FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments described here concern 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, which provides to adapt the functioning of the electric apparatus in relation to the presence of a subject in the space considered. An electric apparatus of the type in question can be, for example, an air conditioning apparatus, suitable to heat, cool and/or dehumidify a space, a lighting apparatus, or in general an electric apparatus the functioning of which is useful and/or advantageous in the presence of a person who benefits from it.

Other embodiments concern a device and a method for detecting a subject, suitable to detect both the presence of a subject, or a person, inside a space, and also the distance of the subject with respect to the detection device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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:

- infrared (IR) sensors, which can be active or passive (PIR);

- cameras;

- acoustic sensors, such as active ultrasonic sensors, or passive audio acoustic sensors.

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, US 5899807 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, US-A-2010/174414 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 US2016/0161141 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 EP-A 1460351 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 JP-B-2921256.

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 CN-B- 104110762 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 US 5986357, which include infrared technology, acoustic and ultrasonic sensors, microwaves, and photocell monitoring devices.

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/she 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 a user.

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 Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

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.

The device and method can be applied to any electric apparatus whatsoever, the functioning of which is useful and advantageous when there is at least one subject who intends to use the function made available by the apparatus. 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. An electric apparatus of the type in question can also be a lighting apparatus, for example a lamp or a lighting system; an element for opening/closing a compartment or access point, an alarm system for detecting an intruder, etc.

Although the invention can advantageously be applied to different types of apparatuses as stated above, 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, a 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.

According to some embodiments, the device for detecting a subject according to the invention comprises an infrared detection mean and a spatial detection mean, 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 possibly, if present, also the distance of the subject from the device itself. The detection device can be associated with an 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 one aspect of the invention, the infrared detection mean 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.

According to some embodiments, the device for detecting the presence of a subject comprises a single infrared detection mean, preferably a PIR (Passive InfraRed) type sensor and a single spatial detection mean, 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:

- detecting the presence of the subject by means of an infrared detection mean, - detecting the distance of a subject by means of a spatial detection mean,

- supplying signals on the presence and distance of the subject to a processing board,

- processing the signals supplied by the detection means.

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 possible 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.

According to some embodiments, if the electric apparatus is a conditioning or thermo-ventilation apparatus, 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.

According to some embodiments, 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, moreover, in particular in the case of an air conditioning apparatus, 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 user on each occasion, in such a way as to provide the user with the desired climatic conditions around the area occupied by him/her, regardless of his/her 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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 is a schematic lateral view of an internal space to be conditioned in which an electric apparatus is provided, in particular a conditioning apparatus in which there is applied a device for detecting a subject in accordance with embodiments described here;

- fig. la is an enlarged schematic view of a device for detecting a subject according to embodiments described here;

- fig. 2 is a schematic view of an internal space in which different operating areas of the electric apparatus according to embodiments described here have been highlighted;

- figs. 3a, 3b and 3c are schematic top views of an internal space that exemplify possible cases of detection of a subject;

- fig. 4 is a block diagram of a method for detecting a subject according to embodiments described here.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

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. It is understood that the present invention shall include all such modifications and variants.

According to the invention, a device 10 and a method are provided which allow to detect a subject S inside a space 11.

The detection device 10 and method can be applied to any electric apparatus 12 whatsoever, the functioning of which is useful and advantageous when there is at least one subject who intends to use the function made available by the electric apparatus 12, in such a way as to control in a substantially automatic manner the functioning of the electric apparatus according to the detection performed.

The electric apparatus 12 can comprise at least one functional component suitable to modify at least one environmental characteristic of a space 11.

By way of example, the electric apparatus 12 can be an HVAC (Fleating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) apparatus, for example a PCS portable fan heater, a fan, an air conditioner, a stove, a dehumidifier; or a lighting device, for example a lamp or a lighting system; an element for opening/closing a compartment or access point, an alarm system for detecting an intruder, etc.

Some embodiments described here with reference to figs. 1 and la concern a device 10 for detecting a subject S inside a space 11 or detection zone Z.

In the example case, the device 10 is associated with an electric apparatus 12, in particular a portable conditioning apparatus 12a, suitable to regulate the climatic conditions inside a determinate area. According to some embodiments, the detection device 10 comprises an infrared detection mean 19 and a spatial detection mean 21 respectively able to detect thermal and spatial data correlated to the presence and distance of the subject S with respect to the device 10, or to the electric apparatus 12 with which it is associated.

The detection device 10 also comprises a processing board 22, to which the detection means 19, 21 are associated and connected. The processing board 22 is configured to receive and process the data detected by the detection means 19, 21 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 10.

According to some embodiments, the infrared detection mean 19 is of the passive type (PIR).

According to some embodiments, the infrared detection mean 19 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 19 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 10.

According to some embodiments, the spatial detection mean 21 can be an ultrasonic sensor, configu red to detect the distance between it and a subject S.

According to some embodiments, with the processing board 22 there can be associated signaling means 23 configured to provide information on the activation status of the detection device 10 itself and/or of the electric apparatus 12 on which it is applied.

The signaling means 23 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 23 can also comprise a screen 24c, for example of the LCD type, or other display device, to display the status of the detection device 10, or any functioning parameters thereof, or possibly of the electric apparatus 12 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 10 and possibly of the electric apparatus 12, or even indications for a better use of the electric apparatus 12 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. 2).

With reference to figs. 1 and from 3a to 3c, the conditioning apparatus 12a can be installed in an internal space 11, 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 11, or a combination of the above, in order to modify the thermal and/or hygrometric characteristics of the internal space 11.

The internal space 11 can be defined by a plurality of walls 20 along which doors and/or windows may be present.

According to one embodiment, a conditioning apparatus 12a comprises a conditioning body 13 defining a housing compartment 13a suitable to contain at least one functional component, in this specific case conditioning means 16 suitable to modify the state of an air flow W in order to cause a determinate effect in the surrounding space 11.

According to some embodiments, the device 10 for detecting a subject S is associated with the conditioning body 13, for example installed on a front portion thereof facing, during use, toward an area to be conditioned.

This conditioning body 13 also comprises means 14 for drawing air and means 15 for delivering air.

According to some embodiments, the conditioning means 16 comprise at least one ventilation device 17, for example a fan, an impeller, or other device suitable to move and deliver an air flow, configured to cooperate with the delivery means 15 in order to deliver a conditioned air flow W.

In particular, the ventilation device 17 can be of the adjustable type and be configured to deliver air with different speeds and different flow rates.

According to some embodiments, the conditioning means 16 comprise at least one conditioning device 18 capable of modifying the state of the air flow W in order to cause a determinate effect inside the internal space 11 in which it is emitted. For example, the conditioning device 18 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 also comprises a user interface 28 by means of which the user can command its functioning.

According to some embodiments, by means of the user interface 28 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 28 can be integrated into the conditioning body 13, or be separated from it.

According to some embodiments, the conditioning apparatus 12a comprises a control and command unit 26 configured to regulate the functioning of the conditioning means 16 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 26 and the processing board 22 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 10 can be directly associated and connected to one or more of the components of the electric apparatus 12, for example to the ventilation device 17.

In this case, it is the device 10, through the processing board 22, that directly modifies the functioning parameters of the electric apparatus 12.

According to other embodiments, the detection device 10 can be associated with the control and command unit 26 of the electric apparatus 12.

In this case, the device 10 can modify the functioning parameters of the electric apparatus 12, or of its components, by sending signals to the control and command unit 26.

The invention also provides a method for detecting a subject inside a space 11.

The method for detecting a subject S comprises:

- detecting the presence of the subject S by means of an infrared detection mean 19,

- detecting the distance of a subject from the device 10 by means of a spatial detection mean 21,

- providing signals on the presence and distance of the subject S to a processing board 22,

- processing the signals provided by the detection means 19, 21.

According to some embodiments, as a function of the processing, that is, the determination of the absence or presence of at least one subject S inside the space 11, different activities can be carried out, among which shutting down or respectively starting the electric apparatus 12 with which the device 10 is associated, or varying and regulating one or more functioning parameters.

Some embodiments described here also concern a method for the adaptive control of an electric apparatus 12.

In the following description, we will refer in particular to a method for the adaptive control of an electric apparatus 12 comprising a conditioning apparatus 12a, it being understood that the method according to the invention can be applied, with the appropriate modifications, also for the control of other electrical apparatuses 12.

For example, while in the case of a conditioning apparatus 12a 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 16, in the case of a lighting apparatus the method can provide to modify a light beam, by adjusting its orientation and/or intensity as a function of the position/distance of the subject S.

In the cases in which the electric apparatus is an air conditioning apparatus 12a, 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 28, or by selecting a predefined functioning mode in order to change at least one of either the temperature or humidity of a space.

In the case of a lighting apparatus, the parameters can be the direction or intensity of the light beam, or the activation of one or the other of a plurality of lighting apparatuses disposed in a space, as a function of the distance and/or position detected of the subject S.

According to one aspect of the invention, 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 11, 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 19 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.3a), 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. According to some embodiments, as a function of the detection of the presence and possibly of the distance of the subject S with respect to the detection device 10, the method provides to supply command signals suitable to command and regulate one or more electric apparatuses 12 associated with it.

Some embodiments can provide that, in the event that subjects S are not detected inside the space 11 or inside a detection zone Z, the electric apparatus 12 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 17 is stopped and the conditioning devices 18 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.

Some embodiments provide to measure the distance of the subject S from the device 10 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 21 for a determinate time interval.

In this way, frequent changes in the operating parameters of the electric apparatus 12 are prevented, for example the rotation speed of the ventilation device 17 in cases in which a subject moves randomly in the detection zone Z or in the space 11.

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

According to some embodiments, the value of the last distance detected on each occasion can be stored, for example, in a memory unit 25 connected to, or integrated in, the processing board 22, and the processing board 22 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 12 or of at least one functional component thereof.

According to some embodiments, the processing board 22 can act on the functional component or components directly, for example the conditioning means 16, or act on them by means of the control unit 26.

For example, it can be provided that at least the ventilation device 17 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. 2, there can be defined different activation areas or zones Al, 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 17.

As a function of the distance detected between the subject S and the detection device 10, 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 Al, and increasing it progressively if it moves toward the furthest activation zone An.

Fig. 3b 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 12 a.

In this case, the device 10 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 Al, 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 Al.

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. 3c.

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. 4 shows a block diagram of a method for the adaptive control of an electric apparatus 12, in particular a conditioning apparatus 12a.

When the conditioning apparatus 12a is switched on, all the constants and the libraries of the processing board 22 and/or of the control unit 26 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 2m, consequently activating the ventilation device 17 at the corresponding speed and possibly also the conditioning device 18 at the required thermal power.

Subsequently, the analysis of the infrared detection mean 19 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 22 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 17 and/or the conditioning device 18 are set accordingly.

The infrared detection mean 19 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 11, and the conditioning apparatus 12a is set to energy saving mode, stopping the ventilation device 17.

During the energy saving mode, the infrared detection mean 19 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, in particular when applied to conditioning apparatuses 12a, 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 12.

In general, therefore, the invention makes the daily life of a subject S easier, since he/she can benefit from the functions of the electric apparatus 12 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 10, to the conditioning apparatus 12a and to the method for detecting a subject S and 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.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of device 10 and method for detecting a subject S, of conditioning apparatus 12, and of a respective method for the adaptive control, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.