Communication system, communication method and program

Abstract

A communication system is provided in which, according to the laying conditions of wiring of a plurality of electronic devices laid out based on the configuration of a plurality of spaces, a first electronic device and a second electronic device connected to the same wiring among the plurality of electronic devices are associated as electronic devices arranged for the same space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication system, a communication method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] Previously, there is known a technology in which information of an external device to be controlled, monitored, etc. is set to another device and control of the set external device is performed from the other device (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Reference document]

[0004] [Patent document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] (Japan) Patent Publication No. 2000-088321 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Technical issues to be solved]

[0007] However, in the related art, for example, it is difficult to set information of an external device that is a target of control or the like to other devices.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can appropriately set device information.

[0009] [Technical solution]

[0010] The communication system of the first mode of the present disclosure associates a first electronic device and a second electronic device connected to the same wiring as electronic devices set for the same space, based on the laying conditions (status) of the wiring (wiring) of multiple electronic devices laid out based on the configuration of multiple spaces. Accordingly, the information of the devices can be appropriately set.

[0011] In addition, the second mode of the present disclosure is the communication system described in the first mode, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device connected to one of a plurality of networks are associated, and the plurality of networks are respectively formed based on the laying conditions of wiring of the plurality of electronic devices and are respectively connected via relay devices.

[0012] In addition, the third mode of the present disclosure is a communication system described in the first or second mode, wherein the first electronic device sends a reply request including information for specifying a type (type) of the second electronic device, and the second electronic device replies (returns) identification information of the second electronic device when the set type of the second electronic device is consistent with the type of the second electronic device received from the first electronic device.

[0013] In addition, the fourth mode of the present disclosure is the communication system described in the third mode, wherein the type of the second electronic device includes a model of the second electronic device, an item measured by the second electronic device, and at least one of commands that can be executed by the second electronic device.

[0014] In addition, the fifth mode of the present disclosure is a communication system described in any one of the first to fourth modes, wherein the first electronic device sends the reply request including information for specifying a forwarding (forwarding) range based on the type of the second electronic device, and the communication system determines (judges) whether to forward the reply request to an external network based on the information for specifying the forwarding range.

[0015] In addition, the 6th mode of the present disclosure is a communication system described in any one of the 1st to 5th modes, wherein the first electronic device sends the reply request including the identification information of the first network to the second electronic device, and the second electronic device replies with the identification information of the second electronic device to the first electronic device when the identification information of the first network received from the relay device connecting the communication between the first network and the second network is consistent with the identification information of the first network received from the first electronic device.

[0016] Furthermore, a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the communication system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the relay device notifies the first network of identification information of the first network by broadcast communication.

[0017] In addition, the 8th mode of the present disclosure is a communication system described in the 6th or 7th mode, wherein the relay device electrically connects the 1st network and the 2nd network via a high-pass filter that cuts off signals with frequencies below a threshold, and sends a 1st reply request to the 1st network via signals with frequencies below the threshold; after replying from the first electronic device in response to (in response to) the first reply request, the identification information of the 1st network is notified to the first electronic device; and after replying from the second electronic device in response to the first reply request, the identification information of the 1st network is notified to the second electronic device.

[0018] In addition, the 9th mode of the present disclosure is a communication system described in any one of the 6th to 8th modes, wherein the first electronic device associates the multiple second electronic devices when the first electronic device is replied with identification information of multiple second electronic devices in response to the reply request including identification information of the first network.

[0019] In addition, the 10th mode of the present disclosure is a communication system described in any one of the 6th to 9th modes, wherein the first electronic device and the second electronic device are electronic devices that perform at least one of air conditioning (air conditioning) and environmental information measurement for the same indoor space, and when the first electronic device is operating, the first electronic device sends a command for controlling the second electronic device, or receives data from the second electronic device.

[0020] In addition, the 11th mode of the present disclosure is a communication system described in any one of the 6th to 10th modes, wherein the first electronic device is a ventilation device, the second electronic device is an indoor unit of an air conditioning device (air conditioning device), and the relay device is an outdoor unit of the air conditioning device.

[0021] In addition, the communication method of the 12th mode of the present disclosure is that the communication system performs the following processing, that is, based on the laying conditions of the wiring of multiple electronic devices laid out based on the configuration of multiple spaces, the first electronic device and the second electronic device connected to the same wiring among the multiple electronic devices are associated as electronic devices set up for the same space.

[0022] In addition, the program of the 13th mode of the present disclosure is to enable the communication system to perform the following processing, namely, according to the laying conditions of the wiring of multiple electronic devices laid out based on the configuration of multiple spaces, the first electronic device and the second electronic device connected to the same wiring among the multiple electronic devices are associated as electronic devices set up for the same space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] [ Figure 1 ]A schematic diagram of an example of a system configuration of a communication system according to an implementation method.

[0024] [ Figure 2 ]A schematic diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [ Figure 3 ]A schematic diagram of an example of the functional structure of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [ Figure 4 ]A timing diagram showing an example of processing of a communication system according to an implementation mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following describes various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in this specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0028] <System Configuration>

[0029] First, the system configuration of the communication system 1 will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a system configuration of communication system 1 according to the embodiment. Communication system 1 according to the embodiment associates a first electronic device and a second electronic device that are located in the same space among a plurality of devices, based on the state in which wiring of the plurality of devices is laid.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication system 1 has a ventilation device 10A (an example of a "first electronic device") and a ventilation device 10B (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish them, they are simply referred to as "ventilation device 10"). In addition, the communication system 1 also has an outdoor unit 20A (a communication device. An example of a "relay device") and an outdoor unit 20B (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish them, they are simply referred to as "outdoor unit 20"). In addition, the communication system 1 also has an indoor unit 30A-1 (an example of a "second electronic device"), an indoor unit 30A-2, an indoor unit 30A-3 and an indoor unit 30B-1 (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish them, they are simply referred to as "indoor unit 30"). In addition, the communication system 1 also has an adapter 40 and a controller 500. It should be noted that the number of ventilation devices 10, outdoor units 20 and indoor units 30 is not limited to. Figure 1 Example.

[0031] The outdoor unit 20A, the indoor unit 30A-1, the indoor unit 30A-2, the indoor unit 30A-3, and the ventilation device 10A are installed in a facility such as a building to perform air conditioning of a predetermined indoor space (hereinafter, also referred to as "space A") including one or more rooms. In addition, the outdoor unit 20B, the indoor unit 30B-1, and the ventilation device 10B are also installed in the facility to perform air conditioning of a space B other than the space A including one or more rooms.

[0032] The ventilator 10 is installed, for example, on the inside of the ceiling of a building, and sucks in external air (outside air) through a ventilator fan, etc., and sends it to a predetermined indoor space including one or more rooms through a duct, thereby performing air conditioning and ventilation for the indoor space. The ventilator 10 has a control device 11. The control device 11 performs control in coordination with other devices that use the same indoor space (for example, space A) as an object of air conditioning.

[0033] The outdoor unit 20 is, for example, an outdoor unit of an air conditioning device. The indoor unit 30 is, for example, an indoor unit of an air conditioning device. The indoor unit 30 can receive operations such as setting a temperature, an operation mode, starting an operation, and ending an operation through a remote controller. The operation mode can include, for example, cooling operation and heating operation. The indoor unit 30 can be, for example, a sensor for measuring environmental information such as temperature and humidity. The controller 500 is, for example, provided in a manager's studio in a facility, and can execute control of each indoor unit 30 in response to a user's operation.

[0034] The indoor unit 30A-1, the indoor unit 30A-2 and the indoor unit 30A-3 are connected to the outdoor unit 20A via the refrigerant pipe 50A. In addition, the indoor unit 30B-1 is also connected to the outdoor unit 20B via the refrigerant pipe 50B. It should be noted that the refrigerant may be, for example, Freon or water.

[0035] In addition, the outdoor unit 20A, the indoor unit 30A-1, the indoor unit 30A-2, the indoor unit 30A-3 and the ventilation device 10A are laid out to be connected by a communication wiring 60A (an example of the "first network"). The communication wiring 60A can be, for example, a Local Area Network cable. In addition, the communication wiring 60A can also be a cable that can communicate based on a predetermined communication protocol. In addition, the indoor unit 30B-1 and the ventilation device 10B are also connected to the outdoor unit 20B by the communication wiring 60B.

[0036] Figure 1 In the example, the outdoor unit 20A, the indoor unit 30A-1, the indoor unit 30A-2, the indoor unit 30A-3 and the ventilation device 10A are daisy-chain connected (cascade connected) in this order. It should be noted that the outdoor unit 20A, the indoor unit 30A-1, the indoor unit 30A-2, the indoor unit 30A-3 and the ventilation device 10A are not limited to the daisy-chain connection, and can also be connected by other network topologies such as star type and bus type.

[0037] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 20A, the outdoor unit 20B, the adapter 40 , and the controller 500 are connected via a communication wire 70 . Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the outdoor unit 20A and the outdoor unit 20B are connected by the communication wiring 70A (an example of the "second network"). The outdoor unit 20B and the adapter 40 are connected by the communication wiring 70B. The adapter 40 and the controller 500 are connected by the communication wiring 70C. The adapter 40 is connected to other adapters, outdoor units, etc. not shown in the figure by the communication wiring 70D (an example of the "third network"). In addition, the communication wiring 70C and the communication wiring 70D can also be electrically connected.

[0038] <Hardware Configuration of Control Device 11 of Ventilation Device 10>

[0039] Next, the hardware configuration of the control device 11 of the ventilation device 10 in the communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 11 according to the embodiment.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the control device 11 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a memory (also called a storage device) 102, and an input / output unit (also called an input / output device) 103. The control device 11 may be a microcontroller in which the CPU 101, the memory 102, and the input / output unit 103 are embedded (integrated) into an integrated circuit.

[0041] The CPU 101 is a computing device for executing various programs stored in the memory 102. The memory 102 stores various programs and data required for execution by the CPU 101. The input / output unit 103 is a communication device for communicating with external devices.

[0042] The memory 102 can obtain and save the program stored in the storage medium via the input / output unit 103. The storage medium may include, for example, a medium that stores information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. In addition, the storage medium may also include a semiconductor memory that stores information electrically, such as a ROM, a flash memory, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the memory 102 may acquire and store a program downloaded from a network (not shown) via the input / output unit 103 .

[0044] It should be noted that the control device 11 may also be implemented by a circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), or an FPGA (field programmable gate array).

[0045] <Functional Configuration>

[0046] Next, see Figure 3 The functional configuration of the control device 11 of the ventilation device 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of an example of the functional configuration of the control device 11 according to the embodiment.

[0047] <<Control device 11 of ventilation device 10>>

[0048] The control device 11 of the ventilation device 10 includes a storage unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a communication unit 113, and a control unit 114. These functional units can be realized by cooperation between one or more programs installed in the control device 11 and hardware such as the CPU 101 of the control device 11, for example.

[0049] The storage unit 111 stores various information. The acquisition unit 112 acquires various information from an external device. The communication unit 113 performs communication with an external device. The control unit 114 controls each functional unit of the control device 11.

[0050] <Processing>

[0051] Next, see Figure 4 An example of processing of the communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 4 1 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the communication system 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, for convenience, the indoor unit 30A-1, the indoor unit 30A-2, and the indoor unit 30A-3 connected to the outdoor unit 20A via the communication wiring 60A may be referred to as the indoor unit 30A-1 or the like.

[0052] In step S1, a first reply request is transmitted from the outdoor unit 20A to the communication wiring 60A by broadcast communication.

[0053] (Example of Blocking Communication Between the Communication Wiring 60A and the Communication Wiring 70A by the Relay Circuit)

[0054] The outdoor unit 20A may send a first reply request to the communication wiring 60A when the communication between the communication wiring 60A and the communication wiring 70A is disconnected. In this case, the outdoor unit 20A may include, for example, a first terminal (first port) connected to the communication wiring 60A and a second terminal (second port) connected to the communication wiring 70A, and may send the first reply request from the first terminal to the communication wiring 60A when the communication between the first terminal and the second terminal is disconnected. In this case, the outdoor unit 20A may, for example, open (OFF, block) a relay circuit provided between the first terminal and the second terminal to electrically disconnect the first terminal and the second terminal, thereby disconnecting the communication between the communication wiring 60A and the communication wiring 70A.

[0055] (Example of Cutting Off (Blocking) Communication Used in Communication Wiring 60A with Respect to Communication Wiring 70A by Bandpass Filter)

[0056] In addition, the outdoor unit 20A may also cut off the communication used in the communication wiring 60A relative to the communication wiring 70A by, for example, a bandpass filter (high-pass filter or low-pass filter) provided between the first terminal connected to the communication wiring 60A and the second terminal connected to the communication wiring 70A. In this case, the outdoor unit 20A may, for example, use a signal of a frequency cut off by the bandpass filter to send a first reply request from the first terminal to the communication wiring 60A. In this case, the outdoor unit 20A may, for example, electrically connect the communication wiring 60A and the communication wiring 70A via a high-pass filter that cuts off a signal of a frequency below a threshold value (cutoff frequency), and send a first reply request from the first terminal to the communication wiring 60A using a signal of a frequency below the threshold value (low-frequency pulse). In this case, the outdoor unit 20A always connects the first terminal and the second terminal via the bandpass filter, and therefore, it is not necessary to perform the processing of step S6 described later. According to this, if the signal is a frequency that is not cut off by the bandpass filter, the signal can be transmitted (relayed) from the communication wiring 70A to the communication wiring 60A. Therefore, for example, even during the execution of the processing of steps S1 to S5 (during the system identification processing), the indoor unit 30A-1 and the like can be monitored and controlled from the controller 500.

[0057] It should be noted that the outdoor unit 20A can be switched between the following two modes, for example, namely, one mode is that the relay circuit blocks the communication between the communication wiring 60A and the communication wiring 70A through operation based on a button, etc., and the other mode is that the bandpass filter cuts off the communication used in the communication wiring 60A relative to the communication wiring 70A.

[0058] Note that, for example, when the outdoor unit 20A is powered on, when a predetermined operation such as pressing a switch is performed, or when a predetermined command is received from an external device, the outdoor unit 20A may execute the process of step S1.

[0059] Next, after receiving the first reply request, the communication unit 113 and the indoor unit 30A-1 of the ventilation device 10A respectively reply the ID (identification information) of the own device (this device) to the communication wiring 60A (step S2). Then, the outdoor unit 20A stores the ID of each device replied in response to the first reply request (step S3).

[0060] Next, the outdoor unit 20A uses the ID of each device to send the ID of the outdoor unit 20A to each device (step S4). It should be noted that the ID of the outdoor unit 20A can also be used as identification information (system ID) of the refrigerant system based on the communication wiring 60A and the refrigerant piping 50A. It should be noted that, for example, the ID of the outdoor unit 20 can be pre-set in the outdoor unit 20 when the outdoor unit 20 is shipped from the factory.

[0061] Next, the storage unit 111 of the ventilation device 10A and the indoor unit 30A-1 etc. respectively store the received ID of the outdoor unit 20A (step S5).

[0062] Next, the outdoor unit 20A connects the communication wiring 60A and the communication wiring 70A (step S6). Accordingly, for example, the controller 500 can communicate with the indoor unit 30A-1 connected to the communication wiring 60A. It should be noted that the outdoor unit 20A can notify the controller 500 of the ID of each device that has responded to the first reply request and the ID of the outdoor unit 20A through the adapter 40, for example, by broadcast communication for specifying the range of "inside the facility" described later.

[0063] Next, the acquisition unit 112 of the ventilation device 10A transmits a second reply request including the ID of the outdoor unit 20A and the ID of the ventilation device 10A through broadcast communication (step S7). Here, the second reply request may include information for specifying the type of the electronic device requesting the reply. The type of the electronic device may include, for example, the model of the electronic device, the items measured by the electronic device, and the type of commands that the electronic device can execute.

[0064] The model of the electronic device may include, for example, the type of indoor unit of the air conditioning device and the type of sensor for measuring environmental information. The items measured by the electronic device may include, for example, the temperature outside the facility where the ventilation device 10A is installed, that is, the outdoor temperature, the temperature of the space A, that is, the indoor temperature, and the set temperature set by the user for the space A. The commands that the electronic device can execute may include, for example, commands such as stopping operation and starting operation.

[0065] In addition, the acquisition unit 112 of the ventilation device 10A may send a second reply request including information for specifying a forwarding range based on the type of electronic device in step S7. The forwarding range may include, for example, the ranges of "within the same system (within the same internal and external wiring)", "under the same adapter", and "within the facility". When "within the same system" is specified, the ventilation device 10A may send a second reply request including information of the system ID stored in the process of step S5.

[0066] When "under the same adapter" is specified, the outdoor unit 20A can transmit the second reply request received from the communication wiring 60A to the communication wiring 70A. In addition, the outdoor unit 20B also transmits the second reply request received from the communication wiring 70A to the communication wiring 70B. In addition, the adapter 40 does not transmit the second reply request received from the communication wiring 70B to the communication wiring 70C and the communication wiring 70D.

[0067] When "inside the facility" is specified, the outdoor unit 20A transmits the second reply request received from the communication wiring 60A to the communication wiring 70A. In addition, the outdoor unit 20B also transmits the second reply request received from the communication wiring 70A to the communication wiring 70B. In addition, the adapter 40 also transmits the second reply request received from the communication wiring 70B to the communication wiring 70C and the communication wiring 70D.

[0068] Accordingly, the acquisition unit 112 of the ventilation device 10A can, for example, designate "within the facility" as the forwarding range for an electronic device for measuring the outdoor temperature, and designate "within the same system" as the forwarding range for an electronic device for storing the set temperature set for the space A. Hereinafter, an example in which "within the same system" is designated as the forwarding range will be described.

[0069] Next, the indoor unit 30A-1 etc. respectively judges whether the system ID included in the second reply request received from the ventilation device 10A is consistent with the system ID set from the outdoor unit 20A, and only when they are consistent, the ID of the device is returned to the ventilation device 10A (step S8). Here, the indoor unit 30A-1 etc. that receives the second reply request only responds to the second reply request when the system ID included in the second reply request is consistent with the system ID stored in the process of step S5. In addition, when the indoor unit 30A-1 etc. includes information for specifying the type of the electronic device requesting the reply in the received second reply request, it also judges whether the specified type is consistent with the type of the device, and only when they are consistent, the ID of the device is returned to the ventilation device 10A.

[0070] Thereafter, each of the indoor units 30A-1 and the like can set the ID of the ventilation device 10A as a transmission destination, and transmit a communication packet including information such as the ID of the indoor unit 30A-1 to the communication wiring 60A.

[0071] Next, the storage unit 111 of the ventilation device 10A stores the IDs of the devices etc. that are replied in response to the second reply request (step S9). Here, when the IDs of a plurality of electronic devices are replied in response to the second reply request, the plurality of electronic devices are stored in association with each other. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the ventilation device 10A stores the indoor unit 30A-1, the indoor unit 30A-2, and the indoor unit 30A-3 in association with each other. In this way, the devices that are the targets of air conditioning or the like in the same space can be associated with each other.

[0072] Next, the control unit 114 of the ventilator 10A uses the ID of each device to send a predetermined request to the indoor unit 30A-1, etc. (step S10). Here, when the ventilator 10A is operating, the ventilator 10A sends a command for controlling the indoor unit 30A-1, etc. to the indoor unit 30A-1, etc. In addition, when the ventilator 10A is operating, the ventilator 10A also receives data from the indoor unit 30A-1, etc.

[0073] Here, with regard to the control unit 114 of the ventilation device 10A, for example, in spring, autumn, etc., the temperature difference between day and night (temperature difference) is large, and the outside temperature in certain time periods is lower than the cooling set temperature. If the user instructs the start of cooling operation through the remote control operation of the indoor unit 30A-1, etc., then in the morning, etc., the indoor unit 30A-1, etc. and the outdoor unit 20A do not need to be operated, but cooling can be performed by ventilation.

[0074] In this case, the ventilator 10A receives a notification of an instruction to start cooling operation from the user from the indoor unit 30A-1. Then, the ventilator 10A obtains the current outdoor temperature from, for example, the outdoor unit 20A. Next, the ventilator 10A obtains the set temperature, the indoor temperature, and the operation mode currently set in the indoor unit 30A-1, for example, from the indoor unit 30A-1. After that, when, for example, the current outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, the currently set operation mode is cooling operation, and the indoor temperature is higher than the set temperature, the ventilator 10A sends a command to stop the operation to the indoor unit 30A-1, and operates the ventilator fan to inhale outdoor air.

[0075] Next, when the current outdoor temperature is approximately the same as the indoor temperature, the operation mode currently set in the indoor unit 30A-1 is cooling operation, and the indoor temperature is higher than the set temperature, the ventilation device 10A stops the ventilation fan and sends a command to the indoor unit 30A-1 to start operation.

[0076] <Effects of the Disclosed Embodiment>

[0077] According to the above-disclosed embodiment, the information of the external device can be appropriately set to other devices. For example, in the case where each indoor unit 30A-1, etc. is to be coordinated with the ventilation device 10A, if the communication wiring 60A is laid and connected so that each indoor unit 30A-1, etc. and the ventilation device 10A are located under the same outdoor unit 20A, then each indoor unit 30A-1, etc. and the ventilation device 10A can be automatically paired (pairing), thereby shortening the operation time of the operator for pairing setting. In addition, according to the disclosed embodiment, compared with the case where the operator manually sets the information of the indoor unit 30A-1, etc. to the ventilation device 10A, setting errors can be prevented. In addition, the operator who performs pairing setting may not be required. In addition, even without setting a relatively high-priced (expensive) controller 500, the indoor unit 30 and the ventilation device 10 can be coordinated.

[0078] <Modification>

[0079] Each functional unit of the control device 11 may be realized by, for example, cloud computing executed by one or more computers.

[0080] Although the embodiments have been described above, various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0081] The present international application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-119742 filed on July 13, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0082] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0083] 1. Communication System

[0084] 10 Ventilation device

[0085] 11 Control Device

[0086] 20Outdoor unit

[0087] 30 Indoor unit

[0088] 40 Adapter

[0089] 50A, 50B refrigerant piping

[0090] 60A, 60B, 70 communication wiring.

Claims

1. A communication system, wherein: include: Multiple electronic devices; Wiring, the wiring connecting the plurality of electronic devices; as well as a first network and a second network, wherein the first network and the second network are formed by the wiring, the first network connects the first electronic device and the second electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices to a relay device among the plurality of electronic devices, and the second network is communicatively connected to the first network through the relay device, According to the laying conditions of the wirings of the plurality of electronic devices laid out based on the configuration of the plurality of spaces, a first electronic device and a second electronic device connected to the same wirings among the plurality of electronic devices are associated as electronic devices provided for the same space, The first electronic device sends a reply request including identification information of the first network to the second electronic device, The second electronic device replies the identification information of the second electronic device to the first electronic device when the identification information of the first network received from the relay device is consistent with the identification information of the first network received from the first electronic device, wherein the relay device enables the communication connection between the first network and the second network.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The first electronic device and the second electronic device connected to one of a plurality of networks are associated, the plurality of networks being formed based on the laying conditions of wiring of the plurality of electronic devices and being connected via a relay device.

3. The communication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first electronic device sends a reply request, wherein the reply request includes information specifying a type of the second electronic device. The second electronic device returns identification information of the second electronic device when the set type of the second electronic device matches the type of the second electronic device received from the first electronic device.

4. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein: The type of the second electronic device includes at least one of a model of the second electronic device, an item measured by the second electronic device, and a command executable by the second electronic device.

5. The communication system according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 4, wherein: The first electronic device sends a reply request, the reply request including information specifying a forwarding range based on the type of the second electronic device, The communication system determines whether to forward the reply request to the external network based on the information specifying the forwarding range.

6. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein: The relay device notifies the first network of identification information of the first network through broadcast communication.

7. The communication system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, wherein: The relay device performs the following processing: The first network and the second network are electrically connected via a high-pass filter that cuts off signals with frequencies below a threshold, and a first reply request is sent to the first network via a signal with a frequency below the threshold, After the first electronic device responds to the first response request, the first electronic device is notified of identification information of the first network. After the second electronic device responds to the first response request, the identification information of the first network is notified to the second electronic device.

8. The communication system according to claim 1 or 6, wherein: The first electronic device associates the plurality of second electronic devices when identification information of the plurality of second electronic devices is replied in response to the reply request including identification information of the first network.

9. The communication system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, wherein: The first electronic device and the second electronic device are electronic devices that perform at least one of air conditioning and environmental information measurement for the same indoor space. When the first electronic device is operating, the first electronic device sends a command to control the second electronic device or receives data from the second electronic device.

10. The communication system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 6, wherein: The first electronic device is a ventilation device, The second electronic device is an indoor unit of an air conditioning device. The relay device is an outdoor unit of the air conditioning device.

11. A communication method, wherein a communication system performs the following processing: According to the laying conditions of the wirings of the plurality of electronic devices laid out based on the configuration of the plurality of spaces, a first electronic device and a second electronic device connected to the same wirings among the plurality of electronic devices are associated as electronic devices provided for the same space, The first electronic device sends a reply request including identification information of the first network to the second electronic device, The second electronic device replies the identification information of the second electronic device to the first electronic device when the identification information of the first network received from the relay device is consistent with the identification information of the first network received from the first electronic device, wherein: The relay device enables communication between the first network and the second network.

12. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by the processor, the communication system performs the following processing: According to the laying conditions of the wirings of the plurality of electronic devices laid out based on the configuration of the plurality of spaces, a first electronic device and a second electronic device connected to the same wirings among the plurality of electronic devices are associated as electronic devices provided for the same space, The first electronic device sends a reply request including identification information of the first network to the second electronic device, The second electronic device replies the identification information of the second electronic device to the first electronic device when the identification information of the first network received from the relay device is consistent with the identification information of the first network received from the first electronic device, wherein the relay device enables the communication connection between the first network and the second network.

Images