Communication method, refrigeration air conditioning related system and communication node

Abstract

A communication method, a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, and a communication node are provided. The communication method involves communicating information related to refrigeration and air conditioning units between multiple communication nodes. When a first communication node sends information to a second communication node, it generates a message containing a code or a type. The code represents an attribute of the information, and the type indicates whether a response is required based on the attribute. The generated message is then sent to the second communication node. The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or type included in the received message.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a communication method, a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, and a communication node. Background Technology

[0002] In large-scale refrigeration and air conditioning systems, for example, multiple outdoor units are connected to a centralized control device, and multiple indoor units are connected to each outdoor unit, forming a communication network (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Various types of data are sent and received between multiple devices, including the centralized control device, outdoor units, and indoor units, enabling centralized control and collaborative operation of the devices.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-20092 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a communication method, a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, and a communication node that are highly scalable and maintainable and can suppress the consumption of communication bandwidth.

[0008] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0009] One aspect of the communication method disclosed herein is a method for communicating information related to a refrigeration and air conditioning unit between multiple communication nodes. When a first communication node sends information to a second communication node, it generates a message containing a code or a type. The code represents an attribute of the information, and the type indicates whether a response is required based on the attribute. The generated message is then sent to the second communication node. The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or type included in the received message.

[0010] One aspect of the communication method disclosed herein is preferably configured such that the plurality of communication nodes include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, wherein when the outdoor unit sends the information to the indoor unit, it generates a message of type that does not require a response, and sends the generated message to the indoor unit.

[0011] One aspect of the communication method disclosed herein is preferably configured such that the plurality of communication nodes include an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, wherein when the indoor unit sends the information to the outdoor unit, it generates a message of type that does not require a response, and sends the generated message to the outdoor unit.

[0012] One aspect of the communication method of this disclosure is preferably configured such that the plurality of communication nodes further include a centralized control device, which, when sending information related to centralized control to the outdoor unit, generates a message of type requiring a response and sends the generated message to the outdoor unit.

[0013] The communication method of one aspect of this disclosure is preferably configured such that the plurality of communication nodes further include a centralized control device, which, when sending information related to centralized control to the indoor unit, generates a message of type requiring a response and sends the generated message to the indoor unit.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the communication method disclosed herein, the plurality of communication nodes further include a centralized control device, wherein the indoor unit, when sending information related to centralized control to the centralized control device, generates a message of type requiring a response, and sends the generated message to the centralized control device.

[0015] One aspect of the communication method disclosed herein is preferably configured such that the message has a form specified by a REST API, i.e., a representational state transfer application programming interface.

[0016] One aspect of the communication method disclosed herein is preferably configured such that the attributes of the message include at least a first attribute, the first attribute including a data acquisition request, an update request, and a notification.

[0017] One aspect of the communication method disclosed herein is preferably configured such that the attributes of the message include at least a second attribute, the second attribute being the type of application that generated the message.

[0018] A preferred configuration of the communication method of this disclosure is that the attributes of the message include at least a first attribute and a second attribute, the first attribute including a data acquisition request, an update request, and a notification, the second attribute being the type of application that generated the message, and the second communication node determining whether a response is required based on at least one of the first and second attributes included in the received message.

[0019] One aspect of this disclosure is a refrigeration and air conditioning related system that communicates information related to refrigeration and air conditioning related units between multiple communication nodes. A first communication node includes a control unit and a communication unit. The control unit generates a message when sending information to a second communication node. The message contains a code or a type. The code represents an attribute of the information, and the type indicates whether a response is required based on the attribute. The communication unit sends the message generated by the control unit to the second communication node. The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or type included in the received message.

[0020] One aspect of this disclosure is a communication node in a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, comprising a control unit and a communication unit. The control unit generates a message when sending information to other communication nodes. The message contains a code or type, the code indicating an attribute of the information and the type indicating whether a response is required based on the attribute. The communication unit sends the message generated by the control unit to the other communication nodes.

[0021] One aspect of this disclosure is a communication node in a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, comprising a control unit and a communication unit, wherein the communication unit receives messages from other communication nodes, the messages containing codes or types, the codes representing attributes of information, and the types indicating whether a response is required based on the attributes, and the control unit determines whether a response is required based on the codes or types included in the received messages.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to this disclosure, it has high scalability and maintainability and can suppress the consumption of communication bandwidth. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of a refrigeration and air conditioning system according to an implementation method.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the outdoor unit.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the indoor unit.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a centralized control device.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a block diagram representing a structural example of a relay device.

[0029] Figure 6It is a conceptual diagram representing the format of messages (telegrams) sent and received between devices.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in communications related to refrigerant control.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in communications related to refrigerant control.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps involved in centralized control communications.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps involved in centralized control communications.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps performed by the indoor unit when receiving messages.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in the refrigerant control of Embodiment 3.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in the centralized control of Implementation Method 3.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in the centralized control of Implementation Method 3.

[0038] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting the transmission time.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a timing diagram illustrating the communication steps in Implementation Method 4. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, based on the accompanying drawings, a detailed description of the refrigeration and air conditioning system according to embodiments will be provided. Furthermore, this technology is not limited to these embodiments, but is intended to include all modifications expressed in the claims and of the same meaning and scope as those claims.

[0041] (Implementation Method 1)

[0042] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram illustrating a structural example of a refrigeration and air conditioning related system according to an embodiment. The refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 of this embodiment is a system for communicating information related to refrigeration and air conditioning related units between multiple communication nodes. The communication nodes constituting the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 include refrigeration and air conditioning related equipment such as a centralized control device 10, an outdoor unit 30, an indoor unit 50, and a relay device 70. The information transmitted and received between the communication nodes is information related to the refrigeration and air conditioning related units, including information related to refrigerant control and information related to centralized monitoring operations. Here, the information related to the refrigeration and air conditioning related units can be information about the equipment itself or information related to elements constituting part of the refrigeration and air conditioning related equipment.

[0043] Communication nodes are not limited to the devices mentioned above, and may also include various refrigeration and air conditioning related equipment such as service checkers, remote controllers, ventilation devices, communication devices, and control devices. In the following description, refrigeration and air conditioning related equipment that connects to the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 as communication nodes will also be abbreviated as equipment.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated refrigeration and air conditioning system 1, a centralized control device 10 is connected to multiple outdoor units 30 via transmission lines. In this embodiment, the multiple devices are connected in a daisy-chain configuration. That is, the first outdoor unit 30 is connected to the centralized control device 1 via a first transmission line, the second outdoor unit 30 is connected to the first outdoor unit 30 via a second transmission line, and the third outdoor unit 30 is connected to the second outdoor unit 30 via a third transmission line. Here, the multiple transmission lines connecting the centralized control device 10 to the multiple outdoor units 30 are electrically connected. Therefore, for example, a signal sent by the centralized control device 10 can be received by all the outdoor units 30 connected in a daisy-chain configuration, and a signal sent by any outdoor unit 30 can be received by the centralized control device 10 and all the remaining outdoor units 30.

[0045] Furthermore, in the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1, multiple indoor units 50 are connected to each outdoor unit 30 in a daisy-chain manner via transmission lines. That is, a first indoor unit 50 is connected to an outdoor unit 30 via a first transmission line, and a second indoor unit 50 is connected to the first indoor unit 50 via a second transmission line. By electrically connecting the multiple transmission lines between the outdoor units 30 and the multiple indoor units 50, a signal sent by any device can be received by all devices connected in the daisy-chain manner.

[0046] Each outdoor unit 30 is connected to a transmission line for communication with the central control device 10 and the other outdoor units 30, and to a transmission line for communication with the indoor unit 50. In this embodiment, these two transmission lines are electrically connected inside the outdoor unit 30. Therefore, for example, the central control device 10 can communicate with the indoor unit 50 via the outdoor unit 30. Furthermore, the indoor unit 50 connected to the first outdoor unit 30 can communicate with other indoor units 50 connected to the second outdoor unit 30 via the first outdoor unit 30 and the second outdoor unit 30. In addition, the transmission lines for communication with the central control device 10 and the other outdoor units 30, and the transmission lines for communication with the indoor unit 50, can also be electrically isolated inside the outdoor unit 30.

[0047] Furthermore, the relay device 70 may not be included in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1. For example, if the distance between two devices that should be directly connected via a transmission line is long, and the length of the transmission line exceeds a specified length, then the relay device 70 may be installed between the devices. Figure 1 In the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1 illustrated herein, two relay devices 70 are provided to connect the two indoor units 50, 50. That is, the relay device 70 is connected to the first indoor unit 50 via a first transmission line, and the second indoor unit 50 is connected to the relay device 70 via a second transmission line.

[0048] The relay device 70 can be installed at any location in the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1. For example, the relay device 70 can be installed between the central control unit 10 and the outdoor unit 30, between two outdoor units 30, or between the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50. Furthermore, the relay device 70 can also be installed between various devices other than the central control unit 10, the outdoor unit 30, and the indoor unit 50. Additionally, the relay device 70 is not essential, and the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1 can be constructed without the relay device 70.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the outdoor unit 30. The outdoor unit 30 includes, for example, a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, and connection terminals 34-36. The control unit 31 is, for example, composed of a microcomputer, a CPU (central processing unit), or other arithmetic processing device. The control unit 31 can perform various processes by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 32. The control unit 31 performs various control processes, such as controlling the operation of each part of the outdoor unit 30 and controlling communication with the central control device 10, other outdoor units 30, and indoor units 50. The control unit 31 has a built-in clock for outputting time information and a timer for counting elapsed time.

[0050] The storage unit 32 includes, for example, non-volatile memory such as flash memory and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). The storage unit 32 stores various programs executed by the control unit 31 and various data required for the control processing of the control unit 31. Various programs are stored in non-volatile memory. On the other hand, various data may be stored only in volatile memory, or they may be stored in volatile memory and then copied and stored in non-volatile memory.

[0051] The communication unit 33 is, for example, composed of a transceiver IC (integrated circuit). The communication unit 33 communicates with the central control device 10, other outdoor units 30, and indoor unit 50 via a transmission line connected to multiple connection terminals 34-36 included in the outdoor unit 30. The communication unit 33 modulates the transmitted and received data, for example, using OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing). Specifically, the communication unit 33 utilizes a frequency band of 2-28 MHz for multi-carrier transmission. The communication unit 33 outputs a signal modulated from the transmission data provided by the control unit 31 to the transmission line to transmit data, and also provides the data obtained by acquiring and demodulating the signal on the transmission line as received data to the control unit 31.

[0052] The communication unit 33 may also have a multi-hop function. The multi-hop function refers to the function of the second device outputting a signal identical to the received signal to the transmission line when the second device receives a signal sent by the first device. By having each device output a signal identical to the received signal, signal attenuation can be suppressed, and the transmission distance can be extended.

[0053] The three connection terminals 34-36 are constructed using electronic components such as connectors or sockets, and are detachably connected to the transmission line used for communication. In the outdoor unit 30 of this embodiment, the three connection terminals 34-36 are electrically connected, for example, via wiring patterns on a circuit board, and are electrically connected to the communication unit 33. Therefore, signals input from any one of the connection terminals 34-36 are output from the other connection terminals 34-36 and input to the communication unit 33. Furthermore, signals output from the communication unit 33 are output from the connection terminals 34-36. In addition, in this embodiment, the three connection terminals 34-36 are directly connected via wiring patterns, etc., but for example, a filter circuit or the like may be provided between the connection terminals 34-36. The number of connection terminals included in the outdoor unit 30 may be two or less or four or more.

[0054] Figure 3This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the indoor unit 50. The indoor unit 50 includes a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a communication unit 53, and two connection terminals 54 and 55. The control unit 51 is composed of a microcomputer, CPU, or other processing unit. The control unit 51 performs various control processes, including controlling the operation of each part of the indoor unit 50 and controlling communication with the central control device 10, the outdoor unit 30, and other indoor units 50. The control unit 51 has a built-in clock for outputting time information and a timer for counting elapsed time.

[0055] The storage unit 52 includes, for example, non-volatile memory such as flash memory and EEPROM, and volatile memory such as DRAM and SRAM. The storage unit 52 stores various programs executed by the control unit 51 and various data required for the control processing of the control unit 51. Various programs are stored in non-volatile memory. On the other hand, various data may be stored only in volatile memory, or they may be stored in volatile memory and then copied and stored in non-volatile memory.

[0056] The communication unit 53 is, for example, composed of a transceiver IC. The communication unit 53 has the same functions as the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30, and can use the same or similar IC as the one used in the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30. The communication unit 53 has modulation and multi-hop functions implemented via OFDM, and communicates with the central control device 10, the outdoor unit 30, and other indoor units 50 via a transmission line connected to the connection terminals 54 and 55 included in the indoor unit 50. The communication unit 53 outputs a signal modulated from the transmission data provided by the control unit 51 to the transmission line to transmit data, and also provides the data obtained by acquiring and demodulating the signal on the transmission line as received data to the control unit 51.

[0057] The two connection terminals 54 and 55 are constructed using electronic components such as connectors or sockets, and are connected to the transmission line used for communication in a detachable manner. The connection terminals 54 and 55 are electrically conductive, for example, via wiring patterns on a circuit board, and are electrically connected to the communication unit 53. The indoor unit 50 may include one or more connection terminals.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the centralized control device 10. The centralized control device 10 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, and connection terminals 16. The control unit 11 is composed of a processing unit such as a CPU. The control unit 11 performs various control processes, including controlling the operation of each part of the centralized control device 10 and controlling communication with the outdoor unit 30 and other indoor units 50. The control unit 11 has a built-in clock for outputting time information and a timer for counting elapsed time.

[0059] The storage unit 12 includes, for example, non-volatile memory such as flash memory and EEPROM (or magnetic storage devices such as hard disks) and volatile memory such as DRAM and SRAM. The storage unit 12 stores various programs executed by the control unit 11 and various data required for the control processing of the control unit 11. Various programs are stored in non-volatile memory. On the other hand, various data may be stored only in volatile memory, or they may be stored in volatile memory and then copied and stored in non-volatile memory.

[0060] The communication unit 13 is, for example, composed of a transceiver IC. The communication unit 13 has the same functions as the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30 and the communication unit 53 of the indoor unit 50, and can use the same or similar ICs as those used in the communication units 33 of the outdoor unit 30 and 53 of the indoor unit 50. The communication unit 13 has modulation and multi-hop functions implemented via OFDM, and communicates with the outdoor unit 30 and indoor unit 50 via a transmission line connected to the connection terminal 16 included in the central control device 10. The communication unit 13 outputs a signal modulated from the transmission data provided by the control unit 11 to the transmission line to transmit data, and also provides the data obtained by acquiring and demodulating the signal on the transmission line as received data to the control unit 11.

[0061] The display unit 14 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various images and characters in response to the control of the control unit 11. The operation unit 15 receives user operations and notifies the control unit 11 of the received operations. For example, the operation unit 15 receives user operations via input devices such as mechanical buttons or a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 14. Furthermore, the operation unit 15 may also be an input device such as a mouse or keyboard, and these input devices may be configured to be detachable from the central control device 10. The connection terminal 16 is constructed using electronic components such as connectors or sockets, and is connected to the communication transmission line in a detachable manner. The connection terminal 16 is electrically connected to the communication unit 13, for example, via wiring patterns on a circuit board. The number of connection terminals included in the central control device 10 may be two or more.

[0062] Figure 5This is a block diagram illustrating a structural example of the relay device 70. The relay device 70 in this embodiment is configured to include a communication unit 71 and two connection terminals 72 and 73. The communication unit 71 is configured, for example, using a transceiver IC. The communication unit 71 has the same functions as the communication unit 33 of the outdoor unit 30, the communication unit 53 of the indoor unit 50, and the communication unit 13 of the central control device 10, and can use ICs of the same type or the same kind used in these communication units. The communication unit 71 has a modulation function implemented via OFDM and a multi-hop function, and communicates with the central control device 10, the outdoor unit 30, and the indoor unit 50 via transmission lines connected to the connection terminals 72 and 73 included in the relay device 70. Furthermore, the communication unit 71 of the relay device 70 may or may not include the modulation function implemented via OFDM, provided it at least includes the multi-hop function.

[0063] The two connection terminals 72 and 73 are constructed using electronic components such as connectors or sockets, and are detachably connected to the transmission line used for communication. The connection terminals 72 and 73 are electrically connected to the communication unit 71, for example, via wiring patterns on a circuit board. The relay device 70 may include one or more connection terminals.

[0064] In the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1, multiple devices, including a centralized control device 10, an outdoor unit 30, an indoor unit 50, and a relay device 70, are connected in a daisy-chain configuration via transmission lines and perform multi-carrier communication using OFDM modulation. By electrically connecting the multiple transmission lines to the devices, a signal transmitted by one device can be received by all the other devices. With each device having a multi-hop function to output a signal identical to the received signal to the transmission line, the signal strength, which attenuates corresponding to the transmission distance from the source, is increased, thereby extending the signal transmission distance.

[0065] As a communication method capable of using OFDM modulation and multi-hop functionality, HD-PLC (High-Definition Power Line Communication) is one example. The communication unit of each device can, for example, be composed of a transceiver IC employing HD-PLC communication. However, while HD-PLC communication is a power line-based communication method, in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 of this embodiment, each device communicates via a transmission line separately from the power line, rather than via the power line itself.

[0066] Figure 6This is a conceptual diagram representing the format of messages (telegrams) sent and received between devices. The communication protocols used in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 in this implementation are as follows: The physical / data link layer uses HD-PLC and Ethernet (registered trademark). The network layer uses IPv6. The transport layer uses UDP (User Datagram Protocol) or TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). REST APIs such as HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) are used at the application layer.

[0067] IPv6 is ideal for refrigeration and air conditioning related systems. It enables the identification and communication of various devices that can be connected in a mutually accessible manner through a common IP address.

[0068] UDP is ideal for refrigeration and air conditioning systems 1. Even when the outdoor unit 30 is connected to multiple indoor units 50, it does not strain the connections like TCP, thus avoiding pressure on the memory of the outdoor unit 30.

[0069] REST APIs are ideal for refrigeration and air conditioning related systems. They establish a correspondence between requests and responses, allowing data to be resent in case of request failure. Furthermore, by specifying methods described later, data related to control and operational status can be retrieved and updated between devices.

[0070] In one implementation, when sending information from one device (first communication node) to another device (second communication node), the first communication node, as the sending source, generates a message and sends the generated message to the second communication node, as the destination. The message contains a code representing the attributes of the information and a type indicating whether a response is required based on the attributes.

[0071] The code representing the attributes of information represents the operation on the data, also known as a method. In an implementation, methods can be such as "GET" (for retrieving data from another party), "SET" (for updating data from another party), and "INF" (for notifying oneself of data). Since a response is required to retrieve data, methods like "GET" are specified as requiring a response as their type. On the other hand, operations that update values ​​or notify information do not require a response; therefore, methods like "SET" or "INF" are specified as not requiring a response as their type. Furthermore, methods are not limited to the methods described above and may also include operations such as "DELETE" (for deleting data from another party).

[0072] Whether the above methods or responses are required can be described in the application layer header. The methods "GET", "SET", and "INF" can be derived from the HTTP definitions of "GET", "POST", and "PUT", and can be specified in the HTTP header.

[0073] Furthermore, HTTP queries can be used to determine whether a response is required. That is, specify "res=true" in the HTTP query when a response is needed, and specify "res=false" in the HTTP query when a response is not needed.

[0074] The following describes an application example of the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1.

[0075] The communication in the refrigeration and air conditioning system 1 generally includes communication related to refrigerant control and communication related to centralized control. Communication related to refrigerant control is mainly between the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50, connected via refrigerant piping, and is used to appropriately control the equipment for air conditioning. On the other hand, communication related to centralized control is used for centralized monitoring and operation of the indoor units 30 and 50 from the centralized control device 10.

[0076] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in refrigerant control-related communications. In refrigerant control-related communications, one outdoor unit 30 within the refrigerant system acts as the master unit, communicating with multiple indoor units 50 (daughter units) or other outdoor units 30 (master units). Figure 7 In the flowchart, for simplicity, the communication steps between an outdoor unit 30 (acting as the master unit) and an indoor unit 50 (acting as the slave unit) are described. Both the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50 store the data of the communication object internally and update this data through communication. The outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50 determine their own actions based on the stored data.

[0077] The control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to acquire data from the indoor unit 50 (step S101). The control unit 31 simply refers to the output of the built-in clock or built-in timer and determines whether the current time point matches the time set for acquisition, thereby determining whether to acquire data from the indoor unit 50. For example, a regular time is specified as the time for acquiring data.

[0078] If it is determined that data needs to be obtained from the indoor unit 50 (S101: Yes), the control unit 31 generates a message containing an application layer header that specifies the method as "GET" and specifies whether the response is needed as "needed" (step S102). The control unit 31 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 via the communication unit 33 (step S103).

[0079] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the outdoor unit 30, it checks the application layer header of the received message. If the method in the application layer header is specified as "GET", the requirement for a response is "required". Therefore, the control unit 51 generates a message containing the data requested by the outdoor unit 30 and replies to the outdoor unit 30 (step S104).

[0080] When the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 receives a reply message from the indoor unit 50, it stores the data contained in the received message in the storage unit 32 (step S105). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 32, or it may be copied and stored in non-volatile memory after being stored in volatile memory.

[0081] Next, the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to update the data of the indoor unit 50 (step S106). The control unit 31 only needs to refer to the output of the built-in clock or built-in timer and determine whether the current time point matches the time set as the update time to determine whether to update the data of the indoor unit 50. The time for updating the data may be specified as a regular time.

[0082] If it is determined that the data of the indoor unit 50 needs to be updated (S106: Yes), the control unit 31 generates a message containing an application layer header that specifies the method as "SET" and specifies whether the response is required as "not required" (step S107). The control unit 31 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 through the communication unit 33 (step S108).

[0083] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the outdoor unit 30, it checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, if the method is specified as "SET", the requirement for a response is "not required". Therefore, the control unit 51 does not reply to the received message, but instead updates the data stored in the storage unit 52 (step S109). The data to be updated can be stored in either volatile memory included in the storage unit 52 or in non-volatile memory.

[0084] Next, the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to notify the indoor unit 50 of its own data (step S110). The control unit 31 simply refers to the output of the built-in clock or built-in timer and determines whether the current time point matches the time set for notification, thereby deciding whether to notify the indoor unit 50. For example, a regular time can be specified as the time for notification to the indoor unit 50. Alternatively, the time for notification to the indoor unit 50 can also be specified as the time when the internal state has changed. Here, the change in internal state refers to a change in the values ​​of various sensors or actuators included in the device, or a change in the control state.

[0085] If it is determined that data needs to be notified to the indoor unit 50 (S110: Yes), the control unit 31 generates a message containing an application layer header that specifies the method as "INF" and specifies whether the response is required as "not required" (step S111). The control unit 31 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 via the communication unit 33 (step S112).

[0086] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the outdoor unit 30, it checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, if the method is specified as "INF", the requirement for a response is "not required". Therefore, the control unit 51 does not reply to the received message, but instead stores the notification data in the storage unit 52 (step S113). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 52, or it may be stored in the volatile memory and then copied and stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0087] The indoor unit 50 basically only receives communication from the outdoor unit 30, but it can also send data to the outdoor unit 30 when the internal state changes due to the operation of the remote control.

[0088] The control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 determines whether to notify the outdoor unit 30 of its own data (step S114). If it determines that the internal state of the unit has changed and a notification is to be sent (S114: Yes), the control unit 51 generates a message containing an application layer header that specifies the method as "INF" and specifies whether the response is required as "not required" (step S115). The control unit 51 sends the generated message to the destination outdoor unit 30 via the communication unit 53 (step S116).

[0089] When the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 receives a message sent from the indoor unit 50, it acknowledges the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, if the method is specified as "INF", the requirement for a response is "not required". In this case, the control unit 31 does not return a response and stores the data contained in the message received through the indoor unit 50 in the storage unit 32 (step S117). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 32, or it may be copied and stored in non-volatile memory after being stored in volatile memory.

[0090] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 The flowchart shown is configured to perform the judgment in the order of whether to obtain data, whether to update the other party's data, and whether to notify the other party of the data. However, the above order of judgment is only a convenient order and can be performed in any order.

[0091] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in communications related to centralized control. In these communications, the centralized control device 10 performs communications for centralized monitoring and operation of each outdoor unit 30 and each indoor unit 50. The centralized control device 10 displays the status of each outdoor unit 30 and each indoor unit 50 on the display unit 14 using icons, and performs air conditioning control or scheduling operation via icon operation on the operation unit 15. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the flowchart shown, for simplicity, the communication sequence between the central control device 10 and the indoor unit 50 is explained.

[0092] The control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 determines whether to acquire data from the indoor unit 50 (step S121). The control unit 11 simply refers to the output of the built-in clock or built-in timer and determines whether the current time point matches the time set for acquisition, thereby determining whether to acquire data from the indoor unit 50. For example, a regular time is specified as the time for acquiring data.

[0093] If it is determined that data needs to be retrieved from the indoor unit 50 (S121: Yes), the control unit 11 generates a message containing an application layer header that specifies the method as "GET" and specifies whether the response is needed as "needed" (step S122). The control unit 11 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 via the communication unit 13 (step S123).

[0094] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the central control device 10, it checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, if the method is specified as "GET", the requirement for a response is "required". Therefore, the control unit 51 generates a message containing the data requested by the central control device 10 and replies to the central control device 10 (step S124).

[0095] When the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 receives a reply message from the indoor unit 50, it stores the data contained in the received message in the storage unit 12 (step S125). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 12, or it may be copied and stored in non-volatile memory after being stored in the volatile memory.

[0096] Next, the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 determines whether to update the data of the indoor unit 50 (step S126). For example, if a state change occurs due to icon operation or scheduling via the operation unit 15, the control unit 11 determines that the data of the indoor unit 50 should be updated.

[0097] If it is determined that the data of the indoor unit 50 needs to be updated (S126: Yes), the control unit 11 generates a message containing an application layer header that specifies the method as "SET" and specifies whether the response is required as "not required" (step S127). The control unit 11 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 through the communication unit 13 (step S128).

[0098] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the centralized control device 10, it checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, the method is specified as "SET", and the response requirement is "not required". Based on the "SET" request, the control unit 51 updates the data stored in the storage unit 52 (step S129). The data to be updated can be stored in either volatile memory included in the storage unit 52 or in non-volatile memory.

[0099] The indoor unit 50 basically only receives communication from the central control device 10, but it can also notify the central control device 10 of data when the internal state changes due to the operation of the remote control.

[0100] The control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 determines whether to notify the central control device 10 of its own data (step S130). If it is determined that the internal state of the unit has changed and notification is required (S130: Yes), the control unit 51 generates a message containing an application layer header that specifies the method as "INF" and specifies whether the response is required as "not required" (step S131). The control unit 51 sends the generated message to the central control device 10 via the communication unit 53 (step S132).

[0101] When the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 receives a message sent from the indoor unit 50, it checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, if the method is specified as "INF", the requirement for a response is "not required". In this case, the control unit 11 does not return a response and stores the data contained in the message received through the indoor unit 50 in the storage unit 32 (step S133). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 32, or it may be copied and stored in non-volatile memory after being stored in volatile memory.

[0102] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 The flowchart shown is configured to perform the judgment in the order of whether to obtain data, whether to update the other party's data, and whether to notify the other party of the data. However, the above order of judgment is only a convenient order and can be performed in any order.

[0103] Generally, the relationship between requests and responses is defined in communication. However, in this embodiment, in situations where a response is not required, the need for a response is specified as "not needed," and no response is returned for the received request. By adopting the above structure, this embodiment can ensure communication bandwidth and reduce the load on each device.

[0104] (Implementation Method Two)

[0105] In Implementation Method 1, the first communication node specifies whether a response is required when sending a message from the first communication node to the second communication node. Alternatively, the first communication node may not specify whether a response is required, but may determine whether a response is required based on the code (method) included in the message received by the second communication node.

[0106] In the second implementation method, the structure for determining whether a response is needed based on the code (method) included in the message received by the second communication node will be described.

[0107] The overall structure of the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 in Embodiment 2, as well as the internal structure of each device included in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1, are the same as in Embodiment 1; therefore, their description is omitted. Furthermore, the structure of the messages generated in each device (communication node) is the same as in Embodiment 1, but in Embodiment 2, it is not necessary to specify whether or not a response to an HTTP query is required.

[0108] The following describes the actions of the indoor unit 50 when it receives a message from the outside.

[0109] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps performed by the indoor unit 50 upon receiving a message. In communications related to refrigerant control, the indoor unit 50, for example, receives messages sent from the outdoor unit 30. Furthermore, in communications related to centralized control, the indoor unit 50, for example, receives messages sent from the centralized control device 10.

[0110] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the outdoor unit 30 or the centralized control device 10 (step S201), it checks the application layer header of the received message and determines whether a response is needed (step S202). If the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "GET", the message sender requests data transmission from the indoor unit 50, therefore, the control unit 51 determines whether a response is needed as "needed". On the other hand, if the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "SET", the message sender only requests data updates from the indoor unit 50, therefore, the control unit 51 determines whether a response is needed as "not needed". Furthermore, if the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "INF", the message sender only notifies the indoor unit 50 of information, therefore, the control unit 51 determines whether a response is needed as "not needed".

[0111] If the response in step S202 is determined to be "needed" (S202: Yes), that is, if the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "GET", the control unit 51 generates a message including the data requested by the outdoor unit 30 or the central control device 10 as the message sending source (e.g., sensor values, control status of the indoor unit 50, etc.) and replies to the sending source (step S203).

[0112] If the determination of whether a response is needed in step S202 is "not needed" (S202: No), the control unit 51 does not respond to the received message and performs processing corresponding to the method specified in the message (step S204). That is, if the method specified in the application layer header of the received message is "SET", the control unit 51 performs processing to update the data stored in the storage unit 52; if the specified method is "INF", it performs processing to store the notification data in the storage unit 52.

[0113] exist Figure 11 The flowchart describes the actions of the indoor unit 50 when it receives a message from the outside. However, for the case where the centralized control device 10 or the outdoor unit 30 receives a message, the need for a response can be determined based on the code (method) included in the received message.

[0114] As described above, in Implementation Method 2, it is possible to determine whether a response is needed at the receiving end based on the code (method) included in the message without specifying whether a response is needed in the message.

[0115] (Implementation Method 3)

[0116] Implementation methods one and two are configured to determine whether a response is needed based on the code (method) or type included in the message, but they can also be configured to determine whether a response is needed based on other attributes.

[0117] In Implementation Method 3, a structure for determining whether a response is needed based on the type of application degree of the generated message will be explained.

[0118] The overall structure of the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1 in Embodiment 3, as well as the internal structure of each device included in the refrigeration and air conditioning related system 1, are the same as in Embodiment 1; therefore, their description is omitted. The format of the messages sent and received by each device (communication node) is the same as that shown in Embodiment 1. However, in Embodiment 3, information including the API (Application Programming Interface) version, application name, and resource name is stored in the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​area. For example, if the message sent and received in refrigerant control is generated by an application called "productcontrol," the application name of the message specifies "prd," representing "productcontrol." Furthermore, if the message sent and received in centralized control is generated by an application called "monitor," the application name of the message specifies "mon," representing "monitor." Additionally, appropriate values ​​are stored for the API version and resource name. In Embodiment 3, the need for a response is determined from the perspective of whether the application needs to respond.

[0119] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in refrigerant control according to Embodiment 3. In refrigerant control, the aforementioned application program called "productcontrol" is executed in both the outdoor unit 30 and the indoor unit 50, and communication related to refrigerant control is performed by sending and receiving messages generated by the application program.

[0120] The outdoor unit 30 performs overall control, and therefore can periodically request data from the indoor unit 50. The control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to request data from the indoor unit 50 (step S301), and if it determines that data is to be requested (S301: Yes), generates a message including an application layer header specifying the method as "GET", the application name as "prd", and the requirement for a response as "required" (step S302). When the outdoor unit 30 requests data from the indoor unit 50, a response from the indoor unit 50 is required. That is, as the "productcontrol" application requires a response, the requirement for a response is specified as "required". The control unit 31 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 via the communication unit 33 (step S303).

[0121] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message specified by the outdoor unit 30 with the method "GET", the application name "prd", and the response requirement "required", it generates a message including the data requested by the outdoor unit 30 and replies to the outdoor unit 30 (step S304).

[0122] When the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 receives a message from the indoor unit 50, it stores the data contained in the received message in the storage unit 32 (step S305).

[0123] In refrigerant control, the outdoor unit 30 sometimes controls the actuators of the indoor unit 50. The control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 determines whether to control the actuators of the indoor unit 50 (step S306), and if it determines that control is required (S306: Yes), it generates a message (step S307). The message includes an application layer header specifying the method as "SET", the application name as "prd", and the requirement for a response as "not required", and includes the control value in the data. The outdoor unit 30 sends a control command to the indoor unit 50 when the command content changes, but even if the time is missed, it can send a control command to the indoor unit 50 at a regular time. Therefore, a response from the indoor unit 50 is not required. That is, as the "productcontrol" application does not require a response, the requirement for a response is specified as "not required". The control unit 31 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 via the communication unit 33 (step S308).

[0124] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message from the outdoor unit 30 that specifies the method as "SET", the application name as "prd", the response requirement as "not required", and contains a control value, it controls the actuator by updating the control value for the actuator (step S309).

[0125] In refrigerant control, when the control state of the indoor unit 50 changes due to remote control operation, it notifies the outdoor unit 30 of the change in control state. The control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 determines whether to notify the outdoor unit 30 of the control state (step S310), and if it determines that a notification is needed (S310: Yes), it generates a message (step S311). The message includes an application layer header specifying the method as "INF", the application name as "prd", and the requirement of a response as "not needed", and includes information about the control state in the data. The indoor unit 50 only notifies the outdoor unit 30 of information periodically obtained via the GET method when the content changes; therefore, a response from the outdoor unit 30 is not required. That is, as the "productcontrol" application does not require a response, the requirement of a response is specified as "not needed". The control unit 51 sends the generated message to the outdoor unit 30 via the communication unit 53 (step S312).

[0126] When the control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 receives a message specified by the indoor unit 50 as “INF”, with the application name “prd”, the response requirement as “not required”, and containing information about the control status, it performs the process of storing the control status information contained in the message in the storage unit 32 (step S313).

[0127] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication steps in the centralized control according to Embodiment 3. In centralized control, the aforementioned application program called "monitor" is executed in the centralized control device 10, the outdoor unit 30, and the indoor unit 50. Communication related to centralized control is performed by sending and receiving messages generated by this application. The communication between the centralized control device 10 and the indoor unit 50 will be described below.

[0128] The centralized control device 10 performs overall control, and therefore can periodically request data from the indoor unit 50. The control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 determines whether to request data from the indoor unit 50 (step S321), and if it determines that data is to be requested (S321: Yes), generates a message including an application layer header specifying the method as "GET", the application name as "mon", and the requirement for a response as "required" (step S322). When the centralized control device 10 requests data from the indoor unit 50, a response from the indoor unit 50 is required. That is, as the "monitor" application, a response is required, therefore, the requirement for a response is specified as "required". The control unit 11 sends the generated message to the destination indoor unit 50 via the communication unit 13 (step S323).

[0129] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message specified by the central control device 10 with the method "GET", the application name "mon", and the response requirement "required", it generates a message including the data requested by the central control device 10 and replies to the central control device 10 (step S324).

[0130] When the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 receives a message from the indoor unit 50, it stores the data contained in the received message in the storage unit 12 (step S325).

[0131] In centralized control, user operations or plan settings are sometimes performed on the indoor unit 50 from the centralized control device 10. The control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 determines whether user operations or plan settings are being performed on the indoor unit 50 (step S326). If it is determined that user operations or plan settings are being performed (S326: Yes), a message is generated (step S327). The message includes an application layer header specifying the method as "SET", the application name as "mon", and the requirement for a response as "required". The operation value related to the user operation or the setting value related to the plan setting is included in the data. If there is no response from the indoor unit 50 for the instruction of user operation or plan setting, the centralized control device 10 needs to determine whether there is a communication error. Therefore, a response from the indoor unit 50 is required. That is, the "monitor" application needs a response, so the requirement for a response is specified as "required". The control unit 11 sends the generated message to the indoor unit 50 through the communication unit 13 (step S328).

[0132] When the control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 receives a message from the centralized control device 10 that specifies the method as "SET", the application name as "mon", the response requirement as "required", and includes an operation value or a setting value, it performs user operation or plan setting based on the received message and replies with a message containing information indicating that the user operation or plan setting has ended (step S329).

[0133] When the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 receives a message from the indoor unit 50, it stores the data contained in the received message in the storage unit 32 (step S330).

[0134] In centralized control, when the control state of the indoor unit 50 changes due to user operation or other reasons, it notifies the centralized control device 10 of the change in control state. The control unit 51 of the indoor unit 50 determines whether to notify the centralized control device 10 of the control state (step S331), and if it determines that a notification is needed (S331: Yes), it generates a message (step S332). The message includes an application layer header specifying the method as "INF", the application name as "mon", and specifying whether a response is required as "not needed", and includes information about the control state in the data. The indoor unit 50 only notifies the centralized control device 10 of information periodically obtained via the GET method when the content changes; therefore, a response from the centralized control device 10 is not required. That is, as a "monitor" application, a response is not required, therefore, the requirement for a response is specified as "not needed". The control unit 51 sends the generated message to the centralized control device 10 via the communication unit 53 (step S333).

[0135] When the control unit 11 of the centralized control device 10 receives a message that is specified by the indoor unit 50 as “INF”, has the application name “mon”, indicates whether the response is required as “not required”, and contains information about the control status, it performs the process of storing the control status information contained in the message in the storage unit 12 (step S334).

[0136] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 The flowchart describes the communication between the central control device 10 and the indoor unit 50, but the same applies to the communication between the central control device 10 and the outdoor unit 30.

[0137] As described above, in Implementation Method 3, the necessity of a response is determined based on the type of application that generates the message. For example, even for the same "SET" request, the necessity of a response is specified as "not needed" in the refrigerant control application "productcontrol", while it is specified as "needed" in the centralized control application "monitor".

[0138] In Embodiment 3, the requirement for a response is specified by the sending side of the message. However, similar to Embodiment 2, the requirement for a response may not be specified in the message to be sent, but the receiving device may determine the requirement for a response by referring to the information (method name and application name) contained in the message.

[0139] (Implementation Method 4)

[0140] In Embodiment 4, a structure is described in which the indoor unit 50 specifies the time of data transmission when a state change is detected by sending a message from the outdoor unit 30 to the indoor unit 50.

[0141] In embodiment four, when data related to state changes of refrigeration and air conditioning related units is sent from indoor unit 50 to outdoor unit 30, time segmentation is performed to prevent the load from being concentrated on outdoor unit 30. Here, state changes of refrigeration and air conditioning related units refer, for example, to changes in the values ​​of various sensors or actuators included in indoor unit 50.

[0142] Specifically, when the indoor unit 50 (second communication node) detects a state change, the outdoor unit 30 (first communication node) generates a message containing information about the transmission time of the data that the indoor unit 50 should send, and sends the generated message to the indoor unit 50. The information related to the transmission time is, for example, recorded in the data payload following the application layer header. The indoor unit 50 transmits data according to the time recorded in the message, thereby avoiding the concentration of load on the outdoor unit 30.

[0143] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of setting the transmission time. The transmission time is defined based on the elapsed time from a reference time synchronized across multiple indoor units 50, and is determined as the inherent time for each of the multiple indoor units 50. Figure 15 The example shows the transmission times of three indoor units 50, 50, and 50.

[0144] Time T0 represents the reference time for synchronization among the three indoor units 50, 50, and 50. Time T11, T12, T13, ... represent the transmission times determined for the first indoor unit 50, time T21, T22, T23, ... represent the transmission times determined for the second indoor unit 50, and time T31, T32, T33, ... represent the transmission times determined for the third indoor unit 50.

[0145] exist Figure 15 In the example, the transmission period is common to all indoor units 50. That is, T12-T11 (=T13-T12=T14-T13=……)=T22-T21 (=T23-T22=T24-T23=……)=T32-T31 (=T33-T32=T34-T33=……). Figure 15 In the example, the time interval between the reference time and the initial transmission time is set to a value inherent to each indoor unit 50. That is, it is set to T11≠T21≠T31. By setting the transmission time of each indoor unit 50 as described above, the transmission times of each indoor unit 50 can be staggered.

[0146] Each indoor unit 50 calculates the time at which it can send information related to state changes based on its own determined transmission time. For example, assuming that operation commands are simultaneously sent from the central control unit 10 to each indoor unit 50, in Figure 15 At time TA shown, a state change is detected in each indoor unit 50. In this case, in the first indoor unit 50, among the multiple transmission times T11, T12, ..., the earliest time after the state change is detected is T14, therefore, the data transmission is delayed until that time. That is, the delay time of the first indoor unit 50 is T14-TA. Similarly, in the second indoor unit 50, among the multiple transmission times T21, T22, ..., the earliest time after the state change is detected is T23, therefore, the data transmission is delayed until that time. That is, the delay time of the second indoor unit 50 is T23-TA. Likewise, in the third indoor unit 50, among the multiple transmission times T31, T32, ..., the earliest time after the state change is detected is T33, therefore, the data transmission is delayed until that time. That is, the delay time of the third indoor unit 50 is T33-TA.

[0147] exist Figure 15 In the example, the transmission time period set in each indoor unit 50 is fixed. However, as long as the transmission times in two or more indoor units 50 do not overlap, different periods can be set between the indoor units 50. The transmission time of the indoor unit 50 can be appropriately set according to the number of indoor units 50 that should transmit data, the priority order of the indoor units 50 that should transmit data, etc.

[0148] Alternatively, the transmission time of the indoor unit 50 can also be set based on the elapsed time since each indoor unit 50 detected a state change. For example, if each indoor unit 50 detects a state change at time TA, the first indoor unit 50 may use the time T1 elapsed since TA as its transmission time, the second indoor unit 50 may use the time T2 (≠T1) elapsed since TA as its transmission time, and the third indoor unit 50 may use the time T3 (≠T1≠T2) elapsed since TA as its transmission time.

[0149] Figure 16This is a timing diagram illustrating the communication steps in Embodiment 4. The control unit 31 of the outdoor unit 30 generates a message containing information related to the transmission time of data to be transmitted by each indoor unit 50, and sends the generated message to each indoor unit 50 via the communication unit 33, thereby notifying each outdoor unit 30 of the transmission time (step S401). In step S401, notification is received from the outdoor unit 30 to the indoor unit 50. Therefore, the control unit 31 generates a message containing an application layer header and recording the transmission time inherent to each indoor unit 50 in the data payload, and sends it to each indoor unit 50. The method in the application layer header is specified as "INF," and the requirement for a response is specified as "not required."

[0150] When the control unit 51 of each indoor unit 50 receives a message sent from the outdoor unit 30, it checks the application layer header of the received message. In the application layer header, if the method is specified as "INF", the requirement for a response is "not required". Therefore, the control unit 51 does not reply to the received message, but instead stores the data including the transmission time in the storage unit 52 (steps S402-S404). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 52, or it may be stored in the volatile memory and then copied and stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0151] The control unit 51 of each indoor unit 50 monitors the status of its respective sensors or actuators. Upon detecting a change in the unit's status (steps S405-S407), the control unit 51 calculates the time at which the unit can transmit data based on the transmission time stored in the storage unit 52 (steps S408-S410). Here, the unit's transmission time can be stored in either volatile memory included in the storage unit 52 or non-volatile memory.

[0152] Each indoor unit 50 determines whether the current time is a time when transmission is possible. If it determines that transmission is possible, it generates a message containing information related to the status change and sends the generated message to the outdoor unit 30 via the communication unit 53, thereby notifying the outdoor unit 30 of the status change (steps S411 to S413). In steps S411 to S413, the notification of the accompanying status change from the indoor unit 50 to the outdoor unit 30 is performed. Therefore, the control unit 31 generates a message containing an application layer header and data containing information related to the status change, and sends it to the outdoor unit 30. In the application layer header, the method is specified as "INF", and the need for a response is specified as "not needed".

[0153] Each time the outdoor unit 30 receives a message from each indoor unit 50, it replies with an ACK message and stores information related to the state changes of each indoor unit 50 in the storage unit 32 (steps S414 to S416). Here, the received message may be stored only in the volatile memory included in the storage unit 32, or it may be copied and stored in non-volatile memory after being stored in volatile memory.

[0154] As described above, in Embodiment 4, even in situations where, for example, an operation command is simultaneously sent from the central control device 10 to each indoor unit 50, each indoor unit 50 detects a state change at the same time, and notifications related to the state change from each indoor unit 50 are executed simultaneously, each indoor unit 50 delays the notifications related to the state change according to the inherently determined sending time of each device. Therefore, load concentration in the outdoor unit 30 on the receiving side can be avoided.

[0155] In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 30 notifies each indoor unit 50 of the sending time. However, the centralized control device 10 can also notify each indoor unit 50 of the sending time. Alternatively, the service checker can be connected to the refrigeration and air conditioning related unit, and the service checker can notify each indoor unit 50 of the sending time.

[0156] It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limitation. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims rather than by the foregoing, and is intended to include all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0157] Symbol Explanation

[0158] 1. Refrigeration and air conditioning related systems;

[0159] 10 centralized control devices;

[0160] 11. Control Department;

[0161] 12 storage units;

[0162] 13 Ministry of Communications;

[0163] 14. Display Unit;

[0164] 15. Operations Department;

[0165] 16 connection terminals;

[0166] 30 outdoor units;

[0167] 31. Control Department;

[0168] 32 storage units;

[0169] 33 Ministry of Communications;

[0170] 34-36 connection terminals;

[0171] 50 indoor units;

[0172] 51 Control Department;

[0173] 52 storage units;

[0174] 53 Ministry of Communications;

[0175] 54-55 connecting terminals.

Claims

1. A communication method, wherein the communication method is a method for communicating information related to a refrigeration and air conditioning unit among multiple communication nodes, characterized in that, When the first communication node sends information to the second communication node Generate a message containing a code or type, where the code represents an attribute of the information, and the type indicates whether a response is required based on the attribute. The generated message is sent to the second communication node. The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or type included in the received message. The message attributes include at least the second attribute. The second attribute is the type of application that generated the message.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple communication nodes include outdoor units and indoor units. In the message generated when the outdoor unit sends the information to the indoor unit, the type includes "no response required".

3. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple communication nodes include outdoor units and indoor units. In the message generated when the indoor unit sends the information to the outdoor unit, the type includes "no response required".

4. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The multiple communication nodes also include a centralized control device. The message generated when the centralized control device sends information related to centralized control to the outdoor unit includes a response requirement as its type.

5. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The multiple communication nodes also include a centralized control device. The message generated when the centralized control device sends information related to centralized control to the indoor unit includes a response requirement as its type.

6. The communication method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The multiple communication nodes also include a centralized control device. In the message generated when the indoor unit sends information related to centralized control to the centralized control device, the type includes "no response required".

7. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The message has a format specified by the REST API, i.e., the Representational State Transmission Application Programming Interface.

8. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The attributes of the message also include at least a first attribute. The first attribute includes data retrieval requests, update requests, and notifications.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on at least one of the first and second attributes included in the received message.

10. A refrigeration and air conditioning related system, wherein the refrigeration and air conditioning related system communicates information related to refrigeration and air conditioning related units among multiple communication nodes, characterized in that, The first communication node includes: Control Department; and Ministry of Communications, The control unit generates a message when sending information to the second communication node. The message contains a code or a type, whereby the code represents an attribute of the information, and the type indicates whether a response is required based on the attribute. The communication unit sends the message generated by the control unit to the second communication node. The second communication node determines whether a response is required based on the code or type included in the received message. The message attributes include at least the second attribute. The second attribute is the type of application that generated the message.

11. A communication node, said communication node being a communication node in a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, characterized in that, include: Control Department; as well as Ministry of Communications, The control unit generates a message when sending information to other communication nodes. The message contains a code or a type, where the code represents an attribute of the information, and the type indicates whether a response is required based on the attribute. The communication unit sends the message generated by the control unit to the other communication nodes. The message attributes include at least the second attribute. The second attribute is the type of application that generated the message.

12. A communication node, said communication node being a communication node in a refrigeration and air conditioning related system, characterized in that, include: Control Department; as well as Ministry of Communications, The communication unit receives messages from other communication nodes. These messages contain codes or types, where the codes represent attributes of the information, and the types indicate whether a response is required based on those attributes. The control unit determines whether a response is required based on the code or type included in the received message. The message attributes include at least the second attribute. The second attribute is the type of application that generated the message.

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