Air conditioning system
The air conditioning system addresses the challenge of limited communication volume and speed by using a server to store display programs, enabling remote terminals to display common screens efficiently and cost-effectively.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing air conditioning management systems face challenges in displaying a common screen on remote terminals using communication lines with limited volume or speed, leading to potential communication volume limits or increased time due to low-capacity mobile virtual network operator connections.
An air conditioning system design that includes a local terminal connected via a high-capacity communication line, a remote terminal connected via a low-capacity communication line, and a server device storing the display program, allowing the remote terminal to acquire data and program from the server via a high-capacity line, thereby reducing communication strain on the low-capacity line.
Enables the remote terminal to display a common screen with the local terminal while optimizing communication costs and reducing the risk of reaching communication volume limits, ensuring seamless display and management of air conditioning data.
Smart Images
Figure IMGAF001_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system.BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system that includes an air conditioning management device configured to manage an air conditioner and a terminal configured to communicate with the air conditioning management device. For example, Japanese Patent No. 6419203 (PTL 1) discloses a management system in which an air conditioning management device configured to manage an air conditioner and a local terminal such as a PC or a mobile terminal are communicably connected via a communication line such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi or a wired LAN. According to the management system, a user can use the local terminal to acquire operation data of the air conditioner from the air conditioning management device.CITATION LISTPATENT LITERATURE
[0003] PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 6419203SUMMARY OF INVENTIONTECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0004] The system disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6419203 is designed to communicate with an air conditioning management device using a local terminal located within the range of LAN connection (for example, within the same building), but in recent years, a system which communications with an air conditioning management device using a remote terminal located outside the range of LAN connection has also been provided. Such a system may be configured to communicate with the air conditioning management device using a remote terminal remote from the air conditioning management device via a low-speed and low-capacity communication line which has a predetermined upper limit on communication volume or communication speed, such as one provided by a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). In such a system, when a screen which is common to that displayed on the local terminal is also displayed on the remote terminal, the display program will be sent from the air conditioning management device to the remote terminal each time using the communication line which is provided by the mobile virtual network operator and has a limit on the communication volume or communication speed, which may cause the communication volume to reach the upper limit of the available communication volume earlier or may cause the communication time to become longer.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that enables a remote terminal to display a screen which is common to that displayed on a local terminal by using a communication line with a limited communication volume or communication speed.SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0006] An air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes at least one air conditioner, an air conditioning management device configured to manage the at least one air conditioner, a local terminal configured to communicate with the air conditioning management device via a first communication line, at least one remote terminal configured to communicate with the air conditioning management device via a second communication line, and a server device configured to communicate with the at least one remote terminal via a third communication line. The second communication line has a limit on at least one of a communication volume and a communication speed as compared with each of the first communication line and the third communication line. The air conditioning management device stores air conditioning data related to the at least one air conditioner and a display program for displaying the air conditioning data. The server device stores the display program. The local terminal acquires the air conditioning data and the display program from the air conditioning management device via the first communication line, and displays the air conditioning data based on the air conditioning data and the display program. The at least one remote terminal acquires the air conditioning data from the air conditioning management device via the second communication line, acquires the display program from the server device via the third communication line, and displays the air conditioning data based on the air conditioning data and the display program.ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0007] According to the air conditioning system of the present disclosure, since the remote terminal can acquire the air conditioning data from the air conditioning management device via the second communication line which has a limit on at least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with the first communication line, and acquire the display program from the server device via the third communication line which has no limit on at least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with the second communication line, it is possible to display a screen which is common to that displayed on the local terminal while using the second communication line which has a limit on at least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with the first communication line.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning management screen displayed on the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning management screen displayed on an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning management screen displayed on an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication in the air conditioning system according to the third embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication in an air conditioning system according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication when the data communication is normal in an air conditioning system according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication when the data communication is abnormal in the air conditioning system according to the fifth embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, multiple embodiments will be described, but proper combinations of components described in the embodiments are also originally intended. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.First Embodiment.
[0010] An air conditioning system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 1, air conditioning system 1 includes at least one air conditioner 60, an air conditioning management device 10, a local terminal 20, a remote terminal 30, and a server device 40.
[0011] Air conditioner 60 includes an outdoor unit 61 and an indoor unit 62, and is configured to adjust the temperature, humidity or the like of air sucked from an indoor space by circulating refrigerant in outdoor unit 61 and indoor unit 62 and supply the adjusted air to the indoor space. In the example of Fig. 1, a plurality of indoor units 62 are connected to one outdoor unit, and one outdoor unit 61 and one indoor unit 62 constitute an air conditioner 60.
[0012] Air conditioning management device 10 is connected to at least one air conditioner 60, and is configured to manage at least one air conditioner 60. For example, air conditioning management device 10 communicates with at least one air conditioner 60 to acquire air conditioning data related to the air conditioning of at least one air conditioner 60 or control at least one air conditioner 60. In the example of Fig. 1, air conditioning management device 10 is connected to a plurality of outdoor units 61 to acquire air conditioning data from each outdoor unit 61 or control each outdoor unit 61.
[0013] Local terminal 20 is, for example, an information terminal such as a desktop personal computer (PC), a laptop PC or a tablet PC, or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone individually owned by a user. Local terminal 20 is communicably connected to air conditioning management device 10 via a communication line L1. Local terminal 20 can acquire air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L1.
[0014] Remote terminal 30 is, for example, an information terminal such as a desktop PC, a laptop PC, or a tablet PC or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone individually owned by a user. Remote terminal 30 is configured to communicate with air conditioning management device 10 via a communication line L2. Specifically, remote terminal 30 is connected to a termination device 80 (which will be described later) on cloud via a communication line L3, and termination device 80 is communicably connected to air conditioning management device 10 with a communication base station 50 interposed therebetween via communication line L2. In other words, remote terminal 30 is communicably connected to air conditioning management device 10 with termination device 80 and communication base station 50 interposed therebetween via communication line L2 and communication line L3. Remote terminal 30 can acquire air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 and communication line L3.
[0015] Server device 40 is a cloud-type server device that includes an information terminal such as a PC. Server device 40 is configured to communicate with air conditioning management device 10 with communication base station 50 interposed therebetween via communication line L2. Specifically, similarly to remote terminal 30, server device 40 is communicably connected to air conditioning management device 10 with termination device 80 and communication base station 50 interposed therebetween via communication line L2 and communication line L3.
[0016] Communication line L1 is an example of a "first communication line". Communication line L1 is a fixed line using a wired LAN such as an optical line or a communication line using a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, and can transmit a large amount of data at high speed between local terminal 20 and air conditioning management device 10. Local terminal 20 is located within the range of communication with air conditioning management device 10 using a fixed line or a wireless LAN. For example, local terminal 20 and air conditioning management device 10 are located in the same building such as a first building. On the other hand, remote terminal 30 is located in a second building different from the first building where air conditioning management device 10 and local terminal 20 are located. Local terminal 20 may be configured to communicate data via the Internet, and may be configured to communicate data with air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L1 using a wired LAN or a wireless LAN without using the Internet.
[0017] Communication line L2 is an example of a "second communication line". Communication line L2 is provided by the mobile virtual network operator for IoT (Internet of Things). Communication line L2 may be an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) line, an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line, or an Internet line with an upper limit on at least one of the communication speed and the communication volume. The communication using communication line L2 is advantageous in that it is inexpensive, but it is disadvantageous in that it is low in speed and has an upper limit on the available communication volume per month.
[0018] Communication line L3 is an example of a "third communication line". Communication line L3 is a fixed line using a wired LAN such as an optical line or a communication line using a wireless LAN such as Wi-Fi, and can transmit a large amount of data at high speed between remote terminal 30 and server device 40 with termination device 80 interposed therebetween, which will be described later.
[0019] Communication line L2 has a limit on least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with each of communication line L1 and communication line L3. For example, each of communication line L1 and communication line L3 has no upper limit on the communication volume, or has an upper limit larger than the upper limit of the communication volume of communication line L2. The upper limit of the communication volume of communication line L2 is determined in advance, and is smaller than the upper limit of the communication volume of each of communication line L1 and communication line L3.
[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 2, air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning management device 10 and a local terminal 20 located in a first building, a remote terminal 30 and a termination device 80 located in a second building, and a server device 40 and a relay device 70 on cloud.
[0021] Air conditioning management device 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory 12, a storage unit 13, a display 14, an input unit 15, an external communication unit 16, a local communication unit 17, and an appliance communication unit 18.
[0022] Control unit 11 is a computing entity (computer) that performs various processes by executing various programs. Control unit 11 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro-processing unit (MPU). Note that the processor, which is an example of control unit 11, has the function of performing various processing by executing various programs, and a part or all of its functions may be implemented using a dedicated hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The "processor" is not limited to a processor defined in a narrow sense such as a CPU or an MPU that performs a process according to a stored program method, and may include a hardwired circuit such as an ASIC or a FPGA. Therefore, the "processor", which is an example of control unit 11, may be interpreted as a processing circuit in which a process is defined in advance by computer-readable codes and / or hardwired circuits. Control unit 11 may be composed of a single chip or a plurality of chips.
[0023] Memory 12 includes a volatile storage area (for example, a working area) that temporarily stores program codes, work memories or the like when control unit 11 executes various programs. Examples of memory 12 include a volatile memory such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), or a nonvolatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory.
[0024] Storage unit 13 stores various programs to be executed by control unit 11, various data or the like. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 2, storage unit 13 stores a display program (a program composed of HTML, CSS or the like) to be executed by control unit 11, air conditioning data to be referenced by control unit 11, and the like. Storage unit 13 may be one or more non-transitory computer-readable media or may be one or more computer-readable storage media. Examples of storage unit 13 include a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid state drive (SSD).
[0025] Display 14 displays a predetermined screen under the control of control unit 11. For example, control unit 11 executes a display program to generate a default screen in an air conditioning management screen which will described later with reference to Fig. 3, inputs air conditioning data to the default screen to generate an air conditioning management screen, and displays the air conditioning management screen on display 14.
[0026] Input unit 15 is an operation unit for receiving predetermined information input by a user, and includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.
[0027] External communication unit 16 is an interface configured to communicate with relay device 70 with communication base station 50 interposed therebetween via communication line L2. For example, air conditioning management device 10 is equipped with a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card (not shown), and can communicate with relay device 70 via communication line L2 provided by the mobile virtual network operator which is generally used by a mobile terminal or the like. Control unit 11 transmits the air conditioning data to relay device 70 by using external communication unit 16 to communicate with relay device 70 via communication line L2.
[0028] Local communication unit 17 is an interface configured to communicate with a local communication unit 27 of local terminal 20 via communication line L1. Control unit 11 transmits air conditioning data to local terminal 20 by using local communication unit 17 to communicate with local terminal 20.
[0029] Appliance communication unit 18 is an interface for connecting to air conditioner 60. Control unit 11 communicates with air conditioner 60 via appliance communication unit 18 to receive air conditioning data from air conditioner 60 and transmit control data to air conditioner 60.
[0030] Local terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory 22, a storage unit 23, a display 24, an input unit 25, and a local communication unit 27.
[0031] Control unit 21 is a computing entity (computer) that performs various processing by executing various programs. Control unit 21 has the same configuration as control unit 11, and may include, for example, a processor. The "processor", which is an example of control unit 21, may also be interpreted as a processing circuitry in which processing is defined in advance by computer readable codes and / or hardwired circuits.
[0032] Memory 22 includes a volatile storage area (for example, a working area) that temporarily stores program codes, work memories or the like when control unit 21 executes various programs. Memory 22 has the same configuration as memory 12, and may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.
[0033] Storage unit 23 stores various programs to be executed by control unit 21, various data or the like. Storage unit 23 has the same configuration as storage unit 13, and may be one or more non-transitory computer-readable media or may be one or more computer-readable storage media.
[0034] Display 24 displays a predetermined screen under the control of control unit 21. For example, display 24 displays an air conditioning management screen (which will be described later) generated based on the air conditioning data and the display program.
[0035] Input unit 25 is an operation unit for receiving predetermined information input by a user, and includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.
[0036] Local communication unit 27 is an interface configured to communicate with local communication unit 17 of air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L1. Control unit 21 receives air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 by using local communication unit 27 to communicate with air conditioning management device 10.
[0037] Remote terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a memory 32, a storage unit 33, a display 34, an input unit 35, and an external communication unit 36.
[0038] Control unit 31 is a computing entity (computer) that performs various processing by executing various programs. Control unit 31 has the same configuration as control unit 11, and may include, for example, a processor. The "processor", which is an example of control unit 31, may also be interpreted as a processing circuitry in which processing is defined in advance by computer readable codes and / or hardwired circuits.
[0039] Memory 32 includes a volatile storage area (for example, a working area) that temporarily stores program codes, work memories or the like when control unit 31 executes various programs. Memory 32 has the same configuration as memory 12, and may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.
[0040] Storage unit 33 stores various programs to be executed by control unit 31, various data or the like. Storage unit 33 has the same configuration as storage unit 13, and may be one or more non-transitory computer-readable media or may be one or more computer-readable storage media.
[0041] Display 34 displays a predetermined screen under the control of control unit 31. For example, display 34 displays an air conditioning management screen (which will be described later) generated based on the air conditioning data and the display program.
[0042] Input unit 35 is an operation unit for receiving predetermined information input by a user, and includes a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.
[0043] External communication unit 36 is an interface configured to communicate with an external communication unit 46 of server device 40 with termination device 80 interposed therebetween via communication line L3 and communicate with relay device 70 with termination device 80 interposed therebetween via communication line L2. Control unit 31 receives air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 by using external communication unit 36 to communicate with relay device 70.
[0044] Server device 40 includes a control unit 41, a memory 42, a storage unit 43, and an external communication unit 46.
[0045] Control unit 41 is a computing entity (computer) that executes various programs to execute various processing. Control unit 41 has the same configuration as control unit 11, and may include, for example, a processor. The "processor", which is an example of control unit 41, may also be interpreted as a processing circuitry in which processing is predefined by computer readable codes and / or hardwired circuits.
[0046] Memory 42 includes a volatile storage area (for example, a working area) that temporarily stores program codes, work memories or the like when control unit 41 executes various programs. Memory 42 has the same configuration as memory 12, and may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory.
[0047] Storage unit 43 stores various programs to be executed by control unit 41, various data or the like. Storage unit 43 has the same configuration as storage unit 13, and may be one or more non-transitory computer-readable media or may be one or more computer-readable storage media.
[0048] External communication unit 46 is an interface configured to communicate with external communication unit 36 of remote terminal 30 with termination device 80 interposed therebetween via communication line L3 and communicate with relay device 70 with termination device 80 interposed therebetween via communication line L2.
[0049] Relay device 70 is located between communication base station 50 and termination device 80, and is configured to communicate with communication base station 50 via communication line L2 and communicate with termination device 80 via communication line L2.
[0050] Termination device 80 is located between remote terminal 30 and relay device 70 and between server device 40 and relay device 70, and is configured to communicate with remote terminal 30 and server device 40 via communication line L3 and communicate with relay device 70 via communication line L2.
[0051] In air conditioning system 1 with the configuration as described above, each of air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20, and remote terminal 30 can display a common screen generated based on the air conditioning data.
[0052] Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning management screen displayed on the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 illustrates a common default screen to be displayed on display 14 of air conditioning management device 10, display 24 of local terminal 20, and display 34 of remote terminal 30, and a common air conditioning management screen generated by inputting air conditioning data to the default screen. The air conditioning management screen displays air conditioning data related to each air conditioner 60.
[0053] Each of air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20, and remote terminal 30 generates a default screen by executing a display program. The default screen is, for example, a standard screen in which an area for the air conditioning data of air conditioner 60 installed in each room is left blank, and when the air conditioning data is displayed in the blank area of each air conditioner 60, the user can confirm the air conditioning data of each air conditioner 60. Each of air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30 generates an air conditioning management screen by inputting the air conditioning data to the default screen, and displays the air conditioning management screen on each of displays 14, 24 and 34. The default screen and the air conditioning management screen are not limited to the example of Fig. 3, and may be displayed in other forms.
[0054] As described above, when the air conditioning management screen is generated using the common display program in each of air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30, the user can display the air conditioning management screen common to that displayed on air conditioning management device 10 on a terminal such as local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30 that can use a browser such as a PC or a smartphone. In addition, the user does not need to install a dedicated application for displaying the air conditioning management screen on local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30, and can easily display the air conditioning management screen by using a standard web browser. Further, when a common air conditioning management screen is displayed on air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20, and remote terminal 30, it is only necessary to learn an operation method on one air conditioning management screen, and thereby it is not necessary to learn different operation methods on air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30, which improves the convenience of the user.
[0055] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the air conditioning management screen displays air conditioning data related to an air conditioner A installed in a room A, air conditioning data related to an air conditioner B installed in a rest room, air conditioning data related to an air conditioner C installed in a room B, air conditioning data related to an air conditioner D installed in a conference room A, air conditioning data related to an air conditioner E installed in the president's office room, and air conditioning data related to an air conditioner F installed in a conference room B. The air conditioning data includes a preset temperature, an indoor temperature, a piping temperature, a power consumption amount, and the like. The air conditioning data is detected by a sensor or the like (not shown) and acquired by air conditioning management device 10.
[0056] As described above, air conditioning system 1 is configured in such a manner that each of air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30 displays a common air conditioning management screen generated based on the display program and the air conditioning data.
[0057] As described above, in order to display the air conditioning management screen as illustrated in Fig. 3 on a web browser, each of local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30 requires not only the air conditioning data but also the display program. In addition, since the display program is configured to cause the display of a graphical interface screen, the communication volume thereof is larger than that of numerical values such as the air conditioning data.
[0058] Since local terminal 20 is located within the range of LAN connection to air conditioning management device 10 (for example, within the first building), it is possible for it to acquire the air conditioning data and the display program from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L1 that supports large-capacity communication by using a fixed line or a wireless LAN. Therefore, even if local terminal 20 receives the air conditioning data and the display program from air conditioning management device 10 every time when it tries to display the air conditioning management screen, the communication volume may not reach the upper limit of the available communication volume earlier.
[0059] On the other hand, since remote terminal 30 is located beyond the range of LAN connection to air conditioning management device 10 (for example, within the second building), it is not possible for it to use communication line L1 that supports large-capacity communication, and thereby, remote terminal 30 is required to acquire the air conditioning data and the display program from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 which has a limit on the communication volume or the communication speed provided by the mobile virtual network operator. Therefore, even if remote terminal 30 receives the air conditioning data and the display program from air conditioning management device 10 every time when it tries to display the air conditioning management screen, the communication volume may reach the upper limit of the available communication volume earlier or the communication time may become longer. As a result, remote terminal 30 may not normally receive the air conditioning data and the display program from air conditioning management device 10, or may take a longer time to display the air conditioning management screen due to longer communication time.
[0060] Therefore, air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured in such a manner that server device 40 stores the display program in advance, and remote terminal 30 acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 and acquires the display program from server device 40 via communication line L3.
[0061] Data communication in air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication in air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 4, in air conditioning system 1, air conditioning management device 10 stores the display program in storage unit 13, and server device 40 also stores the display program in storage unit 43 in advance. Server device 40 may acquire the display program from air conditioning management device 10 in advance via communication line L2, or may acquire the display program from a work terminal other than air conditioning management device 10 in advance.
[0062] Local terminal 20 acquires the air conditioning data and the display program from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L1. Local terminal 20 generates a default screen by executing the display program, generates an air conditioning management screen by inputting the air conditioning data into the default screen, and displays the air conditioning management screen on display 24.
[0063] Remote terminal 30 acquires the display program from server device 40 via communication line L3, and acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2. Remote terminal 30 generates a default screen by executing the display program, generates an air conditioning management screen by inputting the air conditioning data into the default screen, and displays the air conditioning management screen on display 34. In other words, regardless of the contents of the air conditioning data, remote terminal 30 acquires the display program for generating the default screen from server device 40 instead of air conditioning management device 10, and acquires the air conditioning data which may change in response to the operation conditions of air conditioner 60 from air conditioning management device 10.
[0064] As described above, remote terminal 30 acquires the air conditioning data by using communication line L2 which has a limit on at least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with communication line L1, and acquires the display program having a larger communication volume than the air conditioning data from server device 40 by using communication line L3, and thereby, it is possible to reduce the communication cost by using communication line L2 provided by the mobile virtual network operator, and it is possible to display the air conditioning management screen common to that displayed on local terminal 20. In other words, even if the communication between air conditioning management device 10 and remote terminal 30 is performed using the inexpensive communication line L2 provided by the mobile virtual network operator, air conditioning system 1 can reduce only the communication volume between air conditioning management device 10 and remote terminal 30 without reducing the functions related to the display of the air conditioning management screen, and can provide the user with an air conditioning management screen which has a common interface on air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30.
[0065] In the example described above, the air conditioning management screen of Fig. 3 is exemplified as a common screen displayed on air conditioning management device 10, local terminal 20 and remote terminal 30, the common screen may be displayed in other forms as long as it is a screen for displaying air conditioning data. For example, the air conditioning management screen of Fig. 3 is configured to allow the user to browse the air conditioning data, but may be configured to allow the user to set the operation conditions (for example, the preset temperature or the like) of air conditioner 60.Second Embodiment.
[0066] An air conditioning system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment, only the configurations and functions different from those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the configurations and functions common to those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will not be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning management screen displayed on air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment.
[0067] Since remote terminal 30 acquires air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2, the communication volume of the air conditioning data is preferably as small as possible. For example, the air conditioning data includes a plurality of types of data such as the preset temperature, the indoor temperature, the piping temperature and the power consumption amount, and if all of the air conditioning data is periodically transmitted from air conditioning management device 10 to remote terminal 30, it may increase the communication volume of the air conditioning data.
[0068] Therefore, air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment is configured in such a manner that the number of types of the air conditioning data acquired by remote terminal 30 from air conditioning management device 10 is the same as the number of types of the air conditioning data acquired by local terminal 20 from air conditioning management device 10 or fewer than the number of types of the air conditioning data acquired by local terminal 20 from air conditioning management device 10.
[0069] For example, among a plurality of types of air conditioning data, remote terminal 30 may request only the air conditioning data desired by the user from air conditioning management device 10 based on the user input acquired by input unit 35, and air conditioning management device 10 may transmit only the air conditioning data desired and requested by the user from remote terminal 30 to remote terminal 30. Remote terminal 30 may acquire only the air conditioning data desired by the user from air conditioning management device 10 and display the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0070] In the example of Fig. 5, local terminal 20 acquires all of the preset temperature, the indoor temperature, the piping temperature and the power consumption amount from air conditioning management device 10 and displays the acquired data on the air conditioning management screen, whereas remote terminal 30 acquires only the preset temperature, the indoor temperature, and the power consumption amount except the piping temperature from air conditioning management device 10 and displays the acquired data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0071] In this way, since the user can acquire only the desired air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 and display the air conditioning data on remote terminal 30 for the purpose of management, it is possible to reduce the communication volume of the air conditioning data to be transmitted from air conditioning management device 10 to remote terminal 30 via communication line L2.
[0072] In addition, the user may set the types of air conditioning data to be displayed on the air conditioning management screen of remote terminal 30 by using not only input unit 35 of remote terminal 30 but also input unit 15 of air conditioning management device 10. In this case, air conditioning management device 10 may transmit only the air conditioning data desired by the user to remote terminal 30 based on the user input acquired by input unit 15, and remote terminal 30 may acquire only the air conditioning data desired by the user from air conditioning management device 10 and display the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0073] Air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment may also be configured in such a manner that the frequency at which remote terminal 30 acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 is the same as the frequency at which local terminal 20 acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 or lower than the frequency at which local terminal 20 acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10.
[0074] For example, remote terminal 30 may set the frequency of requesting the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 based on the user input acquired by input unit 35. Further, remote terminal 30 may set the frequency of requesting each of the plurality of types of air conditioning data based on the user input acquired by input unit 35. Air conditioning management device 10 may periodically transmit each air conditioning data to remote terminal 30 according to the frequency set by remote terminal 30. Remote terminal 30 may acquire the air conditioning data periodically transmitted from air conditioning management device 10 and display the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0075] In the example of Fig. 5, Local terminal 20 acquires the air conditioning data including the preset temperature, the indoor temperature, the piping temperature and the power consumption amount from air conditioning management device 10 every minute and displays the acquired data on the air conditioning management screen, whereas remote terminal 30 acquires the preset temperature from air conditioning management device 10 every minute, acquires the indoor temperature from air conditioning management device 10 every 10 minutes, acquires the power consumption amount from air conditioning management device 10 every hour, and periodically displays the acquired data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0076] Thus, for the purpose of management, the user can increase the frequency to update the air conditioning data that needs to be frequently confirmed and decrease the frequency to update the air conditioning data that does not need to be frequently confirmed, and thereby it is possible to reduce the communication volume of the air conditioning data to be transmitted from air conditioning management device 10 to remote terminal 30 via communication line L2.
[0077] The user may set the frequency at which remote terminal 30 displays the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen by using not only input unit 35 of remote terminal 30 but also input unit 15 of air conditioning management device 10. In this case, air conditioning management device 10 may transmit the air conditioning data to remote terminal 30 at a frequency set for each of the plurality of types of air conditioning data based on the user input acquired by input unit 15, and remote terminal 30 may periodically acquire the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 and display the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0078] In this way, air conditioning system 1 can decrease the communication volume of the air conditioning data acquired from air conditioning management device 10 by remote terminal 30 smaller than the communication volume of the air conditioning data acquired from air conditioning management device 10 by local terminal 20. Accordingly, air conditioning system 1 can display the air conditioning data desired by the user on the air conditioning management screen of remote terminal 30 while reducing the communication cost using communication line L2 provided by the mobile virtual network operator.Third Embodiment.
[0079] An air conditioning system 1 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. In air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment, only the configurations and functions different from those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the configurations and functions common to those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will not be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning management screen displayed on air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment.
[0080] For example, a plurality of air conditioners 60 on a scale of 100 units may be connected to air conditioning management device 10, and it is difficult to display the air conditioning data related to all the air conditioners 60 on one air conditioning management screen in consideration of the size limit of display 34 on which the air conditioning management screen of Fig. 3 is displayed.
[0081] Therefore, air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment is configured in such a manner that remote terminal 30 acquires from air conditioning management device 10 only the air conditioning data related to at least one air conditioner 60 included in a screen displayed on display 34 of remote terminal 30.
[0082] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 6, remote terminal 30 can display on display 34 a floor image indicating a floor of a building in which a plurality of air conditioners 60 are installed. The user can increase or decrease the number of the air conditioners 60 included in the air conditioning management screen displayed on display 34 by dragging the floor image to move on display 34 with input unit 35 (for example, a touch panel), or by pinching in the floor image to reduce the size of the floor image or pinching out the floor image to enlarge the size of the floor image. Remote terminal 30 may request only the air conditioning data related to the air conditioners 60 included in the floor image moved, reduced or enlarged on the screen of display 34 by the user to air conditioning management device 10, and air conditioning management device 10 may transmit to remote terminal 30 only the air conditioning data requested by remote terminal 30. Remote terminal 30 may acquire only the air conditioning data desired by the user from air conditioning management device 10 and display the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0083] In the example of Fig. 6, remote terminal 30 acquires from air conditioning management device 10 only the air conditioning data related to update targets such as air conditioner A in room A, air conditioner C in room B, and air conditioner E in the president's office room included in the air conditioning management screen displayed on display 34, and displays the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen. On the other hand, remote terminal 30 does not acquire from air conditioning management device 10 the air conditioning data related to non-update targets such as air conditioner B, air conditioner D and air conditioners F to J which are not included in the air conditioning management screen displayed on display 34, and does not display the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen. Note that remote terminal 30 may acquire important data (for example, abnormal data of air conditioner 60) which is more important than the air conditioning data for the update targets such as air conditioner B, air conditioner D and air conditioners F to J from air conditioning management device 10 even if these air conditioners are not included in the air conditioning management screen displayed on display 34.
[0084] Although Fig. 6 illustrates an example air conditioning management screen displayed on display 34 of remote terminal 30, the same is applied to the air conditioning management screen displayed on display 24 of local terminal 20, in other words, only the air conditioning data for the air conditioners dragged, pinched in or pinched out by the user may be displayed on the air conditioning management screen.
[0085] Data communication in air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication in air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 7, local terminal 20 acquires a floor image from air conditioning management device 10. Accordingly, local terminal 20 can display the floor image on display 24, acquire from air conditioning management device 10 only the air conditioning data for the air conditioners dragged, pinched in or pinched out by the user and display the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0086] On the other hand, the user uses a work terminal 90 to upload a floor image from work terminal 90 to server device 40. The user may use air conditioning management device 10 or local terminal 20 to upload the floor image from air conditioning management device 10 or local terminal 20 to server device 40. Remote terminal 30 acquires the floor image from server device 40. Thus, remote terminal 30 can display the floor image on display 34, acquire from air conditioning management device 10 only the air conditioning data for the air conditioners dragged, pinched in or pinched out by the user and display the air conditioning data on the air conditioning management screen.
[0087] As described above, instead of acquiring the air conditioning data related to all the air conditioners 60 from air conditioning management device 10, remote terminal 30 acquires only the air conditioning data related to the air conditioners 60 included in the floor image displayed on display 34 from air conditioning management device 10, and thereby it is possible to reduce the communication volume of the air conditioning data acquired from air conditioning management device 10.Fourth Embodiment.
[0088] An air conditioning system 1 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, only the configurations and functions different from those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the configurations and functions common to those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will not be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication in air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment.
[0089] For example, it may be envisaged that air conditioning system 1 includes a plurality of remote terminals 30, and each remote terminal 30 displays the air conditioning data acquired from air conditioning management device 10. In this case, if each remote terminal 30 individually acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10, air conditioning management device 10 transmits the same air conditioning data to each remote terminal 30, which is wasteful in terms of reducing the communication volume.
[0090] Therefore, air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is configured in such a manner that at least one remote terminal 30 of the plurality of remote terminals 30 is set as a master unit and the other remote terminals 30 are set as slave units, only the master unit is configured to acquire the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10, and each slave unit is configured to acquire the air conditioning data from the master unit. Furthermore, when the master unit becomes unable to communicate with air conditioning management device 10, at least one slave unit included in the slave units may be promoted to the master unit so as to acquire the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10.
[0091] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 8, air conditioning system 1 includes a plurality of remote terminals 30A, 30B and 30C installed in the second building. Among the plurality of remote terminals 30A, 30B and 30C, remote terminal 30A is set as a master device, and remote terminals 30B and 30C are set as slave devices. Remote terminal 30A is an example of a "first remote terminal", and can communicate with air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 and communication line L3. Remote terminals 30B and 30C are examples of a "second remote terminal", and can communicate with remote terminal 30A via communication line L3. Remote terminal 30A acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10. Remote terminals 30B and 30C acquire the air conditioning data not from air conditioning management device 10 but from remote terminal 30A. When remote terminal 30A becomes unable to communicate with air conditioning management device 10, remote terminal 30B or remote terminal 30C is promoted to the master device so as to acquire the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10.
[0092] As described above, air conditioning management device 10 transmits the air conditioning data only to at least one remote terminal 30 that is the master device instead of individually transmitting the air conditioning data to each of the plurality of remote terminals 30, and thereby it is possible to reduce the communication volume of the air conditioning data transmitted from air conditioning management device 10 to remote terminal 30.Fifth Embodiment.
[0093] An air conditioning system 1 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. In air conditioning system 1 according to the fifth embodiment, only the configurations and functions different from those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the configurations and functions common to those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will not be described.
[0094] For example, in air conditioning system 1, each of remote terminal 30 and local terminal 20 may acquire important data which is more important than the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 in addition to the air conditioning data. The important data includes, for example, abnormal information related to an abnormality of at least one air conditioner 60. Such abnormal information includes information useful in analyzing a malfunction or a failure of air conditioner 60.
[0095] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication when the data communication is normal in air conditioning system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 9, local terminal 20 acquires air conditioning data and important data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L1, and displays the air conditioning data and important data on display 24. Thus, the user can use local terminal 20 to confirm the air conditioning data and the important data. On the other hand, remote terminal 30 acquires air conditioning data and important data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2, and displays the air conditioning data and important data on display 34. Thus, the user can use remote terminal 30 to confirm the air conditioning data and the important data in the same manner as in the case of local terminal 20.
[0096] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data communication when the data communication is abnormal in air conditioning system 1 according to the fifth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 10, when communication line L2 is abnormal, remote terminal 30 cannot acquire the air conditioning data and the important data from air conditioning management device 10, and thus cannot display the air conditioning data and the important data on display 34. Since the abnormality of air conditioner 60 may include highly urgent abnormality such as refrigerant leakage, it is preferable to display important data on display 34 whenever possible.
[0097] Therefore, in air conditioning system 1 according to the fifth embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 9, server device 40 acquires important data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 when communication line L2 is normal, and stores the important data in storage unit 43. On the other hand, as illustrated in Fig. 10, when communication line L2 is abnormal, remote terminal 30 acquires the important data not from air conditioning management device 10 but from server device 40 via communication line L3, and displays the important data on display 34.
[0098] Note that remote terminal 30 may determine that a communication error has occurred in communication line L2 when a response signal called PINGPONG or heartbeat, which is periodically transmitted from air conditioning management device 10, has not been received for more than a predetermined period of time.
[0099] As described above, when the important data cannot be acquired from air conditioning management device 10 when communication line L2 is abnormal, remote terminal 30 can acquire the important data cached in server device 40 via communication line L3 and display the important data on display 34. Thus, even when a communication error occurs in communication line L2, the user can confirm the important data immediately before the occurrence of the communication error by using remote terminal 30. In addition, since remote terminal 30 acquires the important data from air conditioning management device 10 when communication line L2 is normal, it is possible to reduce the access load to server device 40.Sixth Embodiment.
[0100] An air conditioning system 1 according to a sixth embodiment will be described. In air conditioning system 1 according to the sixth embodiment, only the configurations and functions different from those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the configurations and functions common to those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will not be described.
[0101] The display program stored in server device 40 is constantly updated to the latest version, whereas the display program stored in air conditioning management device 10 may remain in the old version at the time when air conditioning management device 10 was installed. In such a case, the screen displayed on remote terminal 30 according to the display program acquired from server device 40 may be different from the screen displayed on local terminal 20 according to the display program acquired from air conditioning management device 10.
[0102] Therefore, in air conditioning system 1 according to the sixth embodiment, the air conditioning data acquired by remote terminal 30 from air conditioning management device 10 may include version information indicating a version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10. In addition, remote terminal 30 may compare the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10 with the version of the display program acquired from server device 40 based on the version information, and when the two versions are different from each other, remote terminal 30 may perform a notification process to make the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10 the same as the version of the display program acquired from server device 40.
[0103] For example, as the notification process, remote terminal 30 may display a screen to notify the user that the version of the display program stored in air conditioning management device 10 is different from the version of the display program acquired from server device 40, or may display a screen to prompt the user to update the version of the display program stored in air conditioning management device 10 to the latest version which is the same as the version of the display program acquired from server device 40.
[0104] Thus, the user can confirm whether or not the version of the display program stored in air conditioning management device 10 is the same as the version of the display program acquired from server device 40 based on the screen displayed on remote terminal 30, and when the two versions are different from each other, the user can update the version of the display program stored in air conditioning management device 10 to the latest version which is the same as the version of the display program acquired from server device 40. For example, by causing air conditioning management device 10 to communicate with server device 40, the user can download the latest version of the display program from server device 40 to air conditioning management device 10 so as to make the version of the display program stored in air conditioning management device 10 the same as the version of the display program acquired from server device 40.
[0105] Since the version of the display program acquired from server device 40 is the same as the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10, remote terminal 30 can display a screen which is common to that displayed on local terminal 20.(Summary)
[0106] An air conditioning system 1 according to the present disclosure includes at least one air conditioner 60, an air conditioning management device 10 configured to manage at least one air conditioner 60, a local terminal 20 configured to communicate with air conditioning management device 10 via a communication line L1, at least one remote terminal 30 configured to communicate with air conditioning management device 10 via a communication line L2, and a server device 40 configured to communicate with at least one remote terminal 30 via a communication line L3. Communication line L2 has a limit on at least one of a communication volume and a communication speed as compared with each of communication line L1 and communication line L3. Air conditioning management device 10 stores air conditioning data related to at least one air conditioner 60 and a display program for displaying the air conditioning data. Server device 40 stores the display program. Local terminal 20 acquires the air conditioning data and the display program from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L1, and displays the air conditioning data based on the air conditioning data and the display program. At least one remote terminal 30 acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2, acquires the display program from server device 40 via communication line L3, and displays the air conditioning data based on the air conditioning data and the display program.
[0107] Accordingly, since remote terminal 30 can acquire the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 which has a limit on at least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with communication line L1, and acquire the display program from server device 40 via communication line L3 which has no limit on at least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with communication line L2, it is possible to display a screen which is common to that displayed on local terminal 20 while using communication line L2 which has a limit on at least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with communication line L1.Communication line L2 is provided by a mobile virtual network operator.
[0108] Accordingly, since remote terminal 30 can acquire the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 provided by the mobile virtual network operator and acquire the display program from server device 40 via communication line L3, it is possible to display a screen which is common to that displayed on local terminal 20 while using communication line L2 provided by the mobile virtual network operator.Communication line L1 uses a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.
[0109] Accordingly, remote terminal 30 can acquire the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 which has a limit on at least one of the communication volume and the communication speed as compared with communication line L1 using a wireless LAN or a wired LAN, and can acquire the display program from server device 40 via communication line L3, and thus can display a screen which is common to that displayed on local terminal 20 while using communication line L2.
[0110] A communication volume of the display program is larger than a communication volume of the air conditioning data.
[0111] Accordingly, remote terminal 30 can acquire the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2, and can acquire the display program having a larger communication volume than the air conditioning data from server device 40 via communication line L3, and thus can display a screen which is common to that displayed on local terminal 20 while using communication line L2.
[0112] The number of types of air conditioning data acquired by at least one remote terminal 30 from air conditioning management device 10 is the same as the number of types of air conditioning data acquired by local terminal 20 from air conditioning management device 10 or fewer than the number of types of air conditioning data acquired by local terminal 20 from air conditioning management device 10.
[0113] Accordingly, since remote terminal 30 acquires only the necessary air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 and displays the air conditioning data, it is possible to reduce the communication volume of the air conditioning data to be transmitted from air conditioning management device 10 to remote terminal 30 via communication line L2.
[0114] The frequency at which at least one remote terminal 30 acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 is the same as the frequency at which local terminal 20 acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 or lower than the frequency at which local terminal 20 acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10.
[0115] Thus, the user can increase the frequency to update the air conditioning data that needs to be frequently confirmed and decrease the frequency to update the air conditioning data that does not need to be frequently confirmed, and thereby it is possible to reduce the communication volume of the air conditioning data to be transmitted from air conditioning management device 10 to remote terminal 30 via communication line L2.
[0116] At least one remote terminal 30 acquires only the air conditioning data related to at least one air conditioner 60 included in a displayed screen from air conditioning management device 10.
[0117] Accordingly, remote terminal 30 acquires only the air conditioning data related to air conditioner 60 included in the floor image displayed on display 34 from air conditioning management device 10, and thereby it is possible to reduce the communication volume of the air conditioning data acquired from air conditioning management device 10.
[0118] At least one remote terminal 30 includes a remote terminal 30A configured to communicate with air conditioning management device 10, and remote terminals 30B and 30C configured to communicate with remote terminal 30A. Remote terminal 30A acquires the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10. Remote terminals 30B and 30C acquire the air conditioning data from remote terminal 30A.
[0119] Accordingly, air conditioning management device 10 transmits the air conditioning data only to at least one remote terminal 30A, which is the master device, instead of individually transmitting the air conditioning data to each of the plurality of remote terminals 30A, 30B, and 30C, and thereby it is possible to reduce the communication volume of the air conditioning data transmitted from air conditioning management device 10 to remote terminals 30A, 30B and 30C.
[0120] The air conditioning data includes version information indicating a version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10. Based on the version information, at least one remote terminal 30 compares the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10 with the version of the display program acquired from server device 40.
[0121] Accordingly, remote terminal 30 can determine whether or not the version of the display program acquired from server device 40 is the same as the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10.
[0122] When the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10 is different from the version of the display program acquired from server device 40, at least one remote terminal 30 performs a notification process to make the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10 the same as the version of the display program acquired from server device 40.
[0123] Accordingly, since remote terminal 30 can make the version of the display program acquired from server device 40 the same as the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10, when the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10 is older than the version of the display program acquired from server device 40, for example, the version of the display program stored by air conditioning management device 10 may be updated, and thereby it is possible to display a screen which is common to that displayed on local terminal 20.
[0124] When communication line L2 is normal, server device 40 acquires important data that is more important than the air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 and stores the important data. At least one remote terminal 30 acquires important data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2 when communication line L2 is normal, and acquires important data from server device 40 when communication line L2 is abnormal.
[0125] Accordingly, when the important data cannot be acquired from air conditioning management device 10 when communication line L2 is abnormal, remote terminal 30 can acquire the important data stored in server device 40 via communication line L3 and display the important data on display 34, and therefore, even when a communication error occurs in communication line L2, the important data immediately before the occurrence of the communication error can be displayed on display 34. In addition, since remote terminal 30 acquires the important data from air conditioning management device 10 when communication line L2 is normal, it is possible to reduce the access load to server device 40.
[0126] The important data includes abnormal information related to an abnormality of the at least one air conditioner.
[0127] Accordingly, even when a communication error occurs in communication line L2, remote terminal 30 can display abnormal information related to the abnormality of the air conditioner immediately before the occurrence of the communication error on display 34.
[0128] Although the air conditioning system 1 according to each of the first to sixth embodiments has been described above, the configurations and functions of the air conditioning systems 1 may be combined. For example, one air conditioning system 1 may include all of the configurations and functions of the air conditioning system 1 according to each of the first to sixth embodiments.
[0129] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the terms of the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0130] 1: air conditioning system; 10: air conditioning management device; 11, 21, 31, 41: control unit; 12, 22, 32, 42: memory; 13, 23, 33, 43: storage unit; 14, 24, 34: display; 15, 25, 35: input unit; 16, 36, 46: external communication unit; 17, 27: local communication unit; 18: appliance communication unit; 20: local terminal; 30, 30A, 30B, 30C: remote terminal; 40: server device; 50: communication base station; 60: air conditioner; 61: outdoor unit; 62: indoor unit; 70: relay device; 80: termination device; 90: work terminal; L1, L2, L3: communication line.
Examples
first embodiment
[0010]An air conditioning system 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 1, air conditioning system 1 includes at least one air conditioner 60, an air conditioning management device 10, a local terminal 20, a remote terminal 30, and a server device 40.
[0011]Air conditioner 60 includes an outdoor unit 61 and an indoor unit 62, and is configured to adjust the temperature, humidity or the like of air sucked from an indoor space by circulating refrigerant in outdoor unit 61 and indoor unit 62 and supply the adjusted air to the indoor space. In the example of Fig. 1, a plurality of indoor units 62 are connected to one outdoor unit, and one outdoor unit 61 and one indoor unit 62 constitute an air conditioner 60.
[0012]Air conditioning management device 10 is connected to at least one air conditioner 60, ...
second embodiment
[0066]An air conditioning system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment, only the configurations and functions different from those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the configurations and functions common to those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will not be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning management screen displayed on air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment.
[0067]Since remote terminal 30 acquires air conditioning data from air conditioning management device 10 via communication line L2, the communication volume of the air conditioning data is preferably as small as possible. For example, the air conditioning data includes a plurality of types of data such as the preset temperature, the indoor temperature, the piping temperature and...
third embodiment
[0079]An air conditioning system 1 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. In air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment, only the configurations and functions different from those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the configurations and functions common to those of air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment will not be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an air conditioning management screen displayed on air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment.
[0080]For example, a plurality of air conditioners 60 on a scale of 100 units may be connected to air conditioning management device 10, and it is difficult to display the air conditioning data related to all the air conditioners 60 on one air conditioning management screen in consideration of the size limit of display 34 on which the air conditioning mana...
Claims
1. An air conditioning system comprising: at least one air conditioner; an air conditioning management device configured to manage the at least one air conditioner; a local terminal configured to communicate with the air conditioning management device via a first communication line; at least one remote terminal configured to communicate with the air conditioning management device via a second communication line; and a server device configured to communicate with the at least one remote terminal via a third communication line, the second communication line has a limit on at least one of a communication volume and a communication speed as compared with each of the first communication line and the third communication line, the air conditioning management device stores air conditioning data related to the at least one air conditioner and a display program for displaying the air conditioning data, the server device stores the display program, the local terminal acquires the air conditioning data and the display program from the air conditioning management device via the first communication line, and displays the air conditioning data based on the air conditioning data and the display program, and the at least one remote terminal acquires the air conditioning data from the air conditioning management device via the second communication line, acquires the display program from the server device via the third communication line, and displays the air conditioning data based on the air conditioning data and the display program.
2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication line is provided by a mobile virtual network operator.
3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first communication line uses a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.
4. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a communication volume of the display program is larger than a communication volume of the air conditioning data.
5. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the number of types of the air conditioning data acquired by the at least one remote terminal from the air conditioning management device is the same as the number of types of the air conditioning data acquired by the local terminal from the air conditioning management device or fewer than the number of types of the air conditioning data acquired by the local terminal from the air conditioning management device.
6. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a frequency at which the at least one remote terminal acquires the air conditioning data from the air conditioning management device is the same as a frequency at which the local terminal acquires the air conditioning data from the air conditioning management device or lower than a frequency at which the local terminal acquires the air conditioning data from the air conditioning management device.
7. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one remote terminal acquires only the air conditioning data related to the at least one air conditioner included in a displayed screen from the air conditioning management device.
8. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one remote terminal includes a first remote terminal configured to communicate with the air conditioning management device and a second remote terminal configured to communicate with the first remote terminal, the first remote terminal acquires the air conditioning data from the air conditioning management device, and the second remote terminal acquires the air conditioning data from the first remote terminal.
9. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the server device acquires important data that is more important than the air conditioning data from the air conditioning management device via the second communication line when the second communication line is normal and stores the important data, the at least one remote terminal acquires the important data from the air conditioning management device via the second communication line when the second communication line is normal, and acquires the important data from the server device when the second communication line is abnormal.
10. The air conditioning system according to claim 9, wherein the important data includes abnormal information related to an abnormality of the at least one air conditioner.
11. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the air conditioning data includes version information indicating a version of the display program stored by the air conditioning management device, and the at least one remote terminal compares the version of the display program stored by the air conditioning management device with the version of the display program obtained from the server device based on the version information.
12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein when the version of the display program stored by the air conditioning management device is different from the version of the display program acquired from the server device, the at least one remote terminal performs a notification process to make the version of the display program stored by the air conditioning management device the same as the version of the display program acquired from the server device.