Management system, indication method, and controller

Abstract

The present invention reduces the amount of communication between a controller and a server device. This management system is provided with: a controller capable of communicating with a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner of a different type from the first air conditioner; and a server device capable of communicating with the controller, and a control unit of the controller, when receiving an instruction from the server device, transmits an instruction corresponding to the type of the first air conditioner and the type of the second air conditioner to the first air conditioner or the second air conditioner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a management system, an indication method and a controller. Background Art

[0002] A management system is known in which a device such as an air conditioner installed on a customer side is connected to a controller, and the controller communicates with a server device arranged in a cloud, etc. via a network. In the management system, the server device can monitor the device, or an administrator can operate a user terminal such as a PC to display the status of the device.

[0003] There is known a system in which an air conditioner is connected to a network and the air conditioner is remotely controlled (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0004] <Prior Art Literature>

[0005] <Patent Documents>

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-135915 Summary of the invention

[0007] <Problems to be Solved by the Invention>

[0008] However, in the case of the conventional system, since the server device transmits specific control contents for controlling the air conditioner, the communication volume between the controller and the server device may increase.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to reduce the amount of communication between a controller and a server device.

[0010] <Methods used to solve the problem>

[0011] A management system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes:

[0012] a controller capable of communicating with a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner of a different model from the first air conditioner; and a server device capable of communicating with the controller,

[0013] The control unit of the controller transmits an instruction corresponding to the models of the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner to the first air conditioner or the second air conditioner, when receiving the instruction from the server device.

[0014] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the amount of communication between the controller and the server device can be reduced.

[0015] A management system according to a second aspect of the present invention is a management system according to the second aspect.

[0016] The first air conditioner stores a program corresponding to the first control, and the second air conditioner does not store the program.

[0017] When receiving an instruction related to the first control from the server device, the control unit of the controller instructs the first control to the first air conditioner and instructs the second air conditioner to perform a second control as an alternative to the first control.

[0018] A management system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the management system according to the second aspect,

[0019] The second control is an operation setting of the second air conditioner set by a control unit of the controller.

[0020] A management system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the management system according to the second aspect or the third aspect,

[0021] The control unit of the controller instructs the first air conditioner to execute the program as the first control, when receiving an inspection instruction from the server device as an instruction related to the first control.

[0022] A management system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the management system according to the fourth aspect,

[0023] The program is a pre-season inspection program for confirming whether a malfunction occurs in the air conditioner when the air conditioner is stopped for a certain period of time.

[0024] A management system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the management system according to the fourth aspect,

[0025] The program performs control predetermined to predict failure of each component included in the first air conditioner.

[0026] A management system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the management system according to the second aspect,

[0027] When receiving an instruction to restart the control unit from the server device as an instruction associated with the first control, the control unit of the controller instructs the first air conditioner to restart the control unit and instructs the second air conditioner to stop and resume operation based on remote control.

[0028] A management system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the management system according to the second aspect,

[0029] When receiving an emergency operation instruction from the server device as an instruction related to the first control, the control unit of the controller instructs the first air conditioner to perform the emergency operation and instructs the second air conditioners of the plurality of systems to stop the outdoor unit having a fault.

[0030] A management system in a ninth aspect of the present invention is an instruction method performed by a management system, the management system comprising: a controller capable of communicating with a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner of a different model from the first air conditioner; and a server device capable of communicating with the controller,

[0031] The control unit of the controller transmits an instruction corresponding to the models of the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner to the first air conditioner or the second air conditioner, when receiving the instruction from the server device.

[0032] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the amount of communication between the controller and the server device can be reduced.

[0033] A management system in a tenth aspect of the present invention is a controller that communicates with a server device and a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner of a different model from the first air conditioner, wherein the first air conditioner stores a program corresponding to a first control,

[0034] The second air conditioner does not store the program.

[0035] When receiving an instruction related to the first control from the server device, the control unit of the controller instructs the first control to the first air conditioner and instructs the second air conditioner to perform a second control as an alternative to the first control.

[0036] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the amount of communication between the controller and the server device can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining a method of instructing a device using a schematic diagram of a management system.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a management system.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an edge device.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the overall process flow related to the inspection instruction.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an example of a functional block diagram that explains the functions of the first model, the second model, the edge device, and the server device in the management system by dividing them into modules.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the model identification information stored in the model identification information storage unit.

[0044] Figure 8 This is an example of a sequence diagram for explaining a process in which an edge device switches an inspection instruction from a server device into an instruction corresponding to the model of the device and sends the instruction to the device.

[0045] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the overall processing flow when an abnormality occurs (Variation 1).

[0046] Fig.10 This is an example of a functional block diagram (variant 1) for explaining functions of a first model, a second model, an edge device, and a server device in a management system by dividing them into modules.

[0047] Fig.11 This is an example of a diagram showing abnormality code information stored in the abnormality code storage unit.

[0048] Fig.12 This is an example of a sequence diagram for explaining a process in which an edge device switches a microcomputer reset instruction from a server device into an instruction corresponding to the model of the device and sends the instruction to the device.

[0049] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the overall processing flow when an abnormality occurs (Variation 2).

[0050] Fig.14 This is an example of a functional block diagram (variant 2) for explaining the functions of the first model, the second model, the edge device, and the server device in the management system by dividing them into modules.

[0051] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of the emergency operation information stored in the emergency operation information storage unit.

[0052] Fig.16A This is a diagram illustrating one sensor substitution for three modes of emergency operation.

[0053] Fig. 16B This is a diagram showing one component supplement for explaining the three modes of emergency operation.

[0054] Fig. 16C This is a diagram for explaining one function shielding of the three modes of emergency operation.

[0055] Fig.17 This is an example of a sequence diagram for explaining a process in which an edge device switches an emergency operation instruction from a server device into an instruction corresponding to the model of the device and sends the instruction to the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Hereinafter, as an example of a mode for implementing the present invention, a management system and an instruction method performed by the management system will be described.

[0057] <Overview of the operation of the management system>

[0058] First, refer to Figure 1 , the sending process of the management system 100 to the device is explained. Figure 1 This is a diagram for explaining a method of indicating a device using a schematic diagram of a management system 100. In the present invention, an instruction is sent from a server device 60 to an edge device 10, and the edge device 10 determines the model of a first model 30a (an example of a second air conditioner) or a second model 30b (an example of a first air conditioner) of a control object, and switches to an instruction corresponding to the model. In the present invention, the model of the device is mainly determined. The model may include the difference between a new model and an old model. In addition, hereinafter, depending on the difference in the model, the device is referred to as a first model 30a or a second model 30b, and any device is referred to as a device 30. In addition, when simply referred to as a device 30, it mainly refers to an outdoor unit, but the device 30 sometimes includes an indoor unit.

[0059] The instructions sent from the server device 60 to the edge device 10 mainly include pre-season inspection instructions, microcomputer reset, and emergency operation. Figure 1 In the following, an outline of the process when a pre-season inspection is instructed is described.

[0060] (1) When a preset date and time arrives, the server device 60 sends an inspection instruction to the edge device 10 .

[0061] (2) The edge device 10 determines whether the device 30 is the first model or the second model based on the model name obtained from the first model 30a and the second model 30b for the inspection instruction (an example of the instruction related to the first control), and switches to the instruction corresponding to the model.

[0062] (3) When the instruction is an inspection instruction, the edge device 10 sends an instruction of operation setting (cooling / heating mode, set temperature, air volume, etc.) to the first model 30a (an example of the second control). Since the first model 30a does not have a pre-season inspection program, the edge device 10 sends an instruction to replace the pre-season inspection program.

[0063] (4) The edge device 10 instructs the second model 30b to execute the pre-season inspection program (an example of the first control).

[0064] Assuming that the server device 60 determines the model and sends instructions corresponding to the model, in this case, instructions such as operation settings and execution of the pre-season inspection program are sent from the server device 60 to the edge device 10. In the present invention, only one inspection instruction is sent from the server device 60 to the edge device 10, so the communication volume between the server device 60 and the edge device 10 can be reduced. In addition, the calculation processing of the server device 60 (determination of specific instructions corresponding to each model) can be reduced. In the past, the edge device 10 determined what kind of instruction was received according to the model of the device 30, and did not switch the instruction.

[0065] In addition, as described in detail later, when the instruction is to reset the microcomputer, the edge device 10 sends an instruction to stop and restart the operation of the first model 30a from the remote controller 51 (abbreviation for remote controller) via the indoor unit 50, and sends an instruction to reset the microcomputer of the outdoor unit to the second model 30b.

[0066] When the instruction is for emergency operation, the first model 30a is limited to a multi-system (a system in which two or more outdoor units are connected), and the edge device 10 sends an instruction to stop the outdoor unit that has failed and to continue operating the normal outdoor unit. For the second model 30b, the edge device 10 sends an instruction to the second model 30b to execute a function to be used instead of the failed function.

[0067] <About Terminology>

[0068] The so-called pre-season inspection program is a program for confirming whether the air conditioner has a bad condition when the air conditioner is stopped for a certain period of time. The so-called certain period is assumed to be several months. The pre-season inspection program can forcibly produce the state of the components that would not occur during normal operation. The operation based on the pre-season inspection program is called a trial operation. The pre-season inspection program can be executed even if the certain period has not passed.

[0069] The so-called model refers to the type of air conditioner. The so-called model difference refers to the difference caused by the presence or absence of a certain function. The difference of the model can be determined by the model name, model number or manufacturing number, etc.

[0070] The instruction from the server device refers to a process to be performed by the edge device 10. The instruction may also be expressed as a command, control, instruction, instruction, request, or the like.

[0071] <System structure of management system>

[0072] Next, refer to Figure 2 The system configuration of the management system 100 will be described. Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the management system 100 .

[0073] The management system 100 enables various devices 30 such as air conditioners and lighting to communicate with a server device 60 on the cloud side via a network N, thereby providing various services that effectively utilize IoT from managers to general users. The edge device 10, the device 30, the sensor switch 53, and the user terminal 70 are configured on the client side, and the server device 60 is configured in a cloud such as a data center or the Internet.

[0074] The device 30 refers to all devices that consume power, such as air conditioners, anti-theft devices, heat source devices, fire alarms, AHUs (air handling units), electric meters, lighting, etc. The sensor switches 53 are various sensors, lights, relays, etc. The device 30 and the sensor switches 53 are connected to the edge device 10 in a communicative manner via a dedicated cable or a network such as a LAN. The device 30 and the sensor switches 53 can also be connected to the edge device 10 in a communicative manner through wireless communication.

[0075] The device 30 and the sensor switches 53 are controlled by the edge device 10. In other words, the edge device 10 applies the required operation to the device 30 and the sensor switches 53 to meet the purpose of the device 30 and the sensor switches 53. The content of the control varies depending on the type of the device 30 and the sensor switches 53, but for example, when the device 30 is an air conditioner, all controls related to the functions of the air conditioner, such as the cooling and heating mode, set temperature, air volume, humidity, and wind direction that can be generally set in the air conditioner, can be included. In addition, the control also includes action modes such as the pre-season inspection special mode, microcomputer reset, stop of operation, and substitution of functions.

[0076] The device 30 collects operation data corresponding to the device 30 and mainly sends it to the edge device 10 periodically. The so-called periodicity is, for example, once per minute, once per 10 minutes, once per 60 minutes, etc., but can be set by the user or the server device 60. In addition, the device 30 can send the operation data to the edge device 10 through a request from the edge device 10 or the user terminal 70. The operation data varies depending on the device 30. For example, in the case of an air conditioner, there are various data such as the high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant, the refrigerant temperature, the rotation speed of the fan, and the CPU temperature of the microcomputer.

[0077] In addition, when the device 30 detects an abnormality, it sends an abnormality code to the edge device 10. The device 30 that detects the abnormality stops operating. The edge device 10 sends the abnormality code to the server device 60. Regarding the sensor switch class 53, the processing of the edge device 10 can also be the same. The sensor switch class 53 mainly sends information about its own device to the edge device 10 regularly, or sends an abnormality code.

[0078] In addition, the second model 30b can detect the prediction of a failure by using the failure prediction engine of its own device, and transmit the prediction code to the edge device 10. The details of the failure code and the prediction code will be described later.

[0079] The edge device 10 is a controller for controlling the device 30 and the sensor switches 53. The edge device 10 has the functions of a control device for controlling the device 30 and the sensor switches 53, an information processing device for processing operation data, etc., and a communication device for communicating with the server device 60. For example, the edge device 10 sends an exception code received from the device 30 to the server device 60, and receives an instruction corresponding to the exception code from the server device 60. Alternatively, the edge device 10 receives an instruction from the server device 60 even if it does not send any information to the server device 60 (for example, when there is an instruction from the user terminal 70 to the server device 60). The edge device 10 converts the instruction into an appropriate instruction according to the model of the device 30 and the sensor switches 53, and sends it to the device 30 and the sensor switches 53.

[0080] The server device 60 is one or more information processing devices. Figure 2 Although one server device 60 is shown in the figure, the server device 60 may be configured to be divided into a plurality of servers according to their functions. In addition, the functions of the server device 60 may be integrated into one information processing device. In addition, the server device 60 may also prepare a plurality of server devices with the same functions, and the plurality of server devices 60 may perform processing while communicating like a server cluster.

[0081] The server device 60 receives an abnormality code or the like sent from the edge device 10 via the network N, and generates necessary instructions. For example, in response to the abnormality code, the server device 60 instructs the edge device 10 to perform emergency operation regardless of the model of the device 30. In addition, the server device 60 can also send instructions to the edge device 10 for the device 30 according to the schedule and operation set by the user terminal 70.

[0082] The server device 60 also has a function of a Web server. The Web server responds to a request from a client software (Web client) such as a Web browser operated by a user, and provides the client with screen information described in HTML files, XML, CSS files, JavaScript (registered trademark), etc. Such an application using the Web mechanism is called a Web application.

[0083] In addition, the server device 60 preferably supports cloud computing. Cloud computing refers to a method of utilizing resources on the network without considering specific hardware resources. Cloud computing provides data and software that users have previously used on their computers as services to users via the network. The user side can use various services from any terminal by preparing a web browser that operates on a personal computer, a portable information terminal, etc. and an Internet connection environment.

[0084] The user terminal 70 is a client terminal that displays various screens provided by the server device 60. The user terminal 70 can be used by an administrator or a general user. The administrator includes an administrator on the client side and an administrator on the management system side, but the present invention does not distinguish between them. In addition, the administrator is a person who performs maintenance and management that the general user who uses the device 30 on a daily basis does not perform.

[0085] The screens displayed by the user terminal 70 are various, but as an example, there are an overview screen of the devices 30 and sensor switches 53 connected to the edge device 10 on the client side, an internal company map showing the locations where the devices 30 and sensor switches 53 are configured, and an operation screen for operating the devices 30 and sensors.

[0086] The user terminal 70 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a wearable PC (sunglasses type, watch type, etc.), etc. However, any device may be used as long as it has a communication function and operates a web browser. In addition, in the user terminal 70, a local application dedicated to the management system 100 may operate instead of a web browser.

[0087] <Hardware structure of edge devices and server devices>

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 3 The hardware structure of the edge device 10 will be described. Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the edge device 10. Figure 3 As shown, the edge device 10 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, an I / F (Interfae) device 204, a communication device 205, and a driver device 206. In addition, the hardware of the edge device 10 is connected to each other via a bus 207.

[0089] The processor 201 includes various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 201 reads various programs to the memory 202 and executes them. The processor 201 corresponds to the control unit 110 that controls the entire edge device 10.

[0090] The memory 202 includes a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 201 and the memory 202 form a so-called computer, and the processor 201 executes various programs read out to the memory 202 .

[0091] The auxiliary storage device 203 stores various programs and various data used when the processor 201 executes the various programs.

[0092] The I / F device 204 is a connection device that connects the device 30 as an example of an external device, the sensor switches 53 and the edge device 10 .

[0093] The communication device 205 is a communication device for communicating with the server device 60 via the network N.

[0094] The drive device 206 is a device for setting the recording medium 210. The recording medium 210 mentioned here includes a medium that records information optically, electrically or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, an optical magnetic disk, etc. In addition, the recording medium 210 may also include a semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM, a flash memory, etc.

[0095] In addition, various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 203 are installed by, for example, placing the distributed recording medium 210 in the drive device 206 and having the drive device 206 read out various programs recorded in the recording medium 210. Alternatively, various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 203 may be installed by downloading from the network N via the communication device 205.

[0096] on the other hand, Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 60. The hardware configuration of the server device 60 is substantially the same as that of the edge device 10, and therefore, the differences from the hardware configuration of the edge device 10 will be mainly described here.

[0097] The processor 221 reads various programs to the memory 222 and executes them.

[0098] The I / F device 224 is a connection device that connects a display device 230 and an operation device 240, which are examples of external devices, to the server device 60. The display device 230 displays the internal state of the server device 60. The operation device 240 is used when the administrator of the server device 60 inputs various instructions to the server device 60.

[0099] The communication device 225 is a communication device for communicating with the edge device 10 and the user terminal 70 via the network N.

[0100] <Overall flow of inspection instructions>

[0101] Figure 5 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall process flow related to the inspection instruction. The following is a description of the process flow.

[0102] (1) The server device 60 detects a preset timing (such as a change of seasons) and automatically sends an inspection guidance email to the client's manager.

[0103] (2) When the manager of the client determines through e-mail that a pre-season test run should be performed, the inspection date and time is set in the server device 60. In addition, the communication does not necessarily have to be through e-mail, and the communication may be made through telephone or SNS.

[0104] (3) The server device 60 transmits an inspection instruction to the edge device 10 at the set inspection date and time.

[0105] (4) The edge device 10 switches the inspection instruction according to the model of the equipment 30 and sends it to each equipment 30. The details will be described later. The first model 30a is instructed to set the operation (cooling and heating mode, set temperature, air volume, etc.).

[0106] (5) The second model 30b is instructed to execute the pre-season inspection program.

[0107] (6) The second model 30b is installed with the pre-season inspection program, so the test run is performed. In addition, since the pre-season inspection program includes a fault prediction engine, a fault is predicted for the operation data. When a fault is predicted, a prediction code is generated.

[0108] (7) Since the first model 30a is not equipped with the pre-season inspection program, the edge device 10 predicts a fault based on the operating data using the fault prediction engine.

[0109] (8) The server device 60 transmits the inspection result to the client by e-mail or the like based on the inspection result (prediction code or normal) stored in the failure prediction storage unit 64 .

[0110] <About functions>

[0111] Next, refer to Figure 6 The functional configuration of each device included in the management system 100 will be described in detail. Figure 6 This is an example of a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the first model 30 a , the second model 30 b , the edge device 10 , and the server device 60 in the management system 100 by dividing them into modules.

[0112] <<First Model>>

[0113] The first model 30a includes a communication unit 31, an abnormality detection unit 32, a model management unit 33, an operation unit 34, and an operation data collection unit 35. These units of the first model 30a are functions or units implemented by commands of a microcomputer executed by the device 30, or by control of an air conditioning mechanism of the indoor unit 50 or the outdoor unit.

[0114] The communication unit 31 communicates with the edge device 10 via a dedicated cable or a network. In the present invention, the communication unit 31 transmits operation data to the edge device 10 or receives operation settings from the edge device 10 .

[0115] The abnormality detection unit 32 detects the state of a component that cannot continue to operate (such as an actuator not operating or a refrigerant temperature reaching an abnormal value), and generates an abnormality code corresponding to the content of the state.

[0116] The model management unit 33 manages the model of its own device and automatically sends model information to the edge device 10 in response to a request from the edge device 10 or at startup. The model information includes model name, model number, manufacturing number, etc., and any information that can identify the model may be used.

[0117] The operation unit 34 controls the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 50 to perform air-conditioning operation according to the cooling and heating mode, set temperature, air volume, etc. set by the user through the remote controller 51 or the like.

[0118] The operation data collection unit 35 collects operation data indicating the status of the device 30 from the indoor unit 50 and the outdoor unit on a regular basis. The operation data includes various types, such as high pressure and low pressure of the refrigerant, refrigerant temperature, fan rotation speed, and CPU temperature of the microcomputer.

[0119] Next, the second model 30b is described. The second model 30b includes a communication unit 31, an abnormality detection unit 32, a model management unit 33, an operation unit 34, an operation data collection unit 35, a failure prediction engine, and a test operation execution unit 37. In addition, the communication unit 31, the abnormality detection unit 32, the model management unit 33, the operation unit 34, and the operation data collection unit 35 may have the same functions as the first model 30a.

[0120] The second model 30b has a pre-season inspection program 40 installed therein. The pre-season inspection program 40 is a program for operating the equipment 30 in the inspection-only mode. The failure prediction engine 36 and the test operation execution unit 37 are implemented by the pre-season inspection program 40.

[0121] The fault prediction engine 36 has the function of predicting faults. The so-called predicted fault does not mean detecting an abnormality to the extent that the operation cannot continue, but detecting a state that can be operated but may cause a fault. In contrast, a state that is difficult to continue to operate is called a fault. The fault prediction engine 36 refers to a recognition model that uses the correspondence between operating data and situations where a fault occurs and situations where a fault does not occur as learning data for machine learning, and performs learning through algorithms such as deep learning to output the possibility of a fault for the operating data. The fault prediction engine 36 outputs the possibility (probability) of a fault for the input operating data. When the probability exceeds a threshold, the fault prediction engine 36 determines that a fault is predicted.

[0122] The so-called machine learning is a technology that enables computers to acquire human-like learning capabilities. It refers to a technology in which a computer autonomously generates an algorithm required for judgment such as data recognition based on previously taken learning data, and applies the algorithm to new data for prediction. The learning method used for machine learning can be any of supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning. Furthermore, these learning methods can also be combined to form a learning method. The learning method used for machine learning is not limited. Machine learning methods include perceptrons, deep learning, support vector machines, logistic regression, naive Bayes, decision trees, random forests, etc., and are not limited to the methods described in the present invention.

[0123] The test run execution unit 37 forcibly generates a state in which the components of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 50 can be inspected. The fault prediction engine 36 can also detect the prediction of faults based on the operating data during the test run. The inspection performed before the seasons in which the air conditioner is used, mainly in summer and winter, is called the pre-season inspection. However, the test run can be performed even before the season. The pre-season inspection program can forcibly generate the state of the components that does not occur during normal operation. As an example, the pre-season inspection is performed to check whether the expansion valve is opened and closed within the specified movable range, whether the compressor can generate the specified pressure, whether the solenoid valve can be opened and closed, whether any actuator operates according to instructions, etc.

[0124] <<Edge Device>>

[0125] The edge device 10 includes communication units 11 and 15, an instruction switching unit 12, a failure prediction engine 14, and a model determination information storage unit 13. Figure 3The functions or means implemented by any of the components shown in the figure are implemented by operating according to the instructions from the processor 201 according to the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 203 into the memory 202. Figure 3 The auxiliary storage device 203 shown is constructed as above.

[0126] The communication unit 15 communicates with the first model 30a and the second model 30b via a dedicated cable or a network. In the present invention, the communication unit 15 receives operation data from the first model 30a and the second model 30b. In addition, the communication unit 15 sends operation settings to the first model 30a and instructs the second model 30b to execute the pre-season inspection program 40.

[0127] Furthermore, the communication unit 11 communicates with the server device 60 via the network N. In the present invention, the communication unit 11 receives an inspection instruction from the server device 60 .

[0128] The instruction switching unit 12 switches the content of the instruction for the pre-season inspection received from the server device 60 according to the model of the device 30 of the destination. In the case of the second model 30b, the instruction switching unit 12 sends the execution of the pre-season inspection program 40 (an instruction to transfer to the inspection-only mode). In the case of the device 30 of the first model, the instruction switching unit 12 generates and instructs the operation settings (heating and cooling modes, set temperature, air volume, etc.) of the first model 30a that serves as a substitute for the pre-season inspection program 40. The so-called substitution refers to using one item in place of another item. In detail, the operation setting is an operation mode that cannot be confirmed with the same accuracy as the pre-season inspection program, but can detect abnormalities within a possible range.

[0129] The function of the fault prediction engine 14 may be the same as that of the second model 30b. Since the first model 30a does not have the fault prediction engine 36, the fault prediction engine 14 performs fault prediction on the operation data sent by the first model 30a.

[0130] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the model distinction is registered for each model in the model determination information storage unit 13 . Figure 7 The model identification information stored in the model identification information storage unit 13 is shown. In the model identification information, a model is registered for a model name. The instruction switching unit 12 compares the model name obtained from the device 30 with the model identification information to identify the model.

[0131] <<Server Device>>

[0132] return Figure 6The server device 60 includes a communication unit 61, a test operation instruction unit 62, a schedule storage unit 63, and a failure prediction storage unit 64. The server device 60 includes these units. Figure 4 The functions or units implemented by any of the components shown in the figure are implemented by operating according to the instructions from the processor 221 according to the program loaded from the auxiliary storage device 223 into the memory 222. In addition, the schedule storage unit 63 and the failure prediction storage unit 64 are Figure 4 The auxiliary storage device 223 shown is constructed as well.

[0133] The communication unit 61 communicates with the edge device 10 via the network N. In the present invention, the communication unit 61 sends an inspection instruction to the edge device 10 .

[0134] The test operation instruction unit 62 transmits an inspection instruction (test operation instruction) to the edge device 10 based on the test operation schedule set in the schedule storage unit 63 .

[0135] Therefore, the schedule storage unit 63 is set with the date and time for performing the pre-season inspection set from the user terminal 70. Since the customer may cause a large change in temperature and humidity if the air conditioner is accidentally operated during work, it may interfere with the business, so the date and time for the pre-season inspection is usually set outside the working hours.

[0136] Therefore, the user terminal 70 is connected to the server device 60 via a web browser, and a schedule setting screen is displayed. The customer's manager can set a desired date and time from the schedule setting screen. In addition, the manager can automatically or the customer engineer can remind the customer's manager to set the schedule through email, phone, etc., so that the manager will not forget to perform the pre-season inspection before the season.

[0137] In the fault prediction storage unit 64, the prediction code detected by the fault prediction engine 14, 36 is recorded in association with the identification information of the device 30. Even if the fault prediction engine 14, 36 does not generate a prediction code in response to the inspection instruction, the inspection result is recorded in association with the identification information of the device 30 to indicate that there is no problem (normal). For customers whose prediction codes are stored, customer engineers, etc. can access them. For customers whose normal codes are stored, the inspection result is sent to the customer's manager by email, etc. to indicate that there is no problem.

[0138] <About actions or processing>

[0139] Next, refer to Figure 8 A description will be given of a process in which the edge device 10 sends an inspection instruction to the equipment 30 . Figure 8This is a sequence diagram for explaining a process in which the edge device 10 switches the inspection instruction from the server device 60 to an instruction corresponding to the model of the device 30 and transmits the instruction to the device 30 .

[0140] S1: The test operation instruction unit 62 of the server device 60 periodically accesses the schedule storage unit 63 and compares the current date and time with the date and time of performing the test operation.

[0141] S2: If the result shows that there is a date and time for performing the test operation, the test operation instruction unit 62 transmits the inspection instruction to the edge device 10 via the communication unit 61. The test operation instruction unit 62 transmits the inspection instruction regardless of the model of the equipment 30 connected to the edge device 10.

[0142] S3: The communication unit 11 of the edge device 10 receives the inspection instruction, and the instruction switching unit 12 refers to the model determination information storage unit 13 to determine the model of the device 30. The instruction switching unit 12 may also inquire about the model name of all connected devices 30, and may also send the model name to the edge device 10 in advance when the power of the device 30 is turned on or the operation starts.

[0143] S4: For the first model 30a, the instruction switching unit 12 generates operation settings (cooling and heating mode, set temperature, air volume, etc.) and instructs operation based on the operation settings. In addition, before giving the instruction, the instruction switching unit 12 inquires whether the first model 30a is in operation, and postpones the instruction if it is in operation. In addition, before giving the instruction, the instruction switching unit 12 maintains the current operation settings (cooling and heating mode, set temperature, air volume, etc.), and when the operation based on the inspection instruction ends, the current operation settings are set to the first model 30a (the settings are restored).

[0144] S5: For the second model 30b, the instruction switching unit 12 instructs the execution of the pre-season inspection program 40. In this case, the instruction switching unit 12 also inquires whether the second model 30b is in operation before the instruction is given, and postpones the instruction if it is in operation. In addition, the instruction switching unit 12 maintains the current operation settings (cooling and heating mode, set temperature, air volume, etc.) before the instruction is given, and sets the current operation settings to the second model 30b when the trial operation based on the pre-season inspection program 40 is completed.

[0145] S6: The communication unit 31 of the first model 30a receives an instruction to operate based on the operation setting, and the operation unit 34 operates the outdoor unit and the indoor unit 50 based on the operation setting.

[0146] S7: The operation data collection unit 35 collects the operation data and transmits it to the edge device 10 via the communication unit 31. In this stage, if the abnormality detection unit 32 detects an abnormality, an abnormality code is transmitted and the operation unit 34 stops the operation.

[0147] S8 : The communication unit 15 of the edge device 10 receives the operation data and performs a failure prediction process based on the failure prediction engine 14 .

[0148] S9: The communication unit 11 of the edge device 10 transmits the prediction code or normality, which is the result of the failure prediction process, to the server device 60.

[0149] S10: On the other hand, the communication unit 31 of the second model 30b receives the execution instruction of the pre-season inspection program 40, and the test operation execution unit 37 performs the test operation. In addition, at this stage, if the abnormality detection unit 32 detects an abnormality, an abnormality code is sent, and the test operation execution unit 37 stops the test operation.

[0150] S11 : The operation data collection unit 35 collects the operation data and performs a failure prediction process using the failure prediction engine 36 .

[0151] S12 : The communication unit 31 of the second model 30 b transmits the prediction code or normality, which is the result of the failure prediction process, to the edge device 10 .

[0152] S13 : Since the communication unit 15 of the edge device 10 receives the prediction code or is normal, the failure prediction process is not performed, and the communication unit 11 sends the prediction code or is normal to the server device 60 .

[0153] S14: The communication unit 61 of the server device 60 receives the prediction code or normal. The communication unit 61 stores the prediction code or normal in steps S9 and S14 in the failure prediction storage unit 64.

[0154] In this way, the edge device 10 of the present invention switches the inspection instruction from the server device 60 according to the model, and sends an instruction to the first model instead of the instruction to the second model. Therefore, the server device 60 only needs to send one inspection instruction to the edge device 10, so in the present invention, the communication volume between the server device 60 and the edge device 10 can be reduced. In addition, the inspection instruction is not switched according to the model in the server device 60, so the processing load can be reduced.

[0155] <Variation 1>

[0156] Next, as a modification of the inspection instruction, a description will be given of a process in which the server device 60 transmits a microcomputer reset to the edge device 10 when an abnormality is detected.

[0157] <Overall process for abnormal occurrence>

[0158] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the overall processing flow when an abnormality occurs. The following is an explanation of the processing flow.

[0159] (1) When an abnormality occurs in the device 30 , an abnormality code indicating the details of the abnormality is transmitted to the server device 60 via the device 30 and the edge device 10 .

[0160] (2) The server device 60 determines whether the microcomputer reset is possible based on the abnormality code, and if possible, sends a microcomputer reset instruction to the edge device 10 .

[0161] (3) The edge device 10 switches the microcomputer reset instruction according to the model of the device 30 and transmits it to each device 30. For example, the edge device 10 instructs the first model 30a to stop and restart the operation by remote control.

[0162] (4) Instruct the second model 30b to reset the microcomputer.

[0163] <About functions>

[0164] Fig.10 This is an example of a functional block diagram that explains the functions of the first model 30a, the second model 30b, the edge device 10, and the server device 60 in the management system 100 by dividing them into modules. Fig.10 In the description, it is marked with Figure 6 The components with the same reference numerals in the drawings have the same functions, and therefore, sometimes only the main components of the present embodiment will be described.

[0165] <<First Model>>

[0166] The first model 30a newly includes a remote controller control unit 38. The remote controller control unit 38 instructs the remote controller 51 communicating with the indoor unit 50 by wire or wireless to stop operation. The remote controller control unit 38 instructs the remote controller 51 to start operation after a certain time has passed since the operation stopped. In this way, since the first model 30a does not have a function of resetting the microcomputer of the outdoor unit, the stop and restart of operation are instructed by remote controller control. By stopping and restarting the operation, the abnormality can sometimes be eliminated.

[0167] <<Second Model>>

[0168] The second mode 30b newly has a microcomputer reset unit 39. The microcomputer reset unit 39 resets the microcomputer of the outdoor unit. Reset means restart. By restarting the microcomputer, an abnormality can sometimes be eliminated. In addition, the reset of the microcomputer also includes the reset of all pre-set microcomputers among the multiple microcomputers of the outdoor unit, and the microcomputer of the indoor unit can also be reset as needed.

[0169] <<Edge Device>>

[0170] Functional block diagram of edge device 10 Figure 6The edge device 10 and the server device 60 are the same, but the function of the instruction switching unit 12 is different. When an abnormality is detected, the edge device 10 sometimes receives a microcomputer reset instruction from the server device 60. The instruction switching unit 12 switches the content of the instruction according to the model of the device 30 that sent the abnormality code. When the device 30 is the first model, the instruction switching unit 12 instructs the operation to stop and restart based on the remote control. In the case of the second model 30b, the instruction switching unit 12 instructs the microcomputer to reset.

[0171] <<Server Device>>

[0172] The server device 60 newly includes a reset instruction unit 65 and an abnormal code storage unit 66. When the reset instruction unit 65 receives an abnormal code from the device 30 via the edge device 10, it instructs the edge device 10 to reset the microcomputer. More specifically, it determines whether the microcomputer can be reset for the abnormal code, and for an abnormal code that can reset the microcomputer, the reset instruction unit 65 instructs the edge device 10 to reset the microcomputer.

[0173] In the abnormal code storage unit 66, whether or not the microcomputer can be reset is stored in association with the abnormal code. Fig.11 6 shows the abnormal code information stored in the abnormal code storage unit 66. Fig.11 As shown, whether or not the microcomputer can be reset and whether or not the emergency operation can be performed are set in correspondence with the abnormal code in the abnormal code storage unit 66. This is because depending on the content of the abnormality, there is a case where the microcomputer reset, the emergency operation, or both are invalid.

[0174] The reset instruction unit 65 instructs the microcomputer to reset only for the abnormal code that can be reset by the microcomputer. For the abnormal code that cannot be reset by the microcomputer but can be operated in an emergency, the emergency operation described later is instructed. In this way, the microcomputer reset takes precedence over the emergency operation. This is because when the abnormality is eliminated by resetting the microcomputer, the device 30 can function 100%, but in the case of emergency operation, some functions are sometimes limited.

[0175] <About actions or processing>

[0176] Next, refer to Fig.12 A description will be given of a process in which the edge device 10 sends a microcomputer reset instruction to the device 30 . Fig.12 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the process in which the edge device 10 switches the microcomputer reset instruction from the server device 60 to an instruction corresponding to the model of the device 30 and transmits it to the device 30. First, a case where an abnormality occurs in the first model 30a is explained.

[0177] S21: An abnormality occurs in the first model 30a during operation. The abnormality detection unit 32 detects the abnormality.

[0178] S22: When the abnormality detection unit 32 detects an abnormality, the communication unit 31 promptly transmits an abnormality code to the edge device 10. The abnormality code is added with identification information of the device 30. The operation unit 34 stops the operation.

[0179] S23 : When the communication unit 15 of the edge device 10 receives the abnormal code, the communication unit 11 sends the abnormal code to the server device 60 .

[0180] S24 : The communication unit 61 of the server device 60 receives the abnormality code, and the reset instruction unit 65 obtains whether or not the reset is possible in association with the abnormality code from the abnormality code storage unit 66 .

[0181] S25: The reset instruction unit 65 determines whether the received abnormal code can be reset. Fig.12 In the description of , the situation in which the microcomputer can be reset is described.

[0182] S26: The reset instruction unit 65 sends the microcomputer reset instruction to the edge device 10 regardless of the model of the device 30. In addition, since the identification information of the first model 30a is added to the abnormal code, the reset instruction unit 65 saves the identification information of the first model 30a that sent the microcomputer reset instruction. This is used to determine whether the microcomputer reset instruction has been sent when the server device 60 receives the abnormal code next time.

[0183] S27: The communication unit 11 of the edge device 10 receives the microcomputer reset instruction, and the instruction switching unit 12 refers to the model determination information storage unit 13 to determine the model of the device 30 that sent the abnormal code. The model name may be sent to the edge device 10 together with the abnormal code, and the instruction switching unit 12 may re-inquire the first model 30a for the model name.

[0184] S28: The instruction switching unit 12 transmits an operation stop and restart instruction based on remote control to the first model 30a via the communication unit 31.

[0185] S29: Since the communication unit 31 of the first model 30a receives the operation stop and restart instructions based on the remote control, the remote control unit 38 first instructs the indoor unit 50 to stop the operation. In the case where the operation has stopped due to the detection of an abnormality, it is not necessary to stop the operation, and the operation stop is sent to stop the operation reliably. The indoor unit 50 is instructed to stop the operation because the outdoor unit communicates with the edge device 10, and the indoor unit 50 communicates with the remote control 51. The indoor unit 50 requests the remote control 51 to stop the operation, and thus the remote control 51 instructs the indoor unit 50 to stop the operation. When the indoor unit 50 stops the operation, the outdoor unit also stops. After the operation stops, the remote control unit 38 waits for a certain period of time, and then instructs the indoor unit 50 to restart the operation. The indoor unit 50 requests the remote control 51 to restart the operation, and thus the remote control 51 instructs the indoor unit 50 to restart the operation. When the indoor unit 50 starts the operation, the outdoor unit also starts the operation.

[0186] Since the first model 30a has started operating, the abnormality detection unit 32 detects the abnormality when the abnormality has not been eliminated. In this case, the abnormality code is sent to the server device 60 again, and if emergency operation is possible, the emergency operation instruction is sent to the first model 30a. If the emergency operation cannot be performed, a customer engineer is dispatched to the customer as soon as possible. Even if the emergency operation is possible, it is preferred to dispatch a customer engineer to the customer as soon as possible. If the abnormality has been eliminated, the abnormality detection unit 32 does not detect the abnormality, so the operation continues.

[0187] Next, a case where an abnormality occurs in the second model 30b will be described.

[0188] S31: An abnormality occurs in the second model 30b during operation. The abnormality detection unit 32 detects the abnormality.

[0189] S32: When the abnormality detection unit 32 detects an abnormality, the communication unit 31 promptly sends an abnormality code to the edge device 10. The abnormality code is attached with identification information of the device 30. The following steps S33 to S37 may be processed in the same manner as steps S23 to S27.

[0190] S38: The switching unit 12 is instructed to transmit a microcomputer reset instruction to the second model 30 b via the communication unit 15 .

[0191] S39: The communication unit 31 of the second model 30b receives the microcomputer reset instruction, so the microcomputer reset unit 39 resets the microcomputer of the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit restarts by resetting. The second model 30b starts operating automatically or according to the instruction from the microcomputer reset unit 39. When the abnormality is not eliminated, the abnormality detection unit 32 detects the abnormality. In this case, the abnormality code is sent to the server device 60 again, and if the emergency operation can be performed, the emergency operation instruction is sent to the first model 30a. When the emergency operation cannot be performed, the customer engineer is dispatched to the customer as soon as possible. Even when the emergency operation can be performed, it is preferred to dispatch the customer engineer to the customer as soon as possible.

[0192] In this way, the edge device 10 of the present invention switches the microcomputer reset instruction from the server device 60 according to the model and instructs the device 30. Therefore, the server device 60 only needs to send one microcomputer reset instruction to the edge device 10, so in the present invention, the communication volume between the server device 60 and the edge device 10 can be reduced. In addition, the microcomputer reset instruction is not switched according to the model in the server device 60, so the processing load can be reduced.

[0193] <Variation 2>

[0194] Next, as a modification of the inspection instruction, a description will be given of a process in which the server device 60 transmits an emergency operation instruction to the edge device 10 when an abnormality is detected.

[0195] <Overall process for abnormal occurrence>

[0196] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the overall processing flow when an abnormality occurs. The following is an explanation of the processing flow.

[0197] (1) When an abnormality occurs in the device 30 , an abnormality code indicating the details of the abnormality is transmitted to the server device 60 via the device 30 and the edge device 10 .

[0198] (2) Assume that the server device 60 determines that the microcomputer reset cannot be performed, or has sent a microcomputer reset instruction. The server device 60 determines whether the emergency operation can be performed based on the abnormality code, and sends an emergency operation instruction to the edge device 10 if it can be performed.

[0199] (3) The edge device 10 switches the emergency operation instruction according to the model of the equipment 30 and transmits it to each equipment 30. For example, the edge device 10 instructs the first model 30a to stop the outdoor unit that has not failed in the multi-system.

[0200] (4) Instructing the second model 30b to perform an emergency operation corresponding to the abnormal code. Emergency operation means that some functions are limited by replacing sensors, storing components, shielding functions, etc., but the operation continues. In addition, although the edge device 10 sets the second model 30b for emergency operation, the final operation of starting the emergency operation is performed by the user. This is because there are customers who do not want to implement emergency operation.

[0201] <About functions>

[0202] Fig.14 This is an example of a functional block diagram that explains the functions of the first model 30a, the second model 30b, the edge device 10, and the server device 60 in the management system 100 by dividing them into modules. Fig.14 In the description, it is marked with Figure 6 The components with the same reference numerals have the same functions, so sometimes only the main components of this embodiment will be described.

[0203] <<First Model>>

[0204] Assume that the first model 30a of the present invention is a multi-system with two or more outdoor units connected. The emergency operation of the first model 30a stops the outdoor units that have failed in the multi-system and keeps only the normal outdoor units in operation. Therefore, in the case of the first model 30a, the emergency operation targets the multi-system with two or more outdoor units connected. In the first model 30a, the outdoor units are stopped by the operation unit 34, so Fig.14 There are no new features in .

[0205] <<Second Model>>

[0206] The second model 30b newly includes an emergency operation unit 41. The emergency operation unit 41 performs an emergency operation on the second model 30b in accordance with an emergency operation instruction from the edge device 10. The details will be described in the edge device 10.

[0207] <<Edge Device>>

[0208] The edge device 10 newly includes an emergency operation information storage unit 16. The emergency operation information storage unit 16 stores what kind of emergency operation is to be performed for a function that has failed. Fig.15 , Figures 16A to 16C to explain.

[0209] Fig.15 The emergency operation information stored in the emergency operation information storage unit 16 is shown. Each item of the emergency operation information will be described.

[0210] The item of the function in which a fault occurs is a sensor in which a fault occurs or a component in which a fault occurs, which is determined based on an abnormality code or the like.

[0211] The items of emergency operation content indicate what kind of emergency operation is to be performed for the function that has failed. Fig.15 As shown, for each function in which a failure occurs, a control is set for operating the device 30 as an emergency measure even if the function is not available.

[0212] Regarding the restricted items, emergency operation is carried out within the range that does not affect reliability, so the restricted items are restrictions for ensuring reliability.

[0213] Figures 16A to 16C This is a diagram that explains the three modes of emergency operation. Fig.15 In the case where the function that fails is "compressor temperature sensor" and the content of the emergency operation is "internal temperature sensor as a substitute", the failed sensor is replaced by a sensor that is not failed. Fig.16A One mode of emergency operation shown in FIG. 1 is called sensor substitution. The sensor may be a substitute sensor such as a temperature sensor placed near a failed temperature sensor. In the sensor substitution mode, such a sensor is set in the emergency operation information. Fig.15 The restrictions are "time limit, compressor upper limit". The time limit is the time during which emergency operation can be continued, and the compressor upper limit is a limit for overheating countermeasures.

[0214] In addition, Fig.15 In the case where the function that fails is "FAN2" and the content of the emergency operation is "only FAN1 works", the component is supplemented by another component. Fig. 16B One mode of emergency operation shown in FIG. 1 is called component supplement. Components can be components with the same or similar functions. In the component supplement mode, such components are set in the emergency operation information. Fig.15 The restriction is "Compressor upper limit". The compressor upper limit is a limit used to counteract overheating.

[0215] In addition, Fig.15 In the case where the function that fails is "subcooling temperature sensor" and the content of emergency operation is "subcooling control shielding", the function called subcooling control is shielded (function not used). Fig. 16C One of the emergency operation modes shown is called function shielding. Depending on the failed component, only a specific function is used, but the system can operate even without that function. In the function shielding mode, shielding of such function is set in the emergency operation information. Fig.15The restriction is "Compressor upper limit". The compressor upper limit is a limit used to counteract overheating.

[0216] Fig.15 The malfunctioning functions shown are merely examples, and various methods of performing emergency operation such as sensor substitution, component supplementation, or function shielding are stored in the emergency operation information storage unit 16 . Fig.15 The emergency operation information storage unit 16 is referred to by the instruction switching unit 12 when the emergency operation is instructed to the second model 30b.

[0217] The instruction switching unit 12 switches the instruction content according to the model of the device 30 that sent the abnormal code. When the device 30 is the first model, the instruction switching unit 12 instructs to stop the outdoor unit that has failed in the multi-system and to continue the operation of the outdoor unit that has not failed. When the device 30 is the second model, the instruction switching unit 12 determines the function that has failed based on the abnormal code and instructs the content of the emergency operation obtained from the emergency operation information storage unit 16.

[0218] <<Server Device>>

[0219] return Fig.14 The server device 60 newly includes an emergency operation instruction unit 67. When the communication unit 61 receives an abnormality code from the equipment 30 via the edge device 10, the emergency operation instruction unit 67 instructs the edge device 10 to perform an emergency operation based on the abnormality code storage unit 66 in the following cases.

[0220] ·When the microcomputer reset is instructed but the abnormal code is sent again

[0221] ·Situations where the microcomputer cannot be reset but emergency operation is possible

[0222] More specifically, it is determined whether or not the emergency operation can be performed for the abnormality code, and for the abnormality code for which the emergency operation can be performed, the emergency operation instruction unit 67 instructs the edge device 10 to perform the emergency operation.

[0223] <About actions or processing>

[0224] Next, refer to Fig.17 A description will be given of a process in which the edge device 10 transmits an emergency operation instruction to the equipment 30 . Fig.17 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the process in which the edge device 10 switches the emergency operation instruction from the server device 60 to an instruction corresponding to the model of the equipment 30 and transmits it to the equipment 30. First, a case where an abnormality occurs in the first model 30a will be described.

[0225] S41: An abnormality occurs in the first model 30a during operation. The abnormality detection unit 32 detects the abnormality.

[0226] S42: When the abnormality detection unit 32 detects an abnormality, the communication unit 21 immediately transmits an abnormality code to the edge device 10. The abnormality code is added with identification information of the device 30. The operation unit 34 stops operating.

[0227] S43 : When the communication unit 15 of the edge device 10 receives the abnormal code, the communication unit 11 sends the abnormal code to the server device 60 .

[0228] S44: The communication unit 61 of the server device 60 receives the abnormality code, and the emergency operation instruction unit 67 obtains the emergency operation permission or non-application permission associated with the abnormality code from the abnormality code storage unit 66.

[0229] S45: Next, the emergency operation instruction unit 67 determines whether a microcomputer reset instruction has been sent. Instructing emergency operation means that a microcomputer reset has been sent and emergency operation is possible, or that a microcomputer reset is not sent because the microcomputer reset is not possible but emergency operation is possible. Here, it is assumed that these conditions are met.

[0230] S46 : The emergency operation instruction unit 67 sends an emergency operation instruction to the edge device 10 regardless of the model of the equipment 30 .

[0231] S47: The communication unit 11 of the edge device 10 receives the emergency operation instruction, and the instruction switching unit 12 determines the model of the device 30 that sent the abnormal code by referring to the model determination information storage unit 13. The model name may be sent to the edge device 10 together with the abnormal code, and the instruction switching unit 12 may inquire the first model 30a about the model name again.

[0232] S48: For the first model 30a, the instruction switching unit 12 instructs the outdoor units in which a fault occurs to be stopped and the outdoor units in which a fault does not occur to be operated in the multi-system.

[0233] S49: The communication unit 31 of the first model 30a receives the instruction, so the operation unit 34 stops the outdoor unit with the fault and starts the operation of the outdoor unit without the fault. In the case where the operation has been stopped due to the detection of the fault, the outdoor unit with the fault can remain in the stopped state. In addition, in the first model 30a, it is obvious which outdoor unit in the multi-system has a fault.

[0234] Next, a case where an abnormality occurs in the second model 30b will be described.

[0235] S51: An abnormality occurs in the second model 30b during operation. The abnormality detection unit 32 detects the abnormality.

[0236] S52: When the abnormality detection unit 32 detects an abnormality, the communication unit 31 promptly transmits an abnormality code to the edge device 10. The abnormality code is added with identification information of the device 30. The subsequent processing of steps S53 to S57 may be the same as steps S43 to S47.

[0237] S58: For the second model 30b, the instruction switching unit 12 determines the function that has failed based on the abnormality code, and obtains the contents of the emergency operation from the emergency operation information storage unit 16. The instruction switching unit 12 transmits the emergency operation instruction together with the contents of the emergency operation via the communication unit 15.

[0238] S59: Since the communication unit 31 of the second model 30b receives the emergency operation instruction, the emergency operation unit 41 starts the emergency operation of the instructed content based on the emergency operation start operation of the final user.

[0239] In this way, the edge device 10 of the present invention switches the emergency operation instruction from the server device 60 according to the model and instructs the device. Therefore, the server device 60 only needs to send one emergency operation instruction to the edge device 10, so in the present invention, the communication volume between the server device 60 and the edge device 10 can be reduced. In addition, the server device 60 does not switch the emergency operation instruction according to the model, so the processing load can be reduced.

[0240] <Other application examples>

[0241] As mentioned above, although the best mode for implementing the present invention was described using the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to such embodiment at all, and various modifications and substitutions can be added within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0242] For example, in Modification 3, the edge device 10 determines the content of the emergency operation based on the second model 30 b , but the content of the emergency operation may be determined by the second model 30 b .

[0243] In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the device 30, the edge device 10 and the server device 60, Figure 6 The structural examples are divided according to the main functions. The present invention is not limited by the division method or name of the processing unit. The processing of the device 30, the edge device 10 and the server device 60 can also be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. In addition, a processing unit can also be divided to include more processing.

[0244] In addition, the device group described in the embodiment only shows one of the multiple computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed in this specification. In some embodiments, the server device 60 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The multiple computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via any type of communication link including a network, a shared memory, etc., to implement the processing disclosed in this specification.

[0245] The functions of the present invention described above can be realized not only by software processing based on program execution, but also by one or more processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute various functions by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and existing circuit modules and other devices designed to execute the functions described above.

[0246] This application claims the priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-118659 filed with the Japan Patent Office on July 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0247] Explanation of symbols

[0248] 10: Edge Devices

[0249] 30: Equipment

[0250] 60: Server device

[0251] 100: Management system.

Claims

1. A management system comprising: a controller capable of communicating with a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner of a different model from that of the first air conditioner; and a server device capable of communicating with said controller, The control unit of the controller transmits an instruction corresponding to the models of the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner to the first air conditioner or the second air conditioner, when receiving the instruction from the server device.

2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein: The first air conditioner stores a program corresponding to the first control, and the second air conditioner does not store the program. When receiving an instruction related to the first control from the server device, the control unit of the controller instructs the first control to the first air conditioner and instructs the second air conditioner to perform a second control as an alternative to the first control.

3. The management system according to claim 2, wherein: The second control is an operation setting of the second air conditioner set by a control unit of the controller.

4. The management system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The control unit of the controller instructs the first air conditioner to execute the program as the first control, when receiving an inspection instruction from the server device as an instruction related to the first control.

5. The management system according to claim 4, wherein: The program is a pre-season inspection program for confirming whether a malfunction occurs in the air conditioner when the air conditioner is stopped for a certain period of time.

6. The management system according to claim 4, wherein: The program performs control predetermined to predict failure of each component included in the first air conditioner.

7. The management system according to claim 2, wherein: When receiving an instruction to restart the control unit from the server device as an instruction associated with the first control, the control unit of the controller instructs the first air conditioner to restart the control unit and instructs the second air conditioner to stop and resume operation based on remote control.

8. The management system according to claim 2, wherein: When receiving an instruction of emergency operation from the server device as an instruction related to the first control, the control unit of the controller instructs the first air conditioner to perform emergency operation and instructs the second air conditioner to stop the faulty outdoor unit.

9. An instruction method, the instruction method being performed by a management system, the management system comprising: a controller capable of communicating with a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner of a different model from the first air conditioner; and a server device capable of communicating with the controller, The control unit of the controller transmits an instruction corresponding to the models of the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner to the first air conditioner or the second air conditioner, when receiving the instruction from the server device.

10. A controller that communicates with a server device, a first air conditioner storing a program corresponding to a first control, and a second air conditioner of a different model from the first air conditioner, The second air conditioner does not store the program. When receiving an instruction related to the first control from the server device, the control unit of the controller instructs the first control to the first air conditioner and instructs the second air conditioner to perform a second control as an alternative to the first control.

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