Air conditioner control method, device, controller, system, medium and product

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method, device, controller and system of an air conditioner, a medium and a product, and relates to the technical field of household appliances. The method comprises the steps that firstly, an air conditioner control instruction is responded, and a target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioner control instruction is determined; and controlling the power supply equipment to supply power to the target network port matched with the target power supply channel address. And the air conditioner control instruction is issued to power supply equipment, so that the power supply equipment transmits the power supply voltage, the power supply current and the air conditioner control instruction to target air conditioner terminal equipment matched with the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet, the target air conditioner terminal equipment is powered on to be started, and the air conditioner control instruction is executed. Ethernet communication is formed through each network port and the corresponding air conditioner terminal equipment, so that the plurality of air conditioners are remotely controlled through the controller, the control distance of the air conditioners is increased, and the difficulty of simultaneously adjusting the plurality of air conditioners by a user is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a control method, device, controller, system, medium and product of an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner, also known as an air conditioner, is a device used to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, flow rate, and cleanliness of the air in a home or office environment. In order to achieve a better temperature regulation effect, multiple air conditioners may be installed in different rooms or different areas of the same room. Currently, in order to operate multiple air conditioners, they are usually controlled by remote controls or through mobile phone programs.

[0003] When the air conditioner is controlled by the remote controller, it is necessary to be very close to the air conditioner to operate it, and it is impossible to operate multiple air conditioners at the same time. Although it is convenient to wirelessly adjust the air conditioner through the mobile phone program, it also increases the difficulty for some special users who do not have a mobile phone or cannot use the terminal program accurately to operate the air conditioner. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the technical problems that the current use of a remote controller to uniformly operate multiple air conditioners is inconvenient and the use of terminal programs increases the operating difficulty for some users, the present invention is proposed to provide an air conditioner control method, device, controller, system, medium and product that overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0005] Based on the first aspect of the present invention, a control method for an air conditioner is provided, the control method comprising:

[0006] In response to an air conditioning control instruction, determining a target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioning control instruction;

[0007] Controlling the power supply device to supply power to the target network port matching the target power supply channel address;

[0008] The air conditioning control instruction is sent to the power supply device so that the power supply device transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air conditioning control instruction to the target air conditioning terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air conditioning terminal device can be powered on and execute the air conditioning control instruction.

[0009] In an optional invention, the control method further includes an instruction generation step of generating the air conditioning control instruction, and the instruction generation step includes:

[0010] generating the air conditioning control instruction based on a triggering operation of a control button on the interactive panel; or,

[0011] The air conditioning control instruction is generated based on a turning operation of a control knob on the interactive panel; or.

[0012] In an optional invention, the control method further includes:

[0013] When the address update information of the power supply channel address of the power supply device is obtained, the working status of the control buttons or control knobs on the interactive panel is adjusted according to the address update information, wherein the power supply device generates the address update information when detecting a new Ethernet cable added to the network port or when reducing the Ethernet cable.

[0014] In an optional invention, the control method further includes an instruction generation step of generating the air conditioning control instruction, and the instruction generation step includes:

[0015] The air conditioning control instruction is generated based on the control operation of the control control in the interactive interface of the interactive panel.

[0016] In an optional invention, the control method further includes:

[0017] When the address update information of the power supply channel address of the power supply device is obtained, the control controls in the interactive interface are updated according to the address update information, wherein the power supply device generates the address update information when detecting a new Ethernet cable added to the network port or when reducing the Ethernet cable.

[0018] In an optional invention, updating the control widget in the interactive interface according to the address update information includes:

[0019] According to the power supply channel address in the address update information, the display status of the control widget associated with the power supply channel address on the interactive interface is updated.

[0020] In an optional invention, the control method further includes a step of acquiring the air conditioning control instruction:

[0021] Based on the communication connection established with the mobile terminal device, an air conditioning control instruction sent by the mobile terminal device is received.

[0022] Based on the second aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a control device for an air conditioner, the control device comprising:

[0023] An instruction response module, used to respond to an air-conditioning control instruction and determine a target power supply channel address associated with the air-conditioning control instruction;

[0024] A network port power supply control module, used to control the power supply device to supply power to the target network port matching the target power supply channel address;

[0025] The instruction transmission module is used to send the air-conditioning control instruction to the power supply device, so that the power supply device transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air-conditioning control instruction to the target air-conditioning terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air-conditioning terminal device can be powered on and execute the air-conditioning control instruction.

[0026] Based on the third aspect of the present invention, a controller is further provided, comprising:

[0027] one or more processors;

[0028] Memory;

[0029] One or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and the one or more programs are configured to execute any of the methods described in the above invention.

[0030] Based on the fourth aspect of the present invention, an air-conditioning control system is also provided, which includes a controller, a power supply device, a plurality of Ethernet cables and a plurality of air conditioners as described in the above invention, the controller is electrically connected to the power supply device, and an Ethernet connection is formed between the power supply device and the plurality of air conditioners through the plurality of Ethernet cables, so that the plurality of air conditioners can be controlled by the controller.

[0031] Based on the fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores a computer program used in conjunction with an electronic device, characterized in that the computer program can be executed by a processor to perform any of the methods described in the above invention content.

[0032] Based on the sixth aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is also provided, including a computer program / computer executable instructions, characterized in that the computer program / computer executable instructions, when executed by a processor in a controller, implements any method described in the above invention contents.

[0033] Compared with the prior art, the present invention includes first responding to the air-conditioning control instruction to determine the target power supply channel address associated with the air-conditioning control instruction. Then control the power supply device to supply power to the target network port that matches the target power supply channel address. Finally, send the air-conditioning control instruction to the power supply device, so that the power supply device transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air-conditioning control instruction to the target air-conditioning terminal device that matches the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air-conditioning terminal device is powered on and starts, and executes the air-conditioning control instruction. In this way, on the basis of the power supply device supporting multiple network ports, Ethernet network communication can be formed with the corresponding air-conditioning terminal device through each network port, and multiple air conditioners can be remotely controlled through the controller, which not only increases the control distance of the air conditioner, but also reduces the difficulty for users to adjust multiple air conditioners at the same time.

[0034] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented according to the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present invention are listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] By reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below, various other advantages and benefits will become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art. The accompanying drawings are only used for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiment and are not considered to be limitations of the present invention. In addition, the same reference symbols are used to represent the same components throughout the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the attached picture:

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic flow chart of steps of a method for controlling an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic flow chart of steps of another air conditioner control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an air conditioning control system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of a control device for an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an air-conditioning terminal device provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided in order to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to enable the scope of the present invention to be fully communicated to those skilled in the art.

[0043] An air conditioner, also known as an air conditioner, is a device used to adjust and control the temperature, humidity, flow rate, and cleanliness of the air in a home or office environment. In order to achieve a better temperature regulation effect, multiple air conditioners may be installed in different rooms or different areas of the same room. Currently, in order to operate multiple air conditioners, they are usually controlled by remote controls or through mobile phone programs.

[0044] When the air conditioner is controlled by the remote controller, it is necessary to be very close to the air conditioner to operate it, and it is impossible to operate multiple air conditioners at the same time. Although it is convenient to wirelessly adjust the air conditioner through the mobile phone program, it also increases the difficulty for some special users who do not have a mobile phone or cannot use the terminal program accurately to operate the air conditioner.

[0045] Based on the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present invention is proposed. The embodiment of the present invention may include first responding to an air-conditioning control instruction to determine the target power supply channel address associated with the air-conditioning control instruction. Then control the power supply device 32 to supply power to the target network port that matches the target power supply channel address. Finally, the air-conditioning control instruction is sent to the power supply device 32, so that the power supply device 32 transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air-conditioning control instruction to the target air-conditioning terminal device that matches the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air-conditioning terminal device is powered on and executes the air-conditioning control instruction.

[0046] Reference Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides an air-conditioning control system, which includes a controller 31, a power supply device 32, a plurality of Ethernet cables, and a plurality of air conditioners as described in the following embodiments of the invention. The controller 31 is electrically connected to the power supply device 32, and different power supply channels of the power supply device 32 are respectively communicated with the Ethernet cable. The circuit on and off of different power supply channels of the power supply device 32 can be controlled by the controller 31. The Ethernet cable is respectively communicated with the air-conditioning terminal devices of the air conditioners. As a result, the controller 31 is communicated with the plurality of air conditioners via Ethernet, and the plurality of air conditioners are controlled by the controller 31.

[0047] Power over Ethernet (POE) equipment refers to a technical device that transmits power and data simultaneously through an Ethernet cable. It can include power supply equipment (PSE) and power receiving equipment (PD). Different air conditioners can be used as different powered devices, so that the air conditioning terminal devices in different air conditioners can be powered through multiple network ports of a power supply device 32.

[0048] Thus, on the basis that the power supply device 32 supports multiple network ports, Ethernet communication can be formed with the corresponding air-conditioning terminal device through each network port, so that the power supply device, Ethernet cable and multiple air conditioners constitute an Ethernet power supply device. Compared with the traditional central air-conditioning system, in the air-conditioning control system of the embodiment of the present application, the number of air conditioners can be dynamically adjusted according to the number of network ports, and the start, shutdown, temperature adjustment and mode adjustment functions of each air conditioner in the system can be flexibly controlled.

[0049] The network port current of the power supply device 32 can be provided by a DC power supply, for example, the DC power supply can be 48V, and the DC power supply is electrically connected to the power supply device 32. For example, each network port of the power supply device 32 can be used as the current control terminal of the network port through a field effect transistor. The controller 31 realizes the power supply of one network port, or the simultaneous power supply of multiple network ports, by controlling the action of the field effect transistor of the power supply device 32. The above-mentioned air-conditioning control system has a simple architecture and the corresponding device cost is low, and it can realize the control of multiple controllers 31 over a long distance, thereby improving the application experience of the multi-machine working system of the air conditioner.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , shows a control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention, the control method is applied in a controller 31, and the method may include:

[0051] S101 . In response to an air conditioning control instruction, determine a target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioning control instruction.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning control instruction is a related instruction for controlling the air conditioner. For example, the air conditioning control instruction may include but is not limited to a power-on control instruction and a power-off control instruction. The controller 31 may provide an interactive panel, so that the air conditioning control instruction may be generated by the user based on the control operation of the interactive panel. In some embodiments, the control buttons, control knobs or control controls on the interactive panel may form a mapping relationship with the power supply channel address of the power supply device 32 in advance. After the controller 31 detects the air conditioning control instruction, the target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioning control instruction may be determined based on the mapping relationship.

[0053] S102: Control the power supply device to supply power to the target network port matching the target power supply channel address.

[0054] In the embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 32 is used for network power supply and instruction transmission. For example, the controller 31 can control the circuit on and off of different network ports of the power supply device 32, that is, it can control the current output of different network ports of the power supply device 32. Therefore, after determining the target power supply channel address, the controller 31 can control the power supply device 32 to turn on the target network port matching the target power supply channel address, so that the power supply voltage and power supply current can be output through the target network port.

[0055] S103, sending the air conditioning control instruction to the power supply device, so that the power supply device transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air conditioning control instruction to the target air conditioning terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air conditioning terminal device is powered on and starts, and executes the air conditioning control instruction.

[0056] In the embodiment of the present invention, since different network ports of the power supply device 32 and air conditioning terminal devices of different air conditioners are connected to each other through Ethernet, the power supply voltage and power supply current output by the target network port can provide power to the target air conditioning terminal device, thereby waking up the target air conditioning terminal device.

[0057] The controller 31 sends the air conditioning control instruction to the power supply device 32, so that the air conditioning control instruction is forwarded to the target air conditioning terminal device through the power supply device 32. The target air conditioning terminal device in operation can execute the air conditioning control instruction to realize the functional control of the air conditioner. Multiple air conditioners can be remotely controlled by the controller 31, thereby increasing the control distance of the air conditioner. And the user can realize synchronous control of multiple air conditioners on the same interactive panel, thereby reducing the difficulty for the user to adjust multiple air conditioners at the same time. For some special users who do not have a mobile phone or cannot use the terminal program accurately, it is also easy to control multiple air conditioners on the interactive panel, thereby reducing the difficulty of their operation of the air conditioner.

[0058] Reference Figure 2 , shows another control method of an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention, the control method is applied to a controller 31, and the method may include:

[0059] S201: When acquiring address update information of a power supply channel address of a power supply device, adjust a working state of a control button or a control knob on an interactive panel according to the address update information.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present invention, a Power Over Ethernet (POE) device refers to a technical device that transmits power and data simultaneously through an Ethernet cable. It may include a power supply (Power Supply Equipment, PSE) device and a powered (Power Device, PD) device. Different air conditioners can be used as different powered devices, so that the power supply to the air-conditioning terminal devices in different air conditioners can be controlled through multiple network ports of a power supply device 32. When a new air conditioner is added, the power supply device 32 will generate address update information based on the power supply channel address corresponding to the network port when it detects that there is an Ethernet cable (also called an Ethernet cable) at the network port, and transmit it to the controller 31. After receiving the address update information, the controller 31 can assign the power supply channel address to the corresponding air conditioner according to the power supply channel address, so that the air conditioners in different areas can be distinguished by the power supply channel address.

[0061] In some embodiments, the controller 31 provides an interactive panel, and the user generates the air conditioning control instruction based on the control operation of the interactive panel. For example, the interactive panel is integrated with control buttons and / or control knobs for controlling multiple controllers 31. And the control buttons and / or control knobs on the interactive panel can be divided into areas. For example, the number of divided interactive areas is consistent with the total number of network ports possessed by the power supply device 32. Therefore, the air conditioner corresponding to the power supply channel address associated with the interactive area can be controlled through the control buttons and / or control knobs in each interactive area of ​​the interactive panel.

[0062] When the power supply device 32 detects that one of the vacant network ports is connected to an Ethernet cable, it can be determined that a new air conditioner forms an Ethernet power supply device 32 with the power supply device 32. Therefore, the address update information can be generated according to the power supply channel address corresponding to the network port newly connected to the Ethernet cable, and sent to the controller 31. After receiving the address update information, the controller 31 can adjust the working state of the control button or control knob on the corresponding interactive area according to the power supply channel address in the address update information. For example, change the invalid state to the valid state. In the valid state, the controller 31 can receive the operation of the control button or control knob of the corresponding interactive area, and respond to the command after generating the air conditioning control command. In the invalid state, the controller 31 does not respond to the operation of the control button or control knob of the corresponding interactive area. That is, the controller 31 does not respond to the air conditioning control command generated by the user through the control operation of the control button or control knob in the invalid state.

[0063] In some embodiments, the control button may include a switch control button and / or a mode control button. The switch control button is used to control the power on and off of the air conditioner. For example, when the air conditioner is in operation, based on a trigger operation of the switch control button by the user, a shutdown control instruction of the air conditioner is generated. For another example, when the air conditioner is in shutdown state, based on a trigger operation of the switch control button by the user, a power on control instruction of the air conditioner is generated. The mode control button is used to control the operation mode of the air conditioner, such as heating, cooling, and defrosting.

[0064] In other embodiments, the control knob may also be used to control the operating temperature of the air conditioner. For example, based on the user's turning operation of the control knob, a temperature control instruction of the air conditioner is generated.

[0065] When a new air conditioner is installed in a user's office or home area, after the air conditioner is installed, the air conditioner terminal device (also known as the air conditioner master controller) in the air conditioner can be connected to the vacant network port of the power supply device 32 through an Ethernet cable. Figure 5 As shown, an RJ45 interface for Ethernet communication is reserved on the air conditioner main controller. An ordinary Category 5 network cable can be used as the Ethernet cable. The controller 31 directly converts the power supply channel address corresponding to the newly added air conditioner on the interactive panel, the associated control button, and / or the working state of the control knob to a valid state. That is, multiple air conditioners can be controlled simultaneously on the same interactive panel. In addition, the user does not need to perform other control operations when adding a new air conditioner, such as not having to pair through close-range Bluetooth, etc. After the air conditioner is installed, the new air conditioner can be controlled remotely.

[0066] In an optional implementation, when the power supply device 32 detects that the Ethernet cable of one of the non-vacant network ports is disconnected, it can be determined that an air conditioner has stopped being used. Therefore, address update information can be generated according to the power supply channel address corresponding to the network port that is disconnected from the Ethernet cable, and sent to the controller 31. After receiving the address update information, the controller 31 can adjust the working state of the control button or control knob on the corresponding interactive area (the interactive area associated with the power supply channel address) according to the power supply channel address in the address update information. For example, change the valid state to the invalid state. In the valid state, the controller 31 can receive the operation of the control button or control knob of the corresponding interactive area, and generate an air conditioning control command and then respond to the command. In the invalid state, the controller 31 does not respond to the operation of the control button or control knob of the corresponding interactive area.

[0067] Therefore, when an air conditioner is disconnected or a new air conditioner is added, the controller 31 will automatically adjust the working state of the control buttons or control knobs of the interactive panel according to the number of connected air conditioners.

[0068] In some embodiments, since the number of network ports supported by the power supply device 32 is limited, for example, the power supply device 32 of model MAX5980 supports 4 network ports (or power supply channels). When the number of connections of the air conditioner exceeds the maximum number of network ports supported by the power supply device 32, multiple power supply devices 32 can also be electrically connected to the controller 31 respectively. Alternatively, the network port can be expanded by forming a cascade with a hub and multiple power supply devices 32. Those skilled in the art can select the above-mentioned network port expansion method according to actual design requirements or actual costs, and no excessive restrictions are made here. The implementation cost of the embodiment of the present invention is much lower than the implementation cost of the architecture cloud server. And the components of the air conditioning control system used in the implementation of the present invention are simple, can be operated over long distances, and are highly convenient to operate.

[0069] S202: Generate the air conditioning control instruction based on the triggering operation of the control button on the interactive panel.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the user needs to control the air conditioner, the air conditioner control instruction can be generated based on the trigger operation of the control button integrated on the interactive panel. The air conditioner control instruction formed by the control button can mainly include a power on control instruction, a power off control instruction, and a mode control instruction. The trigger operation is, for example, a click operation such as single click, double click, a touch operation, a gesture operation, etc.

[0071] In another optional embodiment of the invention, the control method further includes an instruction generation step of generating the air conditioning control instruction, and the instruction generation step includes:

[0072] The air conditioning control instruction is generated based on the turning operation of the control knob on the interactive panel.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the user needs to control the air conditioner, the user can generate the air conditioner control instruction based on the rotation operation of the control knob integrated on the interactive panel. The air conditioner control instruction generated by the control knob can mainly include temperature control instructions, etc.

[0074] In another optional embodiment of the invention, the control method further includes an instruction generation step of generating the air conditioning control instruction, and the instruction generation step includes:

[0075] The air conditioning control instruction is generated based on the control operation of the control control in the interactive interface of the interactive panel.

[0076] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the user needs to control the air conditioner, the air conditioner control instruction can be generated based on the control operation of the control control in the interactive interface on the interactive panel. The air conditioner control instruction formed by the control control can mainly include a power-on control instruction, a power-off control instruction, a temperature control instruction, and a mode control instruction. The control operation includes click operations such as single-click and double-click, touch operations, and gesture operations.

[0077] S203 . In response to the air conditioning control instruction, determine a target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioning control instruction.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioning control instruction is a related instruction for controlling the air conditioner. For example, the air conditioning control instruction may include but is not limited to a power-on control instruction and a power-off control instruction. The controller 31 may provide an interactive panel, so that the air conditioning control instruction may be generated by the user based on the control operation of the interactive panel. In some embodiments, the control buttons, control knobs or control controls on the interactive panel may form a mapping relationship with the power supply channel address of the power supply device 32 in advance. After the controller 31 detects the air conditioning control instruction, the target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioning control instruction may be determined based on the mapping relationship.

[0079] S204: Control the power supply device to supply power to the target network port that matches the target power supply channel address.

[0080] S205. Send the air-conditioning control instruction to the power supply device, so that the power supply device 32 transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air-conditioning control instruction to the target air-conditioning terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air-conditioning terminal device can be powered on and execute the air-conditioning control instruction.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply device 32 is used for network power supply and instruction transmission. For example, the controller 31 can control the circuit on and off of different network ports of the power supply device 32, that is, it can control the current output of different network ports of the power supply device 32. Therefore, after determining the target power supply channel address, the controller 31 can control the power supply device 32 to turn on the target network port matching the target power supply channel address, so that the power supply voltage and power supply current can be output through the target network port. Because the different network ports of the power supply device 32 and the air-conditioning terminal devices of different air conditioners are connected through Ethernet. Therefore, the power supply voltage and power supply current output by the target network port can provide power for the target air-conditioning terminal device, so that the target air-conditioning terminal device can be awakened. After the target air-conditioning terminal device is powered on, it responds to the air-conditioning control instruction to realize the relevant control functions of the air-conditioning.

[0082] The controller 31 is used to remotely control multiple air conditioners, thereby increasing the control distance of the air conditioners. Moreover, the user can realize synchronous control of multiple air conditioners on the same interactive panel, thereby reducing the difficulty for the user to adjust multiple air conditioners at the same time. For some special users who do not have a mobile phone or cannot accurately use the terminal program, it is also easy to control multiple air conditioners on the interactive panel, thereby reducing the difficulty for them to operate the air conditioner.

[0083] In another optional embodiment of the invention, the control method may further include:

[0084] When the address update information of the power supply channel address of the power supply device 32 is obtained, the control controls in the interactive interface are updated according to the address update information.

[0085] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 31 provides an interactive panel, and the user generates the air conditioning control instruction based on the control operation of the interactive panel. For example, an interactive interface is provided on the interactive panel, and the interactive interface can be divided into areas. For example, the number of divided interactive areas is consistent with the total number of network ports possessed by the power supply device 32. Therefore, the air conditioner corresponding to the power supply channel address associated with the interactive area can be controlled through the control controls in each interactive area of ​​the interactive panel.

[0086] When the power supply device 32 detects that one of the vacant network ports is connected to an Ethernet cable, it can be determined that a new air conditioner forms an Ethernet power supply device 32 with the power supply device 32 at this time. Therefore, the address update information can be generated according to the power supply channel address corresponding to the network port newly connected to the Ethernet cable, and sent to the controller 31. After receiving the address update information, the controller 31 can adjust the display state of the control control of the corresponding interactive area according to the power supply channel address in the address update information. For example, the display state of the control control of the corresponding interactive area is converted from display to hidden state. Among them, in the display state, the control control of the corresponding interactive area is displayed in the interactive interface, and the air conditioning control instruction can be generated based on the user's control operation of the control control. In the hidden state, the control control of the corresponding interactive area is hidden in the interactive interface. The control control in the hidden state cannot generate the air conditioning control instruction through the control operation. And the user can only observe the control control in the display state, thereby reducing the difficulty of operating the air conditioner for special users who do not have a mobile phone or cannot accurately use the terminal program.

[0087] In some embodiments, the control control may include a switch control control, a mode control control, and a temperature control control. The switch control control is used to control the power on and off of the air conditioner. For example, when the air conditioner is in operation, a shutdown control instruction of the air conditioner is generated based on a control operation of the switch control control by the user. For another example, when the air conditioner is in shutdown state, a power on control instruction of the air conditioner is generated based on a control operation of the switch control control by the user. The mode control control is used to control the operating mode of the air conditioner, such as heating, cooling, and defrosting. The temperature control control is used to control the operating temperature of the air conditioner.

[0088] When a new air conditioner is installed in the user's office or home area, after the air conditioner is installed, the air conditioner terminal device (also known as the air conditioner master controller) in the air conditioner can be connected to the vacant network port of the power supply device 32 through an Ethernet cable, and the controller 31 directly converts the working state of the control control in the interactive interface to the display state. That is, multiple air conditioners can be controlled simultaneously on the same interactive panel. In addition, when adding a new air conditioner, the user does not need to perform other control operations, such as short-range Bluetooth pairing, etc. After the air conditioner is installed, the new air conditioner can be controlled remotely.

[0089] In an optional implementation, when the power supply device 32 detects that the Ethernet cable of one of the non-vacant network ports is disconnected, it can be determined that an air conditioner has stopped being used. Therefore, address update information can be generated according to the power supply channel address corresponding to the network port that is disconnected from the Ethernet cable, and sent to the controller 31. After receiving the address update information, the controller 31 can adjust the working state of the control controls of the corresponding interactive area according to the power supply channel address in the address update information. For example, the display state is changed to a hidden state. As a result, the relevant control controls of the disconnected air conditioner are not visualized on the interactive interface, which is convenient for users to distinguish the relevant control controls of different air conditioners.

[0090] In some optional embodiments of the invention, the control method further includes a step of acquiring the air conditioning control instruction:

[0091] Based on the communication connection established with the mobile terminal device, an air conditioning control instruction sent by the mobile terminal device is received.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal device may include but is not limited to a mobile phone and a computer, etc., and a communication connection may be established between the mobile terminal device and the controller 31 via Bluetooth or WIFI. Thus, the air conditioning control instruction may be sent to the controller 31 via the mobile terminal loaded in the mobile terminal device. Thus, the user's control convenience for multiple air conditioners may be further improved.

[0093] In summary, an embodiment of the present invention discloses a control method for an air conditioner, and the control method may include first responding to an air conditioning control instruction to determine the target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioning control instruction. Then control the power supply device 32 to supply power to the target network port matching the target power supply channel address. Finally, the air conditioning control instruction is sent to the power supply device 32, so that the power supply device 32 transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air conditioning control instruction to the target air conditioning terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air conditioning terminal device is powered on and starts, and executes the air conditioning control instruction. Thus, on the basis of the power supply device 32 supporting multiple network ports, Ethernet network communication can be formed with the corresponding air conditioning terminal device through each network port, and multiple air conditioners can be remotely controlled through the controller 31, which not only increases the control distance of the air conditioner, but also reduces the difficulty for users to adjust multiple air conditioners at the same time.

[0094] It should be noted that, for the method embodiments, for the sake of simplicity, they are all expressed as a series of action combinations, but those skilled in the art should be aware that the embodiments of the present application are not limited by the described order of actions, because according to the embodiments of the present application, certain steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions involved are not necessarily required by the embodiments of the present application.

[0095] Reference Figure 4 , shows a control device for an air conditioner provided by an embodiment of the present invention, the device may include:

[0096] The instruction response module 401 is used to respond to the air-conditioning control instruction and determine the target power supply channel address associated with the air-conditioning control instruction.

[0097] The network port power supply control module 402 is used to control the power supply device 32 to supply power to the target network port matching the target power supply channel address.

[0098] The instruction transmission module 403 is used to send the air-conditioning control instruction to the power supply device 32, so that the power supply device 32 transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air-conditioning control instruction to the target air-conditioning terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air-conditioning terminal device can be powered on and execute the air-conditioning control instruction.

[0099] In an optional embodiment of the invention, the control device may further include an instruction generation module for generating the air conditioning control instruction, and the instruction generation module may be used to:

[0100] generating the air conditioning control instruction based on a triggering operation of a control button on the interactive panel; or,

[0101] The air conditioning control instruction is generated based on a turning operation of a control knob on the interactive panel; or.

[0102] In an optional embodiment of the invention, the control device may further include an address updating module, wherein the address updating module is used to:

[0103] When the address update information of the power supply channel address of the power supply device 32 is obtained, the working status of the control buttons or control knobs on the interactive panel is adjusted according to the address update information, wherein the power supply device 32 generates the address update information when detecting a new Ethernet cable added to the network port or when reducing the Ethernet cable.

[0104] In an optional embodiment of the invention, the control method further includes an instruction generation module for generating the air conditioning control instruction, and the instruction generation module can be used to:

[0105] The air conditioning control instruction is generated based on the control operation of the control control in the interactive interface of the interactive panel.

[0106] In an optional embodiment of the invention, the control device may further include an address updating module, wherein the address updating module is used to:

[0107] When the address update information of the power supply channel address of the power supply device 32 is obtained, the control controls in the interactive interface are updated according to the address update information, wherein the power supply device 32 generates the address update information when detecting a new Ethernet cable at the network port or when reducing the Ethernet cable.

[0108] In an optional embodiment of the invention, the address updating module is further used for:

[0109] According to the power supply channel address in the address update information, the display status of the control widget associated with the power supply channel address on the interactive interface is updated.

[0110] In an optional embodiment of the invention, the control device may further include a module for acquiring the air conditioning control instruction, wherein the module is used to:

[0111] Based on the communication connection established with the mobile terminal device, an air conditioning control instruction sent by the mobile terminal device is received.

[0112] In summary, the embodiment of the present invention discloses a control device for an air conditioner, and the control device may include first responding to an air conditioner control instruction to determine the target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioner control instruction. Then control the power supply device 32 to supply power to the target network port matching the target power supply channel address. Finally, the air conditioner control instruction is sent to the power supply device 32, so that the power supply device 32 transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air conditioner control instruction to the target air conditioner terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air conditioner terminal device is powered on and starts, and executes the air conditioner control instruction. Thus, on the basis of the power supply device 32 supporting multiple network ports, Ethernet network communication can be formed with the corresponding air conditioner terminal device through each network port, and multiple air conditioners can be remotely controlled through the controller 31, which not only increases the control distance of the air conditioner, but also reduces the difficulty of users adjusting multiple air conditioners at the same time. For example, in the case where the elderly or children cannot use the mobile terminal application accurately, the control operation can also be directly performed on the interactive panel to realize the control of multiple air conditioners at a long distance.

[0113] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0114] It is easy for a person skilled in the art to think that any combination of the above embodiments is feasible, so any combination of the above embodiments is an implementation scheme of the present invention. However, due to space limitations, this specification will not describe them in detail here.

[0115] In the description provided herein, a large number of specific details are described. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0116] Similarly, it should be understood that in order to streamline the present invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various features of the present invention are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, this disclosed method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed invention requires more features than those expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the claims, inventive aspects lie in less than all of the features of the individual embodiments previously disclosed. Therefore, the claims that follow the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim itself serving as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the modules in the devices in the embodiments may be adaptively changed and arranged in one or more devices different from the embodiments. The modules or units or components in the embodiments may be combined into one module or unit or component, and in addition they may be divided into a plurality of submodules or subunits or subcomponents. Except that at least some of such features and / or processes or units are mutually exclusive, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstracts and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or device disclosed in this manner may be combined in any combination. Unless otherwise expressly stated, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstracts and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature providing the same, equivalent or similar purpose.

[0118] A controller 31, comprising:

[0119] one or more processors;

[0120] Memory;

[0121] One or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and the one or more programs are configured to execute the method described in the above embodiment.

[0122] A computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program used in combination with an electronic device, wherein the computer program can be executed by a processor to implement the method described in the above embodiment.

[0123] A computer program product includes a computer program / computer executable instructions, wherein the computer program / computer executable instructions, when executed by a processor in a controller 31, implements the method described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments of the invention.

[0124] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, devices, or computer program products. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program codes.

[0125] The embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, terminal devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing terminal device to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing terminal device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0126] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing terminal device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product including an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0127] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing terminal device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable terminal device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for executing on the computer or other programmable terminal device to implement the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0128] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] Finally, it should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or terminal device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or terminal device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or terminal device including the elements.

[0130] The control method and the control device of an air conditioner provided by the present invention are introduced in detail above. The principle and implementation mode of the present invention are explained by using specific examples in this article. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method and the core idea of ​​the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of ​​the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation mode and the scope of application. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized in that: The control method is applied in a controller, and the control method includes: In response to an air conditioning control instruction, determining a target power supply channel address associated with the air conditioning control instruction; Controlling the power supply device to supply power to the target network port matching the target power supply channel address; The air conditioning control instruction is sent to the power supply device so that the power supply device transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air conditioning control instruction to the target air conditioning terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air conditioning terminal device can be powered on and execute the air conditioning control instruction.

2. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method further comprises an instruction generation step of generating the air conditioning control instruction, wherein the instruction generation step comprises: generating the air conditioning control instruction based on a triggering operation of a control button on the interactive panel; or, The air conditioning control instruction is generated based on a turning operation of a control knob on the interactive panel; or.

3. The air conditioner control method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: When the address update information of the power supply channel address of the power supply device is obtained, the working status of the control buttons or control knobs on the interactive panel is adjusted according to the address update information, wherein the power supply device generates the address update information when detecting a new Ethernet cable added to the network port or when reducing the Ethernet cable.

4. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method further comprises an instruction generation step of generating the air conditioning control instruction, wherein the instruction generation step comprises: The air conditioning control instruction is generated based on the control operation of the control control in the interactive interface of the interactive panel.

5. The air conditioner control method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control method further comprises: When the address update information of the power supply channel address of the power supply device is obtained, the control controls in the interactive interface are updated according to the address update information, wherein the power supply device generates the address update information when detecting a new Ethernet cable added to the network port or when reducing the Ethernet cable.

6. The air conditioner control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The updating of the control widget in the interactive interface according to the address update information includes: According to the power supply channel address in the address update information, the display status of the control widget associated with the power supply channel address on the interactive interface is updated.

7. The air conditioner control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method further comprises the step of obtaining the air conditioning control instruction: Based on the communication connection established with the mobile terminal device, an air conditioning control instruction sent by the mobile terminal device is received.

8. A control device for an air conditioner, characterized in that: The control device comprises: An instruction response module, used to respond to an air-conditioning control instruction and determine a target power supply channel address associated with the air-conditioning control instruction; A network port power supply control module, used to control the power supply device to supply power to the target network port matching the target power supply channel address; The instruction transmission module is used to send the air-conditioning control instruction to the power supply device, so that the power supply device transmits the power supply voltage, power supply current and the air-conditioning control instruction to the target air-conditioning terminal device matching the target power supply channel address based on the Ethernet network, so that the target air-conditioning terminal device can be powered on and execute the air-conditioning control instruction.

9. A controller, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; Memory; One or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, and the one or more programs are configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. An air conditioning control system, characterized in that: The air conditioning control system includes a controller as described in claim 9, a power supply device, multiple Ethernet cables and multiple air conditioners, the controller is electrically connected to the power supply device, and an Ethernet connection is formed between the power supply device and the multiple air conditioners through the multiple Ethernet cables, so that the multiple air conditioners can be controlled by the controller.

11. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for use in conjunction with an electronic device, characterized in that: The computer program can be executed by a processor to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

12. A computer program product comprising a computer program / computer executable instructions, characterized in that: The computer program / computer executable instructions, when executed by the processor in the controller, implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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