Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of suppressing a problem that an air conditioner cannot be remotely controlled using a remote controller.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system SCS comprises a smart phone 2 capable of performing BLE communication, and an air conditioner 1 capable of communicating with the smart phone 2 by the BLE communication. The air conditioner 1 switches from operating as a master unit to operating as a slave unit upon receiving a beacon signal outputted from the smart phone 2 when the air conditioner is operating as the master unit, and establishes the BLE communication with the smart phone 2, allowing the smartphone 2 to operate as the master unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system that conditions the air in a predetermined space.

Background Art

[0002] In wireless communication of BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy), which is a specification that extends Bluetooth (registered trademark), one of the short-range wireless communications, communication is established between a central device and a peripheral device through a predetermined procedure, and exchange of necessary data is performed (for example, Patent Document 1). An air conditioner is known as a device using BLE (for example, Patent Document 2). In such an air conditioner, BLE communication is established between an indoor unit provided in the air conditioner and a remote controller.

[0003] According to the BLE communication standard, the number of central devices in the system is limited to one. When establishing BLE communication between an indoor unit and a remote controller, the indoor unit operates as a central device and the remote controller operates as a peripheral device. Therefore, BLE communication can be established between the indoor unit and the remote controller.

[0004] In recent years, in addition to a remote controller dedicated to an air conditioner, there are cases where a smartphone is used to set or operate the air conditioner. That is, the smartphone operates as a remote controller of the air conditioner. However, a smartphone is generally designed to operate as a central device and cannot operate as a peripheral device. For this reason, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for establishing BLE communication between a smartphone and an indoor unit by changing the indoor unit that operates as a central device to operate as a peripheral device and then establishing BLE communication between the smartphone and the indoor unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-177297 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-138615 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the conventional technology, when a smartphone enters the wireless communication range of an indoor unit operating as a central unit, just by entering, it cannot be determined whether the smartphone will establish wireless communication with itself and operate as a remote controller. For this reason, the indoor unit needs to start a negotiation procedure with the smartphone after once changing its operation state from central to peripheral. However, during this period, there is a problem that the air conditioner cannot be remotely controlled by a remote controller dedicated to the air conditioner that is also operating as a peripheral like the indoor unit.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of suppressing the occurrence of a problem that the air conditioner cannot be remotely controlled by a remote controller. Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, an air conditioning system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a wireless communication device capable of short-range wireless communication and an air conditioner communicable with the wireless communication device by the short-range wireless communication. When the air conditioner receives a first signal output by the wireless communication device while operating as a master unit, the air conditioner switches from the operation of the master unit to the operation of a slave unit and establishes the short-range wireless communication with the wireless communication device, and the wireless communication device operates as a master unit. Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem that remote control of an air conditioner by a remote controller becomes impossible.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] 〔1. Configuration of Air Conditioning System〕 The schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0012] 〔1-1. Overall Configuration of Air Conditioning System〕 The overall configuration of the air conditioning system SCS according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the air conditioning system SCS.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system SCS includes an air conditioner 1 and a smartphone (an example of a wireless communication device) 2. The air conditioner 1 is a device that conditions the air in a room. The air conditioner 1 is a device capable of communicating with the smartphone 2 by BLE communication (an example of short-range wireless communication), which is a specification that extends Bluetooth (registered trademark), one of short-range wireless communications. The smartphone 2 is, for example, a portable terminal device carried by a user of the air conditioner 1. The smartphone 2 is a terminal device capable of BLE communication. Note that the wireless communication device included in the air conditioning system SCS is not limited to the smartphone 2, and may be, for example, a tablet terminal device or the like as long as it is a terminal device capable of short-range wireless communication with the air conditioner 1. The detailed configuration of the smartphone 2 will be described later.

[0014] 〔1-2. Configuration of Air Conditioner〕 As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, and a remote controller (hereinafter simply referred to as the "remote controller") 13 dedicated to the air conditioner. The indoor unit 11 is disposed, for example, indoors in an air-conditioned space such as a room and is part of the air conditioner 1 that conditions the air in the room. The detailed configuration of the indoor unit 11 will be described later. The outdoor unit 12 has various devices (not shown), such as an outdoor fan and a compressor. The air conditioner 1 conditions the air in the room where the indoor unit 11 is disposed by causing the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to cooperate with each other.

[0015] The remote controller 13 is an operating device that remotely operates the indoor unit 11 by, for example, BLE communication. The air conditioning system SCS can perform short-range wireless communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 and short-range wireless communication between the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2 using BLE communication. The detailed configuration of the remote controller 13 will be described later.

[0016] 〔1-2-1. Configuration of Indoor Unit〕 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the indoor unit 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 11 includes a BLE communication unit 111, an outdoor unit communication unit 112, an operation unit 113, an indoor unit main body 114, a storage unit 115, and a control unit 116.

[0017] The BLE communication unit 111 is an interface for performing BLE communication with other devices. The BLE communication unit 111 establishes BLE communication with, for example, the remote controller 13 or the smartphone 2 through a predetermined negotiation in accordance with the specifications defined by the Bluetooth SIG, which is the Bluetooth standardization organization. Although details will be described later, when the indoor unit 11 establishes BLE communication with the remote controller 13, it operates as a central device (an example of operating as a master unit), and when it establishes BLE communication with the smartphone 2, it operates as a peripheral device (operates as a slave unit). For this reason, the BLE communication unit 111 undergoes different negotiations when establishing BLE communication with the remote controller 13 and when establishing BLE communication with the smartphone 2. The negotiation will be described later.

[0018] The outdoor unit communication unit 112 is an interface for communicating with the outdoor unit 12 (see FIG. 1) by, for example, the UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) method. The operation unit 113 is an interface for inputting various commands to the indoor unit 11.

[0019] The indoor unit main body 114 has an indoor fan, an indoor heat exchanger (both not shown), etc. The indoor air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 12 in the indoor heat exchanger is blown out from the indoor unit main body 114 by the indoor fan. Thereby, the air conditioner 1 can perform indoor heating, cooling, dehumidification, etc.

[0020] The storage unit 115 stores various information. The storage unit 115 has a setting table 115a and a self-device memory 115b. The setting table 115a is a table that stores, for example, the device IDs of other devices that communicate with the BLE communication unit 111 of the indoor unit 11 and operate as peripherals when the indoor unit 11 operates as a central device. The self-device memory 115b stores the device ID that identifies the indoor unit 11 (i.e., the self-device).

[0021] The control unit 116 controls the entire indoor unit 11. That is, the control unit 116 controls the BLE communication unit 111, the outdoor unit communication unit 112, the operation unit 113, the indoor unit main body 114, and the storage unit 115. The control unit 116 has a setting switching unit 116a.

[0022] The setting switching unit 116a sets the BLE communication unit 111 to operate either as a central or a peripheral in BLE communication. When the indoor unit 11 establishes BLE communication with the smartphone 2, the setting switching unit 116a switches the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 from central to peripheral and executes a connection request to the smartphone 2 operating as a central. On the other hand, when the indoor unit 11 establishes BLE communication with the remote controller 13, the setting switching unit 116a switches the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 from peripheral to central and detects the remote controller 13 operating as a peripheral.

[0023] When the BLE communication unit 111 receives a beacon signal (an example of the first signal) output by the smartphone 2, the setting switching unit 116a switches the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 from central to peripheral. After switching the operation of the BLE communication unit 111, the setting switching unit 116a executes a connection request to the device operating as a central (the smartphone 2 in this embodiment). If the smartphone 2 that responded to the connection request by the setting switching unit 116a is a connectable terminal device, the BLE communication unit 111 establishes BLE communication with the smartphone 2 that responded to the connection request.

[0024] In this way, when the air conditioner 1 receives a beacon signal (an example of the first signal) output by the smartphone 2 (an example of a wireless communication device) while operating as a central device (an example of a master device), the operation switches from that of a central device to that of a peripheral device (an example of a slave device), and BLE communication (an example of short-range wireless communication) is established with the smartphone 2.

[0025] On the other hand, when the BLE communication unit 111 receives a disconnect signal (an example of the second signal) transmitted from the smartphone 2, the setting switching unit 116a switches the operation of the BLE communication unit 21 from peripheral to central. After switching the operation of the BLE communication unit 111, the setting switching unit 116a disconnects the BLE communication with the smartphone 2.

[0026] In this way, when the air conditioner 1 receives a disconnect signal (an example of the second signal) transmitted from the smartphone 2, it switches from the peripheral operation to the central operation and disconnects the BLE communication with the smartphone 2.

[0027] The control unit 116 refers to the setting table 115a stored in the storage unit 115 and recognizes the device ID (the remote controller 13 in this embodiment) that operates as a peripheral when the BLE communication unit 111 operates as a central. Further, the control unit 116 refers to the setting table 115a stored in the storage unit 115 and recognizes the device ID (the smartphone 2 in this embodiment) that operates as a central when the BLE communication unit 111 operates as a peripheral.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the setting table 115a. The setting table 115a is a table that stores identification information (for example, device ID) for identifying other devices in which the BLE communication unit 111 of the indoor unit 11 operates as a central or a peripheral. The device ID refers to a unique code assigned in association with the hardware. In the BLE communication standard, for example, a Bluetooth Device Address corresponds to the device ID.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the setting table 115a stores the device ID for identifying other devices in the "Device ID" column, and stores the setting state of the BLE communication unit 111 in the "Setting" column. In the setting table 115a, the device ID and the setting state of the BLE communication unit 111 that are associated with each other are stored in the same row of the "Device ID" column and the "Setting" column, respectively. For example, in the setting table 115a shown in FIG. 3, "XXX" is stored in the first row of the "Device ID" column, "Central" is stored in the first row of the "Setting" column, and "XXX" and "Central" are associated with each other. Also, in the setting table 115a shown in FIG. 3, "YYY" is stored in the second row of the "Device ID" column, "Peripheral" is stored in the second row of the "Setting" column, and "YYY" and "Peripheral" are associated with each other. Further, in the setting table 115a shown in FIG. 3, "ZZZ" is stored in the third row of the "Device ID" column, "Peripheral" is stored in the third row of the "Setting" column, and "ZZZ" and "Peripheral" are associated with each other.

[0030] [1-2-2. Configuration of Remote Controller] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the remote controller 13. As shown in FIG. 4, the remote controller 13 includes a BLE communication unit 131, an operation unit 132, a display unit 133, a storage unit 134, and a control unit 135.

[0031] The BLE communication unit 131 is an interface for performing BLE communication with other devices (in this embodiment, the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2). The BLE communication unit 131 establishes BLE communication with the indoor unit 11 or the smartphone 2 through a predetermined negotiation (details will be described later).

[0032] The operation unit 132 is an input interface for inputting various commands such as increasing or decreasing the set indoor temperature and increasing or decreasing the air volume blown into the room from the indoor unit 11. The operation unit 132 has, for example, push buttons (not shown) for the user of the air conditioner 1 to operate and input the various commands.

[0033] The display unit 133 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display device, and outputs various information. For example, information such as the current indoor temperature and the current air volume being blown into the room from the indoor unit 11 is displayed on the display unit 133.

[0034] The storage unit 134 stores various information. The storage unit 134 has a communication destination memory 134a and a self-device memory 134b. The communication destination memory 134a stores device IDs that identify devices (in this embodiment, the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2) that operate as a central device which is the communication destination of BLE communication. The self-device memory 134b stores a device ID that identifies the remote controller 13 which is the self-device.

[0035] The control unit 135 controls the entire remote controller 13. The control unit 135 controls the BLE communication unit 131, the display unit 133, and the storage unit 134 based on various commands input from the operation unit 132.

[0036] 〔1-2-3. Configuration of Smartphone〕 FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the smartphone 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the smartphone 2 has a BLE communication unit 21, a wireless communication unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a control unit 26.

[0037] The BLE communication unit 21 is an interface for BLE communication with other devices (in this embodiment, the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13). The BLE communication unit 21 outputs a beacon signal and establishes BLE communication with, for example, the indoor unit 11 or the remote controller 13 through a predetermined negotiation (details will be described later). Also, the BLE communication unit 21 transmits a disconnect signal to the indoor unit 11 or the remote controller 13 and disconnects the BLE communication with the indoor unit 11 or the remote controller 13 through a predetermined negotiation (details will be described later).

[0038] The wireless communication unit 32 is an interface for performing wireless communication of, for example, the fourth-generation mobile communication system, the fifth-generation mobile communication system, and wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The wireless communication unit 32 can perform wireless communication with a mobile phone base station (not shown). Thereby, the smartphone 2 can enjoy various services such as calls with other smartphones (not shown).

[0039] The operation unit 23 is an input interface for energizing or stopping the power of the smartphone 2 or inputting various commands. The operation unit 23 has, for example, a touch panel (not shown) arranged on the display unit 24 and a physical button (not shown) such as a power switch.

[0040] The display unit 24 displays a predetermined image including an image related to an application for operating the air conditioner 1. The display unit 24 has, for example, a touch panel and a display screen (both not shown) and exhibits two functions of input and display. The display unit 24 senses the position tapped by the user's fingertip or a touch pen used by the user on an image such as an icon displayed on the touch panel and transmits the information of the position to the control unit 26. Thus, the display unit 24 also exhibits a function as an operation unit.

[0041] The storage unit 25 has a setting table 251 and a self-device memory 252. The setting table 251 is a table that stores a device ID for identifying a device that operates as a peripheral when the BLE communication unit 21 of the smartphone 2, which is the self-device, operates as a central. In the present embodiment, the device ID of the indoor unit 11, for example, is stored in the setting table 251 as the device ID. The self-device memory 252 stores a device ID for identifying the smartphone 2, which is the self-device. Also, various image data displayed on the display unit 24 are stored in the storage unit 25.

[0042] The control unit 26 controls the entire smartphone 2. The control unit 135 controls the BLE communication unit 21, the wireless communication unit 22, the display unit 24, and the storage unit 25 based on various commands input from the operation unit 23 or information on the tap position input from the display unit 24. Further, the control unit 26 controls the BLE communication unit 21 to output a beacon signal or a disconnect signal to the BLE communication unit 21.

[0043] [2. Operation of the air conditioning system] The operation of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10 while referring to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0044] [2-1. Operation of the remote controller connection process] The processing operation when connecting the remote controller 13 in the air conditioning system SCS according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6 while referring to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation when connecting the remote controller 13 in the air conditioning system SCS.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 are present within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS (see FIG. 1). At this time, the BLE communication unit 111 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11 is set to operate as a central device, and the BLE communication unit 131 (see FIG. 4) provided in the remote controller 13 is set to operate as a peripheral device.

[0046] When the processing operation for connecting the remote controller 13 to the air conditioning system SCS is started, as shown in FIG. 6, in step S11, the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13 transmits an advertisement by broadcast, and is in the state of advertising. The BLE communication unit 131 transmits an advertisement by broadcast at a predetermined time interval. An advertisement is a signal for a peripheral device to notify the presence of its own device within the BLE communication range. An advertisement is a signal including the device ID of its own device. Therefore, the advertisement transmitted by the BLE communication unit 131 includes the device ID of the remote controller 13.

[0047] In step S12, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 starts a scanning operation.

[0048] In step S13 following step S12, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 receives the advertisement transmitted from the remote controller 13 in response to the scanning operation.

[0049] In step S14 following step S13, the control unit 116 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11 checks whether the device ID of the remote controller 13 included in the received advertisement is set in the setting table 115a (see FIG. 3) stored in the storage unit 115 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11. The control unit 116 associates the device ID with the current setting state of the BLE communication unit 111, which is "central", and sets it in the setting table 115a only when it is determined that the device ID is not set in the setting table 115a.

[0050] Furthermore, in step S14, the control unit 116 controls the BLE communication unit 111 to send a scan request from the BLE communication unit 111 to the remote controller 13. The scan request is a signal for a central device that has received an advertisement to request device information from a peripheral device that has sent the advertisement. The scan request is a signal that includes the central device ID and the device ID of the device that has sent the advertisement. Therefore, the scan request sent from the indoor unit 11 to the remote controller 13 in step S14 includes the device ID of the remote controller 13.

[0051] In step S15, when the control unit 135 (see FIG. 4) provided in the remote controller 13 receives the scan request sent from the indoor unit 11, it controls the BLE communication unit 131 to send a scan response from the BLE communication unit 131 to the indoor unit 11. The scan response is a signal that responds to the scan request.

[0052] In step S16, the control unit 116 controls the BLE communication unit 111 to send a connection request from the BLE communication unit 111 to the remote controller 13. The connection request is a signal that includes, for example, the device ID of the own device, the device ID of the device of the connection partner, and parameters used for data communication. Therefore, the connection request sent from the indoor unit 11 to the remote controller 13 in step S16 includes the device ID of the indoor unit 11, the device ID of the remote controller 13, and parameters used for data communication.

[0053] In step S17 after the negotiation from step S11 to step S16, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 becomes in a state where BLE communication is possible with the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13. That is, the indoor unit 11 becomes in a state where data transmission and reception with the remote controller 13 are possible. Thereby, the processing operation when connecting the remote controller 13 in the air conditioning system SCS is completed.

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[0058] <000021In the next step S103 after step S102, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 outputs a beacon signal by broadcast. In this way, the smartphone 2 outputs a beacon signal when starting an application for operating the air conditioner 1. A beacon signal is a signal for a central device to notify the presence of its own device within the BLE communication range. A beacon signal is a signal including the device ID of its own device. Therefore, the device ID of the smartphone 2 is included in the beacon signal transmitted by the BLE communication unit 21.

[0059] In the next step S104 after step S103, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 starts a scanning operation.

[0060] In step S105, based on the fact that the BLE communication unit 111 has received a beacon signal, the setting switching unit 116a (see FIG. 2) of the control unit 116 provided in the indoor unit 11 switches the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 from central to peripheral. As a result, the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 shifts from central to peripheral.

[0061] In the next step S106 after step S105, the BLE communication unit 111 transmits an advertisement by broadcast and is in the process of advertising. The advertisement transmitted by the BLE communication unit 111 includes the device ID of the indoor unit 11.

[0062] In step S107, the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13 transmits data to the indoor unit 11. However, the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 is switched to peripheral in step S105. Therefore, the remote controller 13 cannot receive a response to the data transmitted to the indoor unit 11 in step S107. When the control unit 135 (see FIG. 4) provided in the remote controller 13 determines that the BLE communication unit 131 has not received a response to the data communication from the indoor unit 11, it determines that the data transmission has failed. When the control unit 135 determines that the data transmission has failed, it controls the BLE communication unit 131 to retransmit the data to the indoor unit 11. For example, if the control unit 135 repeats the data transmission to the indoor unit 11 n times (n is, for example, 5) and there is no response from the indoor unit 11, it determines that the communication with the indoor unit 11 has been disconnected.

[0063] When the control unit 135 determines that the communication with the indoor unit 11 has been disconnected, in the next step S108 after step S107, the BLE communication unit 131 transmits an advertisement by broadcast and is in the advertisement state. Since the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 is operating as a peripheral, it is in a state where it cannot receive the advertisement from the remote controller 13. The process of step S107 is a process executed when the remote controller 13 transmits data to the indoor unit 11 and is not necessarily executed. Therefore, when the process of step S107 is not executed, if data transmission and reception are not executed between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 for a predetermined period after the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 is established, the process of step S108 is executed.

[0064] In step S109, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 receives the advertisement transmitted from the indoor unit 11 in response to the scan operation.

[0065] In the next step S110 after step S109, the control unit 26 (see FIG. 5) provided in the smartphone 2 checks whether the device ID of the indoor unit 11 included in the received advertisement is set in the setting table 25a (see FIG. 5) stored in the storage unit 25 provided in the smartphone 2. The control unit 26 sets the device ID in the setting table 25a only when it determines that the device ID is not set in the setting table 25a.

[0066] Furthermore, in step S110, the control unit 26 controls the BLE communication unit 21 and transmits a scan request from the BLE communication unit 21 to the indoor unit 11. The scan request includes the device ID of the smartphone 2.

[0067] In step S111, when the control unit 116 provided in the indoor unit 11 receives the scan request transmitted from the smartphone 2, it controls the BLE communication unit 111 and transmits a scan response from the BLE communication unit 111 to the smartphone 2.

[0068] In step S112, the control unit 26 provided in the smartphone 2 controls the BLE communication unit 21 and transmits a connection request from the BLE communication unit 21 to the indoor unit 11. The connection request includes the device ID of the smartphone 2, the device ID of the indoor unit 11, parameters used for data communication, and the like.

[0069] In step S113 after the negotiation from step S109 to step S112, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 becomes in a state where BLE communication is possible with the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11. That is, the smartphone 2 becomes in a state where data transmission and reception are possible with the indoor unit 11.

[0070] In step S114, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 receives the advertisement transmitted from the remote controller 13 in response to the scan operation.

[0071] In the next step S115 after step S114, the control unit 26 provided in the smartphone 2 checks whether the device ID of the remote controller 13 included in the received advertisement is set in the setting table 25a stored in the storage unit 25 provided in the smartphone 2. The control unit 26 sets the device ID in the setting table 25a only when it determines that the device ID is not set in the setting table 25a.

[0072] Furthermore, in step S115, the control unit 26 controls the BLE communication unit 21 and transmits a scan request from the BLE communication unit 21 to the remote controller 13. The scan request includes the device ID of the smartphone 2.

[0073] In step S116, when the control unit 135 provided in the remote controller 13 receives the scan request transmitted from the smartphone 2, it controls the BLE communication unit 131 and transmits a scan response from the BLE communication unit 131 to the smartphone 2.

[0074] In step S117, the control unit 26 provided in the smartphone 2 controls the BLE communication unit 21 and transmits a connection request from the BLE communication unit 21 to the remote controller 13. The connection request includes the device ID of the smartphone 2, the device ID of the remote controller 13, parameters used for data communication, and the like.

[0075] In step S118 after the negotiation from step S114 to step S117, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 becomes in a state where BLE communication is possible with the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13. That is, the smartphone 2 becomes in a state where data transmission and reception are possible with the remote controller 13. Thereby, the processing operation when connecting the smartphone 2 in the air conditioning system SCS is completed.

[0076] In the processes from step S101 to step S118, the operation of the indoor unit 11 switches from central to peripheral, while the smartphone 2 operates as the central unit. Also, in the processes from step S101 to step S118, data communication becomes possible between the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2, and data communication becomes possible between the smartphone 2 and the remote controller 13. As a result, although the air conditioner 1 cannot directly execute data communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13, it becomes possible to execute data communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 via the smartphone 2.

[0077] In the air conditioning system SCS according to the present embodiment, the smartphone 2 starts outputting a beacon signal based on the activation of an application for operating the air conditioner 1, and the indoor unit 11 that has received the signal starts a processing operation for establishing BLE communication with the smartphone 2. That is, in the air conditioning system SCS, the indoor unit 11 does not start a processing operation for establishing BLE communication with the smartphone 2 just because the smartphone 2 has entered the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS. For this reason, even if a smartphone 2 that does not plan to establish BLE communication with the indoor unit 11 enters the BLE communication range, the air conditioning system SCS does not start a processing operation for the indoor unit 11 to establish BLE communication with the smartphone 2, so that the state where the indoor unit 11 can be remotely operated by the remote controller 13 is maintained.

[0078] Also, since the air conditioning system SCS does not start a processing operation for establishing BLE communication with a smartphone that does not plan to establish BLE communication with the indoor unit 11, it is possible to prevent the entry of the smartphone into the BLE communication range from affecting the operation and communication state of the air conditioner 1.

[0079] Furthermore, when a smartphone 2 owned by a user who uses the air conditioner 1 and a smartphone owned by a person who does not use the air conditioner 1 such as a visitor are within the BLE communication range, the air conditioning system SCS can identify and communicate with the smartphone 2 owned by the user who uses it. That is, when a plurality of smartphones exist within the BLE communication range of the air conditioner 1, the air conditioning system SCS can select the smartphone 2 for which the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 1 is desired and connect it to the indoor unit 11 for communication.

[0080] 〔2-3. Operation of the remote controller detachment process〕 The processing operation for detaching the smartphone 2 from within the air conditioning system SCS according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation for detaching the smartphone 2 from within the air conditioning system SCS.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the indoor unit 11, the remote controller 13, and the smartphone 2 exist within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS (see FIG. 1). At this time, the BLE communication unit 111 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11 and the BLE communication unit 131 (see FIG. 4) provided in the remote controller 13 are set to operate as peripherals, and the BLE communication unit 21 (see FIG. 5) provided in the smartphone 2 is set to operate as a central.

[0082] As shown in step S201 in FIG. 8, the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2 are in a state where data can be transmitted and received between each other by the processing operation described with reference to FIG. 7. As shown in step S202 in FIG. 8, the remote controller 13 and the smartphone 2 are in a state where data can be transmitted and received between each other by the processing operation described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0083] In a state where data can be transmitted and received between each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 and the smartphone 2, as shown in FIG. 8, in step S203, for example, an application for operating the air conditioner 1 is terminated (i.e., put to sleep) on the smartphone 2. Thereby, the processing operation when detaching the smartphone 2 from the air conditioning system SCS is started.

[0084] In the next step S204 after step S203, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 outputs a disconnect signal to the indoor unit 11. In this way, the smartphone 2 outputs a disconnect signal when the application for operating the air conditioner 1 is terminated. The disconnect signal is a signal for the central device to disconnect the BLE communication established with the peripheral device. The disconnect signal is a signal including the device ID of its own device and the device ID of the other device with which the BLE communication is established. Therefore, the disconnect signal transmitted by the BLE communication unit 21 to the indoor unit 11 includes the device ID of the smartphone 2 and the device ID of the indoor unit 11.

[0085] In the next step S205 after step S204, the BLE communication unit 21 outputs a disconnect signal to the remote controller 13. The disconnect signal transmitted by the BLE communication unit 21 to the indoor unit 11 includes the device ID of the smartphone 2 and the device ID of the remote controller 13.

[0086] In step S206, the control unit 116 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11 checks whether the respective device IDs of the smartphone 2 and the indoor unit 11 included in the received disconnect signal are set in the setting table 115a (see FIG. 3) stored in the storage unit 115 provided in the indoor unit 11. When the control unit 116 determines that the respective device IDs are set in the setting table 115a, it disconnects the communication with the smartphone 2. On the other hand, when the control unit 116 determines that at least one of the two device IDs included in the disconnect signal is not set in the setting table 115a, it determines that the disconnect signal is mis-transmitted and continues without disconnecting the communication with the smartphone 2.

[0087] In the next step S207 after step S206, based on the fact that the BLE communication unit 111 receives the disconnect signal and the device ID of the smartphone 2 is stored in the setting table 115a, the setting switching unit 116a provided in the control unit 116 switches the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 from peripheral to central. As a result, the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 shifts from peripheral to central. In this way, when the air conditioner 1 receives a disconnect signal (an example of the second signal) transmitted from the smartphone 2 in which BLE communication is established, it switches from the peripheral operation to the central operation and disconnects the BLE communication with the smartphone 2.

[0088] In the next step S208 after step S207, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 starts a scanning operation.

[0089] In step S209, the control unit 135 provided in the remote controller 13 checks whether the device ID of the smartphone 2 included in the received disconnect signal is set in the communication destination memory 134a (see FIG. 4) stored in the storage unit 134 provided in the remote controller 13. When the control unit 135 determines that the device ID of the smartphone 2 is set in the communication destination memory 134a, it disconnects the communication with the smartphone 2. On the other hand, when the control unit 135 determines that the device ID of the smartphone 2 is not set in the communication destination memory 134a, it determines that the disconnect signal is mis-transmitted and continues without disconnecting the communication with the smartphone 2.

[0090] In the next step S210 after step S209, the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13 broadcasts an advertisement including the device ID of the remote controller 13 and is in the process of advertising. The BLE communication unit 131 broadcasts the advertisement at a predetermined time interval.

[0091] The processing from step S211 to step S214 is the same as the processing from step S13 to step S16 shown in FIG. 6. That is, the processing in step S211 is the same as the processing in step S13, the processing in step S212 is the same as the processing in step S14. Also, the processing in step S213 is the same as the processing in step S15, and the processing in step S214 is the same as the processing in step S16. Therefore, the description of the processing from step S211 to step S214 is omitted.

[0092] In step S215 after the negotiation from step S211 to step S214, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 becomes in a state where BLE communication is possible with the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13. That is, the indoor unit 11 becomes in a state where data transmission and reception are possible with the remote controller 13. Thereby, the processing operation when detaching the smartphone 2 from the air conditioning system SCS ends.

[0093] (Other processing operation examples) In the processing operation shown in FIG. 8, after the smartphone 2 ends the application for operating the air conditioner 1 in step S203, it transmits a disconnect signal to the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 (steps S204, S205). However, the smartphone 2 may output a disconnect signal when the application transitions from the active state to the inactive state.

[0094] Here, the active state includes at least one of a state where the display screen of the display unit 24 (see FIG. 5) provided in the smartphone 2 is lit, a state where the application for operating the air conditioner 1 is being executed while being displayed on the display screen of the display unit 24, and a state where the display screen of the display unit 24 is not locked. Further, the inactive state includes at least one of a state where the display screen of the display unit 24 (see FIG. 5) provided in the smartphone 2 is turned off, a state where the application for operating the air conditioner 1 is being executed in the background, and a state where the display screen of the display unit 24 is in the automatic lock state.

[0095] As another example of the processing operation example 1, it is assumed that the smartphone 2 has changed from the active state to the inactive state when the display screen of the display unit 24 provided in the smartphone 2 changes from the lit state to the unlit state. As a result, the smartphone 2 outputs a disconnect signal to each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 (steps S204, S205). Thereafter, the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 execute the processing from step S206 to step S214 shown in FIG. 8 and establish BLE communication with each other.

[0096] As another example of the processing operation example 2, it is assumed that the smartphone 2 has changed from the active state to the inactive state when the application for operating the air conditioner 1 changes from the state of being executed while being displayed on the display screen of the display unit 24 to the state of being executed in the background. As a result, the smartphone 2 outputs a disconnect signal to each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 (steps S204, S205). Thereafter, the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 execute the processing from step S206 to step S214 shown in FIG. 8 and establish BLE communication with each other.

[0097] As another example of the processing operation example 3, it is assumed that the smartphone 2 has changed from the active state to the inactive state when the display screen of the display unit 24 changes from the unlocked state to the automatically locked state. As a result, the smartphone 2 outputs a disconnect signal to each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 (steps S204, S205). Thereafter, the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 execute the processing from step S206 to step S214 shown in FIG. 8 and establish BLE communication with each other.

[0098] In the air conditioning system SCS according to the present embodiment, when the smartphone 2 transmits a disconnect signal to the indoor unit 11, a processing operation for disconnecting the smartphone 2 from within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS is started. That is, in the air conditioning system SCS, the start timing of the processing operation for disconnecting the smartphone 2 from within the BLE communication range is clear. For this reason, in the processing operation for disconnecting the smartphone 2 from within the BLE communication range, the air conditioning system SCS can shorten the period during which the operating state of the indoor unit 11 is peripherally maintained as compared with the case where the disconnect signal is not used as an opportunity. Thereby, the air conditioning system SCS can shorten the processing operation for disconnecting the smartphone 2 from within the BLE communication range as compared with the case where the disconnect signal is not used as an opportunity. As a result, the air conditioning system SCS can shorten the period from the disconnection of the smartphone 2 from within the BLE communication range to the re-establishment of the BLE communication between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 as compared with the case where the disconnect signal is not used as an opportunity, so that the period during which the indoor unit 11 cannot be operated can be shortened.

[0099] [2-4. Operation of Reconnection Process of Smartphone] In the air conditioning system SCS according to the present embodiment, the reconnection processing operation when the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2 is disconnected will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and using FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the reconnection processing operation when the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2 is disconnected in the air conditioning system SCS.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 9, assume that the indoor unit 11, the remote controller 13, and the smartphone 2 are present within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS (see FIG. 1). At this time, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 (see FIG. 2) and the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13 (see FIG. 4) are set to operate as peripherals, and the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 (see FIG. 5) is set to operate as a central.

[0101] As shown in step S301 in FIG. 9, the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2 become capable of data transmission and reception with each other through the processing operations described with reference to FIG. 7. As shown in step S302 in FIG. 9, the remote controller 13 and the smartphone 2 become capable of data transmission and reception with each other through the processing operations described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 9, in step S303, the smartphone 2 operates the air conditioner 1 through an application for operating the air conditioner 1. Here, for example, assume that the user of the smartphone 2 moves outside the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS while holding the smartphone 2.

[0103] Then, as shown in step S304 in FIG. 9, the BLE communication between the smartphone 2 and the indoor unit 11 is disconnected, and the BLE communication between the smartphone 2 and the remote controller 13 is disconnected.

[0104] At this time, the smartphone 2 has not determined that the BLE communication with the indoor unit 11 has been disconnected, and the application for operating the air conditioner 1 is still in the activated state. Therefore, in step S305, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 transmits operation data for operating the air conditioner 1 to the indoor unit 11. For example, the smartphone 2 transmits operation data based on the operation in step S303 before the BLE communication with the indoor unit 11 is disconnected to the indoor unit 11.

[0105] Also, the smartphone 2 has not determined that the BLE communication with the remote controller 13 has been disconnected. Therefore, in step S306, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 transmits data to the remote controller 13. For example, the smartphone 2 transmits data for responding to the data transmitted from the remote controller 13 before the BLE communication with the remote controller 13 is disconnected to the remote controller 13.

[0106] The smartphone 2 cannot receive a response to the data transmitted to the indoor unit 11 in step S305. Similarly, the smartphone 2 cannot receive a response to the data transmitted to the remote controller 13 in step S306. When the control unit 26 (see FIG. 5) provided in the smartphone 2 determines that the BLE communication unit 21 has not received a response to the data communication from the indoor unit 11, it determines that the data transmission has failed. Similarly, when the control unit 26 determines that the BLE communication unit 21 has not received a response to the data communication from the remote controller 13, it determines that the data transmission has failed. When the control unit 26 determines that the data transmission has failed, it controls the BLE communication unit 131 to retransmit the data to each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13. The control unit 26 repeats the data transmission to each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 n times (n is, for example, 5).

[0107] In step S307, if the control unit 26 repeats data transmission to the indoor unit 11 n times without receiving a response from the indoor unit 11, it determines that the communication with the indoor unit 11 has been disconnected and is unconnected.

[0108] In the next step S308 after step S307, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 outputs a beacon signal including the device ID of the smartphone 2 by broadcast. In this way, when the application for operating the air conditioner 1 is operable on the smartphone 2 and the communication with the air conditioner 1 has not been established, the smartphone 2 outputs a beacon signal.

[0109] In the next step S309 after step S308, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 starts a scanning operation.

[0110] On the other hand, when the communication with the smartphone 2 is disconnected in step S304, the indoor unit 11 stops receiving data from the smartphone 2. Therefore, the control unit 116 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11 determines that the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 has not received data from the smartphone 2 for a predetermined period. Further, the control unit 116 determines that the BLE communication unit 111 has not received a disconnect signal from the smartphone 2 during the predetermined period. Thereby, in step S310, the control unit 116 determines that the BLE communication with the smartphone 2 has been disconnected and is unconnected.

[0111] In the next step S311 after step S310, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 transmits an advertisement by broadcast while maintaining the peripheral state for a certain period, and is in the advertisement state.

[0112] Also, when the communication with the smartphone 2 is disconnected in step S304, the remote controller 13 stops receiving data from the smartphone 2. Therefore, in step S312, the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13 transmits an advertisement via broadcast and enters the advertisement state.

[0113] For example, assume that during a certain period in which the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 maintains the peripheral state, the user of the smartphone 2 returns within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS while holding the smartphone 2. As a result, in step S313, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 receives the advertisement transmitted from the indoor unit 11 in response to the scan operation.

[0114] The processing from step S314 to step S316 is the same as the processing from step S110 to step S112. That is, the processing in step S314 is the same as the processing in step S110, the processing in step S315 is the same as the processing in step S111, and the processing in step S316 is the same as the processing in step S112. Therefore, the description of the processing from step S314 to step S316 is omitted.

[0115] After the negotiation from step S313 to step S316, in step S317, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 becomes capable of BLE communication with the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11. That is, the smartphone 2 becomes capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the indoor unit 11 again.

[0116] In step S318, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 receives the advertisement transmitted from the remote controller 13 in response to the scan operation.

[0117] The processing from step S319 to step S321 is the same as the processing from step S115 to step S117. That is, the processing in step S319 is the same as the processing in step S115, the processing in step S320 is the same as the processing in step S116, and the processing in step S321 is the same as the processing in step S117. Therefore, the description of the processing from step S319 to step S321 is omitted.

[0118] In step S322 after the negotiation from step S318 to step S321, the BLE communication unit 21 provided in the smartphone 2 becomes capable of BLE communication with the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13. That is, the smartphone 2 becomes capable of transmitting and receiving data again with the remote controller 13. Thereby, in the air conditioning system SCS, the reconnection processing operation when the communication between the indoor unit 11 and the smartphone 2 is disconnected ends.

[0119] FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the smartphone 2 returns within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS during the period in which the indoor unit 11 maintains the peripheral operation state. On the other hand, when the smartphone 2 returns within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS after the operation state of the indoor unit 11 is switched from peripheral to central, the air conditioning system SCS executes the processing operations from step S103 to step S118 shown in FIG. 7. Thereby, BLE communication can be re-established between the air conditioner 1 and the remote controller 13 and the smartphone 2.

[0120] (Other processing operation examples) In the processing operation shown in FIG. 9, after the BLE communication between the smartphone 2 and the indoor unit 11 is disconnected in step S304, and after it is determined that the BLE communication is not connected, the smartphone 2 broadcasts a beacon signal. However, the smartphone 2 may broadcast a beacon signal by an operation different from the operation shown in FIG. 9.

[0121] As another example of a processing operation, for example, when the display screen of the display unit 24 (see FIG. 5) provided in the smartphone 2 is turned off, the smartphone 2 becomes inoperable, and it is assumed that the BLE communication between the smartphone 2 and each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 is disconnected (step S304).

[0122] Thereafter, while the smartphone 2 is repeatedly transmitting data to the indoor unit 11 (step S305), the display screen of the display unit 24 is switched from the off state to the on state by the user of the smartphone 2 operating the smartphone 2. As a result, since the smartphone 2 becomes active, it outputs a beacon signal to the indoor unit 11 (step S308). Thereby, the smartphone 2 becomes in a state where data transmission and reception with the indoor unit 11 are possible again.

[0123] Also, as another example of a processing operation, for example, in the smartphone 2, when the application for operating the air conditioner 1 is running in the background, the smartphone 2 becomes inoperable, and it is assumed that the BLE communication between the smartphone 2 and each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 is disconnected (step S304).

[0124] Thereafter, while the smartphone 2 is repeatedly transmitting data to the indoor unit 11 (step S305), the state in which the application is operating in the background is released by the user of the smartphone 2 operating the smartphone 2. As a result, since the smartphone 2 becomes active, it outputs a beacon signal to the indoor unit 11 (step S308). Thereby, the smartphone 2 becomes capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the indoor unit 11 again.

[0125] Furthermore, as another example of the processing operation 3, for example, it is assumed that the display screen of the display unit 24 provided on the smartphone 2 becomes in an automatically locked state, so that the smartphone 2 becomes in an inoperable state, and the BLE communication between the smartphone 2 and each of the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 is disconnected (step S304).

[0126] Thereafter, while the smartphone 2 is repeatedly transmitting data to the indoor unit 11 (step S305), the automatically locked state is released by the user of the smartphone 2 operating the smartphone 2. As a result, since the smartphone 2 becomes active, it outputs a beacon signal to the indoor unit 11 (step S308). Thereby, the smartphone 2 becomes capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the indoor unit 11 again.

[0127] Thus, the smartphone 2 may output a beacon signal when an application for operating the air conditioner 1 transitions from an inactive state to an active state. As described above, the "inactive state" includes at least one of a state in which the display screen of the display unit 24 provided in the smartphone 2 is turned off, a state in which an application for operating the air conditioner 1 is executed in the background, and a state in which the display screen of the display unit 24 is in an auto-lock state. Further, the "active state" includes at least one of a state in which the display screen of the display unit 24 provided in the smartphone 2 is turned on, a state in which an application for operating the air conditioner 1 is executed while being displayed on the display screen of the display unit 24, and a state in which the display screen of the display unit 24 is not locked.

[0128] Furthermore, when "transitioning from an inactive state to an active state", for example, when the display screen of the display unit 24 provided in the smartphone 2 transitions from a turned-off state to a turned-on state, when an application for operating the air conditioner 1 switches from a state of being executed in the background to a state of being executed while being displayed on the display screen of the display unit 24, and when the display screen of the display unit 24 transitions from an auto-lock state to a state where the auto-lock state is released, at least one of these cases exists.

[0129] Any of the processing operations shown in FIG. 9 and other processing operation examples output a beacon signal from the smartphone 2 after the BLE communication is disconnected. Therefore, even if a smartphone 2 that does not plan to establish BLE communication with the indoor unit 11 enters the BLE communication range, since the processing operation for the indoor unit 11 to establish BLE communication with the smartphone 2 is not started, the wireless communication (BLE communication in this embodiment) between the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 is maintained.

[0130] 〔2-5. Operation of the remote controller's disconnection process in an abnormal state〕 The processing operation when the smartphone 2 abnormally detaches from within the air conditioning system SCS according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and using FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing operation when the smartphone 2 abnormally detaches from within the air conditioning system SCS.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the indoor unit 11, the remote controller 13, and the smartphone 2 are present within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS (see FIG. 1). At this time, the BLE communication unit 111 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11 and the BLE communication unit 131 (see FIG. 4) provided in the remote controller 13 are set to operate as peripherals, and the BLE communication unit 21 (see FIG. 5) provided in the smartphone 2 is set to operate as a central.

[0132] The processing from step S401 to step S404 shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the processing from step S301 to step S304 shown in FIG. 9. That is, the processing in step S401 is the same as the processing in step S301, the processing in step S402 is the same as the processing in step S302. Also, the processing in step S403 is the same as the processing in step S303, and the processing in step S404 is the same as the processing in step S304. For this reason, the description of the processing from step S401 to step S404 is omitted.

[0133] In step S404, when the communication with the smartphone 2 is disconnected, the indoor unit 11 stops receiving data from the smartphone 2. Therefore, the control unit 116 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11 determines that the BLE communication unit 111 (see FIG. 2) provided in the indoor unit 11 has not received data from the smartphone 2 for a predetermined period. Further, the control unit 116 determines that the BLE communication unit 111 has not received a disconnect signal from the smartphone 2 during the predetermined period. As a result, in step S405, the control unit 116 determines that the BLE communication with the smartphone 2 is disconnected and not connected.

[0134] In the next step S406 after step S405, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 transmits an advertisement by broadcast while maintaining the peripheral state for a certain period, and is in the advertisement state.

[0135] For example, assume that the user of the smartphone 2 does not return within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS while holding the smartphone 2 during a certain period when the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 maintains the peripheral state. Therefore, in step S407, the control unit 116 provided in the indoor unit 11 determines that the BLE communication unit 111 has not received a beacon signal.

[0136] In the next step S408 after step S407, the control unit 116 determines that the BLE communication connection with the smartphone 2 is disconnected.

[0137] In the next step S409 after step S408, the setting switching unit 116a (see FIG. 2) provided in the control unit 116 switches the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 from peripheral to central based on the fact that the BLE communication connection with the smartphone 2 is disconnected. As a result, the operation of the BLE communication unit 111 shifts from peripheral to central.

[0138] In the next step S410 after step S409, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 starts a scanning operation.

[0139] On the other hand, when the communication with the smartphone 2 is disconnected in step S404, data from the smartphone 2 is no longer transmitted to the remote controller 13. Therefore, in step S411, the BLE communication unit 131 (see FIG. 4) provided in the remote controller 13 transmits an advertisement by broadcast and is in the process of advertising.

[0140] The processing from step S412 to step S415 is the same as the processing from step S13 to step S16 shown in FIG. 6. That is, the processing in step S412 is the same as the processing in step S13, the processing in step S413 is the same as the processing in step S14. Also, the processing in step S414 is the same as the processing in step S15, and the processing in step S415 is the same as the processing in step S16. Therefore, the description of the processing from step S412 to step S415 is omitted.

[0141] In step S416 after the negotiation from step S412 to step S415, the BLE communication unit 111 provided in the indoor unit 11 becomes capable of BLE communication with the BLE communication unit 131 provided in the remote controller 13. That is, the indoor unit 11 becomes capable of data transmission and reception with the remote controller 13. Thereby, the processing operation when the smartphone 2 detaches from the air conditioning system SCS and the communication is disconnected is completed.

[0142] (Other processing operation examples) In the processing operation shown in FIG. 10, taking as an example the case where the smartphone 2 does not return within the BLE communication range of the air conditioning system SCS after moving outside the BLE communication range, the abnormal detachment of the smartphone 2 from within the air conditioning system SCS was described. However, the abnormal detachment of the smartphone 2 is not limited to the above example.

[0143] When the smartphone 2 abnormally detaches from within the air conditioning system SCS, it is a case where the BLE communication established with the indoor unit 11 is disconnected and then the smartphone 2 cannot output a beacon signal to the indoor unit 11. For example, after the BLE communication established between the smartphone 2 and the indoor unit 11 is disconnected, if the smartphone 2 is reset before outputting a beacon signal to the indoor unit 11, if the power is intentionally turned off, or if the power is turned off due to an unexpected event (e.g., the remaining battery level is 0%), the smartphone 2 will abnormally detach from within the air conditioning system SCS.

[0144] Even when the smartphone 2 abnormally detaches from within the air conditioning system SCS in such an abnormal state, the indoor unit 11 and the remote controller 13 can establish BLE communication with each other by executing the processing from step S405 to step S415 shown in FIG. 10.

[0145] As described above, the air conditioning system SCS according to the present embodiment includes a smartphone 2 capable of BLE communication and an air conditioner 1 communicable with the smartphone 2 by BLE communication. When the air conditioner 1 receives the beacon signal output by the smartphone 2 while operating as a central unit, it switches from the operation of the central unit to the operation of a peripheral unit, establishes BLE communication with the smartphone 2, and the smartphone 2 operates as a central unit.

[0146] The air conditioning system SCS having such a configuration can suppress the operation load related to the establishment of wireless communication between a plurality of devices.

[0147] In addition, when the user of the air conditioning system SCS equipped with this configuration wants to control the indoor unit 11 using the smartphone 2, the indoor unit 11 can be automatically switched from the central to the peripheral function. As a result, the air conditioning system SCS can quickly function the smartphone 2 as a remote controller.

[0148] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated and described exemplary embodiments, but also includes all embodiments that bring about the same effects as those intended by the present invention. Furthermore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the combination of the features of the invention defined by the claims, but can be defined by any desired combination of specific features among all the disclosed respective features.

Explanation of Signs

[0149] 1 Air conditioner 2 Smartphone 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote controller 21, 111, 131 BLE communication unit 22 Wireless communication unit 23, 113, 132 Operation unit 24, 133 Display unit 25, 115, 134 Storage unit 25a Setting table 26, 116, 135 Control unit 32 Wireless communication unit 112 Outdoor unit communication unit 114 Indoor unit main body 115a Setting table 115b Self-device memory 116a Setting switching unit 134a Communication destination memory 134b Self-device memory 251 Setting table 252 Self-device memory SCS Air conditioning system

Claims

1. A wireless communication device capable of short-range wireless communication, and an air conditioner capable of communicating with the wireless communication device by the short-range wireless communication are provided, when the air conditioner receives a first signal output by the wireless communication device while operating as a master unit, it switches from the operation of the master unit to the operation of a slave unit, and establishes the short-range wireless communication with the wireless communication device, the wireless communication device operates as a master unit characterized by an air conditioning system.

2. The wireless communication device outputs the first signal when starting an application for operating the air conditioner characterized by the air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The wireless communication device outputs the first signal when the application transitions from an inactive state to an active state characterized by the air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The wireless communication device outputs the first signal when the application is operable and communication with the air conditioner has not been established characterized by the air conditioning system according to claim 2.

5. When the air conditioner receives a second signal transmitted from the wireless communication device, it switches from the operation of the slave unit to the operation of the master unit, and disconnects the short-range wireless communication with the wireless communication device characterized by the air conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. The wireless communication device outputs the second signal when ending an application for operating the air conditioner characterized by the air conditioning system according to claim 5.

7. The wireless communication device outputs the second signal when the application transitions from an active state to an inactive state characterized by the air conditioning system according to claim 6.

8. The wireless communication device has a display unit for displaying a predetermined image including an image related to the application, the inactive state includes at least one of a state in which the display screen of the display unit is turned off, a state in which the application is running in the background, and a state in which the display screen is automatically locked characterized by the air conditioning system according to claim 7.

9. The short-range wireless communication is Bluetooth (registered trademark) low energy communication, the master unit is a central unit, the slave unit is a peripheral unit, The first signal is a beacon signal, The second signal is a disconnect signal, The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that.

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