Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses an air conditioner and a control method thereof, relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and is used for mapping a standard point table in the air conditioner to a dynamic configuration point table to realize direct adaptation of a third party. The air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit, a plurality of indoor units, a converter configured to configure function points of various functions of the air conditioner, and a controller configured to acquire a dynamic configuration point table generated for functions of the air conditioner and a requested function of the air conditioner. The dynamic configuration point table is generated based on configuration information of a custom point table of a third party device, and the dynamic configuration point table comprises a plurality of point positions, one of which is used for indicating one function of the air conditioner. According to the requested function, a requested point position corresponding to the requested function is determined in the dynamic configuration point table. According to a mapping relationship between the point positions of the dynamic configuration point table and point positions of a preset standard point table, a target point position of the requested function in the preset standard point table is determined.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioner technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Modbus is a commonly used protocol in existing converters. When interfacing with third-party converters, it is usually necessary to provide a point table in advance to determine the function of each point. Then, the third party will carry out customized development or perform intermediate point conversion to achieve interfacing. If the third-party converter cannot be modified, the converter manufacturer needs to readjust it according to the point table in the point-to-point software to achieve compatibility.

[0003] For third-party controller manufacturers, the point tables provided by air conditioner manufacturers are standard point locations and cannot be customized according to the actual equipment types and quantities required for the project. This results in the existing programs not being universally applicable. Furthermore, issues such as excessive redundant points and discontinuous points may lead to increased point name frame counts, resulting in longer communication cycles and untimely status updates, which can negatively impact user experience. Each project requires targeted, repetitive development and modifications, which is not conducive to later maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an air conditioner and its control method, which enables a standard point table in the air conditioner to be mapped to a dynamic configuration point table, so as to achieve direct adaptation to third parties.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner, including: an outdoor unit; multiple indoor units; a converter for configuring function points for various functions of the air conditioner; and a controller configured to: acquire a dynamically configured point table generated for the functions of the air conditioner and a requested function of the air conditioner; wherein the dynamically configured point table is generated based on configuration information of a custom point table of a third-party device, and the dynamically configured point table includes multiple points, one point being used to indicate a function of the air conditioner; according to the requested function, the requested point corresponding to the requested function is determined in the dynamically configured point table; and according to the mapping relationship between the points in the dynamically configured point table and the points in a preset standard point table, the target point of the requested function in the preset standard point table is determined.

[0007] The technical solution provided in this application provides at least the following beneficial effects: This technical solution obtains a dynamically configured point table generated for the functions of the air conditioner and the requested functions of the air conditioner. The dynamically configured point table contains all the functional points in the air conditioner. The point of the requested function in the dynamically configured point table is determined, and then the point of the requested function in the dynamically configured point table is mapped to a standard point table, thereby obtaining the point of the user-requested function in the standard point table. No software code adjustments are required, reducing the steps of converter point configuration and improving the efficiency of converter point configuration. Simultaneously, the dynamically configured point table has low resource consumption; it only needs to store some basic information to be generated and does not occupy actual points, enabling the converter to accurately allocate all points.

[0008] In some embodiments, before the controller is configured to acquire a dynamically configured point table generated for the functions of the air conditioner and the requested functions of the air conditioner, it is further configured to: determine a first starting point, a number of activated points, a point sequence number, and a first offset of each functional point among multiple functional points in the standard point table; wherein, the first starting point is the point corresponding to the first function in the standard point table; the first starting point includes an outdoor unit starting point and multiple indoor unit starting points; the first offset is the difference between the multiple functional points in the standard point table and the first starting point in the standard point table; acquire the device number of the air conditioner; and generate a standard point table based on the requested functions, the first starting point, the number of activated points, the point sequence number, the first offset, and the device number.

[0009] In some embodiments, each functional point in the standard point table satisfies the following relationship: Functional point = Starting point of outdoor unit / indoor unit + Number of activated points * Equipment number of outdoor unit / indoor unit + First offset.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine the target point of the requested function in the preset standard point table based on the mapping relationship between the points in the dynamic configuration point table and the points in the preset standard point table. Specifically, the controller is configured to: obtain a second offset of the requested function in the standard point table, a second starting point of the dynamic configuration point table, and the number of enabled points; wherein, the second starting point is the point corresponding to the first function in the dynamic configuration point table; the second offset is the difference between the point corresponding to the requested function in the standard point table and the first starting point; generate a dynamic configuration point table based on the second starting point and the number of enabled points; and determine the target point of the requested function in the preset standard point table based on the requested point and the dynamic configuration point table.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to generate a dynamic configuration point table based on the second starting point and the number of enabled points. Specifically, the controller is configured to: obtain the request point corresponding to the request function in the dynamic configuration point table; calculate the device number and the enable sequence number based on the request point, the second starting point, and the device number; and generate the dynamic configuration point table based on the device number and the enable sequence number.

[0012] In some embodiments, each functional point in the dynamic configuration point table satisfies the following relationship: Functional point = Second starting point + Number of activated points * Outdoor / Indoor unit number + Activation sequence number.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a control method for an air conditioner, comprising: acquiring a dynamic configuration point table generated for the functions of the air conditioner and a requested function of the air conditioner; wherein, the dynamic configuration point table is generated based on the configuration information of a custom point table of a third-party device, the dynamic configuration point table includes multiple points, and one point is used to indicate a function of the air conditioner; according to the requested function, determining the requested point corresponding to the requested function in the dynamic configuration point table; and according to the mapping relationship between the points in the dynamic configuration point table and the points in a preset standard point table, determining the target point of the requested function in the preset standard point table.

[0014] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a controller, including: one or more processors; one or more memories; wherein the one or more memories are used to store computer program code, the computer program code including computer instructions, and when the one or more processors execute the computer instructions, the controller executes any of the air conditioner control methods provided in the second aspect.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium including computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the methods provided in the second aspect and possible implementations.

[0016] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program product that can be directly loaded into a memory and contains software code. After being loaded and executed by a computer, the computer program product can implement the methods provided in the second aspect and possible implementations.

[0017] It should be noted that the aforementioned computer instructions may be stored, in whole or in part, on a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable storage medium may be packaged together with the controller's processor, or it may be packaged separately from the controller's processor; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0018] The beneficial effects described in aspects two through five of this application can be referred to the analysis of the beneficial effects of aspect one, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a data transmission method using the Modbus protocol provided in this application embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a Modbus protocol request flow provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the connection method between a converter and an indoor unit, provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 A hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 6 A flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another air conditioner control method provided in this application embodiment;

[0027] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a standard point table provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of another standard point table provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating another air conditioner control method provided in this application embodiment;

[0030] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the correspondence between points and tables provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 12 This is another schematic diagram of the correspondence between point tables provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 13 This is another schematic diagram of the correspondence between point tables provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 14This is another schematic diagram of the correspondence between point tables provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of a custom point table generation interface provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another custom point table generation interface provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0037] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0038] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, as a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, when describing pipelines, the terms "connected" and "linked" as used in this application have the meaning of establishing electrical connection. The specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0040] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0041] To facilitate understanding, we will first provide a brief introduction and explanation of some terms or basic concepts of technology involved in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Modbus: A serial communication protocol, it is an open protocol. It supports serial devices using RS232 / RS485 / RS422 protocols, and also supports modems. Modbus transmits data over a serial cable between devices. The simplest setup is to connect the serial ports of two devices (master and slave) using a single serial cable. Data is sent as a sequence of 1s and 0s called bits. Each bit is sent as a voltage. A 0 is sent as a positive voltage, and a 1 is sent as a negative voltage. For example... Figure 1 As shown.

[0043] Modbus solved the problem of sending information between electronic devices over serial lines. The protocol implements a master / slave model in an architecture that follows it. The Modbus master is responsible for requesting information from other devices (slaves). A standard Modbus network has one Modbus master, such as... Figure 2 As shown. The master device can request up to 240 messages from the slave devices. Each slave device has its own unique slave address. In addition to requesting messages from slave devices, the master device can also write to the internal registers of the slave devices.

[0044] In some embodiments, this application provides a converter, which may be a converter configured with the Modbus protocol.

[0045] It should be noted that this technical solution is not only applicable to Modbus protocol converters, but also to converters of other protocols. The above description only uses the Modbus protocol converter as an example, and this application does not limit it.

[0046] As mentioned above, there are compatibility issues between third-party control of air conditioners and the air conditioner's converter, making it difficult to achieve advance adaptation.

[0047] Based on this, embodiments of this application provide an air conditioner, including: an outdoor unit; multiple indoor units; a converter for configuring function points of various functions of the air conditioner; and a controller configured to: acquire a configuration point table generated by a user device for the air conditioner and a requested function of the air conditioner; wherein the configuration point table includes multiple function points of the air conditioner, and one function point in the configuration point table is used to indicate a function of the air conditioner; determine the request point corresponding to the requested function in the configuration point table according to the requested function; and determine the target point of the requested function in the standard point table according to the request point and the standard point table.

[0048] This reduces the steps involved in configuring converter locations, improves the efficiency of converter location configuration, and enables the converter to accurately allocate all locations.

[0049] The embodiments provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary connection method between a converter and an indoor unit, provided as an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioner 100 is connected to the converter 30 via communication.

[0051] The air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20, which share a refrigerant system.

[0052] In some embodiments, each converter communicates with both the outdoor and indoor units within the air conditioner to obtain the total number of indoor units in the system and the address of each indoor unit.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of an air conditioner, as exemplarily provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 As shown, the air conditioner 100 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, and a controller 1000. Figure 4 (Not shown in the image). In this case, each indoor unit in at least one indoor unit is connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant connection pipes.

[0054] It should be noted that this application provides an air conditioner in which one outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units. Figure 4 The composition of an air conditioner does not constitute a limitation on the air conditioner itself.

[0055] In some embodiments, the outdoor unit 10, typically installed outdoors, is used for heat exchange with the indoor environment. Additionally, in... Figure 4 In the diagram, outdoor unit 10 is shown as a dashed line because it is located outdoors on the opposite side of indoor unit 20, separated by a wall.

[0056] In some embodiments, the indoor unit 20, taking a wall-mounted unit as an example, is typically installed on an indoor wall or similar surface. Another example is a floor-standing unit (…). Figure 4 (Not shown in the image) is also a type of indoor unit. This air conditioner may include an outdoor unit and two or more indoor cabinet units.

[0057] In the embodiments shown in this application, controller 1000 refers to a device that can generate operation control signals according to instruction opcodes and timing signals, instructing air conditioner 100 to execute control commands. Exemplarily, controller 1000 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. Controller 1000 can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0058] In addition, the controller 1000 can be used to control the various components inside the air conditioner 100 so that each component can perform the predetermined functions of the air conditioner 100.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a hardware configuration block diagram of an air conditioner 100 provided in this application according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioner 100 may also include the following two items: a memory 1002 and a communicator 1003.

[0060] The memory 1002 can be used to store software programs and data. The controller 1000 executes various functions of the air conditioner 100 and performs data processing by running the software programs or data stored in the memory 1002. The memory 1002 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device. The memory 1002 stores the operating system that enables the air conditioner 100 to run. In this application, the memory 1002 can store the operating system and various application programs, and may also store code that executes the control method of the air conditioner 100 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0061] In some embodiments, the communicator 1003 is used to establish communication connections with other network entities, such as establishing communication connections with terminal devices. The communicator 1003 may include a radio frequency (RF) module, a cellular module, a wireless fidelity (WIFI) module, and a GPS module, etc. Taking an RF module as an example, the RF module can be used for signal reception and transmission; specifically, it sends received information to the controller 1000 for processing; additionally, it transmits signals generated by the controller 1000. Typically, the RF circuit may include, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a duplexer, etc.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 5 The hardware structure shown does not constitute a limitation on this air conditioner. The air conditioner may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0064] S101, The controller obtains the dynamic configuration point table generated for the functions of the air conditioner and the request functions of the air conditioner.

[0065] It should be noted that the dynamic configuration point table is used to dynamically configure the various functions of the air conditioner, arranging these functions in the form of points for later use and modification by the manufacturer or third-party developers. Furthermore, different air conditioner manufacturers and third-party developers may define different dynamic configuration point tables; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0066] Meanwhile, the dynamic configuration point table refers to the point table ultimately used for the communication protocol. After obtaining the dynamic configuration point table, the air conditioner controller program dynamically adjusts itself to adapt to the dynamic configuration point table, and provides host computer point response services and communication protocols adapted to the actual functions based on the dynamic configuration point table.

[0067] It should be noted that the dynamic configuration point table can be generated by either the controller manufacturer or the air conditioner manufacturer; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0068] The dynamic configuration point table includes multiple function points of the air conditioner, including function points of the outdoor unit and multiple function points of the indoor unit. One function point in the dynamic configuration point table is used to indicate one function of the air conditioner.

[0069] Optionally, each functional point includes a point number and a point value.

[0070] In some embodiments, the controller pre-generates a standard point table before acquiring the dynamically configured point table for the functions of the air conditioner and the requested functions of the air conditioner. Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another control method for an air conditioner provided in this application embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0071] S11. Determine the first starting point, the number of activated points, the point sequence number, and the first offset of each functional point in the standard point table to obtain the number of air conditioners.

[0072] It should be noted that the standard point table is a pre-set point table by the air conditioner manufacturer, containing complete point location information supported by the air conditioner controller. The pre-installed program of the air conditioner controller has established a data structure and operating rules according to the standard point table, and established communication interaction with the actual air conditioning unit to realize communication protocols and air conditioning control, thereby meeting the purpose of rapid program configuration and data interaction for unit monitoring functions when supporting custom point tables.

[0073] The first starting point is the point corresponding to the first function in the standard point table. The first starting point includes the starting point of the outdoor unit and multiple starting points of the indoor units. The first offset is the difference between the multiple function points in the standard point table and the first starting point in the standard point table.

[0074] It should be noted that the standard point table is pre-set and stored in the memory of the air conditioner manufacturer. Different air conditioner manufacturers may set different standard point tables. The custom point table is pre-set and stored in the memory of the third-party controller manufacturer. Different controller manufacturers may set different custom point tables. This application does not limit this.

[0075] Optionally, the standard point table contains the points for each function of the air conditioner.

[0076] For example, if the function sequence of an indoor unit in the standard point table is: 1-Switch, 2-Mode, 3-Airflow, 4-Temperature, 5-Humidity, 6-Wind deflector, and the function sequence of the same indoor unit in the custom point table is: 1-Switch, 2-Airflow, 3-Mode, 4-Wind deflector, starting point 1000, then the number of activated points for this indoor unit is 4 (i.e., switch, mode, airflow, and wind deflector), the offset of the function switch is 0 (i.e., 1-1), the offset of the function airflow is -1 (i.e., 2-3), the offset of the function mode is 1 (i.e., 3-2), and the offset of the function wind deflector is -2 (i.e., 4-6). In other words, the point number of the function switch in the dynamic configuration point table is 0, the point number of the function airflow is -1, the point number of the function mode is 1, the point number of the function wind deflector is -2, the number of activated points is 4, and the starting point of the indoor unit's function is 1000.

[0077] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, taking an outdoor unit of an air conditioner with 4 functions as an example, the starting function of the outdoor unit is a, and the function point is 100. Then the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is numbered 1, the number of activated points is 4, the point number of the starting function a is 1, the point number of function b is 2, the point number of function c is 3, and the point number of function d is 4.

[0078] It should be noted that the air conditioner in the above example only has one outdoor unit with four functions. In the actual implementation, there can be one or more outdoor units and each outdoor unit can contain one or more functions. This application does not limit this.

[0079] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, taking an air conditioner with four indoor units and each indoor unit having four functions as an example, the four indoor units of this air conditioner have a total of 16 functions. The starting point of the indoor unit is a, and the number of function points is 100. The equipment numbers of the four indoor units of this air conditioner are 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the number of activated points is 16. The point number of the starting point a is 1, the point number corresponding to function b is 2, the point number corresponding to function c is 3, ..., and the point number corresponding to function N is n.

[0080] It should be noted that the air conditioner in the above example only has four indoor units and each indoor unit has four functions. In the actual implementation, the air conditioner may contain one or more indoor units, and each indoor unit may contain one or more functions. This application does not limit this.

[0081] S12. Generate a standard point table based on the requested function, the first starting point, the number of activated points, the point sequence number, the first offset, and the device number.

[0082] In some embodiments, each functional point in the standard point table satisfies the following relationship: Functional point = Starting point of outdoor unit / indoor unit + Number of activated points * Equipment number of outdoor unit / indoor unit + First offset.

[0083] For example, such as Figure 8 As shown, function b corresponds to the function point in the standard point table.

[0084] =100 + 4 * 1 + 1 = 105; Function c corresponds to the function point in the standard point table.

[0085] =100 + 4 * 1 + 2 = 106; Function c corresponds to the function point in the standard point table.

[0086] =100 + 4 * 1 + 3 = 107.

[0087] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, the function points corresponding to function k in the standard point table

[0088] =100 + 16 * 3 + 10 = 158; Function m corresponds to the function point in the standard point table.

[0089] =100 + 16 * 4 + 12 = 176.

[0090] In this way, the function point of each function in the air conditioner can be determined in the standard point table.

[0091] S102. The controller determines the request point corresponding to the request function in the dynamic configuration point table according to the request function.

[0092] In some embodiments, after the dynamic configuration point table is generated, the requested function of the air conditioner called by the user equipment is obtained, and the request point of this requested function in the dynamic configuration point table is determined according to the requested function.

[0093] Optionally, the requested function can be any function that is available in all air conditioners. For example, on / off, mode, air volume, temperature, air direction, air deflector, etc.

[0094] Furthermore, if the function points in the dynamic configuration point table are 101-Switch, 102-Mode, 103-Airflow, 104-Temperature, 105-Airflow Direction, and 106-Air Guide Plate.

[0095] For example, when the requested function is a switch, the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 101; when the requested function is a mode, the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 102; when the requested function is airflow, the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 103; when the requested function is temperature, the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 104; when the requested function is airflow direction, the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 105; and when the requested function is an air deflector, the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 106.

[0096] S103. The controller determines the target point in the preset standard point table for the requested function based on the mapping relationship between the points in the dynamic configuration point table and the preset standard point table.

[0097] In some embodiments, before obtaining the dynamic configuration point table of the air conditioner, the controller may first determine the first starting point of the dynamic configuration point table, thereby sequentially determining each functional point in the dynamic configuration point table and generating the configuration point table. Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating another control method for an air conditioner provided in this application embodiment. Figure 10 As shown, the method includes:

[0098] S21. The controller obtains the second offset of the request function in the standard point table, the second starting point of the dynamic configuration point table, and the number of enabled points.

[0099] In some embodiments, before generating a dynamic configuration point table, it is necessary to determine certain parameter items in the dynamic configuration point table, and based on these parameter items, determine the point table corresponding to each function of the air conditioner in sequence.

[0100] The second starting point is the point corresponding to the first function in the dynamic configuration point table, and the second offset is the difference between the point corresponding to the requested function in the standard point table and the first starting point.

[0101] Optionally, the second starting point includes the outdoor unit starting point and the indoor unit starting point in the dynamic point table. The outdoor unit starting point is the first functional point of the outdoor unit in the dynamic configuration point table, and the indoor unit starting point is the first functional point of multiple indoor units in the dynamic configuration point table.

[0102] S22. The controller generates a dynamic configuration point table based on the second starting point and the number of activated points.

[0103] In some embodiments, after the controller obtains the second offset of the requested function in the standard point table, the second starting point of the dynamic configuration point table, and the number of enabled points, it can use the second starting point and the number of enabled points to generate a dynamic configuration point table.

[0104] In some embodiments, each functional point in the dynamic configuration point table satisfies the following relationship: Functional point = Second starting point + Number of activated points * Outdoor / Indoor unit number + Activation sequence number.

[0105] In some embodiments, the function points in the dynamic configuration point table are sorted in a certain order. In the embodiments provided in this application, the sorting method of the function points in the dynamic configuration point table may include a device-based sorting method and a function-based sorting method.

[0106] In some embodiments, when the sorting method of the dynamic configuration point table is based on the device, the controller determines the device number and the activation sequence number according to the requested point, the first starting point, and the number of activated points in the dynamic configuration point table.

[0107] Optionally, the device number is calculated as shown in formula (1), and the activation serial number is calculated as shown in formula (2):

[0108] Equipment Number = (Requested Location - First Starting Location) / Number of Activated Locations (Formula 1)

[0109] Activation serial number = (requested point - first starting point) % number of activated points Formula (2)

[0110] The device number is calculated as an integer, while the activation sequence number is calculated as a remainder.

[0111] For example, taking a requested point as 107, a first starting point as 100, and a number of activated points as 5, the device number = (107-100) / 5, that is, the device number is 1. The activation sequence number = (107-100)%5, that is, the activation sequence number is 2.

[0112] In some embodiments, when the sorting method of the dynamic configuration point table is a function-based sorting method, the controller determines the device number and activation sequence number based on the requested point, the first starting point, and the number of activated devices in the dynamic configuration point table.

[0113] Optionally, the calculation method for the device number is as shown in formula (3), and the calculation method for the activation serial number is as shown in formula (4):

[0114] Equipment Number = (Requested Location - First Starting Location) % Quantity of Activated Equipment Formula (3)

[0115] Activation serial number = (requested point - first starting point) / number of activated points (Formula 4)

[0116] The value calculated using the device number is the remainder, while the value calculated using the activation serial number is the integer.

[0117] For example, taking a requested point of 120, a first starting point of 100, and a number of activated points of 8, the device number = (120-100) / 8, that is, the device number is 2. The activation sequence number = (120-100)%8, that is, the activation sequence number is 4.

[0118] S23. The controller determines the target point in the preset standard point table for the requested function based on the requested point and the dynamic configuration point table.

[0119] In some embodiments, once the location of the requested point in the standard point table is determined, the point value of the requested point is determined based on the point value in the standard point table.

[0120] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, taking a dynamic configuration point table containing four indoor units, each with four functions, as an example, there are a total of 16 functions in the dynamic configuration point table. In the dynamic configuration point table shown in the figure, each small grid represents the function point of one function. The first small grid is the starting point of the indoor unit in the dynamic configuration point table, and every four small grids represent one indoor unit.

[0121] For example, suppose that the on / off function of the first indoor unit in the dynamic configuration point table is the starting point 100, the mode function is the point 101, the air volume function is the point 102, and the air direction function is the point 103; the on / off function of the second indoor unit is the starting point 104, the mode function is the point 105, the air volume function is the point 106, and the air direction function is the point 107; the on / off function of the third indoor unit is the starting point 108, the mode function is the point 109, the air volume function is the point 110, and the air direction function is the point 111; and the on / off function of the fourth indoor unit is the starting point 112, the mode function is the point 113, the air volume function is the point 114, and the air direction function is the point 115.

[0122] Furthermore, if the requested function is the on / off function of the first indoor unit, then the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 100, which is the first small cell in the dynamic configuration point table.

[0123] For example, assuming the configuration information in request point 100 includes 1-on and 2-off, if the point value in request point 100 for the controller to obtain the request function is 1-on, then the point value of being on is determined in the standard point table; if the point value in request point 100 for the controller to obtain the request function is 2-off, then the point value of being off is determined in the standard point table.

[0124] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, if the requested function is the mode function of the second indoor unit, then the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 105, which is the 6th small cell in the dynamic configuration point table.

[0125] Furthermore, assuming that the configuration information in the request point 105 includes 1-cooling mode and 2-heating mode, if the point value in the request point 105 of the controller obtains the request function is 1-cooling mode, then the point value of cooling mode is determined in the standard point table; if the point value in the request point 105 of the controller obtains the request function is 2-heating mode, then the point value of heating mode is determined in the standard point table.

[0126] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, if the requested function is the airflow direction function of the third indoor unit, then the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 110, which is the 11th small cell in the dynamic configuration point table.

[0127] Furthermore, assuming the configuration information in request point 110 includes 1-Wind Up, 2-Wind Down, 3-Wind Left, 4-Wind Right, and 5-Auto Wind. If the controller obtains a point value of 1-Wind Up in request point 110 for the request function, then the point value for Wind Up is determined in the standard point table; if the controller obtains a point value of 2-Wind Down in request point 110 for the request function, then the point value for Wind Down is determined in the standard point table; if the controller obtains a point value of 3-Wind Left in request point 110 for the request function, then the point value for Wind Left is determined in the standard point table; if the controller obtains a point value of 4-Wind Right in request point 110 for the request function, then the point value for Wind Right is determined in the standard point table; if the controller obtains a point value of 5-Auto Wind in request point 110 for the request function, then the point value for Auto Wind is determined in the standard point table.

[0128] For example, such as Figure 14 As shown, if the requested function is the air volume function of the fourth indoor unit, then the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table is 115, which is the 16th small cell in the dynamic configuration point table.

[0129] Furthermore, assume that the configuration information in request point 115 includes 1-low airflow, 2-medium airflow, and 3-high airflow. If the value of point 115 in the controller's request function is 1-low airflow, then the low airflow point value is determined in the standard point table; if the value of point 115 in the controller's request function is 2-medium airflow, then the medium airflow point value is determined in the standard point table; if the value of point 115 in the controller's request function is 3-high airflow, then the high airflow point value is determined in the standard point table.

[0130] It should be noted that, Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 as well as Figure 14The dynamic configuration point table information, standard point table, and the correspondence between each point table shown are merely examples. In specific implementations, the information and functions in the dynamic configuration point table and standard point table, as well as the correspondence between each point table, can be other possible information, functions, or correspondences. This application does not limit these aspects.

[0131] In some embodiments, after the dynamic configuration point table is generated, the controller determines the target point in the preset standard point table for the requested function based on the mapping relationship between the points in the dynamic configuration point table and the points in the preset standard point table.

[0132] In some embodiments, after determining the target point of the requested function in the standard point table, the point of the requested function in the custom point table is determined based on this mapping relationship and the custom point table.

[0133] Specifically, the points in the custom point table all exist in the standard point table. The points in the custom point table and the points in the standard point table have the same identification information, which allows the custom point table and the standard point table to be associated and mapped using the identification information of the points as the key, thus establishing a mapping relationship.

[0134] Furthermore, by establishing a mapping relationship, new point tables can be quickly configured, and relevant data can be obtained and air conditioning units can be controlled based on the content of the point tables. After establishing the mapping relationship, program variables and memory are associated, so as to realize the final function of custom point tables.

[0135] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a custom point table design interface for sorting outdoor units, provided as an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 15 As shown, this custom point table can include serial number, name, definition, selection, outdoor unit, and function.

[0136] The names in the custom point table can include outdoor unit switches and outdoor unit malfunctions. Definitions can include detailed explanations or notes about the names. This function can be enabled or disabled in the selection menu. Clicking "Outdoor Unit Generation" will generate a new custom point table for the outdoor unit.

[0137] It should be noted that, Figure 15 The custom point table design interface shown in the diagram, which is sorted by outdoor unit, does not constitute a limitation on this custom point table. The custom point table may contain more or less content, and this application does not limit this.

[0138] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of a custom point table design interface for sorting indoor units, provided as an embodiment of this application. For example... Figure 16 As shown, this custom point table can include serial number, name, definition, selection, outdoor unit, and function.

[0139] The names in the custom point table can include switch, mode, airflow, setting, fault, return air temperature, and setting switch. Definitions can include detailed explanations or notes about the names. You can enable or disable this function. Clicking "Generate Indoor Unit" will generate a new custom point table for the outdoor unit.

[0140] It should be noted that, Figure 16 The custom point table design interface shown, which sorts indoor units, does not constitute a limitation on this custom point table. The custom point table may contain more or less content, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0141] In some embodiments, after the custom point table is generated, the point value of the requested point in the custom point table is determined based on the custom point table and the point value of the requested point in the dynamic configuration point table.

[0142] In some embodiments, air conditioner manufacturers or controller manufacturers can add a WIFI module or LAN module to the converter to enable user equipment to access a PC or mobile terminal, thereby enabling visual settings on a web interface or app.

[0143] For example, air conditioner manufacturers or controller manufacturers can customize the location information in the location table through a web interface or app. The web interface or app then sends the location information to the user equipment based on the location information and the converter's configuration protocol.

[0144] Furthermore, after the user equipment obtains the location information, the controller reads the target location and maps it to a standard point table using a location mapping method, thereby obtaining the location value corresponding to the requested function. The controller then outputs a location value adapted to the custom point table based on the relationship between this location value and the custom location value.

[0145] The technical solution provided in this application provides at least the following beneficial effects: This technical solution obtains a dynamically configured point table generated for the functions of the air conditioner and the requested functions of the air conditioner. The dynamically configured point table contains all the functional points in the air conditioner. The point of the requested function in the dynamically configured point table is determined, and then the point of the requested function in the dynamically configured point table is mapped to a standard point table, thereby obtaining the point of the user-requested function in the standard point table. No software code adjustments are required, reducing the steps of converter point configuration and improving the efficiency of converter point configuration. Simultaneously, the dynamically configured point table has low resource consumption; it only needs to store some basic information to be generated and does not occupy actual points, enabling the converter to accurately allocate all points.

[0146] In some embodiments, the user equipment may also reserve a configuration point in the standard point table and use a serial port tool to write point information to the configuration point, thereby achieving the adaptation between the standard point table and the controller manufacturer's custom point table.

[0147] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0148] This invention also provides a computer program product that can be directly loaded into a memory and contains software code. After being loaded and executed by a computer, the computer program product can implement the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0149] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in this invention can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0150] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0151] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely exemplary; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed between each other may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0152] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0153] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Outdoor unit; Multiple indoor units; A converter used to configure the function points of various functions of the air conditioner; The controller is configured as follows: The first starting point, the number of activated points, the point sequence number, and the first offset of each functional point in the standard point table are determined; wherein, the first starting point is the point corresponding to the first function in the standard point table; the first starting point includes the outdoor unit starting point and the multiple indoor unit starting points; the first offset is the difference between the multiple functional points in the standard point table and the first starting point in the standard point table. Obtain the device number of the air conditioner; The standard point table is generated based on the requested function, the first starting point, the number of activated points, the point sequence number, the first offset, and the device number. Obtain a dynamic configuration point table generated for the functions of the air conditioner and the requested functions of the air conditioner; wherein, the dynamic configuration point table is generated based on the configuration information of the custom point table of a third-party device, and the dynamic configuration point table includes multiple points, one of which is used to indicate a function of the air conditioner; Based on the requested function, determine the request point corresponding to the requested function in the dynamic configuration point table; Based on the mapping relationship between the points in the dynamic configuration point table and the points in the standard point table, the target point in the standard point table for the requested function is determined.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional points in the standard point table satisfy the following relationship: Functional point = Starting point of outdoor unit / indoor unit + Number of activated points * Equipment number of outdoor unit / indoor unit + First offset.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to determine the target point in the preset standard point table based on the mapping relationship between the points in the dynamically configured point table and the points in the preset standard point table, specifically configured as follows: Obtain the second offset of the requested function in the standard point table, the second starting point of the dynamic configuration point table, and the number of enabled points; wherein, the second starting point is the point corresponding to the first function in the dynamic configuration point table; the second offset is the difference between the point corresponding to the requested function in the standard point table and the first starting point; The dynamic configuration point table is generated based on the second starting point and the number of activated points; Based on the requested point and the dynamic configuration point table, the target point of the requested function is determined in the preset standard point table.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The controller is configured to generate the dynamic configuration point table based on the second starting point and the number of activated points, specifically configured as follows: Get the request point corresponding to the request function in the dynamic configuration point table; Based on the requested point, the second starting point, and the device number, calculate the device number and the activation sequence number; The dynamic configuration point table is generated based on the device number and the activation sequence number.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The functional points in the dynamic configuration point table satisfy the following relationship: Functional point = Second starting point + Number of activated points * Outdoor unit / Indoor unit number + Activation sequence number.

6. A control method for the air conditioner of claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes: The first starting point, the number of activated points, the point sequence number, and the first offset of each functional point in the standard point table are determined; wherein, the first starting point is the point corresponding to the first function in the standard point table; the first starting point includes the outdoor unit starting point and the multiple indoor unit starting points; the first offset is the difference between the multiple functional points in the standard point table and the first starting point in the standard point table. Obtain the device number of the air conditioner; The standard point table is generated based on the requested function, the first starting point, the number of activated points, the point sequence number, the first offset, and the device number. Obtain a dynamic configuration point table generated for the functions of the air conditioner and the requested functions of the air conditioner; wherein, the dynamic configuration point table is generated based on the configuration information of the custom point table of a third-party device, and the dynamic configuration point table includes multiple points, one of which is used to indicate a function of the air conditioner; Based on the requested function, determine the request point corresponding to the requested function in the dynamic configuration point table; Based on the mapping relationship between the points in the dynamic configuration point table and the points in the standard point table, the target point in the standard point table for the requested function is determined.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the second offset of the requested function in the standard point table, the second starting point of the dynamic configuration point table, and the number of enabled points; wherein, the second starting point is the point corresponding to the first function in the dynamic configuration point table; the second offset is the difference between the point corresponding to the requested function in the standard point table and the first starting point; The dynamic configuration point table is generated based on the second starting point and the number of activated points; Based on the requested location and the dynamic configuration point table, determine the target location of the requested function in the standard point table.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Get the request point corresponding to the request function in the dynamic configuration point table; Based on the requested point, the second starting point, and the device number, calculate the device number and the activation sequence number; The dynamic configuration point table is generated based on the device number and the activation sequence number.

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