Program, terminal device, air conditioning system, and method

Abstract

Reduce the effort required to set the operating schedule for air conditioning systems. [Solution] The program of the embodiment is a program that causes a terminal device that performs operations on an air conditioning system capable of setting multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle to function as a control unit that displays a timer setting screen for setting operation timer information including the start time and / or end time of operation, and predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation, wherein when the timer setting screen is newly displayed by the control unit, the control unit displays either the operation history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the storage unit as the operation history of the air conditioning system, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, as the default display of the operation timer information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a program, a terminal device, an air conditioning system, and a method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an air conditioner that can set a plurality of operation schedules in a predetermined time period (for example, one week) has been known. As the operation schedule, for example, operation timer information including items such as the operation start time, the operation end time, and predetermined operation conditions (operation mode (cooling, heating, etc.), temperature, etc.) is set.

[0003] In that case, for example, the default value of each item in the operation timer information (that is, the initial value when the user has not performed any operations or settings, etc.) is fixed (for example, the default value of the operation mode is "cooling", and the default value of the temperature is "26 ° C", etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above-described conventional technology, every time an operation schedule is set, it is often necessary to change and set each item in the operation timer information from the default value, which is troublesome.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a program, a terminal device, an air conditioning system, and a method that can reduce the labor involved in setting the operation schedule of an air conditioner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The program of the embodiment is a program that causes a terminal device that performs operations on an air conditioning system capable of setting multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle to function as a control unit that displays a timer setting screen for setting operation timer information including the start time and / or end time of operation, and predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation, wherein when the timer setting screen is newly displayed by the control unit, the control unit displays either the operation history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the storage unit as the operation history of the air conditioning system, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, as the default display of the operation timer information.

[0008] Furthermore, when the control unit displays the previously registered operating conditions as the default display for the operating timer information, it displays either the operating conditions that were last displayed on the timer setting screen from among the operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, or the operating conditions that were last registered in other operating schedules.

[0009] Furthermore, when the control unit sets the operation timer information in response to user operation using the timer setting screen, it transmits the set operation timer information as the registered operation conditions to at least one of the air conditioner and the server managing the air conditioner via the communication network for storage. The operation history conditions are stored in the storage unit of at least one of the air conditioner and the server. When the timer setting screen is displayed for the first time, if either the operation history conditions or the registered operation conditions are to be displayed as the default display for the operation timer information, the operation history conditions and the registered operation conditions are retrieved from either the air conditioner or the server via the communication network and displayed.

[0010] Furthermore, when the control unit displays the timer setting screen for the first time, if it is unable to obtain either the operating history conditions or the previously registered operating conditions, it will instead display the operating conditions corresponding to the current date as the default display.

[0011] Furthermore, the terminal device of the embodiment is a terminal device for performing operations on an air conditioning system capable of setting multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle, and includes a control unit that displays a timer setting screen for setting operation timer information including the start time and / or end time of operation, and predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation, and when the timer setting screen is displayed for the first time, displays either the operation history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the storage unit as the operation history of the air conditioning system, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, as the default display of the operation timer information.

[0012] Furthermore, the air conditioning system of the embodiment includes an air conditioning device capable of setting multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle, and a terminal device for operating the air conditioning device. The terminal device displays a timer setting screen for setting operation timer information, including the start time and / or end time of operation, and predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation. When the timer setting screen is displayed for the first time, the terminal device includes a control unit that displays either the operating history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the storage unit as the operating history of the air conditioning device, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, as the default display of the operation timer information.

[0013] Furthermore, the method of the embodiment is a method executed by a control unit in a terminal device that performs operations on an air conditioning system capable of setting multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle, wherein the control unit displays a timer setting screen for setting operation timer information including the start time and / or end time of operation, and predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation, and when the timer setting screen is newly displayed, the default display of the operation timer information is either the operation history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the storage unit as the operation history of the air conditioning system, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules.

[0014] According to the above program, terminal device, air conditioning system, and method, the effort required to set the operating schedule of the air conditioning system can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the indoor unit during operation according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the indoor unit of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a first example screen of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a second example screen of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a third example screen of the embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth screen example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fifth screen example of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a sixth screen example of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a seventh screen example of the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an eighth screen example of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a ninth screen example of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a tenth screen example of the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an eleventh screen example of the embodiment. <000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 comprises an air conditioning device 10, a terminal device 100, and a server 200.

[0018] The air conditioning unit 10 and the terminal device 100 are each connected to the server 200 via a wide-area network (NW), such as the Internet. Alternatively, the air conditioning unit 10 and the terminal device 100 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with each other via a communication adapter (not shown). Furthermore, the air conditioning unit 10 and the terminal device 100 may be configured to communicate via a wired connection via a communication cable, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0019] The air conditioning system 10 comprises an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit (not shown). The air conditioning system 10 is capable of performing various operations based on operation timer information. The operation timer information is information for realizing the timer function of the air conditioning system 10 and includes items such as the start time of operation, the end time of operation, and predetermined operating conditions (operating mode (cooling, heating, etc.), temperature, etc.).

[0020] The terminal device 100 is a means for operating the air conditioning system 10, which can set multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle (for example, one week). The terminal device 100 is composed of, for example, a high-function mobile phone such as a smartphone or tablet, and includes at least a communication unit 304 (Figure 6) for communicating with various external devices. The terminal device 100 also includes a display unit 302 and an operation unit 303.

[0021] Server 200 is comprised of a well-known computer system. Server 200 stores various information, such as information for accessing the air conditioning unit 10 and terminal devices 100 (e.g., IP (Internet Protocol) addresses), and various computer programs, including application software.

[0022] <Air conditioning system 10> Next, we will describe the details of the air conditioning system 10.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioning system 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioning system 10 is located inside a building and is connected to an outdoor unit located outside via refrigerant piping and electrical wiring. Note that the air conditioning system 10 is not limited to this example.

[0024] The indoor unit 11 includes a housing 21, a heat exchanger 22, a fan 23, a filter 24, two air deflectors 25, a ventilation member 26, and left and right air deflectors (not shown). The air deflectors 25, left and right air deflectors, and ventilation member 26 may also be referred to as louvers.

[0025] The housing 21 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 21 is provided with an air passage 31, an intake port 32, and an outlet port 33.

[0026] The indoor unit 11 can pass air (airflow) through the air passage 31. The intake port 32 is provided at one end of the air passage 31 and connects the air passage 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 11. The outlet port 33 is provided at the other end of the air passage 31 and connects the air passage 31 to the outside of the indoor unit 11. In other words, the air passage 31 is provided inside the housing 21 between the intake port 32 and the outlet port 33.

[0027] The heat exchanger 22 is installed in the air passage 31. The heat exchanger 22 has, for example, refrigerant piping and a plurality of fins. The heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat with the surrounding gas in the air passage 31. As a result, the heat exchanger 22 cools the air flowing through the air passage 31 during cooling operation and heats the air flowing through the air passage 31 during heating operation.

[0028] The fan 23 sends conditioned air into the room. The filter 24 is located near the intake port 32 in the air passage 31. The filter 24 is located upstream of the heat exchanger 22. The filter 24 covers the intake port 32 from inside the housing 21. The filter 24 filters the air drawn in from the intake port 32, for example, and captures dust particles in the air.

[0029] The air conditioning unit 10 performs air conditioning treatment on the air drawn in from the room and blows the treated conditioned air (wind) back into the room. Air conditioning treatment includes, for example, heat absorption treatment (cooling operation), heating treatment (heating operation), dehumidification treatment (dehumidification operation), fan operation (fan operation), and air purification treatment (air purification operation). Each of the heat absorption treatment, heating treatment, dehumidification treatment, fan operation, and air purification treatments corresponds to the operating modes (main operating modes) of the air conditioning unit 10: cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, fan operation mode, and air purification operation mode.

[0030] In addition, the operating modes may include other modes such as AI (Artificial Intelligence) comfort mode and cleaning mode. The AI ​​comfort mode is an operating mode that detects the surrounding conditions (temperature, etc.) using various sensors and automatically switches between cooling and heating, as well as automatically performs other settings and operations.

[0031] Furthermore, the cleaning mode is an operating mode for cleaning the air conditioning unit 10. The cleaning mode includes, for example, a condensation water generation step that generates condensation water on the heat exchanger 22, an air purification step that charges and collects dust contained in the air using an air purification unit (not shown), and a drying step that raises the temperature of the heat exchanger 22 to dry it, and these steps are performed in this order. Note that the cleaning mode is not limited to the cleaning described above, and any type of cleaning is acceptable. For example, the cleaning mode is not limited to a mode that cleans the air conditioning unit 10 itself, but may also be a mode that cleans the space in which the air conditioning unit 10 is installed. For example, it may be a cleaning that generates ions or the like to disinfect the space in which the air conditioning unit 10 is installed.

[0032] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 10 is equipped with a radar control mode in addition to the operating mode, and can be operated in combination with the operating mode. The radar control mode includes a radar airflow direction mode and a radar airflow avoidance mode. In other words, in the radar control mode, the air conditioning system 10 can select any of the following modes: cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, dehumidification operation mode, AI comfort operation mode, and air purification operation mode.

[0033] Furthermore, in addition to the operating mode and radar control mode, the air conditioning unit 10 also has a windless mode (registered trademark). The windless mode can be arbitrarily combined with the operating mode and radar control mode. The windless mode is a mode that generates turbulent air that diffuses over a wide area by mixing two types of airflow velocities when blowing out conditioned air. As a result, the air conditioning unit 10 generates a natural breeze (wind that feels like no wind).

[0034] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the indoor unit 11 during operation according to the embodiment. The two air deflectors 25 are provided near the air outlet 33. The air deflectors 25 are located downstream of the fan 23.

[0035] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the indoor unit 11 includes a control device 80, a first drive circuit 81, a second drive circuit 82, a third drive circuit 83, a fan motor 84, two air deflector motors 85 and 86, a switching motor 87, a notification unit 90, a Doppler radar 91, and a communication unit 94. The indoor unit 11 may have other configurations.

[0036] The control device 80, the first drive circuit 81, the second drive circuit 82, the third drive circuit 83, the fan motor 84, the wind vane motors 85, 86, the switching motor 87, the notification unit 90, the Doppler radar 91, and the communication unit 94 are housed in the casing 21.

[0037] The control device 80 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or flash memory. The control device 80 performs various controls on the air conditioning system 10 by, for example, executing a program stored in the ROM. Note that the control device 80 is not limited to this example.

[0038] The control device 80 comprises an operation control unit 80a and an information provision unit 80b as functional units. These functional units are realized by a processor reading and executing a program from ROM. The operation control unit 80a controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 based on operation timer information. The information provision unit 80b can provide (transmit) various types of information to the terminal device 100 and the server 200. These types of information include, for example, current operation setting information.

[0039] The control device 80 is connected, for example, to the first drive circuit 81, the second drive circuit 82, the third drive circuit 83, the notification unit 90, and the communication unit 94. The control device 80 also receives detection results from various sensors, such as the Doppler radar 91.

[0040] The first drive circuit 81 is the drive circuit for the fan motor 84. The fan motor 84 rotates the fan 23. The control device 80 controls the first drive circuit 81 to perform forward rotation control (control to release air from the outlet 33) or reverse rotation control of the fan motor 84 and the fan 23.

[0041] The second drive circuit 82 is a drive circuit for two wind vane motors 85 and 86. The wind vane motors 85 and 86 each rotate the corresponding wind vane 25. The control device 80 controls the wind vane motors 85 and 86 and the wind vanes 25A and 25B by controlling the second drive circuit 82.

[0042] The third drive circuit 83 is the drive circuit for the switching motor 87. The switching motor 87 rotates the ventilation member 26. The control device 80 controls the switching motor 87 and the ventilation member 26 by controlling the third drive circuit 83. This makes it possible to switch the ventilation member 26 between a position that partially blocks the outlet 33 and a position that partially does not block the outlet 33. In this embodiment, when the ventilation member 26 is switched to a position that partially blocks the outlet 33, it is housed in a recess in the flow path that constitutes the outlet 33.

[0043] The ventilation member 26 is formed in a plate shape along the width direction of the outlet 33, and is provided with multiple ventilation openings on its inner and outer surfaces 52. In the windless mode, as shown in Figure 3, the ventilation member 26 is repositioned to block a portion of the outlet 33 (specifically, the upper air passage of the outlet 33 partitioned by the wind deflector 25A). As a result, the air flowing through a portion of the outlet 33 passes through multiple ventilation openings before being blown out. In other words, the ventilation member 26, which blocks a portion of the outlet 33, is inserted into the upper air passage of the outlet 33 partitioned by the wind deflector 25A, changing the opening ratio of this portion. This increases the airflow velocity of the air passing through the ventilation member 26.

[0044] On the other hand, the other part of the outlet 33 in which the ventilation member 26 is not inserted (specifically, the lower air passage of the outlet 33 partitioned by the wind deflector 25A) maintains its opening ratio. The air flowing through this other part of the outlet 33 and the air flowing through a part of the outlet 33 are adjacent to each other and therefore interfere with each other. As these winds collide with each other, they generate a mixed wind that diffuses over a wide area (a so-called windless wind).

[0045] Furthermore, the control device 80 receives detection results from various sensors sequentially, and the control device 80 reflects the input detection results in each control.

[0046] The Doppler radar 91 emits electromagnetic waves (such as light) or ultrasonic waves and detects the reflected waves that are reflected back by objects (such as living organisms). The Doppler radar 91 is used to detect objects present in the room where the indoor unit 11 is installed. Detectable objects include living organisms such as people and animals, objects such as furniture, and walls. For example, the air conditioner 10 can recognize (determine) a moving object in the room as a living organism based on the detection results of the Doppler radar 91. If a detected object enters the room, the air conditioner 10 can recognize the object as a living organism by detecting its entry and reflect this in the control of the indoor unit 11.

[0047] The air conditioning system 10 has a radar-guided wind mode and a radar-guided wind avoidance mode. When the user selects either the radar-guided wind mode or the radar-guided wind avoidance mode, the control device 80 uses the results of the Doppler radar 91 to detect living organisms and executes these modes. In the radar-guided wind mode, the control device 80 moves the wind vane 25 and the left and right wind vanes toward the location of the living organism to direct the wind towards it. In the radar-guided wind avoidance mode, the control device 80 moves the wind vane 25 and the left and right wind vanes toward the location of the living organism to avoid directing the wind towards it.

[0048] The notification unit 90 notifies the user of various conditions inside the room using lights and sounds.

[0049] The communication unit 94 transmits and receives wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, such as infrared rays, to and from the remote controller 94a, for example. For example, the communication unit 94 transmits instruction signals from the remote controller 94a to the control device 80. The remote controller 94a is a device used for user operation of the air conditioning system 10. The communication unit 94 may also be capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves to and from the terminal device 100, for example.

[0050] <Server 200> Next, we will explain server 200.

[0051] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 200 in the embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the server 200 includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a timing unit 204.

[0052] The control unit 201 is implemented using a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU performs various controls and calculations on the server 200 by, for example, executing a program stored in the ROM.

[0053] The communication unit 202 is an element that realizes communication functions for communicating with external devices. In the server 200 of this embodiment, the communication unit 202 establishes communication with the air conditioning unit 10 and the terminal device 100.

[0054] The storage unit 203 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. The storage unit 203 stores various kinds of information and data.

[0055] The timekeeping unit 204 measures the time (date and time).

[0056] <Terminal device 100> Next, we will describe the terminal device 100.

[0057] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the terminal device 100 according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 6, the terminal device 100 includes a processing unit 301, a display unit 302, an operation unit 303, and a communication unit 304. The display unit 302, the operation unit 303, and the communication unit 304 are connected to the processing unit 301.

[0058] The processing unit 301 is implemented by a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU performs various controls and calculations on the terminal device 100 by, for example, executing a program stored in ROM.

[0059] The display unit 302 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal panel.

[0060] The operation unit 303 consists of a touch panel switch formed on the display screen of the display unit 302, mechanical switches provided around the display unit 302, and the like.

[0061] The communication unit 304 is an element that realizes communication functions for communicating with external devices. In the terminal device 100 of this embodiment, the communication unit 304 establishes communication with the server 200. Alternatively, a communication line may be established between the terminal device 100 and the air conditioner 10 to enable communication between the terminal device 100 and the air conditioner 10.

[0062] The processing unit 301 has a functional configuration that includes an acquisition unit 311 and a control unit 312.

[0063] The acquisition unit 311 acquires various types of information. For example, the acquisition unit 311 acquires the current operating settings information of the air conditioner 10 from the air conditioner 10 via the server 200.

[0064] The control unit 312 performs various controls. For example, the control unit 312 displays various information on the display unit 302. The control unit 312 also instructs the air conditioner 10 via the server 200 to operate according to the contents of the operation timer information.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 312 displays a timer setting screen (for example, Figure 9(c)) for setting operation timer information, including the start time and / or end time of operation, as well as predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation. In this case, when the control unit 312 displays a new timer setting screen, it displays either the operation history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the storage unit (for example, the storage unit of the air conditioner 10) as the operation history of the air conditioner 10, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operation schedules, as the default display of operation timer information (for example, areas R43 to R48 in Figure 9(c)). Here, the operation history conditions are, for example, the last operating conditions, which are the operating conditions at the last (most recent, latest) start of operation in the air conditioner 10. The following describes the case where the last operating conditions are used as the operation history conditions.

[0066] Furthermore, when the control unit 312 displays registered operating conditions as the default display for operating timer information, it may display either the operating condition that was last displayed on the timer setting screen from among the operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, or the operating condition that was last registered in other operating schedules (details will be described later).

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 312 may perform the following controls. First, when the control unit 312 sets the operation timer information in response to user operation using the timer setting screen, it transmits the set operation timer information as a registered operation condition to at least one of the air conditioner 10 and the server 200 that manages the air conditioner 10 via the network (communication network) for storage. The last operation condition is stored in the storage unit of either the air conditioner 10, the terminal device 100, or the server 200. Then, when the control unit 312 displays a new timer setting screen, if it chooses to display either the last operation condition or a registered operation condition as the default display for operation timer information, it obtains and displays the information from either the air conditioner 10 or the server 200 via the network (communication network). Details will be described later.

[0068] Furthermore, when the control unit 312 displays a new timer setting screen, if it is unable to obtain either the last operating conditions or the previously registered operating conditions, it may instead display the operating conditions corresponding to the current month and day as the default display (details will be described later).

[0069] The following describes examples of screens in the terminal device 100 with reference to Figures 7 to 21. Figure 7(a) is an example of a screen when the daily view is selected on the weekly timer screen. The user can select between a daily view (Figure 7(a)) that displays the driving schedule information for one day of the week, and a weekly view (Figure 7(b)) that displays the driving schedule information for each day of the week, in area R12 (area R22). Also, in the screens of Figures 7(a) and 7(b), not all information is displayed at once; all information can be displayed by scrolling up and down. However, this is not the only option, and depending on the screen size, aspect ratio (width-to-height ratio), and resolution, all information may be displayed on the screen at once.

[0070] Area R11 displays various information such as communication status, current time, and battery level.

[0071] Area R12 displays a screen where you can select between a daily view and a weekly view. Also, clicking the "x" on the right will return you to the air conditioner control screen.

[0072] Area R13 displays the days from Sunday to Saturday, with the currently selected day (Wednesday in this case) highlighted. The user can switch between days by touching (selecting) the desired day. Settings for the selected day are also displayed in a time bar; that is, the operating schedule information for the selected day is displayed. The operating schedule information includes at least the "on" / "off" information for the air conditioner 10 and the time information for when it is performed. In addition, information regarding the operating mode, radar control mode, windless mode, etc., can also be included in the operating schedule information and displayed in area R13.

[0073] Area R14 displays, from left to right, an "Add Weekly Timer" button, a "Batch Change" button, and a "Duplicate" button. The user can add weekly timers to the selected days of the week by using the "Add Weekly Timer" button. The number of weekly timers that can be added is limited to six per day. Hereafter, weekly timers will also be simply referred to as "timers."

[0074] Additionally, by operating the batch change button, users can change the on-timer settings for all operating modes except cleaning mode all at once (however, this option cannot be selected if there are no on-timers set). Furthermore, by operating the duplicate button, users can duplicate (copy) all timer settings for the selected day of the week to other days of the week.

[0075] Area R15 displays timer setting information for configuring the operation schedule (details will be provided later).

[0076] Area R16 displays, from left to right, the air conditioner control buttons, the weekly timer button, and the timer button.

[0077] Figure 7(b) shows an example screen when the weekly view is selected. Areas R21, R22, R24, and R26 are the same as areas R11, R12, R14, and R16, respectively.

[0078] Area R23 displays the operating schedule information for all days of the week, from Sunday to Saturday. Within each 24-hour display, the darker colored time slots indicate the time periods during which timer operation takes place. When the user selects any day of the week (in this case, Wednesday), the selected day is highlighted, and the timer setting information for that day is displayed in Area R25. Note that the timer setting information displayed in Area R25 is the same as that in Area R15, so no further explanation is provided.

[0079] In Figure 7(b), the operating schedule information for one week is displayed in area R23, but this is not limited to this. For example, operating schedule information for three days or two weeks may also be displayed. Furthermore, the number of days for which the operating schedule is displayed may be set.

[0080] Next, Figure 8 shows a second example screen of the embodiment. In the following, explanations of areas that are the same as those already described will be omitted as appropriate.

[0081] In region R35, the timer shown in region R36 is ON (enabled), and the timer shown in region R37 is OFF (disabled). Furthermore, among the timers shown in region R36, for example, in the timer shown in region R38, region A1 indicates the operating mode, region A2 indicates the set temperature (however, this cannot be set in air purification mode, fan mode, cleaning mode, etc.), region A3 indicates the set air volume (for example, 6 types including 5 levels and automatic), and region A4 indicates additional functions (for example, radar control mode, windless mode, etc. can be set in cooling mode, heating mode, etc.).

[0082] Each timer shown in area R36 can be switched from "on" to "off," and when in the "on" state, it can be edited (settings changed) by tapping it. On the other hand, each timer shown in area R37 can be switched from "off" to "on," but when in the "off" state, tapping it does not produce any response and the timer cannot be edited.

[0083] Next, Figure 9 shows a third example screen of the embodiment. When you tap the add button (area R14 in Figure 7(a), area R24 in Figure 7(b)) as shown in (a), or when you tap the batch change button (area R24 in Figure 7(b)) as shown in (b), the timer setting screen shown in (c) is displayed. In addition, when you tap the on timer (area R36 in Figure 8), or when you change the timer type of the off timer (area R36 in Figure 8) from "off" to "on", the timer setting screen shown in (c) is also displayed. Note that the timer setting screen may be displayed when the off timer is tapped.

[0084] In the timer setting screen shown in (c), tapping areas R44 to R48 will transition to the setting screen for each item. Area R49 also displays a cancel button and a save button. Pressing the cancel button will cancel this screen and return to the previous screen. Pressing the save button will save the settings.

[0085] Here, referring to Figure 21, we will explain how to set the initial values ​​of each item (time, operating mode, temperature, airflow, additional functions) displayed on the timer setting screen and the setting screens accessed from there. Figure 21 is a sequence diagram showing the processing by the terminal device 100 of the embodiment.

[0086] In step S1, the control unit 312 of the processing unit 301 of the terminal device 100 determines whether an operation to open the timer setting screen has occurred (the operation in Figure 9(a), the operation in Figure 9(b), tapping the off timer → changing the timer type from "off" to "on" on the timer setting screen). If Yes, the device proceeds to step S2; otherwise, it returns to step S1.

[0087] In step S2, the control unit 312 opens the weekly timer and then determines whether or not it has opened the reserved timer setting screen. If Yes, it proceeds to step S3; otherwise, it proceeds to step S4.

[0088] In step S3, the control unit 312 determines whether the reserved timer setting has been changed. If yes, proceed to step S31; otherwise, proceed to step S32.

[0089] In step S31, the control unit 312 resets the values ​​of each item on the modified timer setting screen to their initial values. Then, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0090] In step S32, the control unit 312 sets the values ​​of each item in the last opened reserved timer setting screen to their initial values. Then, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0091] In step S4, the control unit 312 opens the weekly timer and then performs an input operation (for example, setting (switching) "on" or "off", changing the reservation time, or changing the operating mode or temperature) to determine whether the timer setting has been saved. If the answer is yes, the unit proceeds to step S5; otherwise, it proceeds to step S6. Note that if the answer in step S4 is yes, the reserved timer setting screen has not been opened (no in step S2), and a timer setting operation is being performed, which means a new timer setting has been added.

[0092] In step S5, the control unit 312 sets the values ​​of each item on the timer setting screen where the timer settings were saved in step S4 to their initial values. Then, the process proceeds to step S9.

[0093] In step S6, the control unit 312 determines whether it was able to obtain information on the previous operating mode from the air conditioner 10. If yes, it proceeds to step S7; otherwise, it proceeds to step S8.

[0094] In step S7, the control unit 312 sets the operating mode and temperature (i.e., the most recent operating settings stored in the air conditioner 10 or server 200) that the air conditioner 10 last performed as initial values. For example, if the previous operating mode was "cooling," the initial value of the operating mode is set to "cooling." However, if the previous operating mode was "cleaning," the initial value of the operating mode is not set to "cleaning," but to the operating mode before that.

[0095] Furthermore, for example, the initial value of the time can be fixed to "06:00". Also, if the values ​​of items other than the operating mode and time cannot be obtained for reasons such as communication failure, the initial values ​​can be set for each operating mode according to the table below.

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] Then, proceed to step S9.

[0098] In step S8, the control unit 312 sets initial values ​​according to the current date (for example, the date when the individual air conditioner settings screen is accessed on the app). For example, if the current date is between April 15th and October 14th, cooling is set as the initial operating mode, and the temperature, airflow, and additional functions are set according to Table 1. If the current date is between October 15th and April 14th, heating is set as the initial value, and the temperature, airflow, and additional functions are set according to Table 1. In other words, the settings for items other than the operating mode are the same as in step S7. The process then proceeds to step S9.

[0099] In step S9, the control unit 312 displays the timer setting screen using the initial value set in any of steps S31, S32, S5, S7, or S8.

[0100] However, the processing procedure for determining the initial value is not limited to the procedure in the flowchart described above. Alternatively, for example, steps S6 and S7 may be performed before steps S2, S3, S31, S32 and steps S4 and S5. In this way, the previous operating mode of the air conditioner 10 can be prioritized as the initial value.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, the processing in steps S4 and S5 may be performed before steps S2, S3, S31, and S32. Specifically, for example, if you register each item on the timer setting screen and then open another timer setting screen, but close that timer setting screen without saving, the items on the timer setting screen registered immediately before will be reset to their initial values ​​(default display).

[0102] In this way, you can set the initial values ​​for each item on the timer settings screen. Note that, for example, if you exit the individual air conditioner settings screen in the app and return to the device selection screen, the initial values ​​set in steps S31, S32, and S5 will be reset (cleared). Alternatively, you can set it to reset when you exit the weekly timer screen and return to the operation screen. You can also set it to reset when you close the application program.

[0103] Note that the initial time value does not necessarily have to be displayed by default. Also, the items that can be set on the timer setting screen are not limited to combinations of time, operating mode, temperature, fan speed, and additional functions. For example, it may be just time, operating mode, and temperature, or just time, operating mode, temperature, and fan speed.

[0104] Returning to Figure 9, let's continue the explanation. When area R44 is tapped on the timer setting screen shown in Figure 9(c), the screen transitions to the time setting screen shown in Figure 10. On the screen in Figure 10, the user can select the timer time in area R61. The timer time can also be confirmed by operating the OK button in area R62. After that, the screen returns to the previous screen. If you want to cancel, you can return to the previous screen by operating the cancel button.

[0105] When area R45 is tapped on the timer setting screen shown in Figure 9(c), the user transitions to the operating mode setting screen shown in Figure 11. On the screen in Figure 11, the user can select the operating mode in area R71. The operating mode can be confirmed by operating the OK button in area R72. After that, the user returns to the previous screen. To cancel, the user can operate the cancel button to return to the previous screen. Note that the operating mode selected on the screen in Figure 11 can be changed from air purification mode to a simple fan mode that just blows air.

[0106] As shown in Figure 12(a), when the operating mode (area R84) is set to air purification on the timer setting screen, the temperature cannot be set. Therefore, as shown in area R85, the message "Cannot set" is displayed for the temperature, the setting is grayed out, and operation is disabled.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12(b), when the operating mode (area R94) is set to AI automatic on the timer setting screen, the airflow is automatically fixed. Therefore, as shown in area R96, the airflow setting is displayed as "Automatic," grayed out, and cannot be operated.

[0108] When area R46 is tapped on the timer setting screen shown in Figure 9(c), the user transitions to the temperature setting screen shown in Figure 13. On the screen in Figure 13, the user can select a temperature in area R101. The user can then confirm the temperature by operating the OK button in area R102. After that, the user returns to the previous screen. To cancel, the user will return to the previous screen by operating the cancel button.

[0109] As shown in Figure 14, if the operating mode (area R114) on the timer setting screen is set to air purification, the temperature cannot be set. Therefore, as shown in area R115, the temperature setting will be displayed as "Not set" and grayed out, making it impossible to operate.

[0110] When area R47 is tapped on the timer setting screen shown in Figure 9(c), the screen transitions to the airflow setting screen shown in Figure 15. On the screen in Figure 15, the user can select the airflow (6 types: 5 levels and automatic) in area R121. The user can then confirm the airflow by operating the OK button in area R122. After that, the screen returns to the previous screen. To cancel, the user can operate the cancel button to return to the previous screen.

[0111] When area R48 is tapped on the timer setting screen shown in Figure 9(c), the user transitions to the additional function setting screen shown in Figure 16. On the screen in Figure 16, the user can select an additional function (for example, select only one) in areas R131 to R134. The user can then confirm the additional function by operating the OK button in area R135. After that, the user returns to the previous screen. To cancel, the user will return to the previous screen by operating the cancel button.

[0112] There are two energy-saving modes: energy-saving cooling mode and energy-saving heating mode. Energy-saving cooling mode is a mode that saves energy while maintaining the comfort of the body by, for example, using the detection results of a biosensor to send cool air towards the body and slightly raising the set temperature. Energy-saving heating mode is a mode that saves energy while maintaining the comfort of the body by, for example, using the detection results of a biosensor to send warm air towards the body and slightly lowering the set temperature.

[0113] Furthermore, the weak cooling mode is a mode that achieves weak cooling operation by controlling the compressor (not shown) of the outdoor unit (not shown) to operate at a constant speed, while the heat exchanger 22 of the indoor unit 11 functions as an evaporator and the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit (not shown) functions as a condenser.

[0114] Furthermore, the circulator mode is a mode that gently circulates the air while blowing air by making the louvers perform a predetermined swinging motion.

[0115] Next, Figure 17 shows the timer setting screen when the off timer (area R142) is selected. By tapping area R143, you can select the time (similar to Figure 10). Also, as shown in area R144, all items other than the time are grayed out and cannot be operated.

[0116] Next, we will explain the batch change operation with reference to Figure 18. As shown in Figure 18(a), tapping the batch change button (area R24 in Figure 7(b)) will take you to the batch operation screens shown in Figures 18(b) and 18(c). Also, operating the "On / Off" button on the screen in Figure 18(b) will switch you to the screen in Figure 18(c). Furthermore, operating the "Operation Settings" button on the screen in Figure 18(c) will switch you back to the screen in Figure 18(b).

[0117] On the screen shown in Figure 18(b), you can set the operating mode, temperature, airflow, and additional functions. Then, by operating the "Change" button to transition to the screen in (d) and operating the "Change" button there, these settings will be applied to all on-timers. Specifically, operating the "Change" button on the screen in Figure 18(b) will transition to the timer setting screen similar to that in Figure 9(c). The default display settings and subsequent setting methods are the same as for individual timer settings.

[0118] Furthermore, on the screen shown in Figure 18(c), you can select either the "Turn All On" button or the "Turn All Off" button. After operating either button, you will be taken to the screen in (d), and when you operate the "Change" button, this on / off setting will be applied to all timers. Specifically, operating the "Turn All On" button will enable all on and off timers. Conversely, operating the "Turn All Off" button will disable all on and off timers.

[0119] Next, please refer to Figure 19 to explain the scope of impact of batch operations. First, changes to the operation settings of the on-timers will be reflected in all on-timers for all days of the week. Also, on-timers that are in the off state will have their operation settings changed while remaining in the off state. However, on-timers whose operation mode is set to cleaning will not have their settings changed. Note that if you perform the "Turn All On" or "Turn All Off" operation, the settings for cleaning will also be changed.

[0120] Specifically, the timer in area R151 is in the off state, but it is an on timer, and since the operating mode is energy-saving cooling instead of cleaning, the setting is changed.

[0121] The timer in region R152 is an off-timer, so its settings will not be changed. The timer in area R153 is an on-timer, and since the operating mode is dehumidification (recommended dehumidification) and not cleaning, the setting will be changed.

[0122] The timer in region R154 is an off-timer, so its settings will not be changed. The timer in area R155 is an on-timer, but since the operating mode is cleaning, the setting is not changed. The timer in area R156 is an off-timer, so its settings will not be changed.

[0123] Next, we will explain individual operations (individual operations, not batch operations) with reference to Figure 20. The timer shown in area R161 is an ON timer, meaning the timer is active, and tapping it opens the timer settings screen for editing (changing settings). Additionally, tapping the toggle switch on the far right of the screen allows switching from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0124] On the other hand, the timer shown in area R162 is in the off state, meaning it is not active and unresponsive to tapping (the timer settings screen does not open), making editing (changing settings) impossible. However, it is possible to switch from the off state to the on state by tapping the toggle switch on the far right of the screen.

[0125] The operating schedule information (timer setting information) for the air conditioner 10 is stored in either the terminal device 100, the server 200, or the main unit of the air conditioner 10. When the operating schedule information is stored in the terminal device 100 or the server 200, the set operating schedule information is sent to the air conditioner 10 at or before the set date and time, and the air conditioner 10 starts / stops operation according to that operating schedule information.

[0126] Furthermore, if the operation schedule information is stored in the main unit of the air conditioner 10, the operation schedule information is sent to the air conditioner 10 at a timer-set timing using a dedicated application (terminal device 100) or at a predetermined timing, and stored in the storage unit (control device 80) of the air conditioner 10. The control device 80 then starts / stops operation according to the stored operation schedule information.

[0127] Furthermore, if the air conditioning system 10 is unable to operate its timer due to being offline (unable to communicate), the terminal device 100 will display an error message.

[0128] Furthermore, the configured weekly timer information is shared among all terminal devices 100 connected to the air conditioner.

[0129] Furthermore, the cleaning mode has a fixed operating time. For this reason, it is set to "On" only, and "Off" is automatic. Note that even in modes other than cleaning mode, it may be possible to set it to "On" only, and "Off" to automatic. For example, this could be the case when dehumidifying for 3 hours in clothes drying mode.

[0130] Furthermore, by operating the "Duplicate" button in area R14 of Figure 7(a) or area R24 of Figure 7(b), the operating schedule information for the selected day of the week can be duplicated to other days of the week.

[0131] Furthermore, the control unit 312 of the terminal device 100 can display each operation content in the operation schedule information in a color corresponding to the operation content. For example, in area R23 of Figure 7(b), the relationship between the operation content and the display color is as follows. • Heating: Orange • Air conditioning: Blue • Dehumidification: Green • Air purification: Green • Cleaning: Light blue

[0132] Thus, according to this embodiment, when a new timer setting screen is displayed on the terminal device 100, either the operation history conditions (last operation conditions) or the previously registered operation conditions are displayed as the default display of operation timer information. This is expected to reduce the number of items that need to be changed compared to the case where the same information is displayed uniformly as the default display of operation timer information (where the default values ​​for each item are fixed), thus reducing the effort required to set the operation schedule.

[0133] Furthermore, when displaying previously registered operating conditions as the default display for the operating timer information, either the operating condition that was last displayed on the timer setting screen among the operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, or the operating condition that was last registered in other operating schedules, will be displayed. This is expected to allow users to use the system without making any changes, thus reducing the effort required to modify operating conditions.

[0134] Furthermore, by transmitting the set operating timer information to the server 200 or the air conditioning unit 10 for storage, the storage capacity of the terminal device 100 can be reduced.

[0135] Furthermore, when the terminal device 100 displays a new timer setting screen, if it is not possible to obtain the default display information for the operating timer from either the air conditioner 10 or the server 200, it will instead display the operating conditions corresponding to the current date. This ensures that appropriate operating conditions are displayed even when the network NW is unable to communicate.

[0136] Furthermore, the programs executed by the terminal device 100, server 200, and air conditioning device 10 of this embodiment can be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer device, such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM (Read Only Memory), flexible disk (FD), CD-R (Recordable), or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Alternatively, these programs may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0137] While embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

[0138] For example, when displaying a new timer setting screen on terminal device 100, if the default display of operating timer information is the last operating conditions or previously registered operating conditions, the setting times are usually different when setting timers consecutively for the same day of the week. Therefore, when displaying the last operating conditions or previously registered operating conditions, the time information may be omitted as the default display. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1...Air conditioning system, 10...Air conditioning device, 100...Terminal device, 200...Server, 201...Control unit, 202...Communication unit, 203...Storage unit, 204...Timekeeping unit, 301...Processing unit, 302...Display unit, 303...Operation unit, 304...Communication unit, 311...Acquisition unit, 312...Control unit

Claims

1. A program for causing a terminal device that performs operations on an air conditioning system capable of setting multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle to function as a control unit that displays a timer setting screen for setting operating timer information, including the start time and / or end time of operation, and predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation, The control unit, when displaying the timer setting screen for the first time, displays either the operating history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the storage unit as the operating history of the air conditioner, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, as the default display of the operating timer information.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit displays the previously registered operating conditions as the default display of the operating timer information, it displays either the operating conditions that were last displayed on the timer setting screen from among the operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, or the operating conditions that were last registered in other operating schedules.

3. The control unit, When the operating timer information is set in response to user operation using the timer setting screen, the set operating timer information is transmitted as a registered operating condition to at least one of the air conditioning unit and the server managing the air conditioning unit via the communication network for storage. The aforementioned operating history conditions are stored in the storage unit of at least one of the air conditioning system and the server. The program according to claim 1, which, when displaying the timer setting screen for the first time, displays either the operating history conditions or the previously registered operating conditions as the default display for the operating timer information, and obtains and displays the information from either the air conditioner or the server via the communication network.

4. The control unit, The program according to claim 3, wherein when displaying the timer setting screen for the first time, if it is not possible to obtain either the operating history conditions or the previously registered operating conditions, the program instead displays the operating conditions corresponding to the current date as the default display.

5. A terminal device for operating an air conditioning system that can set multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle, A timer setting screen is displayed for setting the start time and / or end time of operation, as well as operation timer information including predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation. A terminal device comprising a control unit that, when displaying the timer setting screen for the first time, displays either the operating history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the memory unit as the operating history of the air conditioner, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, as the default display of the operating timer information.

6. An air conditioning system comprising an air conditioning device capable of setting multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle, and a terminal device for operating the air conditioning device, The aforementioned terminal device is A timer setting screen is displayed for setting the start time and / or end time of operation, as well as operation timer information including predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation. An air conditioning system comprising a control unit that, when displaying the timer setting screen for the first time, displays either the operating history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the memory unit as the operating history of the air conditioning system, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules, as the default display of the operating timer information.

7. A method performed by a control unit in a terminal device that performs operations on an air conditioning system capable of setting multiple operating schedules in a predetermined time cycle, The control unit displays a timer setting screen for setting operation timer information, including the start time and / or end time of operation, and predetermined operating conditions at the start of operation. A method for displaying the timer setting screen for the first time, wherein the default display of the operating timer information is either the operating history conditions, which are operating conditions stored in the memory unit as the operating history of the air conditioner, or the previously registered operating conditions, which are operating conditions already registered in other operating schedules.

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