Appointment data management system, appointment data management procedure, appointment data management device and program

Abstract

A scheduling data management system according to the present disclosure comprises an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, a communication device for obtaining operating data from the air conditioning system and transmitting the obtained operating data, and a scheduling data management device comprising a receiving unit for receiving the operating data transmitted by the communication device, a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the air conditioning system based on the operating data received by the receiving unit, a selection unit for determining an activity level indicating the difficulty of a repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system based on a diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit, and for selecting an employee to perform work at the activity level.and has a provision unit for providing support information to assist with the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system. The selection unit chooses a first employee whose qualification level corresponds to the job level, and a second employee who is from among those who do not reach the qualification level corresponding to the job level, but who reaches the qualification level corresponding to the job level on the condition that support information is used.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an appointment data management system, an appointment data management procedure, an appointment data management device and a program. Underlying state of the art

[0002] A technology for selecting an employee for troubleshooting or maintenance work on a monitored system is known from the prior art. For example, in a fault monitoring system disclosed in patent document 1, a system requiring maintenance is monitored, with a controller analyzing a fault log and selecting a maintenance employee needed for the maintenance. Furthermore, the fault monitoring system provides the controller with information such as a previous repair history or the maintenance employee's skills to support the selection process. List of citations from patent literature

[0003] Patent document 1: First publication of Japanese patent application no. 2014 - 199 618 Brief description of the invention; Technical problem statement

[0004] Even if the inspector receives information such as the previous repair history or the maintenance technician's skills from the fault monitoring system, it is not possible to select a maintenance technician if the fault cannot be handled using that information. If the maintenance technician cannot be selected quickly, the fault or maintenance of the monitored equipment may not be resolved promptly.

[0005] The present disclosure was developed to solve the aforementioned problems, one objective of the present disclosure being to specify an appointment data management system, an appointment data management procedure, an appointment data management device and a program by which an employee can be quickly selected when a repair or maintenance of an air conditioning system is required. Solution to the problem

[0006] A schedule data management system according to a first aspect comprises an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, a communication device to obtain operating data from the air conditioning system and to transmit the obtained operating data, and a schedule data management device that includes a receiving unit to receive the operating data transmitted by the communication device, a diagnostic unit to diagnose the air conditioning system based on the operating data received by the receiving unit, a selection unit to determine an activity level, indicating the difficulty of a repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system, based on a diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit and to select an employee to perform work at that activity level, and a deployment unit.to provide support information to assist with the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system. The selection unit chooses a first employee whose technical level corresponds to the job level, and a second employee who is among those who do not meet the technical level required for the job level, but who meets the technical level required for the job level, provided that support information is used.

[0007] A schedule data management procedure according to a second aspect comprises a step to obtain operational data from an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air via a communication device and to transmit the obtained operational data, a step to receive the operational data transmitted by the communication device via a schedule data management device, a step to diagnose the air conditioning system based on the operational data, a step to determine an activity level indicating the difficulty of repairing or maintaining the air conditioning system based on a diagnostic result and to select an employee to perform work at that activity level, and a step to provide support information to assist in the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system.In the step of selecting an employee, a first employee is selected whose qualification level corresponds to the job level, and a second employee is selected who belongs to the group of employees who do not reach the qualification level that corresponds to the job level, and who reaches the qualification level that corresponds to the job level on the condition that support information is used.

[0008] A schedule data management device according to a third aspect comprises a receiving unit for receiving operational data from a communication device for obtaining operational data from an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, and for transmitting the obtained operational data; a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the air conditioning system based on the operational data received from the receiving unit; a selection unit for determining an activity level indicating the difficulty of repairing or maintaining the air conditioning system, based on a diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit, and for selecting an employee to perform work at that activity level; and a provisioning unit for providing support information to assist in the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system.The selection unit selects a first employee whose qualification level corresponds to the job level, and a second employee who belongs to the group of employees who do not reach the qualification level corresponding to the job level, and who reaches the qualification level corresponding to the job level on the condition that support information is used.

[0009] A program according to a fourth aspect causes a computer of an appointment data management device to execute a procedure that includes receiving operational data from an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, diagnosing the air conditioning system based on the operational data, determining an activity level indicating the difficulty of repairing or maintaining the air conditioning system based on a diagnostic result, selecting a first employee whose skill level corresponds to the activity level, and a second employee who is from among those who do not reach the skill level corresponding to the activity level, and who reaches the skill level corresponding to the activity level, provided that support information is used to assist in the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system.and to provide the support information to the second employee. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to quickly select an employee when an air conditioning system requires repair or maintenance. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an appointment data management system according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a representation showing an example of a database stored in an appointment data management device according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation that schematically shows the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an indoor unit and an appointment data management device according to the embodiment. Fig. Table 6 shows an example of activity level data. Fig. Table 7 shows an example of qualification level data. Fig. Table 8 shows an example of support information data. Fig. Figure 9 is a representation that shows an example of support information. Fig. Section 10 includes tables that show an example of the process for selecting a first employee and a second employee, where (A) of Fig. 10 a table which specifies a level of activity and a working day for the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system, (B) of Fig. 10 is a table that shows an example of the process for selecting the first employee, taking into account deadline data, and (C) of Fig. 10 is a table that shows an example of the process for selecting the first employee and the second employee, taking into account deadlines. Fig. Section 11 includes illustrations showing an example of a display image for checking support information, which is made available at an employee terminal. Fig. Figure 12 is a representation that shows an example of support information for replacing components. Fig. 13 includes illustrations showing an example of a display image for checking support information, which is made available at an employee terminal. Fig. Figure 14 is a representation that shows an example of support information corresponding to a model. Fig. 15 includes illustrations showing an example of a display image for checking support information, which is made available at an employee terminal. Fig. Figure 16 is a representation showing an example of support information that belongs to an inspection. Fig. Figure 17 is a representation that shows an example of support information corresponding to the explanation of an inspection result. Fig. Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a procedure for selecting an employee using an appointment data management device according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the operational flow of an appointment data management system according to the embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the figures. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment and may be modified as desired within the framework of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the following figures, the scale and number in each structure may differ from the scale and number of an actual structure to facilitate understanding of the individual configurations. (Configuration of the appointment data management system)

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an appointment data management system according to one embodiment. The appointment data management system includes, for example, air conditioners 100A and 100B, an appointment data management device 200, an owner terminal 300, a maintenance service provider terminal 400, and an employee terminal 410. In the following description, air conditioner 100A and air conditioner 100B are simply referred to as "air conditioner 100" when referring to them collectively. Air conditioner 100A and air conditioner 100B are connected to a network NW, e.g., the Internet, via a router 101. The appointment data management device 200, the owner terminal 300, the maintenance service provider terminal 400, and the employee terminal 410 have a function for connecting to the network NW.In the following description, a user of the air conditioning unit 100 is referred to as the "user", an owner of the air conditioning unit 100 is referred to as the "owner", a person who commercially offers a service such as the maintenance of the air conditioning unit 100 is referred to as the "maintenance service provider", and a person who performs the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning unit 100 is referred to as the "employee".

[0013] Air conditioning system 100A, for example, comprises an outdoor unit 10a, an indoor unit 20a, and a communication device 30a. Air conditioning system 100B, for example, comprises an outdoor unit 10b, indoor units 20b1 and 20b2, and a communication device 30b. The outdoor unit 10b and the indoor units 20b1 and 20b2 are connected to each other via a signal line. In the following description, the outdoor unit is simply referred to as "outdoor unit 10," the indoor unit simply as "indoor unit 20," and the communication device simply as "communication device 30" when referring to the outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the communication device collectively. The communication device 30 is connected to the indoor unit 20 and / or the outdoor unit 10 via a signal line. The outdoor unit 10 is located outdoors. The indoor unit 20 is located indoors.The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected via a section of a circulation path through which a refrigerant circulates. This refrigerant circulates within the air conditioner 100, facilitating heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air. Consequently, the air conditioner 100 regulates the air temperature in the room.

[0014] For example, the present embodiment describes an example in which the communication device 30 is connected to the router 101 via a wireless local area network (LAN), and the router 101 is connected to the network NW. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The communication device 30 can, for example, include a communication module compatible with Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 5G and be connected to the network NW without being routed through a router. Furthermore, an external communication device 30 can be wired to the air conditioner 100, and the communication device 30 and the router 101 can be connected via a wireless LAN.

[0015] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. The air conditioner 100 communicates, for example, with a control unit 110 and an information processing terminal 120. The control unit 110 is wired to the indoor unit 20. The control unit 110 includes a control button or a display unit that is operated by the user. The control unit 110 is operated by the user and outputs an operating signal to the indoor unit 20. The control unit 110 displays various types of information, such as the status of the air conditioner 100, on the display unit. The information processing terminal 120 is a smartphone or the like, operated by the user of the air conditioner 100.

[0016] The Appointment Data Management Device 200 is an information processing device, such as a server, that collects operational data from the air conditioning system 100 and performs various types of processing using this data. The Appointment Data Management Device 200 issues various notifications to the Owner Terminal 300 and the Maintenance Provider Terminal 400. Based on requests from the Owner Terminal 300, the Maintenance Provider Terminal 400, and the Employee Terminal 410, the Appointment Data Management Device 200 provides information related to the operational data.

[0017] The appointment data management system manages owner information, user information, property information relating to the building where the air conditioner 100 is installed, system information for the air conditioner 100, operating data for the air conditioner 100, employee appointment data, and the like. For example, based on a request received from the information processing terminal 120, the owner terminal 300, the maintenance service provider terminal 400, or the employee terminal 410, the appointment data management system performs the entry, reference, modification, and deletion of owner information, user information, employee information, property information, system information, operating data, and the like.

[0018] The information processing terminal 120 is operated by the user, for example, to retrieve user information, object information, and system information. The information processing terminal 120 reads a code affixed to the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20 to retrieve the system information of the air conditioner 100. The information processing terminal 120 can also retrieve the system information of the air conditioner 100 from the control unit 110. Furthermore, the information processing terminal 120 can retrieve the system information of the air conditioner 100 by reading a code described on a nameplate affixed to the air conditioner 100. The user information, object information, and system information are transmitted from the information processing terminal 120, via the air conditioner 100, to the terminal data management device 200.For example, if a problem or the like occurs during the operation of the air conditioning system 100, the information processing terminal 120 can also transmit a request for a repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system 100 to the appointment data management device 200.

[0019] Fig. Figure 3 is a representation showing an example of a database stored in the Appointment Data Management Device 200 according to the embodiment. For example, the Appointment Data Management Device 200 creates an Owner table, an Object table, an Asset table, and a Maintenance Provider table. The Owner table, the Object table, the Asset table, and the Maintenance Provider table are linked to each other. For example, the Owner, the Asset, and the Maintenance Provider can be linked to the Object as key information. The Appointment Data Management Device 200 performs the processing, including the entry, modification, deletion, and similar operations, of information for the Owner table, Object table, Asset table, and Maintenance Provider table. The Owner table, for example, is stored with an Owner ID and Owner information.The owner information includes the owner's name, contact details, and similar information. The object table is stored with an object ID and object information. This object information includes an object name, such as a building name, object location, and similar details. The equipment table is stored with a device ID, equipment information (including a model name, serial number, MAC address, and similar details), operational data, information about the replacement / repair history, anomaly history, and inspection information.

[0020] The replacement / repair history information includes the replacement and repair dates of outdoor unit 10 or indoor unit 20, system information before and after replacement, and similar data. The replacement / repair history information also includes the replacement and repair dates of individual components of outdoor unit 10 or indoor unit 20, system information before and after replacement, and similar data. Inspection information includes the date of a basic inspection of air conditioner 100, the basic inspection history, an inspection log table, and similar data.

[0021] The maintenance service provider table is stored with a maintenance service provider ID, maintenance service provider information (including company name, contact details, etc.), and appointment data information. The appointment data includes employee information, job level data, qualification level data, and support information.

[0022] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation illustrating the configuration of an air conditioner 100 according to the embodiment. The air conditioner 100 comprises, for example, an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a circulation path 18. Through heat exchange between a refrigerant 19 flowing within the circulation path 18 and the air in the room where the indoor unit 20 is located, the air conditioner 100 can regulate the temperature of the air in the room. Examples of the refrigerant 19 are a fluorinated refrigerant with a low global warming potential (GWP) and a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant.

[0023] The outdoor unit 10, for example, comprises a housing 11, a compressor 12, a heat exchanger 13, a flow control valve 14, a fan 15, a four-way valve 16, and a control unit 17. The compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13, the flow control valve 14, the fan 15, the four-way valve 16, and the control unit 17 are housed inside the housing 11.

[0024] The compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13, the flow control valve 14, and the four-way valve 16 are arranged in the part of the circulation path 18 that is located inside the housing 11. The compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13, the flow control valve 14, and the four-way valve 16 are connected by the part of the circulation path 18 that is located inside the housing 11.

[0025] The four-way valve 16 is located in the section of the circulation path 18 that is connected to the refrigerant outlet side of the compressor 12. The four-way valve 16 switches the path of the refrigerant 19 flowing in the circulation path 18 between the path indicated by a solid line and the path indicated by a dashed line. The path indicated by the solid line is used to return the refrigerant 19 discharged by the compressor 12 via the heat exchanger 13, the flow control valve 14, and the indoor unit 20 to the compressor 12. The path indicated by the dashed line is used to return the refrigerant 19 discharged by the compressor 12 via the indoor unit 20, the flow control valve 14, and the heat exchanger 13 to the compressor 12.

[0026] The indoor unit 20 comprises a housing 21, a heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, and a control unit 24. The housing 21 contains the heat exchanger 22, the fan 23, the control unit 24, and the communication device 30. The indoor unit 20 can operate in cooling mode to cool the air in the room where it is located, and in heating mode to warm the air in the room where it is located.

[0027] When the air conditioner 100 is operating in cooling mode, the refrigerant 19 circulates in the specified sequence through the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10, the flow control valve 14, and the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20, returning to the compressor 12 as indicated by a solid arrow. During cooling operation, the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10 acts as the condenser, and the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 acts as the evaporator.

[0028] When the air conditioner 100 is operating in heating mode, the refrigerant 19 circulates in the specified sequence through the compressor 12, the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20, the flow control valve 14, and the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10, returning to the compressor 12 as indicated by an arrow with a dashed line. In heating mode, the heat exchanger 13 of the outdoor unit 10 acts as the evaporator, and the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 20 acts as the condenser.

[0029] The control unit 24, together with the communication device 30 and a memory unit 24a, is mounted on a circuit board of the indoor unit 20. The control unit 24 controls every part of the indoor unit 20. The control unit 17, together with a memory unit 17a, is mounted on a circuit board of the outdoor unit 10. The control unit 17 controls every part of the outdoor unit 10. For example, a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), executes a program stored in program memory to implement the control unit 24 and the control unit 17. Software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware is called a program, with the program being stored in the program memory.Furthermore, some or all functional units can be implemented using hardware such as large-scale integration (LSI), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or through a combination of software and hardware. For example, memory units 17a and 24a are formed by non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). The communication device 30 receives the operating data from the air conditioner 100 and transmits it. The operating data transmitted by the communication device 30 to the air conditioner 100 includes the operating data stored in memory units 24a and 17a.

[0030] Specifically, the control unit 24 communicates with the operating unit 110 and the information processing terminal 120 via the communication device 30. The control unit 24 receives signals from sensors (not shown) attached to the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. The control unit 24 controls a motor in the blower 23. The control unit 24 sends a control signal to the control unit 17 for the operation of the outdoor unit 10. The control unit 17 controls a motor of the compressor 12, a motor of the blower 15, an actuator of the four-way valve 16, and an actuator of the flow control valve 14.

[0031] The sensor can include, for example, temperature sensors that detect various temperatures such as the outside air temperature, room temperature, refrigerant line temperature and the casing temperature of the compressor 12; sensors that detect various drive forces such as the drive force of the fan 15, the drive force of the blower 23 and the drive force of the compressor 12; sensors that detect various operations such as the operation of the flow control valve 14 and the operation of the four-way valve 16; and refrigerant leakage sensors arranged around the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20.

[0032] The operating data is described below. This data pertains to the operation of the air conditioning unit 100. It includes data relating to the overall operation of the air conditioning unit 100, data relating to the operation of the outdoor unit 10, data relating to the operation of the indoor unit 20, data relating to the operation of components of the outdoor unit 10, and data relating to components of the indoor unit 20. This operating data can be used for diagnosing the air conditioning unit 100.

[0033] The operating data includes diagnostic data for the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. This operating data might include, for example, information on whether a float switch installed in a drain pan has detected an initial water level. Accordingly, the operating data management device 200 can diagnose an anomaly during a wastewater draining process. The operating data might also include information on whether a line temperature is less than or equal to the protection temperature of a thermistor attached to a refrigerant line in the indoor unit. Accordingly, the operating data management device 200 can diagnose an anomaly during cooling operation where the indoor refrigerant line has frozen due to an operating load condition or similar cause.The operational data can include information indicating whether the line temperature is greater than or equal to the protection temperature of a thermistor attached to a refrigerant line in the interior. Accordingly, the operational data management device 200 can diagnose an anomaly during heating operation where the interior line temperature rises excessively due to an operating load condition or similar cause. The operational data can also include information indicating whether a refrigerant pressure exceeds the design pressure. Accordingly, the operational data management device 200 can diagnose an anomaly where the refrigerant pressure exceeds the design pressure due to clogging or kinking of the refrigerant line, a short cycle, failure of interior and exterior fan motors, or similar causes.The operating data may include data indicating whether or not an abnormal temperature is detected by a thermistor that measures the temperature of the refrigerant discharged by the compressor 12. Accordingly, the schedule data management device 200 can diagnose an anomaly in which the temperature of the refrigerant 19 discharged by the compressor 12 exceeds the design temperature due to compressor 12 overheating caused by a refrigerant shortage, a valve malfunction of the four-way valve 16 or the flow control valve 14, or the like. The operating data may also include data indicating whether or not a casing thermistor attached to the compressor 12 has detected an abnormal temperature.Accordingly, the schedule data management device 200 can diagnose an anomaly in which the temperature of the casing forming the outer contour of the compressor 12 exceeds the operating temperature, which is defined according to the permissible temperature of each component, such as the compressor 12, due to a heating process of the compressor 12 caused by a lack of refrigerant, a valve malfunction of the four-way valve 16 or the flow control valve 14, or the like. The operating data can be data indicating whether a period during which an outlet superheat exceeds a predetermined value persists for a specific duration.Accordingly, the schedule data management device 200 can diagnose an anomaly in which refrigerant 19 leaks and the refrigerant 19 is insufficient due to a compressor 12 heating process caused by a refrigerant shortage, a valve malfunction of the four-way valve 16 or the flow control valve 14, or the like. The operating data can be used to determine whether the refrigerant pressure falls below the operating pressure. Accordingly, the schedule data management device 200 can diagnose an anomaly in which the refrigerant pressure falls below the operating pressure due to a malfunction of an electronic expansion valve or the like, a foreign object in the refrigerant line, or the like.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the indoor unit 20 and the appointment data management device 200 according to the embodiment. The indoor unit 20 comprises, for example, the control unit 24, a data reference unit 140, a processing unit 142, the storage unit 24a, an external communication unit 150, and an in-house communication unit 152. The external communication unit 150 is a functional unit corresponding to the communication device 30. A processor, e.g., a CPU, executes, for example, a program stored in program memory to implement the data reference unit 140 and the processing unit 142.The control unit 24, the data reference unit 140, the processing unit 142, the storage unit 24a, the external communication unit 150 and the in-house communication unit 152 can be attached to the external unit 10 as well as the indoor unit 20 or distributed between the external unit 10 and the indoor unit 20.

[0035] The control unit 24 outputs the control signal to each component of the air conditioning system 100. The data reference unit 140 receives the operating data from each component of the air conditioning system 100. The storage unit 24a stores the operating data. The processing unit 142 transmits the operating data stored in the storage unit 144 via the external communication unit 150 and the router 101 to the appointment data management device 200. The in-house communication unit 152 establishes wired communication with the operating unit 110. The in-house communication unit 152 communicates with the information processing terminal 120 using a short-range communication method. This short-range communication method is, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0036] The appointment data management device 200 comprises, for example, a receiving unit 210, a diagnostic unit 212, a selection unit 220, an information provisioning unit 230, and a database unit 240. The receiving unit 210 receives the operating data transmitted by the external communication unit 150 (communication device 30). The diagnostic unit 212 diagnoses the air conditioning system 100 based on the operating data received by the receiving unit 210.

[0037] The selection unit 220 determines an activity level, which indicates the difficulty of repairing or maintaining the air conditioning system 100, based on a diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit 212, and selects an employee to perform the activity at that activity level. The selection unit 220 includes, for example, an activity level determination unit 222, a deadline data determination unit 224, and a qualification level determination unit 226. A processor, such as a CPU, executes, for example, a program stored in program memory to implement the activity level determination unit 222, the deadline data determination unit 224, and the qualification level determination unit 226. In this embodiment, the activity level represents the difficulty of repairing or maintaining the air conditioning system 100, and the qualification level represents the competence level of an employee.

[0038] The Activity Level Determination Unit 222 determines the activity level, which indicates the difficulty of repairing or maintaining the air conditioning unit 100, based on the diagnostic result from the Diagnostic Unit 212. The Scheduling Data Determination Unit 224 receives a workday for carrying out the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning unit 100 and determines whether or not a first employee can be assigned to that workday. The first employee is an employee who has attained the qualification level corresponding to the activity level determined by Activity Level Determination Unit 222.The qualification level determination unit 226 selects the first employee and a second employee who is among those who do not meet the qualification level corresponding to the job level and who meets the qualification level corresponding to the job level, provided that support information is used. If the scheduling data determination unit 224 determines that the first employee cannot be scheduled on the workday, the scheduling data determination unit 224 can select the second employee.

[0039] Fig. Table 6 shows an example of activity level data. Fig. Table 7 is a table that provides an example of qualification level data. Fig. Table 8 shows an example of support information data. Fig. Figure 9 is a representation that shows an example of support information. The activity level data, qualification level data, support information data, and information such as working days are stored in database unit 240.

[0040] Activity level data is data that links operational data, information indicating the repair or maintenance of air conditioning unit 100, and the activity level. Activity level data can include data that links the diagnostic result based on operational data, information indicating the repair or maintenance of air conditioning unit 100, and the activity level. Skill level data is data that links information indicating the employee and their skill level. The skill level is determined, for example, by years of work experience, the employee's skills, a component that has been replaced, the number of times the component has been replaced, experience in welding (demanding work) or not, or the presence or absence of a license. The skill level is determined, for example, by...Updated based on a request from the maintenance service provider terminal 400. Support information data is data that links support information and a range of qualification levels. For example, support information includes content created for every repair or maintenance of the Air Conditioner 100, but is not limited to this and can include content for any model of the Air Conditioner 100. As in... Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the support information includes, for example, video data from a manual and comprises video images describing the entire process of an activity, video images describing details of a procedure (1) of the activity, video images describing details of a procedure (2) of the activity, and video images describing details of a new function of the air conditioner 100 in relation to the activity.

[0041] The activity level determination unit 222 of the selection unit 220, based on the activity level data, determines the activity level corresponding to the operational data transmitted by the communication device 30. The activity level determination unit 222 can also determine, based on the activity level data, the activity level corresponding to the diagnostic result derived from the operational data. The qualification level determination unit 226 of the selection unit 220, based on the qualification level data, determines information indicating a first employee who meets the qualification level corresponding to the activity level determined by the activity level determination unit 222. The qualification level determination unit 226 further determines information indicating a second employee, based on the qualification level data and the support information data.For example, the qualification level determination unit 226 takes into account information indicating an employee whose qualification level is “4”, provided that the activity level corresponding to the diagnostic result is “5” and support information is used that corresponds to an increase range of “+1”.

[0042] By providing support information to an employee with a low skill level, the Information Delivery Unit 230 can increase that employee's skill level. If the second employee has a higher skill level, the Information Delivery Unit 230 reduces the amount of support information provided to the second employee's employee terminal 410. For example, the Information Delivery Unit 230 can, as in Fig. Figure 9 shows that when all video images of the support information are provided to employees with qualification levels "1" and "2", the qualification level of the second employee is increased by "+3". By providing video images of procedure (1), procedure (2), and the new function in the support information to an employee with qualification level "3", the Information Delivery Unit 230 can increase the qualification level of the second employee by "2". By providing video images of procedure (2) and the new function in the support information to an employee with qualification level "4", the Information Delivery Unit 230 can increase the qualification level of the second employee by "1". The Information Delivery Unit 230 can provide the video images of the new function of the air conditioner 100 and similar items in the form of support information to all employees.

[0043] The tables of Fig. Figure 10 shows an example of the process for selecting a first and second employee. (A) in Fig. 10 is a table showing the activity level and working day for the repair or maintenance of air conditioning 100. (B) of Fig. Table 10 shows an example of the process for selecting a first employee, taking into account the deadlines (possible working day). (C) in Fig. Table 10 shows an example of the process for selecting a first and a second employee, taking into account the deadlines (possible working day). As in (A) of Fig. As shown in Figure 10, for example, for a repair or maintenance task at activity level "5", the workday for the repair or maintenance is determined based on a request from, for example, the owner terminal 300 or the information processing terminal 120. The appointment data determination unit 224 refers to the employee's appointment data to select the employees A1 to E2 who can perform the task on the designated workday. The qualification level determination unit 226 selects employee A2 with activity level "5" from among employees A1 to E2 as the first employee, as shown in (B) of Figure 10. Fig. 10 is shown. Furthermore, the qualification level determination unit 226 can, provided that support information is used, select employee B2 with qualification level “4” by reference to support information data, as shown in (C) of Fig. 10 is shown.

[0044] Fig. Figure 11 is a representation showing an example of a display image for verifying support information provided at the employee terminal 410. Fig. Figure 12 is a representation showing an example of support information for a component exchange. The information delivery unit 230 provides the employee terminal 410, which is carried by the employee, with content to indicate whether or not support information should be provided, with the employee terminal 410 displaying a screen for verifying the support information, as shown in (a) of Figure 12. Fig. Figure 11 shows that the display screen for verifying the support information shows that the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning unit 100 performed by the employee involves replacing a component and includes work steps for replacing the component and checkboxes corresponding to those work steps. The employee terminal 410 receives input from the employee and provides the appointment data management device 200 with information specifying the work steps with the unchecked checkboxes. The information delivery unit 230 of the appointment data management device 200 provides the employee terminal 410 with support information for the component replacement to the extent that it corresponds to the information specifying the work steps of the unchecked checkboxes, as shown in (b) of Figure 11. Fig. 11 and in Fig. Figure 12 shows that the information delivery unit 230 can, depending on the employee's qualification level, also prevent the selection of checkboxes for work steps for which the display of support information is requested.

[0045] Fig. Figure 13 is a representation showing an example of a display image for verifying support information, which is provided at the employee terminal 410. Fig. Figure 14 is a representation showing an example of model-specific support information. The information delivery unit 230 provides the employee terminal 410, which is carried by the employee, with content to verify whether or not to provide the support information for the latest model, and the employee terminal 410 displays the screen for verifying the support information for the latest model, as shown in (a) of Fig. Figure 13 shows that the display screen for verifying support information contains elements that explain a repair or maintenance method according to the features of the latest model and has checkboxes corresponding to those elements. The employee terminal 410 receives input from the employee and provides the appointment data management device 200 with information that identifies the elements of the unchecked checkboxes. As shown in (b) of Fig. 13 and in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the Information Delivery Unit 230 of the Appointment Data Management Device 200 provides support information for the latest model to the employee terminal 410 to a extent that corresponds to the information specified by the items for which the checkboxes have not been selected. The Information Delivery Unit 230 can also prevent the selection of checkboxes for items for which the display of support information is requested, depending on the employee's skill level.

[0046] Fig. Figure 15 is a representation showing an example of a display image for verifying support information, which is provided at the employee terminal 410. Fig. Figure 16 is a representation that shows an example of support information corresponding to an inspection. Fig. Figure 17 is a representation showing an example of support information corresponding to the explanation of an inspection result. The information delivery unit 230 provides content to the employee terminal 410, which is carried by the employee, to verify whether or not support information for conducting an inspection in a non-abnormal case should be provided, and the employee terminal 410 displays the screen for checking the support information for an inspection procedure, as shown in (a) of Fig. Figure 15 shows that an inspection in a non-abnormal case is performed in response to a request from the information processing terminal 120 or the owner terminal 300, even if, for example, no anomaly is detected when the diagnostic unit 212 performs the diagnosis based on the operational data. The display screen for verifying the support information includes the entire procedure for checking the air conditioning unit 100 for anomalies, with one associated item and one checkbox assigned to each inspection item. The employee terminal 410 receives input from the employee and provides information to the appointment data management device 200 indicating the items with unchecked checkboxes. As shown in (b) of Fig. 15 and in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the Information Delivery Unit 230 of the Appointment Data Management Device 200 provides the support information for the latest model to the employee terminal 410 to a extent that corresponds to the information specified by the items whose checkboxes have not been selected. Accordingly, the Information Delivery Unit 230 can provide the employee with the entire procedure and inspection items for a normal inspection, thus providing support information for an inspection item that is unknown to the employee. The Information Delivery Unit 230 can also prevent the selection of checkboxes for items for which the display of support information is requested, depending on the employee's skill level.

[0047] After completion of the inspection on employee terminal 410, the information delivery unit 230 provides employee terminal 410 with content to display a screen that includes a comprehensive explanation of the inspection, elements explaining the results of the respective inspection items, and corresponding checkboxes for those elements, as shown in Fig. 15(c) is shown. The employee terminal 410 receives input from the employee and provides the appointment data management device 200 with information indicating items for which no check boxes have been selected. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, the Information Delivery Unit 230 provides the Appointment Data Management Device 200 with support information from the support information to the employee terminal 410, to a extent that corresponds to the information provided by the items with unchecked checkboxes. Accordingly, the Information Delivery Unit 230 can provide the employee with a video explaining the inspection result. The Information Delivery Unit 230 can also prevent the selection of checkboxes for items for which support information is requested, depending on the employee's skill level.

[0048] Fig. Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure for selecting an employee using the appointment data management device 200 according to the embodiment. First, the receiving unit 210 receives the operating data from the air conditioner 100 (step S100), and the diagnostic unit 212 diagnoses the air conditioner 100 based on this operating data. The diagnostic unit 212 determines whether an anomaly has occurred in the air conditioner 100 (step S102). If no anomaly occurs in the air conditioner 100 (step S102: NO), the diagnostic unit 212 repeats the reception and diagnosis of the operating data (steps S101 and S102).If an anomaly occurs in the air conditioning system 100 (step S102: YES), the diagnostic unit 212 determines a work content of the repair or maintenance for the diagnostic result (step S104), and the activity level determination unit 222 determines the activity level of the work content of the repair or maintenance according to the diagnostic result (step S106).

[0049] Next, the appointment data determination unit 224 checks the appointment data of the employee who has open appointments on the workday on which the repair or maintenance of air conditioning unit 100 is to be carried out (step S108). The qualification level determination unit 226 selects a first employee from among those employees who have open appointments on the workday on which the repair or maintenance of air conditioning unit 100 is to be carried out, who has achieved a qualification level corresponding to the activity level (step S110).

[0050] The qualification level determination unit 226 determines whether the first employee is selected or not (step S112). If the qualification level determination unit 226 selects the first employee (step S112: YES), the appointment data management device 200 provides the employee terminal 410 belonging to the selected first employee with activity request information (step S116).

[0051] If the Skill Level Determination Unit 226 does not select the first employee (Step S112: NO), the Skill Level Determination Unit 226 selects a second employee who meets the skill level corresponding to the job level, provided that support information is used (Step S114). The Appointment Data Management Device 200 provides job request information to the employee terminal 410 belonging to the selected second employee (Step S116).

[0052] As described above, the appointment data management system according to the embodiment comprises the air conditioner 100, in which the refrigerant circulates to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, the communication device 30, which receives and transmits the operating data from the air conditioner 100, the appointment data management device 200, the receiving unit 210, which receives the operating data transmitted by the communication device 30, the diagnostic unit 212, which diagnoses the air conditioner 100 based on the operating data received by the receiving unit 210, the selection unit 220, which determines the activity level, indicating the difficulty of the repair or maintenance of the air conditioner 100, based on the diagnostic result of the diagnostic unit 212 and selects the employee who performs the activity at the activity level, and the information provision unit 230.which provides support information to assist with the repair or maintenance of the air conditioner 100. Selection unit 220 selects a first employee who has reached the qualification level corresponding to the job level, and a second employee who does not yet reach the qualification level corresponding to the job level, provided that support information is used. The appointment data management system allows for the quick selection of an employee when repair or maintenance of the air conditioner 100 is required.

[0053] Fig. Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operational sequence of the appointment data management system according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig.As described in section 18, the selection unit 220 selects the second employee if the appointment data determination unit 224 determines that no first employee can be assigned on the workday; however, the present invention is not limited to this. The appointment data management device 200 can supply both the employee terminal 410 belonging to the first employee and the employee terminal 410 belonging to the second employee with information regarding the request for repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system 100.

[0054] First, the air conditioner 100 delivers the operating data to the scheduling data management device 200, with the receiving unit 210 of the scheduling data management device 200 receiving the provided operating data. The diagnostic unit 212 diagnoses the air conditioner 100 based on the received operating data (step S200). If the diagnosis reveals an anomaly in the air conditioner 100, the scheduling data management device 200 issues notifications to the owner terminal 300, the maintenance service provider terminal 400 (not shown), and the employee terminal 410.

[0055] The selection unit 220 then selects a first and second employee (step S202). The activity level determination unit 222 determines the activity level corresponding to the diagnostic result. The appointment data determination unit 224 identifies an employee who is able to perform the work on the workday on which the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning unit 100, which has an anomaly, is to be carried out. The qualification level determination unit 226 selects a first employee who has the qualification level corresponding to the activity level and a second employee who is available from the employees on the workday and who has the qualification level corresponding to the activity level, provided that support information is used.The appointment data management device 200 simultaneously requests both the employee terminal 410 belonging to the first employee and the employee terminal 410 belonging to the second employee selected by the qualification level determination unit 226 to carry out the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning unit 100.

[0056] It is assumed that the required qualification level for repairing or maintaining the air conditioning unit 100 is, for example, "5" in the appointment data management device 200, and that a first employee with qualification level "5" and a second employee with qualification level "3" are requested. It is assumed that the appointment data management device 200 does not receive an affirmative response from the employee terminal 410 carried by the first employee with qualification level "5," but does receive an affirmative response from the employee terminal 410 carried by the second employee with qualification level "3." In this case, the information delivery unit 230 transmits support information to increase the qualification level of the second employee from "3" to "5" to the employee terminal 410 belonging to the second employee.

[0057] The employee terminal 410, belonging to the second employee, receives the support information and prompts the second employee to view video images as support information (step S204). The employee terminal 410 sends a completion message to the appointment data management device 200, indicating that the review of the support information is complete.

[0058] When the repair or maintenance of air conditioning unit 100 has been carried out, the second employee reports the completion of the activity (step S206), and the employee terminal 410 transmits the completion message to the appointment data management device 200, indicating that the activity of repairing or maintaining air conditioning unit 100 has been completed.

[0059] As described above, the appointment data management device 200 can quickly schedule the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system 100 by providing the information for requesting the repair or maintenance to both the first and second employees.

[0060] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the figures, the specific configurations are not limited to the embodiments described above and also include designs and the like within the scope of the core statement of the present disclosure. The configurations described in the embodiments described above can be combined in any way. For example, the air conditioning system 100 is described as the target of the activity in the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the embodiments described above can be applied to any activity, such as replacing systems, replacing components, repairing, or cleaning, that requires the assignment or transfer of operating data before and after the activity. Reference symbol list 10, 10a, 10b Outdoor unit 12 Compressor 13 heat exchangers 14 Flow control valve 15 blowers 16 Four-way valve 17 Control unit 17a, 24a storage unit 19 Refrigerants 21 cases 22 heat exchangers 23 blowers 24 control unit 20, 20a, 20b1, 20b2 Indoor unit 30, 30a, 30b Communication device 100, 100A, 100B Air conditioner 101 Router 110 Control unit 120 Information processing terminal 140 data reference units 142 processing units 144 storage units 150 external communication units 152 In-house communication unit 200 appointment data management device 210 receiver unit 212 Diagnostic Unit 220 selection unit 222 Activity level determination unit 224 Appointment data determination unit 226 Qualification level unit of determination 230 Information Delivery Unit 240 database units QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2014 - 199 618

[0003]

Claims

[1] Appointment data management system that features: an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant and air; a communication device to obtain operating data from the air conditioning system and to transmit the obtained operating data; and a schedule data management device comprising a receiving unit for receiving the operational data transmitted by the communication device, a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the air conditioning system based on the operational data received by the receiving unit, a selection unit for determining an activity level indicating the difficulty of a repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system based on a diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit and for selecting an employee to perform work at the activity level, and a provisioning unit for providing support information to assist in the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system; wherein the selection unit selects a first employee whose qualification level corresponds to the job level, and a second employee who is among those employees who do not reach the qualification level corresponding to the job level, and who reaches the qualification level corresponding to the job level on the condition that support information is used. [2] Appointment data management system according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit comprises an appointment data determination unit to obtain a working day on which the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system is to be carried out, and determines whether the first employee can be assigned on the obtained working day or not, and selects the second employee if the appointment data determination unit determines that the first employee cannot be assigned on the working day. [3] Appointment data management system according to claim 1, wherein the appointment data management device provides both a terminal belonging to the first employee and a terminal belonging to the second employee with information on the request for the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system. [4] Appointment data management system according to claim 1, wherein the appointment data management device comprises a database unit for storing activity level data in which the operational data, information indicating the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system, and the activity level are linked, skill level data in which information indicating the employee and the skill level are linked, and support information data in which the support information and an increase range of the skill level are linked, and wherein the selection unit obtains the activity level corresponding to the operational data transmitted by the communication device based on the activity level data, obtains information indicating a first employee who meets the qualification level corresponding to the referenced activity level based on the qualification level data, and obtains information indicating a second employee based on the qualification level data and the support information data. [5] Appointment data management system according to claim 1, wherein the provisioning unit reduces the scope of support information provided at the terminal belonging to the second employee when the second employee has a higher qualification level. [6] Appointment data management system according to claim 1, wherein the provisioning unit at a terminal belonging to the second employee provides content to select a work step for which support information is provided from among the work steps included in the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system based on the operational data, and provides the support information according to the work step selected by the second employee. [7] Appointment data management system according to claim 1, wherein the provisioning unit at a terminal belonging to the second employee provides content to select a function for which support information is provided from among the functions of the air conditioning system to be repaired or serviced based on the operational data, and provides the support information according to the function selected by the second employee. [8] Appointment data management system according to claim 1, wherein the provisioning unit at a terminal belonging to the second employee provides content to select an inspection position for which support information is provided from among the inspection positions of the air conditioning system to be repaired or serviced based on the operational data, and provides the support information according to the inspection position selected by the second employee. [9] Appointment data management procedures, which include: using a communication device: a step to obtain operating data from an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, and to transmit the obtained operating data; using an appointment data management device: a step towards receiving the operational data transmitted by the communication device; a step towards diagnosing the air conditioning system based on operating data; a step towards determining an activity level that indicates the difficulty of repairing or maintaining the air conditioning system, based on a diagnostic result, and towards selecting an employee to perform work at that activity level; and a step towards providing support information to assist with the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system, wherein the step to select an employee includes selecting a first employee whose qualification level corresponds to the job level, and a second employee who is among those employees who do not reach the qualification level corresponding to the job level, and who reaches the qualification level corresponding to the job level on the condition that support information is used. [10] Appointment data management device comprising: a receiving unit for receiving operating data from a communication device for obtaining operating data from an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to carry out heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, and for transmitting the obtained operating data; a diagnostic unit for diagnosing the air conditioning system based on the operating data received by the receiving unit; a selection unit for determining an activity level that indicates the difficulty of a repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system, based on a diagnostic result from the diagnostic unit, and for selecting an employee to perform work at that activity level; and a deployment unit for providing support information to assist with the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system; wherein the selection unit selects a first employee whose qualification level corresponds to the job level, and a second employee who is among those employees who do not reach the qualification level corresponding to the job level, and who reaches the qualification level corresponding to the job level on the condition that support information is used. [11] Program that causes a computer of an appointment data management device to execute a procedure that includes: To receive operating data from an air conditioning system in which a refrigerant circulates to perform a heat exchange between the refrigerant and air; to diagnose the air conditioning system based on operating data; to determine a level of activity that indicates the difficulty of repairing or maintaining the air conditioning system, based on a diagnostic result; to select a first employee whose qualification level corresponds to the job level, and a second employee who is among those who do not reach the qualification level corresponding to the job level, and who reaches the qualification level corresponding to the job level, provided that support information is used to assist in the repair or maintenance of the air conditioning system; and and to provide the support information to the second employee.

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