Air conditioning systems and air conditioning control devices

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system and an air conditioning management device that start or stop the operation of air conditioning equipment in response to user actions. [Solution] An air conditioning system comprising an air conditioning unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit accepts registration of specific location information indicating at least one specific location, acquires current location information indicating the current location of a mobile terminal held by the user, and, based on the specific location information and current location information, starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning unit when it detects that the mobile terminal has passed a specific location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system and an air conditioning management device.

Background Art

[0002] An electric equipment control system that collects the location information of a mobile terminal carried by a user and controls the on and off of an air conditioner based on the collected location information has been conventionally known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the electric equipment control system of Patent Document 1, the air conditioner is turned on when the user approaches the house, and the air conditioner is turned off when the user leaves the house.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect of this disclosure, the system accepts registration of specific location information indicating at least one specific location, and when it detects a user's action of a mobile device carried by the user passing through the specific location, it starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment.

[0008] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, by providing an air conditioning system that starts or stops the operation of air conditioning equipment in response to user actions, the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be improved.

[0009] A second aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit determines whether to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment based on the specific location information and the current location information, and based on the location information of the mobile terminal before or after passing the specific location.

[0010] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to determine whether to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment based on location information of the mobile terminal before or after passing a specific location.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit accepts registration of first specific location information indicating a first specific location used for determining the start of operation of the air conditioning equipment.

[0012] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, the system can accept registration from a user of first specific location information indicating a first specific location used to determine when to start operation of an air conditioning unit.

[0013] A fourth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control unit accepts registration of a second specific location information indicating a second specific location used for determining the stopping of operation of the air conditioning equipment.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, the system can accept registration from a user of second specific location information indicating a second specific location used to determine whether to stop the operation of an air conditioning unit.

[0015] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit receives instructions from the user to authorize or deny the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment when starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning equipment.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, when starting or stopping the operation of an air conditioning system, the system can receive instructions from the user regarding permission or denial of starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning system.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit accepts registration of a specific order in which a plurality of specific locations are passed, and when it detects the passage of the mobile terminal through the plurality of specific locations in a specific order, it starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment.

[0018] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, registration of a specific sequence of passing through multiple specific locations is accepted, and when the user's action of passing through multiple specific locations in a specific sequence using a mobile device held by the user is detected, the operation of the air conditioning equipment is started or stopped. According to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be further improved.

[0019] The seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein when the control unit detects the passage of the specific position of the mobile terminal and starts the operation of the air conditioning device, based on the distance from the specific position to the target space where the air conditioning device is installed, the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning device or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning device is changed.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, by changing the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning device or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning device based on the distance from the specific position to the target space where the air conditioning device is installed, the comfort and energy saving of the air conditioning can be further improved.

[0021] The eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein when the control unit detects the passage of the specific position of the mobile terminal and starts the operation of the air conditioning device, based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature of the target space where the air conditioning device is installed, the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning device or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning device is changed.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, by changing the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning device or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning device based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature of the target space where the air conditioning device is installed, the comfort and energy saving of the air conditioning can be further improved.

[0023] The ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the control unit accepts the registration of the specific position information by the user designating a building displayed on the map.

[0024] According to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, it becomes easy for the user to register the specific position information.

[0025] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein when the control unit receives registration of the specific position information from the user, the control unit presents to the user a building with good detection accuracy of the current position information in a visible manner.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, it becomes easy for a user to register specific position information with good detection accuracy of current position information.

[0027] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning management device having a control unit, wherein the control unit receives registration of specific position information indicating at least one specific position, acquires current position information indicating the current position of a mobile terminal possessed by a user, and based on the specific position information and the current position information, when detecting that the mobile terminal has passed the specific position, starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment.

[0028] In the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, when receiving registration of specific position information indicating at least one specific position and detecting the user's action that the mobile terminal possessed by the user passes the specific position, the operation of the air conditioning equipment is started or stopped.

[0029] According to the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, by providing an air conditioning management device that starts or stops the operation of air conditioning equipment according to the user's action, the comfort and energy saving of the air conditioning can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram of an example of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the computer 500 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart of an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram of an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative image of an example screen where a user registers a specific sequence of locations they pass through. [Figure 8] This is an illustrative image of an example screen where a user registers a specific sequence of locations they pass through. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] Next, embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0032] <System Configuration> Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 includes an air conditioning management device 10, a map server 20, a mobile terminal 30, and air conditioning equipment 40. The air conditioning management device 10, the map server 20, the mobile terminal 30, and the air conditioning equipment 40 are connected to each other via a communication network N. The communication network N is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0033] The air conditioning unit 40 is installed, for example, in the user's home. The user's home is an example of a target space in which the air conditioning unit 40 is installed. However, the target space in which the air conditioning unit 40 is installed is not limited to the user's home; it can be any location in which the air conditioning unit 40 that the user can start or stop is installed.

[0034] The mobile terminal 30 is an information processing terminal that accepts operations from the user. Users of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment possess the mobile terminal 30. The mobile terminal 30 has a function to acquire current location information indicating the current location. The function to acquire current location information indicating the current location can be realized by, for example, a satellite positioning system or a positioning system using Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The satellite positioning system can be GPS (Global Positioning System), etc. The mobile terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The mobile terminal 30 starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the air conditioning management device 10. If the mobile terminal 30 has a function to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the communication network N, it may start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 without going through the air conditioning management device 10.

[0035] The air conditioning management device 10 has the function of starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the communication network N. The air conditioning management device 10 is an information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer). The air conditioning management device 10 may also be implemented using a cloud computing service.

[0036] The map server 20 is an information processing device or cloud computing service that provides map data. The map data provided by the map server 20 is used as map data when users register specific location information, as described later. The map data includes not only data for displaying the map, but also information about the locations (landmarks) included in the map.

[0037] A landmark is, for example, a building that serves as a landmark on the ground. However, a landmark is not limited to a building. A landmark can be set anywhere that can be identified by latitude and longitude. Landmarks can be set as train stations, commercial facilities, intersections, airports, parks, etc. Information about a landmark may include information about the accuracy of detecting the current location at that landmark. For example, information about the accuracy of detecting the current location at a landmark is whether or not a positioning system using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is available. A landmark where a positioning system using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) is available is a location where the accuracy of detecting the current location by the mobile terminal 30 is good.

[0038] The air conditioning control device 10 has a control unit 12. The mobile terminal 30 also has a control unit 32. The control units 12 and 32 are hardware configurations that execute programs, and are such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0039] The control unit 12 of the air conditioning management device 10 and the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 can perform various processes according to this embodiment, as described later, by having the CPU execute a program. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 may have either the control unit 12 of the air conditioning management device 10 or the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 perform the various processes according to this embodiment, or the control unit 12 of the air conditioning management device 10 and the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 perform them in cooperation.

[0040] The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 is just one example. For example, the air conditioning management device 10 may be implemented by multiple information processing devices. Alternatively, the air conditioning management device 10 may be omitted by integrating its functions into a mobile terminal 30. The air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 can have various system configurations depending on the application and purpose.

[0041] <Hardware Configuration> The air conditioning control device 10 shown in Figure 1 is implemented by, for example, a computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the computer 500 according to this embodiment.

[0042] The computer 500 shown in Figure 2 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external interface 503, RAM (Random Access Memory) 504, ROM (Read Only Memory) 505, a CPU 506, a communication interface 507, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 508, all of which are interconnected via bus B. The input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used only when necessary.

[0043] The input device 501 is used by the user to input various signals, such as a touch panel, operation keys, buttons, keyboard, or mouse. The display device 502 consists of a display such as a liquid crystal or organic EL that displays a screen, and a speaker that outputs sound data such as voice or music. The communication interface 507 is an interface for the computer 500 to perform data communication via the communication network N.

[0044] Furthermore, HDD508 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The programs and data stored include the OS (Operating System), which is the basic software that controls the entire computer 500, and applications that provide various functions on the OS. Note that computer 500 may use a drive device that uses flash memory as a storage medium (e.g., SSD; Solid State Drive) instead of HDD508.

[0045] External I / F 503 is an interface to external devices. External devices include recording media 503a. This allows computer 500 to read from and write to recording media 503a via external I / F 503. Recording media 503a include flexible disks, CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), SD (Secure Digital) memory cards, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory.

[0046] ROM505 is an example of non-volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. ROM505 stores programs and data such as the BIOS (Basic Input Output System), OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 500 starts up. RAM504 is an example of volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data.

[0047] The CPU 506 is an arithmetic unit that reads programs and data from the ROM 505 and HDD 508 onto the RAM 504 and executes processing, thereby realizing the control and functions of the entire computer 500, and is an example of a control unit 12.

[0048] The mobile terminal 30 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2, to which a function for acquiring current location information has been added. The function for acquiring current location information can be realized by adding a satellite positioning system receiver or a Wi-Fi positioning system receiver to the computer 500 with the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0049] <Processing> The following describes an example in which the control unit 12 of the air conditioning control device 10 and the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 work together to perform processing.

[0050] The air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment in response to user actions, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0051] In step S10 of Figure 3, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 receives registration of specific location information from the user, which indicates at least one specific location. The user registers specific location information that, when passed, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, or specific location information that, when passed, will stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0052] Specific location information can be specified, for example, by the latitude and longitude of the center of a circle and the radius of the circle. Alternatively, a landmark included in the map data provided by the map server 20 may be specified as the specific location information. For example, a user may display a map on their mobile terminal 30 and specify the specific location information on the map.

[0053] In Figure 4, an area 1004, including the nearest station 1002 to company 1000, is registered by the user as specific location information that will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 when it is passed over. Also in Figure 4, an area 1008, including the nearest station 1006 to home 1010, is registered by the user as specific location information that will stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 when it is passed over. Area 1004, including the nearest station 1002 to company 1000, is an example of a first specific location. Area 1008, including the nearest station 1006 to home 1010, is an example of a second specific location.

[0054] In step S12 of Figure 3, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 held by the user acquires current location information indicating the user's current location using a function that acquires current location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 30. The process in step S12 is repeated at predetermined intervals (for example, every second).

[0055] In step S14 of Figure 3, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 compares the specific location information registered in step S10 with the current location information acquired in step S12, and can detect the entry position and exit position of the mobile terminal 30 carried by the user to the specific location. The entry position to the specific location is an example of the position before passing through the specific location. The exit position from the specific location is an example of the position after passing through the specific location. Since the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 can detect the entry position and exit position of the mobile terminal 30 to the specific location, it can detect the mobile terminal 30's passage through the specific location or the direction of passage. The direction of passage through the specific location may be, for example, the direction from home 1010 to company 1000, or the direction from company 1000 to home 1010. The direction of passage through the specific location may also be a direction that can be specified in terms of east, west, north, or south.

[0056] The upper part of Figure 4 shows the return journey of a user carrying a mobile terminal 30 from company 1000 to home 1010. In step S20, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects the mobile terminal 30 entering area 1004, which includes the nearest station 1002 to company 1000, and is registered as specific location information that, when passed, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0057] In step S22, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects that the mobile terminal 30 has left area 1004, which includes the nearest station 1002 of company 1000, and is registered as specific location information that, when passed, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40. Through the processing in steps S20 and S22, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 can detect that the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 has passed through a specific location that, when passed, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, or the direction of passage.

[0058] In step S16 of Figure 3, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 determines whether the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 has passed through the specific location registered in step S10 in the direction from company 1000 to home 1010. If the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 has not passed through the specific location registered in step S10 in the direction from company 1000 to home 1010, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 returns to step S12 and continues processing.

[0059] If the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 is passing through the specific location registered in step S10 in the direction from company 1000 to home 1010, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 proceeds to step S18 and controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the air conditioning management device 10 to start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 at home 1010.

[0060] The lower part of Figure 4 shows the time when a user carrying a mobile terminal 30 leaves their home 1010 to go to work at the company 1000. In step S24, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects that the mobile terminal 30 has entered an area 1008 that includes the nearest station 1006 to the home 1010, which is registered as specific location information that, when passed through, will stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0061] In step S26, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects that the mobile terminal 30 has left area 1008, which includes the nearest station 1006 to the home 1010, and is registered as specific location information that, when passed, will stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40. Through the processing in steps S24 and S26, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 can detect that the user carrying the mobile terminal 30 has passed through a specific location that, when passed, will stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, or the direction of passage.

[0062] In step S16 of Figure 3, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 determines that the user carrying the mobile terminal 30 has passed a specific location where the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 will be stopped if the user passes through it, in the direction from home 1010 to company 1000, and proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the air conditioning management device 10 so as to stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 at home 1010.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment accepts registration of specific locations for starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, and can start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment when it detects the user's action of the user's mobile terminal 30 passing through a specific location or in a specific direction. Thus, in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the operation of the air conditioning equipment can be started or stopped not by the distance between the home 1010 and the user's mobile terminal 30, but by the user's action of the user's mobile terminal 30 passing through a specific location or in a specific direction.

[0064] As a result, when a user is away for a short time, they can avoid the air conditioning unit 40 from shutting down by taking actions that prevent them from passing through a specific location or moving in a specific direction where the air conditioning unit 40 is shut down, thus not compromising the comfort of the air conditioning upon their return home. Furthermore, when a user is away for a long time, they can avoid the air conditioning unit 40 from shutting down by taking actions that prevent them from passing through a specific location or moving in a specific direction where the air conditioning unit 40 is shut down, thus not compromising the energy efficiency of the air conditioning unit 40. Moreover, even when a user is temporarily approaching the vicinity of their home, they can avoid the air conditioning unit 40 from starting up by taking actions that prevent them from passing through a specific location or moving in a specific direction where the air conditioning unit 40 is shut down, thus not compromising the energy efficiency of the air conditioning unit 40.

[0065] Thus, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment provides an air conditioning system 1 that starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in accordance with the user's actions, thereby improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning.

[0066] The air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 may start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in response to user actions, for example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. Note that Figures 5 and 6 contain the same content as Figures 3 and 4, so explanations of similar content will be omitted as appropriate.

[0067] In step S30 of Figure 5, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 receives registration of specific location information from the user, which indicates a set of specific locations to be passed through in a specified order. The user registers specific location information that will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 when the set of specific locations are passed through in a specific order, or specific location information that will stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 when the set of specific locations are passed through in a specific order.

[0068] For example, a user may register a specific sequence of passing through multiple specific locations from the screens shown in Figures 7 and 8 displayed on the mobile terminal 30. Figures 7 and 8 are illustrative images of an example of a screen in which a user registers a specific sequence of passing through multiple specific locations.

[0069] Figure 7(A) shows an example of the behavior pattern list display screen 2000. The behavior pattern list display screen 2000 displays a list of behavior patterns. Users can add, edit, or delete behavior patterns from the behavior pattern list display screen 2000.

[0070] To add an action pattern, the user can press button 2006 to add the action pattern to the action pattern list display screen 2000. To edit an action pattern, the user can press button 2002 for the action pattern they wish to edit. To delete an action pattern, the user can press button 2004 for the action pattern they wish to delete. Finally, the user can complete the action pattern settings by pressing button 2008.

[0071] This section describes an example where the user presses the button 2002 for "Action Pattern 1 to Start Driving" displayed on the Action Pattern List screen 2000. The display on the mobile terminal 30 transitions to the Action Pattern Setting screen 2100 shown in Figure 7(B).

[0072] Figure 7(B) shows an example of the behavior pattern setting screen 2100. The behavior pattern setting screen 2100 allows the user to edit the target behavior pattern. The user can edit the behavior pattern from the behavior pattern setting screen 2100.

[0073] Field 2102 on the behavior pattern setting screen 2100 is for setting the name of "behavior pattern 1 for starting the drive". By pressing button 2104, the user can transition to the departure point registration screen 2200 in Figure 7(C), where they can set the departure point of the behavior pattern. The user can also transition to the arrival point registration screen 2300 in Figure 8(B), where they can set the arrival point of the behavior pattern, by pressing button 2106. The terms "departure point" and "arrival point" are just examples; any names that clearly identify the order in which multiple specific locations are passed are acceptable. Figure 7(B) of the behavior pattern setting screen 2100 shows an example with two specific locations, but there may be three or more.

[0074] Additionally, the user can press button 2108 to discard the settings made on the behavior pattern setting screen 2100. The user can press button 2110 to register the settings made on the behavior pattern setting screen 2100.

[0075] This section describes an example where the user presses button 2104 displayed on the behavior pattern setting screen 2100. The display on the mobile terminal 30 transitions to the departure point registration screen 2200 shown in Figure 7(C).

[0076] Figure 7(C) shows an example of the starting point registration screen 2200. The starting point registration screen 2200 allows the user to set the starting point for "Action Pattern 1 to Start Driving". Field 2202 on the starting point registration screen 2200 is where the user sets the name of the starting point (for example, a company). Field 2204 on the starting point registration screen 2200 displays a map. The user can set location 2206 on the map displayed in field 2204 as the starting point by selecting location 2206 and pressing button 2208.

[0077] Additionally, the user can press button 2210 to discard the settings made on the starting point registration screen 2200. The user can also press button 2212 to register the settings made on the starting point registration screen 2200.

[0078] This section describes an example where the user presses button 2212 displayed on the starting point registration screen 2200. The display on the mobile terminal 30 transitions to the behavior pattern setting screen 2100 shown in Figure 8(A).

[0079] Figure 8(A) shows an example of the behavior pattern setting screen 2100. The behavior pattern setting screen 2100 in Figure 8(A) has been updated with the content of the starting point set in Figure 7(C), compared to the content displayed in the behavior pattern setting screen 2100 in Figure 7(B).

[0080] This section describes an example where the user presses button 2106 displayed on the behavior pattern setting screen 2100. The display on the mobile terminal 30 transitions to the destination registration screen 2300 shown in Figure 8(B).

[0081] Figure 8(B) shows an example of the destination registration screen 2300. The destination registration screen 2300 allows the user to set the destination for "Action Pattern 1 to Start Driving". Field 2302 on the destination registration screen 2300 is where the user sets the name of the destination (for example, the nearest station). Field 2304 on the destination registration screen 2300 displays a map, similar to Figure 7(C). The user can set location 2306 on the map displayed in field 2304 as the destination by selecting the location 2306 on the map and pressing button 2308.

[0082] Additionally, the user can press button 2310 to discard the settings made on the destination registration screen 2300. The user can also press button 2312 to register the settings made on the destination registration screen 2300.

[0083] This section describes an example where the user presses button 2312 displayed on the destination registration screen 2300. The display on the mobile terminal 30 transitions to the behavior pattern setting screen 2100 shown in Figure 8(C). The behavior pattern setting screen 2100 in Figure 8(C) is updated with the information of the departure point set in Figure 8(B), replacing the information displayed on the behavior pattern setting screen 2100 in Figure 8(A).

[0084] By pressing button 2110 on the behavior pattern setting screen 2100 in Figure 8(C), the user can register the settings made on the behavior pattern setting screen 2100, the departure point registration screen 2200, and the arrival point registration screen 2300.

[0085] Users can register behavioral patterns, such as those shown in Figure 6. In Figure 6, one example of a behavioral pattern for starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 is shown, which involves passing through area 1012 including company 1000 and then passing through area 1004 including the nearest station 1002 to company 1000.

[0086] Furthermore, Figure 6 shows, as an example of a behavioral pattern for starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, a pattern in which the user passes through area 1004, which includes the nearest station 1002 to company 1000, and then passes through area 1008, which includes the nearest station 1006 to home 1010.

[0087] In step S32 of Figure 5, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 held by the user acquires current location information indicating the user's current location using a function that acquires current location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 30.

[0088] In step S34 of Figure 5, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 can detect the entry and exit of the mobile terminal 30 held by the user into multiple specific locations by comparing the multiple specific location information registered in step S30 with the current location information acquired in step S32. Furthermore, since the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 can detect the entry and exit of the mobile terminal 30 held by the user into multiple specific locations, it can detect the passage of the mobile terminal 30 into multiple specific locations.

[0089] The upper part of Figure 6 shows the return of a user who possesses a mobile terminal 30 from company 1000 to their home 1010. In step S40, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects the departure of the mobile terminal 30 from area 1012, which includes company 1000, that is registered as one of several specific location information items that, when passed through in a specific order, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0090] In step S42, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects the mobile terminal 30 entering an area 1004 that includes the nearest station 1002 of company 1000, which is registered as a set of specific location information that, when passed through in a specific order, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0091] In step S44, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects the departure of the mobile terminal 30 from area 1004, which includes the nearest station 1002 of company 1000, and is registered as a set of specific location information that, when passed in a specific order, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40. Through the processing in steps S40 to S44, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 can detect that the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 has passed through a set of specific locations in a specific order.

[0092] The lower part of Figure 6, like the upper part of Figure 6, represents the return trip of a user carrying a mobile terminal 30 from company 1000 to home 1010. In step S50, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects the mobile terminal 30 entering area 1004, which includes the nearest station 1002 of company 1000, and is registered as one of several specific location pieces that, when passed through in a specific order, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0093] In step S52, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects the departure of the mobile terminal 30 from the area 1004 which includes the nearest station 1002 of company 1000, which is registered as a plurality of specific location information that will start operating the air conditioning equipment 40 when passed through in a specific order.

[0094] In step S54, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects the mobile terminal 30 entering an area 1008 that includes the nearest station 1006 to the home 1010, which is registered as one of several specific location information items that, when passed through in a specific order, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0095] In step S56, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 detects the departure of the mobile terminal 30 from the area 1008, which includes the nearest station 1006 to the home 1010, and is registered as a set of specific location information that, when passed through in a specific order, will start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0096] Through the processing in steps S50 to S56, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 can detect that the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 has passed through a specific number of specific locations in a specific order.

[0097] In step S35 of Figure 5, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 determines whether the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 has passed through the multiple specific locations registered in step S30 in a specific order. If the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 has not passed through the multiple specific locations registered in step S30 in a specific order, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 returns to step S32 and continues processing.

[0098] If the user possessing the mobile terminal 30 passes through the specific locations where registration was accepted in step S30 in a specific order, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 proceeds to step S38 and controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the air conditioning management device 10 to start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in the home 1010.

[0099] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment accepts registration of a specific sequence of passing through multiple specific locations as an action pattern for starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40. When the user's mobile terminal 30 detects that the user has passed through multiple specific locations in a specific sequence, the air conditioning equipment can be started or stopped.

[0100] Thus, in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the operation of the air conditioning equipment can be started or stopped not by the distance between the home 1010 and the mobile terminal 30 held by the user, but by the user's actions, such as the mobile terminal 30 being passed through a certain number of specific locations in a specific order.

[0101] This allows users to consciously avoid turning off the air conditioning unit 40 when they are going out for a short time, thereby preventing the air conditioning unit 40 from shutting down and maintaining comfort upon their return home. Furthermore, when users are going out for a long time, they can consciously turn off the air conditioning unit 40, thus preventing the air conditioning unit 40 from shutting down and maintaining its energy efficiency.

[0102] Thus, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment provides an air conditioning system 1 that starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in accordance with the user's actions, thereby improving the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning.

[0103] The air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 may, for example, be configured to accept instructions from the user to authorize or deny the start or stop of the air conditioning equipment 40 in response to the user's actions, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 9 contains the same content as Figure 3, so explanations of similar content will be omitted as appropriate. Note that the processing in steps S60 to S66 is the same as steps S10 to S16 in Figure 3, so explanations of similar content will be omitted as appropriate.

[0104] In step S66, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 determines that the user holding the mobile terminal 30 has passed a specific location where the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 will be started or stopped when the user passes over that location, or has passed over that location in a specific direction, and proceeds to step S68.

[0105] In step S68, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 asks the user whether to allow or deny the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40. For example, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 displays a screen in which the user can select whether to allow or deny the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, and asks the user whether to allow or deny the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0106] In step S70, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 receives an instruction from the user to authorize or deny the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40. If the instruction received from the user authorizes the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, the process proceeds to step S72, where the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the air conditioning management device 10 to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in the home 1010. If the instruction received from the user denies the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 skips the process in step S72.

[0107] As shown in Figure 9, in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, even if the system detects a user's action of starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning unit 40, it can still receive instructions from the user regarding whether or not to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning unit 40. For example, if a user is delayed in returning home 1010 due to reading directions or other reasons, the system can prevent the air conditioning unit 40 from starting by denying permission to start its operation.

[0108] The air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 may, for example, determine the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning equipment 40 or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in response to user actions, as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart of an example of the processing of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment. Note that Figure 10 contains the same content as Figure 3, so explanations of similar content will be omitted as appropriate. Note that the processing of steps S80 to S86 is the same as steps S10 to S16 in Figure 3, so explanations of similar content will be omitted as appropriate.

[0109] In step S86, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 determines that the user holding the mobile terminal 30 has passed a specific location where the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 will be started or stopped when the user passes over that location, or has passed over that location in a specific direction, and proceeds to step S88.

[0110] In step S88, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 determines whether passing through or in the direction of passing through a specific location that starts the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 constitutes an action to start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40. If passing through or in the direction of passing through a specific location that starts the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 constitutes an action to start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 proceeds to the process in step S90.

[0111] In step S90, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 determines the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 40 or the timing for starting the operation of the air conditioning unit 40. The determination of the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 40 or the timing for starting the operation of the air conditioning unit 40 may be based on the distance from a specific location to the home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed.

[0112] For example, the shorter the distance from the user's current location on the mobile device 30 to their home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed, the higher the rotation speed of the compressor in the air conditioning unit 40 or the earlier the timing of starting the air conditioning unit 40. Since a shorter distance from the user's current location on the mobile device 30 to their home 1010 means the user is expected to return home to their home 1010 in less time, increasing the air conditioning performance of the air conditioning unit 40 helps prevent any loss of comfort from the air conditioning upon their return home.

[0113] Furthermore, the longer the distance from the user's current location on the mobile device 30 to their home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed, the lower the rotation speed of the air conditioning unit 40's compressor or the later the start of operation of the air conditioning unit 40 may be adjusted. Since a longer distance from the user's current location on the mobile device 30 to their home 1010 means that it is expected that the user will take longer to return to their home 1010, the energy efficiency of the air conditioning unit 40 is improved by reducing its cooling performance.

[0114] Furthermore, the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 40 or the timing for starting the operation of the air conditioning unit 40 may be determined based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature in the home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed and the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 40.

[0115] For example, the greater the temperature difference between the measured temperature in the home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed and the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 40, the greater the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 40 may be increased or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning unit 40 may be changed to be earlier. The greater the temperature difference between the measured temperature in the home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed and the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 40, the greater the air conditioning load, and by increasing the air conditioning performance of the air conditioning unit 40, it is possible to prevent the comfort of the air conditioning from being compromised when returning home.

[0116] Furthermore, the smaller the temperature difference between the measured temperature in the home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed and the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 40, the lower the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 40 or the later the timing of starting operation of the air conditioning unit 40 may be changed. Since a smaller temperature difference between the measured temperature in the home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed and the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 40 results in a smaller air conditioning load, the energy efficiency of the air conditioning unit 40 can be improved by reducing the air conditioning performance of the air conditioning unit 40.

[0117] Furthermore, if the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 40 or the timing for starting the operation of the air conditioning unit 40 is determined based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature in the home 1010 where the air conditioning unit 40 is installed and the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 40, the outside temperature may also be taken into consideration. In addition, the air conditioning unit 40 may switch between cooling and heating based on the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 40. Furthermore, the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 40 may be the set temperature in automatic operation mode or the set temperature set by the user in manual operation mode.

[0118] In step S88, if the passage through the specific location where the air conditioning equipment 40 is to be started, or the direction of passage, is not an action that starts the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 skips the processing in step S90.

[0119] In step S92, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the air conditioning management device 10 to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in the home 1010. If passing a specific position for starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, or the direction of passing, is an action for starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, the control unit 32 of the mobile terminal 30 controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 via the air conditioning management device 10 to start the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in the home 1010, based on the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning equipment 40 or the timing for starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 determined in step S90.

[0120] Furthermore, the flowchart processes shown in Figure 9 or Figure 10 may be applied to the flowchart processes shown in Figure 5. For example, the flowchart processes shown in Figure 5 may be modified to include the process shown in Figure 9 for receiving instructions from the user to allow or deny the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40. Alternatively, for example, the flowchart processes shown in Figure 5 may be modified to include the process shown in Figure 10 for determining the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning equipment 40 or the timing for starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0121] [Effect] This embodiment is an air conditioning system 1 having an air conditioning device 40 and a control unit 12 of an air conditioning management device 10 or a control unit 32 of a mobile terminal 30, wherein the control unit 12 or 32 accepts registration of specific location information indicating at least one specific location, acquires current location information indicating the current location of a mobile terminal 30 held by the user, and starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning device 40 when it detects that the mobile terminal 30 has passed the specific location based on the specific location information and the current location information.

[0122] The air conditioning system 1 receives registration of specific location information from the user, which indicates at least one specific location, and when it detects the user's action of passing through a specific location using a mobile terminal 30 carried by the user, it starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0123] According to this embodiment, by providing an air conditioning system 1 that starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in response to user actions, it is possible to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning.

[0124] In this embodiment, the control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 determines whether to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 based on the specific location information and the current location information, and based on the location information of the mobile terminal 30 before or after passing the specific location.

[0125] According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 based on the position information of the mobile terminal 30 before or after passing a specific location. The position information of the mobile terminal 30 before or after passing a specific location is, for example, the position entering the specific location or the position leaving the specific location. The position information of the mobile terminal 30 before or after passing a specific location can be used to detect the direction of passage through the specific location.

[0126] The control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 in this embodiment accepts registration of first specific location information indicating a first specific location (for example, an area 1004 including the nearest station 1002 of company 1000) which is used to determine when to start operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0127] According to this embodiment, the system can receive registration from a user of first specific location information, which indicates a first specific location used to determine when to start operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0128] The control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 in this embodiment accepts registration of second specific location information indicating a second specific location (for example, an area 1008 including the nearest station 1006 to the home 1010) which is used to determine whether to stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0129] According to this embodiment, the system can accept registration from the user of second specific location information, which indicates a second specific location used to determine whether to stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0130] In this embodiment, the control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 receives instructions from the user to authorize or deny the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 when starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0131] According to this embodiment, when starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, the system can receive instructions from the user to authorize or deny the start or stop of the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0132] In this embodiment, the control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 accepts registration of a specific sequence of passing through multiple specific locations, and when it detects the passage of a mobile terminal through multiple specific locations in a specific sequence, it starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0133] In this embodiment, registration of a specific sequence of passing through multiple specific locations is accepted, and when the user's action of passing through multiple specific locations in a specific order is detected, the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 is started or stopped. According to this embodiment, the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be further improved.

[0134] In this embodiment, the control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 detects the passage of the mobile terminal 30 to a specific location and, when starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, changes the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning equipment 40 or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 based on the distance from the specific location to the target space where the air conditioning equipment 40 is installed.

[0135] According to this embodiment, by changing the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning equipment 40 or the timing of starting operation of the air conditioning equipment based on the distance from a specific location to the target space in which the air conditioning equipment 40 is installed, the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be further improved.

[0136] In this embodiment, the control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 detects the passage of the mobile terminal 30 to a specific location and, when starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40, changes the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning equipment 40 or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature of the target space in which the air conditioning equipment 40 is installed.

[0137] According to this embodiment, by changing the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning unit 40 or the timing of starting operation of the air conditioning unit 40 based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature of the target space in which the air conditioning unit 40 is installed, the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning can be further improved.

[0138] In this embodiment, the control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 accepts registration of specific location information when the user specifies a building displayed on a map.

[0139] According to this embodiment, it becomes easier for users to register specific location information.

[0140] In this embodiment, when the control unit 12 or 32 of the air conditioning system 1 receives registration of specific location information from the user, it visually presents to the user buildings with good detection accuracy for current location information.

[0141] According to this embodiment, it becomes easier for users to register specific location information with good detection accuracy of current location information.

[0142] This embodiment provides an air conditioning management device 10 having a control unit 12 or a mobile terminal 30 having a control unit 32, wherein the control unit 12 or 32 accepts registration of specific location information indicating at least one specific location, acquires current location information indicating the current location of the mobile terminal 30 held by the user, and starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 when it detects that the mobile terminal 30 has passed the specific location based on the specific location information and the current location information.

[0143] In this embodiment, the system accepts registration of specific location information indicating at least one specific location, and when it detects the user's action of passing through a specific location using a mobile terminal 30 held by the user, it starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0144] According to this embodiment, by providing an air conditioning management device 10 or a mobile terminal 30 that starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment 40 in accordance with the user's actions, it is possible to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioning.

[0145] As described above, this embodiment can be understood to be capable of various modifications to its form and details without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0146] 1. Air conditioning system 10 Air conditioning control equipment 12, 32 Control Unit 30 Mobile devices 40 Air conditioning equipment

Claims

1. An air conditioning system having air conditioning equipment and a control unit, The control unit, We accept registration of location information that indicates at least one specific location. We obtain current location information that indicates the current location of the mobile device the user possesses. Based on the specified location information and the current location information, when it is detected that the mobile terminal has passed the specified location, the operation of the air conditioning equipment is started or stopped. Air conditioning system.

2. The control unit determines whether to start or stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment based on the specific location information and the current location information, and based on the location information of the mobile terminal before or after passing the specific location. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit accepts registration of first specific location information indicating a first specific location used to determine the start of operation of the air conditioning equipment. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. The control unit accepts registration of a second specific location information indicating a second specific location used to determine whether to stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, when starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning equipment, receives instructions from the user regarding permission or denial of starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioning equipment. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit accepts registration of a specific order in which multiple specific locations are passed, and when it detects the passage of the mobile terminal through the multiple specific locations in a specific order, it starts or stops the operation of the air conditioning equipment. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The control unit detects the passage of the mobile terminal to the specific location and, when starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment, changes the rotational speed of the compressor of the air conditioning equipment or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment based on the distance from the specific location to the target space where the air conditioning equipment is installed. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The control unit detects the passage of the mobile terminal to the specific location and, when starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment, changes the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioning equipment or the timing of starting the operation of the air conditioning equipment based on the temperature difference between the measured temperature and the set temperature of the target space in which the air conditioning equipment is installed. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The control unit accepts the registration of the specific location information when the user specifies a building displayed on the map. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. When the control unit receives registration of the specific location information from the user, it presents to the user in a visible manner a building with good detection accuracy for the current location information. The air conditioning system according to claim 9.

11. An air conditioning control device having a control unit, The control unit, We accept registration of location information that indicates at least one specific location. We obtain current location information that indicates the current location of the mobile device the user possesses. Based on the aforementioned specific location information and the aforementioned current location information, when it is detected that the mobile terminal has passed the aforementioned specific location, the operation of the air conditioning equipment is started or stopped. Air conditioning control equipment.

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