Management method, management system, and program

Abstract

It is possible to determine whether or not a target device that performs a maintenance service using operation data uses a subscription service. Provided is a management method in which information for performing a subscription service is registered in a management system (1) for performing a maintenance service using operation data of an air conditioner (30), and a control unit (101-102) of the management system (1) stores management information (1001-1012) including customer information (1001) and machine information (1002) for performing the maintenance service. The management information (1001-1012) is registered in such a manner that the maintenance service information (1001-1005, 1010) and the subscription service information (1011-1012) can be distinguished from each other.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Equipment installed in offices, stores and other properties requires regular inspection. Among the equipment, there are also machines such as air conditioners that are required to undergo regular inspections according to legal regulations. In this context, a maintenance service is provided that uses the operating data collected from air conditioners to perform inspections or repairs.

[0003] In order to collect operation data from the air conditioner, a communication control device connected to the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The communication control device periodically sends the operation data recorded by various sensors built into the air conditioner to the management device via a communication network such as the Internet.

[0004] On the other hand, there is a subscription service that allows users to use air conditioners for a fixed fee. In a subscription service for air conditioners, users can use air conditioners by paying a fixed fee that is calculated as a lump sum of initial costs such as machine costs and installation costs. In subscription services, maintenance services such as inspections and repairs may also be included in the fixed fee.

[0005] <Prior Art Literature>

[0006] <Patent Documents>

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-211111 Summary of the invention

[0008] <Problems to be Solved by the Invention>

[0009] However, in the maintenance service using the operation data, there is a problem that it is impossible to determine whether the air conditioner to be maintained is using the subscription service.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to be able to determine whether or not a target machine for maintenance service using operating data utilizes a subscription service.

[0011] <Methods used to solve the problem>

[0012] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a management method for registering information for performing a subscription service in a management system for performing a maintenance service using operating data of an air conditioner, wherein a control unit of the management system stores management information including customer information and machine information for performing the maintenance service, and registers information related to the subscription service in the management information in a manner capable of distinguishing the maintenance service from the subscription service.

[0013] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not a target machine for a maintenance service using operating data utilizes a subscription service.

[0014] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a management method according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit extracts users who utilize the subscription service or users who do not utilize the subscription service from the management information based on information related to the subscription service in the management information.

[0015] Aspect 3 of the present disclosure is a management method according to aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the control unit stores information related to the subscription service and information related to an optional service provided additionally, and registers in the management information first contract information related to the subscription service and second contract information related to the optional service attached to the first contract information in an associated manner.

[0016] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the management method according to the third aspect, wherein the control unit outputs suggestion information for suggesting the optional service to a user utilizing the subscription service.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the management method according to the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit stores attribute information related to the installation environment of the air conditioner, and outputs the advice information based on the attribute information.

[0018] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the management method according to the fourth aspect, wherein the control unit stores the operating data and outputs the advice information based on the operating data.

[0019] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure provides a management system having a control unit for performing a maintenance service using operating data of an air conditioner, the control unit storing management information including customer information and machine information for performing the maintenance service, and registering information related to the subscription service in the management information in a manner capable of distinguishing the maintenance service from the subscription service.

[0020] Aspect 8 of the present disclosure provides a program for causing a control unit of a management system for performing a maintenance service using operating data of an air conditioner to execute the following processes: a process of storing management information including customer information and machine information for performing the maintenance service; and a process of registering information related to the subscription service in the management information in a manner that can distinguish the maintenance service from the subscription service.

[0021] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure provides a management method executed by a management system for managing a subscription service for an air conditioner, wherein a control unit of the management system stores information related to the subscription service and information related to an additionally provided optional service, and registers first contract information related to the subscription service and second contract information related to the optional service attached to the first contract information in an associated manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning management system in the first embodiment.

[0023] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the maintenance management device.

[0024] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the air conditioner.

[0025] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the maintenance management device in the first embodiment.

[0026] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of maintenance management information in the first embodiment.

[0027] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of maintenance management information in the first embodiment.

[0028] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of maintenance management information in the first embodiment.

[0029] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the air-conditioning management method in the first embodiment.

[0030] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning management system in the second embodiment.

[0031] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the contract management device in the second embodiment.

[0032] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of maintenance management information in the second embodiment.

[0033] [ Fig.12 ] Fig.12 This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of contract management information in the second embodiment.

[0034] [ Fig.13 ] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the air conditioning management method in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that in this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit repeated descriptions.

[0036] [First embodiment]

[0037] The first embodiment of the present disclosure is an air conditioning management system that provides maintenance services using operation data of air conditioners. The air conditioning management system in this embodiment collects operation data from air conditioners and manages information for providing maintenance services such as inspection or repair of air conditioners using the operation data.

[0038] The air conditioning management system in this embodiment registers information indicating whether the subscription service is used in the maintenance service information about the maintenance service. Therefore, the air conditioning management system in this embodiment can determine whether the target device of the maintenance service using the operation data uses the subscription service.

[0039] <System Configuration>

[0040] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning management system 1 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment includes a maintenance management device 10 and one or more air conditioners 30 .

[0041] The maintenance management device 10 and the air conditioner 30 are connected via a communication network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet in a manner capable of data communication. The communication network N1 may include, for example, a wireless LAN such as WiFi (registered trademark), a mobile communication network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G (5th Generation), or a network based on specific low-power wireless communication such as LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0042] The maintenance management device 10 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a server, and manages maintenance services provided to users who use the air conditioners 30 included in the air conditioning management system 1. The maintenance management device 10 collects operation data from the air conditioners 30 and manages information for providing maintenance services to the air conditioners 30 using the operation data.

[0043] The air conditioner 30 is a device installed in a property such as an office or a store, and performs air conditioning on a predetermined indoor space including one or more rooms. The air conditioner 30 performs at least one of cooling, heating, air purification, ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification on the predetermined indoor space. The air conditioner 30 records operation data indicating the operating status, etc., and sends the operation data to the maintenance management device 10 at a predetermined time interval.

[0044] Hereinafter, when there are a plurality of air conditioners 30, when distinguishing each air conditioner, "air conditioner 30-1", "air conditioner 30-2", etc. are marked using subdivision numbers.

[0045] It should be noted that Figure 1 The overall configuration of the air conditioning management system 1 shown is only an example, and there are various hardware configuration examples depending on the application or purpose. For example, the maintenance management device 10 can be implemented by multiple computers or as a cloud computing service.

[0046] <Hardware Configuration>

[0047] 《Maintenance and management equipment》

[0048] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the maintenance management device 10. Figure 2 As shown, the maintenance management device 10 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, an operation device 104, a display device 105, a communication device 106, and a driver device 107. The hardware components of the maintenance management device 10 are connected to each other via a bus 108.

[0049] The processor 101 includes various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) etc. The processor 101 reads various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 to the memory 102 and executes them.

[0050] The memory 102 has a main storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 101 and the memory 102 form a so-called computer (hereinafter also referred to as a "control unit"), and the processor 101 executes various programs read from the memory 102 to make the computer realize various functions.

[0051] The auxiliary storage device 103 stores various programs or various data used when the processor 101 executes the various programs.

[0052] The operation device 104 is an operation device for the user of the maintenance management device 10 to perform various operations. The display device 105 is a display device that displays the processing results of various processes performed by the maintenance management device 10.

[0053] The communication device 106 is a communication device for communicating with an external device via a network (not shown).

[0054] The drive device 107 is a device for setting the storage medium 109. The storage medium 109 mentioned here includes 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 109 may include a semiconductor memory that stores information electrically, such as a ROM, a flash memory, etc.

[0055] It should be noted that the various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 are installed by, for example, placing the distributed storage medium 109 in the drive device 107 and having the drive device 107 read out the various programs stored in the storage medium 109. Alternatively, the various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 can be installed by downloading from a network via the communication device 106.

[0056] Air Conditioner

[0057] Figure 3 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the air conditioner 30 in this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioner 30 includes an outdoor unit 31 and an indoor unit 32. The air conditioner 30 may include a plurality of outdoor units 31 and a plurality of indoor units 32.

[0058] The outdoor unit 31 is installed outside the indoor space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit 32 is installed inside the indoor space to be air-conditioned. The outdoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 32 are connected by a refrigerant pipe P1. The circulation of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe P1 constitutes a refrigerant circuit that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0059] The outdoor unit 31 has various sensors 310, a control unit 311, a storage unit 312, and a communication unit 313. An example of the sensor 310 provided in the outdoor unit 31 is a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. The temperature sensor includes a suction pipe temperature sensor provided on the suction pipe of the compressor and a discharge pipe temperature sensor provided on the discharge pipe. The pressure sensor includes a low-pressure pressure sensor provided on the suction side of the compressor and a high-pressure pressure sensor provided on the discharge side of the compressor. As the temperature sensor, a sensor for measuring the temperature of the gas side and the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger may be provided.

[0060] The indoor unit 32 includes various sensors 320, a control unit 321, a storage unit 322, and a communication unit 323. An example of the sensor 320 included in the indoor unit 32 is an intake temperature sensor.

[0061] The communication unit 313 included in the outdoor unit 31 and the communication unit 323 included in the indoor unit 32 are connected to each other via the communication line N2 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0062] The detection signal of the sensor 310 of the outdoor unit 31 is stored in the storage unit 312 of the outdoor unit 31. The detection signal of the sensor 320 of the indoor unit 32 is transmitted to the outdoor unit 31 via the communication line N2 and stored in the storage unit 312 of the outdoor unit 31.

[0063] The storage unit 312 of the outdoor unit 31 also stores operation modes such as cooling and heating, predetermined setting data, predetermined control data, and abnormal data. An example of setting data is target values ​​of evaporation temperature and condensation temperature. An example of control data is the operation time of the air conditioner 30, the number of revolutions and operation time of the compressor and fan, and the opening degree of the expansion valve. Abnormal data is an abnormality code when an abnormality occurs during the operation of the air conditioner 30. In the present embodiment, the data stored in the storage unit 312 of the outdoor unit 31 is collectively referred to as "operation data".

[0064] Note that the format of the operation data may differ depending on the model of the air conditioner 30. This is because the number and type of sensors included in the outdoor unit 31 or the indoor unit 32, or controllable items, etc., differ between old models and new models.

[0065] The outdoor unit 31 is connected to a communication control device 33. The communication control device 33 acquires the operation data from the storage unit 312 included in the outdoor unit 31, and transmits the operation data to the maintenance management device 10 via the communication network N1.

[0066] The communication control device 33 includes a data processing module 331 and a communication module 332. The data processing module 331 is provided in a space for providing an option substrate of the outdoor unit 31, and is supplied with power from a power supply port for supplying power to the option substrate, etc. The communication module 332 is provided at a position where the outdoor unit 31 can communicate with the outside, for example, outside the housing of the outdoor unit 31. The communication module 332 may also be provided inside the housing of the outdoor unit 31, and at a position where radio waves communicate with the outside through an opening, etc.

[0067] The data processing module 331 periodically sends a data transmission request signal to the control unit 311 of the outdoor unit 31. The control unit 311 of the outdoor unit 31 reads the operation data from the storage unit 312 according to the data transmission request signal and sends it to the data processing module 331. The data processing module 331 forwards the operation data received from the control unit 311 of the outdoor unit 31 to the communication module 332.

[0068] The communication module 332 receives the operation data from the data processing module 331. The communication module 332 transmits the operation data to the maintenance management device 10 via the communication network N1 by wireless communication means such as wireless LAN, mobile communication network or specific low-power wireless communication. The operation data is transmitted from the communication module 332 to a server of a network provider or the like via a base station, and is transmitted from the server to the maintenance management device 10 via the Internet or the like.

[0069] <Functional Configuration>

[0070] 《Maintenance and management equipment》

[0071] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the maintenance management device 10 in this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the maintenance management device 10 in the present embodiment includes a registration unit 11 , a maintenance information storage unit 12 , a reception unit 13 , an operation data storage unit 14 , a determination unit 15 , and an advice unit 16 .

[0072] The maintenance information storage unit 12 and the operation data storage unit 14 are composed of Figure 2 The registering unit 11, the receiving unit 13, the determining unit 15 and the suggesting unit 16 are implemented by the memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 shown in FIG. Figure 2 The processor 101 shown is implemented by executing various programs read out to the memory 102 .

[0073] The registration unit 11 receives input of maintenance service information and subscription service information in response to an operation of a user of the air conditioning management system 1 (e.g., a user of the air conditioner 30 or a system manager, etc.). The registration unit 11 registers the received maintenance service information and subscription service information in the maintenance management information stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12.

[0074] The maintenance service information includes customer information and machine information for providing maintenance service. The customer information is information about the user who has signed a maintenance service contract. The machine information is information about the air conditioner 30 that is the object of the maintenance service.

[0075] The subscription service information is information for providing the subscription service. The subscription service information includes contract information related to the subscription service (hereinafter also referred to as "first contract information") and contract information related to the optional service (hereinafter also referred to as "second contract information").

[0076] When registering the subscription service information in the maintenance management information, the registration unit 11 registers the first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service in association. For example, the maintenance management information may be composed of a table having a column corresponding to the first contract information about the subscription service and a column corresponding to the second contract information about the optional service. In this case, the registration unit 11 registers the first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service in association by storing the first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service in the same record.

[0077] In addition, for example, the maintenance management information may be composed of a plurality of tables including a table corresponding to the first contract information regarding the subscription service and a table corresponding to the second contract information regarding the optional service. In this case, the table corresponding to each contract information is constructed to have a contract ID for identifying the contract for the subscription service. In this case, the registration unit 11 registers the first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service in association with each other by storing the contract ID for identifying the contract in the record corresponding to the same contract in each table.

[0078] The subscription service is a service that uses the air conditioner 30 at a fixed fee. The fixed fee includes the machine cost and installation engineering cost of the air conditioner 30. The fixed fee may include the cost associated with the scheduled maintenance service. The fixed fee is calculated based on the initial cost such as the machine cost and installation engineering cost, the cost associated with the maintenance service provided free of charge, and the contract period.

[0079] The optional service is a maintenance service such as inspection or repair provided for a fee to the air conditioner 30 used in the subscription service. The optional service can provide a variety of services. When a variety of optional services can be used, the second contract information related to the optional service includes information indicating whether each optional service is used.

[0080] When registering the subscription service information in the maintenance management information, the registration unit 11 registers the information related to the subscription service in such a manner that it is possible to distinguish whether the air conditioner 30 is a target of the maintenance service or a target of the subscription service.

[0081] The registering unit 11 can receive input of maintenance history information indicating a history of maintenance services or optional services in response to an operation by a user (e.g., a maintenance operator) of the air conditioning management system 1. The registering unit 11 registers the received maintenance history information into the maintenance management information stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12.

[0082] Maintenance management information including maintenance service information and subscription service information is stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12. Maintenance history information can be registered in the maintenance management information.

[0083] The receiving unit 13 receives the operation data periodically transmitted from the air conditioner 30 via the communication network N1. The receiving unit 13 receives the operation data every five minutes, for example.

[0084] The operation data storage unit 14 stores operation data of the air conditioner 30. The operation data is data indicating the operating state of the air conditioner 30. The operation data includes detection signals of various sensors provided in the air conditioner 30, setting data of the air conditioner 30, control data, abnormality data, and the like.

[0085] The determination unit 15 determines whether the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service based on the maintenance management information stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12. The determination unit 15 may also determine whether a specific air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service. In addition, the determination unit 15 may also extract users who use the subscription service or users who do not use the subscription service by determining whether each air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service.

[0086] The suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information for suggesting services to the user of the air conditioner 30 based on the maintenance management information stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12. The suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information for suggesting optional services to users who use the subscription service. On the other hand, the suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information for suggesting maintenance services to users who do not use the subscription service.

[0087] Maintenance and management information

[0088] Figure 5 : is a conceptual diagram showing an example of maintenance management information in this embodiment. Figure 5As shown, the maintenance management information in this embodiment includes customer information (1001), machine information (1002), machine registration information (1003), installation location information (1004), customer service information (1005), leakage information (1006), simple inspection information (1007), repair information (1008), regular inspection information (1009), maintenance service contract information (1010), subscription service contract information (1011) and optional service contract information (1012).

[0089] Customer information (1001), machine information (1002), machine registration information (1003), installation location information (1004), customer service information (1005), and maintenance service contract information (1010) are included in the maintenance service information. Leakage information (1006), simple inspection information (1007), repair information (1008), and regular inspection information (1009) are included in the maintenance history information. Subscription service contract information (1011) and optional service contract information (1012) are included in the subscription service information.

[0090] Figure 6 and Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of maintenance management information in detail in this embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the customer information (1001) includes a user ID for identifying the user, a login ID for logging into the air conditioning management system 1, the user's address, the user's legal name (company name or store name), the machine administrator's name, the machine administrator's contact information, etc.

[0091] The machine information (1002) includes the machine ID for identifying the machine, the manufacturer name, the model name, the management number, the refrigerant name, the manufacturing number, the manufacturing year and month, the refrigerant filling amount, the increase in the refrigerant filling amount, whether regular inspection is required, etc. The machine registration information (1003) includes the machine registration date where the machine information is registered, the machine update date where the machine information is last updated, the machine last operation date where the maintenance history information is last registered, etc.

[0092] The installation location information (1004) includes the installation location, installation date, property address, installation location category, etc. The installation location category is information indicating the environment where the air conditioner 30 is installed. The installation location category is, for example, information related to industries such as offices, restaurants (kitchens or guest seats), factories, clothing stores, and installation locations. The customer service information (1005) includes the company name, address, telephone number, etc. of customer service related to inspections, etc.

[0093] like Figure 7As shown, the leakage information (1006) includes the amount of Freon leakage (kg), the amount of Freon leakage (CO2 tons) detected in the Freon inspection service, etc. The simple inspection information (1007) includes the final implementation date of the simple inspection, the simple inspection result (whether there is any abnormality), the number of implementations, etc. The repair information (1008) includes the final registration date of the repair record, the number of registrations, etc. The regular inspection information (1009) includes the final implementation date of the regular inspection, the number of implementations, etc.

[0094] The maintenance service contract information (1010) includes a contract ID for identifying the maintenance service contract, the contract start date and contract end date of the maintenance service, the final data reception date and time when the operating data is last received, whether there is a Freon protection contract, whether there is a filter cleaning contract, whether there is a drain pan cleaning contract, the cumulative operating time of the compressor, the date and time when the terminal abnormality last occurred in the communication control device 33, the terminal ID for identifying the communication control device 33, the person to whom the maintenance service fees are requested, etc.

[0095] The subscription service contract information (1011) includes a contract ID for identifying the subscription service contract, a contract start date and a contract end date of the subscription service, etc. The optional service contract information (1012) includes whether there is a filter cleaning contract, the final implementation date of the last filter cleaning, whether there is a drain pan cleaning contract, the final implementation date of the last drain pan cleaning, etc.

[0096] Freon protection, filter cleaning, and drain pan cleaning included in the maintenance service contract information (1010) are examples of maintenance services performed using the operation data. Other information related to maintenance services such as inspection or repair may be included in the maintenance service contract information (1010).

[0097] Filter cleaning and drain pan cleaning included in the optional service contract information (1012) are examples of optional services. Information on other optional services related to maintenance such as inspection or repair may be included in the optional service contract information (1012).

[0098] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The items of maintenance management information shown are examples of a case where the maintenance management information is composed of one table. When the maintenance management information is composed of multiple tables, identification information for associating the tables is added to each table. For example, when the subscription service contract information (1011) and the optional service contract information (1012) are composed of different tables, a column for storing the contract ID of the subscription service contract information (1011) is added to the optional service contract information (1012).

[0099] <Flow of air conditioning management method>

[0100] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the air-conditioning management method executed by the air-conditioning management system 1 in the present embodiment.

[0101] In step S1, the registration unit 11 receives input of maintenance service information in response to an operation by a user of the air conditioning management system 1 (eg, a user of the air conditioner 30). The registration unit 11 stores the received maintenance service information in the maintenance information storage unit 12.

[0102] Specifically, the registration unit 11 receives input of customer information (1001), machine information (1002), installation location information (1004), customer service information (1005), and maintenance service contract information (1010). The registration unit 11 registers the received information in the maintenance management information. At this time, the registration unit 11 registers the system date and time in the machine registration date of the machine registration information (1003).

[0103] In step S2, the registration unit 11 receives input of subscription service information in response to an operation by a user (eg, a system administrator) of the air conditioning management system 1. The registration unit 11 stores the received subscription service information in the maintenance information storage unit 12.

[0104] Specifically, the registration unit 11 receives input of the subscription service contract information (1011) and the optional service contract information (1012). The registration unit 11 registers the received information in the maintenance management information. At this time, the registration unit 11 updates the device update date of the device registration information (1003) to the system date and time.

[0105] In step S3, the communication control device 33 connected to the air conditioner 30 acquires the operation data stored in the storage unit 312 of the air conditioner 30. Next, the communication control device 33 transmits the acquired operation data to the maintenance management device 10.

[0106] In the maintenance management device 10, the receiving unit 13 receives the operating data from the communication control device 33. The receiving unit 13 stores the received operating data in the operating data storage unit 14.

[0107] In step S4, the registration unit 11 receives input of maintenance history information in response to an operation by a user (eg, a maintenance worker) of the air conditioning management system 1. The registration unit 11 stores the received maintenance history information in the maintenance information storage unit 12.

[0108] Specifically, the registration unit 11 receives input of leakage information (1006), simple inspection information (1007), repair information (1008) or periodic inspection information (1009). The information input to the registration unit 11 varies depending on the content of the maintenance service implemented. For example, in the case of implementing a simple inspection, the simple inspection information (1007) is input. In addition, for example, in the case of implementing a Freon inspection service, the leakage information (1006) is input. The registration unit 11 registers the received maintenance history information in the maintenance management information. At this time, the registration unit 11 updates the machine's last operation date of the machine registration information (1003) to the system date and time.

[0109] In step S5, the determination unit 15 determines whether the user of the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service based on the operation of the user (e.g., maintenance worker) of the air conditioning management system 1. When a specific air conditioner 30 is specified, the determination unit 15 determines whether the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service.

[0110] Whether to use the subscription service is determined based on the subscription service contract information (1011) of the maintenance management information stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12. First, the determination unit 15 reads the maintenance management information related to the air conditioner 30 from the maintenance management information stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12 based on the machine ID of the specified air conditioner 30. Next, the determination unit 15 verifies whether the subscription service information is registered in the read maintenance management information.

[0111] For example, when a valid ID is set for the contract ID of the subscription service contract information (1011), the determination unit 15 determines that the subscription service information is registered. Also, for example, when the contract ID of the subscription service contract information (1011) is not set or an invalid ID is registered, the determination unit 15 determines that the subscription service information is not registered.

[0112] If subscription service information is registered in the maintenance management information, the determination unit 15 determines that the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service. If subscription service information is not registered in the maintenance management information, the determination unit 15 determines that the air conditioner 30 does not use the subscription service (in other words, uses the maintenance service).

[0113] The determination unit 15 can extract users who use the subscription service or users who do not use the subscription service based on operations by users of the air-conditioning management system 1 or the like.

[0114] When extracting users who use subscription services, the determination unit 15 extracts the maintenance management information in which the subscription service contract information (1011) is registered, and outputs the customer information (1001) registered in the extracted maintenance management information. For example, the determination unit 15 extracts the maintenance management information in which a valid ID is set for the contract ID of the subscription service contract information (1011), and uses it as the maintenance management information in which the subscription service contract information (1011) is registered.

[0115] When extracting users who do not use the subscription service, the determination unit 15 extracts the maintenance management information in which the subscription service contract information (1011) is not registered, and outputs the customer information (1001) registered in the extracted maintenance management information. For example, the determination unit 15 extracts the maintenance management information in which the contract ID of the subscription service contract information (1011) is not set or an invalid ID is registered, and uses it as the maintenance management information in which the subscription service contract information (1011) is not registered.

[0116] In step S6, the suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information for suggesting services to the user of the air conditioner 30 to the display device 105 or the like. When the user uses the subscription service, the suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information for suggesting optional services suitable for the air conditioner 30 used by the user. On the other hand, when the user does not use the subscription service (in other words, uses the maintenance service), the suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information for suggesting maintenance services suitable for the air conditioner 30 used by the user.

[0117] The suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information according to a predetermined rule based on the maintenance management information stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12. The suggestion unit 16 refers to the maintenance service contract information (1010) included in the maintenance management information, and outputs suggestion information for suggesting a maintenance service that the user has not signed a contract for. In addition, the suggestion unit 16 refers to the optional service contract information (1012) included in the maintenance management information, and outputs suggestion information for suggesting an optional service that the user has not signed a contract for.

[0118] The suggestion unit 16 may output suggestion information based on the attribute information of the air conditioner 30. The attribute information is, for example, information related to the installation environment of the air conditioner 30. An example of the information related to the installation environment is the installation location information (1004) included in the maintenance management information. When the installation location information (1004) indicates an environment where the air is easily polluted (for example, a workshop of a factory or a kitchen of a restaurant, etc.), filter cleaning or drain pan cleaning may be suggested.

[0119] The suggestion unit 16 may also output suggestion information based on the operation data of the air conditioner 30. For example, the cumulative operation time of the fan may be calculated based on the operation data, and filter cleaning may be suggested when the cumulative operation time exceeds a certain time. In addition, for example, a component that needs to be repaired or replaced may be determined based on abnormal data, and services related to inspection or repair may be suggested.

[0120] [Modifications]

[0121] In the first embodiment, the maintenance management device 10 registers the subscription service information in the maintenance management information, and determines whether the user of the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service based on whether the subscription service information is registered in the maintenance management information. The maintenance management device 10 in the modified example does not store the subscription service information, but determines whether the user of the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service based on the maintenance service information registered in the maintenance management information.

[0122] The maintenance management device 10 in the modified example registers information related to the subscription service in the maintenance service information registered in the maintenance management information. The maintenance management device 10 in the modified example determines whether the user of the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service based on the information related to the subscription service registered in the maintenance management information.

[0123] Specifically, when registering the maintenance service information of the air conditioner 30 using the subscription service, the registration unit 11 sets the information indicating the specific subject as the person to whom the fee is charged in the maintenance service contract information (1010). When the person to whom the fee is charged in the management information is the information indicating the specific subject, the determination unit 15 determines that the user of the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service. On the other hand, when the person to whom the fee is charged in the maintenance service contract information (1010) is information other than the information indicating the specific subject, the determination unit 15 determines that the user of the air conditioner 30 does not use the subscription service (in other words, uses the maintenance service).

[0124] In the subscription service, since the owner of the air conditioner 30 is a specific service provider (such as a rental company, etc.), the service provider is charged for the maintenance service. Therefore, if the maintenance service contract information (1010) shows that the specific service provider is the one to whom the fees are charged, it can be determined that the air conditioner 30 uses the subscription service.

[0125] [Second embodiment]

[0126] A second embodiment of the present disclosure is an air conditioning management system that provides a subscription service for using air conditioning at a fixed fee. The air conditioning management system in this embodiment manages information for providing the subscription service and optional services that can be added to the subscription service.

[0127] The air conditioning management system in this embodiment stores the first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service attached to the subscription service in association. Therefore, according to the air conditioning management system in this embodiment, the optional service attached to the subscription service of the air conditioner can be managed.

[0128] Hereinafter, the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0129] <System Configuration>

[0130] Fig. 9 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment. Fig. 9 As shown, the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment includes a maintenance management device 10 , a contract management device 20 , and one or more air conditioners 30 .

[0131] The contract management device 20 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a server, and manages subscription services provided to users who use the air conditioners 30 included in the air conditioning management system 1. The contract management device 20 manages contract management information for providing subscription services and optional services. In addition, the contract management device 20 outputs suggestion information for suggesting optional services to users of subscription services based on the contract management information.

[0132] <Hardware Configuration>

[0133] Contract Management Device

[0134] The hardware configuration of the contract management device 20 in this embodiment is the same as that of the maintenance management device 10 in the first embodiment. The contract management device 20 in this embodiment includes a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, an operation device 104, a display device 105, a communication device 106, and a driver device 107. The hardware components of the contract management device 20 are connected to each other via a bus 108.

[0135] <Functional Configuration>

[0136] 《Maintenance and management equipment》

[0137] The maintenance management device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a registration unit 11, a maintenance information storage unit 12, a receiving unit 13, and an operation data storage unit 14. The maintenance management device 10 according to the present embodiment is different from the maintenance management device 10 according to the first embodiment in that the determination unit 15 and the suggestion unit 16 are not included, and the maintenance management information stored in the maintenance information storage unit 12 is different.

[0138] Contract Management Device

[0139] Fig.10 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the contract management device 20 in this embodiment. Fig.10 As shown, the contract management device 20 in this embodiment includes a registration unit 11, a receiving unit 13, an operation data storage unit 14, a suggestion unit 16, and a contract information storage unit 17. Compared with the maintenance management device 10 according to the first embodiment, the contract management device 20 in this embodiment is different in that the determination unit 15 is not included, and the contract information storage unit 17 is included instead of the maintenance information storage unit 12.

[0140] The registration unit 11 in this embodiment receives input of subscription service information in response to an operation by a user (e.g., a system administrator) of the air conditioning management system 1. The registration unit 11 registers the received subscription service information in the contract management information stored in the contract information storage unit 17. As in the first embodiment, the subscription service information includes first contract information related to the subscription service and second contract information related to the optional service.

[0141] When registering the subscription service information in the contract management information, the registration unit 11 registers the first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service in association with each other. For example, the contract management information may be composed of a table having a column corresponding to the first contract information about the subscription service and a column corresponding to the second contract information about the optional service. In this case, the registration unit 11 registers the first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service in association with each other by storing the first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service in the same record.

[0142] In addition, for example, the contract management information may be composed of a plurality of tables including a table corresponding to the first contract information regarding the subscription service and a table corresponding to the second contract information regarding the optional service. In this case, the table corresponding to each contract information is constructed to have a contract ID for identifying the contract for the subscription service. In this case, the registration unit 11 registers the first contract information regarding the subscription service and the second contract information regarding the optional service in association with each other by storing the contract ID for identifying the contract in the record corresponding to the same contract in each table.

[0143] Contract management information including subscription service information is stored in the contract information storage section 17. In the contract management information, first contract information regarding the subscription service and second contract information regarding the optional service are registered in association with each other.

[0144] The contract management information may include customer information and device information related to the air conditioner 30. The customer information and device information to be registered in the contract management information may be periodically acquired from the maintenance information storage unit 12 included in the maintenance management device 10.

[0145] The suggestion unit 16 in the present embodiment outputs suggestion information for suggesting optional services to the user of the air conditioner 30 based on the contract management information stored in the contract information storage unit 17 .

[0146] Maintenance and management information

[0147] Fig.11 : is a conceptual diagram showing an example of maintenance management information in this embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, the maintenance management information in this embodiment includes customer information (1001), machine information (1002), machine registration information (1003), installation location information (1004), customer service information (1005), leakage information (1006), simple inspection information (1007), repair information (1008), regular inspection information (1009) and maintenance service contract information (1010).

[0148] The maintenance management information in this embodiment is different from the maintenance management information in the first embodiment in that the subscription service contract information (1011) and the optional service contract information (1012) are not included.

[0149] Contract Management Information

[0150] Fig.12 FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of contract management information in this embodiment. Fig.12 As shown, the contract management information in this embodiment includes customer information (1001), machine information (1002), machine registration information (1003), installation location information (1004), subscription service contract information (1011) and optional service contract information (1012).

[0151] <Flow of air conditioning management method>

[0152] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the air-conditioning management method executed by the air-conditioning management system 1 in the present embodiment.

[0153] In step S11, the registration unit 11 receives input of subscription service information in response to an operation by a user (eg, a system administrator) of the air conditioning management system 1. The registration unit 11 stores the received subscription service information in the contract information storage unit 17.

[0154] In step S12, the registration unit 11 reads the maintenance management information from the maintenance information storage unit 12 provided in the maintenance management device 10. The maintenance management information read by the registration unit 11 is the maintenance management information related to the air conditioner 30 that is the target of the subscription service information received in step S11. Then, the registration unit 11 stores the customer information and machine information included in the read maintenance management information in the contract information storage unit 17.

[0155] In step S13, the communication control device 33 connected to the air conditioner 30 acquires the operation data stored in the storage unit 312 of the air conditioner 30. Next, the communication control device 33 transmits the acquired operation data to the maintenance management device 10.

[0156] In the maintenance management device 10, the receiving unit 13 receives the operating data from the communication control device 33. The receiving unit 13 stores the received operating data in the operating data storage unit 14.

[0157] In step S14 , the suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information for suggesting optional services to the user of the air conditioner 30 to the display device 105 or the like.

[0158] The suggestion unit 16 outputs suggestion information according to a predetermined rule based on the contract management information stored in the contract information storage unit 17. The suggestion unit 16 refers to the optional service contract information (1012) and outputs suggestion information for suggesting optional services that the user has not signed.

[0159] The advice unit 16 may output advice information based on the attribute information of the air conditioner 30. Alternatively, the advice unit 16 may output advice information based on the operation data of the air conditioner 30.

[0160] <Conclusion>

[0161] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether the object machine of the maintenance service performed using the operation data utilizes the subscription service. The air conditioning management system 1 in the first embodiment manages the maintenance service performed using the operation data of the air conditioner 30. The air conditioning management system 1 stores management information including customer information and machine information for performing the maintenance service, and registers information related to the subscription service in the management information in a manner that can distinguish between the maintenance service and the subscription service. Therefore, according to the air conditioning management system 1 in the first embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the object machine of the maintenance service performed using the operation data utilizes the subscription service.

[0162] In addition, according to each embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to manage optional services provided in addition to the subscription service for air conditioners. The air conditioning management system 1 in the second embodiment manages a subscription service for using the air conditioner 30 at a fixed fee. The air conditioning management system 1 stores first contract information related to the subscription service and second contract information related to the optional service added to the subscription service in association with each other. Therefore, according to the air conditioning management system 1 in the second embodiment, it is possible to manage optional services provided in addition to the subscription service for air conditioners.

[0163] In addition, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to suggest optional services to users who use subscription services. The air conditioning management system 1 of each embodiment outputs suggestion information suggesting optional services based on the management information that registers the subscription service contract information and the optional service contract information in association with each other. Therefore, according to the air conditioning management system 1 of each embodiment, it is possible to suggest optional services to users who use subscription services.

[0164] In particular, according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure, more suitable optional services can be suggested to users who use subscription services. In subscription services, it is easy for the service provider to obtain operating data from the time the air conditioner is installed. Therefore, appropriate optional services can be suggested based on detailed maintenance or inspection history and operating data throughout the entire use period.

[0165] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0166] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2022-85698 and 2022-85699 filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0167] Explanation of symbols

[0168] 1Air conditioning management system

[0169] 10Maintenance management device

[0170] 11Registration Department

[0171] 12Maintenance Information Storage Unit

[0172] 13 Receiving Department

[0173] 14 Operation data storage unit

[0174] 15. Identification

[0175] 16 Recommendation Department

[0176] 17Contract Information Storage Department

[0177] 20Contract Management Device

[0178] 30 Air conditioner

[0179] 31 Outdoor unit

[0180] 32 indoor units

[0181] 33 Communication control device.

Claims

1. A management method for registering information for performing a subscription service in a management system for performing a maintenance service using operation data of an air conditioner, The control unit of the management system storing management information including customer information and machine information in order to perform the maintenance service, Information related to the subscription service is registered in the management information in such a manner that the maintenance service and the subscription service can be distinguished.

2. The management method according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit extracts users who utilize the subscription service or users who do not utilize the subscription service from the management information based on information related to the subscription service in the management information.

3. The management method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit storing information related to the subscription service and information related to an additionally provided optional service, The first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service attached to the first contract information are registered in association with each other in the management information.

4. The management method according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit outputs suggestion information for suggesting the optional service to a user utilizing the subscription service.

5. The management method according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit storing attribute information related to the installation environment of the air conditioner, Based on the attribute information, the suggestion information is output.

6. The management method according to claim 4, wherein: The control unit storing the operating data, The advice information is output based on the operating data.

7. A management system comprising a control unit for performing a maintenance service using operation data of an air conditioner, The control unit storing management information including customer information and machine information in order to perform the maintenance service, Information related to the subscription service is registered in the management information in such a manner that the maintenance service and the subscription service can be distinguished.

8. A program for causing a control unit of a management system for performing a maintenance service using operating data of an air conditioner to execute the following steps: A process of storing management information including customer information and machine information in order to perform the maintenance service; and The step of registering information related to the subscription service in the management information in a manner that enables the maintenance service to be distinguished from the subscription service.

9. A management method, performed by a management system for managing a subscription service for an air conditioner, The control unit of the management system storing information related to the subscription service and information related to an additionally provided optional service, The first contract information related to the subscription service and the second contract information related to the optional service attached to the first contract information are registered in association with each other.

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