Air conditioning system, air conditioning system control method, and program

Abstract

This air conditioning system comprises an air conditioner, an operating terminal which includes a first input unit and which generates a plurality of types of first control signals in accordance with a plurality of types of first input operations with respect to the first input unit and transmits the first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal which includes a second input unit and which generates a plurality of types of second control signals in accordance with a plurality of types of second input operations with respect to the second input unit and transmits the second control signals to the operating terminal, wherein: the operating terminal transmits first information representing first input operations having restricted operation to the communication terminal, generates the first control signals in accordance with the second control signals received from the communication terminal and transmits the first control signals to the air conditioner; and, before accepting the second input operations, the communication terminal receives the first information and restricts the second input operations corresponding to the first input operations of which the operation is restricted on the basis of the first information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-191486, filed in Japan on November 30, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 discloses a controller for an air conditioner as follows, which aims to realize the disabling of a specific operation and a restriction of access to a specific screen by a simple operation. That is, the controller described in PTL 1 includes an information display unit that displays an air conditioning management screen including a plurality of display items for managing an air conditioner, a display control unit that causes the information display unit to display the air conditioning management screen, and a wireless communication unit that receives a command from a communication terminal. Then, the display control unit hides the corresponding display item in response to the hide command when the wireless communication unit receives the hide command to hide at least one display item from the communication terminal.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] International Publication No. WO2017 / 212614Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] By the way, at present, remote control application software such as a smartphone application software (App) for an air conditioner is released by various companies. For example, a setting signal can be transmitted from the smartphone App to the remote controller, the unit, or the like. However, there is a case where the signal transmitted by the smartphone App cannot be reflected in the settings of the remote controller or the unit due to the fact that the operation is restricted by the settings of the remote controller or the unit. In that case, for example, it is possible to notify the user of the fact that the setting cannot be reflected on the smartphone App, but the user uses a little time and effort for the input operation on the smartphone App, and there is a problem in that there is a possibility that the user may feel dissatisfied with the notification timing after the input operation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program, in which it is possible to improve the operability of remote control.Solution to Problem

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioner, an operation terminal that has a first input unit and that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the plurality of types of first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal that has a second input unit and that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the plurality of types of second control signals to the operation terminal, in which the operation terminal transmits first information indicating the first input operation for which an operation is restricted to the communication terminal and generates the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal to transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner, and the communication terminal receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation.

[0007] A control method for an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure, the air conditioning system that uses an air conditioner, an operation terminal that has a first input unit and that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the plurality of types of first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal that has a second input unit and that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the plurality of types of second control signals to the operation terminal, the method includes a step of causing the operation terminal to transmit first information indicating the first input operation for which an operation is restricted to the communication terminal and generate the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal to transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner, and a step of causing the communication terminal to receive the first information and restrict the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation.

[0008] A program according to the present disclosure is a program for an air conditioning system including an air conditioner, an operation terminal that has a first input unit and that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the plurality of types of first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal that has a second input unit and that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the plurality of types of second control signals to the operation terminal, the program causing a computer of the operation terminal to execute a step of transmitting first information indicating the first input operation for which an operation is restricted to the communication terminal and generating the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal to transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner, and causing a computer of the communication terminal to execute a step of receiving the first information and restricting the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0009] According to the air conditioning system, the control method for an air conditioning system, and the program of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the operability of the remote control.Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a remote controller according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a restriction of an input operation of the remote controller according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of first information according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the first information according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a computer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Description of Embodiments

[0011] Hereinafter, an air conditioning system, a method for setting an air conditioning system, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 12. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the remote controller according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a restriction of an input operation of the remote controller according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of first information according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the first information according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figs. 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams showing display examples of the communication terminal according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a computer according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. In each drawing, the same reference numerals will be assigned to the same or corresponding configurations, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.(Configuration of Air Conditioning System)

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment includes air conditioners 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, remote controllers 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, and 10-6 as operation terminals for the air conditioners 20-1, 20-2, or 20-3, and a communication terminal 30. In the following description, the air conditioners 20-1 to 20-3 will be collectively referred to as the air conditioner 20. The remote controllers 10-1 to 10-6 will be collectively referred to as the remote controller 10. The number of each configuration is not limited to the case shown in Fig. 1, and the air conditioning system 1 can include one or a plurality of air conditioners 20, one or a plurality of remote controllers 10, and one or more of communication terminals 30.

[0013] Each air conditioner 20 includes one or a plurality of indoor units 21 and one outdoor unit 22. The indoor unit 21 is connected to the outdoor unit 22 by a communication line 24 and is connected to the remote controller 10 by a communication line 23. Each air conditioner 20 is operated by one or a plurality of remote controllers 10. The air conditioners 20-1 and 20-2 each include one indoor unit 21 and one outdoor unit 22, and one remote controller 10-1 or 10-2 is connected to each indoor unit 21. In addition, the air conditioner 20-3 includes three indoor units 21 and one outdoor unit 22, with each indoor unit 21 being connected to two remote controllers 10-3 and 10-4, and one remote controller 10-5 and one remote controller 10-6, respectively. In a case where a plurality of the remote controllers 10 are connected to one indoor unit 21, for example, a difference can be set in an operation item, an operation range, or the like by setting one of the remote controllers 10 as a main remote controller and the other as a sub remote controller. In addition, each of the remote controllers 10 may be connected to a centralized management device (not shown), and the centralized management device may centrally manage each of the remote controllers 10.(Configuration of Remote Controller)

[0014] The remote controller 10 controls the operation of the air conditioner 20 or the remote controller 10 itself. In the present embodiment, the remote controller 10 performs, for example, an instruction for operation or stop of the air conditioner 20, a setting of an operation mode (cooling operation, heating operation, drying operation, blowing operation, automatic operation, or the like), a setting value of a set temperature, a setting value of a fan speed, a setting value of an air direction, a setting range of a fan speed or an air direction, a setting value of on or off of a timer, a setting value of a time, on or off switching of each function such as a high-power operation and an energy-saving operation, a restriction of a possibility of a setting change for each operation item, a setting of information about a date on which the air conditioner 20 is installed, a person in charge, a contact, or the like.

[0015] Fig. 2 shows a configuration example of the remote controller 10. The remote controller 10 can be configured using, for example, a computer such as a microcomputer, and includes the following units as a functional configuration configured by a combination of hardware such as a computer, a peripheral circuit, and a peripheral device, and software such as a program executed by the computer. That is, the remote controller 10 includes the input and output unit 11, the wireless communication unit 12, the wired communication unit 13, and the control unit 14 as functional configurations.

[0016] The input and output unit 11 includes, for example, a configuration in which a plurality of operation buttons and a display device or the like, or an input device such as a touch panel and a display device are combined, or an input and output device or the like by voice or the like. The input and output unit 11 is a configuration example of the first input unit according to the present disclosure. In addition, in the present embodiment, a predetermined input operation with respect to the input and output unit 11 is referred to as a first input operation.

[0017] The wireless communication unit 12 transmits and receives predetermined information such as first information and a second control signal, which will be described later, with the communication terminal 30 using short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0018] The wired communication unit 13 transmits and receives predetermined information such as a first control signal between the indoor unit 21.

[0019] The control unit 14 controls each of the input and output unit 11, the wireless communication unit 12, and the wired communication unit 13. The control unit 14 generates, for example, a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations with respect to the input and output unit 11 and transmits the first control signals to the air conditioner 20 (indoor unit 21). Here, the first input operation is, for example, an operation for transmitting a predetermined first control signal to the air conditioner 20, an operation for setting an operation restriction or the like in the remote controller 10, or the like, and includes, for example, an input operation or the like for buttons or the like on a plurality of hierarchical operation screens in the input and output unit 11. In addition, the first control signal is, for example, a signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20, and includes, for example, a control signal for instructing the air conditioner 20 to start or stop an operation, a control signal for instructing an operation mode (cooling operation, heating operation, drying operation, blowing operation, automatic operation, or the like), a control signal for instructing a switching of a setting value of a set temperature, a setting value of a fan speed, a setting value of an air direction, or the like, a control signal for instructing on or off of the operation by a timer function, a control signal for instructing a notification of a room temperature or an outside air temperature measured by the air conditioner 20, a control signal for setting an operation state of the remote controller 10 itself, and the like.

[0020] In addition, the control unit 14 can restrict, for example, some of the plurality of types of first input operations with respect to the input and output unit 11 and the second control signal received from the communication terminal 30. Here, the restriction of an input operation or signal includes disabling the input operation or signal, the restriction of a range of a setting value in a case of switching the setting value in response to the input operation or signal, and the like. In the present embodiment, the control unit 14 can restrict the first input operation and the second control signal received from the communication terminal 30, for example, individually for each of the plurality of types of function of the air conditioner 20, and, in addition, for each predetermined setting condition common to a plurality of functions and for each of the plurality of types of function of the air conditioner 20. Here, an example of the restriction of the first input operation will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0021] Fig. 4 shows an example of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner 20 operated (set) by the remote controller 10 and a correspondence relationship between a setting condition and an individual condition when generating the first control signal. Here, the setting condition is a condition that is set in common for all functions (or a predetermined plurality of functions), and the individual condition is a condition that is set for each function for each individual function (each function). In Fig. 4, as an example of the functions of the air conditioner 20 operated by the remote controller 10, an operation / stop function, a set temperature switching function, an automatic set temperature function, an operation mode switching function, a fan speed switching function, an air direction switching function, a high-power operation function, an energy-saving operation function, a draft feeling prevention function, a motion sensor control function, and a ventilation function are listed. In addition, in Fig. 4, the operation by the remote controller 10 is indicated by an "x" mark to indicate that the operation is restricted, and the operation without the restriction is indicated by an "o" mark. The control unit 14 refers to, for example, list information of operation restrictions stored in a predetermined storage area that indicates a correspondence relationship between each condition and each function as shown in Fig. 4, determines whether the function corresponding to a first input operation input to the input and output unit 11 is restricted, and restricts the first input operation corresponding to the restricted function. For example, the control unit 14 changes the screen display mode so as to disable the first input operation corresponding to the function that is restricted in the input and output unit 11. The change in the screen display mode is performed, for example, by making the button corresponding to the function not selectable by hiding or graying out the button.

[0022] The operation / stop function is a function of starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioner 20. The set temperature switching function is a function of switching a value of a set temperature (target temperature). The automatic set temperature function is a function of switching ON / OFF of a function of automatically setting a set temperature. The operation mode switching function is a function of switching the operation mode to a cooling operation, a heating operation, a drying operation, an air blowing operation, an automatic operation, or the like. The fan speed switching function is a function of switching the fan speed within a predetermined range (for example, a function of switching the fan speed in four stages). The range can be restricted by the remote controller 10 (for example, the strongest fan speed in the fourth stage cannot be selected). The air direction switching function is a function of switching and selecting the air direction up and down or left and right. The high-power operation function is, for example, a function that automatically raises the set temperature (during heating) or lowers the set temperature (during cooling) for a predetermined time. The high-power operation function is disabled in an operation mode other than cooling or heating. The energy-saving operation function is a function of automatically controlling the capacity according to the outdoor temperature, for example, with 28°C as a reference during cooling and 22°C as a reference during heating. The energy-saving operation function is disabled in an operation mode other than cooling, heating, or automatic. The draft feeling prevention function is a function of turning on or off a function for controlling airflow so as not to impart an excessive cold feeling or a warm feeling. The draft feeling prevention ON / OFF function is disabled in an indoor unit that does not have the function. The motion sensor control function is a function of turning on or off a function for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20 in response to the movement of a person detected by the motion sensor. The motion sensor control function is disabled in an indoor unit that does not have the function. The ventilation function is a function of switching on or off the ventilation operation.

[0023] In addition, the setting condition (which may also be referred to as a setting state) shown in Fig. 4 includes a condition (which may also be referred to as a state (hereinafter, the same)) related to a restriction by the centralized / distributed management and a condition related to a restriction by the main / sub setting. The condition relating to the restriction by the centralized / distributed management includes a condition of whether the centralized management is being performed or the distributed management is being performed, includes each condition of when the operation is being performed and when the operation is being stopped in a case where the centralized management is being performed, and includes each condition of when the operation is being performed and when the operation is being stopped in a case where the distributed management is being performed. In addition, the condition regarding the restriction by the main / sub setting includes each condition when the main remote controller is set and when the sub remote controller is set in the case where the main / sub setting is performed on the remote controller 10. In addition, the distributed management is management of the air conditioner 20 only by the remote controller 10, for example, without the centralized management by the centralized management device. In addition, when the main / sub setting is not made, the setting condition of the remote controller 10 is set as the parent.

[0024] In addition, the individual conditions shown in Fig. 4 include the operation restriction setting condition and other indoor setting conditions. The operation restriction setting condition is a condition of whether the setting for individually restricting each function is made for the remote controller 10. As the operation restriction setting, for example, in a case where a setting is made to prohibit an operation of the operation stop function, the operation for the operation / stop function is restricted. In addition, under other indoor setting conditions, for example, the set temperature switching function is restricted during the energy-saving operation. Similarly, in a case where the automatic set temperature function is disabled, the automatic set temperature function is restricted. In addition, the operation mode switching function is restricted in a one-type operation mode. Here, the one-type operation mode is a case where a setting is made to limit the operation mode to one type (for example, only the cooling operation or only the heating operation). In addition, the fan speed switching function is restricted in a one-type fan tap. The one-type fan tap is a case where the setting is made to limit the setting of the fan speed to one type. In addition, there are cases where the high-power operation, the energy-saving operation, the draft feeling prevention ON / OFF, and the motion sensor ON / OFF are individually restricted.

[0025] In the example shown in Fig. 4, when any one of the condition relating to the restriction by the centralized / distributed management, the condition relating to the restriction by the main / sub setting, and the individual condition is "x" (restricted), the function is restricted. For example, the operation / stop function is restricted regardless of whether the operation is in operation or the operation is stopped in a case of centralized management. In addition, in a case where the distributed management is performed and the prohibition setting of the operation / stop function is not performed, the operation / stop function is not restricted (no restriction).

[0026] In addition, the control unit 14 transmits, for example, first information indicating a first input operation for which the operation is restricted to the communication terminal 30 via the wireless communication unit 12, and generates a first control signal in response to a second control signal received from the communication terminal 30 to transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner 20 via the wired communication unit 13. In the present embodiment, the restriction on the operation in the first input operation can be set individually for each of the plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner 20 (as the restriction on each function based on the individual condition in Fig. 4), and for each of the predetermined setting conditions common to the plurality of functions and for each of the plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner 20 (as the restriction on each function based on the setting condition in Fig. 4). In addition, the first information is information indicating a first input operation in which an operation is restricted. In addition, the second control signal is a signal corresponding to the first control signal (for example, the plurality of types of second control signals and the plurality of types of first control signals may be the same for each type), and is generated by the communication terminal 30.

[0027] For example, the first information includes information indicating a restriction for each function. Fig. 5 shows an example of the first information in a case where the first information includes information indicating a restriction for each function. The first information 51 shown in Fig. 5 includes information 511 indicating a restriction for each function and information 512 regarding a restriction on a setting range of a predetermined function. The information 511 indicates whether each function is restricted ("x" in a case) or not ("o" in a case). In this case, in the example shown in Fig. 4, the information 511 corresponds to a case where the setting condition is "in distributed management" and "in operation" and there is no restriction according to an individual condition. In addition, the information 511 may be configured to include, in addition to the information indicating the presence or absence of the restriction for each function as in this example, information indicating each restricted function, information indicating each unrestricted function, and the like. In addition, the information 512 can be omitted in a case where there is no first input operation in which the range restriction is set.

[0028] In addition, the first information may include information indicating a restriction for each individually set function (a restriction for each function restricted based on an individual condition in Fig. 4) and information indicating a current setting condition (a setting condition in Fig. 4). Fig. 6 shows an example of the first information in a case where the first information includes information indicating the current setting condition and information indicating the restriction for each individually set function. The first information 52 shown in Fig. 6 includes information 527 representing the current setting condition, information 528 representing a restriction for each individually set function, and information 526 regarding a restriction on a setting range of a predetermined function.

[0029] The information 527 includes information 521 indicating whether the centralized management or the distributed management is being performed, information 522 indicating whether the operation is in operation or stopped, and information 523 indicating whether the parent is set or the child is set. Information 528 includes information 524 indicating the content of the operation restriction setting shown in Fig. 4 and information 525 indicating the content of other indoor settings shown in Fig. 4. In addition, the information 526 is the same information as the information 512 shown in Fig. 5.

[0030] The configuration of the first information can be optionally selected (for example, any of the example shown in Fig. 5 and the example shown in Fig. 6 can be selected). Alternatively, the manner of configuration may be optionally selected making a setting in the remote controller 10 or the like.(Configuration of Communication Terminal)

[0031] The communication terminal 30 can be configured using, for example, a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, an information processing device such as a personal computer, or the like, and includes the following units as a functional configuration composed of a combination of hardware such as a computer, a peripheral circuit, and a peripheral device included in the mobile communication terminal, the information processing device, or the like, and software such as a program (App) executed by the computer. That is, the communication terminal 30 includes an input and output unit 31, a wireless communication unit 32, and a control unit 33 as functional configurations. In the present embodiment, the App according to the present embodiment executed by the communication terminal 30 is referred to as a setting information change App.

[0032] The input and output unit 31 includes, for example, a configuration in which an input device such as a touch panel and a display device are combined, an input and output device or the like using voice or the like. The input and output unit 31 displays, for example, a predetermined screen, and inputs predetermined input information or displays predetermined output information while changing the screen according to an input operation for the screen. The input and output unit 31 is a configuration example of the second input unit according to the present disclosure. In addition, in the present embodiment, the predetermined input operation on the input and output unit 31 is referred to as a second input operation.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 32 transmits and receives predetermined information between the remote controller 10, for example, using short-range wireless communication.

[0034] The control unit 33 controls each unit of the input and output unit 31 and the wireless communication unit 32. The control unit 33 generates, for example, a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the input and output unit 31 and transmits the second control signals to the remote controller 10 via the wireless communication unit 32. In that case, the control unit 33 receives the first information (for example, the first information 51 in Fig. 5 or the first information 52 in Fig. 6) from the remote controller 10 and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation on the input and output unit 31. In addition, the control unit 33 can restrict the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation whose operation is restricted, for each function, based on the first information.

[0035] In a case where the first information includes information indicating the current setting condition and information indicating the restriction for each individually set function (information indicating an individual condition) (for example, in the first information 52 in Fig. 6), the control unit 33 refers to, for example, the list information of the operation restriction indicating the correspondence relationship between each condition and each function as shown in Fig. 4 stored in a predetermined storage area, determines the presence or absence of the operation restriction for each function based on the setting condition and the individual condition indicated by the first information, and restricts the second input operation regarding the restricted function. In this case, the first information transmitted from the remote controller 10 to the communication terminal 30 may be relatively small, but the process of the control unit 33 is somewhat complicated.

[0036] Alternatively, in a case where the first information includes information indicating a restriction for each function (for example, in the first information 51 in Fig. 5), the control unit 33 restricts the second input operation related to the restricted function based on the first information. In this case, since it is not necessary for the control unit 33 to determine whether or not there is an operation restriction on each function, the process of the control unit 33 can be simplified. However, there is a disadvantage that the communication amount increases when the number of functions operated by the communication terminal 30 increases.

[0037] In addition, when the first information includes information relating to a restriction of a setting range of a predetermined function (for example, information 512 in Fig. 5 and information 526 in Fig. 6), the control unit 33 restricts the setting range in the second input operation for the function for which the setting range is restricted based on the first information. For example, there is a case where the set temperature or the settable range of the fan speed is changed by the setting of the remote controller 10, and the information is transmitted to the communication terminal 30 at the same time as the communication between the remote controller 10 and the communication terminal 30 is established, and is reflected on the communication terminal 30.(Operation Example of Air Conditioning System)

[0038] Next, an operation example of the air conditioning system 1 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 11. The process shown in Fig. 7 is a process that is started when the setting information change App is activated in the communication terminal 30. When the setting information change App is activated in the communication terminal 30, the wireless communication unit 32 and the wireless communication unit 12 establish a communication connection according to a predetermined protocol, thereby initiating communication between the communication terminal 30 and the remote controller 10 (step S1).

[0039] Next, the remote controller 10 transmits the first information to the communication terminal 30, and the communication terminal 30 receives the first information from the remote controller 10 (step S2). Next, the communication terminal 30 restricts the second input operation based on the first information (step S3). Thereafter, the second input operation is restricted according to the restricted state in step S3.

[0040] Next, the communication terminal 30 generates a second control signal in response to the second input operation and transmits the second control signal to the remote controller 10, and the remote controller 10 receives the second control signal from the communication terminal 30 (step S4). Next, the remote controller 10 generates the first control signal in response to the second control signal and transmits the first control signal to the air conditioner 20, or changes the setting of the remote controller 10 (step S5). Next, for example, the control unit 14 of the remote controller 10 determines whether the operation / stop switching has been performed (step S6). In a case where the operation / stop switching has been performed (step S6: YES), the process returns to step S2. In a case where the operation / stop switching has not been performed (step S6: NO), for example, the control unit 33 of the communication terminal 30 determines whether or not there is an instruction to end the setting information change App (step S7).

[0041] In a case where there is an end instruction for the setting information change App (step S7: YES), the communication between the communication terminal 30 and the remote controller 10 is ended (step S8), and the process shown in Fig. 7 is ended. In a case where there is no end instruction for the setting information change App (step S7: NO), the process returns to step S4.

[0042] Fig. 8 shows an example (home screen C100-1) of a home screen displayed on the input and output unit 31 of the communication terminal 30. The home screen C100-1 shown in Fig. 8 includes a set temperature and room temperature display icon C102, an operation start and stop switching button C103, a set temperature increase button C104, a set temperature decrease button C105, a cooling operation selection button C106, a drying operation selection button C107, a blowing operation selection button C108, a heating operation selection button C109, an automatic operation selection button C110, a fan speed setting button C111, an air direction (up / down) setting button C112, an air direction (left / right) setting button C113, a high-power operation ON / OFF button C114, an energy-saving operation ON / OFF button C115, a draft prevention function ON / OFF button C116, a motion sensor ON / OFF selection button C117, a ventilation function ON / OFF button C118, and a timer function selection button C119.

[0043] Figs. 9 and 10 show a home screen C100-2 and another example of a home screen C100-3, which are examples in a case where a second input operation by the motion sensor ON / OFF selection button C117 is restricted from the state of the home screen C100-1. Fig. 9 shows a state where the motion sensor ON / OFF selection button C117 is grayed out. Fig. 10 shows a state where the motion sensor ON / OFF selection button C117 is hidden.

[0044] In addition, Fig. 11 shows a home screen C100-4, which is an example of a case where the setting range of the fan speed is restricted (the setting range of the fan speed is restricted from four stages to three stages), from the state of the home screen C100-1.(Operations and Effects)

[0045] According to the present embodiment, the communication terminal 30 receives the first information indicating the first input operation for which the operation is restricted by the remote controller 10 and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation. According to this configuration, the user can understand the input operation that is restricted before the input operation, and can improve the operability of the remote control, for example, compared to a case where the user is notified of the restriction after the operation.(Other Embodiments)

[0046] Above, the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiment, and includes design changes and the like within a scope not departing from the concept of the present disclosure. In the above operation example, the first information is transmitted from the remote controller 10 to the communication terminal 30 at the time of the setting change App activation and the time of switching between the operation and the stop. However, the timing of transmitting the first information is not limited to this example. For example, in a case where the operation state of the air conditioner 20 is changed by the operation of the remote controller 10 or the like, in a case where the content of the operation restriction on the communication terminal 30 is changed, new first information may be generated by the remote controller 10 and transmitted to the communication terminal 30. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the indoor unit 21 and the remote controller 10 are configured separately. However, for example, the indoor unit 21 may be configured to have the function of the remote controller 10, and the indoor unit 21 and the remote controller 10 may be configured integrally. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the second control signal is transmitted from the communication terminal 30 to the remote controller 10, and the remote controller 10 generates the first control signal corresponding to the second control signal and transmits the first control signal to the air conditioner 20. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the communication terminal 30 may generate a first control signal corresponding to the second control signal and transmit the first control signal from the communication terminal 30 to the remote controller 10.

[0047] In addition, the remote controller 10 can also be configured in an embodiment that does not include the input and output unit 11. In that case, the first control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20 or the remote controller 10 itself is generated only based on the second control signal received from the communication terminal 30. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment can be understood as having, for example, the following aspect. That is, the air conditioning system 1 includes the air conditioner 20 having the radio terminal (configuration corresponding to the remote controller 10), and the communication terminal 30 having the second input unit (input and output unit 31) and generating a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmitting the plurality of types of second control signals to the radio terminal. Then, the radio terminal generates the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal 30, and controls the air conditioner 20 by using the first control signal. In addition, the radio terminal transmits first information indicating the first control signal, the second control signal, or the second input operation, in which an operation is restricted to the communication terminal. In addition, the communication terminal 30 receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first control signal or the second control signal in which the operation is restricted based on the first information or the second input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation. In this case, the radio terminal can be configured as, for example, a removable substrate or the like having a function as an interface that can be mounted in the air conditioner 20.(Configuration of Computer)

[0048] Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a computer according to at least one exemplary embodiment.

[0049] A computer 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory 92, a storage 93, and an interface 94.

[0050] The communication terminal 30 and the remote controller 10 described above are mounted on the computer 90. The operation of each processing unit described above is stored in the storage 93 in the form of a program. The processor 91 reads the program from the storage 93, develops the program in the main memory 92, and executes the above-described processing according to the program. In addition, the processor 91 secures a storage area corresponding to each storage unit described above in the main memory 92 according to the program.

[0051] The program may be for realizing some of the functions to be exhibited by the computer 90. For example, the program may exhibit a function in combination with another program already stored in a storage or in combination with another program implemented in another device. In another embodiment, the computer may include a custom large scale integrated circuit (LSI) such as a programmable logic device (PLD) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of the PLD include a programmable array logic (PAL), a generic array logic (GAL), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, some or all of the functions realized by the processor may be realized by the integrated circuit.

[0052] Examples of the storage 93 include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM), and a semiconductor memory. The storage 93 may be an internal medium directly connected to a bus of the computer 90, or may be an external medium connected to the computer 90 via the interface 94 or a communication line. In addition, when this program is distributed to the computer 90 via the communication line, the computer 90 that has received the distribution may develop the program in the main memory 92, and may execute the above-described processing. In at least one embodiment, the storage 93 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.<Additional Notes>

[0053] The air conditioning system 1 described in the embodiment is understood as follows, for example. (1) The air conditioning system 1 according to a first aspect includes an air conditioner 20, an operation terminal (remote controller 10) that has a first input unit (input and output unit 11) and that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the plurality of types of first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal 30 that has a second input unit (input and output unit 31) and that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the plurality of types of second control signals to the operation terminal, in which the operation terminal transmits first information indicating the first input operation for which an operation is restricted to the communication terminal and generates the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal to transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner, and the communication terminal receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation. According to the present aspect and each of the following aspects, it is possible to improve the operability of the remote control. (2) The air conditioning system 1 according to a second aspect is the air conditioning system 1 of (1), in which a restriction of the operation in the first input operation is capable of being individually set for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner and being set for a predetermined setting condition common to the plurality of functions and for each of the functions, the communication terminal restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted for each of the functions, based on the first information, and the first information 51 includes information indicating a restriction for each of the functions. According to this aspect, it is possible to simplify the processing in the communication terminal. (3) The air conditioning system 1 according to a third aspect is the air conditioning system 1 of (1), in which a restriction of the operation in the first input operation is capable of being individually set for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner and being set for a predetermined setting condition common to the plurality of functions and for each of the functions, the communication terminal restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted for each of the functions, based on the first information, and the first information 52 includes information indicating a restriction for each of the individually set functions and information indicating a current setting condition. According to this aspect, it is relatively easy to reduce the information amount of the first information. (4) The air conditioning system 1 according to a fourth aspect is the air conditioning system 1 of (1) to (3), in which the first information includes information 512 and 526 on a restriction of a setting range of a predetermined function, and the communication terminal restricts a setting range in the second input operation for the function for which the setting range is restricted, based on the first information. Industrial Applicability

[0054] According to the air conditioning system, the control method for an air conditioning system, and the program of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the operability of the remote control.Reference Signs List

[0055] 1: air conditioning system 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6: remote controller 30: communication terminal 11, 31: input and output unit 12, 32: wireless communication unit 13: wired communication unit 14, 33: control unit 51, 52: first information

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: an air conditioner; an operation terminal that has a first input unit and that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the plurality of types of first control signals to the air conditioner; and a communication terminal that has a second input unit and that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the plurality of types of second control signals to the operation terminal, wherein the operation terminal transmits first information indicating the first input operation for which an operation is restricted to the communication terminal and generates the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal to transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner, and the communication terminal receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation.

2. The air conditioning system according to Claim 1, wherein a restriction of the operation in the first input operation is capable of being individually set for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner and being set for a predetermined setting condition common to the plurality of functions and for each of the functions, the communication terminal restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted for each of the functions, based on the first information, and the first information includes information indicating a restriction for each of the functions.

3. The air conditioning system according to Claim 1, wherein a restriction of the operation in the first input operation is capable of being individually set for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner and being set for a predetermined setting condition common to the plurality of functions and for each of the functions, the communication terminal restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted for each of the functions, based on the first information, and the first information includes information indicating a restriction for each of the individually set functions and information indicating a current setting condition.

4. The air conditioning system according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein the first information includes information on a restriction of a setting range of a predetermined function, and the communication terminal restricts a setting range in the second input operation for the function for which the setting range is restricted, based on the first information.

5. A control method for an air conditioning system that uses an air conditioner, an operation terminal that has a first input unit and that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the plurality of types of first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal that has a second input unit and that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the plurality of types of second control signals to the operation terminal, the method comprising: a step of causing the operation terminal to transmit first information indicating the first input operation for which an operation is restricted to the communication terminal and generate the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal to transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner; and a step of causing the communication terminal to receive the first information and restrict the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation.

6. A program for an air conditioning system including an air conditioner, an operation terminal that has a first input unit and that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the plurality of types of first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal that has a second input unit and that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the plurality of types of second control signals to the operation terminal, the program causing a computer of the operation terminal to execute a step of transmitting first information indicating the first input operation for which an operation is restricted to the communication terminal and generating the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal to transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner, and causing a computer of the communication terminal to execute a step of receiving the first information and restricting the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation for which the operation is restricted, based on the first information, before receiving the second input operation.

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