JP2007078270A - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioning system capable of adjusting to an air conditioning environment desired by a user while reducing a burden on a user regarding air conditioning setting operation regarding air conditioning.
An air conditioning system 100 that performs air conditioning in an air conditioning area targeted by each of a plurality of air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 includes a detection device 60 and a control device 40. The detection device 60 detects an air-conditioning area where the user has made a gesture or utterance and where the user has made a gesture or utterance. The control device 70 identifies the air-conditioning devices 10, 20, and 30 that perform air-conditioning for the air-conditioning area detected by the detection device 60, and gesture / speech pattern data D1 or combination pattern data D2 predetermined for the intention display by the user. The air conditioning control of the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 specified based on the air conditioning setting data D4 corresponding to is performed.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, and more particularly to an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning in an air conditioning area targeted by each of a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses.

In general, as an air conditioning control system constituted by a plurality of air conditioning devices, an air conditioning system in which each air conditioning device is allocated and installed in each area to be air-conditioned used by a plurality of users and air conditioning control is performed is known. ing.
For example, the air conditioning system shown in Patent Document 1 below includes a plurality of air conditioners assigned to each area, a controller provided for each of the plurality of air conditioners, and the like. As a result, even if the area to be air-conditioned is used by multiple users, operating the controller of the air-conditioning system targeting the area where the setting of the air-conditioning is desired can be operated. Settings can be changed.
JP 11-39570 A

  In such a conventional air conditioning system, the user needs to be aware of at least the following two points when he / she wants to realize the air conditioning environment he / she desires in the area where he / she is. That is, as a first point, it is necessary to be aware of which air conditioner is air-conditioning for the area in which it is located. Furthermore, as a second point, it is necessary to be aware of which controller is used to operate an air conditioner that is air-conditioning for the area in which it is located. For this reason, when the user desires to realize the air conditioning environment that he / she desires, the user must be aware of these matters and is troublesome. In particular, when a user who frequently moves between a plurality of areas intends to realize an air-conditioning environment he desires at each destination, he / she must be aware of each time the above two points move.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation regarding air conditioning. Is to provide a simple air conditioning system.

  An air conditioning system according to a first aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning in an air conditioning area targeted by each of a plurality of air conditioners, and includes a pattern correspondence storage unit, a intention display detection unit, an air conditioning device correspondence storage unit, and an area A detection unit and a control unit are provided. The pattern correspondence storage unit stores intention display pattern data predetermined for intention display by the user and air conditioning setting data related to air conditioning control settings in association with each other. The intention display detection unit detects the intention display by the user corresponding to the intention display pattern data. The air conditioning device correspondence storage unit stores an air conditioning device and an air conditioning area where the air conditioning device performs air conditioning in association with each other. An area detection part detects the air-conditioning area which the user performed intention display. The control unit specifies an air conditioner that performs air conditioning for the air conditioning area detected by the area detection unit. And a control part performs the air-conditioning control of the air conditioning apparatus specified based on the air-conditioning setting data corresponding to the intention display pattern data which the intention display detection part detected. The air conditioning control here includes basic control such as ON / OFF control that is possible even with a single intention display pattern, and detailed control such as setting temperature up and down that is possible with multiple intention display patterns. Etc. are included.

In an air conditioning system including a plurality of conventional air conditioners, the user needs to move to the position of the air conditioning controller (including the position where the remote control is placed) when changing the operating state. And the user needs to specify the controller corresponding to the air conditioner which is going to change an operation state from several controllers, and is complicated.
On the other hand, in the air conditioning system of the first invention, the control unit grasps the position where the user has made an intention display through detection by the area detection unit regardless of the air conditioning area of the user, and the corresponding air conditioning apparatus Is identified. For this reason, the user does not need to be particularly aware of the identification of the controller corresponding to the air conditioner. When the user performs intention display according to intention display pattern data such as a predetermined gesture or utterance, the intention display detection unit detects the intention display pattern data stored in the pattern correspondence storage unit. And a control part controls the air conditioner which air-conditions the air-conditioning area where a user is located based on the air-conditioning setting data corresponding to the detected intention display pattern data. For this reason, the user does not need to move to the position of the controller corresponding to the air conditioner.
This makes it possible to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation regarding air conditioning.

  An air conditioning system according to a second aspect is the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein the pattern correspondence storage unit stores the combination of intention display pattern data and the air conditioning setting data relating to the setting of the air conditioning control in association with each other. Yes. The combinations here include a combination of gestures detected within a predetermined time, a gesture order, a combination of utterances, a utterance order, a combination of gestures and utterances, and their order.

Here, the air conditioning setting data in the pattern correspondence storage unit is stored in association with a combination of intention display pattern data.
As a result, by storing the air conditioning setting data for each combination, even if there are few types of intention indications to be detected, more air conditioning is required as compared with the case where there is a one-to-one correspondence with the intention indication patterns here. It becomes possible to associate with setting data.

Also, for example, when this system is applied to an air conditioner having many types of air conditioning functions, it is intended to register a one-to-one gesture or the like for executing each function. Then, it is necessary to register the types of gestures corresponding to the number of functions. However, even if you try to register many types of gestures in this way, the number of gestures that humans can take is limited to some extent. It will be. For this reason, if a camera etc. cannot identify and read them clearly, a user's intention display will not be detected and there exists a possibility that the intended operation may not be performed. Also, it is difficult to say that it is user-friendly to memorize such many kinds of gestures.
On the other hand, here, since the air conditioning setting data is stored in correspondence with the combination of intention displays, it is possible to reduce the pattern of intention display that is the basis of the combination. As a result, the burden on the user to remember the intention display corresponding to the preset data is also reduced.

  The air conditioning system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the intention display pattern data includes data relating to a predetermined gesture performed by the user as an intention display. The intention display detection unit includes a gesture detection camera that detects a predetermined gesture of the user, and detects the intention display by the user based on image data obtained from the gesture detection camera. Note that the gestures here include not only making the system a certain type, but also movements and movements by appropriate gestures and the like.

Here, when the user intends to change the setting of the air conditioning, the user can convey the intention display to the gesture detection camera in a remote place by performing a gesture on the spot.
Thereby, when changing the setting of the air conditioning, the user can change the setting by simply taking a predetermined gesture as an intention display without moving to the position of the controller.

The air conditioning system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the intention display pattern data includes data relating to a predetermined utterance that the user performs as intention display. The intention display detection unit includes a voice detection microphone that detects a user's utterance, and detects a user's intention display based on voice data obtained from the voice detection microphone.
Here, when the user intends to change the setting of the air conditioning, the user can convey the intention display to the voice detection microphone in a remote place by performing a predetermined utterance on the spot.
Thereby, when changing the setting of the air conditioning, the user can change the setting by simply performing a predetermined utterance as an intention display without moving to the position of the controller.

  An air conditioning system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the pattern correspondence storage unit includes ON / OFF control of the air conditioner and an air conditioning function possessed by the air conditioner. At least any two or more air conditioning setting data of ON / OFF control of the air conditioning apparatus and adjustment control of the output level of the air conditioning function of the air conditioning apparatus is stored in association with the intention display pattern data.

Here, the pattern correspondence storage unit is associated with intention display pattern data, and the air conditioner has ON / OFF control of the air conditioner, ON / OFF control of the air conditioner function of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner. At least any two or more data with the adjustment control of the output level of the air conditioning function is stored. For this reason, not only one type of ON / OFF control is performed by intention display, but also separate control (for example, adjustment control of output level) can be performed by intention display.
This makes it possible to perform more detailed air conditioning settings while reducing the burden on the user.

An air conditioning system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system of the third aspect, wherein the area detection unit includes a position detection camera that detects an air conditioning area by detecting a movement when the user takes a predetermined gesture. ing. Note that the position detection camera here may be configured as the same device as the gesture detection camera.
Here, the position of the user at the time when a gesture is taken in the air-conditioning area by the position detection camera is grasped.
Thereby, it becomes possible to change the setting of the air-conditioning apparatus that performs air-conditioning for a position that exists when the user performs intention display.

The air conditioning system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system of the fifth aspect, wherein the area detection unit has a position detection microphone that detects the air conditioning area when the user detects a predetermined utterance. The position detection microphone here may be configured as the same device as the voice detection microphone.
Here, the position of the user at the time when the utterance is performed in the air-conditioned area by the position detection microphone is grasped.
Thereby, it becomes possible to change the setting of the air-conditioning apparatus that performs air-conditioning for a position that exists when the user performs intention display.

  An air conditioning system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the area detection unit includes a plurality of transmitters that are held by the user and each transmit a unique signal, and transmission And three or more receivers for receiving signals from the machine. The pattern correspondence storage unit stores the intention display for each user as intention display pattern data in association with a signal specific to the transmitter. The transmitter and receiver here include, for example, an RFID tag and a tag reader, a wireless LAN card and a wireless LAN access point, and the like.

In general, users who use an air conditioning system have slightly different height, appearance, voice quality and the like for each user. For this reason, even if the same gesture is taken, if the height and appearance are special, it is a problem whether sufficient detection accuracy can be secured.
In contrast, in the air conditioning system according to the eighth aspect of the invention, each user has a transmitter that transmits a unique signal, and three or more receivers receive these signals. Thereby, not only the position of the user can be grasped by three-point surveying or the like, but the position of each user can be grasped individually. The user's position can also be grasped by defining the reception range of each receiver. The pattern correspondence storage unit stores the intention display for each user as the intention display pattern data in association with the unique signal of the transmitter. For this reason, it becomes possible to detect a user's intention display data pattern specific to the unique signal transmitted by the transmitter.
Thereby, even when a plurality of users perform intention display, since the intention display pattern data is stored for each user, it is possible to suppress a decrease in detection accuracy due to a difference in intention display for each user.

  An air conditioning system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects of the invention, wherein the user stores predetermined air conditioning setting data relating to the air conditioning setting for each user in association with each user. A setting storage unit is further provided.

Here, in the user setting storage unit, the air conditioning control can be performed by the air conditioning setting data for each user stored in association with each user. In addition, by setting the user's preferred air conditioning environment in the air conditioning setting data for each user, each user can obtain the air conditioning environment that he / she basically desires without displaying his / her intention. Can do. For this reason, the user only displays the intention such as a gesture only when the desired air-conditioning environment changes from time to time, that is, only when an air-conditioning environment other than the preset preference air-conditioning environment is desired. It becomes enough.
Thereby, the convenience of the air conditioning system can be improved.

  An air conditioning system according to a tenth aspect of the invention is an air conditioning system that individually performs air conditioning for a plurality of areas, and includes a pattern correspondence storage unit, a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses, and a control unit. The pattern correspondence storage unit stores intention display pattern data predetermined for intention display by the user and air conditioning setting data related to air conditioning control settings in association with each other. The plurality of air conditioners have an in-area detection unit that performs air conditioning on an air-conditioning area within a predetermined range and detects a user's intention display corresponding to intention display pattern data performed in the air-conditioning area. A control part carries out air-conditioning control of the air-conditioning apparatus which has the in-area detection part which performed the detection based on the air-conditioning setting data corresponding to the detected intention display pattern data. The air conditioning control here includes basic control such as ON / OFF control that is possible even with a single intention display pattern, and detailed control such as setting temperature up and down that is possible with multiple intention display patterns. Etc. are included.

In an air conditioning system including a plurality of conventional air conditioners, the user needs to move to the position of the air conditioning controller (including the position where the remote control is placed) when changing the operating state. And the user needs to specify the controller corresponding to the air conditioner which is going to change an operation state from several controllers, and is complicated.
On the other hand, in the air conditioning system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when the user makes an intention display in any air conditioning area of any air conditioning apparatus, detection in the area of the air conditioning apparatus that air-conditions the corresponding air conditioning area. Part detects. And the air conditioner which has the detection part in a detected area among several air conditioners air-conditions for an own air-conditioning area. For this reason, the user does not need to be particularly aware of the identification of the controller corresponding to the air conditioner. In addition, when the user performs intention display according to intention display pattern data such as a predetermined gesture or utterance, the in-area detection unit detects it as intention display pattern data stored in the pattern correspondence storage unit. And about the air conditioning which made the air conditioning apparatus which has the detection part in a detected area the self air conditioning area object, a control part makes an air conditioning apparatus based on the air-conditioning setting data corresponding to the detected intention display pattern data. Control. For this reason, the user does not need to move to the position of the controller corresponding to the air conditioner. The air conditioner is controlled based on the air conditioning setting data corresponding to the detected intention display pattern data.

This makes it possible to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation regarding air conditioning.
Of the plurality of air conditioners, the air conditioner detected by the in-area detection unit is automatically air-conditioned, so that the air-conditioning area where the intention is displayed by the user and the air-conditioning area are air-conditioned. Data and processing for associating with the air conditioner to be performed become unnecessary.

  An air conditioning system according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is an air conditioning system that individually performs air conditioning for a plurality of areas, and includes a plurality of air conditioning devices and a control unit. The plurality of air conditioners perform air conditioning on an air conditioning area within a predetermined range, and store intention display pattern data predetermined for intention display by the user and air conditioning setting data related to air conditioning control settings in association with each other. A pattern correspondence storage unit and an in-area detection unit for detecting intention display by a user corresponding to intention display pattern data performed in the air-conditioning area are provided. A control part carries out air-conditioning control of the air-conditioning apparatus which has the in-area detection part which performed the detection based on the air-conditioning setting data corresponding to the detected intention display pattern data. The air conditioning control here includes basic control such as ON / OFF control that is possible even with a single intention display pattern, and detailed control such as setting temperature up and down that is possible with multiple intention display patterns. Etc. are included.

In an air conditioning system including a plurality of conventional air conditioners, the user needs to move to the position of the air conditioning controller (including the position where the remote control is placed) when changing the operating state. And the user needs to specify the controller corresponding to the air conditioner which is going to change an operation state from several controllers, and is complicated.
In contrast, in the air conditioning system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, if the user makes an intention display in any air conditioning area of any air conditioning apparatus, the in-area detection of the air conditioning apparatus that air-conditions the corresponding air conditioning area. Part detects. And the air conditioner which has the detection part in a detected area among several air conditioners air-conditions for an own air-conditioning area. For this reason, the user does not need to be particularly aware of the identification of the controller corresponding to the air conditioner. In addition, when the user performs intention display according to intention display pattern data such as a predetermined gesture or utterance, the in-area detection unit detects it as intention display pattern data stored in the pattern correspondence storage unit. The detection as intention display pattern data here is performed for each air conditioner because each air conditioner has an in-area detection unit and a pattern correspondence storage unit. And about the air conditioning which made the air conditioning apparatus which has the detection part in a detected area the air conditioning area made into an object, a control part controls based on the air-conditioning setting data corresponding to an intention display. For this reason, the user does not need to move to the position of the controller corresponding to the air conditioner.

This makes it possible to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation regarding air conditioning.
Of the plurality of air conditioners, the air conditioner detected by the in-area detection unit is automatically air-conditioned, so that the air-conditioning area where the intention is displayed by the user and the air-conditioning area are air-conditioned. Data and processing for associating with the air conditioner to be performed become unnecessary. Further, since each air conditioner has the pattern correspondence storage unit, data and processing for associating the detected intention display pattern data with the air conditioning setting data become unnecessary.

In the air conditioning system according to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation regarding the air conditioning.
In the air conditioning system according to the second aspect of the present invention, even if the type of intention display to be detected is small, it can be associated with more air conditioning setting data as compared with the case where there is a one-to-one correspondence with the intention display pattern. It becomes possible.

In the air conditioning system according to the third aspect of the present invention, the setting can be changed by simply taking a predetermined gesture as an intention display without moving to the position of the controller.
In the air conditioning system according to the fourth aspect of the invention, when changing the air conditioning setting, the user can change the setting by simply performing a predetermined utterance as an intention display without moving to the position of the controller.

In the air conditioning system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to perform more detailed air conditioning settings while reducing the burden on the user.
In the air conditioning system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change the setting of the air conditioning apparatus that performs air conditioning for a position that exists when the user makes an intention display.
In the air conditioning system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change the setting of the air conditioning apparatus that performs air conditioning for a position that exists when the user makes an intention display.

In the air conditioning system according to the eighth aspect of the invention, even if a plurality of users make intentions, the intention display pattern data is stored for each user, so the detection accuracy is reduced due to differences in intentions for each user. Can be suppressed.
In the air conditioning system according to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the air conditioning system.

In the air conditioning system according to the tenth aspect of the invention, it is possible to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation.
In the air conditioning system according to the eleventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation regarding the air conditioning.

<Outline of the invention>
The present invention provides an air conditioning system that individually controls a plurality of air conditioners. In this air conditioning system, by detecting the user's position and intention display, control is performed to identify the nearest air conditioner that performs air conditioning control and the control content. For this reason, even when a plurality of air conditioners are provided, it is not necessary for the user to move to a remote controller to be operated, and an operation such as specifying a remote controller to be operated from among the plurality of remote controllers becomes unnecessary. . The present invention is characterized in that the air conditioning environment desired by the user can be provided while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation regarding air conditioning.

Hereinafter, an air conditioning system in which an embodiment of the present invention is adopted will be described in detail.
<Schematic configuration of the entire air conditioning system 100>
As shown in the schematic configuration diagram of FIG. 1 and the block configuration diagram of FIG. 2, the air conditioning system 100 mainly includes a plurality of air conditioners (first air conditioner 10, second air conditioner 20, and third air conditioner 30). And a control device 40 connected to each air conditioner 10, 20, 30 and the detection device 60, and the like.

  The first air conditioner 10 is operated by a control signal from the first remote controller 11 to perform air conditioning on the air conditioning area A1. Similarly, the second air conditioner 20 performs air conditioning on the second air conditioning area A2 by being operated by a control signal from the second remote controller 21. In addition, the third air conditioner performs air conditioning on the third air conditioning area A3 by being operated by a control signal from the third remote controller 31. Moreover, each of these air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 change the setting of an air conditioning, when the control command based on the intention display from a user is received from the control apparatus 40. FIG.

The detection device 60 is a device that detects image data and audio data for users in the air conditioning areas A1 to A3, and includes a detection camera 61 and a detection microphone 62.
The detection camera 61 acquires image data in the air conditioning areas A1 to A3. Here, the detection camera 61 is provided so as to be attached to a lighting fixture or the like in the vicinity of the ceiling of the air conditioning areas A1 to A3, and detects the image data as gesture data and position data as a user's intention display. The gesture data and position data detected in this way are transmitted to the control device 40 for evaluation and analysis.

  The detection microphone 62 acquires audio data in the air conditioning areas A1 to A3. Similarly, the detection microphone 62 is attached to a lighting fixture near the ceiling of the air-conditioning areas A1 to A3, and detects voice data as voice data and position data as a user's intention display. Similarly to the gesture, the sound data and the position data detected in this way are transmitted to the control device 40 for evaluation and analysis.

The control device 40 includes a memory 50, a control unit 70, and a display unit 80.
The memory 50 stores gesture / voice pattern data D1, combination data D2, area corresponding device data D3, air conditioning setting data D4, and the like.
The air conditioning setting data D4 is data used when controlling the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30, for example, control for starting / stopping the air conditioning operation, cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, and these Data about strength settings.

  The gesture / speech pattern data D1 includes a plurality of types of image data and a plurality of types of sound data set in advance for grasping the intention display by the user, such as gestures and utterances, and air conditioning setting data according to the combination contents. It is stored in association with each setting data of D4. For example, as preset image data, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the detection camera 61 detects a gesture in which the user crosses both hands above the head. The control unit 70 of the control device 40 analyzes the image data transmitted from the detection device 60 and determines whether the data is stored in the gesture / speech pattern data D1 of the memory 50. Here, only when the control unit 70 determines that the data is stored as gesture / speech pattern data D1, the control unit 70 grasps the air conditioning operation start / stop signal based on the corresponding air conditioning setting data D4. Each air conditioner 10, 20, 30 is controlled. The detection camera 61 detects a gesture in which the user raises his right arm. The control unit 70 of the control device 40 analyzes the image data transmitted from the detection device 60 and determines whether the data is stored in the gesture / speech pattern data D1 of the memory 50. Here, only when the control unit 70 determines that the data is stored as gesture / speech pattern data D1, it is grasped as a signal for raising the air conditioning set temperature by 1 ° C. based on the corresponding air conditioning setting data D4. The air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 are controlled.

  The same applies to the utterance. As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the detection microphone 62 detects the utterance of “starting operation” or “ending operation” by the user. To do. And the control part 70 of the control apparatus 40 and the control part 70 of the control apparatus 40 analyze the audio | voice data transmitted from the detection apparatus 60, and are stored in the gesture and utterance pattern data D1 of the memory 50. FIG. Determine whether the data. Here, only when the control unit 70 determines that the data is stored as gesture / speech pattern data D1, the control unit 70 grasps the air conditioning operation start / stop signal based on the corresponding air conditioning setting data D4. Each air conditioner 10, 20, 30 is controlled. Similarly, the detection microphone 62 detects an utterance by the user that “please raise the temperature by 1 ° C.”. Then, the control unit 70 of the control device 40 analyzes the voice data transmitted from the detection device 60 and determines whether the data is stored in the gesture / speech pattern data D1 of the memory 50. Here, only when the control unit 70 determines that the data is stored as gesture / speech pattern data D1, it is grasped as a signal for raising the air conditioning set temperature by 1 ° C. based on the corresponding air conditioning setting data D4. The air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 are controlled.

  The combination data D2 is data in which a combination of the above-described gesture and utterance is set in advance, and is stored in association with each setting data of the air conditioning setting data D4 according to the combination content. Examples of combinations here include combinations of gestures and gestures, combinations of utterances and utterances, combinations of gestures and utterances, and the like. Then, the detection device 60 detects the combination and order of these gestures and utterances made by the user within a predetermined time (for example, within 5 seconds), and the control unit 70 of the control device 40 transmits from the detection device 60. The received image data and sound data are analyzed to determine whether the data is stored in the combination data D2. Here, only when the control unit 70 determines that the data is stored as the combination data D2, based on the corresponding air conditioning setting data D4, the control unit 70 grasps the air conditioning set temperature as a signal for raising the temperature by 1 ° C., The air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 are controlled. For example, depending on the combination, control is performed so that the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 are equipped with an operation mode that performs functions such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and humidification, and the setting of the strength level of these operation modes Control will be performed.

The area corresponding device data D3 is data in which the air conditioning devices 10, 20, and 30 that perform air conditioning in the air conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3 are associated with each other.
The control unit 70 analyzes the data transmitted from the detection device 60 in order to detect the position of the user when the user makes a gesture or utterance as an intention display. As a result, when the intention display such as gesture or utterance is performed, it is grasped in which air conditioning area A1, A2, A3 the user is present. And the control part 70 carries out air-conditioning control about the air-conditioner 10, 20, and 30 which air-conditions air-conditioning area A1, A2, A3 in which the user who performed intention display, such as gesture and utterance, exists. The air conditioning control here reflects the contents of intention display such as gestures and utterances by the user described above.

The display unit 80 receives the status signal controlled by the control unit 70 and displays it on the monitor.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, when the user P1 exists in the air conditioning area A1, the user P2 exists in the air conditioning area A2, and the user P3 exists in the air conditioning area A3, the user P1 desires to start the air conditioning operation. When an intention display gesture is taken, data detected by the detection camera 61 is analyzed by the control unit 70 of the control device 40. Accordingly, the air conditioning setting desired by the user P1 is grasped from the gesture / speech pattern data D1, the combination data D2, and the like. And the control part 70 specifies air-conditioning area A1 where the user P1 who performed the intention display which wants to start operation exists from the position data of the user P1 obtained by analysis. And the control part 70 specifies the 1st air conditioning apparatus 10 as an apparatus which air-conditions air-conditioning area A1 based on the area corresponding | compatible apparatus data D3. Thereby, the control part 70 of the control apparatus 40 starts the driving | operation of the 1st air conditioner 10 so that air conditioning area A1 in which the user P1 exists may be air-conditioned.

<Characteristics of the air conditioning system 100 in this embodiment>
(1)
In an air conditioning system including a plurality of conventional air conditioners, the user needs to move to the position of the air conditioning controller (including the position where the remote control is placed) when changing the operating state. And the user needs to specify the controller corresponding to the air conditioner which is going to change an operation state from several controllers, and is complicated.

  On the other hand, in the air conditioning system 100 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 70 analyzes the data detected by the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 regardless of the air conditioning area A1, A2, or A3 of the user. And the position where the utterance was made And the control part 70 specifies the air conditioner 10, 20, 30 which air-conditions aiming at the position. For this reason, the user does not need to be particularly aware of which remote controller 11, 21, 31 corresponds to the specific air conditioner 10, 20, 30 and can set the air conditioning (see FIG. 5).

  In addition, when the user performs intention display according to gesture / speech pattern data D1 such as predetermined gestures and utterances, the detection device 60 and the control device 70 cooperate to make gesture / speech pattern data D1, Alternatively, it is grasped as one of the combination pattern data D2. And the control apparatus 40 controls based on the air-conditioning setting data D4 which air-conditions 10, 20, and 30 which air-condition air-conditioning area A1, A2, and A3 in which a user is located. For this reason, the user does not need to move to the position where the remote controls 11, 21, 31 corresponding to the air conditioners 10, 20, 30 are placed (see FIG. 5).

Thereby, the air-conditioning environment which a user desires can be provided, reducing the consciousness burden regarding the air-conditioning setting operation of the user regarding air-conditioning.
Further, as an accompanying effect of the air conditioning system 100, for example, when a gesture or the like stored as the gesture / speech pattern data D1 is a simple operation (for example, the arm raising gesture is ON and the arm lowering behavior is OFF). In the case of a simple gesture or the like, a large number of operation buttons are provided, and the operability can be improved as compared with a complicated remote controller.

(2)
In the air conditioning system 100 according to the present embodiment, not only the gesture / voice pattern data D1 but also the combination data D2 is stored in the memory 50 in association with the air conditioning setting data D4.
As a result, the air-conditioning setting data D4 corresponding to each combination of gestures and utterances is stored, so that it is more compared with the case where the gesture and utterance patterns are stored in a one-to-one correspondence. This can be associated with the air conditioning setting data D4.

  In addition, when trying to register a gesture or utterance corresponding to the one-to-one correspondence for executing each function of the air conditioner 10, 20, or 30, the number of types of gestures or utterances corresponding to the number of functions is provided. It becomes necessary to register. However, even when trying to register many types of gestures and utterances in this way, the number of gestures and utterances that humans can take is limited, so the more types of gestures and utterances registered, the more similar it was Gestures and utterances will be registered. For this reason, if the detection camera 61, the detection microphone 62, etc. cannot identify and read them clearly, a user's intention display will not be detected and there exists a possibility that the intended operation may not be performed. Also, it is difficult to say that it is user-friendly to memorize such many kinds of gestures.

On the other hand, in the air conditioning system 100 of the above-described embodiment, the air conditioning setting data D4 is stored in correspondence with the combination of intention display performed by the user, and therefore the intention display pattern that is the basis of the combination can be reduced. Thereby, the user can easily memorize gestures and utterances corresponding to preset data.
(3)
In the air conditioning system 100 according to the present embodiment, when the user intends to change the air conditioning setting, the user makes a predetermined gesture or performs a predetermined utterance on the spot, and the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 provided near the ceiling. You can communicate your intention to. Thereby, when changing the setting of the air conditioning, the user can change the setting only by performing a simple gesture or utterance without moving to the position where the remote controllers 11, 21, and 31 are placed.

  In addition, the content of setting change by intention display is not limited to simple ON / OFF control, and the combination pattern data D2 is stored in the memory 50, so that more complicated intention display such as combining gesture and utterance can be performed. It can be carried out. For example, intention display by a two-stage operation uttered after a gesture, intention display by a three-stage operation uttered after performing two types of gestures, and the like are possible. It is possible to perform more detailed air conditioning settings while reducing the burden on the user.

(4)
In the air conditioning system 100 according to the present embodiment, the control unit 70 detects the position of the user when a gesture is taken in the air conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3 based on the data obtained from the detection camera 61. Similarly, the detection microphone 62 detects the position of the user at the time when the utterance is performed in the air-conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3. Thereby, the setting of the air-conditioning apparatus which air-conditions for the position which exists when a user performs intention display can be changed.

<Other embodiments>
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the summary of invention.
(A)
In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 for detecting the intention display by the user are provided separately from the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 to detect the position of the user has been described as an example.

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 can detect the user's intention display performed in the respective air-conditioning areas A 1, A 2, and A 3. Alternatively, the air conditioning system 200 in which the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 are built in each of the air conditioners 10, 20, 30 may be used. Further, in this case, the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 incorporated in each of the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 detect the position of the user performed in the air conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3. The air conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3 that are the objects of the self are subject to air conditioning when the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 incorporated therein are detected.

  According to this configuration, it is possible not only to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden of consciousness regarding the air conditioning setting operation of the user regarding the air conditioning as in the above embodiment, and further, the memory of the above embodiment It is not necessary to store the data of the 50 area corresponding device data D3, and the process of associating the areas based on the area corresponding device data D3 becomes unnecessary.

(B)
In the above embodiment, the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 for detecting the intention display by the user are provided separately from the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 to detect the intention display and the position of the user as an example. explained.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 7, the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 can detect the user's intention display performed in the respective air-conditioning areas A 1, A 2, and A 3. The air conditioning system 300 in which the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 are incorporated in each of the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 may be used. In this case, the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62 incorporated in each of the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30 detect the position and intention display of the user performed in the air conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3. To. Specifically, in each of the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30, the gesture / voice pattern data D1, the combination data D2, the air conditioning setting data D4, and the user-specific preference air conditioning environment data D5 are stored, and the built-in detection camera The air conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3 that are the objects of the self are air-conditioned when detected by the detection microphone 61 or the detection microphone 62.

  According to this configuration, it is possible not only to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden of consciousness regarding the air conditioning setting operation of the user regarding the air conditioning as in the above embodiment, and further, the memory of the above embodiment It is not necessary to store the data of the 50 area corresponding device data D3, and the process of associating the areas based on the area corresponding device data D3 becomes unnecessary. Moreover, the control apparatus 40 like the air conditioning system 100 of the said embodiment becomes unnecessary, and can simplify a structure.

(C)
In the air conditioning system 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the case where the control unit 70 analyzes the data obtained from the detection camera 61 of the detection device 60 to grasp the presence position of the user who performed the intention display has been described as an example.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an air conditioning system that grasps the position of a user who has made an intention display by applying equipment of an RFID tag and a tag reader or equipment of a wireless LAN card and a wireless LAN access point. 400 may be sufficient. In addition, since the idea of both said facilities is fundamentally the same, only the equipment of an RFID tag and a tag reader will be described below as an example.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, in the air conditioning system 400, each user has an RFID tag 470 (a first RFID tag 471 and a second RFID tag 472) that transmits a unique signal. Then, tag readers 460 (first tag reader 461, second tag reader 462, and third tag reader 463) that can wirelessly communicate with the RFID tags 471 and 472 are arranged near the ceiling. Note that this tag reader may be incorporated in the air conditioners 10, 20, and 30.

  In addition to the data in the above embodiment, the memory 50 further stores user-specific preference air conditioning environment data D5 and user-specific setting intention display data D6 stored for each RFID tag. This user-specific preference air-conditioning environment data D5 is data in which a favorite air-conditioning environment for each user is stored in advance in association with the air-conditioning setting. User-specific setting intention display data D6 associates user-specific gestures and utterance data with air-conditioning settings in order to prevent deterioration in detection accuracy due to different body shapes, gestures, and utterance quality. Data stored in advance.

  In the system configuration described above, in the air conditioning system 400, the control device 40 performs the intention display detection based on the user-specific setting intention display data D6 using the detection camera 61 and the detection microphone 62. In addition, the position of the user at the time when the intention is displayed is detected by three-point surveying using the equipment of the RFID tag 470 and the tag reader 460. The control unit 70 first identifies the user by a unique signal transmitted from the RFID when detecting the user's intention display by the detection camera 61 as in the above embodiment. Then, the position where the specified user exists is specified by three-point surveying by three communications with the first tag reader 461, the second tag reader 462, and the third tag reader 463.

Then, the control unit 70 refers to the user-specific preference air conditioning environment data D5 stored in the memory 50, and controls the first air conditioner 10 that performs air conditioning in the air conditioning area A1 specified by the specified air conditioning setting preferred by the user. Control (see FIG. 10).
In addition, when the detection device 60 further detects the intention display from the user, in order to provide an air-conditioning environment according to the physical condition and mood of the user from time to time, the first air-conditioning device 10 that is subject to change on an occasional basis. Change the setting.

  Thus, in the air conditioning system 400 according to another embodiment (C), each user has the RFID tag 470 that transmits a unique signal, and three or more tag readers receive these signals. Thereby, not only the position of the user can be grasped by three-point surveying or the like, but who is where can be grasped. In the air conditioning system 400, the user-specific preference air-conditioning environment data D5 related to the air-conditioning setting in which the preference for each user is reflected is stored in the memory 50 in association with each user. For this reason, air-conditioning control can be performed with the air-conditioning environment data of the user preference set beforehand. And since the user only needs to display intentions such as gestures only when the desired air-conditioning environment is different from the preset preference air-conditioning environment, convenience is improved. .

(D)
In the air conditioning system 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the case where preset gestures and utterances are stored in the memory 50 has been described as an example.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and gestures and utterances that are generally considered to have a causal relationship between the air-conditioning environment and the human feeling may be stored.

For example, when the user feels hot, generally a fanning operation with a fan or a fan or an operation of attaching a fan is often performed. In addition, “hot” and “cold” are often uttered. Here, such an operation may be stored in advance in association with the air conditioning control as a gesture or utterance of intention display by the user.
(E)
In the air conditioning system 100 in the above-described embodiment, the system configuration in which the control device 40 is separately provided as well as the remote controllers 11, 21, and 31 of the air conditioning devices 10, 20, and 30 has been described as an example.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and if the sensitivity and accuracy of the detection device 60 can be sufficiently ensured, a system configuration that does not require the remote controllers 11, 21, and 31 can be realized.
(F)
In the air conditioning system 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the case where a system configuration in which both the user's intention display and the position are grasped by the detection device 60 and the control unit 70 is described as an example.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a system configuration in which a configuration for grasping a user's intention display and a configuration for grasping the user's position are separately provided.

(G)
In the air conditioning system 100 in the above embodiment, the case where there is one detection camera 61 and one detection microphone 62 that can detect intention indications such as user gestures and utterances in the plurality of air conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3 is mainly given as an example. Explained.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two detection cameras 61 arranged for each of the plurality of air-conditioning areas A1, A2, and A3 may be provided.
In addition, as the detection camera 61 of the air conditioning system 100 according to the above-described embodiment, for example, two conventional 2D cameras that are suitable for creating a two-dimensional image are operated by a semiconductor-based 3D image sensor. An optical detection system configured by providing one so-called time-of-flight (time-of-flight, TOF, time-of-flight measurement method) 3D camera using a travel time measurement method may be applied. According to this 3D camera, 3D data can be generated in real time while suppressing calculation load, and this 3D data can be effectively used for evaluating a user's position and gesture in addition to two-dimensional image information. Can do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to adjust the air conditioning environment desired by the user while reducing the burden on the user regarding the air conditioning setting operation related to the air conditioning. It is particularly useful to apply an air conditioning system for air conditioning.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system in which an embodiment according to the present invention is employed. The block block diagram of the air-conditioning system by which one Embodiment which concerns on this invention was employ | adopted. Explanatory drawing of the specific example of the intention display by a user's gesture. Explanatory drawing of the specific example of the intention display by a user's utterance. Explanatory drawing of the air-conditioning area to which this air-conditioning system is applied. The block block diagram of the air conditioning system which concerns on other embodiment (A). The block block diagram of the air conditioning system which concerns on other embodiment (B). The schematic block diagram of the air conditioning system which concerns on other embodiment (C). The block block diagram of the air conditioning system which concerns on other embodiment (C). Explanatory drawing of the air-conditioning area to which the air-conditioning system which concerns on other embodiment (C) is applied.

Explanation of symbols

10 First air conditioner (air conditioner)
20 Second air conditioner (air conditioner)
30 3rd air conditioner (air conditioner)
40 control device 50 memory (pattern correspondence storage unit, air conditioning device correspondence storage unit, user setting storage unit)
60 Detection Device 61 Detection Camera (Intention Display Detection Unit, Gesture Detection Camera, Area Detection Unit, Position Detection Camera)
62 detection microphone (will display detection unit, voice detection microphone, area detection unit, position detection microphone)
70 Control Unit 100 Air Conditioning System 200 Air Conditioning System 300 Air Conditioning System 400 Air Conditioning System 460 Tag Reader, Wireless LAN Access Point (Area Detection Unit)
461 First tag reader, first wireless LAN access point (receiver)
462 Second tag reader, second wireless LAN access point (receiver)
463 Third tag reader, third wireless LAN access point (receiver)
471 First RFID tag, first wireless LAN card (transmitter)
472 Second RFID tag, second wireless LAN card (transmitter)
A1 1st air-conditioning area A2 2nd air-conditioning area A3 3rd air-conditioning area D1 Gesture / speech pattern data (intention display pattern data)
D2 Combination pattern data (intention display combination data)
D3 Area compatible device data D4 Air conditioning setting data D5 User preference air conditioning environment data D6 User setting intention display data

Claims (11)

An air conditioning system (100) that performs air conditioning of air conditioning areas (A1, A2, A3) each targeted by a plurality of air conditioners (10, 20, 30),
A pattern correspondence storage unit (50) which stores intention display pattern data (D1, D2) predetermined for intention display by the user and air conditioning setting data (D4) related to air conditioning control settings;
An intention display detection unit (60, 70) for detecting an intention display by the user corresponding to the intention display pattern data (D1, D2);
Corresponding to the air conditioner that stores the air conditioner (10, 20, 30) and the air conditioning area (A1, A2, A3) in which the air conditioner (10, 20, 30) performs air conditioning as a target. A storage unit (D3);
An area detector (60, 70) for detecting the air-conditioned area (A1, A2, A3) on which the user has indicated his intention;
An air conditioner (10, 20, 30) that performs air conditioning for the air conditioning areas (A1, A2, A3) detected by the area detection unit (60, 70) is specified, and the intention display detection unit (60, 70) is specified. A control unit (70) for performing air conditioning control of the specified air conditioner based on the air conditioning setting data (D4) corresponding to the intention display pattern data (D1, D2) detected by
An air conditioning system (100) comprising: The pattern correspondence storage unit (50) stores the intention display pattern data combination (D2) and air conditioning setting data (D4) related to air conditioning control settings in association with each other.
The air conditioning system (100) of claim 1. The intention display pattern data (D1, D2) includes data related to a predetermined gesture performed by the user as an intention display,
The intention display detection unit (60, 70) includes a gesture detection camera (61) that detects the predetermined gesture of the user, and the user displays the gesture detection camera (61) according to image data obtained from the gesture detection camera (61). Detect intentions,
The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2. The intention display pattern data (D1, D2) includes data related to a predetermined utterance performed as an intention display by the user,
The intention display detection unit (60, 70) includes a voice detection microphone (62) that detects the user's utterance, and the intention display by the user is performed by voice data obtained from the voice detection microphone (62). Detect
The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 1 or 2. The pattern correspondence storage unit (50) includes ON / OFF control of the air conditioner (10, 20, 30), and ON / OFF control of an air conditioning function of the air conditioner (10, 20, 30). , At least any two or more of the air conditioning setting data (D4) with the adjustment control of the output level of the air conditioning function of the air conditioning device (10, 20, 30) is the intention display pattern data (D1, Stored in association with D2),
The air conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The area detection unit (60, 70) includes a position detection camera (61) that detects the air-conditioned area (A1, A2, A3) by detecting a movement when the user takes the predetermined gesture. ing,
The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 3. The area detection unit (60, 70) includes a position detection microphone (62) that detects the air-conditioned area (A1, A2, A3) when the user detects the predetermined utterance.
The air conditioning system (100) according to claim 5. The area detection unit (60, 70) includes a plurality of transmitters (470) that are held by the user and each transmit a unique signal, and three or more receptions that receive signals from the transmitter (470). Machine (461, 462, 463),
The pattern correspondence storage unit (50) stores the intention display for each user as the intention display pattern data (D1, D2) in association with a specific signal of the transmitter (470).
The air conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A user setting storage unit (50) for storing predetermined air conditioning setting data (D4) related to the air conditioning setting for each user in association with each user;
The air conditioning system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. An air conditioning system (200) that individually air-conditions a plurality of areas (A1, A2, A3),
A pattern correspondence storage unit (50) which stores intention display pattern data (D1, D2) predetermined for intention display by the user and air conditioning setting data (D4) related to air conditioning control settings;
Air conditioning is performed on air conditioning areas (A1, A2, A3) within a predetermined range, and the user corresponding to the intention display pattern data (D1, D2) performed in the air conditioning areas (A1, A2, A3) A plurality of air conditioners (10, 20, 30) having an in-area detection unit (60) for detecting an intention display;
The air conditioning apparatus (10, 20, 30) having the in-area detection unit (60) that has performed the detection is used for the air conditioning setting data (D4) corresponding to the detected intention display pattern data (D1, D2). ) Based on the air conditioning control (70),
An air conditioning system (200) comprising: An air conditioning system (300) that performs air conditioning individually for a plurality of areas (A1, A2, A3),
Air conditioning is performed on air conditioning areas (A1, A2, A3) within a predetermined range, intention display pattern data (D1, D2) predetermined for intention display by the user, and air conditioning setting data (D4) regarding the setting of air conditioning control And the intention correspondence display by the user corresponding to the intention display pattern data (D1, D2) performed in the air-conditioning area (A1, A2, A3). A plurality of air conditioners (10, 20, 30) having in-area detection units (60, 70) for detecting
The air conditioning setting data corresponding to the detected intention display pattern data (D1, D2) is sent to the air conditioner (10, 20, 30) having the in-area detection unit (60, 70) that has performed the detection. A control unit (70) for controlling air conditioning based on (D4);
An air conditioning system (300) comprising:

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