning control system 100 is a system for controlling the temperature (room temperature) of a predetermined space within a facility by controlling air conditioning equipment 2 provided in the predetermined space.

In the embodiment, the facility is a residential facility such as a detached house or an apartment building, and the predetermined space is a room such as a living room within the residential facility. Note that the facility is not limited to a residential facility, and may be a facility other than a residential facility, such as an office building. Moreover, the predetermined space may be, for example, an office or the like within an office building. Air conditioning equipment 2 may be provided as only one unit in the predetermined space, or a plurality of units may be provided. The description that follows assumes that one unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is provided in the predetermined space.

In the embodiment, air conditioning equipment 2 is an indoor unit of a household air conditioner, but for example, if the predetermined space is a relatively large space such as an office, it may be an indoor unit of a commercial air conditioner. In the embodiment, air conditioning equipment 2 is capable of performing both cooling and heating. Note that air conditioning equipment 2 may be configured to be capable of only performing cooling, or may be configured to be capable of only performing heating.

In the embodiment, the temperature of the predetermined space is based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor included in air conditioning equipment 2. For example, when one unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is provided in the predetermined space, the temperature of the predetermined space is a temperature based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor included in air conditioning equipment 2. For example, when a plurality of units of air conditioning equipment 2 are provided in the predetermined space, the temperature of the predetermined space is a temperature based on a representative value (for example, an average value) of the temperatures detected by a plurality of temperature sensors respectively included in the plurality of units of air conditioning equipment 2. Note that when a temperature sensor is provided in the predetermined space, the temperature of the predetermined space may be a temperature based on the temperature detected by that temperature sensor.

In the embodiment, air conditioning control system 100 is implemented by server 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Server 10 is configured to be capable of communicating with air conditioning equipment 2 via network N1, one example of which is the internet. Server 10 is configured to be capable of communicating with input device 3 via network N1, one example of which is the internet. The communication between server 10 and air conditioning equipment 2 may be wireless or wired communication. The communication between server 10 and input device 3 may be wireless or wired communication.

Input device 3 is an information terminal possessed by a user, for example. The information terminal may include a terminal that can be carried by a user, such as a smartphone or tablet terminal, for example. Input device 3 is configured to accept various inputs from a user and to transmit information based on the accepted inputs to air conditioning control system 100. For example, input device 3 accepts input of a predetermined time of return to the predetermined space in the facility by the user. In the following description, the predetermined time will be referred to as a “home return time” because the facility is a residential facility, as described above.

2. Configuration of Air Conditioning Control System

Air conditioning control system 100 includes obtainer 11, first determiner 12, second determiner 13, controller 14, and storage 15. Note that it is sufficient if air conditioning control system 100 includes at least obtainer 11, first determiner 12, second determiner 13, and controller 14; air conditioning control system 100 need not include storage 15.

Obtainer 11 obtains a predetermined time of return to the predetermined space in the facility by the user (i.e., the “home return time” at which the user will return home). In the embodiment, obtainer 11 obtains the home return time accepted as input at input device 3 by communicating with input device 3. Obtainer 11 generally obtains the home return time each time input of the home return time is accepted at input device 3, that is, each time the user returns home. Note that if the user's daily home return time is the same, the user need not input the home return time at input device 3 each time the user returns home.

Note that if obtainer 11 can obtain a history of the position of input device 3 (that is, a history of the user's position) by, for example, communicating with input device 3, obtainer 11 may estimate and obtain the home return time based on the history of the user's position. The position of input device 3 can be obtained by using the function of a positioning system such as global positioning system (GPS) included in input device 3, for example.

First determiner 12 determines an operation start time based on the predetermined time (home return time) obtained by obtainer 11, the size of the predetermined space, and the capability of air conditioning equipment 2 provided in the predetermined space. The operation start time is a time at which air conditioning equipment 2 starts operation, and is before the predetermined time. For example, first determiner 12 determines an operation start time such that the larger the size of the predetermined space, the longer the period between the predetermined time and the operation start time, and the smaller the size of the predetermined space, the shorter the period between the predetermined time and the operation start time. For example, first determiner 12 determines an operation start time such that the higher the capability of air conditioning equipment 2, the shorter the period between the predetermined time and the operation start time, and the lower the capability of air conditioning equipment 2, the longer the period between the predetermined time and the operation start time. In the embodiment, the size of the predetermined space and the capability of air conditioning equipment 2 are both stored in advance in storage 15 according to inputs accepted by input device 3.

Second determiner 13 determines a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time (home return time) as first comfortable temperature T1 (see FIG. 3 to be described later). Second determiner 13 also determines a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time after elapse of fixed period P1 (for example, several tens of minutes; see FIG. 3 to be described later) from the predetermined time as second comfortable temperature T2 (see FIG. 3 to be described later). In the embodiment, second determiner 13 determines, as second comfortable temperature T2, a representative value (for example, an average value, median value, or mode value, etc.) of the set temperature that the user normally sets the temperature to using a remote controller or input device 3, based on the operation history of air conditioning equipment 2. Second determiner 13 also, for example, if air conditioning equipment 2 is to perform cooling, determines a temperature that is lower than second comfortable temperature T2 by a predetermined temperature (for example, several degrees Celsius) as first comfortable temperature T1, and if air conditioning equipment 2 is to perform heating, determines a temperature that is higher than second comfortable temperature T2 by a predetermined temperature as first comfortable temperature T1.

Note that second determiner 13 may determine, as first comfortable temperature T1, a representative value of the set temperature that the user sets the temperature to using remote controller or input device 3 when the user returns to the predetermined space (i.e., at the home return time), based on the operation history of air conditioning equipment 2. Moreover, when input of first comfortable temperature T1 by the user is accepted at a remote controller or input device 3, second determiner 13 may determine the temperature input by the user as first comfortable temperature T1. Similarly, when input of second comfortable temperature T2 by the user is accepted at a remote controller or input device 3, second determiner 13 may determine the temperature input by the user as second comfortable temperature T2.

Controller 14 controls air conditioning equipment 2. In the embodiment, controller 14 transmits a control signal including control content to air conditioning equipment 2 by communicating with air conditioning equipment 2. When air conditioning equipment 2 receives a control signal, it is controlled according to the control content included in the received control signal.

In the embodiment, controller 14 executes a first control and a second control. In the first control, controller 14 controls air conditioning equipment 2 to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to first comfortable temperature T1 during the period from the operation start time to the predetermined time (home return time). Stated differently, in the first control, controller 14 starts operation of air conditioning equipment 2 before the user returns home, and controls air conditioning equipment 2 so that the temperature of the predetermined space reaches first comfortable temperature T1 at the home return time. The first control will be described in detail in later the section “[3. Operations]”.

In the second control, controller 14 controls air conditioning equipment 2 to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to second comfortable temperature T2 after the predetermined time (home return time). Stated differently, in the second control, controller 14 controls air conditioning equipment 2 to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to a second comfortable temperature that is different from first comfortable temperature T1 after the user has returned home.

Storage 15 is a storage device in which information (computer programs, etc.) necessary for obtainer 11, first determiner 12, second determiner 13, and controller 14 to perform their respective functions is stored. Storage 15 also stores the predetermined time (home return time) obtained by obtainer 11. Storage 15 further stores the operation start time determined by first determiner 12, and first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 determined by second determiner 13. Storage 15 may be implemented by a hard disk drive (HDD), and may be implemented by a semiconductor memory. Any known electronic information storage means may be used to implement storage 15 without particular limitation.

3. Operations

Hereinafter, operations performed by air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates change in set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 3, the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 is represented on the vertical axis, and time is represented on the horizontal axis. The description that follows assumes that no other users are present in the predetermined space in the facility, and that air conditioning equipment 2 is not operating. The description that follows assumes that air conditioning equipment 2 performs cooling.

First, obtainer 11 obtains a predetermined time (home return time) (S101). Next, first determiner 12 determines an operation start time based on the home return time obtained by obtainer 11, the size of the predetermined space, and the capability of air conditioning equipment 2 (S102). Next, second determiner 13 determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 (S103). Note that the order of the processing in step S102 and step S103 is not limited to this order, and may be reversed.

Thereafter, until the current time reaches the operation start time (S104: No), controller 14 does not control air conditioning equipment 2. When the current time reaches the operation start time (S104: Yes), controller 14 executes the first control (S105). More specifically, when the current time reaches the operation start time, controller 14 transmits, to air conditioning equipment 2, a control signal including control content that sets the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 to first comfortable temperature T1. When air conditioning equipment 2 receives the control signal, it sets the set temperature to first comfortable temperature T1, and starts operating. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 is set to first comfortable temperature T1 after the operation start time.

Thereafter, until the current time reaches the home return time (S106: No), controller 14 continues to execute the first control. When the current time reaches the home return time (S106: Yes), controller 14 executes the second control (S107). More specifically, when the current time reaches the home return time, controller 14 transmits, to air conditioning equipment 2, a control signal including control content that sets the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 to a temperature between first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2. When air conditioning equipment 2 receives the control signal, it sets the set temperature to this intermediate temperature, and continues operating. Thereafter, when fixed period P1 has elapsed from the home return time, controller 14 transmits, to air conditioning equipment 2, a control signal including control content that sets the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 to second comfortable temperature T2. When air conditioning equipment 2 receives the control signal, it sets the set temperature to second comfortable temperature T2, and continues operating. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 is set to a temperature between first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 after the home return time, and when fixed period P1 has elapsed from the home return time, the set temperature is set to second comfortable temperature T2.

In the above operation example, step S101 corresponds to the “obtaining” in the air conditioning control method, step S102 corresponds to the “determining” of the operation start time in the air conditioning control method, and step S103 corresponds to the “determining” of the temperatures of the predetermined space in the air conditioning control method. Steps S105 to S107 correspond to the “controlling” in the air conditioning control method.

4. Advantages

Hereinafter, advantages of air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment will be described with comparison to an air conditioning control system according to a comparative example. The air conditioning control system according to the comparative example differs from air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment in that cooling by the air conditioning equipment is started once the user has returned to the predetermined space in the facility (i.e., has returned home) and the user has set the set temperature by themselves upon returning home.

FIG. 4 illustrates problems with the air conditioning control system according to the comparative example. FIG. 5 illustrates advantages of air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment. In (a) in FIG. 4 and (a) in FIG. 5, the room temperature (temperature of the predetermined space) is represented on the vertical axis, and time is represented on the horizontal axis. In (a) in FIG. 4 and (a) in FIG. 5, the solid line represents the change in room temperature, and the broken line represents the temperature at which the user feels comfortable (hereinafter referred to as “user's comfortable temperature”). In (b) in FIG. 4 and (b) in FIG. 5, the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment is represented on the vertical axis, and time is represented on the horizontal axis.

As illustrated in (a) in FIG. 4, in the air conditioning control system according to the comparative example, the air conditioning equipment is not performing cooling when the user returns home. Therefore, for example, immediately after entering indoors from a hot outdoor environment where the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the discrepancy between the user's comfortable temperature and the room temperature is relatively large (see the double-headed arrow on the left side of (a) in FIG. 4), and the user is likely to feel discomfort due to the heat, so the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment is set lower to operate the air conditioning equipment at rapid cooling to lower the room temperature as quickly as possible.

In this context, the user's comfortable temperature tends to be lower when their body has absorbed excess heat, for example, and gradually rises as their body cools down and their metabolic rate decreases. Therefore, by the time the room temperature has decreased due to the rapid cooling by the air conditioning equipment, the user's comfortable temperature has risen, causing another discrepancy between the user's comfortable temperature and the room temperature (see the double-headed arrow on the right side of (a) in FIG. 4), and the user is likely to feel discomfort due to the cold.

As illustrated in (b) in FIG. 4, in the air conditioning control system according to the comparative example, since the rapid cooling by the air conditioning equipment starts from the time when the user returns home, a large load is placed on the air conditioning equipment, reducing the energy consumption efficiency (coefficient of performance (COP)) of the air conditioning equipment, and because excessive cooling continues, power consumption tends to increase.

In this way, in the air conditioning control system according to the comparative example, there is a problem that after the user returns to the predetermined space in the facility, the user is likely to feel discomfort, and power consumption tends to increase.

However, as illustrated in (a) in FIG. 5, in air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, air conditioning equipment 2 performs cooling before the user returns home so that the room temperature is first comfortable temperature T1 at which the user feels comfortable upon returning home. Therefore, for example, even immediately after entering indoors from a hot outdoor environment where the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the discrepancy between the user's comfortable temperature and the room temperature is relatively small, making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort. In air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, air conditioning equipment 2 performs cooling after fixed period P1 has elapsed from the home return time so that the room temperature is second comfortable temperature T2 at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time. Therefore, the room temperature easily follows the user's comfortable temperature, making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort.

As illustrated in (b) in FIG. 5, in air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, since the operation of air conditioning equipment 2 is started in advance before the user returns home, rapid operation is not necessary, making it more likely to increase the energy consumption efficiency of air conditioning equipment 2. Moreover, since excessive cooling is inhibited, power consumption can be effectively reduced.

In this way, in air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is not operated before the user returns to the predetermined space in the facility, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort.

5. Variations

Although the embodiment has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

First Variation

Hereinafter, air conditioning control system 100 according to a first variation of the embodiment will be described. Air conditioning control system 100 according to the first variation differs from air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment in that obtainer 11 further obtains user information regarding user attributes. Air conditioning control system 100 according to the first variation also differs from air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment in that second determiner 13 calculates and determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 based on user information.

Obtainer 11 obtains user information regarding user attributes accepted as input at input device 3 by communicating with input device 3. Note that so long as obtainer 11 obtains user information once, obtainer 11 does not need to obtain user information thereafter unless the user information is updated. In this example, the user attributes include the user's height, weight, age, and gender. The user attributes are used when second determiner 13 calculates the user's metabolic rate. Note that the user attributes are not limited to these parameters, and may include, for example, the user's sensitivity to temperature, such as whether the user is sensitive to heat or cold.

Second determiner 13 calculates and determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 based on the user information. More specifically, second determiner 13 determines, as second comfortable temperature T2, a temperature (temperature of the predetermined space) at which the predicted mean vote (PMV) represented by the following Equation (1) equals 0. The PMV equation is standardized in International Organization for Standardization 7730 (ISO-7730).

[ Math . 1 ]  P ⁢ M ⁢ V = L ⁡ ( 0 . 3 ⁢ 0 ⁢ 3 ⁢ e - 0 . 0 ⁢ 3 ⁢ 6 ⁢ M + 0 . 0 ⁢ 28 ) ( 1 )

In Equation (1), L represents the heat load of the human body, and M represents the user's metabolic rate. L is represented by the following Equation (2).

[ Math . 2 ]  L = ( M - W ) - E d - E s - E r ⁢ e - C r ⁢ e - R - C ( 2 )

In Equation (2), W represents mechanical work, Ed represents insensible perspiration, Es represents evaporative heat loss due to sweating, Ere represents latent heat loss due to respiration, Cre represents sensible heat loss due to respiration, R represents radiative heat loss, and C represents convective heat loss. Although a detailed explanation is omitted here, L includes the air temperature (temperature of the predetermined space) as a variable.

The metabolic rate M can be calculated using, for example, Ganpule's equation, Harris-Benedict equation, Schofield equation, FAO/WHO/UNU, or DuBois equation. As an example, in Ganpule's equation, the basal metabolic rate for men, BMR_M, is represented by the following Equation (3), and the basal metabolic rate for women, BMR_F, is represented by the following Equation (4).

[ Math . 3 ]  BMR_M = 1 ⁢ 0 ⁢ 0 ⁢ 0 4 . 1 ⁢ 8 ⁢ 6 ⁢ ( 0 . 0 ⁢ 4 ⁢ 8 ⁢ 1 ⁢ W + 0 . 0 ⁢ 2 ⁢ 3 ⁢ 4 ⁢ H - 0 . 0 ⁢ 1 ⁢ 3 ⁢ 8 ⁢ A - 0 . 4 ⁢ 2 ⁢ 35 ) ( 3 ) BMR_F = 1 ⁢ 0 ⁢ 0 ⁢ 0 4 . 1 ⁢ 8 ⁢ 6 ⁢ ( 0 . 0 ⁢ 4 ⁢ 8 ⁢ 1 ⁢ W + 0 . 0 ⁢ 2 ⁢ 3 ⁢ 4 ⁢ H - 0 . 0 ⁢ 1 ⁢ 3 ⁢ 8 ⁢ A - 0 .9708 ) ( 4 )

In Equations (3) and (4), W represents the user's weight (in kilograms (kg)), H represents the user's height (in centimeters (cm)), and A represents the user's age.

Second determiner 13 calculates the user's metabolic rate M using either Equation (3) or (4) based on the user information, and then calculates a temperature (temperature of the predetermined space) at which PMV=0, that is, second comfortable temperature T2, using Equations (1) and (2).

Next, second determiner 13, similarly to the embodiment, for example, if air conditioning equipment 2 is to perform cooling, determines a temperature that is lower than second comfortable temperature T2 by a predetermined temperature (for example, several degrees Celsius) as first comfortable temperature T1, and if air conditioning equipment 2 is to perform heating, determines a temperature that is higher than second comfortable temperature T2 by a predetermined temperature as first comfortable temperature T1.

Here, if obtainer 11 can obtain the user's activity status while out, second determiner 13 may calculate the predetermined temperature based on the user's activity status while out. Obtainer 11 obtains the user's activity status while out accepted as input at input device 3 by, for example, communicating with input device 3. The user's activity status while out can be expressed, for example, by metabolic equivalent of task (METs) indicating the intensity of physical activity. Second determiner 13 may calculate the predetermined temperature such that the larger the METs, the higher the predetermined temperature, and the smaller the METs, the lower the predetermined temperature.

Hereinafter, an operation example of air conditioning control system 100 according to the first variation will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of air conditioning control system 100 according to the first variation of the embodiment. Hereinafter, explanations will be omitted as appropriate for points in common with the operation example of air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment.

First, obtainer 11 obtains a predetermined time (home return time) (S201). Obtainer 11 obtains user information (S202). Next, first determiner 12 determines an operation start time based on the home return time obtained by obtainer 11, the size of the predetermined space, and the capability of air conditioning equipment 2 (S203). Next, second determiner 13 calculates and determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 based on the user information obtained by obtainer 11 (S204). Note that the order of the processing in step S203 and step S204 is not limited to this order, and may be reversed.

Thereafter, until the current time reaches the operation start time (S205: No), controller 14 does not control air conditioning equipment 2. When the current time reaches the operation start time (S205: Yes), controller 14 executes the first control (S206).

Thereafter, until the current time reaches the home return time (S207: No), controller 14 continues to execute the first control. When the current time reaches the home return time (S207: Yes), controller 14 executes the second control (S208).

As described above, in air conditioning control system 100 according to the first variation, there is an advantage that first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 at which the user is likely to feel comfortable can be easily determined, because first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 are calculated according to the user's attributes. In particular, in the first variation, there is an advantage that first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 at which the user is likely to feel comfortable can be easily determined, because the user's metabolic rate can be calculated by referring to the user's height, weight, age, and gender.

Second Variation

Hereinafter, air conditioning control system 100 according to a second variation of the embodiment will be described. Air conditioning control system 100 according to the second variation differs from air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment in that it includes evaluator 16. Air conditioning control system 100 according to the second variation also differs from air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment in that it determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 according to the evaluation result of evaluator 16. Note that hereinafter, similarly to the first variation, although it will be explained that obtainer 11 obtains user information, and second determiner 13 determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 based on the user information, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, similarly to the embodiment, obtainer 11 may not obtain user information, and second determiner 13 may determine first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 without depending on user information.

Evaluator 16 evaluates the presence or absence of another user different from the user in the predetermined space. Stated differently, evaluator 16 determines whether or not another user is in the predetermined space while the user is out. More specifically, evaluator 16 obtains the state of air conditioning equipment 2 by communicating with air conditioning equipment 2, evaluates that another user is in the predetermined space if air conditioning equipment 2 is operating, and evaluates that no other user is in the predetermined space if operation of air conditioning equipment 2 is stopped.

Note that evaluator 16 may obtain the position of the information terminal by communicating with an information terminal such as a smartphone possessed by another user, evaluate that another user is in predetermined space if the information terminal is in the predetermined space, and evaluate that no other user is in the predetermined space if the information terminal is not in the predetermined space. The position of the information terminal can be obtained by using the function of a positioning system such as GPS included in the information terminal, for example.

Similarly to the embodiment or first variation, when evaluator 16 evaluates that no other user is in the predetermined space, second determiner 13 determines a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time (home return time) as first comfortable temperature T1, and determines a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time as second comfortable temperature T2.

However, when evaluator 16 evaluates that another user is in the predetermined space, second determiner 13 determines a temperature between the temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time (home return time) and the temperature of the predetermined space at which the other user feels comfortable at a stable time as first comfortable temperature T1. Second determiner 13 also determines a temperature between the temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time and the temperature of the predetermined space at which the other user feels comfortable at a stable time as second comfortable temperature T2.

Here, second determiner 13, for example, obtains the current set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 by communicating with air conditioning equipment 2, and sets this set temperature as the temperature of the predetermined space at which the other user feels comfortable at a stable time. This is because when another user is in the predetermined space, the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 is considered to be set to a temperature at which the other user feels comfortable. Note that second determiner 13 may, if obtainer 11 can obtain information regarding attributes of another user, calculate and determine the temperature of the predetermined space at which the other user feels comfortable at a stable time based on the attributes of the other user.

Hereinafter, an operation example of air conditioning control system 100 according to the second variation will be described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of air conditioning control system 100 according to the second variation of the embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates change in set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 according to the second variation of the embodiment. In FIG. 9, the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 is represented on the vertical axis, and time is represented on the horizontal axis. Hereinafter, explanations will be omitted as appropriate for points in common with the operation example of air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment.

First, obtainer 11 obtains a predetermined time (home return time) (S301). Obtainer 11 obtains user information (S302). Next, first determiner 12 determines an operation start time based on the home return time obtained by obtainer 11, the size of the predetermined space, and the capability of air conditioning equipment 2 (S303).

Next, when evaluator 16 evaluates that no other user is in (present in) the predetermined space (S304: No), second determiner 13 calculates and determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 based on the user information obtained by obtainer 11 (S305).

However, when evaluator 16 evaluates that another user is present in the predetermined space (S304: Yes), second determiner 13 determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 based on the information of the other user (S306). More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, second determiner 13 determines a temperature between temperature T11 of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time (home return time) and temperature T3 of the predetermined space at which the other user feels comfortable at a stable time, as first comfortable temperature T1. Second determiner 13 also determines a temperature between temperature T21 of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time and temperature T3 of the predetermined space at which the other user feels comfortable at a stable time, as second comfortable temperature T2. Note that the order of the processing in step S303 and steps S304 to S306 is not limited to this order, and may be reversed.

Thereafter, until the current time reaches the operation start time (S307: No), controller 14 maintains control of air conditioning equipment 2. Stated differently, if another user is in the predetermined space, controller 14 continues operation of air conditioning equipment 2, and if another user is not in the predetermined space, controller 14 maintains a state in which operation of air conditioning equipment 2 is stopped. When the current time reaches the operation start time (S307: Yes), controller 14 executes the first control (S308).

Thereafter, until the current time reaches the home return time (S309: No), controller 14 continues to execute the first control. When the current time reaches the home return time (S309: Yes), controller 14 executes the second control (S310).

As described above, in air conditioning control system 100 according to the second variation, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to make it less likely for both the user returning to the predetermined space and another user who is already in the predetermined space to feel discomfort, because first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 are determined taking into consideration the other user.

Other Variations

In the embodiment, in the second control, controller 14 changes the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 from first comfortable temperature T1 to second comfortable temperature T2 in step changes, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, if the difference between first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 is relatively small, controller 14 may set the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 to second comfortable temperature T2 at the time when the predetermined time (home return time) is reached in the second control.

Moreover, for example, if controller 14 is capable of communicating with a device that can measure the user's skin temperature, such as an infrared camera provided in the predetermined space, controller 14 may change the set temperature of air conditioning equipment 2 from first comfortable temperature T1 to second comfortable temperature T2 based on the user's skin temperature.

In the embodiment, air conditioning equipment 2 is not included as an element of air conditioning control system 100, but air conditioning equipment 2 may be included as an element of air conditioning control system 100. Stated differently, air conditioning control system 100 may further include air conditioning equipment 2 provided in the predetermined space.

In the embodiment, controller 14 is included in server 10, but this example is non-limiting. For example, controller 14 may be implemented by a module different from server 10. In such cases, the module including controller 14 may be configured to be capable of communicating with server 10, and configured to be capable of communicating with air conditioning equipment 2.

The air conditioning control system may be implemented by a plurality of devices (for example, a plurality of servers), and, alternatively, may be implemented as a single device (for example, a single server). When the air conditioning control system is implemented by a plurality of devices, the elements (in particular, functional elements) included in the air conditioning control system may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices.

The communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In communication between devices, a relay device (such as a broadband router) that is not shown may intervene.

In the above embodiment, processing performed by a particular processing unit may be performed by a different processing unit. The order of the plurality of processes may be changed, and the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

In the above embodiment, each element may be implemented by executing a software program suitable for the element. Each element may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Each element may be implemented by hardware. For example, each element may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute a single circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. These circuits may each be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

General or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus or device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Any given combination of a system, an apparatus or device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium may be used to realize the aspects.

For example, the present invention may be realized as an information processing method executed by a computer of the air conditioning control system of the above embodiment. The present invention may be realized as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute these information processing methods. The present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

Embodiments arrived at by a person skilled in the art making various modifications to any one of the embodiments, or embodiments realized by arbitrarily combining elements and functions in the embodiments which do not depart from the essence of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

SUMMARY

As described above, air conditioning control system 100 according to a first aspect includes obtainer 11, first determiner 12, second determiner 13, and controller 14. Obtainer 11 obtains a predetermined time of return to the predetermined space in the facility by the user. First determiner 12 determines an operation start time based on the predetermined time, a size of the predetermined space, and a capability of air conditioning equipment 2 provided in the predetermined space, the operation start time being before the predetermined time and being a time at which air conditioning equipment 2 starts operation. Second determiner 13 determines, as first comfortable temperature T1, a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time, and determines, as second comfortable temperature T2, a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time after elapse of fixed period P1 from the predetermined time. Controller 14 controls air conditioning equipment 2. Controller 14 executes a first control and a second control. In the first control, controller 14 controls air conditioning equipment 2 to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to first comfortable temperature T1 during the period from the operation start time to the predetermined time. In the second control, controller 14 controls air conditioning equipment 2 to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to second comfortable temperature T2 after the predetermined time.

In this air conditioning control system 100, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is not operated before the user returns to the predetermined space in the facility, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a second aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to the first aspect, wherein obtainer 11 further obtains user information related to an attribute of the user. Second determiner 13 calculates and determines first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 based on the user information.

In this air conditioning control system 100, there is an advantage that first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 at which the user is likely to feel comfortable can be easily determined, because first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 are calculated according to the user's attributes.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a third aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to the second aspect, wherein the user attribute includes a height, a weight, an age, and a gender of the user.

In this air conditioning control system 100, there is an advantage that first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 at which the user is likely to feel comfortable can be easily determined, because the user's metabolic rate can be calculated by referring to the user's height, weight, age, and gender.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a fourth aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to any one of the first to third aspects, further including evaluator 16 that evaluates presence or absence of another user, different from the user, in the predetermined space. When evaluator 16 evaluates that another user is in the predetermined space, second determiner 13 determines a temperature between the temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time and the temperature of the predetermined space at which the other user feels comfortable at the stable time as first comfortable temperature T1. Second determiner 13 also determines a temperature between the temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the stable time and the temperature of the predetermined space at which the other user feels comfortable at the stable time as second comfortable temperature T2.

In this air conditioning control system 100, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to make it less likely for both the user returning to the predetermined space and another user who is already in the predetermined space to feel discomfort, because first comfortable temperature T1 and second comfortable temperature T2 are determined taking into consideration the other user.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a fifth aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including air conditioning equipment 2 provided in the predetermined space.

In this air conditioning control system 100, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is not operated before the user returns to the predetermined space in the facility, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort.

An air conditioning control method according to a sixth aspect includes obtaining (S101), determining an operation start time (S102), determining first and second comfortable temperatures (S103), and controlling (S105 to S107). In the obtaining, a predetermined time of return to a predetermined space in a facility by a user is obtained. In the determining of the operation start time, the operation start time is determined based on the predetermined time, a size of the predetermined space, and a capability of air conditioning equipment 2 provided in the predetermined space, the operation start time being before the predetermined time and being a time at which air conditioning equipment 2 starts operation. In the determining of the first and second comfortable temperatures, a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at the predetermined time is determined as first comfortable temperature T1, and a temperature of the predetermined space at which the user feels comfortable at a stable time after elapse of fixed period P1 from the predetermined time is determined as second comfortable temperature T2. In the controlling, air conditioning equipment 2 is controlled. In the controlling, a first control and a second control are executed. In the first control, air conditioning equipment 2 is controlled to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to first comfortable temperature T1 during the period from the operation start time to the predetermined time. In the second control, air conditioning equipment 2 is controlled to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to second comfortable temperature T2 after the predetermined time.

In this air conditioning control method, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is not operated before the user returns to the predetermined space in the facility, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort.

A program according to a seventh aspect causes one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method according to the sixth aspect.

In this program, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is not operated before the user returns to the predetermined space in the facility, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making it less likely for the user to feel discomfort.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• • 100 air conditioning control system
  • 11 obtainer
  • 12 first determiner
  • 13 second determiner
  • 14 controller
  • 16 evaluator
  • 2 air conditioning equipment
  • P1 fixed period
  • T1 first comfortable temperature
  • T2 second comfortable temperature