Patent Description:
The electric apparatus of the type in question is an air conditioning apparatus suitable to heat, cool and/or dehumidify a space, the functioning of which is useful and/or advantageous in the presence of a person who benefits from it.

Detection devices are known, used to detect the presence of one or more subjects, in particular in indoor or closed spaces, to regulate the functioning of one or more electric apparatuses.

For example, different types of detection means are known, used for the purpose of detecting the presence of a subject:.

Passive infrared sensors are in common use as they are economical and consume little energy. They are classified as pyro-electric or thermophilic sensors. The former require expensive fine-tuning for the static measurement of the temperature, the latter are cheaper and more often used, but are typically only suitable to detect movement. To overcome this limit, a plurality of sensors are used, from two to a matrix of sensors, to also detect the presence of a subject in a stationary situation; with this configuration, moreover, it is also possible to detect a change in position and direction.

It is known that electric apparatuses for moving air or HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), such as portable fans, heaters or air conditioners, are typically provided with one or more detection devices able to provide signals to drive the apparatus only when necessary, and to deliver a suitable quantity of air at a suitable temperature.

For example, <CIT> describes a control device based on infrared technology able to regulate quantity, direction, temperature of an air flow by detecting, or not, the presence of a subject, the proximity between subject and sensor, the position and the level of activity of the subject, detected by means of infrared sensors.

Similarly, <CIT> describes a control unit of an air conditioning device provided with an infrared sensor to detect the movement of a subject.

The solution described in <CIT> uses an infrared sensor to measure the temperature of a human body or objects and consequently identify the position of a target subject in order to prevent an uncomfortable cooling for the subject.

A detection device with infrared sensor is also applied in <CIT> in order to detect the temperature of a human body or an object in the space to be conditioned.

As described above, due to the limits given by a single passive infrared sensor, solutions are adopted that use a plurality of them, allowing to observe the presence of a static subject. An example is given in <CIT>.

Active ultrasonic sensors are generally applied to measure the distance between a subject and a detection device. These sensors are insensitive to movement in the orthogonal direction toward the receiver. For this reason, they are typically integrated on a system with different sensors, such as a plurality of infrared sensors. Patent <CIT> describes the combination of an ultrasonic sensor and an infrared sensor, which allows a more accurate evaluation of the subject's position.

Similarly, more complex integration of the sensors is described in <CIT>, which include infrared technology, acoustic and ultrasonic sensors, microwaves, and photocell monitoring devices.

<CIT> discloses an occupant-tracking fan apparatus which comprises a moveable support for positioning a source of forced air towards a sensed target.

<CIT> discloses an HVAC system comprising a remote thermostat and <CIT> discloses a system and method of detecting occupancy of a conditioned space.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose air conditioning apparatuses of a known type which provide to detect a distance between the air conditioner and a user. Moreover the utility model <CIT> discloses by measuring the user body and indoor air temperature, and the distance between user and air conditioning apparatus, an intelligent control of the air conditioning compressor, wind speed and wind direction so to achieve an improved user's comfort and environmental protection.

One disadvantage of the known techniques, some examples of which are given above, is that they do not allow to eliminate the problem of a false recognition of a subject which could therefore cause an incorrect activation of the apparatus.

In the case of infrared sensors, for example, a false recognition can be caused by a flow of hot or cold air that misleads the thermal sensor, fast moving subjects such as pets, or also possible static situations of a subject which can be interpreted as false absences, and could therefore lead to an unwanted deactivation of the apparatus.

Another disadvantage is that if a subject approaches or moves away from the conditioning apparatus, in particular in the case of portable air conditioners, he must continuously modify and adapt the operating parameters according to the relative position, in order to maintain an acceptable level of comfort.

There is therefore a need to perfect a method for detecting a subject and a corresponding method for the adaptive control of an electric apparatus as a function of this detection, which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to perfect a device and a method able to accurately detect the presence of a human subject, avoiding false signals.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for detecting a subject that is simple and inexpensive.

Another purpose is to provide a device and a method that allow to obtain a high energy efficiency of an electric apparatus, at the same time ensuring comfort for the user.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an electric apparatus that is provided with a detection device suitable to regulate the functioning thereof in a substantially automatic manner, in order to optimize both energy consumption and also the comfort provided to the subject.

Another purpose of the invention is to perfect a method for the adaptive control of an electric apparatus that allows to adapt the functioning of the electric apparatus in a simple and automatic manner in relation to the position of the subject, while maintaining the required comfort.

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

In accordance with the above purposes, there is provided an electric apparatus suitable to modify at least one environmental characteristic of a space, and a method for the adaptive control of the electric apparatus, suitable to regulate its functioning on the basis of a method for detecting a subject by means of a simple and inexpensive detection device, which overcome the limits of the state of the art and eliminate the defects present therein.

By way of example, the electric apparatus can be an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) apparatus, for example a fan, an air conditioner, a stove, a dehumidifier, of the portable type, generally referred to as a PCS (Personal Comfort System), or even of the static and fixed type, such as a heat pump, or even a traditional radiator.

The following description will mainly refer to electric apparatuses that comprise PCS-type HVAC apparatuses, normally used to regulate the microclimate inside buildings.

In particular, PCS-type HVAC apparatuses aim to create a comfort bubble around an occupant, that is the subject. That is, instead of controlling the microclimatic conditions in the entire volume of a room, as traditional air conditioning apparatuses normally do, they are designed to only control the conditions of a portion of air that is in the immediate vicinity of the subject. Traditional PCS-type apparatuses rely on the direct intervention of the individual, who can act on the heating power and/or speed of the fan, for changes in the operating set-up, and therefore for the customization of comfort conditions.

This intervention is required since the conditions of temperature and flow speed to which the subject is subjected vary greatly in relation to his/her distance from the PCS apparatus and therefore, if the subject frequently moves inside the space, it is necessary to intervene frequently on the conditioning parameters in order to maintain the desired conditions around the zone in which the subject is located.

With the terms "conditioning" and "condition" here and hereafter we generally mean the actions that are suitable to cool, heat, dehumidify or ventilate a space, or a combination thereof.

The device for detecting a subject according to the invention comprises an infrared detection means and a spatial detection means, respectively able to detect respective thermal and spatial data correlated to the presence and distance of the subject with respect to the device.

The detection device also comprises a processing board, with which the detection means are associated, configured to receive and process the thermal and spatial data detected by the detection means and determine the presence of a subject inside a space, or a detection zone, and also the distance of the subject from the device itself.

The detection device is associated with the electric apparatus and the processing board can be configured to control the functioning of the electric apparatus on the basis of the result of the processing performed.

According to the invention, the infrared detection means is provided with means for transmitting/receiving a signal both of the digital type and also of the analog type, in order to allow the detection of a subject both if it is static, and also if it is in motion.

The device for detecting the presence of a subject comprises a single passive type infrared detection means PIR (Passive InfraRed), and a single spatial detection means, preferably an ultrasonic sensor, thus resulting particularly simple and economical.

Some embodiments described here concern a method for detecting a subject inside a detection zone, which comprises:.

According to one aspect of the invention, the step of detecting the presence provides to verify and monitor substantially continuously over time the presence of a subject inside a detection zone, whether it is static or in motion, so as to supply reliable signals on the real presence of the subject.

Some embodiments described here also concern a method for the adaptive control of an electric apparatus, which provides to detect the presence and distance of a subject with respect to the apparatus and to set and/or modify the functioning parameters of the electric apparatus on the basis of the presence and/or distance detected.

The electric apparatus is a conditioning or thermo-ventilation apparatus, and the control method provides to regulate at least one of either the temperature and/or the speed of a flow of conditioned air as a function of the distance from the subject.

According to other embodiments, if the presence of a subject is not detected, the method provides to shut down and/or temporarily deactivate one or more components of the electric apparatus, or possibly put the electric apparatus in an energy saving mode.

The method for the adaptive control of the electric apparatus provides to continue to monitor the detection zone even when the electric apparatus is in energy saving mode and, if the presence of a subject is detected, to once again activate the electric apparatus or one or more of its components.

The device and method for detecting subjects allow to accurately detect the presence and movement of a human body in such a way as to prevent both false recognitions that would erroneously activate the electric apparatus, and also false failed recognitions that would deactivate the electric apparatus in an unwanted manner.

The method for the adaptive control of the electric apparatus according to the invention, allows to regulate the electric apparatus continuously and substantially automatically, modifying its parameters and/or the operating set-up as a function of the position taken by the subject on each occasion, in such a way as to provide the subject with the desired climatic conditions around the area occupied, regardless of his distance from the electric apparatus.

In this way, it is possible to improve the energy efficiency of the electric apparatus by acting on two fronts.

A first front is linked to the fact that the electric apparatus always and only delivers the environmental performance equal to the "request", regardless of the relative position between subject and electric apparatus, without waste due to over-use of resources, while guaranteeing that these are not under-used, degrading comfort conditions.

A second front through which energy saving is carried out is linked to the continuous monitoring of the presence of occupants, which allows to put the electric apparatus in an energy-saving, suspended, or stand-by condition when the spaces are empty.

It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments as long as within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

We will now refer in detail to the possible embodiments of the invention, of which one or more examples are shown in the attached drawings. Each example is supplied by way of illustration of the invention and shall not be understood as a limitation thereof. For example, one or more characteristics shown or described insomuch as they are part of one embodiment can be varied or adopted on, or in association with, other embodiments to produce another embodiment, as long as within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

According to the invention, a device <NUM> and a method are provided which allow to detect a subject S inside a space <NUM>.

The electric apparatus <NUM> can comprise at least one functional component suitable to modify at least one environmental characteristic of a space <NUM>.

By way of example, the electric apparatus <NUM> can be an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) apparatus, for example a PCS portable fan heater, a fan, an air conditioner, a stove, a dehumidifier.

Some embodiments described here with reference to <FIG> concern a device <NUM> for detecting a subject S inside a space <NUM> or detection zone Z.

In the example case, the device <NUM> is associated with an electric apparatus <NUM>, in particular a portable conditioning apparatus 12a, suitable to regulate the climatic conditions inside a determinate area.

According to some embodiments, the detection device <NUM> comprises an infrared detection means <NUM> and a spatial detection means <NUM> respectively able to detect thermal and spatial data correlated to the presence and distance of the subject S with respect to the device <NUM>, or to the electric apparatus <NUM> with which it is associated.

The detection device <NUM> also comprises a processing board <NUM>, to which the detection means <NUM>, <NUM> are associated and connected. The processing board <NUM> is configured to receive and process the data detected by the detection means <NUM>, <NUM> and determine the presence of a subject S inside the detection zone Z and possibly, if present, also the distance of the subject S from the device <NUM>.

The infrared detection means <NUM> is of the passive type (PIR).

The infrared detection means <NUM> is provided with means for receiving/transmitting a signal of the digital and analogue type in order to allow the detection of the subject S both if it is static, and also if it is in motion.

This solution allows to use a single infrared sensor <NUM> instead of a matrix of IR sensors to detect the presence and movement of a subject S, thus reducing costs and simplifying the construction of the detection device <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the spatial detection means <NUM> can be an ultrasonic sensor, configured to detect the distance between it and a subject S.

According to some embodiments, with the processing board <NUM> there can be associated signaling means <NUM> configured to provide information on the activation status of the detection device <NUM> itself and/or of the electric apparatus <NUM> on which it is applied.

The signaling means <NUM> can comprise lighting means, for example with LEDs 24a and 24b, which can emit a light signal when a person, that is, a subject S, is detected or on the basis of the functioning status parameters.

The signaling means <NUM> can also comprise a screen 24c, for example of the LCD type, or other display device, to display the status of the detection device <NUM>, or any functioning parameters thereof, or possibly of the electric apparatus <NUM> to which it is applied.

Optionally, there can be acoustic signaling means (not shown) suitable to provide a user with information on the functioning status of the device <NUM> and possibly of the electric apparatus <NUM>, or even indications for a better use of the electric apparatus <NUM> in the event that a distance of the subject S is detected that is too small or too large with respect to the respective predefined minimum distance D1 and maximum distance D2 (<FIG>).

With reference to <FIG> and from 3a to 3c, the conditioning apparatus 12a can be installed in an internal space <NUM>, distinct from an external space 11a, and be able to condition its environmental parameters on each occasion.

The conditioning apparatus 12a can be configured to cool, dehumidify, heat or ventilate the internal space <NUM>, or a combination of the above, in order to modify the thermal and/or hygrometric characteristics of the internal space <NUM>.

The internal space <NUM> can be defined by a plurality of walls <NUM> along which doors and/or windows may be present.

According to the invention, a conditioning apparatus 12a comprises a conditioning body <NUM> defining a housing compartment 13a suitable to contain at least one functional component, which is a conditioning means <NUM> suitable to modify the state of an air flow W in order to cause a determinate effect in the surrounding space <NUM>.

The device <NUM> for detecting a subject S is associated with the conditioning body <NUM>, for example installed on a front portion thereof facing, during use, toward an area to be conditioned.

This conditioning body <NUM> may also comprise means <NUM> for drawing air and means <NUM> for delivering air.

According to the invention, the conditioning means <NUM> comprise at least one ventilation device <NUM>, for example a fan, an impeller, or other device suitable to move and deliver an air flow, configured to cooperate with the delivery means <NUM> in order to deliver a conditioned air flow W.

In particular, the ventilation device <NUM> can be of the adjustable type and be configured to deliver air with different speeds and different flow rates.

The conditioning means <NUM> further comprise at least one conditioning device <NUM> capable of modifying the state of the air flow W in order to cause a determinate effect inside the internal space <NUM> in which it is emitted.

For example, the conditioning device <NUM> can cause a heating, a cooling, or a dehumidification of the air flow, or even a combination thereof in the case of a conditioning apparatus 12a designed to perform different functions according to requirements.

The conditioning apparatus 12a may also comprise a user interface <NUM> by means of which a user can command its functioning.

According to some embodiments, by means of the user interface <NUM> the user can set determinate temperature and/or humidity values, or can choose an automatic functioning mode for the conditioning apparatus 12a.

According to some embodiments, the user interface <NUM> can be integrated into the conditioning body <NUM>, or be separated from it.

According to some embodiments, the conditioning apparatus 12a may comprise a control and command unit <NUM> configured to regulate the functioning of the conditioning means <NUM> in order to obtain a suitable conditioned air flow W as a function of a command received from the user and/or predefined settings.

According to some embodiments, the control and command unit <NUM> and the processing board <NUM> can be made as separate entities communicating with each other, or they can be integrated into a single component.

According to these embodiments, the device <NUM> can be directly associated and connected to one or more of the components of the electric apparatus <NUM>, for example to the ventilation device <NUM>.

In this case, it is the device <NUM>, through the processing board <NUM>, that directly modifies the functioning parameters of the electric apparatus <NUM>.

According to other embodiments, the detection device <NUM> can be associated with the control and command unit <NUM> of the electric apparatus <NUM>.

In this case, the device <NUM> can modify the functioning parameters of the electric apparatus <NUM>, or of its components, by sending signals to the control and command unit <NUM>.

The invention also provides a method for the adaptive control of an electric apparatus as defined in claim <NUM>.

According to the invention, the method can provide to regulate its operating parameters to modify the characteristics of a conditioned air flow W by acting on the conditioning means <NUM> as a function of the position/distance of the subject S.

The parameters can be the air temperature, the rotation speed of the fan, the distance from the subject, the direction of the air flow and others, and these can be set by means of the user interface <NUM>, or by selecting a predefined functioning mode in order to change at least one of either the temperature or humidity of a space.

The presence detection step provides to verify and monitor substantially continuously over time the presence of a subject S, whether static or in motion inside a space <NUM>, in order to provide reliable signals on the real presence of the subject S.

According to some embodiments, the detection method provides to supply a signal of detection of the presence of the subject S if the infrared detection mean <NUM> detects the subject S continuously for a predetermined time.

This allows to work around the problem of the generation of false signals, caused, for example, by subjects S passing through the detection zone Z without stopping there (see for example <FIG>), or by subjects S for which it is not appropriate to generate the signal, such as the passage of pets.

According to some embodiments, the distance detection step can be activated after the subject S has been continuously detected for a predetermined time.

According to possible variants, it can be provided that the distance detection step occurs continuously.

As a function of the detection of the presence and possibly of the distance of the subject S with respect to the detection device <NUM>, the method provides to supply command signals suitable to command and regulate one or more electric apparatuses <NUM> associated with it.

Some embodiments can provide that, in the event that subjects S are not detected inside the space <NUM> or inside a detection zone Z, the electric apparatus <NUM> is set to an energy saving mode or sleeping mode.

In accordance with some embodiments, in the energy saving mode one or more functional components are disabled, for example, in the case of the conditioning apparatus 12a, the ventilation device <NUM> is stopped and the conditioning devices <NUM> for cooling/heating the air are shut down (if present).

In accordance with some embodiments, it can be provided that at least the detection of the presence of subjects S also functions in the energy saving mode.

The invention provides to measure the distance of the subject S from the device <NUM> when the presence of the subject S in the detection zone Z is verified.

According to some embodiments, the method provides to verify whether a variation in the distance of the subject S monitored, with respect to a previously detected distance, has occurred and possibly determine whether the new distance detected is stable or not.

Some embodiments can provide that the detection of the distance continues until the distance of the subject S is stable.

The distance can be considered stable when the subject S does not change its distance beyond a sensitivity range of the spatial detection mean <NUM> for a determinate time interval.

In this way, frequent changes in the operating parameters of the electric apparatus <NUM> are prevented, for example the rotation speed of the ventilation device <NUM> in cases in which a subject moves randomly in the detection zone Z or in the space <NUM>.

This solution allows to save energy as well as to reduce continuous power surges in the electric apparatus <NUM> or in the conditioning apparatus 12a.

According to some embodiments, the value of the last distance detected on each occasion can be stored, for example, in a memory unit <NUM> connected to, or integrated in, the processing board <NUM>, and the processing board <NUM> can determine a variation in the distance by comparing the last value detected with the previously stored one.

According to some embodiments, once it has been determined that the distance is stable, the method provides to modify the functioning parameters of the electric apparatus <NUM> or of at least one functional component thereof.

According to some embodiments, the processing board <NUM> can act on the functional component or components directly, for example the conditioning means <NUM>, or act on them by means of the control unit <NUM>.

For example, it can be provided that at least the ventilation device <NUM> has different functioning levels, that is, different rotation speeds, suitable to supply a more or less intense air flow W, and that the speed level is selected as a function of the distance of the subject S detected.

For example, with reference to <FIG>, there can be defined different activation areas or zones A1, A2. An, defined between a minimum distance D1 and a maximum distance D2 of operation of the conditioning apparatus 12a, and correlated to a number n of functioning speeds of the ventilation device <NUM>.

As a function of the distance detected between the subject S and the detection device <NUM>, it can be determined in which activation zone it is, and regulate the speed accordingly, keeping it to a minimum, for example, if the subject is in the closest activation zone A1, and increasing it progressively if it moves toward the furthest activation zone An.

<FIG> exemplifies the case in which a second subject S2 enters the detection zone Z and comes between an already present subject S and the conditioning apparatus 12a.

In this case, the device <NUM> detects the presence of the second subject S2 which has come between the conditioning apparatus 12a and the first subject S in the first activation zone A1, measures its distance and, in the case of a stable condition over time, regulates the functions of the conditioning apparatus 12a to the new conditions required to not cause discomfort to the second subject S2, which is in the nearest activation zone A1.

Thanks to the continuous detection of the presence of the subject S and therefore not only of its movement, moreover, there is prevented an unwanted activation of the energy saving mode in the event that the subject S assumes a static or semi-static position, such as for example shown in <FIG>.

This solution is useful to prevent the shutdown of the conditioning apparatus 12a in cases where a subject is sat at a desk, sofa, armchair, bed or other similar, in a semi-static or static condition that would otherwise determine the unwanted shutdown of the conditioning apparatus 12a.

<FIG> shows a block diagram of a method for the adaptive control of an electric apparatus <NUM>, such as a conditioning apparatus 12a.

When the conditioning apparatus 12a is switched on, all the constants and the libraries of the processing board <NUM> and/or of the control unit <NUM> can be initialized and an initial default distance can be set, for example an intermediate distance between the minimum D1 and maximum D2 operating distances of the conditioning apparatus 12a which, by way of example, can be about <NUM>, consequently activating the ventilation device <NUM> at the corresponding speed and possibly also the conditioning device <NUM> at the required thermal power.

Subsequently, the analysis of the infrared detection means <NUM> can be initialized, and a step of continuous monitoring of the distance between the subject S and the conditioning apparatus 12a, and of the presence of the subject S is started.

If the processing board <NUM> detects a variation in the distance greater than a preset threshold, it then enters a cycle, or loop, that is, it executes a cycle of instructions to verify that the new detected distance is stable over time.

If this distance does not vary for a pre-set period of time, then the new distance is considered stable and the ventilation device <NUM> and/or the conditioning device <NUM> are set accordingly.

The infrared detection means <NUM> continues to monitor the presence of the subject S and if no movement is detected for a predetermined period of time, then it is assumed that there are no people present in the detection zone Z, that is, in the space <NUM>, and the conditioning apparatus 12a is set to energy saving mode, stopping the ventilation device <NUM>.

During the energy saving mode, the infrared detection means <NUM> continues to monitor the presence of people and, if the presence of a subject S is detected again, the conditioning apparatus 12a is restarted, setting the functioning settings on the basis of the last distance measured before the activation of the power saving mode.

The invention therefore determines an improvement in comfort conditions since the microclimatic conditions around the subject S remain substantially constant as the distance of the subject S varies.

In addition, the continuous detection of the presence of subjects S in the detection area allows to prevent discomforting and unwanted starts or shutdowns of the electric apparatus <NUM>.

In general, therefore, the invention makes the daily life of a subject S easier, since he can benefit from the functions of the electric apparatus <NUM> substantially without having to intervene on it.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts or steps may be made to the device <NUM>, to the conditioning apparatus 12a and to the method for the adaptive control of the electric apparatus as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claim 1:
Electric air conditioning apparatus comprising a conditioning body (<NUM>) defining a housing compartment (13a),
at least one functional component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) suitable to modify at least one environmental characteristic of an internal space (<NUM>), the functional component comprising conditioning means (<NUM>) provided with a ventilation device (<NUM>) and a conditioning device (<NUM>),
and at least one device (<NUM>) for detecting a subject (S), said device (<NUM>) being associated with said conditioning body (<NUM>) and comprising a continuous infrared detection means (<NUM>), and a spatial detection means (<NUM>) respectively configured to detect respective thermal and spatial data of said space (<NUM>) correlated to the presence of said subject (S) therein and to the distance of said subject (S) with respect to said device (<NUM>), characterized in that said infrared detection means (<NUM>) is of the PIR type consisting of a single passive type sensor, configured to detect said thermal data in a manner substantially continuous over time, and is provided with signal reception and transmission means of the digital and analogue type which are configured to detect the presence of said subject (S) both if it is static, and also if it is in motion, wherein said detection device (<NUM>) comprises a processing board (<NUM>) configured to receive and process said data detected by said detection means (<NUM>, <NUM>) and determine the possible presence of said subject (S) and said distance and supply command signals suitable to command continuously and automatically the functioning of said electric apparatus and/or of said at least one functional component (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) on the basis of the processing carried out to regulate the temperature and the speed of a flow of conditioned air as a function of the distance of said subject (S) and to regulate said air conditioning apparatus modifying its parameters and/or the operating set-up as a function of the position taken by said subject (S), in such a way as to provide said subject (S) with desired climatic conditions around the area occupied by him, regardless of his distance from said air conditioning apparatus.