Communication equipment, servers, air conditioners, and information processing

Abstract

By implementing power-saving control through multiple pathways, the possibility of overheating or underheating is reduced. [Solution] A communication device 300 is provided, which includes a communication interface 360 ​​for controlling an air conditioner 500 by wireless communication and a processor 310. When the processor receives a power saving request from the server 100C, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before and after the start time of power saving, it does not send a power saving instruction to the air conditioner. If the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before and after the start time of power saving, it sends a power saving instruction to the air conditioner.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for power saving of air conditioners. [Background Art]

[0002] Demand control from electric power companies during peak power periods and the like has been conventionally known. For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-118225 (Patent Document 1) discloses a demand control method for air conditioners. According to Patent Document 1, when starting demand control based on demand control information obtained from an electric power company through a communication network during summer peak power periods, a wireless remote control transmission unit of the demand control device transmits a signal that shifts up the set temperature of the air conditioner by 1°C. The demand control is terminated within 15 minutes from the start of demand control, the demand control release information is transmitted from the electric power company, and the set temperature of the air conditioner is restored to the original set temperature using the demand control device. Therefore, since comfort is not impaired, the user's demand control cancellation rate can be reduced, efficient power peak cutting can be achieved, and regional blackout accidents can be prevented beforehand.

[0003] Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 06-341690 (Patent Document 2) discloses a control device for an air conditioner. According to Patent Document 2, a signal is transmitted from the demand control device, and when the air conditioner detects this signal, the air conditioner stores the current operating capacity and then reduces the operating capacity. When the signal transmission from the demand control device stops, the air conditioner resumes operation at the stored operating capacity. Furthermore, by using a centralized controller, demand control can be performed for a plurality of air conditioners. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-118225 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-341690 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The objective of this invention is to reduce the possibility of over-temperature increases or decreases by performing power-saving control through multiple pathways. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a communication device is provided comprising a communication interface for controlling an air conditioner by wireless communication and a processor. When the processor receives a power saving request from a server, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before and after the start time of power saving, it does not send a power saving instruction to the air conditioner, but if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before and after the start time of power saving, it sends a power saving instruction to the air conditioner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, according to the present invention, the possibility of raising or lowering the temperature too much is reduced by performing power-saving control through multiple paths. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the server configuration according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an illustrative diagram showing the data of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an IR remote control according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an illustrative diagram showing the data of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the first information processing in the network system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the second information processing in the network system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the third information processing in the network system 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the first information processing in the network system 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the second information processing in the network system 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the third information processing in the network system 1 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows the overall configuration and operation overview of the network system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the fourth information processing in the network system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing the fifth information processing step in the network system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing the sixth information processing step in the network system 1 according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart showing the first information processing in the network system 1 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing the second information processing in the network system 1 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing first information processing in the network system 1 according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing second information processing in the network system 1 according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing second information processing in the network system 1 according to the ninth embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical components are denoted by identical reference numerals. Their names and functions are also identical. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Although the following description is given using an air conditioner as an example, the air conditioner includes air conditioning equipment, room air conditioners, packaged air conditioners, and the like. In other words, the air conditioner includes all devices that create a comfortable indoor environment by adjusting the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, etc. of air. <First Embodiment> <Overall Configuration of Network System 1>

[0010] First, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The network system 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes: a power server 100A operated by an electric power company or a power aggregator; an IR remote controller 200 disposed in each home or each room; a remote controller server 100B operated by a remote controller manufacturer or the like; a communication device 300 disposed in each home or each room; a communication server 100C operated by a communication device manufacturer or the like; and an air conditioner 500 disposed in each home or each room.

[0011] In this embodiment, when the remote control server 100B receives a request for energy conservation from a power company or aggregator, it changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 via the IR remote control 200 located in the air conditioner user's home via the internet. Similarly, when the communication server 100C receives a request for energy conservation from a power company or aggregator, it changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 located in the air conditioner user's home via the internet. <Overview of Network System 1 Operation>

[0012] In this embodiment, when a power company or aggregator issues a power saving request, the remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote controls 200, 200, etc. in the designated area to change the set temperature for the specified time period. For example, during a power shortage in summer, it requests the air conditioner to raise the temperature by 1 degree. Conversely, during a power shortage in winter, it requests the air conditioner to lower the temperature by 1 degree. As a result, when the designated power saving start time arrives, the IR remote control 200 emits an infrared signal to raise or lower the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 by 1 degree. Furthermore, when the designated power saving end time arrives, the IR remote control 200 emits an infrared signal to lower or raise the set temperature by 1 degree.

[0013] In this embodiment, when a power company or aggregator issues a power saving request, the communication server 100C instructs the communication devices 300, 300, etc. in the designated area to change the set temperature for the specified time period.

[0014] In particular, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the power saving command from the IR remote control 200 and the power saving command from the communication device 300 from being input to the air conditioner 500 simultaneously, the following process is performed. That is, a few minutes before the designated power saving start time, the communication device 300 obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through a router or the like. Then, a few minutes after the designated power saving start time, the communication device 300 obtains the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500. If the set temperature has already been raised by 1 degree or lowered by 1 degree, the communication device 300 does not send a command to change the set temperature. Conversely, if the set temperature has not changed, the communication device 300 sends command data to the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through a router or the like to raise or lower the set temperature by 1 degree.

[0015] Similarly, the communication device 300 obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through a router or the like a few minutes before the designated end time for power saving. Then, a few minutes after the designated end time for power saving, the communication device 300 obtains the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500. If the set temperature has already been lowered by 1 degree or raised by 1 degree, the communication device 300 does not send a command to change the set temperature. Conversely, if the set temperature has not changed, the communication device 300 sends command data to the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through a router or the like to lower or raise the set temperature by 1 degree.

[0016] Thus, this embodiment reduces the possibility of multiple power-saving commands being input to the air conditioner 500 from different routes. The specific configuration of the network system 1 for realizing this function will be described in detail below. <Server Hardware Configuration>

[0017] First, one aspect of the hardware configuration of the servers constituting the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The configuration of the communication server 100C will be described below, but since the power server 100A and the remote control server 100B have similar configurations, the description will not be repeated here.

[0018] Referring to Figure 2, the server 100 includes, as its main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 110, memory 120, an operation unit 140, and a communication interface 160.

[0019] The CPU 110 controls various parts of the server 100 by executing programs stored in memory 120. For example, the CPU 110 executes programs stored in memory 120 and references various data to perform various processes described later.

[0020] Memory 120 is implemented using various types of RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory). Memory 120 stores programs executed by the CPU 110, information regarding power saving requests received from the power server 100A, and information for each air conditioner 500. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the air conditioner information 121 includes, for example, the correspondence between the equipment ID, model, user name, user address, operating status, and set temperature for each air conditioner 500.

[0021] Returning to Figure 2, the operation unit 140 receives commands from the service administrator or others and inputs those commands to the CPU 110.

[0022] The communication interface 160 transmits data from the CPU 110 to other devices such as the communication device 300 via the internet, carrier network, router, etc. Conversely, the communication interface 160 receives data from other devices such as the power server 100A and the communication device 300 via the internet, carrier network, router, etc., and passes it on to the CPU 110. <Hardware configuration of Remote Control 200>

[0023] Next, with reference to Figure 4, one embodiment of the configuration of the remote control 200 that constitutes the network system 1 will be described. The remote control 200 includes, as its main components, a CPU 210, a memory 220, a display 230, an operating unit 240, a communication interface 260, and an infrared transmitter 265.

[0024] The CPU 210 controls the various parts of the remote control 200 by executing programs stored in the memory 220 or an external storage medium.

[0025] Memory 220 is implemented using various types of RAM and ROM. Memory 220 stores programs executed by the CPU 210, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 210, data received from server 100 and other servers, data input via the operation unit 240, and control signals for multiple types of equipment from multiple manufacturers. As mentioned above, the control signals for the equipment may be downloaded from the remote control server 100B when needed.

[0026] The display 230 outputs characters, images, etc., based on signals from the CPU 210. The display 230 may also simply be a light.

[0027] The operation unit 240 is implemented by buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives commands from the user and inputs those commands to the CPU 210. The display 230 and the operation unit 240 may be configured as a touch panel.

[0028] The communication interface 260 is implemented by a communication module such as a wireless LAN or wired LAN. The communication interface 260 exchanges data with other devices such as the remote control server 100B via wired or wireless communication.

[0029] The infrared transmitter 265 transmits infrared signals to the air conditioner 500, television, and other home appliances in response to signals from the CPU 210.

[0030] In this embodiment, the CPU 210 transmits a command to change the set temperature from the infrared transmitter 265 to the air conditioner 500 based on a power saving request received from the remote control server 100B via the communication interface 260. The infrared signal may include a command for a temperature change, such as +1 degree, or it may directly specify the set temperature itself, such as 26 degrees. <Hardware configuration of communication equipment>

[0031] Next, with reference to Figure 5, one aspect of the configuration of the communication device 300 that constitutes the network system 1 will be described. The communication device 300 includes, as its main components, a CPU 310, a memory 320, a display 330, an operation unit 340, and a communication interface 360.

[0032] The CPU 310 controls various parts of the communication device 300 by executing programs stored in the memory 320 or an external storage medium.

[0033] The memory 320 is implemented using various types of RAM and ROM. The memory 320 stores programs executed by the CPU 310, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 310, data received from the server 100 and the air conditioner 500, and data input via the control unit 340. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the memory 320 in this embodiment stores power saving instructions such as the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, the temperature to be changed due to power saving, and the current operating status and set temperature of the air conditioner 500 that it manages.

[0034] The display 330 outputs text, images, etc., based on signals from the CPU 310. The display 330 may also simply be a light source.

[0035] The control unit 340 is implemented using buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives commands from the user and inputs those commands to the CPU 310. The display 330 and the control unit 340 may also be configured as a touch panel.

[0036] The communication interface 360 ​​is implemented by a communication module such as a wireless LAN or wired LAN. For example, the communication interface 360 ​​exchanges data with other devices such as the communication server 100C and the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through a router or the like, according to instructions from the CPU 310. In this embodiment, the CPU 310 sends a command to change the set temperature to the air conditioner 500 via the communication interface 360 ​​based on a power saving request received from the communication server 100C via the communication interface 360. The air conditioner 500 may be directly given a set temperature, such as 26 degrees, or it may be given a temperature to be changed to, such as plus 1 degree. <Hardware configuration of the air conditioner>

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 7, one aspect of the configuration of the air conditioner 500 that constitutes the network system 1 will be described. The air conditioner 500 mainly includes a CPU 510, a memory 520, a display 530, an operating unit 540, a communication interface 560, an infrared light receiver 565, a speaker 570, and a device drive unit 590.

[0038] The CPU 510 controls the various parts of the air conditioner 500 by executing programs stored in the memory 520 or an external storage medium.

[0039] Memory 520 is implemented using various types of RAM and ROM. Memory 520 stores programs executed by the CPU 510, data generated by the execution of programs by the CPU 510, data received from the remote control 200, communication device 300, and servers 100B and 100C, and data input via the operation unit 540.

[0040] The display 530 outputs characters, images, etc., based on signals from the CPU 510. The display 530 may also simply be a light source.

[0041] The operation unit 540 is implemented by buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives commands from the user and inputs those commands to the CPU 510. The display 530 and the operation unit 540 may also be configured as a touch panel.

[0042] The communication interface 560 is implemented by a communication module such as a wireless LAN or wired LAN. The communication interface 560 exchanges data with other devices such as the communication device 300 and servers 100B and 100C via wired or wireless communication.

[0043] The infrared receiver 565 receives infrared signals from the remote control 200 or the like, and inputs these signals to the CPU 510.

[0044] Speaker 570 outputs sound based on the signal from CPU 510.

[0045] The equipment drive unit 590 includes the main mechanisms of the air conditioner 500, such as the compressor, fan, and airflow direction change motor, and implements cooling and heating functions based on signals from the CPU 510. <Information Processing in Network Systems>

[0046] Next, the information processing in the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8, 9, and 10.

[0047] Referring to Figure 8, the case where a power saving command from the remote control 200 is first input to the air conditioner 500 will be explained. First, the remote control server 100B queries the power company or the power server 100A of the aggregator for a power saving request (step S102). Based on the power saving request, the remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote control 200 via the internet to set the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, and the temperature correction value (step S104).

[0048] Similarly, the communication server 100C also queries the power company or aggregator's power server 100A in advance for a power saving request (step S106). Based on the power saving request, the communication server 100C instructs the communication device 300 via the internet to determine the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, and the temperature correction value (step S108).

[0049] The CPU 310 of the communication device 300, immediately before the start of power saving, for example 3 minutes prior, uses the communication interface 360 ​​to request the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router (step S112). For example, it receives a response of 28 degrees.

[0050] Subsequently, when the power saving start time is reached, the IR remote control 200 emits an infrared signal to the air conditioner 500 instructing it to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S114). In this case, it is assumed that the infrared signal was successfully received by the air conditioner 500.

[0051] The CPU 310 of the communication device 300, immediately after the power saving start time, for example three minutes later, uses the communication interface 360 ​​to request the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router (step S116). For example, it receives a response of 29 degrees. If the set temperature has changed before or after the power saving start time, the communication device 300 recognizes that the power saving request has already been successfully transmitted from the IR remote control 200 to the air conditioner 500 and does not send any further temperature correction commands for power saving (step S118).

[0052] If the power saving end time is reached, the reverse process described above is performed. That is, immediately before the power saving end time, for example 3 minutes before, the CPU 310 of the communication device 300 uses the communication interface 360 ​​to request the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router (step S112). For example, it receives a response of 29 degrees.

[0053] Subsequently, when the power saving period ends, the IR remote control 200 emits an infrared signal to the air conditioner 500 to lower the set temperature by 1 degree (step S114).

[0054] The CPU 310 of the communication device 300, immediately after the power saving end time, for example three minutes later, uses the communication interface 360 ​​to request the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router (step S116). For example, it receives a response of 28 degrees. If the set temperature has changed before or after the power saving end time, the communication device 300 recognizes that the instruction to end power saving has already been successfully transmitted from the IR remote control 200 to the air conditioner 500 and does not send any further temperature correction commands for power saving (step S118). Conversely, if the set temperature has not changed before or after the power saving end time, the communication device 300 recognizes that the instruction to end power saving has not yet been successfully transmitted from the IR remote control 200 to the air conditioner 500 and sends a command to the air conditioner 500 to change the set temperature for ending power saving.

[0055] Referring to Figure 9, we will now explain the case where a power saving command from the remote control 200 is input to the air conditioner 500 with a delay. First, the communication server 100C pre-inquiries the power company or the power server 100A of the aggregator regarding the power saving request (step S106). Based on the power saving request, the communication server 100C instructs the communication device 300 via the internet to set the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, and the temperature correction value (step S108).

[0056] Similarly, the remote control server 100B also queries the power company or aggregator's power server 100A for power saving requests (step S102). Based on the power saving requests, the remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote control 200 via the internet to set the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, and the temperature correction value (step S104).

[0057] The CPU 310 of the communication device 300 requests the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 immediately before the start of the power saving period, for example, 3 minutes before (step S112). For example, it receives a response of 28 degrees.

[0058] The CPU 310 of the communication device 300 requests the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 immediately after the power saving start time, for example, 3 minutes later (step S116). For example, it receives a response of 28 degrees. Since the set temperature has not changed before and after the power saving start time, the communication device 300 sends command data to the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router, instructing it to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S120).

[0059] Subsequently, with a delay, the IR remote control 200 may emit an infrared signal to the air conditioner 500 to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S122).

[0060] The CPU 310 of the communication device 300 obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 within a predetermined time from the start of power saving, for example, within 10 minutes (step S124). In addition, the air conditioner 500 may push information about changes in the set temperature, or the communication device 300 may periodically go to obtain the set temperature.

[0061] The CPU 310 of the communication device 300 determines whether the set temperature has risen further, that is, whether the set temperature has changed further in the direction of energy saving (step S126). If the set temperature has risen further, it sends a command to the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router to cancel its own energy saving instruction (step S128). The communication device 300 waits if there is no change in the set temperature from its own command.

[0062] Similarly, as shown in Figure 10, while the set temperature is being changed by the IR remote control 200 (step S132), the communication device 300 may check the set temperature after the power saving start time (step S116). In this case, the communication device 300 first sends command data to the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S120). Then, the communication device 300 obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 (step S124). The communication device 300 determines whether the set temperature has risen further, that is, whether the set temperature has changed further in the direction of power saving (step S126). If the set temperature has risen further, it sends a command to the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router to cancel its own power saving instruction (step S128). The communication device 300 waits if there is no change in the set temperature from its own command. <Second Embodiment>

[0063] In the above embodiment, if a power-saving instruction was input to the air conditioner 500 via the IR remote control 200, the communication device 300 refrained from inputting the power-saving instruction to the air conditioner 500. However, the CPU 310 of the communication device 300 may also determine before and after the start of power saving whether the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 has changed to one that corresponds to the power-saving instruction, and if it has not changed, it may actively correct the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 to one that corresponds to the power-saving instruction. <Third Embodiment>

[0064] In the above embodiment, the communication device 300 refrained from issuing a power-saving instruction by determining whether or not a power-saving instruction had already been input to the air conditioner 500 by the IR remote control 200. However, such processing and determination may also be performed by the communication server 100C.

[0065] In this embodiment as well, when a power company or aggregator issues a power saving request, the remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote controls 200, 200, etc. in the designated area to change the set temperature for the specified time period. Similarly, in this embodiment as well, when a power company or aggregator issues a power saving request, the communication server 100C instructs the communication devices 300, 300, etc. in the designated area to change the set temperature for the specified time period.

[0066] In particular, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the power saving command from the IR remote control 200 and the power saving command from the communication device 300 from being input to the air conditioner 500 simultaneously, the following process is performed. That is, the communication server 100C obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via the internet or the like a few minutes before the specified power saving start time. Then, the communication server 100C obtains the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 a few minutes after the specified power saving start time. If the set temperature has already been raised by 1 degree or lowered by 1 degree, the communication server 100C does not send a command to change the set temperature. Conversely, if the set temperature has not changed, the communication server 100C sends a command via the internet or the like to raise or lower the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 by 1 degree.

[0067] Similarly, the communication server 100C obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 a few minutes before the specified end time for power saving. Then, a few minutes after the specified end time for power saving, the communication server 100C obtains the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500. If the set temperature has already been lowered by 1 degree or raised by 1 degree, the communication server 100C does not send a command to change the set temperature. Conversely, if the set temperature has not changed, the communication server 100C sends a data command to the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 to lower or raise the set temperature by 1 degree.

[0068] Thus, in this embodiment as well, the possibility of duplicate power-saving commands being input to the air conditioner 500 from multiple routes can be reduced. The information processing in the network system 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 11, 12, and 13. In Figures 11, 12, and 13, it is shown that the communication server 100C and the manufacturer of the air conditioner 500 are different businesses, but this configuration is not limited to this.

[0069] Referring to Figure 11, the case where a power saving command from the remote control 200 is first input to the air conditioner 500 will be explained. First, the remote control server 100B queries the power company or the power server 100A of the aggregator for a power saving request (step S202). Based on the power saving request, the remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote control 200 via the internet to set the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, and the temperature correction value (step S204).

[0070] Similarly, the communication server 100C also pre-inquires with the power company or aggregator's power server 100A regarding power saving requests (step S206).

[0071] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C, immediately before the start of power saving, for example three minutes prior, uses the communication interface 160 to request the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 (step S212). For example, it receives a response of 28 degrees.

[0072] Subsequently, when the power saving start time is reached, the IR remote control 200 emits an infrared signal to the air conditioner 500 instructing it to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S214). In this case, it is assumed that the infrared signal was successfully received by the air conditioner 500.

[0073] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C, immediately after the power saving start time, for example three minutes later, uses the communication interface 160 to request the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 (step S216). For example, it receives a response of 29 degrees. If the set temperature has changed before or after the power saving start time, the CPU 110 of the communication server 100C recognizes that the power saving request has already been successfully transmitted from the IR remote control 200 to the air conditioner 500 and does not send any further temperature correction commands for power saving (step S218).

[0074] If the power saving end time is reached, the reverse process described above is performed. That is, immediately before the power saving end time, for example 3 minutes before, the CPU 110 of the communication server 100C uses the communication interface 160 to request the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router (step S212). For example, it receives a response of 29 degrees.

[0075] Subsequently, when the power saving period ends, the IR remote control 200 emits an infrared signal to the air conditioner 500 to lower the set temperature by 1 degree (step S214).

[0076] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C, immediately after the power saving end time, for example three minutes later, uses the communication interface 160 to request the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via WiFi communication through the router (step S216). For example, it receives a response of 28 degrees. If the set temperature has changed before or after the power saving end time, the CPU 110 of the communication server 100C recognizes that the instruction to end power saving has already been successfully transmitted from the IR remote control 200 to the air conditioner 500, and does not send any further temperature correction commands for power saving (step S218). Conversely, if the set temperature has not changed before or after the power saving end time, the communication server 100C recognizes that the instruction to end power saving has not yet been successfully transmitted from the IR remote control 200 to the air conditioner 500, and sends a command to the air conditioner 500 to change the set temperature for ending power saving.

[0077] Referring to Figure 12, we will now explain the case where a power-saving command from the remote control 200 is input to the air conditioner 500 with a delay. First, the communication server 100C queries the power company or the power server 100A of the aggregator for a power-saving request (step S202).

[0078] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C requests the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 immediately before the start of power saving, for example, 3 minutes before (step S212). For example, it receives a response of 28 degrees.

[0079] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C requests the current set temperature from the air conditioner 500 immediately after the power saving start time, for example, 3 minutes later (step S216). For example, it receives a response of 28 degrees. Since the set temperature has not changed before and after the power saving start time, the CPU 110 sends command data to the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S220).

[0080] The remote control server 100B also queries the power company or aggregator's power server 100A for power saving requests (step S204). Based on the power saving requests, the remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote control 200 via the internet to set the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, and the temperature correction value (step S206).

[0081] Thus, the IR remote control 200 may emit an infrared signal to the air conditioner 500 to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S222).

[0082] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 within a predetermined time from the start of power saving, for example, within 10 minutes (step S224). In addition, the air conditioner 500 may push information about changes in the set temperature, or the communication server 100C may periodically retrieve the set temperature.

[0083] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C determines whether the set temperature has risen further, that is, whether the set temperature has changed further in the direction of power saving (step S226). If the set temperature has risen further, the communication server 100C sends a command to the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 to cancel its own power saving instruction (step S228). The communication server 100C waits if there is no change in the set temperature from its own command.

[0084] Similarly, as shown in Figure 13, while the set temperature is being changed by the IR remote control 200 (step S232), the communication server 100C may check the set temperature after the power saving start time (steps S216, S220). In this case, the communication server 100C first sends command data to the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 to raise the set temperature by 1 degree. Then, the communication server 100C obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 (step S224). The communication server 100C determines whether the set temperature has risen further, that is, whether the set temperature has changed further in the direction of power saving (step S226). If the set temperature has risen further, the communication server 100C sends a command to the air conditioner 500 via the communication device 300 to cancel its own power saving instruction (step S228). The communication server 100C waits if there is no change in the set temperature from its own command. <Fourth Embodiment>

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14, 15, 16, and 17, it is also possible for the communication server 100C to directly control the air conditioner 500 without going through the communication device 300. While Figures 15, 16, and 17 show that the manufacturer of the communication server 100C and the air conditioner 500 are the same entity, this configuration is not the only possible arrangement. <Fifth Embodiment>

[0086] In the above embodiment, if a power-saving instruction was input to the air conditioner 500 via the IR remote control 200, the communication server 100C refrained from inputting the power-saving instruction to the air conditioner 500. However, the CPU 110 of the communication server 100C may also determine, before and after the start of power saving, whether the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 has changed to one that corresponds to the power-saving instruction, and if it has not changed, actively correct the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 to one that corresponds to the power-saving instruction. <Sixth Embodiment>

[0087] In the above embodiment, the communication device 300 and the communication server 100C refrained from issuing a power-saving instruction themselves by determining whether or not a power-saving instruction had already been input to the air conditioner 500 via the IR remote control 200. However, the air conditioner 500 may also perform such processing and determination.

[0088] Referring to Figure 18, we will now explain the case where a power-saving command from the remote control 200 is first input to the air conditioner 500. First, the CPU 510 of the air conditioner 500 stores the history of set temperatures in the memory 520 (step S300).

[0089] The remote control server 100B queries the power company or aggregator's power server 100A for a power saving request (step S302). Based on the power saving request, the remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote control 200 via the internet to set the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, and the temperature correction value (step S304).

[0090] Subsequently, when the power saving start time is reached, the IR remote control 200 emits an infrared signal to the air conditioner 500 to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S306).

[0091] At this time, the CPU 510 of the air conditioner 500 does not change the set temperature, but determines whether the set temperature has been changed during a predetermined time period before and after receiving the command (step S316). Since the set temperature has not changed, the CPU 510 raises the set temperature by 1 degree according to the signal from the IR remote control 200 (step S318). If the set temperature has changed before and after the start time of power saving, the CPU 510 ignores the instruction from the IR remote control 200.

[0092] Similarly, the communication server 100C also pre-inquires with the power company or aggregator's power server 100A regarding power saving requests (step S322).

[0093] When the power saving start time arrives, the CPU 110 of the communication server 100C instructs the air conditioner 500 via the internet or a router to raise the set temperature by 1 degree. The CPU 510 of the air conditioner 500 determines whether the set temperature has been changed during a predetermined time before and after receiving the instruction (step S326). Since the set temperature had just changed, the CPU 510 ignores the instruction from the communication server 100C (step S328).

[0094] When the power saving period ends, the IR remote control and communication server 100C send a signal to the air conditioner 500 to lower the set temperature by 1 degree. The CPU 510 of the air conditioner 500 then determines whether the set temperature has been changed during a predetermined time period before and after receiving the command. If it has not been changed, it accepts a command to restore the set temperature to its original value; otherwise, it ignores the command.

[0095] Referring to Figure 19, we will now explain the case where a power-saving command from the communication server 100C is first input to the air conditioner 500. First, the CPU 510 of the air conditioner 500 stores the history of the set temperature in the memory 520 (step S300).

[0096] The communication server 100C pre-inquiries the power company or aggregator's power server 100A regarding power saving requests (step S352).

[0097] When the power saving start time arrives, the CPU 110 of the communication server 100C instructs the air conditioner 500 via the internet or a router to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S354). When the CPU 510 of the air conditioner 500 receives the command from the communication server 100C, it determines whether the set temperature has been changed during a predetermined time before and after receiving the command (step S356). In this case, the set temperature has not changed, so the CPU 510 raises the set temperature by 1 degree in accordance with the instruction from the communication server 100C (step S358).

[0098] Similarly, the remote control server 100B queries the power company or aggregator's power server 100A for a power saving request (step S360). Based on the power saving request, the remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote control 200 via the internet to set the start date and time of power saving, the end date and time of power saving, and the temperature correction value (step S362).

[0099] Subsequently, when the power saving start time is reached, the IR remote control 200 emits an infrared signal to the air conditioner 500 instructing it to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S364). The CPU 510 of the air conditioner 500 determines whether or not the set temperature has been changed during a predetermined time before and after receiving the command (step S366). In this case, since the set temperature has changed, the CPU 510 ignores the signal from the IR remote control 200 (step S368). <Seventh Embodiment>

[0100] In the above embodiment, if a power saving instruction from the IR remote control 200 is input to the air conditioner 500, the air conditioner 500 itself ignores the power saving instruction from the communication server 100C. However, the CPU 510 of the air conditioner 500 may determine whether the set temperature has changed to one that corresponds to the power saving instruction before and after the start of power saving, and if it has not changed, it may actively correct the set temperature to one that corresponds to the power saving instruction. <Eighth Embodiment>

[0101] In addition to the above embodiment, it is preferable to incorporate the following functions. Referring to Figure 20, a case will be described in which, while a power saving request is being implemented (step S400), the user directly inputs a command to change the set temperature to the air conditioner 500 using a remote control or the like (step S402).

[0102] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via the communication interface 160 (step S404). At this time, the CPU 110 stores in memory 120 information that the set temperature was changed by the user during the power saving request.

[0103] Subsequently, upon receiving an instruction from the power company or aggregator's power server 100A to end the power saving mode (step S406), the CPU 110 of the communication server 100C terminates the power saving mode (step S408). In other words, it does not send a command to the air conditioner 500 to return to the temperature set before power saving.

[0104] At this time, the remote control server 100B also receives an instruction from the power company or aggregator's power server 100A to end the power saving (step S416). The remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote control 200 to end the power saving (step S418). Since the IR remote control 200 has remembered that the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 was raised by 1 degree to save power, it instructs the air conditioner 500 to lower the set temperature by 1 degree (step S420).

[0105] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via the communication interface 160 (step S424). When the CPU 110 recognizes that the control temperature of the air conditioner 500 has dropped, it instructs the air conditioner 500 via the communication interface 160 to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S426). In other words, in this embodiment, the set temperature entered by the user via the remote control takes priority.

[0106] Similarly, referring to Figure 21, if a user inputs a command to change the set temperature to the air conditioner 500 using a smartphone or the like while the power saving request is being implemented (step S400) (step S403), the same process will be executed. <Ninth Embodiment>

[0107] In addition to the above embodiment, it is also possible to configure the system so that the user does not respond to power saving requests, as shown in Figure 22 (step S502). In this case as well, the remote control server 100B receives an instruction to end power saving from the power company or the power server 100A of the aggregator (step S516). The remote control server 100B instructs the IR remote control 200 to end power saving (step S518). Since the IR remote control 200 has remembered that the set temperature of the air conditioner 500 was raised by 1 degree to save power, it instructs the air conditioner 500 to lower the set temperature by 1 degree (step S520).

[0108] The CPU 110 of the communication server 100C obtains the set temperature from the air conditioner 500 via the communication interface 160 (step S524). When the CPU 110 recognizes that the control temperature of the air conditioner 500 has dropped, it instructs the air conditioner 500 via the communication interface 160 to raise the set temperature by 1 degree (step S526). In other words, in this embodiment, the communication server 100C later invalidates the commands from the IR remote control 200. <Summary>

[0109] In the above embodiment, a communication device is provided that includes a communication interface for controlling an air conditioner by wireless communication and a processor. When the processor receives a power saving request from the server, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before and after the start time of power saving, it does not send a power saving instruction to the air conditioner. If the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before and after the start time of power saving, it sends a power saving instruction to the air conditioner.

[0110] Preferably, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before or after the end time of power saving, the processor does not send an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving, but if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before or after the start time of power saving, it sends an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving.

[0111] In the above embodiment, a server is provided that includes a communication interface for controlling an air conditioner via the Internet and a processor. When the processor receives a power saving request from a power company or power aggregator, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before and after the start time of power saving, it does not send a power saving instruction to the air conditioner. If the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before and after the start time of power saving, it sends a power saving instruction to the air conditioner.

[0112] Preferably, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before or after the end time of power saving, the processor does not send an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving, but if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before or after the start time of power saving, it sends an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving.

[0113] In the above embodiment, an air conditioner having both cooling and heating functions is provided. The air conditioner includes a communication interface for communicating with a server via the internet, a receiving unit for receiving remote control signals, and a processor. When the processor receives a power saving request from the server via the communication interface, if the set temperature has changed before and after the start of power saving, it does not change the set temperature for power saving from the server, and if the set temperature has changed before and after the start of power saving, it changes the set temperature for power saving from the server.

[0114] Preferably, the processor does not change the set temperature for ending power saving if the set temperature has changed before and after the end time of power saving, and changes the set temperature for ending power saving if the set temperature has not changed before and after the start time of power saving.

[0115] In the above embodiment, an information processing method is provided for a server comprising the steps of: receiving a power saving request from a power company or power aggregator via the internet; obtaining the set temperature of an air conditioner before the start time of power saving; obtaining the set temperature of an air conditioner after the start time of power saving; and, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before and after the start time of power saving, not sending an instruction for power saving to the air conditioner, and if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before and after the start time of power saving, sending an instruction for power saving to the air conditioner.

[0116] Preferably, the information processing method further comprises the steps of: obtaining the set temperature of the air conditioner before the end time of power saving; obtaining the set temperature of the air conditioner after the end time of power saving; and, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before and after the end time of power saving, not sending an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving, and, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before and after the end time of power saving, sending an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving.

[0117] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1: Network System 100A: Power Server 100B: Remote control server 100C: Communication Server 110: CPU 120: Memory 121: Air Conditioner Information 140:Operation unit 160: Communication Interface 200: IR remote control 210: CPU 220: Memory 230: Display 240:Operation unit 260: Communication Interface 265: Infrared transmitter 300: Communication device 310: CPU 320: Memory 330: Display 340:Operation unit 360: Communication Interface 500: Air conditioner 510: CPU 520: Memory 530: Display 540:Operation unit 560: Communication Interface 565: Infrared light receiving unit 570: Speaker 590: Equipment drive unit

Claims

1. A communication interface for controlling an air conditioner via wireless communication, Equipped with a processor, When the aforementioned processor receives a power saving request from the server, If the set temperature of the air conditioner changes before or after the start time of power saving, the air conditioner will not be given instructions for power saving. A communication device that, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before or after the start time of power saving, transmits a power-saving instruction to the air conditioner.

2. The aforementioned processor, If the set temperature of the air conditioner changes before or after the end time of the power saving measure, the system will not send an instruction to the air conditioner to end the power saving measure. The communication device according to claim 1, which transmits an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before or after the start time of power saving.

3. A communication interface for controlling an air conditioner via the internet, Equipped with a processor, When the aforementioned processor receives a request for energy conservation from a power company or power aggregator, If the set temperature of the air conditioner changes before or after the start time of power saving, the air conditioner will not be given instructions for power saving. A server that sends an instruction to an air conditioner to conserve energy if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before or after the start time of energy conservation.

4. The aforementioned processor, If the set temperature of the air conditioner changes before or after the end time of the power saving measure, the system will not send an instruction to the air conditioner to end the power saving measure. The server according to claim 3, which, if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before or after the start time of power saving, transmits an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving.

5. An air conditioner having both cooling and heating functions, A communication interface for communicating with a server via the internet, A receiver that accepts remote control signals, Equipped with a processor, When the processor receives a power saving request from the server via the communication interface, If the set temperature changes before and after the start of power saving measures, do not change the set temperature for power saving purposes from the server in question. If the set temperature has changed before and after the start of power saving measures, the air conditioner will change the set temperature for power saving purposes via the server.

6. The aforementioned processor, If the set temperature changes before or after the end time of the power saving period, do not change the set temperature to end the power saving period. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein if the set temperature has not changed before or after the start time of power saving, the set temperature is changed to end power saving.

7. Steps include receiving requests for energy conservation from the power company or power aggregator via the internet, The steps include obtaining the set temperature of the air conditioner before the start time of power saving, The steps include obtaining the set temperature of the air conditioner after the start time of power saving, A server information processing method comprising the steps of: not sending an instruction to the air conditioner for saving power if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before or after the start time of power saving; and sending an instruction to the air conditioner for saving power if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before or after the start time of power saving.

8. The steps include obtaining the set temperature of the air conditioner before the end time of the power saving period, The steps include obtaining the set temperature of the air conditioner after the end time of the power saving, The information processing method in a server according to claim 7, further comprising the steps of: if the set temperature of the air conditioner has changed before or after the end time of power saving, not sending an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving; and if the set temperature of the air conditioner has not changed before or after the end time of power saving, sending an instruction to the air conditioner to end power saving.

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