Processing device, control method for processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a processing device that can select a master apparatus capable of suppressing lowering of communication throughput in an air conditioning system.SOLUTION: A processing device includes: a determination section that determines whether or not a centralized control device that performs centralized control of outdoor units and indoor units is included in an air conditioning system comprising a plurality of air conditioning related apparatuses; and a selection section that selects the air conditioning related apparatus to be operated as a master apparatus from the plurality of air conditioning related apparatuses. When the determination section determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the selection section selects the air conditioning related apparatus that is present near the centralized control device and that enables communication connection with a greater number of the air conditioning related apparatuses excluding the centralized control device as the master apparatus from the outdoor units and the indoor units.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a control method for the processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a communication network is constructed using HD-PLC (High Definition Power Line Communication) in a system having outdoor units and indoor units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-122850 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a processing device, a control method for the processing device, and a program that can select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in an air conditioning system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The processing device of the present disclosure includes a determination unit that determines whether an air conditioning system consisting of a plurality of air conditioning-related devices includes a centralized control device that centrally controls outdoor units and indoor units, and a selection unit that selects the air conditioning-related device to operate as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices, and when the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the selection unit selects as the master device one of the outdoor units and the indoor units that is located near the centralized control device and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device.

[0006] In addition, the control method of the processing device disclosed herein determines whether an air conditioning system consisting of a plurality of air conditioning-related devices includes a centralized control device that centrally controls outdoor units and indoor units, and selects the air conditioning-related device to operate as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices.In selecting the air conditioning-related device, if it is determined that the air conditioning system includes the centralized control device, selects, as the master device, one of the outdoor units and indoor units that is located near the centralized control device and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device.

[0007] In addition, the program of the present disclosure causes a processor to function as a determination unit that determines whether an air conditioning system consisting of a plurality of air conditioning-related devices includes a centralized control device that centrally controls outdoor units and indoor units, and a selection unit that selects the air conditioning-related device to operate as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices, and when the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the selection unit selects, as the master device, one of the outdoor units and the indoor units that is located near the centralized control device and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The processing device, processing device control method, and program disclosed herein can select an air conditioning-related device other than a centralized management device that is connected to more air conditioning-related devices as a master device, thereby enabling the selection of a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of air conditioning-related equipment according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3]1 is a flowchart showing the operation of air conditioning-related devices according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of air conditioning-related devices in a first process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of air conditioning-related devices in a first process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of air conditioning-related devices in the second process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram specifically illustrating selection by a selection unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, there was a technology in place that allowed devices in an air conditioning system to communicate with each other via a communication network established using HD-PLC. In a communication method such as HD-PLC, the first device to start up in the system acts as the master device. The master device functions as a device that relays communications between other devices. Therefore, if a centralized control device that centrally manages the outdoor units and indoor units acts as the master device, the communication throughput in the air conditioning system may decrease. This is because the centralized control device may be located physically far from the outdoor units and indoor units.

[0011] Therefore, it is desirable to select a device other than the centralized control device as the master device. However, because there are various connection configurations between outdoor units and indoor units, if a device with a small number of other devices connected to it is selected as the master device, the number of devices that relay communication in the air conditioning system may increase, which is a problem that the inventors discovered, and the subject matter of the present disclosure was formed to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a processing device, a control method for the processing device, and a program that can select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in an air conditioning system.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Air conditioning system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. As shown in FIG. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system that conditions the air in a space to be air-conditioned. The air conditioning system 1000 is applied to facilities such as buildings and schools.

[0014] 1 includes a plurality of indoor units 1, a plurality of outdoor units 2, and a centralized control device 3 that centrally controls the indoor units 1 and the outdoor units 2. The centralized control device 3 also controls the indoor units 1 and the outdoor units 2, and therefore can also be called a control device. Hereinafter, when the indoor unit 1, the outdoor unit 2, and the centralized control device 3 are not distinguished from one another, they will be referred to as "air conditioning-related equipment" and will be given the reference number "4."

[0015] Outdoor units 2A and 2B are directly connected for communication to the centralized control device 3 shown in Fig. 1. Indoor unit 1A is connected for communication to outdoor unit 2A. Indoor units 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E are connected for communication to outdoor unit 2B shown in Fig. 1. In other words, outdoor unit 2B is connected for communication to indoor units 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1F shown in Fig. 1.

[0016] Furthermore, an outdoor unit 2C is further communicatively connected to the outdoor unit 2B shown in Fig. 1. Indoor units 1F and 1G are communicatively connected to the outdoor unit 2C shown in Fig. 1. In other words, the outdoor unit 2C is communicatively connected to the indoor units 1F and 1G shown in Fig. 1.

[0017] Furthermore, outdoor unit 2D is further communicatively connected to outdoor unit 2C shown in Fig. 1. Indoor units 1H, 1I, 1J, and 1K are communicatively connected to outdoor unit 2D shown in Fig. 1. In other words, outdoor unit 2D is communicatively connected to indoor units 1H, 1I, 1J, and 1K shown in Fig. 1.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, when the air conditioning system 1000 has a centralized control device 3, the length of the communication line between the centralized control device 3 and the outdoor unit 2 is often longer than the communication line between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1. This is because the centralized control device 3 may be installed anywhere in the facility to which the air conditioning system 1000 is applied. On the other hand, the length of the communication line between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1 is often shorter than the communication line between the centralized control device 3 and the outdoor unit 2. This is because the length of the communication line between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1 is restricted by the length of the refrigerant piping.

[0019] In this embodiment, each of the air conditioning-related devices 4 has a multi-hop function that amplifies a received signal and outputs the same signal to a communication line if the signal strength of the received signal is weak. One of the air conditioning-related devices 4 on the network is selected as a master device, and communication between the air conditioning-related devices 4 is performed via the master device. This communication method is, for example, HD-PLC. For example, if the air conditioning system 1000 has a centralized control device 3, the centralized control device 3 operates as the master device, and outdoor units 2C and 2B communicate with each other, in this communication method, outdoor units 2C and 2B will communicate via the centralized control device 3.

[0020] As in the above example, when the air conditioning system 1000 has a centralized control device 3, if the centralized control device 3 operates as a master device, the communication throughput in the air conditioning system 1000 may decrease. This is because, as mentioned above, the length of the communication line between the centralized control device 3 and the outdoor unit 2 is often longer than the communication line between the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 1, and communication may be performed between the air conditioning-related devices 4 via the centralized control device 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the air conditioning-related equipment 4 has the configuration described below, and the air conditioning-related equipment 4 performs the operation described below, thereby selecting a master device so that an air conditioning-related equipment 4 other than the centralized control device 3 operates as the master device.

[0021] Furthermore, since there are various connection configurations of the indoor units 1 and the outdoor units 2 in the air conditioning system 1000 other than the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 1, if the master device is not selected taking into consideration the connection configuration of the air conditioning-related devices 4, the communication throughput of the air conditioning system 1000 may decrease. For example, a comparison is made between a case where the indoor unit 1K is selected as the master device and a case where the outdoor unit 2B is selected as the master device. In this example, if the indoor unit 1K is selected as the master device, communications between the air conditioning-related devices 4 will have to go through many air conditioning-related devices 4, and the communication throughput of the air conditioning system 1000 may decrease more in the former case than in the latter case. Therefore, in this embodiment, the air conditioning-related device 4 has a configuration described below and performs an operation described below to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput of the air conditioning system 1000.

[0022] 1 is merely an example. A number of examples of connection configurations of the air conditioning-related devices 4 other than that shown in FIG.

[0023] [1-1-2. Configuration of air conditioning related equipment] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning-related equipment 4 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning-related equipment 4. The configuration of the air conditioning-related equipment 4 shown in FIG. 2 is a configuration that is shared by the indoor unit 1, the outdoor unit 2, and the centralized control device 3. Although not shown, the indoor unit 1 is equipped with air conditioning-related equipment such as a heat exchanger and a blower fan. Although not shown, the outdoor unit 2 is equipped with air conditioning-related equipment such as a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a blower fan. Although not shown, the centralized control device 3 is equipped with a display, an operation unit that accepts user operations, and the like.

[0024] The air conditioning-related device 4 includes a control unit 40 and a communication unit 41. Before describing the control unit 40, the communication unit 41 will be described. The communication unit 41 is equipped with communication hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with the above-mentioned communication method, and communicates with other air conditioning-related devices 4 under the control of the control unit 40. The communication unit 41 of the centralized control device 3 communicates with the outdoor unit 2 that is communicatively connected to the centralized control device 3. The communication unit 41 of the outdoor unit 2 communicates with the communicatively connected indoor units 1 and 2. The communication unit 41 of the outdoor unit 2 that is communicatively connected to the centralized control device 3 further communicates with the centralized control device 3. The communication unit 41 of the indoor unit 1 communicates with the communicatively connected outdoor unit 2.

[0025] The control unit 40 includes a processor 400 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Microprocessor Unit), a memory 410, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors. The interface circuit included in the control unit 40 of the indoor unit 1 is connected to an indoor blower fan that sends air to a heat exchanger included in the indoor unit 1, an indoor expansion valve that adjusts the refrigerant flow rate to the heat exchanger, various sensors included in the indoor unit 1, and the like. The interface circuit included in the control unit 40 of the outdoor unit 2 is connected to various devices included in the outdoor unit 2, such as a compressor, an outdoor blower fan, and various sensors. The interface circuit included in the control unit 40 of the centralized management device 3 is connected to devices such as a display, a mouse, and a keyboard.

[0026] The memory 410 is a memory that stores programs and data. The memory 410 stores a control program 411 and data to be processed by the processor 400. The memory 410 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 410 also has a volatile storage area and constitutes a work area for the processor 400. The memory 410 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0027] The processor 400 reads and executes a control program 411 stored in the memory 410, thereby functioning as a communication control unit 401, a selection unit 402, a determination unit 403, and a setting unit 404.

[0028] The communication control unit 401 communicates with other air conditioning-related devices 4 via the communication unit 41 .

[0029] The selection unit 402 selects an air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices 4 included in the air conditioning system 1000. The candidates for the air conditioning-related devices 4 to select the master device include the air conditioning-related device 4 itself. The selection unit 402 also selects an air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a substitute master device from the multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 included in the air conditioning system 1000. A substitute master device is a device that performs the functions of a master device in place of the master device when the master device does not operate normally, for example, when the master device is stopped. The selection of the master device and the alternate master device will be described in detail later.

[0030] Prior to selecting the air conditioning-related devices 4, the selection unit 402 identifies the connection topology of the air conditioning-related devices 4 in the air conditioning system 1000.

[0031] For example, the selection unit 402 identifies the connection mode of the air conditioning related devices 4 as follows. The selection unit 402 causes the communication control unit 401 to transmit a predetermined command to each of the other air conditioning-related devices 4. An example of this predetermined command is a first command requesting a correspondence between its own network address and the network addresses of the other air conditioning-related devices 4 that are communicatively connected to it. Another example of this predetermined command is a second command requesting a correspondence between its own identification information (for example, an ID (Identification) that uniquely identifies the device) and the identification information of the other air conditioning-related devices 4 that are communicatively connected to it. When the communication control unit 401 receives a response to the predetermined command from each of the air conditioning-related devices 4, the selection unit 402 creates a network address tree or an identification information tree to identify the connection topology of the air conditioning-related devices 4.

[0032] The determining unit 403 determines whether the centralized control device 3 is included in the air conditioning system 1000.

[0033] For example, the determination unit 403 makes the determination as follows. The determination unit 403 causes the communication control unit 401 to transmit a predetermined command to each of the other air conditioning-related devices 4. Examples of the predetermined command include a third command to which only the centralized control device 3 can respond, and a fourth command that requests the type of air conditioning-related device 4 as a response. The determination unit 403 determines that the centralized control device 3 is included in the air conditioning system 1000 when the communication control unit 401 receives a response to the third command or a response to the fourth command indicating that the type of air conditioning-related device 4 is the centralized control device 3. On the other hand, the determination unit 403 determines that the centralized control device 3 is not included in the air conditioning system 1000 when the communication control unit 401 does not receive a response to the third command or a response indicating that the type of air conditioning-related device 4 is the centralized control device 3 within a predetermined period after the communication control unit 401 transmits the predetermined command.

[0034] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected as the master device by the selection unit 402 as the master device. The setting unit 404 generates first instruction information instructing the device to operate as the master device. Then, the setting unit 404 transmits the first instruction information to the air conditioning-related device 4 selected to operate as the master device via the communication control unit 401. The air conditioning-related device 4 that has received the first instruction information records that it is the master device in setting data in which various settings of the air conditioning-related device 4 are recorded, and thereby operates as the master device.

[0035] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected by the selection unit 402 as a substitute master device as a substitute master device. The setting unit 404 generates second instruction information instructing the air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a substitute master device. Then, the setting unit 404 causes the communication control unit 401 to transmit the second instruction information to the air conditioning-related device 4 selected as the master device by the selection unit 402. The air conditioning-related device 4 that has received the second instruction information records that it is a substitute master device in setting data in which various settings of the air conditioning-related device 4 are recorded, and thereby operates as a substitute master device.

[0036] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the air conditioning-related equipment 4 in this embodiment will be described. In the air conditioning system 1000, the air conditioning-related device 4 that is started first operates as the master device. Then, the air conditioning-related device 4 that operates first as the master device executes the operation shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the air conditioning-related device 4 that initially operates as the master device will be referred to as the "initial master device" and will be given the reference number "5." The initial master device 5 is an example of a "processing device."

[0037] The method for determining which air conditioning-related device 4 will initially be the master device is not limited to determining which air conditioning-related device 4 is started first. For example, it is possible to wait a certain period of time for the air conditioning-related devices 4 to start up, and then have the started air conditioning-related devices 4 communicate with each other, and then determine which air conditioning-related device 4 that follows a predetermined rule to be the master device first. One example of this predetermined rule is that the MAC address is the smallest.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first master device 5. The operation of FIG. 3 is started when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the master device 5 was first started, when an instruction is received from the user, or when the selection unit 402 identifies the connection form of the air conditioning-related devices 4.

[0039] At the start of FIG. 3, the selection unit 402 has identified the connection configuration of the air conditioning-related devices 4.

[0040] The determining unit 403 determines whether or not the centralized control device 3 is included in the air conditioning system 1000 (step S1).

[0041] If the determining unit 403 determines that the centralized control device 3 is included in the air conditioning system 1000 (step S1: YES), the processor 400 performs a first process (step S2). The first process is an operation when the centralized control device 3 is included in the air conditioning system 1000.

[0042] On the other hand, if the determining unit 403 determines that the centralized control device 3 is not included in the air conditioning system 1000 (step S1: NO), the processor 400 performs a second process (step S3). The second process is an operation when the centralized control device 3 is not included in the air conditioning system 1000.

[0043] [1-2-1. First process] First, the first process will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the air conditioning-related devices 4 in the first processing. In the first processing, the selection unit 402 performs various processes based on the connection form of the air conditioning-related devices 4 identified by the selection unit 402.

[0044] The selection unit 403 determines whether or not the air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the first condition and the second condition exists in the air conditioning system 1000 (step SA1).

[0045] Here, the first and second conditions will be explained. The first condition is that the air conditioning-related devices 4 are directly connected for communication with the centralized control device 3, or that there is one air conditioning-related device 4 on the communication path to the centralized control device 3. The second condition is that the air conditioning related device 4 is connected for communication with two or more air conditioning related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3. Two units is an example of "N units."

[0046] If the selection unit 402 determines that there is air conditioning-related equipment 4 that satisfies the first condition and the second condition (step SA1: YES), it determines whether there are multiple air conditioning-related equipment 4 that satisfy the first condition and the second condition (step SA2).

[0047] If the selection unit 402 determines that there are not multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first and second conditions (step SA2: NO), it selects an air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the first and second conditions as the air conditioning-related device 4 to be newly operated as a master device (step SA3).

[0048] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SA3 to operate as a master device (step SA4).

[0049] Next, the selection unit 402 selects the centralized control device 3 as the air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a substitute master device (step SA5).

[0050] Next, the setting unit 404 sets the centralized management device 3 to operate as a substitute master device (step SA6).

[0051] Here, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a negative determination is made in step SA2 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. The air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 6 differs from the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 in that it does not have outdoor units 2C and 2D and indoor units 1F, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, and 1K.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the outdoor unit 2A is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the outdoor unit 2A is the initial master device 5.

[0054] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 6, the air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the first and second conditions is the outdoor unit 2B. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 6, the outdoor unit 2A selects the outdoor unit 2B as the new master device, and selects the centralized management device 3 as the substitute master device.

[0055] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, if the selection unit 402 determines that there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first and second conditions (step SA2: YES), it selects the air conditioning-related device 4 that is most frequently connected to air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3 from among the air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first and second conditions (step SA7).

[0056] Next, the selection unit 402 determines whether there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 that are most frequently connected to air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3 (step SA8).

[0057] If the selection unit 402 determines that there are not multiple air conditioning related devices 4 that are most frequently connected to air conditioning related devices 4 other than the centralized management device 3 (step SA8: NO), it selects the air conditioning related device 4 selected in step SA7 as the air conditioning related device 4 to be newly operated as the master device (step SA9).

[0058] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SA7 to operate as a master device (step SA10).

[0059] After performing the process of step SA10, processor 400 performs the processes of steps SA5 and SA6.

[0060] Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a negative determination is made in step SA8 will be specifically described.

[0061] FIG. 7 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. The air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 7 is the same as the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG.

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the outdoor unit 2C is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the outdoor unit 2C is the initial master device 5.

[0063] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 7, the air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first and second conditions are outdoor units 2B and 2C. Furthermore, more air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3 are connected to outdoor unit 2B than to outdoor unit 2C. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 7, outdoor unit 2C selects outdoor unit 2B as the new master device and selects the centralized control device 3 as the substitute master device.

[0064] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, if the selection unit 402 determines that there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 that communicate with the most air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3 (step SA8: YES), it selects the air conditioning-related device 4 that is closest to the centralized control device 3 from the air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SA7 (step SA11). Here, the closest air conditioning-related device 4 is the air conditioning-related device 4 that has the fewest devices on the communication path to the centralized control device 3. Note that in step SA11, the selection unit 402 may make the selection based on at least one of the link speed, signal quality, and signal strength of communication with the centralized control device 3. For example, when focusing on the link speed, the selection unit 402 may select the air conditioning-related device 4 that has the fastest link speed of communication with the centralized control device 3.

[0065] The selection unit 402 determines whether or not a plurality of air conditioning-related devices 4 have been selected in step SA11 (step SA12).

[0066] If the selection unit 402 determines that there are not multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SA11 (step SA12: NO), it selects the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SA11 as the air conditioning-related device 4 to newly operate as the master device (step SA13).

[0067] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SA11 as the master device (step SA14).

[0068] After performing the process of step SA14, processor 400 performs the processes of steps SA5 and SA6.

[0069] Here, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a negative determination is made in step SA12 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. Compared to the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 8 further has indoor units 1L and 1M connected to the outdoor unit 2C.

[0071] FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the outdoor unit 2C is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the outdoor unit 2C is the master device 5 initially.

[0072] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 8, the air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first and second conditions are outdoor units 2B and 2C. Furthermore, the outdoor units 2B and 2C have the same number of indoor units 1 with which they are communicatively connected. On the other hand, of the outdoor units 2B and 2C, the air conditioning-related device 4 that is closest to the centralized control device 3 is the outdoor unit 2B. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 8, the outdoor unit 2C selects the outdoor unit 2B as the master device and selects the centralized control device 3 as the substitute master device.

[0073] Returning to the explanation of Figure 4, if the selection unit 402 determines that there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SA11 (step SA12: YES), it randomly selects one air conditioning-related device 4 from the air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SA11 that will operate as the master device (step SA15).

[0074] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SA15 as the master device (step SA16).

[0075] After performing the process of step SA16, processor 400 performs the processes of steps SA5 and SA6.

[0076] Here, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a positive determination is made in step SA12 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. Compared to the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 9 further has indoor units 1L, 1M, and 1N connected to the outdoor unit 2A.

[0078] FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the outdoor unit 2C is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the outdoor unit 2C is the master device 5 initially.

[0079] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 9, the air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first and second conditions are outdoor units 2A, 2B, and 2C. The outdoor units 2A and 2B are connected to the same number of indoor units 1, which is greater than the number of indoor units 1 connected to the outdoor unit 2C. The outdoor units 2A and 2B are also the air conditioning-related devices 4 that are closest to the centralized control device 3. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 9, the outdoor unit 2C randomly selects one outdoor unit 2 from the outdoor units 2A and 2B. Fig. 9 illustrates a case in which the outdoor unit 2C selects the outdoor unit 2B as the master device and the centralized control device 3 as the substitute master device.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 4, if the selection unit 402 determines that there is no air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the first condition and the second condition (step SA3: NO), it performs the operation shown in FIG.

[0081] The selection unit 402 selects the air conditioning related device 4 that is closest to the centralized control device 3 from among the air conditioning related devices 4 that the air conditioning system 1000 has (step SA17).

[0082] The selection unit 402 determines whether or not a plurality of air conditioning-related devices 4 have been selected in step SA17 (step SA18).

[0083] If the selection unit 402 determines that there are not multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SA17 (step SA18: NO), it selects the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SA17 as the air conditioning-related device 4 to newly operate as the master device (step SA19).

[0084] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SA19 as the master device (step SA20).

[0085] After performing the process of step SA20, processor 400 performs the processes of steps SA5 and SA6.

[0086] Here, with reference to FIG. 10, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a negative determination is made in step SA18 will be specifically described.

[0087] FIG. 10 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. Compared to the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 does not have outdoor units 2A, 2C, and 2D and indoor units 1A, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, and 1K.

[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the indoor unit 1B is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the indoor unit 1B is the master device 5 initially.

[0089] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 10, there is no air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the first and second conditions. The air conditioning-related device 4 that is closest to the centralized control device 3 is the outdoor unit 2B. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 10, the indoor unit 1B selects the outdoor unit 2B as the master device and selects the centralized control device 3 as the substitute master device.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, if the selection unit 402 determines that there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SA17 (step SA18: YES), it randomly selects one of the air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SA17, and selects the selected air conditioning-related device 4 as the air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a new master device (step SA21).

[0091] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SA21 as the master device (step SA22).

[0092] After performing the process of step SA22, processor 400 performs the processes of steps SA5 and SA6.

[0093] Here, with reference to FIG. 11, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a positive determination is made in step SA18 will be specifically described.

[0094] FIG. 11 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. The air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 11 differs from the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 in that it does not have outdoor units 2C and 2D and indoor units 1C, 1D, 1E, 1G, and 1H-1K.

[0095] FIG. 11 illustrates a case where the indoor unit 1B is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the indoor unit 1B is the master device 5 initially.

[0096] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 11, there is no air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the first and second conditions. The air conditioning-related devices 4 closest to the centralized control device 3 are outdoor units 2A and 2B. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 11, outdoor unit 2C randomly selects an outdoor unit 2 from outdoor units 2B and 2C. Fig. 11 illustrates a case in which outdoor unit 2C selects outdoor unit 2B as the master device and selects the centralized control device 3 as the substitute master device.

[0097] [1-2-2. Second Processing] Next, the second process will be described. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning-related devices 4 in the second process. In the second process, the selection unit 402 performs various processes based on the connection configuration of the air conditioning-related devices 4 identified by the selection unit 402. Note that in the second process, the air conditioning-related devices 4 may be reset to operate as new master devices, or no master device may be selected. In other words, after the second process, the initial master device 5 continues to operate as the master device.

[0098] The selection unit 402 selects the air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the third and fourth conditions (step SB1).

[0099] Here, the third and fourth conditions will be explained. The third condition is that the air conditioning-related device 4 is in the outdoor unit group located farthest from the initial master device 5, or that the air conditioning-related device 4 is in the outdoor unit group located second farthest from the initial master device 5. An outdoor unit group is a group made up of an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 1 connected to this outdoor unit 2. In the case of Fig. 1, outdoor unit 2A and indoor unit 1A make up one outdoor unit group, outdoor unit 2B and indoor units 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E make up one outdoor unit group, outdoor unit 2C and indoor units 1F and 1G make up one outdoor unit group, and outdoor unit 2D and indoor units 1H, 1I, 1J, and 1K make up one outdoor unit group. The outdoor unit group farthest from the initial master device 5 is the outdoor unit group in which the most other air conditioning-related devices 4 exist on the communication path to the initial master device 5. The fourth condition is that the air conditioning related device 4 is communicatively connected to two or more other air conditioning related devices 4.

[0100] The third condition may be a condition based on at least one of the link speed, signal quality, and signal strength of communication with the centralized control device 3. For example, when focusing on the link speed, the third condition may be that the air conditioning-related device 4 has the slowest link speed for communication with the centralized control device 3, or that the air conditioning-related device 4 has the second slowest link speed.

[0101] The selection unit 402 determines whether or not a plurality of air conditioning-related devices 4 have been selected in step SB1 (step SB2).

[0102] If the selection unit 402 determines that there are not multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SB1 (step SB2: NO), it selects the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SB1 as the air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a substitute master device (step SB3).

[0103] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SB3 to operate as a substitute master device (step SB4).

[0104] Here, with reference to FIG. 13, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a negative determination is made in step SB2 will be specifically described.

[0105] FIG. 13 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. Compared to the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 13 does not have the centralized control device 3, outdoor units 2A and 2D, and indoor units 1A, 1G, 1H, 1I, 1J, and 1K.

[0106] FIG. 13 illustrates a case where the outdoor unit 2B is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the outdoor unit 2B is the master device 5 initially.

[0107] In the air conditioning system 1000 of FIG. 13, the centralized control device 3 is not included, and therefore the outdoor unit 2B does not reset itself as the air conditioning-related device 4 that will operate as the new master device, or does not select the air conditioning-related device 4 that will operate as the new master device.

[0108] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 13, the air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the third and fourth conditions is the outdoor unit 2C. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 13, the outdoor unit 2B selects the outdoor unit 2C as the substitute master device.

[0109] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 12, if the selection unit 402 determines that there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SB1 (step SB2: YES), it selects the air conditioning-related device 4 that is most connected to other air conditioning-related devices 4 from among the air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SB1 (step SB5).

[0110] Next, the selection unit 402 determines whether or not a plurality of air conditioning-related devices 4 have been selected in step SB5 (step SB6).

[0111] If the selection unit 402 determines that there are not multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 selected in step SB5 (step SB6: NO), it selects the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SB5 as the air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a substitute master device (step SB7).

[0112] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SB7 to operate as a substitute master device (step SB8).

[0113] Here, with reference to FIG. 14, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a negative decision is made in step SB6 will be specifically described.

[0114] FIG. 14 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. Compared to the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 14 does not have the centralized control device 3, the outdoor unit 2A, and the indoor units 1A, 1G, 1I, 1J, and 1K.

[0115] FIG. 14 illustrates a case where the outdoor unit 2B is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the outdoor unit 2B is the initial master device 5.

[0116] In the air conditioning system 1000 of FIG. 14, the centralized control device 3 is not included, so the outdoor unit 2B resets itself as the air conditioning-related device 4 that operates as the new master device, or does not select a new master device.

[0117] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 14, the air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the third and fourth conditions are outdoor units 2C and 2D. Further, other air conditioning-related devices 4 are connected to outdoor unit 2C than to outdoor unit 2D. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 14, outdoor unit 2B selects outdoor unit 2C as the substitute master device.

[0118] Returning to the explanation of Figure 12, if the selection unit 402 determines that there are multiple air conditioning related devices 4 selected in step SB5 (step SB6: YES), it randomly selects one of the air conditioning related devices 4 selected in step SB5, and selects the selected air conditioning related device 4 as the air conditioning related device 4 to operate as a substitute master device (step SB9).

[0119] The setting unit 404 sets the air conditioning-related device 4 selected in step SB9 to operate as a substitute master device (step SB10).

[0120] Here, with reference to FIG. 15, the selection made by the selection unit 402 when a positive determination is made in step SB6 will be specifically described.

[0121] FIG. 15 is a diagram specifically illustrating the selection made by the selection unit 402. In FIG. Compared to the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 shown in FIG. 15 does not have the centralized control device 3, the outdoor unit 2A, and the indoor units 1A, 1J, and 1K.

[0122] FIG. 15 illustrates a case where the outdoor unit 2B is started up first in the air conditioning system 1000 and the outdoor unit 2B is the initial master device 5.

[0123] In the air conditioning system 1000 of FIG. 15, the centralized control device 3 is not included, so the outdoor unit 2B resets itself as the air conditioning-related device 4 that operates as the new master device, or does not select a new master device.

[0124] In the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 15, the air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the third and fourth conditions are outdoor units 2C and 2D. The outdoor units 2C and 2D are connected to the same number of other air conditioning-related devices 4. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1000 shown in Fig. 15, the outdoor unit 2B randomly selects an outdoor unit 2 from the outdoor units 2C and 2D. Fig. 15 illustrates a case where the outdoor unit 2B selects the outdoor unit 2D as the substitute master device.

[0125] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the initial master device 5 includes a determination unit 403 that determines whether the air conditioning system 1000, which is made up of a plurality of air conditioning-related devices 4, includes a centralized control device 3 that centrally controls the outdoor units 2 and indoor units 1. The initial master device 5 also includes a selection unit 402 that selects an air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices 4. If the determination unit 403 determines that the air conditioning system 1000 includes a centralized control device 3, the selection unit 402 selects, as the master device, an air conditioning-related device 4 from the outdoor units 2 and indoor units 1 that is located near the centralized control device 3 and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3.

[0126] This allows an air conditioning-related device 4 other than the centralized control device 3 that is connected to and communicates with more air conditioning-related devices 4 to be selected as the master device. Therefore, a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system 1000 can be selected.

[0127] The selection unit 402 selects the air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first condition as the air conditioning-related devices 4 that are located near the centralized control device 3. The first condition is that the air conditioning-related devices 4 are directly connected for communication with the centralized control device 3, or that one air conditioning-related device 4 exists on the communication path to the centralized control device 3.

[0128] According to this, an air conditioning-related device 4 that is directly connected for communication with the centralized control device 3, or an air conditioning-related device 4 that has one air conditioning-related device 4 on its communication path to the centralized control device 3, can be selected as the master device, making it possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device 3. Therefore, it is possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system 1000 and that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device 3. Furthermore, because it is possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device 3, it is possible to suppress problems such as delays in the control of the outdoor units 2 and indoor units 1 by the centralized control device 3.

[0129] The selection unit 402 selects the air conditioning related devices 4 that satisfy the second condition, and selects, from the selected air conditioning related devices 4, the air conditioning related device 4 that is communicatively connected to more air conditioning related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3 as the master device. The second condition is that the air conditioning related device 4 is communicatively connected to two or more air conditioning related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3.

[0130] This allows an air conditioning-related device 4 connected to multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 to be selected as a master device, thereby preventing an air conditioning-related device 4 connected to a small number of other air conditioning-related devices 4 from being selected as a master device. Therefore, a master device that can further prevent a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system 1000 can be selected.

[0131] If there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first and second conditions, the selection unit 402 selects the air conditioning-related device 4 that is closest to the centralized control device 3 as the master device.

[0132] According to this, when there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the first and second conditions, it is possible to select a master device that can further suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device 3. Therefore, it is possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system 1000 and further suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device 3.

[0133] If there is no air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the first and second conditions, the selection unit 402 selects the air conditioning-related device 4 that is closest to the centralized control device 3 as the master device.

[0134] According to this, even if there is no air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the first and second conditions, it is possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device 3.

[0135] If the determining unit 403 determines that the centralized control device 3 is included in the air conditioning system 1000, the selecting unit 402 selects the centralized control device 3 as a substitute master device that functions as a substitute for the master device.

[0136] According to this, even if the master device stops operating normally, the centralized control device 3 can maintain the function of the master device in the air conditioning system 1000. In particular, the centralized control device 3 may be on a power supply system separate from the other air conditioning-related devices 4. Therefore, by using the centralized control device 3 as a substitute master device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of situations in which the function of the master device in the air conditioning system 1000 is not maintained.

[0137] If the determination unit 403 determines that the air conditioning system 1000 does not include a centralized control device 3, the selection unit 402 selects an air conditioning-related device 4 that satisfies the third and fourth conditions as a substitute master device. The third condition is that the air conditioning-related device 4 is an air conditioning-related device 4 of an outdoor unit group located farthest from the initial master device 5, or an air conditioning-related device 4 of an outdoor unit group located second farthest from the initial master device 5. The outdoor unit group is a group made up of an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 1 connected to this outdoor unit 2. The fourth condition is that the air conditioning-related device 4 is communicatively connected to two or more other air conditioning-related devices 4.

[0138] According to this, even if the master device stops operating normally, an air conditioning-related device 4 that is located far from the master device and that is connected to multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 can be selected as the master device. Therefore, even if the master device stops operating normally, the function of the master device in the air conditioning system 1000 can be maintained so that more air conditioning-related devices 4 can communicate. In particular, an air conditioning-related device 4 located far from the master device may be on a different power supply system from that of the master device. Therefore, by designating an air conditioning-related device 4 located far from the master device as a substitute master device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the function of the master device in the air conditioning system 1000 is not maintained.

[0139] When there are multiple air conditioning-related devices 4 that satisfy the third and fourth conditions, the selection unit 402 selects the air conditioning-related device 4 that is connected to and communicates with more air conditioning-related devices 4 as the substitute master device.

[0140] This makes it possible to prevent a significant decrease in the number of air conditioning-related devices 4 with which communication can be performed, even if the master device stops operating normally.

[0141] The control method of the master device 5 first determines whether the air conditioning system 1000 includes a centralized control device 3 that centrally controls the outdoor units 2 and indoor units 1, and selects an air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as the master device from the multiple air conditioning-related devices 4. In selecting the air conditioning-related device 4, if it is determined that the air conditioning system 1000 includes a centralized control device 3, then the air conditioning-related device 4 that is located near the centralized control device 3 and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3 is selected as the master device from among the outdoor units 2 and indoor units 1.

[0142] This provides the same effect as that of the initial master device 5 described above.

[0143] The control program 411 causes the processor 400 to function as a determination unit 403 that determines whether the air conditioning system 1000 includes a centralized control device 3 that centrally controls the outdoor units 2 and indoor units 1, and as a selection unit 402 that selects an air conditioning-related device 4 to operate as a master device from multiple air conditioning-related devices 4. When the determination unit 403 determines that the air conditioning system 1000 includes a centralized control device 3, the selection unit 402 selects, as the master device, an air conditioning-related device 4 from the outdoor units 2 and indoor units 1 that is located near the centralized control device 3 and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3.

[0144] This provides the same effect as that of the initial master device 5 described above.

[0145] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0146] [2-1.Configuration] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system 1000 according to the second embodiment. In comparison with the first embodiment, the second embodiment has a repeater 6 installed in the communication path between the centralized control device 3 and the outdoor unit 2. That is, in the second embodiment, the repeater 6 is connected to the centralized control device 3. The repeater 6 is a communication device that relays multi-hop communication and amplifies signals, and is included in the air conditioning-related equipment 4 that constitutes the air conditioning system 1000. In the example of Fig. 16, the repeater 6 is installed in the communication path between the centralized control device 3 and the outdoor unit 2B.

[0147] [2-2. Operation] When selecting an air conditioning-related device 4 to newly operate as a master device, the selection unit 402 operates in the same manner as in embodiment 1, assuming that the repeater 6 does not exist. The selection unit 402 identifies where the repeater 6 is connected based on the identification information and network address by identifying the connection topology of the air conditioning-related device 4. The selection unit 402 then selects the master device assuming that the repeater 6 does not exist in the air conditioning system 1000, in other words, without regarding the repeater 6 as an air conditioning-related device 4. On the other hand, if a repeater 6 is present, the selector 402 selects the repeater 6 as the substitute master device.

[0148] [2-3. Effects, etc.] In the air conditioning system 1000, when the repeater 6 is connected to the centralized control device 3, the selection unit 402 selects the master device as if the repeater 6 does not exist.

[0149] When a repeater 6 is connected to the centralized control device 3, the repeater 6 may be located physically far from the outdoor units 2 and the indoor units 1, just like the centralized control device 3. Therefore, selecting the repeater 6 as the master device may reduce the communication throughput in the air conditioning system 1000, just like selecting the centralized control device 3 as the master device. Therefore, when a repeater 6 is installed, the selector 402 selects a master device as if the repeater 6 does not exist, so as not to select the repeater 6 as the master device. This makes it possible to select a master device that can suppress a reduction in communication throughput in the air conditioning system 1000, even when a repeater 6 is connected to the centralized control device 3.

[0150] If the determining unit 403 determines that the centralized control device 3 is included in the air conditioning system 1000, the selecting unit 402 selects the repeater 6 as a substitute master device that functions as a substitute for the master device.

[0151] According to this, even if the master device stops operating normally, the repeater 6 can maintain the function of the master device in the air conditioning system 1000. In particular, the repeater 6 may be on a power supply system separate from the other air conditioning-related devices 4. Therefore, by using the repeater 6 as a substitute master device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the function of the master device in the air conditioning system 1000 is not maintained.

[0152] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0153] In the above-described embodiment, the second condition is that the air conditioning-related devices 4 are communicatively connected to two or more air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3. In other embodiments, the second condition may be that the air conditioning-related devices 4 are communicatively connected to N or more air conditioning-related devices 4 other than the centralized control device 3 (N is an integer of 2 or greater).

[0154] In the above-described embodiment, the fourth condition is that the air conditioning-related device 4 is communicatively connected to two or more other air conditioning-related devices 4. In other embodiments, the fourth condition may be that the air conditioning-related device 4 is communicatively connected to N or more other air conditioning-related devices 4 (N is an integer of 2 or greater).

[0155] In another embodiment, a condition may be added to limit the air conditioning-related devices 4 to be selected to the outdoor units 2 when selecting the master device and the substitute master device.

[0156] In the above-described embodiment, if a positive determination is made in steps SA12, SA18, and SB6, the selection unit 402 randomly selects one air conditioning-related device 4. In other embodiments, if a positive determination is made in steps SA12, SA18, and SB6, the selection unit 402 may select one air conditioning-related device 4 based on the MAC address of the air conditioning-related device 4 (for example, giving priority to a MAC address with a smaller numerical value).

[0157] The processor 400 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The processor 400 may be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, the processor 400 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0158] The configuration of the air conditioning-related equipment 4 shown in Figure 2 is one example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0159] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 4, 5, and 12 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0160] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0161] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0162] (Technology 1) A processing device comprising: a determination unit that determines whether an air conditioning system made up of a plurality of air conditioning-related devices includes a centralized control device that centrally controls outdoor units and indoor units; and a selection unit that selects the air conditioning-related device to operate as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the selection unit selects, as the master device, one of the outdoor units and the indoor units that is located near the centralized control device and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device. This allows an air conditioning-related device other than the centralized control device that is connected to more air conditioning-related devices for communication to be selected as the master device, thereby enabling the selection of a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system.

[0163] (Technology 2) The processing device according to Technology 1, wherein the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related equipment that satisfies a first condition as the air conditioning-related equipment that is located near the centralized control device, and the first condition is that the air conditioning-related equipment is directly connected to the centralized control device for communication, or that one air conditioning-related equipment exists on a communication path with the centralized control device. According to this, an air conditioning-related device that is directly connected to the centralized control device for communication, or an air conditioning-related device that has one air conditioning-related device on its communication path with the centralized control device, can be selected as the master device, making it possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device. Therefore, it is possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system and that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device. Furthermore, because it is possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device, it is possible to suppress problems such as delays in the control of the outdoor units and indoor units by the centralized control device.

[0164] (Technology 3) The processing device according to Technology 2, wherein the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related devices that satisfy a second condition, and selects, from among the selected air conditioning-related devices, the air conditioning-related device that has a greater communication connection with air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device as the master device, and the second condition is that the air conditioning-related devices have communication connections with N or more air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device (N is an integer of 2 or more). This allows an air conditioning-related device that is connected to multiple air conditioning-related devices to be selected as a master device, thereby preventing an air conditioning-related device that is connected to a small number of other air conditioning-related devices from being selected as a master device.As a result, a master device that can further prevent a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system can be selected.

[0165] (Technology 4) The processing device according to Technology 3, wherein the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related device that is closest to the centralized management device as the master device when there are multiple air conditioning-related devices that satisfy the first condition and the second condition. According to this, when there are multiple air conditioning-related devices that satisfy the first and second conditions, it is possible to select a master device that can further suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device. Therefore, it is possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput in the air conditioning system and further suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device.

[0166] (Technology 5) The processing device according to Technology 3 or Technology 4, wherein the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related device that is closest to the centralized management device as the master device when there is no air conditioning-related device that satisfies the first condition and the second condition. This makes it possible to select a master device that can suppress a decrease in communication throughput with the centralized control device even if there is no air conditioning-related device that satisfies the first and second conditions.

[0167] (Technology 6) A processing device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5, wherein the selection unit selects the centralized management device as a substitute master device that functions as a substitute for the master device when the determination unit determines that the centralized management device is included in the air conditioning system. This allows the centralized control device to maintain the functionality of the master device in the air conditioning system even if the master device no longer operates normally. In particular, the centralized control device may have a separate power supply system from other air conditioning-related devices. Therefore, by using the centralized control device as a substitute master device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of situations in which the functionality of the master device in the air conditioning system is not maintained.

[0168] (Technology 7) The processing device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, wherein when a repeater is connected to the centralized management device in the air conditioning system, the selection unit selects the master device as if the repeater does not exist. When a repeater is connected to a centralized control device, the repeater may be located physically far from the outdoor units and indoor units, just like the centralized control device. Therefore, selecting a repeater as the master device may reduce the communication throughput in the air conditioning system, just as selecting a centralized control device as the master device. Therefore, when a repeater is installed, the selector selects a master device as if the repeater does not exist, so as not to select the repeater as the master device. This makes it possible to select a master device that can suppress a reduction in communication throughput in the air conditioning system, even when a repeater is connected to the centralized control device.

[0169] (Technology 8) The processing device described in Technology 7, wherein the selection unit selects the repeater as a substitute master device that functions as a substitute for the master device when the determination unit determines that the centralized management device is included in the air conditioning system. This allows the repeater to maintain the function of the master device in the air conditioning system even if the master device stops operating normally. In particular, the repeater may be on a different power supply system from other air conditioning-related devices. Therefore, by using the repeater as a substitute master device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of situations in which the function of the master device in the air conditioning system 1 is not maintained.

[0170] (Technology 9) The processing device according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, wherein, when the determination unit determines that the centralized management device is not included in the air conditioning system, the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related device that satisfies a third condition and a fourth condition as a substitute master device that functions in place of the master device, wherein the third condition is that the air conditioning-related device is the air conditioning-related device of an outdoor unit group located farthest from the processing device, or the air conditioning-related device of the outdoor unit group located second farthest from the processing device, the outdoor unit group being a group made up of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, and the fourth condition is that the air conditioning-related device is communicatively connected to N or more other air conditioning-related devices (N is an integer equal to or greater than 2). According to this, even if the master device stops operating normally, an air conditioning-related device that is located far from the master device and is connected to multiple air conditioning-related devices can be selected as the master device. Therefore, even if the master device stops operating normally, the master device's function in the air conditioning system can be maintained so that more air conditioning-related devices can communicate. In particular, air conditioning-related devices located far from the master device may be on a different power supply system from the master device. Therefore, by designating an air conditioning-related device located far from the master device as a substitute master device, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which the master device's function is not maintained in the air conditioning system.

[0171] (Technology 10) The processing device according to Technology 9, wherein when there are multiple air conditioning-related devices that satisfy the third condition and the fourth condition, the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related device that is communicatively connected to more of the air conditioning-related devices as the substitute master device. This makes it possible to prevent a significant decrease in the number of air conditioning-related devices that can communicate even if the master device stops operating normally.

[0172] (Technology 11) A control method for a processing device, in which an air conditioning system consisting of a plurality of air conditioning-related devices determines whether or not the system includes a centralized control device that centrally controls outdoor units and indoor units, and selects the air conditioning-related device to operate as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices, and in selecting the air conditioning-related device, if it is determined that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, selects, as the master device, one of the outdoor units and the indoor units that is located near the centralized control device and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device. This provides the same effect as the processing device of Technique 1.

[0173] (Technology 12) A program that causes a processor to function as a determination unit that determines whether an air conditioning system consisting of a plurality of air conditioning-related devices includes a centralized control device that centrally controls outdoor units and indoor units, and a selection unit that selects the air conditioning-related device to operate as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices, and when the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the selection unit selects, as the master device, one of the outdoor units and the indoor units that is located near the centralized control device and has more communication connections with air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device. This provides the same effect as the processing device of Technique 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0174] As described above, the processing device, the control method for the processing device, and the program according to the present invention can be used to select a master device from the air conditioning-related devices that make up an air conditioning system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1, 1A~1N indoor unit 2, 2A~2D outdoor unit 3 Centralized management device 4. Air conditioning equipment 5. First master device (processing device) 6 Repeater 40 Control Unit 41 Communications Department 400 processors 401 Communication control unit 402 Selection Section 403 Judgment section 404 Settings 410 memory 411 Control Program (Program) 413 Selection Section 1000 Air Conditioning System

Claims

1. a determination unit that determines whether or not a centralized control device that centrally controls outdoor units and indoor units is included in an air conditioning system that is configured with a plurality of air conditioning-related devices; a selection unit that selects the air conditioning-related device to be operated as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices, The selection unit When the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the determination unit selects, as the master device, one of the outdoor units and the indoor units that is located near the centralized control device and has a greater communication connection with the air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device. Processing equipment.

2. the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related devices that satisfy a first condition as the air conditioning-related devices that are located near the centralized control device, The first condition is that the air conditioning-related devices are directly connected for communication with the centralized control device, or that one air conditioning-related device is present on a communication path with the centralized control device. The processing device of claim 1 .

3. the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related devices that satisfy a second condition, and selects, from the selected air conditioning-related devices, an air conditioning-related device that is communicatively connected to more air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device as the master device; The second condition is that the air conditioning-related devices are communicatively connected to N or more air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device (N is an integer of 2 or more). The processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The selection unit When there are a plurality of the air conditioning-related devices that satisfy the first condition and the second condition, the air conditioning-related device that is closest to the centralized management device is selected as the master device. The processing device according to claim 3 .

5. The selection unit If there is no air conditioning-related device that satisfies the first condition and the second condition, the air conditioning-related device that is closest to the centralized control device is selected as the master device. The processing device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The selection unit When the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the determination unit selects the centralized control device as a substitute master device that functions as a substitute for the master device. The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. When a repeater is connected to the central control device in the air conditioning system, the selection unit selects the master device assuming that the repeater does not exist. The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The selection unit If the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the determination unit selects the repeater as a substitute master device that functions as a substitute for the master device. The processing device of claim 7 .

9. when the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is not included in the air conditioning system, the selection unit selects the air conditioning-related device that satisfies a third condition and a fourth condition as a substitute master device that functions as a substitute for the master device; the third condition is that the air conditioning-related device is the air conditioning-related device of the outdoor unit group located farthest from the processing device, or the air conditioning-related device is the air conditioning-related device of the outdoor unit group located second farthest from the processing device, the outdoor unit group is a group configured of the outdoor unit and the indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, The fourth condition is that the air conditioning-related device is communicatively connected to N or more other air conditioning-related devices (N is an integer of 2 or more). The processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The selection unit When there are a plurality of the air conditioning-related devices that satisfy the third condition and the fourth condition, the air conditioning-related device that is connected to more of the air conditioning-related devices for communication is selected as the substitute master device. The processing device of claim 9 .

11. In an air conditioning system composed of a plurality of air conditioning-related devices, it is determined whether or not a centralized control device for centrally controlling outdoor units and indoor units is included; selecting an air conditioning-related device to be operated as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices; In selecting the air conditioning-related equipment, When it is determined that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the air conditioning-related device that is located near the centralized control device and has a greater number of communication connections with the air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device is selected as the master device from among the outdoor units and the indoor units. A method for controlling a processing device.

12. The processor, a determination unit that determines whether or not a centralized control device that centrally controls outdoor units and indoor units is included in an air conditioning system that is configured with a plurality of air conditioning-related devices; a selection unit that selects the air conditioning-related device to be operated as a master device from the plurality of air conditioning-related devices; The selection unit When the determination unit determines that the centralized control device is included in the air conditioning system, the determination unit selects, as the master device, one of the outdoor units and the indoor units that is located near the centralized control device and has a greater communication connection with the air conditioning-related devices other than the centralized control device. program.

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