Service recommendations for adjusting the unit and air conditioning system

Abstract

A server device (5) as a service recommendation period adjustment device is connected to an air conditioner (2) and a service point terminal (10) provided at a service point providing service for the air conditioner (2), and includes an operation status collection unit (41), a candidate date calculation unit (45), a sending unit (46), and a cleaning entrusting unit (47). The operation status collection unit (41) collects operation status signals from the air conditioner (2). The candidate date calculation unit (45) determines a plurality of candidate dates based on the operation status signals. The sending unit (46) sends a cleaning recommendation signal indicating the plurality of candidate dates to a communication terminal (7). The cleaning entrusting unit (47) sends a commissioned date selected from the plurality of candidate dates by the communication terminal (7) to the service point terminal (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a service suggestion period adjustment device and an air conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] There is known an air conditioner that transmits the maintenance period or replacement period of a filter to a portable terminal (Patent Document 1). In addition, there is known an air conditioning system that automatically extracts information related to the air conditioner and transmits it to a customer management center, and the customer management center automatically transmits information corresponding to the transmitted content back to the air conditioner (Patent Document 2).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-87510

[0004] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-218567 Summary of the invention

[0005] There is known a service point that provides various services related to air conditioners, such as air conditioner installation, air conditioner repair, and air conditioner cleaning. In addition, there is a proposal that a message for urging the air conditioner to be cleaned is notified to the user at a predetermined time. Based on such a notification, the user can request the service point to clean the air conditioner at an appropriate time. However, for services such as air conditioner cleaning provided by the service point, the user is generally present, and in this case, there is the following problem: the user needs to inform the service point of multiple time periods at home, and the request is time-consuming and laborious.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a service suggestion period adjustment device and an air conditioning system that make it easier for a user to request a service from a service point.

[0007] A service recommendation period adjustment device according to one aspect of the embodiment is connected to an air conditioner and a service point terminal provided at a service point providing service for the air conditioner, and includes:

[0008] An operation status collecting unit that collects operation status signals from the air conditioner;

[0009] a candidate date calculation unit, which determines a plurality of candidate dates based on the operation status signal;

[0010] a transmitting unit configured to transmit a service recommendation signal indicating the plurality of candidate dates to a communication terminal; and

[0011] The entrusting unit transmits the entrusting date selected by the communication terminal from among the plurality of candidate dates to the service point terminal.

[0012] The service suggestion period adjustment device of the present invention can make it easier for users to entrust services to service points. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the adapter.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an air conditioner.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a block diagram showing a server device.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a candidate date calculation table.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a top view showing a communication terminal.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a plan view of the communication terminal showing that the second request date selection screen is displayed on the display unit.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the operation of requesting cleaning to a service point. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, the service recommendation period adjustment device and the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following content does not constitute a limitation of the technology of the present invention. In addition, the same symbols are given to the same components in the following content, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, in this embodiment, the service provided by the service point is described by taking the cleaning of the air conditioner as an example.

[0022] Example

[0023] Figure 1 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 The air conditioning system 1 shown includes an air conditioner 2 , an adapter 3 , a router 4 , a server device 5 , a relay device 6 , a communication terminal 7 , a communication network 8 , a weather information server 9 , and a service point terminal 10 .

[0024] The air conditioner 2 is a device for cooling / heating the room. A plurality of such air conditioners 2 are provided in the air conditioning system 1. The communication terminal 7 is a terminal device such as a user's smartphone. A plurality of communication terminals 7 are provided in the air conditioning system 1, and the plurality of communication terminals 7 correspond to the plurality of air conditioners provided in the air conditioning system 1.

[0025] The adapter 3 has: a communication function for wirelessly connecting the air conditioner 2 and the router 4; and a control function for performing AI (Artificial Intelligence) control on the air conditioner 2. The adapter 3 is provided in each air conditioner 2. The router 4 is a device that wirelessly connects the adapter 3 to the communication network 8 using, for example, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). The communication network 8 is a communication network such as the Internet. The server device 5 is an example of a service recommendation period adjustment device, and has a function of generating an AI learning model for controlling the air conditioner 2, and a database for storing operation history data, etc. In addition, the server device 5 is configured in a data center, for example. The relay device 6 has a function of being connected to the communication network 8 and connected to the server device 5. The relay device 6 sends the operation history data, etc. used to generate the learning model used by the air conditioner 2 or update the learning model from the adapter 3 to the server device 5 via the communication network 8. In addition, the relay device 6 sends the learning model generated or updated in the server device 5 to the adapter 3 via the communication network 8. In addition, the relay device 6 is configured in a data center, for example.

[0026] The relay device 6 includes a first relay unit 6A, a second relay unit 6B, and a third relay unit 6C. The first relay unit 6A transmits the operation history data and the like received from the adapter 3 for generating or updating the learning model to the server device 5 via the communication network 8, and transmits the learning model generated or updated by the server device 5 to the adapter 3 via the communication network 8. The second relay unit 6B acquires the operation conditions (such as the operation mode of cooling / heating and the set temperature, etc.) of the air conditioner 2 set by the user using the communication terminal 7 at the destination via the communication network 8, and transmits it to the air conditioner 2 via the communication network 8. The third relay unit 6C acquires external data such as weather forecast from the communication network 8 such as the Internet, and transmits the acquired external data to the server device 5. In addition, the third relay unit 6C transmits the external data to the adapter 3 via the communication network 8.

[0027] The weather information server 9 publishes weather forecasts to information processing devices connected to the communication network 8. The weather forecast contains weather data for multiple time periods in multiple regions. For example, the weather data for a certain time period in a certain region is various predictions of the weather, temperature, and precipitation probability in the region during that time period. The service point terminal 10 is set at a service point that provides various services related to air conditioners, such as air conditioner installation, air conditioner repair, and air conditioner cleaning. In addition, although the service point provides these various services to the user of the air conditioner 2, it can also be replaced by a service point that provides one service. For example, the service point can be replaced by a service point that professionally provides air conditioner repair, or it can be replaced by a service point that professionally provides air conditioner cleaning. The service point terminal 10 is input with the working status of the service point, and intermittently sends a signal indicating the working status of the service point (hereinafter referred to as "working status signal") to the server device 5 via the communication network 8. The working status refers to the daily implementation schedule of various services provided by the service point, and multiple dates are respectively associated with at least one working status. For example, the working status of air conditioner cleaning indicates whether the service point is free to accept the work of air conditioner cleaning on that date.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the adapter 3. Figure 2 The adapter 3 shown has a first communication unit 11, a second communication unit 12, a storage unit 13 and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14. The first communication unit 11 is a communication IF (Interface) connected to the air conditioner 2 for communication, such as UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) or the like. The second communication unit 12 is a communication unit connected to the router 4 for communication, such as a communication IF such as WLAN or the like. The storage unit 13 has, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various information such as data or programs. The CPU 14 controls the adapter 3 as a whole.

[0029] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the air conditioner 2. Figure 3As shown, the air conditioner 2 includes an indoor unit 15, an outdoor unit 16, a plasma purification unit 17, a human body sensor 18, a remote controller 19 and a control unit 20. The indoor unit 15 is arranged indoors and also includes an indoor fan, a filter, a filter cleaning mechanism and an indoor heat exchanger not shown. The indoor fan sucks the air in the room where the indoor unit 15 is arranged, passes it through the indoor heat exchanger, and blows the air after passing through the indoor heat exchanger into the room. The filter captures dust from the air passing through the indoor heat exchanger. The filter cleaning mechanism removes the dust collected by the filter from the filter. The indoor heat exchanger heats or cools the indoor air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant circulating between it and the outdoor unit 16 and the air sucked by the indoor fan. The indoor unit 15 heats, cools or dehumidifies the room by heating or cooling the indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0030] The outdoor unit 16 is arranged outdoors and includes an outdoor fan, an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve (not shown). The outdoor fan sucks in external air from the room where the outdoor unit 16 is arranged and passes it through the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger heats or cools the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the external air sucked by the outdoor fan and the refrigerant. The compressor circulates the refrigerant between the indoor unit 15 and the outdoor unit 16. The expansion valve adjusts the amount of refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit 15 by adjusting its opening.

[0031] The plasma purification unit 17 is, for example, an electric dust collector, which is arranged inside the indoor unit 15 and includes an ion release unit and a capture unit. The ion release unit charges the dust contained in the air sucked in by the indoor fan of the indoor unit 15. The capture unit includes an electrode plate, and by applying a specified voltage to the electrode plate, the dust charged by the ion release unit is adsorbed on the electrode plate. The plasma purification unit 17 purifies the air sucked into the indoor unit 15 by the indoor fan of the indoor unit 15 by adsorbing the dust on the electrode plate of the capture unit, thereby purifying the air in the room. In addition, the plasma purification unit 17 also measures the voltage of the electrode plate of the capture unit, and when the voltage is smaller than the specified voltage value, stops the operation for discharge protection.

[0032] The human body sensor 18 is provided in the indoor unit 15, and detects whether a person or a pet exists in the room where the indoor unit 15 is arranged. The remote controller 19 includes an operation unit and a display unit, which are not shown. The remote controller 19 outputs information generated by operating the operation unit to the control unit 20, and displays the operation information of the operation unit, the detection results of various sensors such as the indoor temperature, and the information generated by the control unit 20 on the display unit so that the user can recognize it. That is, the user can remotely operate the air conditioner 2 by operating the remote controller 19.

[0033] The control unit 20 controls the indoor unit 15, the outdoor unit 16, the plasma purification unit 17, and the human sensor 18. For example, when "heating" is selected by operating the remote controller 19, the control unit 20 controls the indoor unit 15 and the outdoor unit 16 so that the indoor unit 15 heats the room. When "cooling" is selected by operating the remote controller 19, the control unit 20 controls the indoor unit 15 and the outdoor unit 16 so that the indoor unit 15 cools the room. When "dehumidification" is selected by operating the remote controller 19, the control unit 20 controls the indoor unit 15 and the outdoor unit 16 so that the indoor unit 15 dehumidifies the room. When "stop" is selected by operating the remote controller 19, the control unit 20 controls the indoor unit 15 and the outdoor unit 16 so that the indoor unit 15 stops cooling / heating / dehumidification.

[0034] The adapter 3 intermittently (for example, every 5 minutes) extracts the operating status of the air conditioner 2 from the air conditioner 2. The operating status includes multiple set values ​​such as the set temperature and air volume set on the air conditioner 2, and multiple operating data such as the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature detected by the air conditioner 2. The operating data corresponding to a certain date among the multiple operating data indicates the status of the air conditioner 2 on that date. The adapter 3 summarizes the working status signals indicating the operating status extracted intermittently, and sends them to the server device 5 regularly (for example, every 48 hours) via the communication network 8. The adapter 3 further stores the learning model sent regularly (for example, every 48 hours) from the server device 5, and instructs the control unit 20 to control the air conditioner 2 based on the learning model.

[0035] Figure 4 3 is a block diagram showing a server device 5. The server device 5 is a computer, and includes a CPU 31 and a storage device 32. The CPU 31 controls the storage device 32 by executing a computer program installed in the server device 5. The storage device 32 stores the computer program installed in the server device 5 and stores information used by the CPU 31.

[0036] The computer program installed in the server device 5 is composed of a plurality of computer programs for respectively realizing a plurality of functions of the server device 5. The server device 5 includes an operation status collection unit 41, a determination unit 42, a weather information collection unit 43, a work status collection unit 44, a candidate date calculation unit 45, a transmission unit 46, and a cleaning request unit 47. The operation status collection unit 41 collects a plurality of operation status signals respectively transmitted from a plurality of air conditioners 2 provided in the air conditioning system 1 via the communication network 8 and the relay device 6. The operation status collection unit 41 associates the collected plurality of operation status signals with the air conditioners that transmit them, respectively, and stores them in the storage device 32.

[0037] The determination unit 42 calculates the cumulative operation time corresponding to each air conditioner based on the multiple operation status signals collected by the operation status collection unit 41. Each cumulative operation time represents the sum of the time that the air conditioner 2 performs "heating", "cooling", "dehumidification" and "air supply" operations. The determination unit 42 is preset with a threshold. The threshold is, for example, 2000 hours. The determination unit 42 determines whether cleaning is required for each of the multiple air conditioners based on the multiple cumulative operation times and the thresholds.

[0038] The weather information collecting unit 43 collects weather information from the weather information server 9 via the communication network 8 and the relay device 6. The weather information collecting unit 43 further stores the collected weather information in the storage device 32. The working state collecting unit 44 collects working state signals sent from the service point terminal 10 via the communication network 8 and the relay device 6. The working state collecting unit 44 further stores the collected working state signals in the storage device 32.

[0039] The candidate date calculation unit 45 estimates whether the user of the air conditioner 2 is at home based on the operating status signal of the air conditioner 2 collected by the operating status collection unit 41. The candidate date calculation unit 45 further estimates whether the user of the air conditioner 2 is using the air conditioner 2 based on the weather information collected by the weather information collection unit 43. The candidate date calculation unit 45 further generates a plurality of operating status signals collected by the operating status collection unit 44 for each of the plurality of air conditioners. Figure 5 The candidate date calculation table 61 is shown. The candidate date calculation unit 45 controls the storage device 32 to store the candidate date calculation table 61 in the storage device 32.

[0040] When the determination unit 42 determines that the air conditioner 2 needs cleaning, the sending unit 46 generates a cleaning recommendation signal for the air conditioner 2, and sends the cleaning recommendation signal to the communication terminal 7 via the communication network 8 and the relay device 6. When receiving the cleaning entrustment signal sent from the communication terminal 7, the cleaning entrustment unit 47 forwards the cleaning entrustment signal to the service point terminal 10 via the communication network 8 and the relay device 6.

[0041] Figure 56 is a diagram showing a candidate date calculation table 61. The candidate date calculation table 61 corresponding to the air conditioner 2 associates a plurality of dates 62 with a plurality of operating data 63, a plurality of home statuses 69, a plurality of usage prediction results 70, a plurality of service point operating statuses 64, and a plurality of service candidate dates 65. The plurality of dates 62 respectively represent a plurality of dates represented by the operating status signals of the service points collected by the operating status collection unit 44, and a week is divided into days, and each day is divided into a plurality of time periods, for example, a morning time period and an afternoon time period every day of the week. The plurality of operating data 63 are operating status signals received from the air conditioner 2 from among the plurality of operating status signals collected by the operating status collection unit 41, and are used to determine the "service candidate date".

[0042] The operation data corresponding to a certain time period among the plurality of operation data 63 indicates the operation data corresponding to the time period among the operation states of the air conditioner 2, and is shown as a human sensor detection value 66, an operation state 67, and whether there is an operation 68. The human sensor detection value 66 is shown as "someone in the room" or "no one in the room", indicating the detection result of the human sensor 18 of the air conditioner 2 in the time period, that is, whether there is a person or a pet in the room where the air conditioner 2 is configured in the time period. The operation state 67 is shown as "stop", "heating", "cooling", "dehumidification" or "air supply", indicating the state of the air conditioner 2 in the time period. The whether there is an operation 68 is shown as "yes" or "no", indicating whether the remote controller 19 of the air conditioner 2 has been operated in the time period.

[0043] The plurality of home states 69 in the candidate date calculation table 61 represent values ​​estimated by the candidate date calculation unit 45 based on the plurality of operation data 63, and are indicated as "at home" or "not at home". The candidate date calculation unit 45 estimates whether the user of the air conditioner 2 is at home or not at home for each of the plurality of dates 62 based on the plurality of operation data 63, and sets the plurality of home states 69 to "at home" or "not at home". For example, for a time period when the operation status 67 indicates a state other than "stopped", the candidate date calculation unit 45 estimates that the user of the air conditioner 2 is at home, and sets the home state corresponding to the time period to "at home". Even for a time period when the operation status 67 indicates a state other than "stopped", for a time period when the human sensor detection value 66 indicates "no one in the room", the candidate date calculation unit 45 estimates that the user of the air conditioner 2 is not at home, and sets the home state corresponding to the time period to "not at home". For a time period when the human sensor detection value 66 indicates "someone in the room", the candidate date calculation unit 45 estimates that the user of the air conditioner 2 is at home, and sets the home state corresponding to the time period to "at home". Furthermore, for the time period in which the presence or absence of operation 68 indicates "yes", the candidate date calculation unit 45 infers that the user of the air conditioner 2 is at home, and sets the home status corresponding to the time period to "at home". Based on such inference, the candidate date calculation unit 45 calculates a plurality of home time periods in which the user is inferred to be at home. The plurality of home time periods indicates a plurality of time periods in which the home status 69 is set to "at home".

[0044] The plurality of usage prediction results 70 in the candidate date calculation table 61 indicate values ​​estimated by the candidate date calculation unit 45 based on the weather information collected by the weather information collection unit 43, and are set as "to be used" or "not to be used". That is, the candidate date calculation unit 45 estimates whether the user of the air conditioner 2 is likely to use the air conditioner 2 for each of the plurality of dates 62 based on the weather information, and sets each of the plurality of usage prediction results 70 as "to be used" or "not to be used". For example, if the temperature of a certain date in the weather information is within a predetermined temperature range, such as 16°C to 25°C, the candidate date calculation unit 45 estimates that the probability of the air conditioner 2 performing heating operation or cooling operation on that date is low, and sets the usage prediction result corresponding to the date in the plurality of usage prediction results 70 as "not to be used". When the temperature of a certain date indicated by the weather information deviates from the predetermined temperature range, the candidate date calculation unit 45 estimates that the probability of the air conditioner 2 performing heating operation or cooling operation on that date is high, and sets the usage prediction result corresponding to the date in the plurality of usage prediction results 70 as "to be used".

[0045] The operation status 64 of the plurality of service points in the candidate date calculation table 61 indicates the operation status signals collected by the operation status collecting unit 44. The operation status corresponding to a certain date among the operation status 64 of the plurality of service points is shown as "available" or "not available", indicating whether the service point is available to accept the work of cleaning the air conditioner on that date.

[0046] The service candidate date corresponding to a certain date among the plurality of service candidate dates 65 in the candidate date calculation table 61 is shown as "first candidate", "second candidate", "third candidate", "fourth candidate" or "non-candidate". The plurality of service candidate dates 65 are calculated by the candidate date calculation unit 45. For example, the candidate date calculation unit 45 sets the service candidate date corresponding to "at home", "not in use" and "available" as the "first candidate". In addition, the candidate date calculation unit 45 sets the service candidate date corresponding to "at home", "to be used" and "available" as the "second candidate". The candidate date calculation unit 45 sets the service candidate date corresponding to "not at home", "not in use" and "available" as the "third candidate". In addition, the candidate date calculation unit 45 sets the service candidate date corresponding to "not at home", "to be used" and "available" as the "fourth candidate". The candidate date calculation unit 45 sets the service candidate date corresponding to the date corresponding to "not available" as the "non-candidate".

[0047] The candidate date calculation unit 45 further determines a plurality of first candidate dates, a plurality of second candidate dates, a plurality of third candidate dates, and a plurality of fourth candidate dates based on the candidate date calculation table 61. The plurality of first candidate dates represent a plurality of dates associated with the "first candidate" among the plurality of service candidate dates 65. In addition, the plurality of first candidate dates may be replaced by a single first candidate date associated with the "first candidate". The plurality of second candidate dates are dates with a lower priority than the plurality of first candidate dates, and represent a plurality of dates associated with the "second candidate" among the plurality of service candidate dates 65. In addition, the plurality of second candidate dates may be replaced by a single second candidate date associated with the "second candidate". The plurality of third candidate dates are dates with a lower priority than the plurality of second candidate dates, and represent a plurality of dates associated with the "third candidate" among the plurality of service candidate dates 65. In addition, the plurality of third candidate dates may be replaced by a single third candidate date associated with the "third candidate". The plurality of fourth candidate dates are dates with a lower priority than the plurality of third candidate dates, and represent a plurality of dates associated with the "fourth candidate" among the plurality of service candidate dates 65. In addition, the plurality of fourth candidate dates may also be replaced by a single fourth candidate date associated with “fourth candidate”.

[0048] Figure 67 is a top view showing the communication terminal 7. The communication terminal 7 is an information processing device exemplified as a smart phone, and includes a display unit 71. When the communication terminal 7 receives a cleaning recommendation signal transmitted from the server device 5, a message such as "Dear customer, the operation time of your air conditioner exceeds 2000 hours. What is your opinion on the cleaning service?" is displayed on the display unit 71 (not shown), recommending cleaning of the air conditioner.

[0049] In the message display, although not shown in the figure, the display unit 71 displays buttons "Yes" and "No". If the user presses the button "Yes", the communication terminal 7 will Figure 6 The first commission date selection screen 72 indicated by the cleaning recommendation signal shown is displayed on the display unit 71. The first commission date selection screen 72 includes a plurality of first selection buttons 73-1 to 73-m (m=2, 3, 4, ...). The plurality of first selection buttons 73-1 to 73-m are vertically arranged and displayed on the first commission date selection screen 72. The plurality of first selection buttons 73-1 to 73-(m-1) among the plurality of first selection buttons 73-1 to 73-m are compared with the plurality of first candidate dates and the plurality of second candidate dates ( Figure 6 In the figure, the service candidate date 65 is set to correspond to the "first candidate" or "second candidate" date. The candidate date is displayed on the first selection button corresponding to a candidate date among the multiple first selection buttons 73-1 to 73-(m-1). "Other" is displayed on the first selection button 73-m. When the user operates and selects any one of the multiple first selection buttons 73-1 to 73-(m-1), the communication terminal 7 will send a cleaning entrustment signal indicating the candidate date corresponding to the selected first selection button to the server device 5 via the communication network 8 and the relay device 6.

[0050] When the user selects "Other", that is, when the first selection button 73-m is selected, Figure 7 As shown, the communication terminal 7 displays the second request date selection screen 75 indicated by the cleaning recommendation signal on the display unit 71 . Figure 7 7 is a top view of the communication terminal 7 showing the second commission date selection screen 75 displayed on the display unit 71. The second commission date selection screen 75 includes a plurality of second selection buttons 76-1 to 76-M (M=2, 3, 4, ...). The plurality of second selection buttons 76-1 to 76-M are vertically arranged and displayed on the second commission date selection screen 75. The plurality of second selection buttons 76-1 to 76-M are aligned with the plurality of third candidate dates and the plurality of fourth candidate dates ( Figure 7When the user operates and selects any one of the plurality of second selection buttons 76-1 to 76-M, the communication terminal 7 transmits a cleaning entrustment signal indicating the candidate date corresponding to the selected second selection button to the server device 5 via the communication network 8 and the relay device 6.

[0051] Operation of the server device 5

[0052] The operation of the server device 5 includes an operation related to the AI ​​control of the air conditioner and an operation of relaying a cleaning request to a service point.

[0053] Regarding the operation related to the AI ​​control of the air conditioner, the adapter 3 acquires the operation history data from the indoor unit 15 at an acquisition timing of a 5-minute cycle, and stores the acquired operation history data in the storage unit 13. The adapter 3 transmits an operation status signal including the operation history data of the 48 hours among the plurality of operation history data stored in the storage unit 13 to the server device 5 every 48 hours. The operation history data transmitted to the server device 5 is the operation history data from the time of transmission to 48 hours ago. The server device 5 receives the plurality of operation history data transmitted from the adapters 3 of the plurality of air conditioners, respectively, and stores the plurality of operation history data in the storage device 32. The server device 5 generates a plurality of learning models corresponding to the plurality of air conditioners based on the plurality of operation history data stored in the storage device 32, and stores the generated plurality of learning models in the storage device 32. The server device 5 transmits the plurality of learning models stored in the storage device 32 to the adapters 3 of the plurality of air conditioners via the relay device 6. When the adapter 3 of the air conditioner receives the learning model transmitted from the server device 5, it stores the received learning model in the storage unit 13. The adapter 3 controls the control unit 20 of the indoor unit 15 based on the learning model stored in the storage unit 13 , and indirectly controls the air conditioner 2 via the control unit 20 .

[0054] For example, there is a sensible temperature setting prediction model in the learning model, which predicts the sensible temperature of the indoor user in 5 minutes based on the operating status of the air conditioner in each household, and controls the air conditioner according to the predicted sensible temperature. In the past, since the air conditioner adjusted the temperature so that the indoor temperature reached the target temperature, the user sometimes felt uncomfortable with the temperature change. In contrast, the sensible temperature setting prediction model is a program executed when the air conditioner is adjusted to make the user feel comfortable based on the operating history data of the time series such as indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, etc. For example, by controlling the air conditioner based on the sensible temperature setting prediction model, the set temperature of the air conditioner is changed to a temperature different from the temperature set by the user to make the user feel comfortable. According to such an operation, by controlling the air conditioner based on the learning model, the air conditioning system 1 can make the air conditioner operate appropriately to make the user of the air conditioner feel comfortable.

[0055] Figure 8 Flowchart showing the operation of requesting cleaning from a service point. The adapter 3 of the air conditioner 2 sends an operation status signal including the operation history data of the 48 hours among the multiple operation history data stored in the storage unit 13 to the server device 5 every 48 hours (step S1). The server device 5 collects and summarizes the weather information of a week disclosed by the weather information server 9 every day, and receives the working status signal of the service point sent intermittently (for example, every day) from the service point terminal 10. If the server device 5 receives multiple operation status signals respectively sent from multiple air conditioners 2, the multiple operation status signals are stored in the storage device 32. Based on the multiple operation status signals stored in the storage device 32, the server device 5 determines whether cleaning is required for each air conditioner (step S2).

[0056] For example, the server device 5 calculates a plurality of operation cumulative times corresponding to each air conditioner based on a plurality of operation status signals stored in the storage device 32. The server device 5 compares the operation cumulative time corresponding to the air conditioner 2 among the plurality of operation cumulative times with a preset threshold value. When the operation cumulative time is greater than the threshold value, the server device 5 determines that the air conditioner 2 needs to be cleaned, and when the operation cumulative time is not greater than the threshold value, the server device 5 determines that the air conditioner 2 does not need to be cleaned.

[0057] When it is determined that the air conditioner 2 needs to be cleaned (step S2: yes), the server device 5 creates a cleaning recommendation signal based on the candidate date calculation table 61 corresponding to the air conditioner 2. That is, the server device 5 creates the candidate date calculation table 61 of the air conditioner 2 based on the operating status signal of the air conditioner 2, the weather information, and the working status signal of the service point. The server device 5 determines a plurality of first candidate dates, a plurality of second candidate dates, a plurality of third candidate dates, and a plurality of fourth candidate dates based on the created candidate date calculation table 61. The server device 5 creates data related to the first commission date selection screen 72 displayed on the communication terminal 7 based on the plurality of first candidate dates and the plurality of second candidate dates, and creates data related to the second commission date selection screen 75 displayed on the communication terminal 7 based on the plurality of third candidate dates and the plurality of fourth candidate dates. The server device 5 uses these two data to create a cleaning recommendation signal. The server device 5 sends the created cleaning recommendation signal to the communication terminal 7 (step S3).

[0058] When the communication terminal 7 receives the cleaning recommendation signal, it displays the message "Dear customer, the operation time of your air conditioner has exceeded 2000 hours. What is your intention regarding the cleaning service?" on the display unit 71 to urge the user to clean the air conditioner 2, and according to the user's operation, Figure 6 The first commission date selection screen 72 is displayed on the display unit 71, allowing the user to select a commission date for cleaning from a plurality of first candidate dates and a plurality of second candidate dates, or Figure 7 The second commission date selection screen 75 is displayed on the display unit 71, allowing the user to select the commission date for cleaning from a plurality of third candidate dates and a plurality of fourth candidate dates (step S4). When the commission date is selected, the communication terminal 7 sends a cleaning commission signal indicating the selected commission date to the server device 5 (step S5). If the server device 5 receives the cleaning commission signal sent from the communication terminal 7, it forwards the cleaning commission signal to the service point terminal 10 (step S6). Thus, the commission to clean the air conditioner 2 to the service point is completed.

[0059] When receiving the cleaning entrustment signal, the service point terminal 10 stores the cleaning entrustment signal in the storage device of the service point terminal 10, and displays the entrustment date indicated by the cleaning entrustment signal on the display device of the service point terminal 10 (step S7). The service point provides the cleaning service of the air conditioner 2 to the user of the air conditioner 2 on the entrustment date displayed on the service point terminal 10.

[0060] According to such operation, the air conditioning system 1 can notify the user of candidate dates on which cleaning of the air conditioner 2 can be provided, based on the date estimated as the user's absence from the room based on the operating state of the air conditioner 2 and the daily operating state of the service point. Thus, the user can easily select a date for receiving a request from the service point to clean the air conditioner 2. In addition, since the operating state can be made uniform for the service point, the work efficiency can be improved.

[0061] In addition, the correspondence between the plurality of first selection buttons 73-1 to 73-m of the first commission date selection screen 72 and the plurality of second selection buttons 76-1 to 76-M of the second commission date selection screen 75, which have been described, and the plurality of first candidate dates to the plurality of fourth candidate dates can be replaced with other correspondences. For example, the plurality of first selection buttons 73-1 to 73-m can be associated with the plurality of first candidate dates, and the plurality of second selection buttons 76-1 to 76-M can be associated with the plurality of second candidate dates, the plurality of third candidate dates, and the plurality of fourth candidate dates. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 can also give priority to notifying the user of the plurality of candidate dates other than the dates estimated that the user is not indoors, so that the user can easily select the commission date for receiving the service point to clean the air conditioner 2.

[0062] In addition, the air conditioning system 1 can use more than three entrustment date selection screens to allow the user to select the entrustment date for cleaning from multiple first candidate dates to multiple fourth candidate dates. For example, the server device 5 produces data related to the first entrustment date selection screen to the fourth candidate date selection screen corresponding to multiple first candidate dates to multiple fourth candidate dates, and uses these four data to produce a cleaning recommendation signal. At this time, the communication terminal 7 uses the first entrustment date selection screen to allow the user to select the entrustment date from multiple first candidate dates. When the entrustment date is not selected from multiple first candidate dates, the communication terminal 7 uses the second entrustment date selection screen to allow the user to select the entrustment date from multiple second candidate dates. When the entrustment date is not selected from multiple second candidate dates, the communication terminal 7 uses the third entrustment date selection screen to allow the user to select the entrustment date from multiple third candidate dates. When the entrustment date is not selected from multiple third candidate dates, the communication terminal 7 uses the fourth entrustment date selection screen to allow the user to select the entrustment date from multiple fourth candidate dates. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 can also notify the user of a plurality of candidate dates other than the date when the user is estimated to be away from home, and the user can easily select a date for receiving a request for cleaning of the air conditioner 2 from the service point.

[0063] Effect of the service suggestion period adjustment device of the embodiment

[0064] The server device 5 as the service recommendation period adjustment device of the embodiment is connected to the air conditioner 2 that cools / heats the room and the service point terminal 10 installed at the service point that provides the service of the air conditioner 2. The server device 5 includes an operation status collection unit 41, a candidate date calculation unit 45, a transmission unit 46 and a cleaning entrustment unit 47. The operation status collection unit 41 collects the operation status signal from the air conditioner 2 that cools / heats the room. The candidate date calculation unit 45 determines a plurality of candidate dates based on the operation status signal. The transmission unit 46 transmits the cleaning recommendation signal indicating the plurality of candidate dates to the communication terminal 7. The cleaning entrustment unit 47 transmits the entrustment date selected by the communication terminal 7 from the plurality of candidate dates to the service point terminal 10. It is possible to infer whether the user is at home based on the operation status of the air conditioner 2. The server device 5 can exclude the date when the user is estimated to be away from the room based on the operation status of the air conditioner 2 from the plurality of candidate dates and notify the user, thereby reducing the number of the plurality of candidate dates. The server device 5 can make it easy for the user to select a date for receiving a request from the service point to clean the air conditioner 2 from among the multiple candidate dates by reducing the number of candidate dates. The server device 5 further uses the operation status signal for AI control of the air conditioner to calculate the appropriate time point for cleaning the air conditioner 2. Therefore, the server device 5 does not need to collect information from the air conditioner 2 about signals other than the operation status signal of AI control in order to calculate the time point for cleaning the air conditioner 2, thereby suppressing the increase in communication traffic between the server device 5 and the air conditioner 2.

[0065] In addition, the service point terminal 10 in the service recommendation period adjustment device of the embodiment stores a work status signal based on the work status of the service point. The server device 5 also includes: a work status collection unit 44, which collects the work status signal from the service point terminal 10. The candidate date calculation unit 45 determines a plurality of candidate dates based on the work status signal in addition to the operation status signal. The server device 5 can recommend a time period when the service point is idle, thereby making the work rate of the service point uniform.

[0066] In addition, although the candidate date calculation unit 45 of the service recommendation period adjustment device of the embodiment determines a plurality of candidate dates based on the operating status of the service point, a plurality of candidate dates may be determined regardless of the operating status of the service point. In this case, the server device 5 can also reduce the number of candidate dates by eliminating the dates that are estimated to be unoccupied indoors based on the operating status of the air conditioner 2 from the plurality of candidate dates, thereby allowing the user to easily select the request date.

[0067] In addition, the air conditioner 2 in the service recommendation period adjustment device of the embodiment includes a human sensor 18. The operation state signal includes the detection result of the human sensor 18. At this time, the candidate date calculation unit 45 further determines a plurality of candidate dates based on the detection result of the human sensor 18. It is possible to accurately infer whether the user is at home based on the detection result of the human sensor 18 of the air conditioner 2. The service recommendation period adjustment device determines a plurality of candidate dates based on the detection result of the human sensor 18, thereby appropriately including the time period when the user is at home in the candidate dates, and allows the user to easily select the request date.

[0068] In addition, the operation state signal of the service recommendation period adjustment device of the embodiment includes the operation state of the remote controller 19 for operating the air conditioner 2. The candidate date calculation unit 45 further determines the plurality of candidate dates based on the operation state of the remote controller 19. It is possible to accurately infer whether the user is at home based on whether the remote controller 19 for the air conditioner 2 is operated. By determining the plurality of candidate dates based on the operation state of the remote controller 19, the service recommendation period adjustment device can appropriately include the time period when the user is at home in the candidate dates, and can make it easy for the user to select the request date.

[0069] In addition, the server device 5 of the service recommendation period adjustment device of the embodiment further includes: a weather information collection unit 43, which collects weather information of the area where the air conditioner 2 is installed from the weather information server 9. At this time, the candidate date calculation unit 45 also determines a plurality of candidate dates based on the weather information. It is possible to accurately infer whether the user will use the air conditioner 2 based on the weather information. The service recommendation period adjustment device can exclude the time period in which the air conditioner 2 is inferred to be used from the plurality of candidate dates, thereby reducing the discomfort caused to the user by not being able to use the air conditioner 2 due to cleaning.

[0070] In addition, the service suggestion period adjustment device of the embodiment determines a plurality of candidate dates based on weather information, but may determine a plurality of candidate dates regardless of weather information. In this case, the server device 5 may also eliminate dates that are estimated to be unoccupied based on the operating state of the air conditioner 2 from the plurality of candidate dates, thereby reducing the number of the plurality of candidate dates, thereby making it easier for the user to select a request date.

[0071] In the embodiment described above, the plurality of candidate dates are determined by the server device 5, but they may be determined by the relay device 6. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 can also reduce the number of candidate dates by excluding dates when no one is indoors, which are estimated based on the operating state of the air conditioner 2, from the plurality of candidate dates, thereby making it easier for the user to select a requested date.

[0072] In the embodiment described above, the cumulative operation time is calculated by the server device 5, but the cumulative operation time may be calculated by the air conditioner 2. In addition, the difference between the threshold value and the cumulative operation time is determined by the server device 5, but the difference between the threshold value and the cumulative operation time may be determined by the air conditioner 2. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 can also recommend services to the user of the air conditioner 2 at an appropriate time.

[0073] In addition, in the air conditioning system 1, based on the operation history data collected from the air conditioner, the server device 5 causes AI to learn and generate a learning model, and controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the learning model, but such control using AI may be omitted. In the case where the control using AI is omitted, the server device 5 can also reduce the number of multiple candidate dates by eliminating the date when no one is indoors, which is estimated based on the operating state of the air conditioner 2, from the multiple candidate dates, thereby allowing the user to easily select the requested date.

[0074] The above embodiments are described, but the above contents do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. In addition, the above constituent elements include elements that are easily conceivable to those skilled in the art, are substantially the same, and are generally referred to as equivalent. In addition, the above constituent elements may be appropriately combined. In addition, within the scope of the gist of the embodiments, the constituent elements may be omitted, replaced, and changed in at least one manner.

[0075] Explanation of symbols

[0076] 1: Air conditioning system

[0077] 2: Air conditioner

[0078] 5: Server device

[0079] 7: Communication Terminal

[0080] 9: Weather Information Server

[0081] 10: Service point terminal

[0082] 41: Operation status collection department

[0083] 42: Judgment Department

[0084] 43: Meteorological Information Collection Department

[0085] 44: Work status collection department

[0086] 45: Candidate date calculation department

[0087] 46: Sending Department

[0088] 47: Cleaning commission department.

Claims

1. A service recommendation period adjustment device, which is connected to an air conditioner and a service point terminal provided at a service point providing service for the air conditioner, and comprises: an operation status collecting unit that collects, from the air conditioner, an operation status signal including an operation status of the air conditioner, a detection result of a human body sensor of the air conditioner, and an operation status of an input device for operating the air conditioner; a weather information collecting unit for collecting weather information of a region where the air conditioner is arranged from a weather information server; a working status collecting unit, which collects working status signals indicating working status of the service point from the service point terminal; a candidate date calculation unit for estimating a home state of whether a user of the air conditioner is at home based on the operation state signal; and based on the weather information, inferring whether the user of the air conditioner is using the air conditioner; and determining a plurality of candidate dates for providing the service based on the home state, the use state, and the work state; a sending unit that sends a cleaning recommendation signal based on the plurality of candidate dates to a communication terminal; as well as The entrusting unit transmits the entrusting date selected by the communication terminal from among the plurality of candidate dates to the service point terminal.

2. The service suggestion period adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein: The candidate date calculation unit prioritizes the plurality of candidate dates based on the at-home status, the use status, and the work status.

3. An air conditioning system, comprising: The service recommendation period adjustment device according to claim 1 or 2, the air conditioner and the communication terminal.

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