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

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner control device capable of operating an air conditioner in an appropriate operation mode, an air conditioning system, an air conditioning method and a program.SOLUTION: A cloud server 1 includes: a temperature determination section 114 that determines whether or not a temperature of an air conditioning target region in a building is an upper limit temperature or higher or a lower limit temperature or lower; an operation start determination section 115 that determines the necessity of starting an operation of an air conditioner 3 in a cooling mode on the basis of presence / absence of an operation history of the air conditioner 3 in a heating mode within a first determination target period when the temperature of the target region is determined to be the upper limit temperature or higher and that determines the necessity of starting an operation of the air conditioner 3 in the heating mode on the basis of presence / absence of an operation history of the air conditioner 3 in the cooling mode within the first determination target period when the temperature of the target region is determined to be the lower limit temperature or lower; and an apparatus control section 116 that controls the air conditioner 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner control device, an air conditioning system, an air conditioning method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An air conditioning system has been proposed that includes an air conditioning data management database that stores air conditioning data periodically obtained from an air conditioner, and when the air conditioner is started by a user operation after the air conditioner has stopped operating, the room temperature in the air conditioning data obtained a predetermined time before the operation is set as a threshold value, and based on the threshold value it is determined whether the air conditioner needs to be started, and if it is determined that the air conditioner needs to be started, the air conditioning system starts the air conditioner (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-056416 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1, if the temperature rises suddenly, for example, during the change of seasons, and the air conditioner is set to heating mode as the operating mode from the last time it was operated, there is a risk that the air conditioner will operate in heating mode even if the temperature is suitable for cooling operation unless the user operates it in cooling mode once. Thus, in the system described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the air conditioner will not operate in the appropriate operating mode.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above reasons, and aims to provide an air conditioner control device, an air conditioning system, an air conditioning method, and a program that can operate an air conditioner in an appropriate operating mode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the air conditioner control device according to the present disclosure comprises: an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information indicating the status of an air conditioner operating in a first operating mode that lowers the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operating mode that raises the temperature of the target area; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operating mode based on whether or not there is an operating history of the air conditioner in the second operating mode during a first determination target period from a point in time that is a preset first reference time before the time of determination to the time of determination; and, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the second operating mode based on whether or not there is an operating history of the air conditioner in the first operating mode during the first determination target period. and an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operating mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operating mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operating mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operating mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, when the operation start determination unit determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, it determines whether or not to start operation of the air conditioner in the first operating mode based on whether or not there is a history of operation of the air conditioner in the second operating mode during the first determination target period. Furthermore, when the operation start determination unit determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, it determines whether or not there is a history of operation of the air conditioner in the first operating mode during the first determination target period. This prevents the air conditioner from operating unnecessarily in an inappropriate operating mode when the temperature of the target area temporarily falls below the lower limit temperature due to the air conditioner operating in the first operating mode, or when the temperature of the target area temporarily rises above the upper limit temperature due to the air conditioner operating in the second operating mode. Therefore, the air conditioner can be operated in an appropriate operating mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of air conditioning processing executed by a cloud server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment, in which (A) shows a case where there is no operation history of the air conditioner within the first determination period, and (B) shows a case where there is an operation history of the air conditioner within the first determination period. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of air conditioning processing executed by a cloud server according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of air conditioning processing executed by a cloud server according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] An explanatory diagram of the operation of the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment [Figure 11] A block diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner system according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen image displayed on a display unit of a terminal device according to a modified example. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of an air conditioning process executed by a cloud server according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment 1) An air conditioner control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The air conditioner control device according to the present embodiment includes an equipment status acquisition unit, a temperature acquisition unit, a temperature determination unit, an operation start determination unit, and an equipment control unit. The equipment status acquisition unit acquires equipment status information including the status of an air conditioner operating in a first operation mode that lowers the temperature of a target area to be air-conditioned or a second operation mode that raises the temperature of the target area. The temperature acquisition unit acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of the target area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner. The temperature determination unit determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or less than a predetermined lower limit temperature. When it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or greater than the upper limit temperature, the operation start determination unit determines whether or not to start operation of the air conditioner in the first operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode during a first determination target period, which is from a time point a predetermined reference time before the time of determination to the time of determination. Furthermore, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, the operation start determination unit determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode within the first determination target period.The equipment control unit is configured to control the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that it is necessary for the air conditioner to start operation in the first operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operation mode, and, when it is determined that it is necessary for the air conditioner to start operation in the second operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operation mode.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system according to this embodiment comprises an air conditioner 3 installed in a building H, a terminal device 5, and a cloud server 1. The air conditioner 3 has a communication function and is connected to a local network NW2 constructed in the building H. The local network NW2 is connected to a wide area network NW1 via a broadband router (hereinafter referred to as "BBR") 4. The cloud server 1 and the terminal device 5 can communicate with each other via the wide area network NW1, and the cloud server 1 can communicate with the air conditioner 3 via the wide area network NW1 and the local network NW2. The local network NW2 is, for example, a wired LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN, and the wide area network NW1 is, for example, the Internet.

[0011] The air conditioner 3 is operated in a cooling mode or a dehumidifying mode to lower the temperature of a target area in the building H that is the target of air conditioning, or in a heating mode to raise the temperature of the target area. This air conditioner 3 operates based on control information for controlling itself that is transmitted from the cloud server 1. The air conditioner 3 also has a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the target area in the building H that is the target of air conditioning, and generates and transmits to the cloud server 1 temperature notification information that includes temperature information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and device identification information that identifies the air conditioner itself at each predetermined, periodically occurring temperature notification time. Furthermore, the air conditioner 3 also generates and transmits to the cloud server 1 device status notification information that includes device status information indicating the operating status of the air conditioner itself and device identification information that identifies the air conditioner itself at each predetermined, periodically occurring status notification time for notifying the cloud server 1 of its status. Furthermore, the temperature notification information and the device status notification information may be the same notification, or may be included in either notification.

[0012] The terminal device 5 is, for example, a smartphone, and as shown in FIG. 2 , includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a main memory 502, an auxiliary memory 503, a display 504, an input unit 505, a communication unit 506, and a bus 509 connecting these components to one another. The main memory 502 has a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The main memory 502 also has an image-only memory (not shown) that temporarily stores image information to be displayed on the display 504. The auxiliary memory 503 is a non-volatile memory such as a semiconductor flash memory and stores programs for the CPU 501 to execute various processes. The display 504 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The input unit 505 is, for example, a transparent touchpad placed on top of the display 504. The communication unit 506 is connected to the wide area network NW1 and transmits information transferred from the CPU 501 to the cloud server 1 via the wide area network NW1, and transfers information received from the cloud server 1 via the wide area network NW1 to the CPU 501.

[0013] 3, the CPU 501 functions as a schedule notification unit 511, a temperature threshold notification unit 512, and a display control unit 513 by loading the program stored in the auxiliary memory unit 503 into the main memory unit 502 and executing it. When a user performs an autonomous operation schedule input operation on the input unit 505 to input an autonomous operation start time and an autonomous operation end time, the schedule notification unit 511 accepts the autonomous operation schedule input operation and generates schedule information including autonomous operation start time information indicating the autonomous operation start time, autonomous operation end time information indicating the autonomous operation end time, and device identification information that identifies the air conditioner 3 for which the schedule is to be set, and transmits this schedule information to the cloud server 1. Here, the autonomous operation start time indicates the time when the air conditioner 3 starts to operate autonomously in accordance with the temperature in the aforementioned target area within the building H, and the autonomous operation end time indicates the time when the autonomous operation of the air conditioner 3 will end.

[0014] When a user performs a cooling operation setting operation via the input unit 505, inputting an upper limit temperature that is a temperature threshold for starting the air conditioner 3 to operate in cooling mode and the set temperature of the air conditioner 3 when starting operation in cooling mode, the temperature threshold notifying unit 512 accepts the cooling operation setting operation. Furthermore, when a user performs a heating operation setting operation via the input unit 505, inputting a lower limit temperature that is a temperature threshold for starting the air conditioner 3 to operate in heating mode and the set temperature of the air conditioner 3 when starting operation in heating mode, the temperature threshold notifying unit 512 accepts the heating operation setting operation. The temperature threshold notifying unit 512 then generates temperature threshold setting information including upper limit temperature information indicating the upper limit temperature inputted in the received cooling operation setting operation and cooling set temperature information indicating the set temperature when operating in cooling mode, lower limit temperature information indicating the lower limit temperature inputted in the received heating operation setting operation and heating set temperature information indicating the set temperature when operating in heating mode, and device identification information of the air conditioner 3 to be set, and transmits this information to the cloud server 1.

[0015] When the user performs an application startup operation on the input unit 505 to display on the display unit 504 an operation screen image for performing the aforementioned schedule input operation, cooling operation setting operation, or heating operation setting operation, the display control unit 513 accepts the application startup operation and forms the aforementioned operation screen image to display on the display unit 504. The display control unit 513 forms, for example, an operation screen image GA1 as shown in FIG. 4 and displays it on the display unit 504. The operation screen image GA1 includes an input field B11 for inputting the aforementioned autonomous operation start time and an input field B12 for inputting the aforementioned autonomous operation end time. The operation screen image GA1 also includes an input field B21 for inputting an upper limit temperature, which is a temperature threshold for starting the air conditioner 3 to operate in cooling mode, an input field B22 for inputting the set temperature of the air conditioner 3 when starting operation in cooling mode, an input field B31 for inputting a lower limit temperature, which is a temperature threshold for starting the air conditioner 3 to operate in heating mode, and an input field B32 for inputting the set temperature of the air conditioner 3 when starting operation in heating mode.

[0016] Here, for example, with the operation screen image GA1 displayed on the display unit 504, the user performs the aforementioned autonomous operation schedule input operation by touching the portions corresponding to the input fields B11 and B12 in the input unit 505, which is a touchpad. Also, with the operation screen image GA1 displayed on the display unit 504, the user performs the aforementioned cooling operation setting operation and heating operation setting operation by touching the portions corresponding to the input fields B21, B22, B31, and B32 in the input unit 505, which is a touchpad.

[0017] Returning to FIG. 2, the cloud server 1 includes a CPU 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a communication unit 106, a clock unit 108, and a bus 109 interconnecting these units. The CPU 101 is, for example, a multi-core processor. The main memory unit 102 has a volatile memory such as RAM and is used as a work area for the CPU 101. The auxiliary memory unit 103 is made up of a large-capacity non-volatile memory and stores programs for realizing various functions of the cloud server 1. The communication unit 106 is connected to the wide area network NW1. The clock unit 108 has, for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock) and notifies the CPU 101 of date and time information indicating the date and time of clocking.

[0018] By loading the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executing them, the CPU 101 functions as a temperature acquisition unit 111, an appliance status acquisition unit 112, a temperature threshold acquisition unit 113, a temperature determination unit 114, an operation start determination unit 115, an appliance control unit 116, and a schedule acquisition unit 117, as shown in FIG. 3. The auxiliary storage unit 103 shown in FIG. 2 also includes a temperature storage unit 131, an appliance status storage unit 132, a schedule storage unit 133, and a temperature threshold storage unit 134, as shown in FIG. 3. The temperature storage unit 131 stores temperature information indicating the temperature of the target area detected by the temperature sensor of the air conditioner 3 in association with date and time information indicating the date and time when the temperature information was acquired. The temperature storage unit 131 also stores the temperature information and the date and time information in association with appliance identification information that identifies the air conditioner 3 that sent the temperature notification information including the temperature information.

[0019] The device status storage unit 132 stores device status information indicating the status of the air conditioner 3, in association with date and time information indicating the date and time when the device status information was acquired. The device status storage unit 132 also stores the device status information and date and time information in association with device identification information that identifies the air conditioner 3 that sent the device status notification information including the device status information. The device status storage unit 132 also stores the operation history of the autonomous operation of the air conditioner 3. Here, the operation history of the autonomous operation of the air conditioner 3 may be stored in a location different from the device status storage unit 132.

[0020] The schedule memory unit 133 stores autonomous operation start time information indicating the start time of the autonomous operation for the air conditioner 3 and autonomous operation end time information indicating the end time of the autonomous operation, in association with device identification information that identifies the air conditioner 3 that sent the schedule information.

[0021] The temperature threshold memory unit 134 stores the above-mentioned upper limit temperature information, cooling setting temperature information, lower limit temperature information, and heating setting temperature information for the air conditioner 3 in association with device identification information that identifies the air conditioner 3 that sent the above-mentioned temperature threshold setting information.

[0022] When the temperature acquisition unit 111 acquires the above-mentioned temperature notification information transmitted from the air conditioner 3, it extracts the temperature information and device identification information included in the acquired temperature notification information. At this time, the temperature acquisition unit 111 identifies the date and time when the temperature notification information was acquired based on the date and time measured by the timing unit 108. Then, the temperature acquisition unit 111 associates the extracted temperature information with date and time information indicating the identified date and time and the extracted device identification information and stores the extracted temperature information in the temperature memory unit 131. Every time temperature notification information is written from the temperature acquisition unit 111, the temperature memory unit 131 notifies the temperature determination unit 114 of the temperature notification information.

[0023] When the device status acquisition unit 112 acquires the above-mentioned device status notification information transmitted from the air conditioner 3, it extracts the device status information and device identification information included in the acquired device status notification information. At this time, the device status acquisition unit 112 identifies the date and time when the device status notification information was acquired based on the date and time measured by the clock unit 108. Then, the device status acquisition unit 112 associates the extracted device status information with date and time information indicating the identified date and time and the extracted device identification information and stores it in the device status storage unit 132. Here, the temperature notification information acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 111 and the device status notification information acquired by the device status acquisition unit 112 are not limited to being acquired from the air conditioner 3 as shown in FIG. 3, but may also be acquired from the same notification information, and the temperature acquisition unit 111 and the device status acquisition unit 112 may acquire them from the same notification information within the cloud server 1.

[0024] When temperature threshold acquisition unit 113 acquires temperature threshold setting information transmitted from terminal device 5, it extracts the above-mentioned upper limit temperature information, cooling set temperature information, lower limit temperature information, heating set temperature information, and device identification information included in the acquired temperature threshold setting information. Then, temperature threshold acquisition unit 113 stores the extracted upper limit temperature information, cooling set temperature information, lower limit temperature information, and heating set temperature information in temperature threshold storage unit 134 in association with the extracted device identification information.

[0025] When schedule acquisition unit 117 acquires schedule information transmitted from terminal device 5, it extracts the autonomous driving start time information, autonomous driving end time information, and device identification information included in the acquired schedule information. Then, schedule acquisition unit 117 stores the extracted autonomous driving start time information and autonomous driving end time information in schedule storage unit 133 in association with the extracted device identification information. Here, the temperature threshold setting information acquired by temperature threshold acquisition unit 113 and the schedule information acquired by schedule acquisition unit 117 are not limited to being acquired from terminal device 5 as shown in FIG. 3 , but may also be acquired from the same notification information, and the temperature threshold acquisition unit 113 and the schedule acquisition unit 117 may acquire them from the same notification information within cloud server 1.

[0026] The temperature determination unit 114 identifies, from the temperature information stored in the temperature memory unit 131, temperature information corresponding to the device identification information of the air conditioner 3 that detects the temperature of the target area to be air-conditioned in the building H. Then, the temperature determination unit 114 determines whether the temperature of the target area to be air-conditioned indicated by the identified temperature information is equal to or higher than the above-mentioned upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than the above-mentioned lower limit temperature.

[0027] When the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature of the target area for air conditioning is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the operation start determination unit 115 references the device status information stored in the device status storage unit 132 and determines whether or not the air conditioner 3 has a history of operation in heating mode during a first determination target period, which is from a point in time a preset first reference time before the determination time to the determination time. Here, the length of the first reference time is set to, for example, 24 hours or less. Then, when the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is no history of operation in heating mode during the first determination target period, it determines that the air conditioner 3 needs to start operating in cooling mode. On the other hand, when the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is a history of operation in heating mode during the first determination target period, it determines that there is no need to start operating the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode.

[0028] Furthermore, when the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature of the area to be air-conditioned is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, the operation start determination unit 115 references the device status information stored in the device status storage unit 132 and determines whether or not the air conditioner 3 has a history of operation in cooling mode or dehumidification mode during the first determination period described above. If the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is no history of operation in cooling mode or dehumidification mode during the first determination period, it determines that the air conditioner 3 needs to start operating in heating mode. On the other hand, if the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is a history of operation in cooling mode or dehumidification mode during the first determination period, it determines that there is no need to start operating the air conditioner 3 in heating mode.

[0029] . When the operation start determination unit 115 determines that the air conditioner 3 needs to start operating in cooling mode, the device control unit 116 generates control information for operating the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode and sends it to the air conditioner 3. On the other hand, when the operation start determination unit 115 determines that the air conditioner 3 needs to start operating in heating mode, the device control unit 116 generates control information for operating the air conditioner 3 in heating mode and sends it to the air conditioner 3. Furthermore, when the device control unit 116 starts or ends autonomous operation of the air conditioner 3 based on a notification from the operation start determination unit 115, it stores this in the device status storage unit 132 as an operation history related to autonomous operation by the air conditioner control device according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Next, the air conditioning process executed by the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. This air conditioning process is initiated when a program for executing the air conditioning process is launched in the cloud server 1. First, the temperature determination unit 114 references autonomous operation start time information stored in the schedule storage unit 133 and corresponding to at least one air conditioner 3, and determines whether the autonomous operation start time indicated by the autonomous operation start time information has arrived (step S101). Here, as long as the temperature determination unit 114 determines that there is no air conditioner 3 whose autonomous operation start time has arrived (step S101: No), the process of step S101 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines that there is an air conditioner 3 whose autonomous operation start time has arrived (step S101: Yes), the temperature determination unit 114 determines whether the air conditioner 3 that sent the temperature notification information is in a stopped state, based on the device status information stored in the device status storage unit 132 (step S102). Here, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the air conditioner 3 that transmitted the temperature notification information is in operation (step S102: No), the processing of step S112 described below is executed. On the other hand, it is assumed that the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the air conditioner 3 that transmitted the temperature notification information is in a stopped state (step S102: Yes). In this case, the temperature determination unit 114 references the temperature notification information notified from the temperature memory unit 131 and determines whether the temperature Thr of the target area of ​​air conditioning is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature Thrh indicated by the upper limit temperature information stored in the temperature threshold memory unit 134 (step S103). It is assumed that the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature Thr of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature Thrh (step S103: Yes). In this case, the operation start determination unit 115 refers to the device status information stored in the device status storage unit 132, and determines whether or not there is a history of operation of the air conditioner 3 in autonomous heating mode during a first determination period that is from a time point a preset reference time in the past to the time point of determination (step S104). Here, if the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is a history of operation of the air conditioner 3 in autonomous heating mode during the first determination period (step S104: No), the process of step S112, which will be described later, is executed.On the other hand, if the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is no history of the air conditioner 3 operating in autonomous heating mode during the first determination period (step S104: Yes), the device control unit 116 generates control information for causing the air conditioner 3 to start cooling operation based on the notification from the operation start determination unit 115 and transmits it to the air conditioner 3 (step S105). Here, upon acquiring the control information, the air conditioner 3 starts operating in cooling mode based on the acquired control information. Next, it determines whether a preset operating time for cooling operation has elapsed (step S106). Here, as long as the device control unit 116 determines that the operating time for cooling operation has not yet elapsed (step S106: No), the processing of step S106 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the device control unit 116 determines that the operating time for cooling operation has elapsed (step S106: Yes), the processing of step S111, which will be described later, is executed.

[0031] On the other hand, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines in step S103 that the temperature Thr of the target area is lower than the upper limit temperature Thrh (step S103: No), it determines whether the temperature Thr of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature Thrl indicated by the lower limit temperature information stored in the temperature threshold storage unit 134 (step S107). Here, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature Thr of the target area is higher than the lower limit temperature Thrl (step S107: No), the processing of step S112 described below is executed. On the other hand, it is assumed that the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature Thr of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature Thrl (step S107: Yes). In this case, the operation start determination unit 115 refers to the device status information stored in the device status storage unit 132 and determines whether or not the air conditioner 3 has a history of operating in the autonomous cooling mode during the aforementioned first determination target period (step S108). If the operation start determination unit 115 determines that the air conditioner 3 has an autonomous operation history in cooling mode during the first determination period (step S108: No), the process of step S112, which will be described later, is executed. On the other hand, if the operation start determination unit 115 determines that the air conditioner 3 has no autonomous operation history in cooling mode during the first determination period (step S108: Yes), the device control unit 116 generates control information for causing the air conditioner 3 to start heating operation based on the notification from the operation start determination unit 115 and transmits it to the air conditioner 3 (step S109). Upon acquiring the control information, the air conditioner 3 starts operating in heating mode based on the acquired control information. Next, the device control unit 116 determines whether a preset operation time for heating operation has elapsed (step S110). As long as the device control unit 116 determines that the operation time for heating operation has not yet elapsed (step S110: No), the process of step S110 is repeatedly executed. On the other hand, if the appliance control unit 116 determines that the operation time for the heating operation has elapsed (step S110: Yes), the process of step S111, which will be described later, is executed.

[0032] Next, when it is determined in the above-mentioned steps S106 and S110 that the operation time has elapsed, control information for stopping the operation of the air conditioner 3 is generated and transmitted to the air conditioner 3 (step S111). Here, upon acquiring the control information, the air conditioner 3 stops operation based on the acquired control information.

[0033] Thereafter, the temperature determination unit 114 references the autonomous operation start time information stored in the schedule storage unit 133 and corresponding to at least one air conditioner 3, and determines whether the autonomous operation end time indicated by the autonomous operation end time information has arrived (step S112). Here, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines that there is no air conditioner 3 for which the autonomous operation end time has arrived (step S112: No), the processing of step S102 is repeatedly executed again. On the other hand, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines that there is an air conditioner 3 for which the autonomous operation start time has arrived (step S112: Yes), the autonomous operation control for that air conditioner 3 is terminated, and the processing of step S101 is executed again. Note that in FIG. 5, the stopped state of the air conditioner 3 is determined (step S102), and then the temperature of the area to be air-conditioned is determined (steps S103 and S107), but the stopped state of the air conditioner 3 may be determined after the temperature of the area to be air-conditioned is determined. Furthermore, the determination of the stopped state of the air conditioner 3 and the temperature of the area to be air-conditioned may be carried out simultaneously.

[0034] An example of the operation of the air conditioner 3 as a result of the cloud server 1 executing the air conditioning process described above will now be described with reference to Figures 6(A) and 6(B). In Figures 6(A) and 6(B), time points Tst0 and Ten0 respectively indicate the autonomous operation start time and autonomous operation end time one day before the day to which time point Ta1 belongs, and time points Tst1 and Ten1 respectively indicate the autonomous operation start time and autonomous operation end time on the day to which time point Ta1 belongs. Furthermore, time points Tst2 and Ten2 respectively indicate the autonomous operation start time and autonomous operation end time one day before the day to which time point Tc1 belongs, and time points Tst3 and Ten3 respectively indicate the autonomous operation start time and autonomous operation end time on the day to which time point Tc1 belongs. For example, as shown in Figure 6(A), assume that at time Ta1, the temperature Thr of the area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner 3 becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature Thrh indicated by the upper limit temperature information stored in the temperature threshold memory unit 134. In this case, it is assumed that the cloud server 1 determines that there is no history of the air conditioner 3 operating in autonomous heating mode during the first determination period from the time point Ta1 in the past by the aforementioned first reference time dT1 (Ta1-dT1) to the determined time point Ta1. In this case, the air conditioner 3 operates in cooling mode from time point Ta1 to time point Ta2, which is a preset operating time after time point Ta1.

[0035] 6(B), for example, suppose that at time Tb1, the temperature Thr of the area targeted for air conditioning by the air conditioner 3 exceeds the upper limit temperature Thrh, and the cloud server 1 determines that the air conditioner 3 has no history of operating in autonomous heating mode during the first determination period, which is from a time point (Tb1-dT1) that precedes the determined time Tb1 by the first reference time dT1 to the determined time Ta1. In this case, the air conditioner 3 operates in cooling mode between time Tb1 and time Tb2, which is a preset operating time after time Tb1. Then, suppose that at time Tc1, after time Tb2, the temperature Thr of the area targeted for air conditioning by the air conditioner 3 falls below the lower limit temperature Thrl indicated by the lower limit temperature information stored in the temperature threshold memory unit 134. In this case, the cloud server 1 determines that the air conditioner 3 has a history of autonomously operating in cooling mode between time Tb1 and time Tb2 within the first determination period, which is from a time (Tc1-dT1) that is the first reference time dT1 before the determined time Tc1 to the determined time Tc1. In this case, the cloud server 1 does not transmit control information to operate the air conditioner 3 in heating mode. As a result, the air conditioner 3 does not start operating in heating mode at time Tc1.

[0036] As described above, when the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the operation start determination unit 115 determines whether or not to start operation of the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode, based on whether or not the air conditioner 3 has a history of operating in heating mode during the first target determination period. Furthermore, when the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, the operation start determination unit 115 determines whether or not to start operation of the air conditioner 3 in heating mode, based on whether or not the air conditioner 3 has a history of operating in cooling mode during the first target determination period. This prevents the air conditioner 3 from unnecessarily operating in an inappropriate operating mode when the temperature of the target area temporarily falls below the lower limit temperature due to the air conditioner 3 operating in cooling mode, or when the temperature of the target area temporarily rises above the upper limit temperature due to the air conditioner 3 operating in heating mode. Therefore, the air conditioner 3 can be operated in an appropriate operating mode.

[0037] Incidentally, a user may operate the air conditioner 3 in heating mode in winter, then not use the air conditioner 3 for a period of time as spring arrives, followed by summer. In this case, the air conditioner 3 generally retains the operating mode from the last time it was operated, setting the operating mode to heating mode. Therefore, if autonomous operation is started based on the operating mode immediately before autonomous operation began, the air conditioner 3 cannot be operated autonomously in cooling mode unless the user operates the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode or dehumidification mode once, even if the temperature of the area targeted by the air conditioner 3 is suitable for operation in cooling mode. In particular, if the bedroom and living room are separated in building H, the air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom may not be used except during sleep, so there is a high possibility that the air conditioner 3 will not operate in the operating mode intended by the user. The same problem may also occur if a user operates the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode or dehumidification mode in summer, then goes through autumn and then winter. On the other hand, it is conceivable to define an appropriate temperature range for the target area, and operate the air conditioner in cooling mode when the temperature exceeds the upper limit of the appropriate temperature range, and in heating mode when the temperature falls below the lower limit. In this case, however, for example, if the temperature of the target area drops when the air conditioner 3 is operated in cooling mode in summer, and the temperature of the target area temporarily falls below the lower limit, the air conditioner will operate in heating mode even in summer. In contrast, the cloud server 1 according to this embodiment can prevent the air conditioner 3 from operating unnecessarily in an inappropriate operating mode when the temperature of the target area temporarily falls below the lower limit due to the air conditioner 3 operating in cooling mode, or when the temperature of the target area temporarily exceeds the upper limit due to the air conditioner 3 operating in heating mode, as described above, thereby enabling the air conditioner 3 to operate in an appropriate operating mode.

[0038] (Embodiment 2) The air conditioner control device of this embodiment differs from embodiment 1 in that, when the operation start determination unit determines that the temperature of the target area is above the upper limit temperature, it determines whether or not the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operating mode based on whether or not there is a history of operation of the air conditioner in the second operating mode in response to operation by the user within a second determination target period from a point in time a predetermined second reference time in the past to the point in time at which the determination was made, and when it determines that the temperature of the target area is below the lower limit temperature, it determines whether or not there is a history of operation of the air conditioner in the first operating mode in response to operation by the user within the second determination target period.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 7, the air conditioning system according to this embodiment includes an air conditioner 3, a terminal device 2005, and a cloud server 2001. In Fig. 7, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 3. The hardware configurations of the terminal device 2005 and the cloud server 2001 are the same as those of the terminal device 5 and the cloud server 1 described in embodiment 1. Therefore, the hardware configurations of the terminal device 2005 and the cloud server 2001 will be described below using the reference numerals shown in Fig. 2 as appropriate.

[0040] In the terminal device 2005, the CPU 501 reads out the program stored in the auxiliary memory unit 503 into the main memory unit 502 and executes it, thereby functioning as a schedule notification unit 511, a temperature threshold notification unit 512, a display control unit 513, and an operation information notification unit 2514. When the user performs a manual operation on the input unit 505 to forcibly operate the air conditioner 3 in an operation mode and set temperature specified by the user, or to stop the air conditioner 3, the operation information notification unit 2514 accepts the manual operation and generates operation information including operation mode information indicating the operation mode specified by the user and set temperature information indicating the set temperature, and transmits this information to the cloud server 2001.

[0041] In the cloud server 2001, the CPU 101 loads programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 into the main storage unit 102 and executes them, thereby functioning as a temperature acquisition unit 111, an appliance status acquisition unit 112, a temperature threshold acquisition unit 113, a temperature determination unit 114, an operation start determination unit 2115, an appliance control unit 2116, a schedule acquisition unit 117, and an operation information acquisition unit 2118. The auxiliary storage unit 103 also includes a temperature storage unit 131, an appliance status storage unit 2132, a schedule storage unit 133, and a temperature threshold storage unit 134. The appliance status storage unit 2132 stores appliance status information indicating the status of the air conditioner 3 in association with date and time information indicating the date and time when the appliance status information was acquired. Furthermore, when the appliance status information indicates that the air conditioner 3 is operating, the appliance status storage unit 2132 stores the appliance status information in association with operation start trigger information indicating whether the trigger that started the operation indicated by the appliance status information was an autonomous operation or an operation based on a user's manual operation. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, the device status storage unit 2132 stores the device status information and date and time information in association with device identification information that identifies the air conditioner 3 that is the sender of the device status notification information that includes the device status information.

[0042] When the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature of the target area for air conditioning is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the operation start determination unit 2115 references the appliance status information and operation start trigger information stored in the appliance status storage unit 2132 and determines whether or not there is a history of operation of the air conditioner 3 in heating mode in response to manual operation by the user during a second determination target period, which is from a time point a preset second reference time before the time of determination to the time of determination. Here, the length of the second reference time is set to, for example, one hour or less. Then, when the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is no history of operation in heating mode in response to operation by the user during the second determination target period, it determines that operation of the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode needs to be started. On the other hand, when the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that there is a history of operation in heating mode in response to manual operation by the user during the second determination target period, it determines that operation of the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode does not need to be started.

[0043] Furthermore, when the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature of the area to be air-conditioned is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, the operation start determination unit 2115 references the appliance status information and operation start trigger information stored in the appliance status storage unit 2132 and determines whether or not there is a history of operation in cooling mode or dehumidification mode in response to manual operation by the user of the air conditioner 3 during the second determination period described above. Then, when the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is no history of operation in cooling mode or dehumidification mode during the first determination period, it determines that it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner 3 in heating mode. On the other hand, when the operation start determination unit 115 determines that there is a history of operation in cooling mode or dehumidification mode in response to manual operation by the user during the first determination period, it determines that it is not necessary to start operation of the air conditioner 3 in heating mode.

[0044] When the operation information acquisition unit 2118 acquires operation information including operation mode information and set temperature information transmitted from the terminal device 2005, it extracts the operation mode information and set temperature information contained in the acquired operation information and notifies the device control unit 2116. On the other hand, when the operation information acquisition unit 2118 acquires operation information transmitted from the terminal device 2005 instructing to stop the air conditioner 3, it notifies the device control unit 2116 of stop command information.

[0045] . When the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the air conditioner 3 needs to start operating in cooling mode, the device control unit 2116 generates control information for operating the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode and transmits it to the air conditioner 3. On the other hand, when the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the air conditioner 3 needs to start operating in heating mode, the device control unit 2116 generates control information for operating the air conditioner 3 in heating mode and transmits it to the air conditioner 3. Then, after transmitting the control information to the air conditioner 3, when the device status storage unit 2132 newly stores device status information indicating that operation has started in cooling mode or heating mode, the device control unit 2116 stores operation start trigger information indicating that the air conditioner 3 has autonomously started operating in the device status storage unit 2132 in association with the newly stored device status information.

[0046] Furthermore, when the device control unit 2116 is notified of operation mode information and set temperature information from the operation information acquisition unit 2118, it generates control information for operating the air conditioner 3 in the operation mode indicated by the notified operation mode information and at the set temperature indicated by the set temperature information, and transmits this control information to the air conditioner 3. On the other hand, when the device control unit 2116 is notified of stop command information from the operation information acquisition unit 2118, it generates control information for stopping the air conditioner 3 and transmits this control information to the air conditioner 3. Then, after transmitting the control information to the air conditioner 3, when the device status storage unit 2132 newly stores device status information indicating that operation in the operation mode specified by the user has begun, the device control unit 2116 stores operation start trigger information, indicating that the air conditioner 3 has begun operation based on a manual operation by the user, in the device status storage unit 2132, in association with the newly stored device status information. Here, manual operation by the user is performed by the cloud server 2001 and the terminal device 2005 as shown in Fig. 7, but this is one example of manual operation by the user, and a method other than the air conditioner control device according to the present disclosure, for example, a remote controller dedicated to the air conditioner 3, may also be used. In this case, based on the equipment status information transmitted from the air conditioner 3, operation by a method other than the air conditioner control device according to the present disclosure is treated as manual operation by the user.

[0047] Next, the air conditioning process executed by the cloud server 2001 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Note that in Figs. 8 and 9, the same processes as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 5. First, as shown in Fig. 8, a series of processes from steps S101 to S103 are executed, and in step S103, the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the temperature Thr of the target area in the building H is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature Thrh (step S103: Yes). In this case, the operation start determination unit 2115 refers to the appliance status information and operation start trigger information stored in the appliance status storage unit 2132, and determines whether there is a history of the air conditioner 3 starting operation in response to a manual operation by a user within a second determination target period, which is from a time point a preset second reference time before the time point of the determination to the time point of the determination (step S2101). If the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that there is no history of the air conditioner 3 starting operation in response to a manual operation by the user within the second determination period (step S2101: No), the process of step S105 is executed. On the other hand, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that there is a history of the air conditioner 3 starting operation in response to a manual operation by the user within the second determination period (step S2101: Yes), the operation start determination unit 2115 references the device status information stored in the device status storage unit 2132 and determines whether the operation mode of the air conditioner 3 that most recently started operation in response to a manual operation by the user is the heating mode (step S2102). If the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the operation mode of the air conditioner 3 that most recently started operation in response to a manual operation by the user is not the heating mode (step S2102: No), the process of steps S105 and S106 is executed. Then, a series of processes from step S111 onward are executed.

[0048] On the other hand, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the operation mode of the air conditioner 3 that most recently started operation in response to a user's manual operation is the heating mode (step S2102: Yes), it references the device status information stored in the device status storage unit 2132 and determines whether the set temperature Thsl when the air conditioner 3 was operating in the heating mode is equal to or greater than the upper limit temperature Thrh (step S2103). Here, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the set temperature Thsl when the air conditioner 3 was operating in the heating mode is less than the upper limit temperature Thrh (step S2103: No), the process of step S105 is executed. On the other hand, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the set temperature Thsl when the air conditioner 3 was operating in the heating mode is equal to or greater than the upper limit temperature Thrh (step S2103: Yes), the process of step S112 is executed.

[0049] Furthermore, suppose that the temperature determination unit 114 determines in step S103 that the temperature Thr of the target area in building H is less than the upper limit temperature Thrh (step S103: No), and determines in step S107 that the temperature Thr of the target area in building H is equal to or less than the lower limit temperature Thrl (step S107: Yes), as shown in FIG. 9. In this case, the operation start determination unit 2115 references the device status information and operation start trigger information stored in the device status storage unit 2132 to determine whether or not there is a history of the air conditioner 3 starting operation in response to a manual operation by a user within the second determination period (step S2104). Here, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that there is no history of the air conditioner 3 starting operation in response to a manual operation by a user within the second determination period (step S2104: No), the process of step S109 is executed.

[0050] On the other hand, suppose the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that there is a history of the air conditioner 3 starting operation in response to a manual operation by the user within the second determination period (step S2104: Yes). In this case, the operation start determination unit 2115 references the appliance status information stored in the appliance status storage unit 2132 and determines whether the operating mode of the air conditioner 3 that most recently started operation in response to a manual operation by the user is the cooling mode or the dehumidification mode (step S2105). Here, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the operating mode of the air conditioner 3 that most recently started operation in response to a manual operation by the user is not the cooling mode or the dehumidification mode (step S2105: No), the process of step S109 is executed. On the other hand, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the operating mode of the air conditioner 3 that most recently started operating in response to a user's manual operation is the cooling mode or the dehumidification mode (step S2105: Yes), it references the appliance status information stored in the appliance status storage unit 2132 and determines whether the set temperature Thsl when the air conditioner 3 was operating in the cooling mode or the dehumidification mode is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature Thrl (step S2106). Here, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the set temperature Thsl when the air conditioner 3 was operating in the cooling mode or the dehumidification mode is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature Thrl (step S2106: Yes), the process of step S112 is executed. On the other hand, if the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the set temperature Thsl when the air conditioner 3 was operating in the cooling mode or the dehumidification mode is higher than the lower limit temperature Thrl (step S2106: No), the process of steps S109 and S110 is executed. Thereafter, a series of processes from step S111 onwards are executed.

[0051] An example of the operation of the air conditioner 3 as a result of the cloud server 2001 executing the air conditioning process described above will now be described with reference to FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, time points Tst0 and Ten0 respectively indicate the start and end times of autonomous operation on the days to which time points Tf1 and Tg1 belong. FIG. 10 also shows that the air conditioner 3 operated in cooling mode with a set temperature Thsl below the lower limit temperature Thrl from time point Te1 to time point Te2 due to manual operation by the user. For example, assume that at time point Tf1, which is after time point Te2, the temperature Thr of the area targeted for air conditioning by the air conditioner 3 becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature Thrl indicated by the lower limit temperature information stored in the temperature threshold storage unit 134. In this case, assume that the cloud server 2001 determines that the air conditioner 3 has a history of operating in cooling mode as a result of manual operation by the user during a second determination period dT2, which is the period from a time point (Tf1-dT2) that is the reference time period prior to the determined time point Tf1 to the determined time point Tf1. Next, suppose that it is determined that the set temperature Thsl for the cooling mode is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature Thrl. In this case, the cloud server 2001 does not transmit control information for operating the air conditioner 3 in the heating mode to the air conditioner 3. As a result, the air conditioner 3 does not start operating in the heating mode at time Tf1.

[0052] On the other hand, suppose that at time Tg1, the temperature Thr of the area subject to air conditioning by the air conditioner 3 becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature Thrh, and the cloud server 2001 determines that there is no operation history of the air conditioner 3 being manually operated by a user during a second determination period dT2, which is from a time point (Tg1-dT2) that is the reference time in the past from the determined time Tg1 to the determined time Tg1. In this case, the air conditioner 3 operates in cooling mode from time Tg1 to time Tg2, which is a preset operating time after time Tg1.

[0053] As described above, when the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, it determines whether or not to start operation of the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode based on whether or not there is a history of operation in heating mode due to manual operation of the air conditioner 3 by the user during the second target determination period. Furthermore, when the operation start determination unit 2115 determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, it determines whether or not to start operation of the air conditioner 3 in heating mode based on whether or not there is a history of operation in cooling mode or dehumidification mode due to manual operation of the air conditioner 3 by the user during the second target determination period. This prevents the air conditioner 3 from unnecessarily operating in an inappropriate operating mode when the temperature of the target area temporarily falls below the lower limit temperature due to manual operation of the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode or dehumidification mode by the user, or when the temperature of the target area temporarily rises above the upper limit temperature due to manual operation of the air conditioner 3 in heating mode. Therefore, the air conditioner can be operated in an appropriate operating mode.

[0054] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the second reference time described in the second embodiment may be determined based on the temperature change in the target area after the air conditioner is shut down. For example, if the optimal second reference time length is set to the optimal value of the second reference time length when the temperature change per unit time in the target area is a preset reference temperature change, the second reference time length may be determined to be the length obtained by multiplying the optimal second reference time length by the inverse of the ratio of the temperature change per unit time in the target area after the air conditioner 3 that controls the air conditioning of the target area is shut down to the reference temperature change. That is, for example, suppose a user sets the aforementioned optimal second reference time length for the preset reference temperature change per unit time in the target area to T0. In this case, if the temperature change per unit time in the target area after the air conditioner 3 is shut down is C times the reference temperature change (C is a number greater than 0), the second reference time length may be determined to be 1 / C times the time T0.

[0055] According to this configuration, the length of the second reference time can be set to an appropriate length depending on the thermal insulation performance of the building H.

[0056] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which, when the operation start determination unit 115 determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, it determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner 3 based on whether or not there is a history of autonomous operation of the air conditioner within a first target determination period. However, this is not limiting, and in the first embodiment, the operation start determination unit 115 may also determine whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner 3 based on whether or not there is a history of operation of the air conditioner 3 in response to manual operation by the user within a second target determination period, as described in the second embodiment.

[0057] In each embodiment, an example has been described in which the operation mode of the air conditioner 3 is set based on the operation history of the air conditioner 3 during the first determination period or the second determination period. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the user may be able to select from multiple types of autonomous operation modes of the air conditioner 3 that have been set in advance.

[0058] 11, the air conditioning system according to this modification differs from each of the embodiments in that the terminal device 3005 functions as an autonomous driving mode notification unit 3515, and the cloud server 3001 functions as an autonomous driving mode acquisition unit 3119. In FIG. 11, the same components as in Embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3. The autonomous driving mode notification unit 3515 of the terminal device 3005 generates autonomous driving mode information indicating the autonomous driving mode selected by the user, and transmits the information to the cloud server 3001. Here, examples of autonomous operation modes include a first autonomous operation mode in which the air conditioner 3 is operated autonomously based on the operation history of the air conditioner 3 during the first judgment period or the second judgment period described in each embodiment, a second autonomous operation mode in which the operation mode during autonomous operation is specified by the user, a third autonomous operation mode in which the user specifies a cooling mode period in which the air conditioner 3 operates in cooling mode during autonomous operation and a heating mode period in which the air conditioner 3 operates in heating mode during autonomous operation, and a fourth autonomous operation mode in which the user operates the air conditioner 3 by manual operation, and then operates the air conditioner 3 in the operation mode that was used when the user operated the air conditioner 3 by manual operation during autonomous operation.

[0059] Here, the display control unit 3513 of the terminal device 3005 forms an operation screen image GA3001 as shown in Fig. 12, for example, and displays it on the display unit 504. Note that in Fig. 12, the same components as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 4. The operation screen image GA3001 includes a button image BU3011 for selecting the first autonomous operation mode, a button image BU3012 for selecting the second autonomous operation mode, and a display field M3011 in which the operation mode specified by the user in the second autonomous operation mode is displayed. The operation screen image GA3001 also includes a button image BU3013 for selecting the third autonomous operation mode, a button image BU3014 for selecting the fourth autonomous operation mode, and display fields M3012 and M3013 in which the cooling mode period and the heating mode period are displayed. Then, while the operation screen image GA3001 is displayed on the display unit 504, the autonomous driving mode notification unit 3515 generates autonomous driving mode information indicating the autonomous driving mode corresponding to the button image BU3011, BU3012, BU3013, or BU3014 selected by the user via the input unit 505, and transmits the information to the cloud server 3001.

[0060] When the autonomous driving mode acquisition unit 3119 of the cloud server 3001 acquires the autonomous driving mode information transmitted from the terminal device 3005, it notifies the equipment control unit 3116 of the acquired autonomous driving mode information.

[0061] The device control unit 3116 controls the air conditioner 3 in the autonomous operation mode indicated by the autonomous operation mode information notified by the autonomous operation mode acquisition unit 3119. Here, if the autonomous operation mode information indicates the above-mentioned first autonomous operation mode, the device control unit 3116 executes the air conditioning process described in embodiment 1. Furthermore, if the autonomous operation mode information indicates the above-mentioned second autonomous operation mode, the device control unit 3116 operates the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode only if the temperature of the target area in building H becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature between the autonomous operation start time and the autonomous operation end time, if the user selects cooling mode. On the other hand, if the user selects heating mode, the device control unit 3116 operates the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode only if the temperature of the target area in building H becomes equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature between the autonomous operation start time and the autonomous operation end time.

[0062] Furthermore, if the autonomous operation mode information indicates the aforementioned third autonomous operation mode, when the start of a cooling mode period, which is a preset first operation mode period in which the air conditioner 3 is operated in cooling mode, arrives, the device control unit 3116 operates the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode only if the temperature of the target area in building H is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature between the autonomous operation start time and the autonomous operation end time, until the cooling mode period ends. On the other hand, when the start of a heating mode period, which is a preset second operation mode period in which the air conditioner 3 is operated in heating mode and is different from the cooling mode period, arrives, the device control unit 3116 operates the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode only if the temperature of the target area in building H is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature between the autonomous operation start time and the autonomous operation end time, until the heating mode period ends. Here, the cooling mode period and the heating mode period may be determined based on weather information for the area in which building H is located.

[0063] Furthermore, if the autonomous operation mode information indicates the aforementioned fourth autonomous operation mode, the device control unit 3116 operates the air conditioner 3 in the operation mode in which the user most recently operated the air conditioner 3 by manual operation between the autonomous operation start time and the autonomous operation end time. Here, if the user most recently operated the air conditioner 3 by manual operation, the device control unit 3116 operates the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode only if the temperature of the target area in building H is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature between the autonomous operation start time and the autonomous operation end time. On the other hand, if the user most recently operated the air conditioner 3 in heating mode between the autonomous operation start time and the autonomous operation end time, the device control unit 3116 operates the air conditioner 3 in cooling mode only if the temperature of the target area in building H is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature between the autonomous operation start time and the autonomous operation end time.

[0064] This configuration allows the user to select the autonomous operation mode, which has the advantage of making it easier to create an environment in the target area within building H that suits the user's preferences. Furthermore, this configuration allows the air conditioner 3 to operate in an operation mode suited to the weather conditions in the area where building H is located, thereby increasing the comfort of users in the target area.

[0065] In the first embodiment, for example, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines in step S101 that the autonomous driving control start time has arrived, it may determine whether or not the autonomous driving determination time has arrived. The air conditioning process executed by the cloud server 1 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 5. First, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines in step S101 that the autonomous driving control start time has arrived (step S101: Yes), it determines whether or not the autonomous driving determination time has arrived (step S3101). Here, the autonomous driving determination time may be, for example, every hour after the autonomous driving control start time has arrived or one hour before the autonomous driving control end time. If the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the autonomous driving determination time has not arrived (step S3101: No), the process of step S112 is executed. On the other hand, if the temperature determination unit 114 determines that the autonomous operation determination time has arrived (step S3101: Yes), a series of processes from step S102 onwards are executed. Here, this modified example can be similarly applied to embodiment 2. Furthermore, this modified example may be combined with embodiment 1, for example, embodiment 1 may be applied to the autonomous operation of cooling, and this modified example shown in Fig. 13 may be applied to the autonomous operation of heating, and the combination is not limited thereto.

[0066] Furthermore, the various functions of the cloud servers 1, 2001, 3001 and terminal devices 5, 2005, 3005 according to the present disclosure can be realized using a normal computer system, rather than a dedicated system. For example, a program for executing the above operations may be stored on a non-transitory recording medium (such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)) that can be read by the computer system and distributed to a computer connected to a network, and the program may be installed in the computer system to configure the cloud servers 1, 2001, 3001 and terminal devices 5, 2005, 3005 that execute the above processes.

[0067] The method of providing the program to the computer is arbitrary. For example, the program may be uploaded to a bulletin board system (BBS) on a communication line and distributed to the computer via the communication line. The computer then launches the program and executes it under the control of an operating system (OS) in the same way as other applications. This allows the computer to function as a cloud server 1, 2001, or 3001 or a terminal device 5, 2005, or 3005 that executes the above-mentioned processes.

[0068] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these. The present disclosure includes appropriate combinations of the embodiments and modifications, and appropriate modifications thereto.

[0069] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0070] (Appendix 1) an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information including the status of an air conditioner operating in a first operating mode that lowers the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operating mode that raises the temperature of the target area; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operating mode based on whether or not there is an operating history of the air conditioner in the second operating mode during a first determination target period from a point in time that is a preset first reference time before the time of determination to the time of determination; and, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the second operating mode based on whether or not there is an operating history of the air conditioner in the first operating mode during the first determination target period. an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operation mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operation mode; Air conditioner control device. (Appendix 2) The length of the first reference time is 24 hours or less. Attachment 1. An air conditioner control device. (Appendix 3) The operation start determination unit further determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the first operation mode when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode in response to operation by a user within a second determination target period from a point in time that is a preset second reference time before the point in time of the determination to the point in time of the determination; and when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode in response to operation by a user within the second determination target period. 3. The air conditioner control device according to claim 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information including the status of an air conditioner operating in a first operating mode that lowers the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operating mode that raises the temperature of the target area; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode in response to operation by a user within a second determination target period from a point in time that is a preset second reference time before the time of determination to the time of determination; and, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode in response to operation by a user within the second determination target period. an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operation mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operation mode; Air conditioner control device. (Appendix 5) The length of the second reference time is one hour or less. 5. The air conditioner control device according to claim 4. (Appendix 6) The second reference time is determined based on a temperature transition in the target area after the air conditioner is stopped. 6. The air conditioner control device according to claim 4 or 5. (Appendix 7) The length of the second reference time is determined to be a length obtained by multiplying the optimal second reference time length by the reciprocal of the ratio of the temperature change amount per unit time since the air conditioner that conditions the target area has stopped to the reference temperature change amount, when the optimal value of the length of the second reference time when the temperature change amount per unit time of the target area is a predetermined reference temperature change amount is set as the optimal second reference time length. 7. The air conditioner control device according to claim 6. (Appendix 8) When the start of a first operation mode period, during which the air conditioner is autonomously operated in the first operation mode, arrives, the equipment control unit controls the air conditioner to operate in the first operation mode when operating the air conditioner until the end of the first operation mode period; and when the start of a second operation mode period, which is different from the first operation mode period, during which the air conditioner is operated in the second operation mode, arrives, the equipment control unit controls the air conditioner to operate in the second operation mode when operating the air conditioner until the end of the second operation mode period. 8. An air conditioner control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The first operation mode period and the second operation mode period are determined based on weather information of the area where the target area exists. 9. The air conditioner control device according to claim 8. (Appendix 10) An air conditioner that operates in a first operating mode that reduces the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operating mode that increases the temperature of the target area; an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information indicating the status of the air conditioner; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operating mode based on whether or not there is an operating history of the air conditioner in the second operating mode during a first determination target period from a point in time that is a preset first reference time before the time of determination to the time of determination; and, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the second operating mode based on whether or not there is an operating history of the air conditioner in the first operating mode during the first determination target period. an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operation mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operation mode; Air conditioning system. (Appendix 11) The air conditioner control device acquires device status information indicating the status of the air conditioner operating in a first operating mode that reduces the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operating mode that increases the temperature of the target area; a step in which the air conditioner control device acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner; a step in which the air conditioner control device determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a preset lower limit temperature; When the air conditioner control device determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the air conditioner control device determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operating mode based on whether or not there is an operating history of the air conditioner in the second operating mode during a first determination target period from a point in time a preset first reference time ago to the point in time of the determination to the point in time of the determination; When the air conditioner control device determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, the air conditioner control device determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode within the first determination target period. and a step of controlling the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operating mode, the air conditioner control device operates the air conditioner in the first operating mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operating mode, the air conditioner control device operates the air conditioner in the second operating mode. Air conditioning methods. (Appendix 12) Computer, an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information indicating the status of an air conditioner operating in a first operating mode that lowers the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operating mode that raises the temperature of the target area; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the first operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode within a first determination target period from a point in time that is a preset first reference time before the point in time of the determination to the point in time of the determination, and when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode within the first determination target period; an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operating mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operating mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operating mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operating mode; A program to function as a [Industrial Applicability]

[0071] The present disclosure is suitable as a control system that allows a terminal device to check the operating status of equipment and the environment inside and outside the building in which the equipment is installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1,2001,3001 Cloud server, 3 Air conditioner, 5,2005,3005 Terminal device, 4 BBR, 101,501 CPU, 102,502 Main memory unit, 103,503 Auxiliary memory unit, 106,506 Communication unit, 108 Timekeeping unit, 109,509 Bus, 111 Temperature acquisition unit, 112 Equipment status acquisition unit, 113 Temperature threshold acquisition unit, 114 Temperature judgment unit, 115,2115 Operation start judgment unit, 116,2116,3116 Equipment control unit, 117 Schedule acquisition unit, 131 Temperature memory unit, 132 Equipment status memory unit, 133 Schedule memory unit, 134 Temperature threshold memory unit, 504 Display unit, 505 Input unit, 511 Schedule notification unit, 512 Temperature threshold notification unit, 513, 3513 Display control unit, 2118 Operation information acquisition unit, 2514 Operation information notification unit, 3119 Autonomous operation mode acquisition unit, 3515 Autonomous operation mode notification unit, B11, B12, B21, B22, B31, B32 Input field, BU3011, BU3012, BU3013 Button image, GA1, GA3001 Operation screen image, H Building, M3011, M3012, M3013 Display image, NW1 Wide area network, NW2 Local network

Claims

1. an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information including the status of an air conditioner operating in a first operation mode that lowers the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operation mode that raises the temperature of the target area; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode during a first determination target period from a point in time that is a preset first reference time before the determination time to the determination time, and when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode during the first determination target period; an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operation mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operation mode; Air conditioner control device.

2. The length of the first reference time is 24 hours or less. The air conditioner control device according to claim 1.

3. The operation start determination unit further determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the first operation mode when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode in response to operation by a user within a second determination target period from a point in time a predetermined second reference time ago from the point of time of determination to the point of determination; and when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode in response to operation by a user within the second determination target period. The air conditioner control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information including the status of an air conditioner operating in a first operation mode that lowers the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operation mode that raises the temperature of the target area; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode in response to operation by a user within a second determination target period from a time point a predetermined second reference time ago from the time point of determination to the time point of determination; and, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode in response to operation by a user within the second determination target period. an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operation mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operation mode; Air conditioner control device.

5. The length of the second reference time is one hour or less. The air conditioner control device according to claim 4.

6. The second reference time is determined based on a temperature transition in the target area after the air conditioner is stopped. The air conditioner control device according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The length of the second reference time is determined to be a length obtained by multiplying the optimal second reference time length by the reciprocal of the ratio of the temperature change amount per unit time since the air conditioner that conditions the target area has stopped to the reference temperature change amount, when the optimal value of the length of the second reference time when the temperature change amount per unit time of the target area is a predetermined reference temperature change amount is set to an optimal second reference time length. The air conditioner control device according to claim 6.

8. When the start of a first operation mode period, during which the air conditioner is autonomously operated in the first operation mode, arrives, the equipment control unit controls the air conditioner to operate in the first operation mode when operating the air conditioner until the end of the first operation mode period, and when the start of a second operation mode period, which is different from the first operation mode period, during which the air conditioner is operated in the second operation mode, arrives, the equipment control unit controls the air conditioner to operate in the second operation mode when operating the air conditioner until the end of the second operation mode period. The air conditioner control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The first operation mode period and the second operation mode period are determined based on weather information of the area where the target area exists. The air conditioner control device according to claim 8.

10. an air conditioner that operates in a first operating mode to lower the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or in a second operating mode to raise the temperature of the target area; an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information indicating the status of the air conditioner; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode during a first determination target period from a point in time that is a preset first reference time before the determination time to the determination time, and when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode during the first determination target period; an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operation mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operation mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operation mode; Air conditioning system.

11. a step in which the air conditioner control device acquires device status information indicating the status of the air conditioner operating in a first operation mode that reduces the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operation mode that increases the temperature of the target area; a step in which the air conditioner control device acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner; a step in which the air conditioner control device determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a preset upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a preset lower limit temperature; When the air conditioner control device determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, the air conditioner control device determines whether or not it is necessary to start operating the air conditioner in the first operating mode based on whether or not there is an operating history of the air conditioner in the second operating mode during a first determination target period from a point in time that is a preset first reference time before the point in time at which the determination was made to the point in time at which the determination was made; When the air conditioner control device determines that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, the air conditioner control device determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode within the first determination target period; and a step of controlling the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operating mode, the air conditioner control device operates the air conditioner in the first operating mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operating mode, the air conditioner control device operates the air conditioner in the second operating mode. Air conditioning methods.

12. Computer, an equipment status acquisition unit that acquires equipment status information indicating the status of an air conditioner operating in a first operation mode that lowers the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning or a second operation mode that raises the temperature of the target area; a temperature acquisition unit that acquires temperature information indicating the temperature of a target area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner; a temperature determination unit that determines whether the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature or equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature; an operation start determination unit that, when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the first operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the second operation mode within a first determination target period from a point in time that is a preset first reference time before the point in time of the determination to the point in time of the determination, and when it is determined that the temperature of the target area is equal to or lower than the lower limit temperature, determines whether or not it is necessary to start operation of the air conditioner in the second operation mode based on whether or not there is an operation history of the air conditioner in the first operation mode within the first determination target period; an equipment control unit that controls the air conditioner so that, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the first operating mode, the air conditioner operates in the first operating mode, and, when it is determined that the air conditioner needs to start operating in the second operating mode, the air conditioner operates in the second operating mode; A program to function as a

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