Installation deterioration system for air conditioner

Abstract

To enable a worker to check an installation status in advance so that an air conditioner can be installed in an appropriate location and environment when installing the air conditioner.SOLUTION: An installation determination system for an air conditioner comprises: a terminal with an imaging unit that photographs a determination target part of the air conditioner installed in a specified location; a condition determination unit that determines whether a work condition that the determination target part is installed in accordance with a specified installation standard is satisfied based on the photographic image photographed by the imaging unit; and an output unit that outputs a determination result of the condition determination unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning device installation determination system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a discrimination system that discriminates device information related to a device to be discriminated, such as an air conditioner, based on an image captured at a position indicated by position information of the device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 134943 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When installing an air conditioning unit, it is desirable to be able to check the installation status in advance so that the air conditioning unit can be installed in an appropriate location and environment, as this improves the reliability of the installed air conditioning unit and allows the unit to be used with peace of mind. However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not make it possible to check the installation status of the air conditioning unit in advance.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable workers to check the installation status in advance when installing an air conditioning apparatus so that the air conditioning apparatus can be installed in an appropriate location and environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one embodiment of the air conditioning device installation determination system of the present disclosure comprises a terminal device having an imaging unit that captures an image of a determination target part of an air conditioning device installed at a specified location, a condition determination unit that determines whether or not a work condition is met that the determination target part is installed in accordance with specified installation standards based on the image captured by the imaging unit, and an output unit that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when installing an air conditioning apparatus, a worker can check the installation situation in advance so that the air conditioning apparatus can be installed in an appropriate location and environment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus provided in an installation determination system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioning apparatus provided in the installation determination system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device provided in the installation determination system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a finder display section of the imaging section of FIG. 3 and a finder image (including an image of the front of the outdoor unit). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a server included in the installation determination system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a finder image (including an image of the side of the outdoor unit) displayed in the finder display section of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a finder image (including an image of the top surface of the outdoor unit) displayed on the finder display section of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a finder image (an image of the front of the indoor unit) displayed on the finder display section according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a finder image (image of the front of the outdoor unit and the protected area) displayed on the finder display unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a finder image (top surface image of the outdoor unit and the protected area) displayed on the finder display unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of a terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that "installation" as used in this document includes cases where an air conditioner 2 is relocated, as well as cases where a brand new air conditioner 2 is installed for the first time. (First embodiment) [Configuration of the installation determination system] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner 2 included in an installation determination system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 2 includes an indoor unit 6, an outdoor unit 7, multiple refrigerant pipes 8 connecting the indoor unit 6 and the outdoor unit 7, and a remote control 9 that serves as an input unit 20 for the air conditioner 2 operated by a user or the like. The air conditioner 2 is, for example, a room air conditioner (RAC) that is driven (operated) in one of multiple modes including a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a dehumidification mode. The air conditioner 2 may be for either home or commercial use. The indoor unit 6 includes a device communication unit 21 that receives signals transmitted from the remote control 9 or the like, and a device control unit 22 that controls the operation of the air conditioner 2.

[0010] The air conditioning device 2, for example, contains a refrigerant that is heavier than air. This refrigerant includes, for example, a flammable refrigerant that is heavier than air. The refrigerant contained in the air conditioning device 2 may be composed solely of a refrigerant that is heavier than air. The flammable refrigerant referred to here may be, for example, propane, but the type of flammable refrigerant is not limited to this. As will be described in detail later, when the air conditioning device 2 of this embodiment is installed, a condition determination unit 400 (described later) determines whether or not a work condition is met, i.e., that a predetermined determination target unit 2X is installed in accordance with predetermined installation standards, and the air conditioning device 2 is installed based on the determination result. This allows the operator to check the installation status in advance so that the air conditioning device 2 can be installed in an appropriate location and environment.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning apparatus 2 provided in the installation determination system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device 3 provided in the installation determination system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a finder display unit 313 of the imaging unit 34 in Fig. 3 and a finder image 60 (including an image of the front surface 7a of an outdoor unit 7 placed outdoors). Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of a server 4 provided in the installation determination system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] 2, 3, and 5, the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment is an installation determination system for an air conditioning device 2, and includes the air conditioning device 2, a terminal device 3 that is operated by a worker when installing the air conditioning device 2, and a server 4 that is located separately from the terminal device 3. As an example, the air conditioning device 2, the terminal device 3, and the server 4 can communicate with each other via wireless communication.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 2 has an input unit 20, a device communication unit 21, and a device control unit 22, as well as a device storage unit 23 and an interlock mechanism 24. For example, the device control unit 22 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, and the device storage unit 23 is realized by a memory such as a ROM or RAM. The device storage unit 23 stores a device control program that enables the device control unit 22 to perform predetermined control, and product information I1 for various air conditioners 2 corresponding to the determination target unit 2X. The interlock mechanism 24 is controlled by the device control unit 22, and restricts the operation of the air conditioner 2. The operation restrictions referred to here include, for example, restrictions during installation, relocation, pump-down (the operation of collecting the refrigerant in the air conditioner 2 in the outdoor unit 7), repair, and inspection.

[0014] 3, the terminal 3 has an output unit 30 that outputs a release code issued by a release code issuing unit 401 (described later) to release the interlock mechanism 24, a terminal control unit 31 that controls the output unit 30, and a terminal communication unit 32 that communicates with the server 4. The output unit 30 is, for example, a display, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a speaker or a lamp.

[0015] The terminal device 3 also has an imaging unit 34 that is operated by a worker who is working on the air conditioning unit 2, and captures an image of a determination target portion 2X of the air conditioning unit 2 installed in a predetermined location. The determination target portion 2X includes, for example, either the indoor unit 6 or the outdoor unit 7. As shown in FIG. 4 , the imaging unit 34 has, as an example, a viewfinder display unit 313 that displays a viewfinder image 60 to help the worker determine the composition of the captured image. The viewfinder display unit 313 of this embodiment displays a guide pattern 314 that guides the worker so that the determination target portion 2X of the air conditioning unit 2 is positioned in a predetermined position in the viewfinder image 60. FIG. 4 shows the outdoor unit 7 reflected in the viewfinder image 60.

[0016] For example, the output unit 30, which is a display, may also function as the viewfinder display unit 313. In other words, in this case, the output unit 30 may have a live view function. Furthermore, the viewfinder display unit 313 may be configured by at least one optical component provided in the terminal device 3 separately from the output unit 30.

[0017] The imaging unit 34 of this embodiment is configured to be able to change the position of the guide pattern 314 in the finder image 60 in accordance with the determination target portion 2X displayed in the finder image 60. Furthermore, as one example, the imaging unit 34 automatically captures an image when the determination target portion 2X in the finder image 60 is positioned at a predetermined position guided by the guide pattern 314. In other words, the imaging unit 34 has an automatic capturing function that acquires a captured image at an appropriate timing.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, as a specific configuration, the terminal 3 further includes a terminal storage unit 33. For example, the terminal control unit 31 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, and the terminal storage unit 33 is realized by a memory such as a ROM or RAM. The terminal storage unit 33 stores a terminal control program that enables the terminal control unit 31 to perform predetermined control. The terminal 3 may be, for example, a well-known device such as a smartphone, tablet PC, or laptop PC.

[0019] The server 4 is located, for example, at an information management base such as an authentication center belonging to the manufacturer of the air conditioning apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the server 4 includes a condition determination unit 400, a release code issuing unit 401, and a database 410. The database 410 stores setting standard information I3, which is information about the installation standards of various determination target units 2X. Specifically, the condition determination unit 400 compares the determination target unit 2X in the captured image data I2 with the setting standard information I3 stored in the database 410, and determines, based on the captured image data I2, whether or not a work condition is met that indicates that the determination target unit 2X has been installed in accordance with the predetermined installation standard. The setting standard information I3 may include product information I1 of various air conditioning apparatuses 2 corresponding to the determination target units 2X, for use in the determination by the condition determination unit 400.

[0020] When a predetermined release code issuance condition is met, including when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work condition is met, the release code issuance unit 401 issues a release code that, when input to the air conditioning unit 2 that is the work target for which product information I1 has been acquired, puts the air conditioning unit 2 into an operable state.

[0021] Specifically, the server 4 has a server calculation unit 40, a server storage unit 41, and a server communication unit 42 that communicates with the terminal device 3 and the like. The condition determination unit 400 and the release code issuing unit 401 are configured by the server calculation unit 40. The database 410 is stored in the server storage unit 41. For example, the server calculation unit 40 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, and the server storage unit 41 is realized by a memory such as a ROM or RAM. The server storage unit 41 also stores a server control program that enables the server calculation unit 40 to perform predetermined control. An example of the server 4 is a general-purpose personal computer (PC). The server 4 is connected to multiple air conditioning devices 2, for example, via a wireless communication network. As a result, the server 4 manages the multiple air conditioning devices 2, for example.

[0022] [Basic operation of the installation determination system] The operation of the installation determination system 1 when installing an air conditioning apparatus 2 will be described below. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the finder image 60 (including an image of the side surface 7b of the outdoor unit 7) displayed on the finder display unit 313 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows how the outdoor unit 7 is being installed on a balcony. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the finder image 60 (including an image of the top surface 7c of the outdoor unit 7) displayed on the finder display unit 313 of Fig. 4.

[0023] The worker inputs product information I1 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be installed into the terminal device 3. There are no limitations on the method for inputting the product information I1, and for example, it may be input directly as text information, or it may be input via communication using a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID. If a two-dimensional code or RFID is used, the two-dimensional code or RFID tag will be placed on the air conditioning apparatus 2 in advance.

[0024] 3, 6, and 7, for example, if the determination target 2X is the outdoor unit 7, the worker uses the imaging unit 34 to capture an image of the outdoor unit 7 installed in a desired installation location, including the surrounding environment (including the building wall 50 located behind the outdoor unit 7, etc.). At this time, the worker adjusts the composition of the viewfinder image 60 so that the outdoor unit 7 fits within the guide pattern 314 in the viewfinder display unit 313.

[0025] 6 and 7, when photographing the outdoor unit 7, the surface of the outdoor unit 7 to be photographed is not limited to the front surface 7a, but may also be the side surface 7b or the top surface 7c of the outdoor unit 7. The timing at which the worker inputs the product information I1 into the terminal 3 is preferably before the worker photographs the determination target portion 2X, so that the terminal control unit 31 can determine that it has acquired product information I1 of the air conditioner 2 to be installed that has been input into the terminal 3, and the imaging unit 34 can appropriately display the guide pattern 314 in the finder image 60 in accordance with the determination target portion 2X of the air conditioner 2 that corresponds to the product information I1.

[0026] Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the terminal device 3 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the server 4 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning device 2 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, "S" indicates a step, and "Yes" or "No" following ":" indicates the judgment result at the step described immediately before ":".

[0027] As shown in Fig. 8, during operation of the installation determination system 1, the terminal control unit 31 determines whether or not product information I1 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be installed has been acquired (S1). In S1, the terminal control unit 31 repeats this determination until it determines that product information I1 has been acquired. If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S1 that product information I1 has been acquired (S1: Yes), it then determines whether or not captured image data I2 has been acquired (S2). In S2, the terminal control unit 31 repeats this determination until it determines that captured image data I2 has been acquired.

[0028] If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S2 that the captured image data I2 has been acquired (S2: Yes), it then controls the terminal communication unit 32 to transmit the captured image data I2 to the server 4 (S3).

[0029] 9, the server computing unit 40 determines whether or not the captured image data I2 has been received (S11). In S11, the server computing unit 40 repeats this determination until it determines that the captured image data I2 has been received. If the server computing unit 40 determines in S11 that the captured image data I2 has been received (S11: Yes), the condition determination unit 400 then compares the captured image data I2 with the setting standard information I3 stored in the database 410. As a result, the condition determination unit 400 performs a determination process based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 34 to determine whether or not the work condition that the target unit 2X has been installed in a manner that satisfies the predetermined installation standard is met (S12).

[0030] The term "installation standards" as used here refers to standards determined in advance according to the type and model of the air conditioning apparatus 2, for example, so that the air conditioning apparatus 2 can be installed in an appropriate location and environment and used stably. One example of the installation standards is that the condition determination unit 400 must be unable to confirm the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions in the captured image. In this case, in order to determine whether the work conditions are met, the database 410 may store additional information, such as matching image data for determining the presence or absence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, depressions, or the like, in the captured image, as setting standard information I3. In this case, the condition determination unit 400 can refer to the additional information at a predetermined timing to determine whether the work conditions are met.

[0031] The installation criteria may include, for example, a criterion that the condition determining unit 400 can confirm from the captured image at least one of the presence of a ventilation path that dissipates heat from the determination target portion 2X and the presence of a space extending in two or more directions out of the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions from the surface of the determination target portion 2X. The installation criteria may also include, for example, a criterion that the condition determining unit 400 cannot confirm from the captured image the presence of an antenna wire, a signal wire, a power cord, or other power line.

[0032] Next, the server computing unit 40 checks whether the determination process (S12) has determined that the work conditions are met (S13). If the server computing unit 40 confirms in S13 that the determination process (S12) has determined that the work conditions are met (S13: Yes), it determines that the release code issuance condition is met and controls the release code issuing unit 401 to issue a release code that puts the air conditioning device 2 into an operable state (S14). Thereafter, the server computing unit 40 controls the server communication unit 42 to transmit the release code to the terminal device 3 (S15).

[0033] Alternatively, if the server computing unit 40 determines in S13 that the operation conditions have not been met in the determination process (S12) (S13: No), it then controls the server communication unit 42 to send information to the terminal 3 that a release code cannot be issued, and causes the terminal control unit 31 to control the output unit 30 to output information that approval is not possible (S16). With this, the server computing unit 40 ends the flow of FIG. 9.

[0034] 8, after executing S3, the terminal control unit 31 determines whether the terminal communication unit 32 has received the release code transmitted from the server 4 (S4). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S4 that the terminal communication unit 32 has received the release code (S4: Yes), it then controls the output unit 30 to output the received release code (S5). Thereafter, the terminal control unit 31 ends the flow. When the release code is output to the output unit 30 by the processing of S5, the operator inputs the release code into the input unit 20 of the air conditioning apparatus 2.

[0035] Alternatively, if the terminal control unit 31 determines in S4 that it has not received a release code (S4: No), it then determines whether it has received a message from the server 4 that release is not possible (S6). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S6 that it has not received a message from the server 4 that release is not possible (S6: No), it controls the output unit 30 to output a message that it is currently making a determination (S7), and then returns to step S4. Alternatively, if the terminal control unit 31 determines in S6 that it has received a message from the server 4 that release is not possible (S6: Yes), it controls the output unit 30 to output a message that release code cannot be issued (that release is not possible), thereby notifying the operator of this information (S8). With this, the terminal control unit 31 ends the flow of FIG. 8.

[0036] Here, the method for issuing the release code is not limited, and may be, for example, a passcode authentication method using a one-time password. When using a one-time password, various types of one-time passwords may be used, such as a time-synchronized type or a mathematical algorithm type. Furthermore, when the installation of the air conditioning apparatus 2 involves relocating the air conditioning apparatus 2, it is preferable, for example, to issue a different release code each time the installation is performed.

[0037] Next, as shown in FIG. 10 , the device control unit 22 of the air conditioning device 2 determines whether or not a release code has been input to the input unit 20 (S21). In S21, the device control unit 22 repeats this determination until it determines that a release code has been input to the input unit 20. If the device control unit 22 determines in S21 that a release code has been input to the input unit 20 (S21: Yes), then the device control unit 22 determines whether or not the input release code is a release code corresponding to its own product information I1 (S22). If the device control unit 22 determines in S22 that the input release code is a release code corresponding to its own product information I1 (S22: Yes), then the device control unit 22 releases the predetermined operation restriction on the air conditioning device 2 (S23). Note that the “predetermined operation restriction” referred to here includes, for example, any of operation restrictions during installation, relocation, pump-down (an operation that collects the refrigerant in the air conditioning device 2 in the outdoor unit 7), repair, and inspection.

[0038] Alternatively, if the device control unit 22 determines in S22 that the input release code is not the release code corresponding to its own product information I1 (S22: No), then the device control unit 22 outputs a message indicating that the predetermined operation restrictions on the air conditioner 2 cannot be released (that release approval is not possible) (S24). The method for outputting this information in S24 is not limited. For example, a warning sound may be emitted from a speaker provided in the air conditioner 2, or information may be sent from the air conditioner 2 to the terminal device 3 indicating that the predetermined operation restrictions on the air conditioner 2 cannot be released, and the terminal 3 may output this information from the output unit 30. With this, the device control unit 22 ends the flow of FIG. 10.

[0039] As described above, the installation judgment system 1 of this embodiment comprises a terminal device 3 having an imaging unit 34 that captures an image of the judgment target part 2X of the air conditioning device 2 installed at a predetermined location, a condition judgment unit 400 that judges whether or not the work condition that the judgment target part 2X is installed in a manner that satisfies predetermined installation standards is met based on the image captured by the imaging unit 34, and an output unit 30 that outputs the judgment result of the condition judgment unit 400.

[0040] According to this configuration, when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are met, the release code issuing unit 401 issues a release code that puts the air conditioning unit 2 into an operable state, and the release code can be input into the air conditioning unit 2. Therefore, for example, by setting work conditions in advance that satisfy set criteria that the air conditioning unit 2 is installed in an appropriate location or environment, the air conditioning unit 2 can be set into an operable state when the work conditions are met. Therefore, when installing the air conditioning unit 2, the worker can check the installation status in advance to ensure that the air conditioning unit 2 is installed in an appropriate location or environment.

[0041] In addition, in the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment, the imaging unit 34 has a finder display unit 313 that displays a finder image 60 for determining the composition of the captured image, and the finder display unit 313 displays a guide pattern 314 that guides the determination target portion 2X to be positioned at a predetermined position in the finder image 60.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the worker can appropriately set the composition of the captured image by using the guide pattern 314. This allows the condition determination unit 400 to appropriately determine whether or not the work condition that the determination target unit 2X is installed in a manner that satisfies predetermined installation criteria is met, based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 34.

[0043] Furthermore, the imaging unit 34 of this embodiment changes the position of the guide pattern 314 in the finder image 60 depending on the determination target portion 2X. This allows the position of the guide pattern 314 to be changed depending on the type and size of each determination target portion 2X, thereby obtaining a captured image that allows the condition determination unit 400 to make an appropriate determination. Furthermore, for example, when the determination target portion 2X is the indoor unit 6, even when the indoor unit 6 is installed at a position relatively far from the floor surface 51, an appropriate captured image can be obtained using the guide pattern 314.

[0044] Furthermore, the imaging unit 34 of this embodiment automatically captures an image when the determination target portion 2X is positioned in a predetermined position guided by the guide pattern 314 in the finder image 60. As a result, the captured image is automatically obtained by the imaging unit 34, which reduces the workload on the operator when capturing an image of the determination target portion 2X and allows an appropriate captured image to be obtained.

[0045] In addition, the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment includes a server 4 arranged separately from the terminal device 3, and the server 4 has a condition determination unit 400 and a server communication unit 42 that communicates with the terminal device 3, and the terminal device 3 has a terminal device communication unit 32 that communicates with the server 4 and an output unit 30 that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit 400 received by the terminal device communication unit 32.

[0046] According to the above configuration, after the terminal device communication unit 32 receives the determination result of the condition determination unit 400 transmitted from the server communication unit 42, the output unit 30 of the terminal device 3 outputs the determination result, so that the worker can easily check the determination result of the condition determination unit 400 on the terminal device 3. Furthermore, since the server 4 has the condition determination unit 400, the information processing load on the terminal device 3 can be reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, in the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment, the output unit 30 outputs alert information when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are not met. This allows the worker to reliably recognize the determination result of the condition determination unit 400 that the work conditions are not met from the alert information output by the output unit 30.

[0048] Furthermore, in the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment, the installation criteria include a criterion that the condition determination unit 400 cannot confirm the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions from the captured image. As a result, the condition determination unit 400 determines whether the work conditions are met, taking into consideration the criterion that the condition determination unit 400 cannot confirm the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions from the captured image. Therefore, when installing the air conditioning unit 2, the air conditioning unit 2 can be installed in a more appropriate location and environment.

[0049] As another example, the installation determination system 1 further includes a release code issuing unit 401 that issues a release code to release the interlock mechanism 24 that restricts the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 2 when a predetermined release code issuing condition is met, including when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work condition is met, and the output unit 30 outputs the release code issued by the release code issuing unit 401. As a result, when the release code issuing condition is met, the release code issued by the release code issuing unit 401 is used to appropriately transition the air conditioning apparatus 2 to an operable state, allowing stable use of the air conditioning apparatus 2. Below, other embodiments will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0050] (Second embodiment) Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the finder image 60 (an image of the front 6a of the indoor unit 6) displayed on the finder display unit 313 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the determination target 2X in this embodiment is the indoor unit 6 of the air conditioning apparatus 2. The captured image shows the interior of a room in which the indoor unit 6 is installed.

[0051] In this embodiment, the installation standards include a standard that the installation height H of the indoor unit 6 from the floor surface 51 (in other words, the height of the bottom surface of the indoor unit 6 from the floor surface 51) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide pattern 314 is, as one example, arranged so that the indoor unit 6 is positioned above the center in the vertical direction in the viewfinder image 60. This aims to guide the worker so that the indoor unit 6 is installed in an appropriate position even if, for example, a refrigerant having a greater specific gravity than air leaks from the indoor unit 6.

[0052] The installation determination system 1 of this embodiment also includes a calculation unit that performs a predetermined calculation based on the captured image. This calculation unit may be the server calculation unit 40 or may be provided separately from the server calculation unit 40. The calculation unit calculates the floor area of ​​the room based on the captured image. The calculation unit of this embodiment also calculates the installation height H based on the captured image. In the example of the captured image shown in FIG. 11, the boundary between the floor surface 51 and the room wall surface 53 is hidden by furniture 54. However, the calculation unit calculates the installation height H by calculating the boundary position between the plane including the floor surface 51 and the plane including the wall surface 53. The calculation unit may also calculate and construct a 3D model of the room from at least one captured image, and calculate at least one of the installation height H and the floor area of ​​the room based on this 3D model.

[0053] In this embodiment, even when the determination target part 2X is the indoor unit 6, the installation criteria include a criterion that the installation height H of the indoor unit 6 from the floor surface 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so that the condition determination part 400 can determine whether the work conditions are met, taking into consideration whether the indoor unit 6 is placed at an appropriate installation height. This allows the worker to recognize the installation status of the indoor unit 6 in advance, so that when installing the indoor unit 6, the indoor unit 6 can be installed in an appropriate location and environment.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the installation criteria include a criterion that the floor area calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a reference value, so that when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the working conditions are met, the indoor unit 6 can be installed in an installation environment of an appropriate size. This allows the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be used with even higher reliability.

[0055] (Third embodiment) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of the finder image 60 (an image of the front surface 7a of the outdoor unit 7 and a protected area 315) displayed on the finder display unit 313 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the finder image 60 (an image of the top surface 7c of the outdoor unit 7 and a protected area 315) displayed on the finder display unit 313 according to the third embodiment. The composition of the finder image 60 in Fig. 12 is the same as that in Fig. 4, and the composition of the finder image 60 in Fig. 13 is the same as that in Fig. 7.

[0056] 12 and 13, the finder display unit 313 of this embodiment further displays a protection area 315 related to the safety of the determination target portion 2X. The protection area 315 includes an area surrounded by all of the guide patterns 314 and has an area extending outward from this area. The protection area 315 overlaps with the protection area 315 and extends outward from the guide patterns 314 beyond the area surrounded by all of the guide patterns 314.

[0057] According to the above configuration, by checking the protected area 315 when photographing the determination target part 2X, the worker can make adjustments in advance to ensure that there are no objects, etc. that may obstruct the determination target part 2X within the protected area 315. This allows the worker to safely install the determination target part 2X.

[0058] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 14 is a functional block diagram of a terminal 103 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the terminal 103 has a condition determination unit 400, a database 410, and a deactivation code issuing unit 401. The condition determination unit 400 and the deactivation code issuing unit 401 may be combined into a terminal control unit 31. The database 410 is stored in the terminal storage unit 33. The terminal storage unit 33 stores a terminal control program for the condition determination unit 400 to perform a determination process.

[0059] The fourth embodiment having the above configuration also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, when installing the air conditioning apparatus 2, the control burden on the server 4 can be reduced compared to when a server 4 that performs predetermined processing is used. Furthermore, because the terminal device 103 has the condition determination unit 400, database 410, and release code issuing unit 401, at least a part of the predetermined processing can also be implemented by the terminal device 103. Therefore, the server 4 can be omitted in some cases.

[0060] (Fifth embodiment) 15 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the terminal device 3 according to the fifth embodiment. The installation determination system 1 of this embodiment includes an information receiving unit to which user information of the air conditioning apparatus 2 is input. The output unit 30 outputs alert information when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are not met. The release code issuance conditions also include a condition that an item indicating that the user agrees to the alert information is input to the information receiving unit.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in this embodiment, after it is determined that the work conditions are not met (S13: No) as a result of the determination process (S12) by the condition determination unit 400, the terminal control unit 31 determines that it has not received a release code from the server 4 (S4: No) and also determines that it has received a message from the server 4 that approval is not possible (S6: Yes), and then the terminal control unit 31 controls the output unit 30 to output a message that it is not possible to issue a release code, and executes a process to inform the worker of this information (alert information) (S8).

[0062] As shown in FIG. 15, after executing S8, the terminal control unit 31 controls the output unit 30 to output a message indicating that the user can input whether or not the user agrees to the alert information into the information receiving unit (S31). As an example, the output unit 30 of this embodiment is a touch panel display, which also serves as the information receiving unit. In S31, the terminal control unit 31 controls the output unit 30 as the information receiving unit to display an input screen that receives input from outside. The input screen may be displayed simultaneously with a screen showing the alert information, for example. The information receiving unit may be provided separately from the output unit 30.

[0063] Next, the terminal control unit 31 determines whether or not the user has input to the information receiving unit that he or she agrees to the alert information (S32). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S32 that the user has not input to the information receiving unit that he or she agrees to the alert information (S32: No), it then determines whether or not the user has input to the information receiving unit that he or she does not agree to the alert information (S33). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S33 that the user has not input to the information receiving unit that he or she does not agree to the alert information (S33: No), it returns to step S31. If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S33 that the user has input to the information receiving unit that he or she does not agree to the alert information (S33: Yes), it ends the flow.

[0064] If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S32 that the user has input to the information receiving unit that he or she agrees to the alert information (S32: Yes), it controls the terminal communication unit 32 to transmit the user's input information to the server 4 (S34). Next, upon receiving the user's input information transmitted from the terminal 3, the condition determination unit 400 controls the release code issuing unit 401 to issue a release code, and controls the server communication unit 42 to transmit the issued release code to the terminal 3 (S35). The terminal control unit 31 controls the output unit 30 to output the release code received from the server 4 (S5).

[0065] According to the fifth embodiment having the above configuration, even if the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are not met, it is possible to have the release code issuing unit 401 issue a release code on the premise that the user has agreed to the alert information. This allows the user to use the installed air conditioning device 2 while paying attention to the alert information.

[0066] (Addendum) The above description of each embodiment discloses the following techniques. [Technology 1] a terminal device having an imaging unit that captures an image of a determination target part of an air conditioning device installed in a predetermined location; a condition determination unit that determines whether or not a work condition is established that the determination target part is installed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined installation standard, based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit; and an output unit that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit.

[0067] According to the above configuration, when the condition determination unit determines that the work conditions are met, the release code issuing unit issues a release code that puts the air conditioning apparatus into an operable state, and the release code can be input into the air conditioning apparatus. Therefore, for example, by setting work conditions in advance that satisfy set criteria for installing the air conditioning apparatus in an appropriate location or environment, the air conditioning apparatus can be set into an operable state when the work conditions are met. Therefore, when installing the air conditioning apparatus, the worker can check the installation status in advance to ensure that the air conditioning apparatus is installed in an appropriate location or environment.

[0068] [Technology 2] The imaging unit a viewfinder image for determining the composition of the photographed image; The installation determination system according to Technology 1 has a finder display unit that displays a guide pattern that guides the determination target portion to be positioned at a predetermined position in the finder image.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the worker can use the guide pattern to appropriately set the composition of the captured image, and the condition determination unit can appropriately determine whether the work condition that the determination target part is installed in a manner that satisfies the predetermined installation standard is met, based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit.

[0070] [Technology 3] The installation determination system according to Technology 2, wherein the imaging unit changes the position of the guide pattern in the viewfinder image depending on the determination target portion.

[0071] According to the above configuration, the position of the guide pattern can be changed depending on the type and size of each target part, so that a captured image can be obtained that allows the condition determination unit to make an appropriate determination. Furthermore, for example, when the target part is an indoor unit, even if the indoor unit is installed at a position relatively far from the floor, an appropriate captured image can be obtained using the guide pattern.

[0072] [Technology 4] The installation determination system according to Technology 2, wherein the imaging unit automatically captures an image when the determination target portion is positioned in the viewfinder image at the predetermined position guided by the guide pattern.

[0073] According to the above configuration, the captured image is automatically obtained by the imaging unit, so that the workload on the worker when capturing an image of the determination target part is reduced and an appropriate captured image can be obtained.

[0074] [Technology 5] The installation determination system according to any one of Techniques 2 to 4, wherein the finder display unit further displays a protection area relating to safety of the determination target unit.

[0075] According to the above configuration, by checking the protection area when photographing the part to be determined, the worker can adjust the protection area in advance to ensure that there are no objects, etc. that may obstruct the part to be determined within the protection area, thereby enabling the worker to set up the part to be determined safely.

[0076] [Technology 6] The system further includes a server located separately from the terminal device, the server includes the condition determination unit and a server communication unit that communicates with the terminal device; 6. The installation determination system according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, wherein the terminal device has a terminal device communication unit that communicates with the server and the output unit.

[0077] According to the above configuration, after the terminal device communication unit receives the judgment result of the condition judgment unit transmitted from the server communication unit, the output unit of the terminal device outputs the judgment result, so that the worker can easily check the judgment result of the condition judgment unit from the terminal device. Also, since the server has the condition judgment unit, the information processing load on the terminal device can be reduced.

[0078] [Technology 7] The installation determination system according to any one of techniques 1 to 6, wherein the output unit outputs alert information when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the worker can reliably recognize the determination result of the condition determination unit that the work condition is not met from the alert information output by the output unit.

[0080] [Technology 8] the determination target unit is an indoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus, The installation determination system according to any one of techniques 1 to 7, wherein the installation criteria include a criterion that the installation height of the indoor unit from the floor surface is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0081] According to the above configuration, even when the determination target is an indoor unit of an air conditioner, the installation criteria include a criterion that the installation height of the indoor unit from the floor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so that the condition determination unit can determine whether the work condition is met, taking into account whether the indoor unit is placed at an appropriate installation height. This allows the worker to recognize the installation status of the indoor unit in advance so that the indoor unit can be installed in an appropriate location and environment when installing the indoor unit.

[0082] [Technology 9] The installation determination system according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, wherein the installation criteria include a criterion that the condition determination unit cannot confirm the presence of a window, a door, an ignition source, a gutter, or a depression from the captured image.

[0083] According to the above configuration, the condition determination unit determines whether the work conditions are met, taking into consideration the criterion that the condition determination unit cannot confirm the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions from the captured image. Therefore, when installing an air conditioning unit, it can be installed in a more appropriate location and environment.

[0084] [Technology 10] the determination target unit is an indoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus, and the captured image captures an interior of a room in which the indoor unit is installed, a calculation unit that calculates the floor area of ​​the room based on the captured image, 10. The installation determination system according to any one of techniques 1 to 9, wherein the installation criteria include a criterion that the floor area calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0085] According to the above configuration, since the installation criteria include the criterion that the floor area calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a reference value, when the condition determination unit determines that the operating conditions are met, the indoor unit can be installed in an installation environment of an appropriate size. This allows the air conditioning device to be used with even greater reliability.

[0086] [Technology 11] Further, a release code issuing unit is provided which issues a release code to release an interlock mechanism that restricts operation of the air conditioning device when a predetermined release code issuing condition is met, including when the condition determining unit determines that the operation condition is met, 11. The installation determination system according to any one of techniques 1 to 10, wherein the output unit outputs the release code issued by the release code issuing unit.

[0087] According to the above configuration, when the release code issuance condition is met, the release code issued by the release code issuing unit is used to appropriately transition the air conditioning device to an operable state, allowing the air conditioning device 2 to be used stably.

[0088] [Technology 12] an input unit into which user information of the air conditioning device is input, the output unit outputs alert information when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met; The installation determination system described in Technology 11, wherein the conditions for issuing the release code include a condition that an item indicating that the user agrees to the alert information is input into the input unit.

[0089] According to the above configuration, even if the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met, the release code issuing unit issues a release code on the premise that the user has agreed to the alert information. This allows the user to use the installed air conditioning device while paying attention to the alert information.

[0090] [Technology 13] The installation determination system according to technology 11 or 12, further comprising the air conditioning device having the interlock mechanism.

[0091] As described above, each embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0092] In the above embodiment, a configuration was shown in which a remote control 9 was used as the input unit 20 of the air conditioner 2, but the air conditioner 2 may have an input unit 20 configured as something other than a remote control 9. Furthermore, while a character code can be exemplified as the release code, the form of the code is not limited to this. Furthermore, the method of inputting the release code into the input unit 20 is not limited to a method in which an operator manually inputs it, and it may also be a method in which the release code is input wirelessly or via a wired connection to the input unit 20 from the terminal device 3, for example. Furthermore, the release code may be input wirelessly or via a wired connection from the server 4, for example. Furthermore, the shape of the guide pattern 314 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 4 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0093] Additionally, the functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuitry because it includes transistors and other circuitry. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the recited functions or hardware that is programmed to perform the recited functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. Where the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Installation Judgment System 2. Air conditioning equipment 2X Judgment target part 3. 103 terminal 4 Server 6 Indoor unit 7 Outdoor unit 24 Interlock mechanism 30 Output section 32 Terminal communication unit 34 Imaging unit 42 Server Communication Department 60 Viewfinder image 220 Device determination section 221 Release section 313 Viewfinder display 314 Guide Pattern 315 Protected area 400 Condition judgment section 401 Unlock Code Issuance Department

Claims

1. a terminal device having an imaging unit that captures an image of a determination target part of an air conditioning device installed in a predetermined location; a condition determination unit that determines whether or not a work condition is established that the determination target part is installed in a manner that satisfies a predetermined installation standard, based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit; and an output unit that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit.

2. The imaging unit a viewfinder image for determining the composition of the photographed image; 2. The installation determination system according to claim 1, further comprising a finder display unit that displays a guide pattern that guides the determination target portion to be positioned at a predetermined position in the finder image.

3. The installation determination system according to claim 2 , wherein the imaging section changes a position of the guide pattern in the viewfinder image in accordance with the determination target portion.

4. The installation determination system according to claim 2 , wherein the imaging unit automatically captures an image when the determination target portion is positioned in the finder image at the predetermined position guided by the guide pattern.

5. The installation determination system according to claim 2 , wherein the viewfinder display unit further displays a protection area relating to safety of the determination target portion.

6. The system further includes a server located separately from the terminal device, the server includes the condition determination unit and a server communication unit that communicates with the terminal device; The installation determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal device includes a terminal device communication unit that communicates with the server and the output unit.

7. The installation determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs alert information when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met.

8. the determination target unit is an indoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus, The installation determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the installation criteria include a criterion that the indoor unit is installed at a height above a floor surface that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

9. The installation determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the installation criteria include a criterion that the condition determination unit cannot confirm the presence of a window, a door, an ignition source, a gutter, or a depression from the captured image.

10. the determination target unit is an indoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus, and the captured image captures an interior of a room in which the indoor unit is installed, a calculation unit that calculates the floor area of ​​the room based on the captured image, The installation determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the installation criteria include a criterion that the floor area calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a reference value.

11. Further, a release code issuing unit is provided which issues a release code to release an interlock mechanism that restricts operation of the air conditioning device when a predetermined release code issuing condition is met, including when the condition determining unit determines that the operation condition is met; The installation determination system according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the release code issued by the release code issuing unit.

12. an input unit into which user information of the air conditioning device is input, the output unit outputs alert information when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met; The installation determination system according to claim 11 , wherein the release code issuance condition includes a condition that an item indicating that the user agrees to the alert information is input into the input unit.

13. The installation determination system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising the air conditioning device having the interlock mechanism.

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