Remote control method for cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent control of air conditioners, in particular to a remote control method of a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner, which comprises the following steps that a protocol conversion controller with a built-in communication module is connected into a cross-brand multi-split air conditioner system, and the communication module establishes communication with a cloud platform; the cloud platform adopts an independent communication protocol and issues an instruction to the protocol conversion controller through the communication module; the protocol conversion controller receives the instruction, converts the instruction into a communication protocol matched with each part of the multi-split air conditioner, and simulates other equipment to establish communication with target equipment; all parts of equipment of the multi-split air conditioner transmit data, protocol conversion is carried out through the protocol conversion controller according to the actual operation requirements of an indoor unit or a wire controller, the data are uploaded to the cloud platform through the communication module, and after the cloud platform calls an algorithm to simulate a correct instruction, feedback control is carried out. By means of the protocol conversion controller with the built-in communication module, communication with the cloud platform is established, instruction issuing or receiving is achieved, and then remote control is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of intelligent air conditioner control, and in particular to a remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] Multi-split air conditioner refers to an air conditioning system in which one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units through piping. With the development of intelligence, it is gradually becoming a trend to connect air conditioners to cloud platforms for remote control.

[0003] The Chinese invention patent with announcement number CN109373524A discloses a protocol conversion method, system and air conditioning system for air conditioner access to a cloud platform. By setting a converter, the invention can convert the complex air conditioning information uploaded by the lower computer into common attributes and methods to facilitate the analysis by the cloud platform server, greatly improving communication efficiency and maintenance and upgrade costs. For multi-split air conditioners, when the air conditioning system is subsequently modified, different brands of indoor units, outdoor units or wire controllers may be replaced, that is, a multi-split air conditioning system using two or more different brands for arrangement and combination. Since there is no direct communication between the internal and external units of different brands, the above-mentioned existing method of connecting air conditioners to the cloud platform will no longer be applicable. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a remote control method for a cross-brand combination multi-split air conditioner to solve the above problems existing in the prior art. In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention solves the problem through the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner, comprising the following steps:

[0006] Connect the protocol conversion controller with built-in communication module to the cross-brand multi-split air conditioning system. When the communication module is started, it connects to the communication base station and establishes communication with the cloud platform.

[0007] The cloud platform uses an independent communication protocol to send control instructions to the protocol conversion controller through the communication module. After receiving the instructions, the protocol conversion controller converts them into communication protocols that match the various parts of the multi-split air conditioning system, simulating other devices to establish communication with the target device.

[0008] The data transmitted by each device in the multi-split air-conditioning system is converted by the protocol conversion controller according to the actual operating requirements of the indoor unit or wire controller, and uploaded to the cloud platform by the communication module. After the cloud platform calls the algorithm to simulate the correct operating instructions, it performs feedback control.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the specific process of uploading and issuing instructions includes the following steps:

[0010] The protocol conversion controller reads and identifies the brands and models of the indoor unit, outdoor unit and wired controller and stores them. The communication module uploads the information to the cloud platform. After receiving the information, the cloud platform calls the corresponding function instruction algorithm from the library for standby use.

[0011] The protocol conversion controller simulates the communication between the indoor unit of brand B and the wired controller of brand C. After the protocol conversion, it simulates the communication between the indoor unit of brand B and the outdoor unit of brand A, sends the converted instructions to the outdoor unit of brand A, and uploads the instructions to the cloud platform through the communication module.

[0012] The cloud platform receives the input, compares and calls the logic of brand A outdoor unit and brand B indoor unit, and matches and compares the input items;

[0013] When the input items match, the difference data is screened according to the logic of brand A outdoor unit and brand B indoor unit, and the input parameters are calibrated to the logic access range; the logic of brand B indoor unit is selected as the master, and the cloud platform sends the corrected feedback value of brand A outdoor unit to the protocol conversion controller through the communication module for protocol conversion, and then simulates brand A outdoor unit to establish communication and inputs it to brand B indoor unit.

[0014] As a further technical solution, when the input items do not match, the cloud platform calls the algorithm, compares the logic of the B brand indoor unit and the A brand outdoor unit by itself, selects and generates a virtual data or data formula that enables both A and B within the logic access range, and performs continuous calibration and outputs a signal on the cloud platform simulation control system, which is sent to the protocol conversion controller through the communication module for protocol conversion and input into the B brand indoor unit and the A brand outdoor unit; if the data is a mandatory inspection item for the B brand indoor unit, the protocol conversion controller simulates the A brand outdoor unit, completes the signal into the input item, and continuously sends it to the B brand indoor unit; and vice versa.

[0015] As a further technical solution, during the generation and transmission of the command simulation signal, the cloud platform executes an instant calibration mechanism. The cloud platform performs complete data collection and logic matching on the indoor and outdoor units on both sides, thereby determining the alarm mechanism separately within the data acquisition range allowed by the two logics, and then calibrating the transmission signal.

[0016] As a further technical solution, when it is determined that the fault actually belongs to a reasonable range and the capability ranges do not overlap only due to the matching of different brands, no fault alarm processing will be performed.

[0017] As a further technical solution, when the capacity is exceeded and a confirmed fault alarm signal appears at one end, after checking according to the alarm logic at the other end and confirming that the fault conditions are met, the fault alarm is executed normally and the cloud platform simultaneously records the fault information.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a protocol conversion controller, the protocol conversion controller comprising:

[0019] The communication module is used to establish remote communication with the cloud platform, receive instructions issued by the cloud platform and transmit instructions to the cloud platform;

[0020] The protocol conversion module is used for communication protocol conversion between the outdoor unit, indoor unit and wired controller, including:

[0021] A communication interface, used to communicate with other electronic devices;

[0022] a memory for storing computer program instructions;

[0023] A processor is used to execute the computer program instructions to support the protocol conversion controller to implement the method as described in the first aspect.

[0024] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a remote control system for a cross-brand combination multi-split air conditioner, the remote control system being used to implement the method described in the first aspect; the remote control system comprising: a protocol conversion controller as described in the second aspect and a cloud platform for establishing communication therewith, the cloud platform storing communication protocols and function instruction algorithms for outdoor units, indoor units and wire controllers of various brands and models.

[0025] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer program instructions, when executed by a processing circuit, implement the method described in the first aspect.

[0026] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that when the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method as described in the first aspect.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0028] (1) The present invention connects a protocol conversion controller to the communication line of a cross-brand multi-split air-conditioning system. Its built-in protocol conversion module can convert different communication protocols to enable outdoor units, indoor units and wire controllers of different brands to establish communication; its built-in communication module can establish communication with a cloud platform. The cloud platform has stored the communication protocols and functional algorithms of the outdoor units, indoor units and wire controllers used, and can send or receive instructions through the communication module, thereby realizing remote control of cross-brand multi-split air conditioners.

[0029] (2) The present invention accesses the 4G network through the communication module built into the protocol conversion controller to obtain remote communication capabilities, which facilitates the cloud platform to implement remote monitoring, control, software upgrades and other operations. At the same time, the cloud platform reserves algorithms to monitor and supplement the differences in air-conditioning functions under cross-brand combinations, and realizes the normal operation of the air-conditioning through remote control solutions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings constituting a part of the present invention are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their description are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. It should also be understood that these drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The present invention will now be described and explained with additional features and details through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of a remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a cross-brand combination of internal and external units in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The technical solutions in typical embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a remote control method for a cross-brand combination multi-split air conditioner, and provides a cross-brand combination solution, such as Figure 2 As shown, the multi-split air conditioner consists of a brand A outdoor unit, a brand B indoor unit and a brand C wire controller, where the main control logic is based on the electronic control of the brand B indoor unit, and the brand C wire controller can be manually controlled.

[0036] The remote control method is based on a protocol conversion controller and a cloud platform, and the protocol conversion controller has a built-in protocol conversion controller and a communication module.

[0037] The remote control method includes the following steps:

[0038] S101, connecting a protocol conversion controller with a built-in communication module to a cross-brand multi-split air conditioning system, and connecting the communication module to a communication base station when starting up to establish communication with a cloud platform;

[0039] S102, an independent communication protocol is used between the cloud platform and the protocol conversion controller, and the independent communication protocol can use an existing protocol. The control command is sent to the protocol conversion controller through the communication module; after receiving the control command, the protocol conversion controller converts it into a communication protocol that matches each part of the multi-split air conditioning system, and simulates other devices to establish communication with the target device;

[0040] S103. The data transmitted by each device of the multi-split air-conditioning system is converted into a protocol by the protocol conversion controller according to the actual operation requirements of the indoor unit or the wire controller, and is also uploaded to the cloud platform by the communication module built into the protocol conversion controller; after the cloud platform calls the algorithm to simulate the correct operation instructions, feedback control is performed.

[0041] The protocol conversion controller and cloud platform become the brain of the air-conditioning system. By processing the operating logic through algorithms, they can realize the conversion and transmission of different protocols and different logics.

[0042] Steps S102 and S103 specifically include the following steps:

[0043] S301, the protocol conversion controller reads and identifies the brand and model of the indoor unit, outdoor unit and wire controller, and stores them, and the 4G communication module uploads the information to the cloud platform; after the cloud platform accepts the identification, it calls the corresponding function instruction algorithm from the library for use.

[0044] S302, the protocol conversion controller simulates the communication between the brand B indoor unit and the brand C wire controller, and after the protocol conversion, simulates the communication between the brand B indoor unit and the brand A outdoor unit, sends the converted instructions to the brand A outdoor unit, and uploads the instructions to the cloud platform through the 4G communication module.

[0045] S303: The cloud platform receives the input, calls the logic of the brand A outdoor unit and the brand B indoor unit, and matches and compares the input items;

[0046] Input items refer to the necessary information / data that the indoor and outdoor units of the air conditioner send and receive to each other when transmitting data. For example, the indoor and outdoor units will continuously send the current working status to each other, and will also match their own logic according to the indexes or instructions sent by the other party to perform various operations. Matching input items means that the built-in programs / control logics of different brands are different, and many data / instructions may have deviations. For example, the logic of the outdoor unit of brand A requires certain data to be sent to the indoor unit, but the logic operation of the indoor unit of brand B does not require this data; or the operation of the outdoor unit of brand A must require the indoor unit of brand B to send a certain value, but the logic operation of the indoor unit of brand B does not send this value; and so on. Therefore, when the protocol conversion controller calls the logic, the first task is to compare the input items first, and then proceed to the next step of matching.

[0047] (1) When the input items match, the difference data is screened according to the logic of brand A outdoor unit and brand B indoor unit, and the input parameters are calibrated to the logic access range. Since it is usually the indoor unit that directly affects the user, the logic of brand B indoor unit is selected as the master. The cloud platform sends the corrected feedback value of brand A outdoor unit to the protocol conversion controller through the 4G communication module for protocol conversion, and then simulates the communication between brand A outdoor unit and inputs it to brand B indoor unit.

[0048] For example, suppose that a parameter required by the outdoor unit of brand A is judged to be normal operation within the range of 10~20, but the logic output of the indoor unit of brand B is a normal signal within the range of 30~50. In this way, A and B will stop and report a fault due to different logic access intervals. The so-called calibration means that the protocol conversion controller executes a comparison conversion logic when it determines a similar problem. For example, the 30 output of the indoor unit of brand B is converted into 10 and transmitted to the outdoor unit of brand A to make the machine operate normally.

[0049] (2) When the input items do not match, the cloud platform calls the algorithm to compare the logic of the brand B indoor unit and the brand A outdoor unit, selects and generates a virtual data or data formula that enables both A and B within the logic access range (the selection standard is stored in the cloud platform server algorithm), performs continuous calibration on the cloud platform simulation control system and outputs a signal, which is sent to the protocol conversion controller through the 4G communication module for protocol conversion and input into the brand B indoor unit and the brand A outdoor unit; if the data is a mandatory inspection item for the brand B indoor unit, the protocol conversion controller simulates the brand A outdoor unit, completes the signal into the input item, and continuously sends it to the brand B indoor unit; vice versa.

[0050] Because the logic settings of the outdoor unit of brand A and the indoor unit of brand B are different, the data or data formula sent by both sides do not match each other. In the above example, the parameter 30 sent by the indoor unit of brand B is converted into 10 received by the outdoor unit of brand A, which refers to the enabling scheme here. This conversion is not a simple one-to-one conversion, but requires a detailed and accurate correspondence based on the definition of the programs on both sides and the reserved algorithms. For example, in the logic of the indoor unit of brand B, the data "30" sent represents the set temperature of 20℃. When it is converted into data that can be received by the outdoor unit of brand A, it is necessary to follow the program definition of the outdoor unit of brand A and infer that the correct data received by the outdoor unit of brand A when the set temperature is 20℃ should be "10", so the protocol conversion controller will send 10 to the outdoor unit of brand A. The above conversion algorithm is pre-stored in the server of the cloud platform.

[0051] Some transmission data must be checked / replied, for example: Brand A outdoor unit, Brand B indoor unit. After the Brand B indoor unit is turned on, it will always send the power on / off status flag to the Brand A outdoor unit. Sending 1 means turning on, and sending 0 means turning off. During the normal operation of the air conditioner, the Brand B indoor unit will always send 1, and the Brand A outdoor unit will continue to work normally after receiving 1. If the Brand A outdoor unit receives 0 or interrupts the reception, it will stop working and shut down. This is a must-check item for the normal operation of the air conditioner.

[0052] There may also be non-mandatory inspections, for example, brand A's outdoor unit may have additional functions, but brand B's indoor unit does not, and the user does not use this function. So when brand A's outdoor unit sends a signal to brand B's indoor unit to ask whether to turn on the additional function, brand B's indoor unit can ignore this signal, which does not affect the user experience. This is not a mandatory inspection item.

[0053] S304. During the generation and transmission of the command simulation signal, there is an instant calibration mechanism, which is executed by the cloud platform. The cloud platform performs complete data collection and logic matching on the indoor and outdoor units on both sides, so as to determine the alarm mechanism respectively according to the data acquisition interval range allowed by the two logics, and then calibrate the transmission signal. When it is judged that this fault actually belongs to a reasonable interval, and the capacity interval does not overlap only due to the matching of different brands, no fault alarm processing is performed. However, when it exceeds the capacity range and a conclusive fault alarm signal appears at one end, after checking according to the alarm logic of the other end and confirming that it meets the fault conditions, the fault alarm is executed normally, and the cloud platform records the fault information synchronously.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] This embodiment provides a protocol conversion controller, the protocol conversion controller comprising:

[0056] The communication module is used to establish remote communication with the cloud platform, receive instructions issued by the cloud platform and transmit instructions to the cloud platform; in this embodiment, the communication module is a 4G communication module, which can access the 4G network to obtain remote communication capabilities, making it convenient for the cloud platform to implement remote monitoring, control, software upgrades and other operations.

[0057] The protocol conversion module is used for communication protocol conversion between the outdoor unit, indoor unit and wired controller, including:

[0058] Communication interface, used to communicate with other electronic devices; other electronic devices include communication modules, outdoor units, indoor units, wired controllers, etc.

[0059] a memory for storing computer program instructions;

[0060] A processor is used to execute the computer program instructions to support the protocol conversion controller to implement the method described in Example 1.

[0061] In addition, the memory stores the communication protocols of indoor units, outdoor units and wired controllers of various brands, which can effectively interpret, translate and transmit different communication protocols. Through the protocol conversion controller, communication between outdoor units, indoor units and wired controllers of different brands can be established to ensure that when the user inputs commands to the indoor unit or wired controller, the outdoor unit can correctly establish communication and respond to commands.

[0062] The protocol conversion controller can establish a data transmission channel with the communication base station through the 4G communication module, and transmit data to the cloud platform through an independent communication protocol; it can establish a data transmission channel with the communication base station through the 4G communication module, and receive instructions issued by the cloud platform through an independent communication protocol.

[0063] Example 3

[0064] This embodiment provides a remote control system for a cross-brand combination multi-split air conditioner, which is used to implement the method described in Example 1; the remote control system includes: the electronic device described in Example 2 and a cloud platform for establishing communication with the electronic device. The cloud platform stores the communication protocols and function instruction algorithms (i.e. logic) of outdoor units, indoor units and wire controllers of various brands and models.

[0065] As the host computer of the whole system, the cloud platform stores the communication protocols and function instruction algorithms of the outdoor unit, indoor unit and wire controller used. It can be transmitted through the 4G communication module, read the function input of each part, and after being processed and optimized on the cloud platform, it transmits and sends the optimized instructions through the 4G communication module.

[0066] Example 4

[0067] This embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which computer program instructions are stored. When the computer program instructions are executed by a processing circuit, the method described in Embodiment 1 is implemented.

[0068] Example 5

[0069] This embodiment provides a computer program product including instructions. When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is enabled to execute the method described in Embodiment 1.

[0070] Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in the form of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make possible changes and modifications to the technical solution of the present invention by using the methods and technical contents disclosed above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Connect the protocol conversion controller with built-in communication module to the cross-brand multi-split air conditioning system. When the communication module is started, it connects to the communication base station and establishes communication with the cloud platform. The cloud platform uses an independent communication protocol to send control instructions to the protocol conversion controller through the communication module. After receiving the instructions, the protocol conversion controller converts them into communication protocols that match the various parts of the multi-split air conditioning system, simulating other devices to establish communication with the target device. The data transmitted by each device in the multi-split air-conditioning system is converted by the protocol conversion controller according to the actual operating requirements of the indoor unit or wire controller, and uploaded to the cloud platform by the communication module. After the cloud platform calls the algorithm to simulate the correct operating instructions, it performs feedback control.

2. A remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The specific process of uploading and issuing instructions includes the following steps: The protocol conversion controller reads and identifies the brands and models of the indoor unit, outdoor unit and wired controller and stores them. The communication module uploads the information to the cloud platform. After receiving the information, the cloud platform calls the corresponding function instruction algorithm from the library for standby use. The protocol conversion controller simulates the communication between the indoor unit of brand B and the wired controller of brand C. After the protocol conversion, it simulates the communication between the indoor unit of brand B and the outdoor unit of brand A, sends the converted instructions to the outdoor unit of brand A, and uploads the instructions to the cloud platform through the communication module. The cloud platform receives the input, compares and calls the logic of brand A outdoor unit and brand B indoor unit, and matches and compares the input items; When the input items match, the difference data is screened according to the logic of brand A outdoor unit and brand B indoor unit, and the input parameters are calibrated to the logic access range; the logic of brand B indoor unit is selected as the master, and the cloud platform sends the corrected feedback value of brand A outdoor unit to the protocol conversion controller through the communication module for protocol conversion, and then simulates brand A outdoor unit to establish communication and inputs it to brand B indoor unit.

3. A remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: When the input items do not match, the cloud platform calls the algorithm, compares the logic of the brand B indoor unit and the brand A outdoor unit, selects and generates a virtual data or data formula that enables both A and B within the logic access range, and performs continuous calibration on the cloud platform simulated control system and outputs a signal, which is sent to the protocol conversion controller through the communication module for protocol conversion and input into the brand B indoor unit and the brand A outdoor unit; if the data is a mandatory inspection item for the brand B indoor unit, the protocol conversion controller simulates the brand A outdoor unit, completes the signal into the input item, and continuously sends it to the brand B indoor unit; vice versa.

4. A remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: During the generation and transmission of the command simulation signal, the cloud platform executes an instant calibration mechanism. The cloud platform performs complete data collection and logic matching on the indoor and outdoor units on both sides, thereby determining the alarm mechanism separately based on the data acquisition range allowed by the two logics, and then calibrating the transmission signal.

5. A remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: When it is determined that the fault actually belongs to the reasonable range and the capability range does not overlap only due to the matching of different brands, no fault alarm will be processed.

6. A remote control method for a cross-brand combined multi-split air conditioner as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: When the capacity is exceeded and a confirmed fault alarm signal appears at one end, after checking the alarm logic at the other end and confirming that the fault conditions are met, the fault alarm is executed normally and the cloud platform records the fault information synchronously.

7. A protocol conversion controller, characterized in that: The protocol conversion controller comprises: The communication module is used to establish remote communication with the cloud platform, receive instructions issued by the cloud platform and transmit instructions to the cloud platform; The protocol conversion module is used for communication protocol conversion between the outdoor unit, indoor unit and wired controller, including: A communication interface, used to communicate with other electronic devices; a memory for storing computer program instructions; A processor, configured to execute the computer program instructions to support the protocol conversion controller to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. A remote control system for a cross-brand multi-split air conditioner, characterized in that: The remote control system is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6; The remote control system includes: the protocol conversion controller as described in claim 7 and a cloud platform for establishing communication therewith, wherein the cloud platform stores the communication protocols and function instruction algorithms of outdoor units, indoor units and wire controllers of various brands and models.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer program instructions, and when the computer program instructions are executed by a processing circuit, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is implemented.

10. A computer program product comprising instructions, characterized in that When the computer program product is run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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