Air conditioning management system

Abstract

To enable an operation schedule to be flexibly set.SOLUTION: An air conditioning management system 1 is provided, which manages a plurality of air conditioners (a room air conditioner 3, a non-living room air conditioner 4, a duct type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6) installed in a building 2. The air conditioning management system 1 comprises: input information reception means (a home gateway 7) receiving input information by a user; operation schedule generation means (the home gateway 7) generating the operation schedule of each of the plurality of air conditioners on the basis of the input information; and air conditioning control means (the home gateway 7) controlling the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioners on the basis of the operation schedule, and the air conditioner control means sets a schedule for the day or a schedule for the nearest future week on the basis of the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means, and controls the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioners on the basis of the set schedule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning management system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a whole-building air conditioning system has been proposed that can adjust the air quality in a plurality of rooms in a building using a single air conditioner (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In some cases, whole-building air conditioning is also performed using multiple air conditioners. In such a case, for example, it is possible to control the air conditioner on the first floor to be on and the air conditioner on the second floor to be off. When performing whole-building air conditioning using a single air conditioner as in Patent Document 1, the user may set a schedule (timer) for the single air conditioner so that the single air conditioner operates according to the schedule.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when performing whole-building air conditioning using multiple air conditioners, the user needs to set an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioners, which is troublesome. Furthermore, when there is a change in the scheduled schedule, it has been difficult to set the operation schedule flexibly.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem is to be able to set an operation schedule flexibly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, in an air-conditioning management system 1 for managing a plurality of air-conditioning devices (room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, duct air conditioner 5, floor heating 6) installed in a building 2, input information receiving means (home gateway 7) for receiving input information input by a user, operation schedule generating means (home gateway 7) for generating an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices based on the input information, air-conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices, and the air-conditioning device control means sets a schedule for the current day or the schedule for the most recent week based on the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means, and controls the operation of each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices based on the set schedule.

[0007] According to the invention described in claim 1, by simply inputting input information by the user, an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices is generated based on the input information, and a schedule for the current day or the schedule for the most recent week is set based on the generated operation schedule. Therefore, the operation schedule can be set flexibly.

[0008] The invention according to claim 2 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17, in the air-conditioning management system 1 described in claim 1, the operation schedule generating means (home gateway 7) can generate, as the operation schedule, an event schedule and a day-of-week schedule based on a normal daily pattern provided for each day of the week, the air-conditioning device control means (home gateway 7), as the schedule for the most recent week, applies the event schedule to one or a plurality of days of the week specified by the user, For other days of the week, a schedule to which the corresponding day-of-the-week schedule is applied is set.

[0009] According to the invention described in claim 2, when there are irregular events in the most recent week, it is possible to respond flexibly, so it is user-friendly.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17. In the air-conditioning management system 1 described in claim 2, When the event schedule is applied to a predetermined day of the week in the most recent week, at the time of switching from the predetermined day of the week in the most recent week to the next day of the week, the application of the event schedule is cancelled, and for the predetermined day of the week in the following week, the day-of-the-week schedule corresponding to the predetermined day of the week is applied.

[0011] According to the invention described in claim 3, since the expiration date of the event schedule is one week, when there are irregular events in the most recent week, it is possible to respond flexibly and it is user-friendly.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17. In the air-conditioning management system 1 described in claim 1, the operation schedule generation means can generate, as the operation schedule, a today-only schedule and a day-of-the-week schedule provided for each day of the week based on a normal daily pattern, the air-conditioning device control means, as the schedule for the current day, at the time of switching from the previous day to the current day, sets a schedule to which the day-of-the-week schedule corresponding to the day of the week of the current day is applied, and when the today-only schedule is generated, re-sets a schedule to which the today-only schedule is applied instead of the day-of-the-week schedule.

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 4, when there is an irregular event today, it can respond flexibly, so it is user-friendly.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17, In the air conditioning management system 1 described in claim 4, When the today-limited schedule is applied, At the time of switching from today to the next day, the application of the today-limited schedule is cancelled, and as the schedule for that day, a schedule to which the day-of-week schedule corresponding to the next day is applied is set.

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 5, since the expiration date of the today-limited schedule is one day, when there is an irregular event only for one day, it can respond flexibly and is user-friendly.

[0016] The invention described in claim 6 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17 (particularly FIGS. 10 to 12), In the air conditioning management system 1 described in claim 2, The event schedule can be generated by copying the day-of-week schedule.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 6, since the event schedule can be easily generated, it is user-friendly.

[0018] The invention described in claim 7 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17 (particularly FIGS. 14 to 16), In the air conditioning management system 1 described in claim 2, The user can visibly display one or more days of the week to which the event schedule is applied.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 7, since the days of the week to which the event schedule is applied can be easily grasped, it is user-friendly.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, the operation schedule can be set flexibly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0023] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the air conditioning management system 1 in the first embodiment. The air conditioning management system 1 is a whole-building air conditioning system that manages the air conditioning of the entire building 2 using a plurality of air conditioning facilities (air conditioners). Specifically, the air conditioning management system 1 includes various facilities (room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, duct type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6, home gateway 7) provided in the building 2, a terminal device 8, and a communication network N. Note that the building 2 in the present embodiment is a two-story building as shown in FIG. 1(b), but it is not limited thereto, and it may be a one-story building or a three-story building or more.

[0024] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), a room air conditioner 3 is installed in the living and dining (LD) in the building 2, but the room where the room air conditioner 3 is installed is not limited to the living and dining. Also, there may be a plurality of rooms where the room air conditioner 3 is installed. That is, the room air conditioner 3 that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 may be one unit or a plurality of units. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 1(b), a wall-mounted air conditioner is installed as the room air conditioner 3, but the room air conditioner 3 is not limited to a wall-mounted air conditioner, and for example, a ceiling-embedded air conditioner may be used.

[0025] Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the non-residential air conditioner 4 is installed in the washroom within the building 2. However, the room where the non-residential air conditioner 4 is installed is not limited to the washroom. Also, there may be a plurality of rooms where the non-residential air conditioner 4 is installed. That is, the non-residential air conditioner 4 that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 may be one unit or a plurality of units. Here, the non-residential air conditioner 4 is a more compact air conditioner than the room air conditioner 3 and is suitable for installation in small spaces where it is difficult to install the room air conditioner 3. Specifically, the non-residential air conditioner 4 can be installed in rooms (non-residential rooms) such as washrooms, dressing rooms, kitchens, toilets, studies, remote work spaces, corridors, entrance halls, walk-in closets, etc.

[0026] Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the air outlet 5a of the ducted air conditioner 5 is installed in the western-style room and the corridor on the second floor within the building 2. However, the rooms where the air outlet 5a is installed are not limited to the western-style room and the corridor, nor are they limited to the rooms on the second floor. Also, when installing the air outlet 5a in the rooms on the first floor and the second floor, a ducted air conditioner 5 dedicated to the first floor and a ducted air conditioner 5 dedicated to the second floor may be installed, or a ducted air conditioner 5 shared between the first floor and the second floor may be installed. That is, the ducted air conditioner 5 that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 may be one unit or a plurality of units. Here, the ducted air conditioner 5 has a plurality of air outlets 5a and a plurality of ducts 5b, and is an air conditioner that sends the air whose temperature is adjusted by the air conditioner main body into each room where the air outlet 5a is installed through the ducts 5b and the air outlets 5a.

[0027] In addition, in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1(b), a floor heating 6 is installed in the living-dining room within the building 2. However, the room where the floor heating 6 is installed is not limited to the living-dining room. Also, there may be a plurality of rooms where the floor heating 6 is installed. That is, the floor heating 6 that can be managed by the air-conditioning management system 1 may be one unit or a plurality of units. Further, in the present embodiment, the floor heating 6 is installed in the room where the room air conditioner 3 is installed, but it is not limited thereto, and the room where the room air conditioner 3 is installed and the room where the floor heating 6 is installed may be different.

[0028] Also, the air-conditioning management system 1 in the present embodiment is a whole-building air-conditioning system that manages a plurality of air-conditioning facilities (air-conditioning devices) to perform air-conditioning for the entire building 2, but it is not limited thereto. The air-conditioning management system 1 may be a system that manages a plurality of air-conditioning facilities (air-conditioning devices) installed in the building 2 and performs air-conditioning for only a specific space within the building 2 (for example, only the living rooms, only the first floor, only the second floor). Also, if there are a plurality of air-conditioning facilities (air-conditioning devices) that can be managed by the air-conditioning management system 1, the plurality of air-conditioning facilities may be of the same type. Specifically, for example, when there are two or more air-conditioning facilities that can be managed by the air-conditioning management system 1, two of them may be room air conditioners 3 (for example, the room air conditioner 3 installed in the living-dining room on the first floor and the room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor).

[0029] Also, in the present embodiment, no air-conditioning facilities (air-conditioning devices) are installed in the toilet, bathroom, and storage room within the building 2, but they may be installed. In addition, the air-conditioning equipment (air conditioner) that the air-conditioning management system 1 can manage is not limited to the room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, ducted air conditioner 5, and floor heating 6. For example, it may be a fan. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1(b), when the living-dining room and the washroom are adjacent, instead of installing the non-residential air conditioner 4 in the washroom, a fan that can be managed by the air-conditioning management system 1 is installed on the wall separating the living-dining room and the washroom, and the air in the living-dining room (the air whose temperature is adjusted by the room air conditioner 3) is sent to the washroom using the fan. Alternatively, the living-dining room and another room are connected by a duct, and a fan that can be managed by the air-conditioning management system 1 is installed in the duct, and the air in the living-dining room (the air whose temperature is adjusted by the room air conditioner 3) is sent to another room using the fan. In addition, the air-conditioning management system 1 in the present embodiment can manage four types of air-conditioning equipment: the room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, ducted air conditioner 5, and floor heating 6. However, it is not limited to this. As long as there are multiple air-conditioning equipment (air conditioners) that the air-conditioning management system 1 can manage, the number may be less than four types (including one type) or five types or more.

[0030] In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 1(b), the home gateway 7 connected to the communication network N such as the Internet is installed in the living-dining room in the building 2. However, the room where the home gateway 7 is installed is not limited to the living-dining room. The home gateway 7 refers to a device that has a router function for creating connection settings to a provider, a wireless LAN function that enables Wi-Fi connection, a function for relaying between a VoIP gateway telephone network for connecting a telephone or a FAX to make voice calls and send and receive FAXes and an IP network, and a function as an optical line termination device. In addition, in the present embodiment, a so-called modem with a router function having the above functions is used as the home gateway 7, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various devices such as routers and hubs having the above-described functions may be used to construct the home gateway 7 respectively.

[0031] Furthermore, the home gateway 7 may be appropriately provided with arithmetic means, communication means, storage means, etc. necessary for realizing the air-conditioning management system 1 in the present embodiment. By adopting such a configuration, the home gateway 7 can collect data input by the user and control various air-conditioning facilities in the building 2 based on the collected data. That is, the home gateway 7 may simply have functions such as a router or a hub and construct the air-conditioning management system 1 in the present embodiment by cooperating with an external device, or the home gateway 7 may be provided with the necessary functions to construct the air-conditioning management system 1 in the present embodiment without cooperating with an external device, and the degree of cooperation with the external device may also be appropriately changed.

[0032] In the present embodiment, the home gateway 7 is provided with arithmetic means, communication means, storage means, etc. necessary for realizing the air-conditioning management system 1 in the present embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(a) for example, the home gateway 7 includes a control unit 71 that centrally controls the operation of the air-conditioning management system 1, a communication unit 72 that communicates with various facilities in the building 2 and communicates via the communication network N, a storage unit 73 that stores various programs executed by the control unit 71 and various data necessary for the air-conditioning management system 1, and the like. That is, the home gateway 7 in the present embodiment constructs the air-conditioning management system 1 without cooperating with external devices. For example, when the home gateway 7 constructs the air-conditioning management system 1 by cooperating with external devices, the home gateway 7 is connected to the external device via the communication network N, and the air-conditioning management system 1 includes various facilities (room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, duct type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6, home gateway 7, etc.) provided in the building 2, the terminal device 8, the external device, and the communication network N.

[0033] The terminal device 8 is an information terminal possessed by a user (such as a resident of the building 2) of the air-conditioning management system 1. Specifically, it is a computer having a display device, an input device, a storage device, a microprocessor, and the like. More specifically, as the terminal device 8, a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone, a feature phone), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a desktop personal computer, a laptop personal computer (notebook personal computer), a palmtop personal computer, a tablet personal computer, or the like can be used. The terminal device 8 is connected to the home gateway 7 via the communication network N. Specifically, an application program for using the air-conditioning management system 1 of the present embodiment and the like is installed in the terminal device 8. When this application program is started, the terminal device 8 and the home gateway 7 communicate via the communication network N to transmit and receive various signals and various data.

[0034] The terminal device 8 in the present embodiment is mainly possessed by a user (such as a resident of the building 2) of the air-conditioning management system 1, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be possessed by any of a construction company involved in the construction of the building 2, an electric power company, a company providing various network services, and the like. In this embodiment, a tablet personal computer is used as the terminal device 8. Note that other terminal devices may be used in combination. The terminal device 8, which is a tablet personal computer, is equipped with a touch panel, and operations such as pressing or sliding the display on the screen can be used to operate the terminal device 8.

[0035] The air conditioning management system 1 has a system configuration including various facilities (room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, duct type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6, home gateway 7, etc.) provided in the building 2, the terminal device 8, and the communication network N as described above. In order to realize the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment, it is provided with image data transmission means, input information reception means, operation schedule generation means, air conditioner control means, display means, adjustment means, and operation means.

[0036] The image data transmission means is realized by the control unit 71 of the home gateway 7 executing an image data transmission program stored in the storage unit 73 of the home gateway 7. The image data transmission means first generates a screen on which objects such as windows, icons, buttons, tabs, figures, tables, graphs, texts, labels, and patterns are arranged, which are necessary for displaying various information including the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means. Then, the data of the generated screen is transmitted to the terminal device 8 and the like. That is, the screen data transmission means generates display data for displaying various information including the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means on the display device (display means) of the terminal device 8, and is also for transmitting the data of the generated screen to the terminal device 8.

[0037] The input information receiving means is means for receiving input information input by a user, and is realized by the control unit 71 of the home gateway 7 executing an input information receiving program stored in the storage unit 73 of the home gateway 7. When a user operates an input device (such as a touch panel) of the terminal device 8 to input predetermined input information, the input information is transmitted from the terminal device 8 to the home gateway 7 via the communication network N. Then, when the communication unit 72 of the home gateway 7 receives the input information, the input information receiving means receives the input information and stores it in the storage unit 73 or the like.

[0038] The operation schedule generation means is means for generating an operation schedule for each of a plurality of air conditioners based on input information, and is realized by the control unit 71 of the home gateway 7 executing an operation schedule generation program stored in the storage unit 73 of the home gateway 7. Specifically, the operation schedule generation means generates an operation schedule for each of a plurality of air conditioning facilities (room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, duct type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6, etc.) provided in the building 2 based on the input information received by the input information receiving means.

[0039] The air conditioner control means is means for controlling the operations of a plurality of air conditioners based on an operation schedule, and is realized by the control unit 71 of the home gateway 7 executing an air conditioner control program stored in the storage unit 73 of the home gateway 7. Specifically, the air conditioner control means controls the operations of a plurality of air conditioning facilities (room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, duct type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6, etc.) provided in the building 2 based on the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means.

[0040] The display means is means for displaying the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means, and is, for example, the display device of the terminal device 8. The adjustment means is means for the user to adjust the operation schedule displayed on the display means, and is, for example, an input device (such as a touch panel) of the terminal device 8. The operation means is means operable by the user, and is, for example, an input device (such as a touch panel) of the terminal device 8.

[0041] Subsequently, with reference to the drawings, various screens and functions displayed on the display device (display means) of the terminal device 8 will be described based on the display data generated and transmitted by the screen data transmission means. That is, the screen data transmission means can generate display data for display on the display device of the terminal device 8 and can transmit the generated display data to the terminal device 8. And the terminal device 8 can display a screen based on the received display data on the display device it includes. Although not shown, the display device of the terminal device 8 can display a top screen in addition to the various screens described below. On the top screen, buttons (such as the side menu 100) for transitioning to various screens including the various screens described below are displayed.

[0042] FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIGS. 5 to 8 are examples of various screens displayed on the display device of the terminal device 8. The screen displayed on the display device of the terminal device 8 is configured to have a region of the side menu 100 including a plurality of buttons and a region displayed by selecting a plurality of buttons in the side menu 100. FIG. 2 is an air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, and is, for example, a screen displayed when the user presses the "Settings" button 114 among the side menu 100 displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0043] Here, first, the side menu 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the side menu 100 includes an at-home status confirmation field 101 that allows the selection of whether or not a resident is in the building 2, i.e., whether the resident is present or absent. When the resident goes out (when the resident leaves the building 2), the resident can select "absent" to activate the alert mode. This operation can be performed by using a switching button 101a. The alert mode is for monitoring the openings through which the building 2 can be entered and exited when the absence of the resident is selected in the presence status confirmation field 101. Specifically, when the resident is absent, the operation of the fixtures and shutters that open and close the openings is detected by a sensor or the like, and the unlocking of the electric lock is monitored. When it is detected that the opening has been opened when the resident is absent, a notification is sent to the resident, the security company, and the police.

[0044] 2, the side menu 100 includes a "house status" button 102, a "room status" button 103, a "status by device" button 104, a "cool air control" button 105, a "home automatic operation" button 106, a "scheduled air conditioning operation" button 107, a "timer status" button 108, a "scene status" button 109, an "energy status" button 110, an "energy comparison" button 111, a "battery usage status" button 112, a "peak cut control" button 113, and a "settings" button 114. By pressing these buttons, the respective display screens can be displayed on the display device.

[0045] The air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 can be displayed by pressing the “Setting” button 114, as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the side menu 100, the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 is provided with a “lifestyle pattern” area 210, a “room setting” area 220, and a “schedule generation” button 230.

[0046] In the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210, the user can set the lifestyle pattern of the resident. In the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210, one or more "Pattern" input fields 211 are displayed. In the "Pattern" input field 211, there are an action time input area 212 for the user to input the action times of each of "Good morning", "Going out", "I'm home", and "Good night", a day-of-the-week selection area 213 for the user to select the day of the week, an "Add" button 214, a "Duplicate" button 215, and a "Delete" button 216.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 2, three "Pattern" input fields 211 are displayed in the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210. Among these three "Pattern" input fields 211, in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211, the first lifestyle pattern and the days of the week to which the first lifestyle pattern applies are input. In the middle "Pattern" input field 211, the second lifestyle pattern and the days of the week to which the second lifestyle pattern applies are input. In the bottommost "Pattern" input field 211, the third lifestyle pattern and the days of the week to which the third lifestyle pattern applies are input.

[0048] Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 2, in the action time input area 212 in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211, the first lifestyle pattern (wake-up time "7:00", going-out time "9:00", coming-home time "18:00", bedtime "24:00"), which is the lifestyle pattern on the days of going to work among the user's lifestyle patterns, is input. In the day-of-the-week selection area 213 in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211, the days of the week (Monday, Wednesday) to which the first lifestyle pattern applies are input. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, in the action time input area 212 in the middle "Pattern" input field 211, the second lifestyle pattern (wake-up time "7:00", bedtime "23:00"), which is the lifestyle pattern on the days of working from home among the user's lifestyle patterns, is input. In the day-of-the-week selection area 213 in the middle "Pattern" input field 211, the days of the week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday) to which the second lifestyle pattern applies are input. In the example shown in FIG. 2, in the action time input area 212 of the bottommost "Pattern" input field 211, the third living pattern (wake-up time "8:00", bedtime "23:00"), which is the living pattern on holidays among the user's living patterns, is input, and in the day-of-week selection area 213 of the bottommost "Pattern" input field 211, the days of the week ("Sat", "Sun") to which the third living pattern is to be applied are input.

[0049] Note that in the "Pattern" input field 211, it may be set so that a time after "24:01" cannot be input as the bedtime. That is, in the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, it may be set so that only times within the range of "0:00" to "24:00" can be input as the wake-up time, going-out time, coming-back time, and bedtime. In this case, for example, a temporary bedtime (e.g., "24:00") is input in the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, and the temporary bedtime can be changed (adjusted) in the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (described later) displayed by pressing the "Schedule Generation" button 230, so that a time after "24:01" can be input as the bedtime.

[0050] When the user presses the "Add" button 214 in the "Pattern" input field 211, one more "Pattern" input field 211 is added. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when any one of the "Add" buttons 214 in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211, the "Add" button 214 in the middle "Pattern" input field 211, and the "Add" button 214 in the bottommost "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, one more "Pattern" input field 211 is added to the "Living Pattern" area 210. The default living pattern is input in the "Pattern" input field 211 added by pressing the "Add" button 214, and the user operates the action time input area 212 and the day-of-week selection area 213 of the added "Pattern" input field 211 to perform an editing operation to change the default living pattern to the living pattern of the resident.

[0051] Also, when the user presses the "Duplicate" button 215 in the "Pattern" input field 211, one corresponding "Pattern" input field 211 is added. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Duplicate" button 215 in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, one "Pattern" input field 211 in the "Life Pattern" area 210 with the same life pattern (the first life pattern) as the topmost "Pattern" input field 211 inputted is added. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Duplicate" button 215 in the central "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, one "Pattern" input field 211 in the "Life Pattern" area 210 with the same life pattern (the second life pattern) as the central "Pattern" input field 211 inputted is added. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Duplicate" button 215 in the bottommost "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, one "Pattern" input field 211 in the "Life Pattern" area 210 with the same life pattern (the third life pattern) as the bottommost "Pattern" input field 211 inputted is added. Therefore, when the life pattern to be added is closer to the first life pattern than, for example, the default life pattern, it is easier to perform the editing operation by pressing the "Duplicate" button 215 in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211 to add the "Pattern" input field 211 rather than pressing the "Add" button 214 to add the "Pattern" input field 211.

[0052] Also, when the user presses the "Delete" button 216 in the "Pattern" input field 211, the corresponding "Pattern" input field 211 is deleted. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Delete" button 216 in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, the "Pattern" input field 211 with the first life pattern inputted is deleted. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Delete" button 216 in the central "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, the "Pattern" input field 211 with the second life pattern inputted is deleted. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Delete" button 216 in the bottommost "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, the "Pattern" input field 211 with the third life pattern inputted is deleted.

[0053] In the "Room Settings" area 220, the user can set the room where the air conditioning equipment is installed. The "Room Settings" area 220 includes an "Air Conditioning Equipment" display column 221 that displays the air conditioning equipment (air conditioning equipment capable of communicating with the home gateway 7) that the air conditioning management system 1 can manage, a "Using Household" display column 222 that displays the household using the air conditioning equipment, a "Room Name" display column 223 that displays the name of the room where the air conditioning equipment is installed, and a "Room Use" input column 224 for the user to input the use of the room where the air conditioning equipment is installed.

[0054] A "V" mark 224a is provided at the right end of the "Room Use" input column 224. When this "V" mark 224a is pressed, a plurality of options for the room use are displayed, and any option can be selected. In this embodiment, when the "V" mark 224a is pressed, three options of "Living Room (Activity)", "Living Room (Bedtime)", and "Non-Living Room" are displayed, but the displayed options are not limited to this. Also, as described above, in this embodiment, since the floor heating 6 is installed in the room where the room air conditioner 3 is installed, there is no need to input the use of the room where the floor heating 6 is installed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the use of the room where the floor heating 6 is installed cannot be input. Of course, the use of the room where the floor heating 6 is installed may be inputtable.

[0055] When the user finishes inputting the living pattern of the occupants and the use of the room where the air conditioning equipment that the air conditioning management system 1 can manage is installed, the user presses the "Schedule Generation" button 230. As a result, the information (first input information) input on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 is transmitted from the terminal device 8 to the home gateway 7 and received by the input information receiving means. Then, the input information receiving means stores the received first input information in the storage unit 73. Next, the operation schedule generation means generates the operation schedules for each of the plurality of air-conditioning facilities that can be managed by the air-conditioning management system 1 based on the first input information received by the input information reception means, and stores them in the storage unit 73 together with other control information (such as set temperature).

[0056] Next, the image data transmission means generates display data for displaying the control information (operation schedule, set temperature, information related to schedule operation automatic return (described later), information related to water heater interlock operation (described later), information related to home switch interlock operation (described later), etc.) stored in the storage unit 73 on the display device of the terminal device 8, and transmits the generated display data to the terminal device 8. As a result, the screen displayed on the display device of the terminal device 8 switches from the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 shown in FIG. 2 to the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 shown in FIG. 3.

[0057] Here, first, the generation of the operation schedule will be described. FIG. 4(a) shows the relationship between the room use and the operation schedule. The operation schedule shown in FIG. 4(a) is a part of the operation schedule generated when the life patterns of wake-up time "6:00", going-out time "9:00", returning home time "17:00", and bedtime "23:00" are input in the "life pattern" area 210 of the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, and "Wednesday" is input as the day of the week to which the life pattern is applied. In the operation schedule of the present embodiment, a band image is displayed in the time zone when the air-conditioning facility is turned on, and no band image is displayed in the time zone when the air-conditioning facility is turned off (operation stopped). Further, among the time zones when the air-conditioning facility is turned on, the time zone for operating in the normal operation mode is displayed with a dark-colored band image, and the time zone for operating in the conservative operation mode with power consumption suppressed more than the normal operation mode is displayed with a light-colored band image, but the display method for each time zone can be changed as appropriate.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4(b), for the air conditioning equipment for which it is input that the use of the installed room is "living room (activity)" in the "room setting" area 220 of the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, on the days of the week when the four action times of wake-up time, going-out time, coming-back time, and bedtime are input, it operates in the normal operation mode from 30 minutes before the wake-up time to the going-out time and from 30 minutes before the coming-back time to the bedtime, and the schedule is set so that it operates in the conservative operation mode for the rest. Also, on the days of the week when the going-out time and the coming-back time are not input (refer to the central "pattern" input field 211 and the bottom "pattern" input field 211 in FIG. 2), the schedule is set so that it operates in the normal operation mode from 30 minutes before the wake-up time to the bedtime, and operates in the conservative operation mode for the rest.

[0059] Also, for the air conditioning equipment for which it is input that the use of the installed room is "living room (bedtime)", the schedule is set so that it operates in the normal operation mode from 1 hour before the bedtime to 2 hours after the bedtime, and operates in the conservative operation mode for the rest. Also, for the air conditioning equipment for which it is input that the use of the installed room is "non-living room", when either the air conditioning equipment for which it is input that the use of the installed room is "living room (activity)" or the air conditioning equipment for which it is input that the use of the installed room is "living room (bedtime)" is in the normal operation mode, it operates in the normal operation mode, and the schedule is set so that it operates in the conservative operation mode for the rest.

[0060] As described above, in the present embodiment, the floor heating 6 is installed in the room where the room air conditioner 3 is installed. Also, the air conditioner control means of the present embodiment does not perform control to operate the floor heating 6 in the conservative operation mode. That is, for the floor heating 6, instead of performing control to switch between normal operation / conservative operation / off, control to switch between on / off is performed. And the operation schedule generation means of the present embodiment sets the schedule so that the floor heating 6 is turned on when the room air conditioner 3 in the same room is in the normal operation mode, and is turned off otherwise. In addition, in this embodiment, although the timing for switching the floor heating 6 from off to on and the timing for switching the room air conditioner 3 in the same room from the reduced operation mode (or off) to the normal operation mode are the same, they may be different. Also, although the timing for switching the floor heating 6 from on to off and the timing for switching the room air conditioner 3 in the same room from the normal operation mode to the reduced operation mode (or off) are the same, they may be different. Further, the air conditioner control means may also perform control to switch between normal operation / reduced operation / off for the floor heating 6 in the same manner as other air conditioning facilities.

[0061] Also, the start timing of the normal operation mode of the air conditioning facility input as having the use of the installed room as "living room (activity)" is not limited to 30 minutes before the wake-up time or 30 minutes before the time of returning home, and may be any timing earlier than the wake-up time or the time of returning home. That is, the pre-cooling / pre-heating time of the air conditioning facility input as having the use of the installed room as "living room (activity)" is not limited to 30 minutes. Also, the pre-cooling / pre-heating time may be varied according to the type of the air conditioning facility. Also, the end timing of the normal operation mode of the air conditioning facility input as having the use of the installed room as "living room (activity)" is not limited to the time of going out or the bedtime.

[0062] Also, the start timing of the normal operation mode of the air conditioning facility input as having the use of the installed room as "bedroom" is not limited to 1 hour before the bedtime, and may be any timing earlier than the bedtime. That is, the pre-cooling / pre-heating time of the air conditioning facility input as having the use of the installed room as "bedroom" is not limited to 1 hour. Also, the pre-cooling / pre-heating time may be varied according to the type of the air conditioning facility. Also, the end timing of the normal operation mode of the air conditioning facility input as having the use of the installed room as "bedroom" is not limited to 2 hours after the bedtime, and may be any timing later than the bedtime.

[0063] The operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means according to the rules shown in FIG. 4(b) is presented to the user on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300. As shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the side menu 100, the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 is provided with an "operation schedule" area 310, a "detailed setting" area 320, and an "execute" button 330.

[0064] In the "operation schedule" area 310, the user can check the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means. Specifically, the "operation schedule" area 310 is provided with a "first schedule" display column 311 for displaying the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 generated by the operation schedule generation means, a "second schedule" display column 312 for displaying the operation schedule of the non-residential air conditioner 4 generated by the operation schedule generation means, a "third schedule" display column 313 for displaying the operation schedule of the duct type air conditioner 5 generated by the operation schedule generation means, and a "fourth schedule" display column 314 for displaying the operation schedule of the floor heating 6 generated by the operation schedule generation means.

[0065] Of course, when there are multiple air-conditioning facilities of the same type among the air-conditioning facilities that the air-conditioning management system 1 can manage, "schedule" display columns are provided separately. Specifically, for example, when the air-conditioning facilities that the air-conditioning management system 1 can manage include a room air conditioner 3 installed in the living-dining room on the first floor and a room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor, the "operation schedule" area 310 is provided with a "first schedule" display column 311 for displaying the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the living-dining room on the first floor and a "first schedule" display column 311 for displaying the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor.

[0066] Furthermore, in the "Operation Schedule" area 310, the user can adjust (change) the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means. Specifically, for example, by performing an operation of dragging and dropping the boundary between the dark-colored band image corresponding to the normal operation mode and the light-colored band image corresponding to the cautious operation mode, which are displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311 to 313, to change the lengths of these band images, the time zones of the normal operation mode and the cautious operation mode can be adjusted. As described above, since the air conditioner control means of the present embodiment does not perform control to operate the floor heating 6 in the cautious operation mode, a light-colored band image corresponding to the cautious operation mode is not displayed in the "Fourth Schedule" display column 314 that displays the operation schedule of the floor heating 6. Therefore, in the "Fourth Schedule" display column 314, by performing an operation of dragging and dropping the end of the dark-colored band image corresponding to the normal operation mode to change the length of the band image, the time zone of the floor heating 6 being on (normal operation mode) can be adjusted. Note that the operation for adjusting (changing) the operation schedule is not limited to the drag-and-drop operation. For example, when a predetermined location in the "Schedule" display columns 311 to 314 is tapped, a screen may be displayed that allows adjustment (change) of the time zones (for example, start time and end time) of the "normal operation mode", "cautious operation mode", and "operation stop (off)" by numerical input.

[0067] In addition, in the "Schedule" display columns 311 to 314, the set temperature in the normal operation mode is displayed, and adjustment buttons 318a and 318b are provided for the user to adjust (change) the set temperature in the normal operation mode. Specifically, for example, when the user presses the "Up" button 318a among the adjustment buttons provided in the "First Schedule" display column 311, the set temperature in the normal operation mode of the room air conditioner 3 rises by a predetermined temperature (for example, 1 °C), and when the user presses the "Down" button 318b among the adjustment buttons provided in the "First Schedule" display column 311, the set temperature in the normal operation mode of the room air conditioner 3 drops by a predetermined temperature (for example, 1 °C). The default value of the set temperature in the normal operation mode may vary depending on the type of air conditioning equipment or the use of the room where the air conditioning equipment is installed. In addition, for example, an allowable range may be set for the set temperature in the normal operation mode so that the temperature difference between each room falls within a predetermined range (for example, within 4 °C), and adjustment (change) can be made within that allowable range. Also, the allowable range may vary depending on the type of air conditioning equipment or the use of the room where the air conditioning equipment is installed.

[0068] In addition, in the "Operation Schedule" area 310, a "Heating" tab 315 and a "Cooling" tab 316 are provided. When the user presses the "Heating" tab 315, the operation schedule for heating is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311 to 314. Also, when the user presses the "Cooling" tab 316, the operation schedule for cooling is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311 to 314. Figure 3 is a screen displayed when the "Heating" tab 315 is pressed. In addition, in the "Operation Schedule" area 310, a day-of-the-week selection area 317 is provided. In the day-of-the-week selection area 317, buttons for "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Thu", "Fri", "Sat", and "Sun" are arranged side by side. When the "Week" button is pressed, the operation schedule from Monday to Sunday is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311 to 314, and when the "Month" button is pressed, the operation schedule for Monday is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311 to 314. Figure 3 is a screen displayed when the "Wed" button is pressed.

[0069] In the "Detailed Settings" area 320, the user can set details regarding scheduled operation (control of air conditioning equipment based on an operation schedule by the air conditioner control means). Specifically, in the "Detailed Settings" area 320, a "Set Temperature during Conservative Operation" input field 321 for the user to input the set temperature in the conservative operation mode is displayed. The "Set Temperature during Conservative Operation" input field 321 is provided with "V" marks 321a, 321b. When the "V" mark 321a is pressed, a plurality of options are displayed as the set temperature for heating in the conservative operation mode, and any option can be selected. In the present embodiment, when the "V" mark 321a is pressed, eleven options of "0°C", "-0.5°C", "-1.0°C", "-1.5°C", "-2.0°C", "-2.5°C", "-3.0°C", "-3.5°C", "-4.0°C", "-4.5°C", "-5.0°C" are displayed as the difference from the set temperature for heating in the normal operation mode, but the displayed options are not limited to these. Also, in the present embodiment, the default value of the set temperature for heating in the conservative operation mode is "-2.0°C (a temperature 2°C lower than the set temperature for heating in the normal operation mode)", but the default value is not limited to this.

[0070] Further, when the "V" mark 321b is pressed, a plurality of options are displayed as the set temperature for cooling in the conservative operation mode, and any option can be selected. In the present embodiment, when the "V" mark 321b is pressed, eleven options of "0°C", "+0.5°C", "+1.0°C", "+1.5°C", "+2.0°C", "+2.5°C", "+3.0°C", "+3.5°C", "+4.0°C", "+4.5°C", "+5.0°C" are displayed as the difference from the set temperature for cooling in the normal operation mode, but the displayed options are not limited to these. Also, in the present embodiment, the default value of the set temperature for cooling in the conservative operation mode is "+2.0°C (a temperature 2°C higher than the set temperature for cooling in the normal operation mode)", but the default value is not limited to this.

[0071] In addition, in the "Detailed Settings" area 320, an input field 322 for "Automatic Resume of Scheduled Operation" is displayed. Hereinafter, when a resident or the like directly operates the air conditioning equipment or operates it with a dedicated remote control for the air conditioning equipment, it is referred to as "manual operation". Also, the air conditioning equipment being controlled by the air conditioning device control means is referred to as "equipment under control", and the air conditioning equipment that can be controlled by the air conditioning device control means (can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1) but is currently outside the control target of the air conditioning device control means is referred to as "equipment outside the target". Residents or the like can manually operate the equipment under control to switch the state (set temperature, air volume, operation mode, heating / cooling, on / off of power, etc.) of the equipment under control. And in this embodiment, when the equipment under control is manually operated, it becomes equipment outside the target and is removed from the control target of the air conditioning device control means. Specifically, for example, when a resident operates one of the equipment under control (air conditioning equipment X) with the remote control of the air conditioning equipment X, the air conditioning device control means is configured to suspend the scheduled operation of the air conditioning equipment X. And after a predetermined time has elapsed since the air conditioning device control means suspended the scheduled operation of the air conditioning equipment X, it has a function of automatically resuming (returning) the scheduled operation by switching the air conditioning equipment X from the equipment outside the target to the equipment under control.

[0072] In the input field 322 for "Automatic Resume of Scheduled Operation", it is possible to turn on or off the automatic resume function of the scheduled operation and input the time from the suspension to the resume of the scheduled operation. Specifically, in the input field 322 for "Automatic Resume of Scheduled Operation", the on / off of the automatic resume function of the scheduled operation can be switched by an operation of a toggle button 322a. In addition, a "V" mark 322b is provided in the "Scheduled Operation Automatic Resume" input field 322, and this "V" mark 322b can be operated only when the switching button 322a is on. When the "V" mark 322b is pressed, a plurality of options are displayed as the time from the suspension to the resume of the scheduled operation, and any option can be selected. In this embodiment, when the "V" mark 322b is pressed, six options of "10 minutes", "20 minutes", "30 minutes", "40 minutes", "50 minutes", and "60 minutes" are displayed, but the displayed options are not limited to this. In this embodiment, the default setting of the "Scheduled Operation Automatic Resume" input field 322 is "Scheduled Operation Automatic Resume function 'ON', resume the scheduled operation after '30' minutes", but the default setting is not limited to this.

[0073] Also, in the "Detailed Settings" area 320, a "Water Heater Interlock Operation" input field 323 is displayed. In this embodiment, the home gateway 7 is configured to be communicable with a water heater (or its remote control) installed in the building 2. And the air conditioner control means has a water heater interlock operation function that, when the automatic operation of the water heater is turned on, ignores the operation schedule of a predetermined air conditioning facility (air conditioning facility Y) and operates the air conditioning facility Y in the normal operation mode, and when the automatic operation of the water heater is turned off, resumes (returns to) the scheduled operation of the air conditioning facility Y.

[0074] In the "Water Heater Interlock Operation" input field 323, it is possible to turn on or off the water heater interlock operation function and input the room where the air conditioning facility Y is installed. Specifically, in the "Water Heater Interlock Operation" input field 323, the on / off of the water heater interlock operation function can be switched by the switching button 323a. In addition, a "V" mark 323b is provided in the "Water Heater Interlock Operation" input field 323, and this "V" mark 323b can only be operated when the switching button 323a is on. When the "V" mark 322b is pressed, a plurality of options are displayed as the rooms targeted by the water heater interlock operation function, and any option can be selected. For example, when "Washroom" is selected as the room targeted by the water heater interlock operation function, the air conditioning equipment installed in the washroom (non-residential air conditioner 4 in this embodiment) will be designated as the predetermined air conditioning equipment (air conditioning equipment Y).

[0075] In this embodiment, the default setting of the "Water Heater Interlock Operation" input field 323 is "Water Heater Interlock Operation Function 'On', Target Room 'Washroom'", but the default setting is not limited to this. Also, in this embodiment, when the water heater interlock operation function is on and the air conditioning equipment designated as the air conditioning equipment (air conditioning equipment Y) to be interlocked with the water heater is the equipment under control, the water heater interlock operation function will operate, but it is not limited to this.

[0076] In addition, a "Home Switch Interlock Operation" input field 324 is displayed in the "Detailed Settings" area 320. In this embodiment, the air conditioner control means has a home switch interlock operation function that, when the switching button 101a in the home status confirmation field 101 becomes "Away", operates the equipment under control in a conservative operation mode ignoring the operation schedule, and when the switching button 101a becomes "Home", resumes (returns to) the scheduled operation of the equipment under control. Exceptionally, even during the operation of the home switch interlock operation function, for the equipment under control provided with a time zone for turning off in the operation schedule, the operation of the equipment under control may be stopped according to the operation schedule only during that time zone.

[0077] In the "At-home Switch Interlock Operation" input field 324, it is possible to input whether to turn on the at-home switch interlock operation function. Specifically, in the "At-home Switch Interlock Operation" input field 324, the on / off of the at-home switch interlock operation function can be switched by the switching button 324a. Note that in this embodiment, the default setting of the "At-home Switch Interlock Operation" input field 324 is "At-home Switch Interlock Operation Function 'On'", but the default setting is not limited to this.

[0078] When the user has completed adjusting the operation schedule (inputting schedule adjustment information) and making detailed settings regarding the scheduled operation, the user presses the "Execute" button 330. As a result, the information (second input information) input on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 is transmitted from the terminal device 8 to the home gateway 7 and received by the input information receiving means. Then, the input information receiving means stores the received second input information in the storage unit 73. Next, the operation schedule generation means corrects (updates) the control information (operation schedule, set temperature, information regarding automatic resumption of scheduled operation, information regarding water heater interlock operation, information regarding at-home switch interlock operation, etc.) stored in the storage unit 73 based on the second input information received by the input information receiving means. Next, the air-conditioning device control means starts controlling the air-conditioning equipment based on the control information stored in the storage unit 73. Note that in this embodiment, the air-conditioning device control means automatically sets the air volume and controls the operation of the air-conditioning equipment, but it is not limited to this.

[0079] That is, the operation schedule generation means generates a tentative operation schedule as the operation schedule for each of the plurality of air conditioning facilities that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 based on the first input information (life pattern information, room information) input on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200. Further, the operation schedule generation means generates a finalized operation schedule as the operation schedule for each of the plurality of air conditioning facilities that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 based on the tentative operation schedule and the second input information (specifically, the schedule adjustment information among the second input information) input on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300. Therefore, it can be said that the operation schedule generation means generates a finalized operation schedule based on the input information input on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (FIG. 2) and the input information input on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (FIG. 3). Also, when the user does not adjust (change) the tentative operation schedule on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (FIG. 3), the tentative operation schedule becomes the finalized operation schedule. Further, the air conditioner control means controls the operation of the air conditioning facility based on the finalized operation schedule. That is, the finalized operation schedule is the operation schedule used for schedule operation.

[0080] After that, when the user presses the "Air Conditioning Schedule Operation" button 107 in the side menu 100, this is notified from the terminal device 8 to the home gateway 7. In response to this, the screen data transmission means generates display data for displaying the control information (here, the operation schedule and the set temperature in the normal operation mode) stored in the storage unit 73 on the display device of the terminal device 8, and transmits the generated display data to the terminal device 8. Thereby, the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is displayed on the display device of the terminal device 8. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, in the air-conditioning schedule operation screen 400, in addition to the side menu 100, there are provided an "operation schedule" area 410, an "on / off" switch button 420 for schedule operation, and a "heating / cooling" switch button 430.

[0081] In the "operation schedule" area 410, the user can check the operation schedule used for schedule operation (control of air-conditioning equipment based on the operation schedule by the air-conditioning device control means). Specifically, in the "operation schedule" area 410, there are provided a "first schedule" display column 411 for displaying the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 generated by the operation schedule generation means, a "second schedule" display column 412 for displaying the operation schedule of the non-residential air conditioner 4 generated by the operation schedule generation means, a "third schedule" display column 413 for displaying the operation schedule of the duct type air conditioner 5 generated by the operation schedule generation means, and a "fourth schedule" display column 414 for displaying the operation schedule of the floor heating 6 generated by the operation schedule generation means.

[0082] Of course, when there are multiple air-conditioning equipments of the same type among the air-conditioning equipments that the air-conditioning management system 1 can manage, separate "schedule" display columns are provided. Specifically, for example, when the air-conditioning equipments that the air-conditioning management system 1 can manage include the room air conditioner 3 installed in the living-dining room on the first floor and the room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor, in the "operation schedule" area 410, there are provided a "first schedule" display column 411 for displaying the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the living-dining room on the first floor and a "first schedule" display column 411 for displaying the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor.

[0083] In addition, in the "Operation Schedule" area 410, a "Heating" tab 415 and a "Cooling" tab 416 are provided. When the user presses the "Heating" tab 415, the operation schedule for heating is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 411 to 414. Also, when the user presses the "Cooling" tab 416, the operation schedule for cooling is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 411 to 414. FIGS. 5 and 6 are the screens displayed when the "Heating" tab 415 is pressed, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are the screens displayed when the "Cooling" tab 416 is pressed. In addition, in the "Operation Schedule" area 410, a day-of-the-week selection area 417 is provided. In the day-of-the-week selection area 417, buttons for "Week", "Month", "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Thu", "Fri", "Sat", and "Sun" are arranged in a row. When the "Week" button is pressed, the operation schedule from Monday to Sunday is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 411 to 414. When the "Month" button is pressed, the operation schedule for Monday is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 411 to 414. FIGS. 5 and 7 are the screens displayed when the "Week" button is pressed, and FIGS. 6 and 8 are the screens displayed when the "Wed" button is pressed.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, when the equipment under control is manually operated, the equipment under control becomes non-target equipment. Further, in this embodiment, on the air-conditioning schedule operation screen 400, the user can select non-target equipment. Specifically, in the "Schedule" display columns 411 to 414, check boxes 418 are provided. The air-conditioning equipment with a check in the corresponding check box 418 is the equipment under control, and the air-conditioning equipment without a check in the corresponding check box 418 is non-target equipment. Therefore, the user can cancel the scheduled operation of the air-conditioning equipment corresponding to the check box 418 by performing an operation to uncheck the check box 418. Also, by performing an operation to check the check box 418, the scheduled operation of the air-conditioning equipment corresponding to the check box 418 can be started (resumed).

[0085] Also, in this embodiment, the air conditioning equipment that has become non-target equipment due to the user's operation of unchecking is configured to maintain the state (set temperature, air volume, operation mode, heating / cooling, power on / off, etc.) immediately before the check is removed. Specifically, for example, when the room air conditioner 3 is heating in the conservative operation mode and the user performs an operation to uncheck, and unchecks the checkbox 418 in the "First Schedule" display column 411 where the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 is displayed, the room air conditioner 3 continues to heat in the conservative operation mode even after the check is removed. Of course, it is possible to manually operate the air conditioning equipment that maintains the state immediately before the check is removed to switch the state of the air conditioning equipment.

[0086] Note that in this embodiment, not only the air conditioning equipment that has become non-target equipment due to the user's operation of unchecking, but also the air conditioning equipment that has become non-target equipment due to the manual operation of the resident, similarly, the check of the checkbox 418 corresponding to the air conditioning equipment is removed, but it is not limited to this. Also, in this embodiment, not only the air conditioning equipment that has become non-target equipment due to the manual operation of the resident, but also the air conditioning equipment that has become non-target equipment due to the user's operation of unchecking, similarly, if the schedule operation automatic return function is set to on, the air conditioning equipment is configured to return to the controlled equipment after a predetermined time has elapsed since it became non-target equipment, but it is not limited to this. Also, in this embodiment, not only the air conditioning equipment that has become the controlled equipment due to the user's operation of checking, but also the air conditioning equipment that has become the controlled equipment due to the operation of the schedule operation automatic return function, similarly, the checkbox 418 corresponding to the air conditioning equipment is checked, but it is not limited to this.

[0087] Also, on the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400, the user can not only individually set the air conditioning equipment (or the air conditioning equipment to start the schedule operation) to stop the schedule operation by operating the checkbox 418, but also operate the "on / off" switching button 420 for the schedule operation to collectively set the air conditioning equipment (or the air conditioning equipment to start the schedule operation) to stop the schedule operation. Specifically, when the switching button 420 is turned off by the user, the air conditioner control means collectively stops (collectively turns off) the operation of all controlled equipment (the air conditioning equipment checked in the checkbox 418) and stops the schedule operation of all controlled equipment. Also, when the switching button 420 is turned on by the user, the air conditioner control means starts (resumes) the schedule operation of all controlled equipment. Thereby, the user can collectively switch the suspension / resumption of the schedule operation for a plurality of air conditioning equipments only by operating the switching button 420 without operating the checkbox 418 one by one. Therefore, the "on / off" switching button 420 for the schedule operation can be utilized during long-term absences such as trips.

[0088] Note that in this embodiment, when the switching button 420 is turned off, the operation of all controlled equipment is stopped and the schedule operation is stopped, but it is not limited to this. The air conditioning equipment that stops the operation and stops the schedule operation when the switching button 420 is turned off may be, for example, all air conditioners that can be controlled by the air conditioner control means (that is, all controlled equipment and all non-target equipment). Also, in this embodiment, when the switching button 420 is turned on, the schedule operation of all controlled equipment is started, but it is not limited to this. The air conditioning equipment that starts the schedule operation when the switching button 420 is turned on may be, for example, all air conditioners that can be controlled by the air conditioner control means (that is, all controlled equipment and all non-target equipment). Also, a timing (date and time) for automatically turning on the switching button 420 (turning it on without user operation) may be inputtable when the switching button 420 is turned off or the like. Of course, even if the switching button 420 is off, the occupant can manually operate the air conditioning equipment to switch the state of the air conditioning equipment.

[0089] Also, on the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400, the user can select whether the air conditioning control means performs control using the heating operation schedule or the cooling operation schedule among the operation schedules stored in the storage unit 73. Specifically, the heating / cooling can be switched by operating the "heating / cooling" switching button 430. In addition, the timing (date and time) for switching the operation schedule used by the air conditioning control means from heating to cooling, or the timing (date and time) for switching to heating or cooling may be inputtable. Also, the history of power consumption may be displayed on the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400 or the like. In this embodiment, the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 is set for each air conditioning equipment, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature settings of all the air conditioning equipment may be controlled at one set temperature.

[0090] The operation schedule and set temperature displayed on the air-conditioning schedule operation screen 400 are the operation schedule (confirmed operation schedule) and set temperature stored in the storage unit 73, and are the operation schedule and set temperature used for the schedule operation. However, the operation schedule and set temperature cannot be adjusted (changed) on the air-conditioning schedule operation screen 400. That is, in the present embodiment, the operation schedule and set temperature can only be adjusted on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300. Therefore, the user can adjust (update) the confirmed operation schedule and set temperature by pressing the "Settings" button 114 of the side menu 100 again to display the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (see FIG. 3). Further, in the present embodiment, when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed again (when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed in a state where the confirmed operation schedule is stored in the storage unit 73), the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (see FIG. 2) is not displayed, and the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 is displayed, and the confirmed operation schedule and set temperature are displayed in the "Operation Schedule" area 310 of the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (see FIG. 2) may also be displayed when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed again.

[0091] According to the first embodiment, the following excellent effects can be obtained. The air-conditioning management system 1 of the first embodiment is a system that manages a plurality of air-conditioning devices (room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, duct-type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6) installed in a building 2, and includes an input information receiving means (home gateway 7) that receives input information input by a user, an operation schedule generating means (home gateway 7) that generates an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices based on the input information, and an air-conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) that controls the operation of each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices based on the operation schedule. And the input information receiving means receives, as input information (first input information), life pattern information regarding the life pattern of the occupants in the building 2 and room information regarding the rooms in which the air-conditioning devices are installed. Therefore, just by the user inputting input information (life pattern information and room information), an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices is generated based on the input information. That is, just by the user inputting life pattern information and room information, schedule setting for collectively controlling the plurality of air-conditioning devices is performed, so that schedule setting can be easily performed.

[0092] Also, in the first embodiment, the life pattern information is the action times of the occupants including the wake-up time and the bedtime, and the room information is information that can determine whether the room in which the air-conditioning device is installed is a living room ( "living room (activity)") used after waking up or a living room ( "living room (bedtime)") used at bedtime. And the operation schedule generating means (home gateway 7) can be configured to generate, as the operation schedule of the air-conditioning device installed in the living room used after waking up, an operation schedule that starts normal operation before the wake-up time, and generate, as the operation schedule of the air-conditioning device installed in the living room used at bedtime, an operation schedule that starts normal operation before the bedtime (see FIGS. 2 and 4). Therefore, just by the user inputting life pattern information and room information, an operation schedule considering the precooling / preheating time of the air-conditioning device is generated, so that schedule setting capable of forming a comfortable indoor air-conditioning environment can be easily performed.

[0093] In addition, the air-conditioning management system 1 of the first embodiment includes a display means (terminal device 8) for displaying the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means (home gateway 7), and an adjustment means (terminal device 8) for the user to adjust the operation schedule displayed on the display means. Then, the input information reception means (home gateway 7) receives, as input information (second input information), schedule adjustment information regarding the operation schedule adjusted by the adjustment means, and the operation schedule generation means (home gateway 7) regenerates the operation schedule based on the schedule adjustment information, and the air-conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) can be configured to control the operations of each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices based on the regenerated operation schedule. Therefore, by simply adjusting the operation schedule displayed on the display means by the user, an operation schedule closer to the user's ideal can be generated. Therefore, the user can use the operation schedule displayed on the display means to adjust the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means, so that the schedule setting can be performed more easily than when the user sets the schedule one by one for each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices.

[0094] Further, the air-conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) of the first embodiment can stop controlling the operation of the air-conditioning device that satisfies a predetermined condition among the plurality of air-conditioning devices. And the air-conditioning device that satisfies the predetermined condition can be at least one of an air-conditioning device for which control other than the control by the air-conditioning device control means (for example, manual operation) has been performed, and an air-conditioning device designated to be interlocked with a predetermined operation (for example, automatic operation) executed by a device other than the air-conditioning device installed in the building 2 (for example, a water heater). That is, for an air conditioner on which control other than the control by the air conditioner control means (for example, manual operation) is performed, it is possible to cancel the control by the air conditioner control means. Therefore, for example, inconveniences such as the state of the air conditioner being switched by control other than the control by the air conditioner control means and then immediately being switched again by control based on the operation schedule can be avoided, which is convenient to use. Alternatively, for an air conditioner designated to be interlocked with a predetermined operation (for example, automatic operation) executed by a device other than the air conditioner installed in Building 2 (for example, a water heater), it is possible to cancel the control based on the operation schedule. Therefore, for example, inconveniences such as the state of the air conditioner being switched in conjunction with the predetermined operation of a device other than the air conditioner and then immediately being switched again by control based on the operation schedule can be avoided, which is convenient to use.

[0095] Further, the air-conditioning management system 1 of the first embodiment includes operation means (terminal device 8) operable by the user. And the air conditioner control means (home gateway 7) can cancel the control of the corresponding air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners based on the operation schedule in response to the first operation of the user (for example, the operation of unchecking from the check box 418), and can cancel the control of the operation of the plurality of air conditioners based on the operation schedule in response to the second operation of the user (for example, the operation of switching the changeover button 101a to "away" (however, only when the home switch interlock operation function is set to on) or the operation of switching the changeover button 420 to "off"). Therefore, the user can individually specify, as well as collectively specify, the air conditioners (air-conditioning facilities for canceling the schedule operation) that do not operate according to the operation schedule, which is convenient to use.

[0096] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For the sake of convenience of explanation, elements common to the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the first embodiment, when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed again (when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed while a finalized operation schedule is stored in the storage unit 73), the air-conditioning schedule operation settings screen 300 is displayed. In contrast, in the second embodiment, when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed again (when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed while a finalized operation schedule is stored in the storage unit 73), the air-conditioning schedule operation settings screen 300A is displayed.

[0097] Figs. 9 to 15 and Fig. 17 are diagrams showing an example of the air-conditioning schedule operation settings screen 300A. As shown in Fig. 9, in addition to the side menu 100, the air-conditioning schedule operation settings screen 300A is provided with an "Operation Schedule" area 310A and a "Schedule Finalization" button 340. Note that the air-conditioning schedule operation settings screen 300A may be provided with a "Detailed Settings" area 320.

[0098] In the "Operation Schedule" area 310A, the user can check the finalized operation schedule (hereinafter referred to as the "finalized operation schedule") stored in the storage unit 73. Specifically, the "Operation Schedule" area 310A is provided with a "First Schedule" display column 311A for displaying the finalized operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3, a "Second Schedule" display column 312A for displaying the finalized operation schedule of the non-residential air conditioner 4, a "Third Schedule" display column 313A for displaying the finalized operation schedule of the duct type air conditioner 5, and a "Fourth Schedule" display column 314A for displaying the finalized operation schedule of the floor heating 6, among the finalized operation schedules stored in the storage unit 73.

[0099] When there are multiple air conditioning facilities of the same type among the air conditioning facilities that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1, separate "Schedule" display columns are provided. Specifically, for example, when the air conditioning facilities that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 include a room air conditioner 3 installed in the living-dining room on the first floor and a room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor, in the "Operation Schedule" area 310A, a "First Schedule" display column 311A for displaying the confirmed operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the living-dining room on the first floor and a "First Schedule" display column 311A for displaying the confirmed operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor are provided.

[0100] Furthermore, in the "Operation Schedule" area 310A, the user can adjust (change) the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73. Specifically, for example, by performing an operation of dragging and dropping the boundary between the dark-colored band image corresponding to the normal operation mode and the light-colored band image corresponding to the moderate operation mode displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 313A to change the length of these band images, the time zones of the normal operation mode and the moderate operation mode can be adjusted. Also, for example, when the operation mode switches as in the case of moderate operation mode → normal operation mode → moderate operation mode → operation stop (off) → moderate operation mode → normal operation mode →..., if the band image (the light-colored band image corresponding to the moderate operation mode) displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 313A is interrupted, by performing an operation of dragging and dropping the end of the band image to change the length of the band image, the time zone of the moderate operation mode can be adjusted.

[0101] Also, the air conditioner control means of the present embodiment, similar to the air conditioner control means of the first embodiment, does not perform control to operate the floor heating 6 in a cautious operation mode. Therefore, in the "Fourth Schedule" display column 314A that displays the confirmed operation schedule of the floor heating 6, a light-colored band image corresponding to the cautious operation mode is not displayed. Thus, in the "Fourth Schedule" display column 314A, by performing an operation of dragging and dropping the end of the dark-colored band image corresponding to the normal operation mode to change the length of the band image, the time zone of the floor heating 6 being on (normal operation mode) can be adjusted. Note that the operation for adjusting (changing) the confirmed operation schedule is not limited to the drag-and-drop operation. For example, when a predetermined location in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A is tapped, a screen may be displayed that allows adjustment (change) of the time zones (for example, start time and end time) of "normal operation mode", "cautious operation mode", and "operation stop (off)" by numerical input.

[0102] Also, in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A, the set temperature in the normal operation mode is displayed, and adjustment buttons 318a and 318b are provided for the user to adjust (change) the set temperature in the normal operation mode. Furthermore, check boxes 319 are provided in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A. The air conditioning equipment with a check in the corresponding check box 319 is the equipment under control, and the air conditioning equipment without a check in the corresponding check box 319 is the equipment not targeted. Therefore, the user can cancel the scheduled operation of the air conditioning equipment corresponding to the check box 319 by performing an operation of unchecking the check box 319. Also, by performing an operation of checking the check box 319, the scheduled operation of the air conditioning equipment corresponding to the check box 319 can be started (resumed). Also, in the "Operation Schedule" area 310A, a "Heating" tab 315 and a "Cooling" tab 316 are provided. FIG. 9 is a screen displayed when the "Heating" tab 315 is pressed.

[0103] In the "Operation Schedule" area 310A, a day-of-the-week selection area 317 is provided. In the day-of-the-week selection area 317, buttons for "Week", "Mon", "Tue", "Wed", "Thu", "Fri", "Sat", and "Sun" are arranged in a row. When the "Week" button is pressed, the confirmed operation schedule from Monday to Sunday is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A. When the "Mon" button is pressed, the confirmed operation schedule for Monday is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A. FIG. 9 shows the screen displayed when the "Wed" button is pressed.

[0104] Here, in the storage unit 73 of the present embodiment, similar to the storage unit 73 of the first embodiment, the confirmed operation schedule, that is, the confirmed operation schedule from Monday to Sunday (day-of-the-week schedule), is stored as the confirmed operation schedule. In addition, different from the storage unit 73 of the first embodiment, the storage unit 73 of the present embodiment stores an operation schedule for modification. Specifically, in the storage unit 73 of the present embodiment, as the operation schedule for modification, one or a plurality of event schedules (in the case of the present embodiment, three event schedules: Event Schedule 1, Event Schedule 2, and Event Schedule 3) are stored. Further, the storage unit 73 of the present embodiment can store a schedule limited to today as the operation schedule for modification.

[0105] In the "Operation Schedule" area 310A, a "Copy" button 30 is provided. When the "Copy" button 30 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 10, a schedule copy screen 350 is displayed superimposed on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A. On the schedule copy screen 350, "V" marks 351 and 352 are provided. When the left "V" mark 351 is pressed, a plurality of options are displayed as the operation schedule of the copy source. When the right "V" mark 352 is pressed, a plurality of options are displayed as the operation schedule to be changed. In this embodiment, when the left "V" mark 351 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 11, seven options from "Monday every week" to "Sunday every week" are displayed, but the displayed options are not limited to this. Also, when the right "V" mark 352 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 12, ten options from "Monday every week" to "Sunday every week" and "Event schedule 1" to "Event schedule 3" are displayed, but the displayed options are not limited to this.

[0106] In addition, on the schedule copy screen 350, a "Cancel" button 353 and an "OK" button 354 are provided. When the "Cancel" button 353 is pressed, the schedule copy screen 350 is erased. On the other hand, when the "OK" button 354 is pressed, the schedule copy screen 350 is erased and the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73 is updated. For example, in a state where it says "Do you want to copy 'Monday every week' to 'Thursday every week'?", when the "OK" button 354 is pressed, the same operation schedule as the confirmed operation schedule on Monday is overwritten and stored in the storage unit 73 as the confirmed operation schedule on Thursday. Also, for example, in a state where it says "Do you want to copy 'Tuesday every week' to 'Event schedule 3'?", when the "OK" button 354 is pressed, the same operation schedule as the confirmed operation schedule on Tuesday is overwritten and stored in the storage unit 73 as Event schedule 3.

[0107] In the "Operation Schedule" area 310A, a "Today" button 31 is provided. The "Today" button 31 is displayed when the day of the week selected in the day-of-the-week selection area 317 is the same as the day of the week today (this day). That is, FIGS. 9 to 14 are the screens displayed when the day of the week today is Wednesday, and FIG. 15 is the screen displayed when the day of the week today is other than Friday. Also, FIG. 13 is the screen displayed when the "Today" button 31 is pressed in the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 9. That is, FIG. 13 is the screen displayed when the "Today" button 31 is pressed (when the "Today" button 31 is valid). On the other hand, FIGS. 9 to 12 and FIG. 14 are the screens displayed when the "Today" button 31 is invalid.

[0108] In the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIG. 13) where the "Today" button 31 is valid, when the operation schedules displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A are adjusted and then the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed, the adjusted operation schedule is stored in the storage unit 73 as a schedule limited to today. In this case, the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73 is not updated. Then, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is valid, the air conditioner control means re - sets the schedule for the current day. Specifically, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is valid, the air conditioner control means re - sets the schedule so that the schedule to which the applicable day - of - week schedule (for example, if the day of the week today is Wednesday, the confirmed operation schedule for Wednesday) is applied is replaced with the schedule to which the today - only schedule is applied, and controls the operation of the air - conditioning equipment based on the schedule for the current day after re - setting (that is, the today - only schedule stored in the storage unit 73). Then, when switching from today to the next day (when it becomes 24:00 today), the air conditioner control means sets the schedule to which the applicable day - of - week schedule (for example, if the day of the week today is Wednesday, the confirmed operation schedule for Thursday) is applied as the schedule for the current day, and controls the operation of the air - conditioning equipment based on the schedule for the current day after setting (that is, the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73). The today - only schedule is erased from the storage unit 73, for example, when the next day arrives.

[0109] On the other hand, in the air - conditioner schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIG. 13) where the "Today" button 31 is valid, if the operation schedules displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A~314A are adjusted and then the "Today" button 31 is pressed again, the "Today" button 31 becomes invalid, and the operation schedule before the adjustment (that is, the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73) is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A~314A.

[0110] An event schedule selection area 32 is provided in the "Operation Schedule" area 310A. In the event schedule selection area 32, the numeric buttons "1", "2", and "3" are arranged side by side. Note that the processing performed when the "2" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed and the processing performed when the "3" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed are the same as the processing performed when the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed. Therefore, in the following, the processing performed when the "1" button is pressed will be described, and the description of the processing performed when the "2" button or "3" button is pressed will be omitted.

[0111] When the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed, the event schedule 1 stored in the storage unit 73 is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A, and a connection line 33 that connects the "1" button and the selected day-of-week button (the day of the week selected in the day-of-week selection area 317) is displayed. FIG. 14 is a screen displayed when the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 9. That is, FIG. 14 is a screen displayed when the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed (the "1" button becomes valid) when the selected day-of-week button is the "Wed" button.

[0112] Also, on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIG. 14) where the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is valid, when a day-of-week button other than the selected day-of-week button is pressed, as shown in FIG. 15, a connection line 33 that connects the "1" button and the newly selected day-of-week button (the day of the week selected in the day-of-week selection area 317) is added. FIG. 15 is a screen displayed when the "Fri" button in the day-of-week selection area 317 is pressed on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 14. That is, FIG. 15 is a screen displayed when the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is valid and the "Fri" button is pressed as a day-of-week button other than the selected day-of-week button (the "Wed" button).

[0113] Also, in the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIGS. 14 and 15) where the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is valid, when the "1" button is pressed again, the "1" button becomes invalid, and the corresponding day-of-week schedule (for example, if the selected day-of-week button is the "Fri" button, the confirmed operation schedule for Friday) is displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A.

[0114] In the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIGS. 14 and 15) where the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is valid, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed, the air-conditioning device control means sets the schedule for the most recent week including event schedule 1, and controls the operation of the air-conditioning equipment based on the set schedule for the most recent week. Specifically, as the schedule for the most recent week including event schedule 1, the air-conditioning device control means sets a schedule in which event schedule 1 is applied to a specific day of the week (the day of the week corresponding to the day-of-week button connected to the "1" button by the connection line 33 at the time when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed), and the corresponding day-of-week schedule is applied to the other days of the week.

[0115] More specifically, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed in the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 14, since the day-of-week button connected to the "1" button by the connection line 33 is the "Wed" button, the air-conditioning device control means sets a schedule in which event schedule 1 is applied to Wednesday (today) as the schedule for the most recent week, and the corresponding day-of-week schedule is applied to the days of the week other than Wednesday (Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue). Also, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 15, since the day-of-week buttons connected to the "1" button by the connection line 33 are the "Wednesday" button and the "Friday" button, the air-conditioning device control means sets a schedule in which Event Schedule 1 is applied to Wednesday (today) and Friday (the day after tomorrow) as the schedule for the most recent week, and the corresponding day-of-week schedules are applied to the days of the week other than Wednesday and Friday (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday).

[0116] That is, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed while the "1" button in the Event Schedule Selection Area 32 is valid (i.e., when Event Schedule 1 is selected), the air-conditioning device control means switches from control based on the schedule of the current day to control based on the schedule of the most recent week. Then, when the most recent week ends, the control switches from control based on the schedule of the most recent week to control based on the schedule of the current day. Here, "when the most recent week ends" means, for example, when the day of the week of today (the day when Event Schedule 1 is selected) is Wednesday, it means switching from Tuesday of the next week to Wednesday (when it reaches 24:00 on Tuesday of the next week).

[0117] Also, in the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIGS. 14 and 15) where the "1" button in the Event Schedule Selection Area 32 is valid, if the operation schedules displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A are adjusted and then the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed, Event Schedule 1 stored in the storage unit 73 is updated based on the adjusted operation schedule. In this case, the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73 is not updated. Then, the air-conditioning device control means sets the schedule for the most recent week including the updated Event Schedule 1, and controls the operation of the air-conditioning equipment based on the set schedule for the most recent week.

[0118] Thus, the event schedule is valid within the most recent week including the day on which the event schedule is selected. For example, if the day (today) on which event schedule 1 is selected is Thursday, and Thursday and Monday are selected as the days to which event schedule 1 is applied, on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A on the day (Thursday) on which event schedule 1 is selected, as shown in FIG. 16(a), a connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button and the "Mon" button, and a connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button and the "Thu" button are displayed. And in this case, the air-conditioning device control means sets a schedule in which event schedule 1 is applied to Thursday (today) and Monday (4 days later) as the schedule for the most recent week, and the corresponding day-of-week schedule is applied to the days of the week other than Thursday and Monday (Fri, Sat, Sun, Tue, Wed). Therefore, on the day (Thursday) on which event schedule 1 is selected, from the time of the selection, the setting of the schedule for the current day is cancelled, the schedule for the most recent week is set, and the operation of the air-conditioning equipment is controlled based on event schedule 1.

[0119] After that, assume that time has passed and it has become the day after the day on which event schedule 1 is selected. On the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A on the day after the day on which event schedule 1 is selected (Friday), as shown in FIG. 16(b), as the connecting line 33, only the connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button and the "Mon" button is displayed, and the connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button and the "Thu" button is erased. And since Friday is not the day of the week selected as the day to which event schedule 1 is applied, on the day after the day on which event schedule 1 is selected (Friday), the operation of the air-conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding day-of-week schedule (the confirmed operation schedule for Friday).

[0120] Furthermore, assume that time has passed and 4 days have elapsed since the day on which event schedule 1 is selected. On the day when four days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected (Monday), on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A, as shown in FIG. 16(c), only the connection line 33 that connects the "1" button and the "Mon" button is displayed as the connection line 33. And since Monday is the day selected as the day to which Event Schedule 1 is applied, on the day when four days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected (Monday), the operation of the air-conditioning equipment is controlled based on Event Schedule 1, rather than the corresponding day-of-week schedule (the confirmed operation schedule for Monday).

[0121] Furthermore, assume that more time has passed and five days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected. On the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A on the day when five days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected (Tuesday), as shown in FIG. 16(d), the connection line 33 that connects the "1" button and the "Mon" button is also not displayed. And since Tuesday is not the day selected as the day to which Event Schedule 1 is applied, on the day when five days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected (Tuesday), the operation of the air-conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding day-of-week schedule (the confirmed operation schedule for Tuesday).

[0122] Furthermore, assume that more time has passed and seven days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected. On the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A on the day when seven days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected (Thursday), as shown in FIG. 16(e), the connection line 33 is not displayed. And since on the day when six days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected (Wednesday), the most recent one-week period including the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected ends, on the day when seven days have passed since the day when Event Schedule 1 was selected (Thursday), the setting of the schedule for the most recent one-week period is cancelled, the schedule for the current day is set, and the operation of the air-conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding day-of-week schedule (the confirmed operation schedule for Thursday).

[0123] Note that it is not necessary to select the day when Event Schedule 1 is selected (the day when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed while the "1" button in the Event Schedule Selection Area 32 is valid) as the day to which Event Schedule 1 is applied. Specifically, for example, when the day (today) when Event Schedule 1 is selected is Thursday, it is also possible to select days other than Thursday (for example, Friday and Monday) as the days to which Event Schedule 1 is applied. In this case, the air conditioner control means sets a schedule in which Event Schedule 1 is applied to Friday (the next day) and Monday (4 days later) as the schedule for the most recent week, and the corresponding daily schedules are applied to the days other than Friday and Monday (Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday). Therefore, on the day (Thursday) when Event Schedule 1 is selected, from the time of the selection, the setting of the schedule for that day is cancelled and the schedule for the most recent week is set. However, since Thursday is not the day selected as the day to which Event Schedule 1 is applied, the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding daily schedule (the confirmed operation schedule for Thursday). Also, in this case, since the most recent week including the day when Event Schedule 1 is selected ends on Wednesday of the following week, on Thursday of the following week, the setting of the schedule for the most recent week is cancelled, the schedule for that day is set, and the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding daily schedule (the confirmed operation schedule for Thursday).

[0124] Also, in the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIG. 9) in which the "Today" button 31 is invalid and all numeric buttons in the Event Schedule Selection Area 32 are invalid, when the operation schedules displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311A to 314A are adjusted and then the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed, the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73 is updated based on the adjusted operation schedule. Then, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is disabled and all the numeric buttons in the event schedule selection area 32 are disabled, the air conditioner control means resets the schedule for the current day. Specifically, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is disabled and all the numeric buttons in the event schedule selection area 32 are disabled, the air conditioner control means, instead of the schedule to which the corresponding day-of-week schedule included in the confirmed operation schedule before update is applied, resets the schedule to which the corresponding day-of-week schedule included in the confirmed operation schedule after update is applied as the schedule for the current day, and controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment based on the schedule for the current day after the reset (i.e., the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73).

[0125] Also, when the "Week" button in the day-of-week selection area 317 is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A, as shown in FIG. 17, the "Copy" button 30 and the event schedule selection area 32 become hidden, and if the "Today" button 30 was displayed, the "Today" button 30 becomes hidden.

[0126] According to the second embodiment, the following excellent effects can be obtained. The air conditioning management system 1 of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the air conditioning management system 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioning management system 1 of the second embodiment is a system that manages a plurality of air conditioning devices (room air conditioner 3, non-residential air conditioner 4, duct type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6) installed in the building 2, and includes an input information receiving means (home gateway 7) that receives input information input by a user, an operation schedule generation means (home gateway 7) that generates an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air conditioning devices based on the input information, and an air conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) that controls the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioning devices. And the air conditioning device control means sets the schedule for the current day or the schedule for the most recent week based on the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means, and controls the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioning devices based on the set schedule.

[0127] That is, just by the user inputting input information, an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air conditioning devices is generated based on the input information, and a schedule for the current day or the schedule for the most recent week is set based on the generated operation schedule. Therefore, the operation schedule can be set flexibly. Also, since the operation schedule can be set flexibly, when there is a change in the planned schedule, it is troublesome, so it is no longer necessary to turn off all the air conditioning devices or leave them according to the weekly schedule. Therefore, even if there is a change in the planned schedule, in addition to being able to provide a comfortable living environment for people, it is possible to reduce the burden on the natural environment. That is, since the air conditioning efficiency can be increased, it can contribute to the achievement of Goal 7 of the SDGs, "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all", Goal 13, "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts", etc.

[0128] Here, the operation schedule generation means of the second embodiment can generate, as the operation schedule, a weekly schedule, an event schedule, and a today-only schedule. The day schedule (confirmed operation schedule) is generated based on, for example, the input information (first input information (life pattern information (normal life pattern) and room information)) input on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (Fig. 2) and the input information (second input information) input on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (Fig. 3). The event schedule is generated based on, for example, the first input information and the second input information, the input information (third input information) input on the schedule copy screen 350 (Figs. 10 to 12), and the input information (fourth input information) input on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (Figs. 14 and 15) in which any of the numeric buttons in the event schedule selection area 32 is valid. The today-only schedule is generated based on, for example, the first input information and the second input information, and the input information (fifth input information) input on the air-conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (Fig. 13) in which the "Today" button 31 is valid.

[0129] Also, in the second embodiment, the operation schedule generation means can generate, as the operation schedule, an event schedule and a day schedule based on the normal life pattern provided for each day of the week, and the air-conditioning apparatus control means can set, as the schedule for the most recent week, a schedule in which the event schedule is applied to one or more days of the week specified by the user and the corresponding day schedule is applied to the other days of the week.

[0130] Therefore, when there are irregular events in the most recent week, it is possible to respond flexibly, which is convenient to use. When the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means consists only of the day-of-week schedule (confirmed operation schedule), for example, if there are irregular events on Tuesday and Thursday this week, adjusting (changing) the confirmed operation schedule for Tuesday and Thursday will result in the changed confirmed operation schedule also being applied on Tuesday and Thursday of the following week. Therefore, if there are no irregular events on Tuesday and Thursday of the following week (if Tuesday and Thursday of the following week are in the normal daily pattern), it is necessary to adjust (change) the confirmed operation schedule for Tuesday and Thursday again, which is troublesome. In contrast, in the second embodiment, it is possible to set the schedule for the most recent week that is reflected only in the week (this week) with irregular events. Therefore, it is possible to respond to irregular events without changing the day-of-week schedule (confirmed operation schedule), which is convenient to use.

[0131] Also, in the second embodiment, when an event schedule is applied to a predetermined day of the week in the most recent week, when switching from the predetermined day of the week in the most recent week to the next day of the week, the application of the event schedule is cancelled, and for the predetermined day of the week in the following week, it is possible to apply the day-of-week schedule corresponding to the predetermined day of the week. Specifically, for example, when an event schedule is applied to Tuesday and Thursday (predetermined days of the week) in the most recent week, when switching from Tuesday (predetermined day of the week) to Wednesday (next day of the week) in the most recent week, the application of the event schedule is cancelled, and for Tuesday (predetermined day of the week) in the following week, it is possible to apply the confirmed operation schedule for Tuesday (the day-of-week schedule corresponding to the predetermined day of the week). At the same time, when switching from Thursday (predetermined day of the week) to Friday (next day of the week) in the most recent week, the application of the event schedule is cancelled, and for Thursday (predetermined day of the week) in the following week, it is possible to apply the confirmed operation schedule for Thursday (the day-of-week schedule corresponding to the predetermined day of the week). Therefore, since the expiration date of the event schedule is one week, if there are irregular events in the most recent week, it is possible to respond flexibly and the usability is good.

[0132] Also, in the second embodiment, the operation schedule generation means can generate, as the operation schedule, a today-only schedule and a day-of-the-week schedule based on a normal daily pattern provided for each day of the week. The air conditioner control means sets, as the schedule for the current day, a schedule to which the day-of-the-week schedule corresponding to the day of the week of the current day is applied at the time of switching from the previous day to the current day. When a today-only schedule is generated (for example, when the "Schedule Confirmation" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is valid), it is possible to reset the schedule to which the today-only schedule is applied instead of the day-of-the-week schedule.

[0133] Therefore, if there is an irregular event today, it is possible to respond flexibly, so the usability is good. When the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means is only the day-of-the-week schedule (confirmed operation schedule), if there is an irregular event today (for example, Tuesday), adjusting (changing) the confirmed operation schedule for Tuesday will cause the changed confirmed operation schedule to be applied also on Tuesday of the following week. Therefore, if there is no irregular event on Tuesday of the following week (if Tuesday of the following week is a normal daily pattern), it is necessary to adjust (change) the confirmed operation schedule for Tuesday again, which is troublesome. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since it is possible to set a today-only schedule that is reflected only on the day (today) with the irregular event, it is possible to respond to the irregular event without changing the day-of-the-week schedule (confirmed operation schedule), and the usability is good.

[0134] Also, in the second embodiment, when the today-only schedule is applied, at the time of switching from today to the next day, the application of the today-only schedule is cancelled, and as the schedule for the day, a schedule to which the day-of-the-week schedule corresponding to the next day is applied can be set. Specifically, for example, when the today-only schedule is applied to Tuesday, at the time of switching from Tuesday (today) to Wednesday (the next day), the application of the today-only schedule is cancelled, and as the schedule for the day, a schedule to which the confirmed operation schedule for Wednesday (the day-of-the-week schedule corresponding to the next day) is applied can be set. Therefore, since the expiration date of the today-only schedule is one day, it is possible to respond flexibly when there is an irregular event for only one day, and it is user-friendly.

[0135] Also, in the second embodiment, the event schedule can be generated by copying the day-of-the-week schedule. Therefore, since the event schedule can be easily generated, it is user-friendly.

[0136] Also, in the second embodiment, it is possible to display one or more days of the week to which the event schedule is applied in a distinguishable manner for the user. Specifically, it is possible to display the connection line 33. Therefore, since it is possible to easily grasp the days of the week to which the event schedule is applied, it is user-friendly.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0137] 1 Air-conditioning management system 2 Building 3 Room air conditioner (air-conditioning device) 4 Non-residential room air conditioner (air-conditioning device) 5 Duct type air conditioner (air-conditioning device) 6 Floor heating (air-conditioning device) 7 Home gateway (input information receiving means, operation schedule generating means, air-conditioning device control means)

Claims

1. In an air conditioning management system for managing a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building, input information receiving means for receiving input information input by a user; operation schedule generation means for generating an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the input information; air conditioner control means for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioners, wherein the air conditioner control means sets a schedule for the current day or the schedule for the most recent one week based on the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means, and controls the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the set schedule. An air conditioning management system characterized by the above.

2. In the air conditioning management system according to Claim 1, the operation schedule generation means can generate, as the operation schedule, an event schedule and a day-of-week schedule based on a normal daily pattern provided for each day of the week, wherein the air conditioner control means applies the event schedule to one or a plurality of days of the week designated by the user as the schedule for the most recent one week, and sets a schedule in which the corresponding day-of-week schedule is applied to the other days of the week. An air conditioning management system characterized by the above.

3. In the air conditioning management system according to Claim 2, when the event schedule is applied to a predetermined day of the week in the most recent one week, when switching from the predetermined day of the week in the most recent one week to the next day of the week, the application of the event schedule is cancelled, and for the predetermined day of the week in the following week, the day-of-week schedule corresponding to the predetermined day of the week is applied. An air conditioning management system characterized by the above.

4. In the air conditioning management system according to Claim 1, the operation schedule generation means can generate, as the operation schedule, a today-only schedule and a day-of-week schedule based on a normal daily pattern provided for each day of the week, wherein the air conditioner control means as the schedule for the current day, sets a schedule in which the day-of-week schedule corresponding to the day of the week of the current day is applied when switching from the previous day to the current day. An air-conditioning management system, characterized in that when the above-mentioned limited schedule for today is generated, the schedule to which the limited schedule for today is applied is reset in place of the above-mentioned weekly schedule.

5. In the air-conditioning management system according to claim 4, when the above-mentioned limited schedule for today is applied, at the time of switching from today to the next day, the application of the limited schedule for today is cancelled, and as the schedule for that day, a schedule to which the weekly schedule corresponding to the next day is applied is set. An air-conditioning management system characterized by this.

6. In the air-conditioning management system according to claim 2, The event schedule can be generated by copying the weekly schedule. An air-conditioning management system characterized by this.

7. In the air-conditioning management system according to claim 2, An air-conditioning management system, characterized in that one or more days of the week to which the event schedule is applied are displayed in a user-identifiable manner.

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