JP6811601B2 - Hot / cold feeling estimation method, hot / cold feeling estimation device, air conditioner and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hot / cold feeling estimation method, a hot / cold feeling estimation device, an air conditioner, and a program.

There is known a hot / cold feeling estimation device that estimates a hot / cold feeling indicating the degree to which a person feels hot or cold without a person's declaration. When the hot / cold feeling estimation device is mounted on a car, for example, the car air conditioner can be operated efficiently by controlling the air temperature of the car air conditioner based on the estimated hot / cold feeling.

As one of the conventional thermal sensation estimation devices, it is known that the thermal sensation is estimated by measuring the average skin temperature by utilizing the high correlation between the average skin temperature of a person and the thermal sensation. Has been done. However, this type of thermal sensation estimation device is not highly practical because it requires the temperature sensor to be attached directly to human skin.

On the other hand, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a warm / cold feeling estimation device focusing on the amount of heat released from the skin to the outside world through clothes has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the temperature / cold sensation estimation device of Patent Document 1, the heat radiation amount of a person is calculated based on the difference value between the human body surface temperature and the outside temperature (air temperature) measured by the thermo camera, and the heat radiation amount of the person is calculated. To estimate.

International Publication No. 2015/12201

The hot / cold sensation estimation method using the hot / cold sensation estimation device of Patent Document 1 is based on the premise that the heat dissipation amount of a person and the hot / cold sensation have a high correlation. However, human sensations do not always maintain a feeling of heat and cold according to the amount of heat released, and in a thermal environment where there is no correlation between the amount of heat released by a person and the feeling of heat and cold, the feeling of heat and cold is accurate. Cannot be estimated.

Further, in the method of estimating the temperature and cold feeling by the temperature and cold feeling estimation device of Patent Document 1, the amount of heat released from the skin to the outside world through the clothes is calculated by measuring the temperature of the clothes surface with a thermo camera. .. However, depending on the condition of the surface of the clothes, the calculated heat dissipation amount includes a large error, and it is not possible to accurately estimate the feeling of warmth and coldness.

Therefore, the present invention provides a hot / cold feeling estimation method, a hot / cold feeling estimation device, an air conditioner, and a program capable of accurately estimating a hot / cold feeling according to a hot environment.

The thermal sensation estimation method according to one aspect of the present invention is a thermal sensation estimation method in a thermal sensation estimation device that estimates a thermal sensation indicating the degree to which a person feels heat or cold, and is the thermal sensation estimation method for the person and the above. As a processing method for acquiring thermal environment information on at least one of the thermal environments around a person and estimating a thermal sensation based on the thermal environment information, (1) only the first thermal sensation estimation processing method. (2) Only the second thermal sensation estimation processing method, (3) Both the first thermal sensation estimation processing method and the second thermal sensation estimation processing method are selected, and the selection is made. The feeling of warmth and coldness is estimated using the treatment method.

It should be noted that these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), and the system. , Methods, integrated circuits, computer programs and any combination of recording media.

According to the hot / cold feeling estimation method according to one aspect of the present invention, the hot / cold feeling can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage example of the hot / cold feeling estimation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a hot / cold feeling estimation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the hot / cold feeling estimation device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a usage example of the hot / cold feeling estimation device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a hot / cold feeling estimation device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6A is a graph showing the relationship between the estimated warm / cold sensation estimated based on the amount of heat released from the whole body of the subject and the declared hot / cold sensation reported by the subject. FIG. 6B is a graph showing the relationship between the estimated warm / cold sensation estimated based on the amount of heat released from the whole body of the subject and the declared warm / cold sensation reported by the subject. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the hot / cold feeling estimation device according to the second embodiment.

The thermal sensation estimation method according to one aspect of the present invention is a thermal sensation estimation method in a thermal sensation estimation device that estimates a thermal sensation indicating the degree to which a person feels heat or cold, and is the thermal sensation estimation method for the person and the above. As a processing method for acquiring thermal environment information on at least one of the thermal environments around a person and estimating a thermal sensation based on the thermal environment information, (1) only the first thermal sensation estimation processing method. (2) Only the second thermal sensation estimation processing method, (3) Both the first thermal sensation estimation processing method and the second thermal sensation estimation processing method are selected, and the selection is made. The feeling of warmth and coldness is estimated using the treatment method.

According to this aspect, the optimum thermal sensation estimation processing method according to the thermal environment is selected from the first thermal sensation estimation processing method and the second thermal sensation estimation processing method, and the selected temperature is selected. By estimating the warm / cold sensation using the cold sensation estimation processing method, the hot / cold sensation can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

For example, the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is a hot / cold feeling estimation processing method based on the amount of heat released by the person, and the second warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is a temperature based on the surface temperature of the person. It may be configured to be a cold feeling estimation processing method.

According to this aspect, the optimum thermal sensation according to the thermal environment is selected from the first thermal sensation estimation processing method based on the amount of heat released by a person and the second thermal sensation estimation processing method based on the human surface temperature. The estimation processing method can be selected. As a result, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

For example, the thermal environment information may be configured to be the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the room in which the person is present.

According to this aspect, the temperature difference between the outdoor and the indoor can be used as the thermal environment information.

For example, it is determined whether or not the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, a predetermined time elapses from the entry of the person into the room. Until then, the second hot / cold sensation estimation processing method may be selected, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the first hot / cold sensation estimation processing method may be selected.

According to this aspect, when the temperature difference is equal to or more than the first threshold value, the amount of heat radiated from the surface of the clothes is equal to the amount of heat radiated from the skin until a predetermined time elapses after the person enters the room. Since it is a thermal environment that cannot be regarded, the second thermal sensation estimation processing method is selected. Further, when the temperature difference is equal to or more than the first threshold value, after a predetermined time elapses, the heat radiation amount from the clothing surface can be regarded as equal to the heat radiation amount from the skin, so that the first temperature Select the cold feeling estimation processing method. As a result, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

For example, it is determined whether or not the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, a difference value between the surface temperature of the person and the indoor temperature is further determined. Is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, and if the difference value between the surface temperature of the person and the air temperature in the room is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the second warm / cold feeling estimation is performed. The treatment method is selected, and when the difference value between the surface temperature of the person and the temperature in the room is less than the second threshold value, the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected. You may.

According to this aspect, when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value and the difference value between the human surface temperature and the indoor air temperature is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the amount of heat radiated from the clothing surface is increased. Since it is a thermal environment that cannot be regarded as equal to the amount of heat released from the skin, the second thermal sensation estimation processing method is selected. Further, when the temperature difference is equal to or more than the first threshold value and the difference value between the human surface temperature and the indoor temperature is less than the second threshold value, the amount of heat released from the clothing surface is released from the skin. Since it is a thermal environment that can be regarded as equal to the amount of heat, the first thermal sensation estimation processing method is selected. As a result, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

For example, the thermal environment information is the surface temperature of the person's foot, and it is determined whether or not the surface temperature of the foot is equal to or higher than the third threshold value, and the surface temperature of the foot is the third. If it is equal to or more than the threshold value of, the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected, and if the surface temperature of the foot is less than the third threshold value, the second warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected. It may be configured to select a processing method.

According to this aspect, when the surface temperature of the foot is equal to or higher than the third threshold value, a warm / cold feeling according to the amount of heat radiated by a person can be obtained. Therefore, the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected. .. Further, when the surface temperature of the foot is less than the third threshold value, a warm / cold sensation corresponding to the amount of heat radiated by a person cannot be obtained. Therefore, the second warm / cold sensation estimation processing method is selected. As a result, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

For example, the thermal environment information is the air temperature around the foot of the person, and it is determined whether or not the air temperature around the foot is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold value, and the air temperature around the foot is measured. If it is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold value, the first warm / cold sensation estimation processing method is selected, and if the temperature around the foot is less than the fourth threshold value, the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected. It may be configured to select the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method.

According to this aspect, when the air temperature around the foot is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold value, a warm / cold feeling according to the amount of heat radiated by a person can be obtained. Therefore, the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected. To do. Further, when the air temperature around the foot is less than the fourth threshold value, a warm / cold sensation corresponding to the amount of heat radiated by a person cannot be obtained, so the second warm / cold sensation estimation processing method is selected. As a result, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

For example, the thermal environment information is the surface temperature of the hand portion of the person, and it is determined whether or not the surface temperature of the hand portion is equal to or higher than the fifth threshold value, and the surface temperature of the hand portion is the fifth threshold value. If it is equal to or more than the threshold value of, the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected, and if the surface temperature of the hand is less than the fifth threshold value, the second warm / cold feeling estimation is performed. It may be configured to select a processing method.

According to this aspect, when the surface temperature of the hand portion is equal to or higher than the fifth threshold value, a warm / cold feeling according to the amount of heat radiated by a person can be obtained. Therefore, the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected. .. Further, when the surface temperature of the hand portion is less than the fifth threshold value, a warm / cold sensation corresponding to the amount of heat radiated by a person cannot be obtained. Therefore, the second warm / cold sensation estimation processing method is selected. As a result, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

For example, the first method for estimating the temperature and cold sensation includes the surface temperature of a human body region, which is a region including at least a part of the exposed portion of the person and at least a part of the clothing portion of the person, and the surroundings of the person. The difference value from the temperature of the person is calculated, the difference value is multiplied by a predetermined value to calculate the amount of heat radiated from the person, and the feeling of warmth and coldness is estimated based on the amount of heat radiated from the person. It may be configured as follows.

According to this aspect, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be easily estimated based on the amount of heat released by a person.

For example, the surface temperature of the human body region may be configured to be calculated using a thermal image of the region including the human body taken by a thermo camera.

According to this aspect, the surface temperature of the human body region can be easily calculated using the thermal image.

For example, the second warm / cold feeling estimation processing method obtains the surface temperature of a human body region, which is a region including at least a part of the exposed portion of the person and at least a part of the clothing portion of the person, and obtains the surface temperature of the human body. It may be configured to be performed by estimating the feeling of warmth and coldness based on the result of comparison between the surface temperature of the region and the sixth threshold value.

According to this aspect, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be easily estimated based on the surface temperature of a person.

For example, the surface temperature of the human body region may be configured to be calculated using a thermal image of the region including the human body taken by a thermo camera.

According to this aspect, the surface temperature of the human body region can be easily calculated using the thermal image.

For example, the person may be in a vehicle and the surroundings of the person may be configured to be at least one of the interior and the outside of the vehicle.

According to this aspect, for example, in a thermal environment in which a person is in a vehicle, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be accurately estimated.

For example, the estimation of the hot / cold sensation using both the first hot / cold sensation estimation processing method and the second hot / cold sensation estimation processing method is performed by the first hot / cold sensation estimation processing method. The estimation result and the estimation result of the warm / cold sensation by the second hot / cold sensation estimation processing method may be configured to be performed by weighting and averaging with a predetermined value.

According to this aspect, the feeling of warmth and coldness can be estimated more accurately.

For example, it may be configured to output instruction information for controlling any of the air volume, air temperature, and wind direction of the air conditioner to the air conditioner based on the estimated heat and cold feeling.

According to this aspect, the air conditioner can be controlled so that, for example, the feeling of warmth and coldness approaches a value of neither hot nor cold. As a result, it is possible to prevent the air conditioning by the air conditioner from being overcooled or overheated, and it is possible to save energy.

The thermal sensation estimation device according to one aspect of the present invention is a thermal sensation estimation device that estimates a thermal sensation indicating the degree to which a person feels heat or cold, and the thermal sensation estimation device is a processor. The processor includes a memory, and the processor acquires thermal environment information regarding the person and at least one of the surroundings of the person, and based on the thermal environment information, as a processing method for estimating a feeling of heat and cold, ( 1) Only the first thermal sensation estimation processing method, (2) Only the second thermal sensation estimation processing method, (3) The first thermal sensation estimation processing method and the second thermal sensation estimation processing Either of the methods is selected, and the feeling of warmth and coldness is estimated using the selected processing method.

According to this aspect, the optimum thermal sensation estimation processing method according to the thermal environment is selected from the first thermal sensation estimation processing method and the second thermal sensation estimation processing method, and the selected temperature is selected. By estimating the warm / cold sensation using the cold sensation estimation processing method, the hot / cold sensation can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

The air conditioner according to one aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned hot / cold feeling estimation device, and controls any of the air volume, the air temperature, and the wind direction based on the hot / cold feeling estimated by the hot / cold feeling estimation device. ..

According to this aspect, the air conditioner can be controlled so that, for example, the feeling of warmth and coldness approaches a value of neither hot nor cold. As a result, it is possible to prevent the air conditioning by the air conditioner from being overcooled or overheated, and it is possible to save energy.

The program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as a hot / cold feeling estimation device for estimating a hot / cold feeling indicating the degree to which a person feels heat or cold.
As a processing method for acquiring thermal environment information on the person and at least one of the thermal environments around the person in the computer and estimating a feeling of warmth and coldness based on the thermal environment information, (1) first. Only the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method, (2) only the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method, (3) both the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method and the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method. One is selected and the estimation of the feeling of warmth and coldness is performed using the selected processing method.

According to this aspect, the optimum thermal sensation estimation processing method according to the thermal environment is selected from the first thermal sensation estimation processing method and the second thermal sensation estimation processing method, and the selected temperature is selected. By estimating the warm / cold sensation using the cold sensation estimation processing method, the hot / cold sensation can be accurately estimated according to the thermal environment.

It should be noted that these comprehensive or specific embodiments may be realized by a recording medium such as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program or a computer-readable CD-ROM, and the system, the method, the integrated circuit, or the computer program. Alternatively, it may be realized by any combination of recording media.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

It should be noted that all of the embodiments described below show comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, steps, the order of steps, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Further, among the components in the following embodiments, the components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest level concept are described as arbitrary components.

(Embodiment 1)
[1-1. Configuration of hot / cold feeling estimation device]
First, the configuration of the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a usage example of the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the heating / cooling sensation estimation device 10 is installed, for example, in the passenger compartment 201 (an example of a room) of an automobile 20 (an example of a vehicle). The warm / cold feeling estimation device 10 is used, for example, when a person 30 exposed to the outside air in winter (or summer) gets into the passenger compartment 201 during heating operation (or cooling operation), the seat 202 of the automobile 20 Estimate the feeling of warmth and coldness of the person 30 (driver, etc.) seated in. As will be described later, the hot / cold feeling estimated by the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10 is used for controlling any of the air volume, the air temperature, and the wind direction of the car air conditioner 40.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the car air conditioner 40 is an air conditioner for air-conditioning the inside of the passenger compartment 201 of the automobile 20. The car air conditioner 40 blows cold air toward the upper body of the person 30 during the cooling operation and blows warm air toward the upper body and feet of the person 30 during the heating operation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the temperature / cold sensation estimation device 10 includes a first thermo camera 101, a second thermo camera 102, a first temperature / cold sensation estimation unit 103, and a second temperature / cooling. It includes a feeling estimation unit 104, a vehicle interior temperature sensor 105, a vehicle exterior temperature sensor 106, a temperature / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107, and a control unit 108.

Each of the first thermo camera 101 and the second thermo camera 102 is a thermo camera that captures a thermal image showing a temperature distribution in space by detecting infrared rays radiated from an object. As shown in FIG. 1, the first thermo camera 101 is installed, for example, on the dashboard in the passenger compartment 201, and takes a thermal image of the lower half of the body on the front side of the person 30 seated on the seat 202. The second thermo camera 102 is installed in, for example, a rearview mirror in the vehicle interior 201, and takes a thermal image of the upper body on the front side of the person 30 seated on the seat 202. The first thermo camera 101 and the second thermo camera 102 combine the thermal image of the lower body on the front side of the person 30 and the thermal image of the upper body on the front side of the person 30 to synthesize the whole body on the front side of the person 30. Acquire a thermal image of the area containing.

The first hot / cold feeling estimation unit 103 estimates the hot / cold feeling of the person 30 by using the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method based on the heat radiation amount of the person 30. The first hot / cold feeling estimation unit 103 has a heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 and a hot / cold feeling estimation unit 110.

The heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 calculates the total heat dissipation amount that the whole body of the person 30 dissipates to the outside world. In general, there are three types of paths by which the person 30 dissipates heat to the outside world: a) convection (including conduction), b) radiation, and c) exhalation or evaporation of sweat. In the calm state, the evaporation of exhaled breath or sweat is considered to be constant. Therefore, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 determines the heat radiation amount due to convection (hereinafter referred to as "convection heat radiation amount") and the heat radiation amount due to radiation (hereinafter referred to as "radiation heat radiation amount"), which are the dominant items for the feeling of warmth and coldness. calculate.

The convection heat radiation amount is the heat radiation amount due to the convection between the air and the person 30. The amount of convection heat dissipation is the difference between the average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30 in the human body region and the temperature inside the passenger compartment 201 (an example of the air temperature around the person), and the convection heat transfer coefficient (an example of a predetermined value). ) Is calculated. The human body region is a region including at least a part of the exposed portion of the person 30 and at least a part of the clothing portion of the person 30. The average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30 is obtained from the thermal images taken by the first thermo camera 101 and the second thermo camera 102. As the air temperature in the passenger compartment 201, for example, a value measured by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 105 installed in the passenger compartment 201 is used. As the air temperature in the passenger compartment 201, the average temperature of the background image excluding the person 30 in the thermal image may be used. The convection heat transfer coefficient is a preset fixed value.

The amount of radiant heat radiation is calculated by multiplying the difference value between the average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30 and the average radiant temperature surrounding the person 30 in the human body region by the radiant heat transfer coefficient. The average radiation temperature and the average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30 are obtained from the thermal images acquired by the first thermo camera 101 and the second thermo camera 102. At this time, as the average radiation temperature, the average temperature of the background image excluding the person 30 in the thermal image may be used. Alternatively, the average radiation temperature may be determined by a globe thermometer (not shown) installed in the passenger compartment 201. The radiant heat transfer coefficient is a preset fixed value.

The heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 calculates the total heat dissipation amount by adding the above-mentioned convection heat radiation amount and the radiant heat radiation amount and multiplying the addition result by a predetermined area ratio. The specific calculation method of the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 will be described later.

The hot / cold feeling estimation unit 110 estimates the hot / cold feeling of the person 30 (hereinafter, also referred to as “first hot / cold feeling”) based on the total heat radiation amount calculated by the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109. A specific estimation method of the warm / cool feeling estimation unit 110 will be described later.

The second warm / cold sensation estimation unit 104 uses the second hot / cold sensation estimation processing method based on the surface temperature of the person 30, and the warm / cold sensation of the person 30 (hereinafter, also referred to as “second hot / cold sensation”). ) Is estimated. Specifically, the second temperature / cold sensation estimation unit 104 compares the average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30 in the human body region with the sixth threshold value, and when the average surface temperature is less than the sixth threshold value. It is estimated that the feeling of warmth and coldness is low, and that the feeling of warmth and coldness is high when the average surface temperature is equal to or higher than the sixth threshold value. The average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30 is obtained from the thermal images acquired by the first thermo camera 101 and the second thermo camera 102. As such a second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method, a known technique can be used.

The thermal sensation estimation method determination unit 107 determines the temperature difference between the air temperature inside the passenger compartment 201 in which the person 30 is present and the air temperature outside the passenger compartment 201 (an example of the outside of the room) (thermal environment related to the thermal environment around the person 30). As an example of the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method to be executed based on (an example of information), either (1) only the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method or (2) only the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method. Select. The hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 transmits the hot / cold feeling (first hot / cold feeling or second hot / cold feeling) estimated by the selected hot / cold feeling estimation processing method to the control unit 108.

Specifically, the temperature difference estimation method determination unit 107 selects the first temperature / cold sensation estimation processing method when the temperature difference is less than the first threshold value. Further, in the temperature difference estimation method determination unit 107, the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and the difference value between the average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30 and the temperature in the passenger compartment 201 in the human body region is the first. If it is less than the threshold value of 2, the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected. Further, in the temperature difference estimation method determination unit 107, the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, and the difference value between the average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30 and the temperature in the passenger compartment 201 in the human body region is the first. If it is equal to or greater than the threshold value of 2, the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected. The hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 transmits either the first hot / cold feeling or the second hot / cold feeling to the control unit 108 based on the selected hot / cold feeling estimation processing method. As the temperature inside the vehicle interior 201, for example, a value measured by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 105 installed in the vehicle interior 201 is used. Further, as the temperature outside the vehicle interior 201, for example, a value measured by the vehicle exterior temperature sensor 106 installed outside the vehicle interior 201 is used.

Here, the selection criteria of the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method by the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 will be described. The person 30 dissipates heat from the skin to the outside world through clothing. At this time, assuming that the clothes are in a steady heat conduction state, the amount of heat radiated from the surface of the clothes to the outside world can be regarded as equal to the amount of heat radiated from the skin, so that the surface temperature of the clothes and the outside temperature (air temperature) By obtaining the difference value between and, the heat dissipation amount of the person 30 can be calculated. When the amount of heat dissipated and the amount of heat produced (metabolized amount) are balanced, the heat balance is well-balanced, and it can be estimated that the person 30 is thermally neutral. On the other hand, when the amount of heat dissipated is larger than the amount of heat produced, it can be estimated that the person 30 feels cold, and when the amount of heat dissipated is smaller than the amount of heat produced, it can be estimated that the person 30 feels hot. Therefore, in the first heating / cooling sensation estimation processing method based on the heat radiation amount of the person 30, it is a condition that the heat radiation amount from the clothing surface can be regarded as equal to the heat radiation amount from the skin. In other words, when the amount of heat radiated from the surface of the clothes can be regarded as equal to the amount of heat radiated from the skin, the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is effective, and therefore, the warm / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 is the first. Select the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method.

However, for example, when a person 30 enters a room having a temperature of 20 ° C from an outdoor temperature of 0 ° C, the surface temperature of the clothes is close to 0 ° C, so that the surface of the clothes is 0 ° C from a thermal environment of 20 ° C. Heat transfer begins with respect to. At this time, the amount of heat radiated from the clothing surface to the outside world is calculated as minus (heat reception), but the amount of heat radiated from the skin to the clothing surface at 0 ° C. is calculated as plus (heat dissipation). That is, the amount of heat released from the surface of the clothes and the amount of heat released from the skin are completely different. Therefore, in this case, since the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is not effective, the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 selects the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method.

Since the warm / cold feeling of the person 30 depends on the amount of clothing, the estimation accuracy of the hot / cold feeling by the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is the estimation accuracy of the hot / cold feeling by the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method. It cannot be said that it is expensive compared to. However, as described above, in a situation where the amount of heat radiated from the clothing surface cannot be regarded as equal to the amount of heat radiated from the skin, the second warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is more than the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method. It can be regarded as reflecting the actual feeling of heat and cold.

The control unit 108 has at least the air volume, air temperature, and direction of the car air conditioner 40 based on the hot / cold feeling (first hot / cold feeling or second hot / cold feeling) transmitted from the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107. Instruction information for controlling one is transmitted (output) to the car air conditioner 40.

A part or all of the first hot / cold sensation estimation unit 103, the second hot / cold sensation estimation unit 104, and the hot / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107 is a processor included in the hot / cold sensation estimation device 10 (not shown). ) May be realized by software by executing the program, or may be realized by hardware by a dedicated circuit. Further, the information used for processing by each of the above components is stored in a memory (not shown) or a storage (not shown) included in the heating / cooling sensation estimation device 10.

[1-2. Operation of hot / cold feeling estimation device]
Next, the operation (warm / cold sensation estimation method) of the warm / cool sensation estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, the person 30 gets on the automobile 20 (S101) and sits on the seat 202. After that, the first thermo camera 101 and the second thermo camera 102 acquire a thermal image of the whole body on the front side of the person 30 (S102).

After that, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 of the first thermal sensation estimation unit 103 obtains the average surface temperature Tcl of the whole body of the person 30 based on the thermal image acquired in step S102. Further, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 acquires the air temperature Ta in the vehicle interior 201 measured by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 105 installed in the vehicle interior 201. As shown in the following equation 1, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 calculates the convection heat dissipation amount Hc by multiplying the difference value between the average surface temperature Tcl and the air temperature Ta of the whole body of the person 30 by the convection heat transfer coefficient hc. (S103).

Hc = hc × (Tcl-Ta) (Equation 1)
Hc: Convection heat dissipation hc: Convection heat transfer coefficient Ta: Air temperature Tcl: Average surface temperature of the whole human body

After that, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 obtains the average radiation temperature Tr and the average surface temperature Tc of the whole body of the person 30 based on the thermal image acquired in step S102. As shown in the following equation 2, the radiant heat transfer amount calculation unit 109 calculates the radiant heat transfer amount Hr by multiplying the difference value between the average surface temperature Tc of the whole body of the person 30 and the average radiant temperature Tr by the radiant heat transfer coefficient hr. Calculate (S104).

Hr = hr × (Tc-Tr) (Equation 2)
Hr: Radiation heat dissipation amount hr: Radiation heat transfer coefficient Tc: Average surface temperature of the whole body of a person Tr: Average radiation temperature

After that, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 adds the convection heat radiation amount Hc and the radiated heat radiation amount Hr as shown in the following equation 3. Further, as shown in the following equation 3, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109 sets the area ratio of the area Wb of the heat insulating part 301 (the part of the person 30 insulated by the sheet 202) of the person 30 to the area Wt of the whole body as Ws. When (= Wb / Wt) is set, the total heat dissipation amount H is calculated by multiplying the above addition result by 1-Ws (S105).

H = (Hc + Hr) × (1-Ws) (Equation 3)
H: Whole body heat dissipation Ws: Area ratio of the area of the heat insulating portion 301 to the area of the whole body

After that, the warm / cold feeling estimation unit 110 of the first hot / cold feeling estimation unit 103 estimates the first hot / cold feeling Ts1 based on the total heat dissipation amount H, as shown in the following equation 4 (S106). The first warm / cold feeling Ts1 uses, for example, a value of "-4" (cold) to "+4" (hot) as an index. A central value of "0" (neutral) of the first warm / cold feeling Ts1 indicates a comfortable state that is neither hot nor cold.

Ts1 = a × H + b (Equation 4)
Ts1: First feeling of warmth and cold a: Coefficient b: Y intercept

After that, the second thermal sensation estimation unit 104 obtains the average surface temperature Tcl of the whole body of the person 30 based on the thermal image acquired in step S102. The second warm / cool feeling estimation unit 104 estimates the second hot / cold feeling Ts2 based on the difference value between the average surface temperature Tcl and the sixth threshold value (S107). The second warm / cold sensation Ts2 uses, for example, a value of "-4" (cold) to "+4" (hot) as an index, as in the case of the first warm / cold sensation Ts1.

After that, the heating / cooling sensation estimation method determination unit 107 acquires the air temperature Ta in the vehicle interior 201 measured by the vehicle interior temperature sensor 105 installed in the vehicle interior 201. Further, the heating / cooling sensation estimation method determination unit 107 acquires the air temperature Tb outside the vehicle interior 201 measured by the vehicle exterior temperature sensor 106 installed outside the vehicle interior 201. The hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 determines whether or not the temperature difference between the air temperature Ta inside the vehicle interior 201 and the air temperature Tb outside the vehicle interior 201 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (S108).

When the temperature difference is less than the first threshold value (NO in S108), the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 selects the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method (S109), and the first hot / cold feeling is estimated. The feeling Ts1 is transmitted to the control unit 108 (S110). As a situation where the temperature difference is less than the first threshold value, for example, the operation of the car air conditioner 40 is stopped in spring or autumn, and the person 30 is in the cabin 201 having a temperature of 20 ° C. It is conceivable that the vehicle enters within 201.

Returning to step S108, when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (YES in S108), the temperature / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107 determines the average surface temperature Tcl of the whole body of the person 30 and the air temperature in the passenger compartment 201. It is determined whether or not the difference value from Ta is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (S111). When the difference value between the average surface temperature Tcl and the air temperature Ta in the passenger compartment 201 is less than the second threshold value (NO in S111), the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 determines the first hot / cold feeling. A processing method is selected (S109), and the first warm / cold feeling Ts1 is transmitted to the control unit 108 (S110). In addition, in the situation where the temperature difference is equal to or more than the first threshold value and the difference value is less than the second threshold value, for example, the car air conditioner 40 is in the heating operation in winter, and the person 30 has a temperature of 0 ° C. It is conceivable that the vehicle enters the vehicle compartment 201 having a temperature of 20 ° C. from outside the vehicle compartment 201 and the surface temperature of the clothes is close to 20 ° C.

Returning to step S111, when the difference value between the average surface temperature Tcl and the air temperature Ta in the passenger compartment 201 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (YES in S111), the temperature / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107 is in the second position. The hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected (S112), and the second hot / cold feeling Ts2 is transmitted to the control unit 108 (S113). In addition, in the situation where the temperature difference is equal to or higher than the first threshold value and the difference value is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, for example, the car air conditioner 40 is in the heating operation in winter, and the person 30 has a temperature of 0 ° C. It is conceivable that the vehicle enters the vehicle compartment 201 having a temperature of 20 ° C. from the outside of the vehicle compartment 201 and the surface temperature of the clothes is close to 0 ° C.

After that, the control unit 108 transmits instruction information to the car air conditioner 40 based on the estimated first hot / cold feeling Ts1 or the second hot / cold feeling Ts2 (S114). As a result, for example, at least one of the air volume, air temperature, and direction of the car air conditioner 40 so that the first warm / cold feeling Ts1 or the second hot / cold feeling Ts2 approaches the value (neutral value) that is neither hot nor cold. Is controlled.

[1-3. effect]
As described above, for example, when the air temperature outside the passenger compartment 201 is lower than the air temperature inside the passenger compartment 201 and the temperature inside the passenger compartment 201 is higher than the temperature at the clothing surface of the person 30, the air temperature is released from the clothing surface. The amount of heat cannot be regarded as equal to the amount of heat released from the skin. In such a case, the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 does not select the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method based on the heat radiation amount of the person 30, and the second hot / cold feeling estimation based on the surface temperature of the person 30. Select the processing method. As a result, even in a thermal environment where the thermal sensation cannot be accurately estimated by the first thermal sensation estimation processing method, the thermal sensation can be estimated with a certain accuracy.

Further, for example, by mounting the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10 on the automobile 20, the car air conditioner 40 can be controlled so that the hot / cold feeling is close to a value that is neither hot nor cold. As a result, it is possible to prevent the air conditioner by the car air conditioner 40 from being overcooled or overheated, and energy saving can be achieved. As a result, the extra energy previously consumed by the car air conditioner 40 can be applied to the traveling energy of the automobile 20, and the cruising range of the automobile 20 can be extended.

In the present embodiment, the case where the person 30 moves from the outside of the cold cabin 201 to the inside of the warm cabin 201 has been described. On the contrary, the person 30 moves from the outside of the hot cabin 201 to the inside of the cold cabin 201. The above-mentioned effect can be obtained even when 30 moves.

Further, the second warm / cold sensation estimation unit 104 estimates the second warm / cold sensation using the average surface temperature of the whole body of the person 30, but is not limited to this, for example, the foot 302 or the hand of the person 30. The second warm / cold sensation may be estimated using the average surface temperature of the part 303. When the person 30 feels cold, he / she performs an adaptive reaction such as constricting blood vessels at the ends of the hands 303 and the feet 302 to suppress heat dissipation, so that the end portion is higher than the average surface temperature of the whole body. The average surface temperature has a higher correlation with the feeling of warmth and coldness. In this case, it is desirable to directly measure the skin temperature at the end, but if the skin and the clothes are in close contact with each other, the surface temperature of the clothes may be measured. Since the skin temperature of the face also has a relatively high correlation with the feeling of warmth and coldness, the second feeling of warmth and coldness may be estimated using the average surface temperature of the face of the person 30.

Further, in the present embodiment, in step S111 described above, the temperature / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107 has a second threshold value of the difference between the average surface temperature Tcl of the whole body of the person 30 and the air temperature Ta in the passenger compartment 201. It was determined whether or not it was the above, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of step S111, when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the temperature difference estimation method determination unit 107 is the first until a predetermined time elapses after the person 30 enters the vehicle interior 201. The second warm / cold sensation estimation processing method may be selected, and the first warm / cold sensation estimation processing method may be selected after a predetermined time has elapsed. This is because, for example, the surface temperature of the clothes has dropped to nearly 0 ° C from the surface of the clothes until a predetermined time has passed since the person 30 entered the room at the temperature of 20 ° C from the outside of the temperature of 0 ° C. This is because the amount of heat released from the skin is different from the amount of heat released from the skin.

(Embodiment 2)
[2-1. Configuration of hot / cold feeling estimation device]
Next, the configuration of the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a usage example of the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10A according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10A according to the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, a case where the car air conditioner 40 performs heating operation in winter will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the seat 202 of the automobile 20 is provided with a seat heater 203 for warming the back surface of the person 30.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the thermal sensation estimation device 10A includes a heat flow meter 111 in addition to the components described in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the heat flow meter 111 is installed in the seat heater 203 and measures the amount of heat radiation (heat transfer amount) from the seat heater 203 to the person 30. In addition, instead of the heat flow meter 111, for example, a thermometer may be installed in the seat heater 203, and the amount of heat radiation may be estimated based on the temperature measured by the thermometer. Alternatively, the heat flow meter 111 may be omitted, and the amount of heat radiation may be estimated based on, for example, the electric power (current) supplied to the seat heater 203.

The heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109A of the first thermal sensation estimation unit 103A calculates the conduction heat radiation amount in the seat unit 304, which is a region of the human body region that contacts the seat heater 203. Specifically, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109A calculates the reciprocal of the heat radiation amount from the seat heater 203 to the person 30 measured by the heat flow meter 111 as the conduction heat radiation amount in the seat unit 304.

The second hot / cold feeling estimation unit 104A estimates the second hot / cold feeling using the average surface temperature of the foot 302 of the person 30. Specifically, the second warm / cold feeling estimation unit 104A compares the average surface temperature of the foot part 302 with the threshold value, and when the average surface temperature of the foot part 302 is lower than the threshold value, the hot / cold feeling is low. If the average surface temperature of the foot 302 is equal to or higher than the threshold value, it is estimated that the feeling of warmth and coldness is high. The average surface temperature of the foot portion 302 is obtained from the thermal images acquired by the first thermo camera 101 and the second thermo camera 102.

The thermal sensation estimation method determination unit 107A should execute the thermal sensation based on the comparison result between the average surface temperature of the foot 302 of the human 30 (an example of thermal environment information regarding the thermal environment of the human) and the third threshold value. As the estimation processing method, either (1) only the first thermal sensation estimation processing method or (2) only the second thermal sensation estimation processing method is selected. Specifically, the warm / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107A selects the first warm / cold sensation estimation processing method when the average surface temperature of the foot portion 302 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value. On the other hand, when the average surface temperature of the foot portion 302 is less than the third threshold value, the thermal sensation estimation method determination unit 107A selects the second thermal sensation estimation processing method. The average surface temperature of the foot portion 302 is obtained from the thermal images acquired by the first thermo camera 101 and the second thermo camera 102.

Here, the selection criteria of the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method by the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107A will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. 6A and 6B are graphs showing the relationship between the estimated hot and cold sensation estimated based on the amount of heat released from the whole body of the subject and the declared warm and cold sensation reported by the subject. The plurality of points surrounded by the circular frame line P in FIG. 6A are the experimental results when the foot of the subject is cold. The plurality of points surrounded by the circular frame line Q in FIG. 6B are the experimental results when the foot of the subject is warmed with an anchor (fire).

The solid line graphs in FIGS. 6A and 6B show an ideal correlation between the estimated hot and cold feeling and the declared hot and cold feeling, and show a high correlation. From the experimental results shown by the frame line P in FIG. 6A, it was found that when the foot was extremely cold, the declared warmth and coldness corresponding to the heat dissipation amount (heat reception amount) was not obtained. On the other hand, from the experimental results shown by the frame line Q in FIG. 6B, when the coldness of the foot is improved by warming the foot with an anchor, a declared warm / cold feeling can be obtained according to the amount of heat radiation (heat reception amount). It turned out. That is, when the foot is cold, the estimation error of the hot / cold sensation becomes large in the first hot / cold sensation estimation processing method, so the person who estimates the hot / cold sensation in the second hot / cold sensation estimation processing method. However, it can be regarded as reflecting the actual feeling of warmth and coldness.

[2-2. Operation of hot / cold feeling estimation device]
Next, the operation (warm / cold sensation estimation method) of the warm / cool sensation estimation device 10A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the hot / cold feeling estimation device 10A according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same steps as those in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment are designated by the same step numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, steps S101 to S104 are executed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. After that, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109A of the first heat / cold feeling estimation unit 103A uses the reciprocal of the heat radiation amount from the seat heater 203 to the person 30 measured by the heat flow meter 111 as the conduction heat radiation amount Hcd in the seat unit 304. Calculate (S201). The seat portion 304 is a region of the human body where the person 30 comes into contact with the seat heater 203.

After that, the heat dissipation amount calculation unit 109A calculates the total heat radiation amount H by weighting and averaging the convection heat radiation amount Hc, the radiation heat radiation amount Hr, and the conduction heat radiation amount Hcd by the area ratio Wst, as shown in the following equation 5. (S202).

H = (Hc + Hr) × (1-Wst) + Wst × Hcd (Equation 5)
H: Total heat dissipation Wst: Area ratio of the area of the sheet portion 304 to the area of the whole body Hcd: Conduction heat dissipation

After that, step S106 is executed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. After that, the second warm / cold feeling estimation unit 104A estimates the second hot / cold feeling Ts2 based on the average surface temperature Tft of the foot part 302 obtained from the thermal image acquired in step S102 (S203).

After that, the heating / cooling sensation estimation method determination unit 107A determines whether or not the average surface temperature Tft of the foot portion 302 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value (S204). When the average surface temperature Tft of the foot portion 302 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value (YES in S204), the warm / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107A selects the first warm / cold sensation estimation processing method (S109). , The first hot / cold feeling Ts1 is transmitted to the control unit 108 (S110). In addition, as a situation where the average surface temperature Tft of the foot 302 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value, for example, when the car air conditioner 40 is in the heating operation in winter and the person 30 is warming the foot 302 with an anchor or the like. Etc. are conceivable.

Returning to step S204, when the average surface temperature Tft of the foot portion 302 is less than the third threshold value (NO in S204), the warm / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107A performs the second warm / cold sensation estimation processing method. It is selected (S112), and the second hot / cold feeling Ts2 is transmitted to the control unit 108 (S113). In addition, as a situation where the average surface temperature Tft of the foot portion 302 is less than the third threshold value, for example, the car air conditioner 40 is in the heating operation in winter, and the foot portion 302 of the person 30 is cold. Be done.

Then, step S114 is executed in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

[2-3. effect]
As described above, in the temperature / cold sensation estimation device 10A of the present embodiment, the foot 302 of the person 30 is cold, for example, where the person 30 should feel warm as the heat radiation amount (heat reception amount) in winter. When it is not felt warmer, the second warm / cold feeling is estimated by the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method based on the average surface temperature of the foot 302. As a result, even when a warm / cold feeling corresponding to the amount of heat radiation cannot be obtained, the hot / cold feeling can be accurately estimated.

It should be noted that the same effect as described above can be obtained even when the person 30 does not feel cool because the foot 302 of the person 30 is not cold, for example, where the heat dissipation amount of the person 30 should be felt cool in summer. ..

Further, in the present embodiment, the warm / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107A determines the hot / cold sensation estimation processing method to be executed based on the comparison result between the average surface temperature of the foot 302 of the person 30 and the third threshold value. Although selected, the thermal sensation estimation processing method to be executed is based on the comparison result between the temperature around the foot 302 of the person 30 (an example of the thermal environment information regarding the thermal environment around the person) and the fourth threshold value. You may choose. In this case, the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107A selects the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method when the temperature around the foot portion 302 is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold value. On the other hand, when the temperature around the foot portion 302 is less than the fourth threshold value, the warm / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107A selects the second warm / cold sensation estimation processing method.

Further, the thermal sensation estimation method determination unit 107A should execute the temperature based on the comparison result between the average surface temperature of the hand portion 303 of the human 30 (an example of thermal environment information regarding the thermal environment of the human) and the fifth threshold value. The cold feeling estimation processing method may be selected. In this case, the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107A selects the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method when the average surface temperature of the hand portion 303 is equal to or higher than the fifth threshold value. On the other hand, when the average surface temperature of the hand portion 303 is less than the fifth threshold value, the hot / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107A selects the second warm / cold sensation estimation processing method.

(Modification example)
The hot / cold feeling estimation method and the like according to one or more embodiments have been described above based on the above-described first and second embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to these first and second embodiments. Absent. As long as the gist of the present disclosure is not deviated, one or a form constructed by applying various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art to the first and second embodiments and combining the components of the different embodiments 1 or 2 is also available. It may be included in the range of a plurality of aspects. For example, the above embodiments 1 and 2 may be combined, respectively.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the heat / cold sensation estimation method determination unit 107 (107A) has (1) the first heat / cold sensation estimation process as the heat / cold sensation estimation processing method to be executed based on the thermal environment information. Only the method and (2) only the second heat / cold sensation estimation processing method are selected, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The thermal sensation estimation method determination unit 107 (107A) has, as the thermal sensation estimation processing method to be executed based on the thermal environment information, (1) only the first thermal sensation estimation processing method, and (2) the second. Only the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method may be selected, or either (3) both the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method and the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method may be selected. When both the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method and the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method are selected, the hot / cold feeling estimation method determination unit 107 (107A) is based on, for example, the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method. The warm / cold feeling is estimated by weighting and averaging the estimation result of the hot / cold feeling and the estimation result of the hot / cold feeling by the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method with a predetermined value. For example, the threshold value for determining the surface temperature C of the foot is set to have a range from A ° C. to B ° C. (A <B). When the surface temperature C of the foot is lower than A ° C., the second thermal sensation estimation processing result Ts2 is selected. On the other hand, when the surface temperature C of the foot is higher than B ° C., the first thermal sensation estimation processing result Ts1 is selected. When the surface temperature C of the foot is in the range of A ° C. to B ° C., the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing result Ts1 and the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing result Ts2 represented by the following equation 6 The weighted average is used as the hot / cold feeling estimation result.

(Ts1 × (BC) + Ts2 × (CA)) / (BA) (Equation 6)

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the air conditioner is composed of the car air conditioner 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the air conditioner may be composed of, for example, a spot air conditioner installed in a living room.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the vehicle is composed of the automobile 20, but the vehicle is not limited to this, and the vehicle may be composed of, for example, a train or an aircraft.

For example, in each of the above embodiments, the heating / cooling sensation estimation device 10 (10A) is mounted on the automobile 20, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be mounted in, for example, a living room of a residence.

A part or all of the components constituting each of the above devices may be composed of an IC card or a single module that can be attached to and detached from each device. The IC card or the module is a computer system composed of a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The IC card or the module may include the above-mentioned super multifunctional LSI. When the microprocessor operates according to a computer program, the IC card or the module achieves its function. This IC card or this module may have tamper resistance.

The present invention may be the method shown above. Further, it may be a computer program that realizes these methods by a computer, or it may be a digital signal composed of the computer program. The present invention also relates to a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-ROM, MO, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, BD (Blu-ray (registered)). It may be recorded in a trademark) Disc), a semiconductor memory, or the like. Further, it may be the digital signal recorded on these recording media. Further, the present invention may transmit the computer program or the digital signal via a telecommunication line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network typified by the Internet, data broadcasting, or the like. Further, the present invention is a computer system including a microprocessor and a memory, and the memory may store the computer program, and the microprocessor may operate according to the computer program. Further, by recording the program or the digital signal on the recording medium and transferring the program or the digital signal, the program or the digital signal is transferred via the network or the like, and the program or the digital signal is transferred by another independent computer system. May be.

The present invention can be used, for example, as a hot / cold feeling estimation method for estimating a hot / cold feeling.

10,10A Temperature / cold sensation estimation device 20 Car 30 people 40 Car air conditioner 101 First thermo camera 102 Second thermo camera 103, 103A First temperature / cold sensation estimation unit 104, 104A Second thermo / cold sensation estimation unit 105 Vehicle interior temperature sensor 106 Vehicle exterior temperature sensor 107, 107A Temperature / cold sensation estimation method Judgment unit 108 Control unit 109, 109A Heat dissipation calculation unit 110 Heat / cold sensation estimation unit 201 Vehicle interior 202 Seat 203 Seat heater 301 Insulation unit 302 Foot part 303 Hand part 304 Seat section

Claims (17)

It is a hot / cold feeling estimation method in a hot / cold feeling estimating device that estimates a hot / cold feeling indicating the degree to which a person feels heat or cold.
Acquires thermal environment information regarding the person and at least one of the thermal environments around the person.
As a processing method for estimating the feeling of heat and cold based on the above-mentioned thermal environment information, only (1) the first method of estimating the feeling of heat and cold, which is the method of estimating the feeling of heat and cold based on the amount of heat released by the person, (2) ) Only the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method, which is the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method based on the surface temperature of the person, (3) the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method and the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing. Choose either of the methods,
Estimate the feeling of warmth and coldness using the selected treatment method.
Hot / cold feeling estimation method. The thermal environment information is the temperature difference between the outside and the inside of the room in which the person is present.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to claim 1. It is determined whether or not the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.
When the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the second warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected until a predetermined time elapses from the entry of the person into the room, and the predetermined time. After that, the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to claim 2. It is determined whether or not the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.
When the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, it is further determined whether or not the difference value between the surface temperature of the person and the indoor air temperature is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.
When the difference value between the surface temperature of the person and the air temperature in the room is equal to or higher than the second threshold value, the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected, and the surface temperature of the person and the indoor temperature are selected. When the difference value from the temperature is less than the second threshold value, the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to claim 2. The thermal environment information is the surface temperature of the person's foot.
It is determined whether or not the surface temperature of the foot is equal to or higher than the third threshold value.
When the surface temperature of the foot is equal to or higher than the third threshold value, the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected, and when the surface temperature of the foot is lower than the third threshold value. Selects the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to claim 1. The thermal environment information is the air temperature around the person's foot.
It is determined whether or not the temperature around the foot is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold value.
When the air temperature around the foot is equal to or higher than the fourth threshold value, the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected, and the air temperature around the foot is less than the fourth threshold value. In that case, the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to claim 1. The thermal environment information is the surface temperature of the person's hand.
It is determined whether or not the surface temperature of the hand is equal to or higher than the fifth threshold value.
When the surface temperature of the hand portion is equal to or higher than the fifth threshold value, the first warm / cold feeling estimation processing method is selected, and when the surface temperature of the hand portion is lower than the fifth threshold value. Selects the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to claim 1. The first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is
A difference value between the surface temperature of the human body region, which is a region including at least a part of the exposed portion of the person and at least a part of the clothing portion of the person, and the air temperature around the person is calculated.
The amount of heat released from the person is calculated by multiplying the difference value by a predetermined value.
It is performed by estimating the feeling of warmth and coldness based on the amount of heat released from the person.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The surface temperature of the human body region is calculated using a thermal image of the region including the human body taken by a thermo camera.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to claim 8. The second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method is
The surface temperature of the human body region, which is a region including at least a part of the exposed portion of the person and at least a part of the clothing portion of the person, is obtained.
It is performed by estimating the feeling of warmth and coldness based on the result of comparison between the surface temperature of the human body region and the sixth threshold value.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The surface temperature of the human body region is calculated using a thermal image of the region including the human body taken by a thermo camera.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to claim 10. The person is in a vehicle and the surroundings of the person are at least one of the interior and the outside of the vehicle.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The estimation of the hot / cold sensation using both the first hot / cold sensation estimation processing method and the second hot / cold sensation estimation processing method is the estimation result of the hot / cold sensation by the first hot / cold sensation estimation processing method. And the estimation result of the hot / cold feeling by the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method are weighted and averaged by a predetermined value.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The hot / cold sensation estimation device outputs instruction information for controlling any of the air volume, the air temperature, and the wind direction of the air conditioner to the air conditioner based on the estimated hot / cold sensation.
The hot / cold feeling estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 13. It is a hot / cold feeling estimation device that estimates the hot / cold feeling that indicates the degree to which a person feels hot or cold.
The heating / cooling sensation estimation device includes a processor and a memory.
The processor
Acquires thermal environment information regarding the person and at least one of the thermal environments around the person.
As a processing method for estimating the feeling of heat and cold based on the above-mentioned thermal environment information, only (1) the first method of estimating the feeling of heat and cold, which is the method of estimating the feeling of heat and cold based on the amount of heat released by the person, (2) ) Only the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method, which is the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method based on the surface temperature of the person, (3) the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method and the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing. Choose either of the methods,
Estimate the feeling of warmth and coldness using the selected treatment method.
Hot / cold feeling estimation device. It ’s an air conditioner,
Connected to the hot / cold feeling estimation device according to claim 15,
Upon receiving the instruction information for controlling any of the air volume, air temperature, and wind direction of the air conditioner , which is generated based on the hot and cold feeling estimated by the hot and cold feeling estimation device ,
Control any of the air volume, air temperature, and wind direction based on the instruction information.
Air conditioner. A program for making a computer function as a hot / cold feeling estimation device that estimates a hot / cold feeling that indicates the degree to which a person feels heat or cold.
On the computer
Acquires thermal environment information regarding the person and at least one of the thermal environments around the person.
As a processing method for estimating the feeling of heat and cold based on the above-mentioned thermal environment information, only (1) the first method of estimating the feeling of heat and cold, which is the method of estimating the feeling of heat and cold based on the amount of heat released by the person, (2) ) Only the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing method, which is the hot / cold feeling estimation processing method based on the surface temperature of the person, (3) the first hot / cold feeling estimation processing method and the second hot / cold feeling estimation processing. Choose either of the methods,
Estimate the feeling of warmth and coldness using the selected treatment method.
A program that lets you do things.

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