Interface device and air conditioning system

Abstract

When the content of a first settings change command acquired from a first portable terminal at a first time is different from the content of a second settings change command acquired from a second portable terminal at a second time that was before the first time, an operation settings management unit (23) of an interface device (2) performs control that transmits a request message that requests comment on settings reasons for the first settings change command to the first portable terminal, control that receives a response message that is a response to the request message from the first portable terminal and transfers the response message to the second portable terminal, and control that receives acceptability results information from the second portable terminal, the acceptability results information indicating whether operation settings for an air-conditioning device can be changed to the content of the first settings change command, and, on the basis of the acceptability results information, selects one settings change command to be reflected at the air-conditioning device from the first settings change command and the second settings change command.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a system for communicating within a community regarding the operation of an air conditioner is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote control system that is configured with a family message board server, a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the family message board server, and a remotely controlled device remotely controlled by the mobile terminal. In the remote control system described in Patent Document 1, each user can post a comment including a community ID (Identification), a posted message, a poster, a posting date and time, and a scenario ID from a mobile terminal to the family message board server. Each user can view comments posted by other users via the family message board server using the mobile terminal held by the user.

[0003] According to the remote control system described in the above Patent Document 1, each user can perform operation settings or check the operation settings of the remotely controlled device from a mobile terminal, thereby increasing the convenience of the remotely controlled device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-175876 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the remote control system described in Patent Document 1, there was a problem in that the settings set by one user could easily be overwritten by the settings of a user who operated later, or appropriate settings set by a parent could be changed by a child to inappropriate settings without permission. In other words, the settings set by an earlier operation could easily be overwritten by different settings by a later operation.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an interface device that enables users to adjust the operation settings of an air conditioner in an air conditioning system in which the operation settings of the air conditioner can be set from multiple mobile terminals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the interface device according to the present disclosure is an interface device that is capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile terminals and air conditioners, and that, together with the plurality of mobile terminals and air conditioners, constitutes an air conditioning system that conditions the air of an area to be air-conditioned. The interface device is capable of sending and receiving information between the plurality of mobile terminals and the air conditioners, and includes an operation setting management unit that selects one setting change command to be reflected in the air conditioner from setting change commands, which are information that instructs changes to the operation settings of the air conditioner that are set from the plurality of mobile terminals. When the contents of a first setting change command acquired from a first mobile terminal at a first time differ from the contents of a second setting change command acquired from a second mobile terminal at a second time that is earlier than the first time, the operation setting management unit performs control to send a request message to the first mobile terminal, which is a message requesting a comment on the reason for the setting of the first setting change command, control to acquire a response message from the first mobile terminal, which is a response to the request message, and transfer it to the second mobile terminal, and control to acquire from the second mobile terminal acceptance / non-acceptance result information indicating whether the operation settings of the air conditioner can be changed to the contents of the first setting change command, and select one setting change command to be reflected in the air conditioner from the first setting change command and the second setting change command based on the acceptance / non-acceptance result information. Effect of the Invention

[0008] ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT OF THE DISCLOSURE The interface device according to the present disclosure has the effect of enabling users to adjust the operational settings of their air conditioners in an air conditioning system in which the operational settings of the air conditioners can be set from a plurality of mobile terminals. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an indoor unit of an air conditioner in an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an interface device of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a mobile terminal of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of information in an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of the operation of the interface device of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram illustrating the flow of information in an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart for explaining the procedure of the operation of the interface device of the air conditioning system in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart explaining the procedure of the operation of the interface device of the air conditioning system in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit according to the first to third embodiments are realized by hardware. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit according to the first to third embodiments are realized by software. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An interface device and an air conditioning system according to embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment includes an air conditioner 1, an interface device 2, and a plurality of mobile terminals 3.

[0012] The air conditioner 1 comprises an indoor unit 11 installed indoors, which is the area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner 1, and an outdoor unit 12 installed outdoors. The air conditioner 1 forms one complete refrigeration cycle with the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12. The air conditioner 1 uses a refrigerant that circulates between the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 through a refrigerant pipe (not shown) to transfer heat between the air inside the room, which is the area to be air-conditioned, and the air outside the room, thereby realizing air conditioning for the room.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The indoor unit 11 has an indoor unit air conditioning unit 111 , an indoor unit storage unit 112 , an indoor unit communication unit 113 , and an air conditioning control unit 114 .

[0015] The indoor unit air conditioning section 111 has the air conditioning function of the indoor unit of a general air conditioner. The indoor unit air conditioning section 111 includes an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the air taken in by the indoor unit 11 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, a blower fan (not shown) that sends the conditioned air that has been heat exchanged in the indoor heat exchanger from the indoor unit 11 to the room, and an air direction adjustment section (not shown) that adjusts the direction in which the conditioned air is sent out from the indoor unit 11. The air taken in by the indoor unit 11 is the indoor air of the room in which the indoor unit 11 is installed.

[0016] The indoor unit storage unit 112 is a storage unit that stores information such as various control setting values ​​and programs for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1. The indoor unit storage unit 112 is a non-volatile storage unit, and is configured with a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0017] The indoor unit communication section 113 communicates with an air conditioner communication section 21 of the interface device 2, which will be described later.

[0018] The air conditioning control unit 114 is a control unit that controls the overall operation of the air conditioner 1, and controls the operation of the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to control the operation of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioning control unit 114 receives control commands transmitted from the interface device 2, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the control commands. The air conditioning control unit 114 operates a compressor (not shown) provided in the outdoor unit 12 based on the set temperature set in the air conditioning control unit 114, the indoor temperature, and the outdoor temperature, to perform cooling or heating operation.

[0019] The interface device 2 is capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile terminals 3 and the air conditioner 1, and together with the plurality of mobile terminals 3 and the air conditioner 1 constitutes an air conditioning system 100 that performs air conditioning of an area to be air-conditioned.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the interface device 2 of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the interface device 2 includes an air conditioner communication unit 21, a mobile terminal communication unit 22, an operation setting management unit 23, a data conversion unit 24, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 25, a storage unit 26, a DIP switch 27, and an interface control unit 28. The interface control unit 28 is connectable to other functional units constituting the interface device 2, that is, is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from other functional units constituting the interface device 2. Hereinafter, the DIP switch may be referred to as a DipSW (Dual in-line package Switch).

[0021] The air conditioner communication unit 21 is a communication unit that communicates with the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1, and is a first communication unit in the interface device 2. The air conditioner communication unit 21 transmits information received from the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 to the interface control unit 28. In addition, the air conditioner communication unit 21 transmits information received from the interface control unit 28 to the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11.

[0022] The communication method between the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 and the air conditioner communication unit 21 is not limited. The indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 and the air conditioner communication unit 21 may be capable of communicating with each other by wireless communication via the Internet, for example. The communication method between the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 and the air conditioner communication unit 21 may be wireless communication using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) (Wireless Fidelity) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be wired communication.

[0023] The mobile terminal communication unit 22 is a communication unit that communicates with the mobile terminal 3, and is a second communication unit in the interface device 2. The mobile terminal communication unit 22 transmits information received from a terminal communication unit 34 (described later) of the mobile terminal 3 to the operation setting management unit 23 or the interface control unit 28. In addition, the mobile terminal communication unit 22 transmits information received from the operation setting management unit 23 or the interface control unit 28 to the terminal communication unit 34 of the mobile terminal 3.

[0024] The communication method between the terminal communication unit 34 of the portable terminal 3 and the communication unit for portable terminal 22 is not limited. The terminal communication unit 34 of the portable terminal 3 and the communication unit for portable terminal 22 may be capable of communicating with each other by wireless communication via the Internet, for example. The communication method between the terminal communication unit 34 of the portable terminal 3 and the communication unit for portable terminal 22 may be wireless communication using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), or may be wired communication.

[0025] The operation setting management unit 23 has an operation setting adjustment function that adjusts operation settings from multiple users related to the operation of the air conditioner 1. That is, when the operation setting management unit 23 receives operation information about operation settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 from multiple mobile terminals 3 in succession, it determines and decides the operation information to be reflected in the operation control of the air conditioner 1, and reflects the operation settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 indicated in the decided operation information in the operation control of the air conditioner 1.

[0026] The operation information is information of an operation command from a user to the air conditioner 1 for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1, and is information corresponding to an operation on the operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 performed on the mobile terminal 3 by the user.

[0027] That is, when a user performs an operation on the mobile terminal 3 to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1, and then a subsequent user performs a new operation on the mobile terminal 3 to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1, the operation setting management unit 23 determines which user's operation settings should be reflected in the operation control of the air conditioner 1. Based on the result of the determination, the operation setting management unit 23 reflects the user's operation settings in the operation control of the air conditioner 1.

[0028] Moreover, the operation information can be said to be a setting change command, which is information instructing a change to the operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1, which is set from the mobile terminal 3. The operation setting management unit 23 has a function of selecting one setting change command to be reflected in the air conditioner 1 from the setting change commands, which are information instructing a change to the operational settings of the air conditioner 1, which are set from multiple mobile terminals 3.

[0029] The data conversion unit 24 adjusts communication data between the communication with the air conditioner 1 and the communication with the mobile terminal 3. The data conversion unit 24 converts the operation information transmitted from the mobile terminal 3 into a data format that can be interpreted by the air conditioner 1.

[0030] The LED 25 is a communication status display unit that indicates the communication status of communication with an external device. The LED 25 indicates the communication status of communication between the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 and the air conditioner communication unit 21. The LED 25 also indicates the communication status of communication between the terminal communication unit 34 of the mobile terminal 3 and the mobile terminal communication unit 22.

[0031] The storage unit 26 is a non-volatile storage unit that stores information such as various control setting values ​​and programs for controlling the operation of the interface control unit 28. For the storage unit 26, any storage device such as an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory is used.

[0032] The DipSW 27 is a switch for switching between an operation mode in which the interface device 2 has an adjustment function for the operation settings enabled and an operation mode in which the adjustment function for the operation settings disabled.

[0033] The interface control unit 28 is a control unit that controls the overall operation of the interface device 2, and controls other functional units that constitute the interface device 2 to issue control commands or acquire information. The interface control unit 28 transmits operation information to the air conditioner communication unit 21. When the interface control unit 28 receives operation information transmitted from the operation setting management unit 23, it transmits the operation information to the data conversion unit 24. When the interface control unit 28 receives the operation information converted in the data conversion unit 24, it transmits the converted operation information to the air conditioner communication unit 21.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal 3 of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] The mobile terminal 3 has a function as a remote control device that remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 1, and accepts operations related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 from a user. When the mobile terminal 3 accepts an operation from the user, it transmits information corresponding to the user's operation as operation information to the interface device 2. Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 3 receives a request message transmitted from the interface device 2, it displays the request message and presents the request message to the user.

[0036] The request message is a message requesting a comment on the reason why a subsequent user has performed a new operation to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1 after a certain user has performed an operation on the mobile terminal 3 to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1. The request message is transmitted from the interface device 2 to the mobile terminal 3 on which the subsequent operation has been performed.

[0037] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 3 accepts from the user an operation relating to input of a response comment to the request message transmitted from the interface device 2. When the mobile terminal 3 accepts from the user an operation relating to input of a response comment to the request message, the mobile terminal 3 transmits operation information corresponding to the operation relating to input of the response comment to the request message to the interface device 2.

[0038] The operation information corresponding to the operation related to inputting a response comment to the request message is a response message that is a response to the request message transmitted from the interface device 2. That is, the mobile terminal 3 accepts from the user a response message that is a response to the request message transmitted from the interface device 2. The response message includes a response comment to the request message, that is, a comment on the reason why another subsequent user performed a new operation to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1. When the mobile terminal 3 accepts the response message from the user, it transmits the response message to the interface device 2.

[0039] The mobile terminal 3 includes a terminal operation unit 31, a terminal display unit 32, a terminal storage unit 33, a terminal communication unit 34, and a terminal control unit 35. The above-mentioned components of the mobile terminal 3 can exchange information with each other.

[0040] The terminal operation unit 31 is an operation reception unit that receives user operations, i.e., operations from the user. The operations from the user include operations for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 and operations related to inputting a response comment to a request message transmitted from the interface device 2. The terminal operation unit 31 receives the user operations and transmits operation information corresponding to the user operations to the terminal control unit 35. The terminal operation unit 31 is composed of input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel display equipped with a touch panel function, and operations on the mobile terminal 3 are performed by the user.

[0041] The terminal display unit 32 is a display unit that displays various types of information inside the mobile terminal 3. The terminal display unit 32 displays a request message transmitted from the interface device 2, and presents the request message to the user.

[0042] The terminal storage unit 33 is a storage unit that stores various types of information inside the mobile terminal 3. The terminal storage unit 33 stores a request message transmitted from the interface device 2.

[0043] The terminal communication unit 34 communicates with an external device. The terminal communication unit 34 communicates with the mobile terminal communication unit 22 of the interface device 2, for example, by wireless communication via the Internet. The terminal communication unit 34 receives various information transmitted from the interface device 2 and transmits the various information to the terminal control unit 35. The various information transmitted from the interface device 2 includes a request message. The terminal communication unit 34 transmits the various information transmitted from the terminal control unit 35 to the interface device 2. The information transmitted from the terminal control unit 35 includes air conditioning control instruction information and a response message that is a response to the request message transmitted from the interface device 2.

[0044] The terminal control unit 35 controls the overall processing of the mobile terminal 3. The terminal control unit 35 also controls the display of various information on the terminal display unit 32. That is, the terminal control unit 35 has a function as a display control unit that controls the display of information on the terminal display unit 32. The terminal control unit 35 also controls the transmission of various information to the interface device 2. The various information transmitted to the interface device 2 includes air conditioning control instruction information and a response message that is a response to a request message transmitted from the interface device 2.

[0045] Next, an overview of the operation of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of information in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. The processing of the air conditioning system 100 shown in Fig. 5 is repeatedly performed from when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started until the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0046] Here, it is assumed that user A performs an operation to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1 from a mobile terminal 3a, which is a mobile terminal 3 held by user A. It is assumed that user B performs an operation to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1 from a mobile terminal 3b, which is a mobile terminal 3 held by user B.

[0047] User A is not limited to a specific user, but is any one of a plurality of users who can perform operations to control the operation of the air conditioner 1 in the air conditioning system 100 from the mobile terminal 3. User B is a user who can perform operations to control the operation of the air conditioner 1 in the air conditioning system 100 from the mobile terminal 3, and is any one user other than user A.

[0048] In step S11, operation information ai corresponding to operation a of user A who remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a to the interface device 2. Specifically, the mobile terminal 3a transmits operation information ai corresponding to operation a of user A who remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 to the interface device 2.

[0049] When operation a, which is an operation for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1, is performed on the mobile terminal 3a by user A, the mobile terminal 3a transmits operation information ai corresponding to the operation a of user A to the interface device 2. In other words, when operation a, which is an operation performed on the mobile terminal 3a, occurs, the mobile terminal 3a transmits operation information ai corresponding to the operation a of user A to the interface device 2.

[0050] When the interface device 2 receives the operation information ai transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a, the interface device 2 stores the operation information ai.

[0051] After that, in step S12, operation information bi, which is subsequent operation information following the operation a of user A and corresponds to the operation b of user B who remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 1, is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3b to the interface device 2. Specifically, the mobile terminal 3b transmits operation information bi corresponding to the operation b of user B who remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 to the interface device 2. The operation information bi is second operation information in a series of processes of the air conditioning system 100.

[0052] After the operation information ai is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a to the interface device 2, user B performs operation b on the mobile terminal 3b, which is a subsequent operation following operation a by user A and is an operation for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1. That is, after the occurrence of operation a that was previously performed on the mobile terminal 3, operation b, which is a new operation performed on the mobile terminal 3, occurs. The operation content of operation b, which is the subsequent operation performed on the mobile terminal 3, is different from the operation content of operation a that was previously performed by user A. That is, the operation content of operation b, which is the new operation, is different from the operation content of operation a that was previously performed on the mobile terminal 3 just before operation b.

[0053] Then, after the operation information ai is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a to the interface device 2, when an operation b is performed on the mobile terminal 3b, the mobile terminal 3b transmits to the interface device 2 operation information bi corresponding to the operation b of the user B.

[0054] When the interface device 2 receives the operation information bi transmitted from the mobile terminal 3b, the interface device 2 stores the operation information bi. That is, the interface device 2 receives new operation information for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1, which is information on operation content different from the previously received operation information.

[0055] In step S13, a request message is sent to the mobile terminal 3b where the operation b, which is the subsequent operation, has been performed, requesting a comment on the reason for performing the new operation. Specifically, when the interface device 2 receives operation information bi, which is a new operation different from the operation information ai received immediately before, the interface device 2 sends a request message to the mobile terminal 3b where the operation b, which is the subsequent operation, has been performed, requesting a comment on the reason for performing the new operation.

[0056] In step S14, a response message that is a response to the request message is transmitted to the interface device 2. When the mobile terminal 3b receives the request message, it displays the request message and prompts the user B to input a response to the request message. When the mobile terminal 3b accepts an operation related to inputting a response comment to the request message from the user B, it transmits a response message that is operation information corresponding to the operation related to inputting a response comment to the request message to the interface device 2.

[0057] When the interface device 2 receives the response message transmitted from the mobile terminal 3b, it stores the response message.

[0058] In step S15, the response message is transferred to the mobile terminal 3a on which the previous operation was performed. Specifically, when the interface device 2 receives the response message transmitted from the mobile terminal 3b, the interface device 2 transmits the response message to the mobile terminal 3a on which the previous operation was performed without processing the content of the response message. That is, the interface device 2 transfers the response message received from the mobile terminal 3b on which the subsequent operation b was performed to the mobile terminal 3a on which the previous operation a was performed.

[0059] When the mobile terminal 3a receives the response message transmitted from the interface device 2, it displays the response message. This allows user A to check the content of the response message from user B on the mobile terminal 3a. That is, user A, who performed operation a first, can check on the mobile terminal 3a the reason why user B performed operation b, which is the subsequent operation.

[0060] In step S16, acceptance result information of operation b, which is information indicating whether or not operation b performed by user B is accepted, is transmitted to the interface device 2. Specifically, the mobile terminal 3a transmits the acceptance result information of operation b to the interface device 2. That is, the mobile terminal 3a transmits the acceptance result information, which is information indicating whether or not a new operation performed by user B is accepted, to the interface device 2.

[0061] User A, having checked the contents of the response message from User B, judges whether to accept operation b, which is a new operation performed by User B, and performs an operation on the mobile terminal 3a to input the acceptance result of operation b. When the mobile terminal 3a accepts an operation related to the acceptance result of operation b from User A, it transmits acceptance result information of operation b, which is operation information corresponding to the operation related to the acceptance result of operation b, to the interface device 2.

[0062] When the mobile terminal 3a receives from the user A an input operation of the acceptance result of the operation b to accept the operation b, the mobile terminal 3a transmits, for example, a permission signal as permission information which is the acceptance result information of the operation b to accept the operation b, to the interface device 2. When the mobile terminal 3a receives from the user A an input operation of the acceptance result of the operation b to not accept the operation b, the mobile terminal 3a transmits, for example, a disapproval signal as disapproval information which is the acceptance result information of the operation b to not accept the operation b, to the interface device 2.

[0063] In step S17, the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of operation b is transferred to the mobile terminal 3b. Specifically, when the interface device 2 receives the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of operation b transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a, it transmits the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of operation b to the mobile terminal 3b where the subsequent operation b was performed, without processing the content of the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of operation b. In other words, the interface device 2 transfers the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of operation b received from the mobile terminal 3a where the preceding operation a was performed, to the mobile terminal 3b where the subsequent operation b was performed.

[0064] When the mobile terminal 3b receives the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b, it displays the acceptance / non-acceptance result of the operation b, which is the content indicated in the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b, and presents it to the user B. That is, the mobile terminal 3b is notified of whether the operation b was accepted by the user A who performed the preceding operation a, based on the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b. Then, the user B who performed the subsequent operation b can confirm whether the operation b was accepted by the user A, based on the acceptance / non-acceptance result of the operation b displayed on the mobile terminal 3b.

[0065] Next, the operation of the interface device 2 of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the operation of the interface device 2 of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. The processing of the air conditioning system 100 shown in Fig. 6 is repeatedly performed from when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started until the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped. Here, it is assumed that a first user holds a first mobile terminal 3f which is a mobile terminal 3. Also, it is assumed that a second user holds a second mobile terminal 3s which is a mobile terminal 3.

[0066] The first user is not limited to a specific user, but is any one of a plurality of users who can perform operations to control the operation of the air conditioner 1 in the air conditioning system 100 from the mobile terminal 3. The second user is a user who can perform operations to control the operation of the air conditioner 1 in the air conditioning system 100 from the mobile terminal 3, and is any one user other than the first user.

[0067] In step S110, first operation information is received from the first mobile terminal 3f in the interface device 2. Specifically, the interface device 2 receives the first operation information, which is information corresponding to an operation for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1, performed on the first mobile terminal 3f by the first user.

[0068] As described above, the operation information can be said to be a setting change command, which is information instructing a change to the operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 set from the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the first operation information can be said to be a first setting change command, which is information instructing a change to the operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 set from the first mobile terminal 3f at the first time.

[0069] The first user performs a first operation for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 on the terminal operation unit 31 of the first mobile terminal 3f. The terminal operation unit 31 accepts the first operation, which is an operation by the first user for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1, and transmits first operation information corresponding to the first operation to the terminal control unit 35. Upon receiving the first operation information transmitted from the terminal operation unit 31, the terminal control unit 35 transmits the first operation information to the terminal communication unit 34. Upon receiving the first operation information transmitted from the terminal control unit 35, the terminal communication unit 34 transmits the first operation information to the mobile terminal communication unit 22 of the interface device 2.

[0070] Then, the mobile terminal communication unit 22 of the interface device 2 receives the first operation information transmitted from the terminal communication unit 34 of the first mobile terminal 3f. Upon receiving the first operation information transmitted from the terminal communication unit 34, the mobile terminal communication unit 22 transmits the first operation information to the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2.

[0071] When the operation setting management unit 23 receives the first operation information transmitted from the mobile terminal communication unit 22, it stores the first operation information. That is, when the operation setting management unit 23 receives from the mobile terminal 3 operation information corresponding to an operation for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1, which is an operation performed by a certain user on the mobile terminal 3, it stores the operation information. Note that the operation setting management unit 23 may store the first operation information in the storage unit 26. After that, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0072] In step S120, it is determined whether or not preceding operation information has been received from the second portable terminal 3s in the interface device 2. Specifically, the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2 determines whether or not second operation information, which is operation information performed on the second portable terminal 3s by the second user and which precedes the first operation information, has been received in the interface device 2.

[0073] As described above, the operation information can be said to be a setting change command, which is information instructing a change to the operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 set from the mobile terminal 3. Therefore, the second operation information can be said to be a second setting change command, which is information instructing a change to the operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 set from the second mobile terminal 3s at a second time that is a time earlier than the first time.

[0074] When it is determined that the preceding operation information has been received from the second mobile terminal 3s, the first operation performed by the first user on the terminal operation unit 31 of the first mobile terminal 3f is a new operation following the second operation performed by the second user on the terminal operation unit 31 of the second mobile terminal 3s, and is a subsequent operation. The operation content of the second operation, which is the operation preceding the first operation, is different from the operation content of the first operation performed by the first user. In other words, the operation content of the second operation preceding the first operation is different from the operation content of the first operation performed on the mobile terminal 3 one operation after the second operation.

[0075] Furthermore, when it is determined that preceding operation information has been received from the second mobile terminal 3s, second operation information is transmitted from the operation setting management unit 23 to the air conditioner 1. Then, in the air conditioner 1, the operation of the air conditioner 1 is controlled based on the second operation information.

[0076] When the second operation information is stored in the operation setting management unit 23, the operation setting management unit 23 determines that the operation information preceding the first operation information has been received from the second portable terminal 3s in the interface device 2. When the second operation information is not stored in the operation setting management unit 23, the operation setting management unit 23 determines that the operation information preceding the first operation information has not been received from the second portable terminal 3s in the interface device 2. The second operation information is operation information corresponding to a second operation of the second user performed by the second user on the terminal operation unit 31 of the second portable terminal 3s, and is operation information preceding the first operation information.

[0077] If the interface device 2 determines that it has not received the preceding operation information from the second portable terminal 3s, the result in step S120 becomes No, and the process proceeds to step S130. If the interface device 2 determines that it has received the preceding operation information from the second portable terminal 3s, the result in step S120 becomes Yes, and the process proceeds to step S140.

[0078] In step S130, the first operation information transmitted from the first portable terminal 3f is transmitted to the air conditioner 1. That is, the first operation information transmitted from the first portable terminal 3f is reflected in the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the operation setting management unit 23 transmits the first operation information to the interface control unit 28. Upon receiving the first operation information transmitted from the operation setting management unit 23, the interface control unit 28 performs control to convert the first operation information into a data format that can be interpreted by the air conditioner 1 and transmit the converted information to the air conditioner 1.

[0079] That is, when the interface control unit 28 receives the first operation information transmitted from the operation setting management unit 23, it transmits the first operation information to the data conversion unit 24. When the data conversion unit 24 receives the first operation information transmitted from the interface control unit 28, it converts the first operation information into a data format that can be interpreted by the air conditioner 1, and transmits the converted first operation information to the interface control unit 28.

[0080] When the interface control unit 28 receives the converted first operation information transmitted from the data conversion unit 24, it transmits the converted first operation information to the air conditioner communication unit 21. When the air conditioner communication unit 21 receives the converted first operation information transmitted from the interface control unit 28, it transmits the converted first operation information to the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1.

[0081] When the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 receives the converted first operation information transmitted from the air conditioner communication unit 21 of the interface device 2, it transmits the converted first operation information to the air conditioning control unit 114. When the air conditioning control unit 114 receives the converted first operation information transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit 113, it controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the converted first operation information. Then, the process returns to step S110.

[0082] In step S140, a request message is sent to the first mobile terminal 3f held by the first user who performed the subsequent operation, the request message being a message requesting a comment on the reason for performing the new operation. Specifically, the operation setting management unit 23 sends the request message being a message requesting a comment on the reason for performing the new operation to the first mobile terminal 3f where the first operation, which is the subsequent operation, was performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S150.

[0083] The request message can be said to be a message requesting a comment on the setting reason of the first setting change command.

[0084] In step S150, the response message is received by the interface device 2. Specifically, the operation setting management section 23 of the interface device 2 receives the response message. That is, the operation setting management section 23 acquires the response message from the first portable terminal 3f.

[0085] When the terminal communication unit 34 of the first mobile terminal 3f receives the request message transmitted from the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2, it transmits the request message to the terminal control unit 35 of the first mobile terminal 3f. When the terminal control unit 35 receives the request message transmitted from the terminal communication unit 34, it performs control to display the request message on the terminal display unit 32 and prompt the first user to input a response to the request message. After checking the contents of the request message, the first user performs an operation related to inputting a response comment to the request message on the terminal operation unit 31 of the first mobile terminal 3f.

[0086] When the terminal operation unit 31 of the first mobile terminal 3f accepts an operation relating to input of a response comment to the request message from the first user, the terminal operation unit 31 transmits a response message which is operation information corresponding to the operation relating to input of a response comment to the request message to the terminal control unit 35. The terminal control unit 35 transmits the response message transmitted from the terminal operation unit 31 to the terminal communication unit 34. When the terminal communication unit 34 receives the response message transmitted from the terminal control unit 35, it transmits the response message to the interface device 2.

[0087] When the mobile terminal communication unit 22 of the interface device 2 receives the response message transmitted from the terminal communication unit 34 of the first mobile terminal 3f, it transmits the response message to the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2. Then, the operation setting management unit 23 receives the response message transmitted from the mobile terminal communication unit 22. When the operation setting management unit 23 receives the response message transmitted from the first mobile terminal 3f, it stores the response message. Then, the process proceeds to step S160.

[0088] In step S160, a response message that is a response to the request message is transmitted to the second portable terminal 3s. Specifically, the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2 transmits the response message that is a response to the request message to the second portable terminal 3s on which the preceding second operation was performed by the second user.

[0089] When the operation setting management unit 23 receives the response message transmitted from the first mobile terminal 3f, the operation setting management unit 23 transmits the response message to the second mobile terminal 3s on which the preceding second operation was performed by the second user without processing the content of the response message. That is, the operation setting management unit 23 transfers the response message received from the first mobile terminal 3f on which the subsequent first operation was performed to the second mobile terminal 3s on which the preceding second operation was performed.

[0090] When the second portable terminal 3s receives the response message transmitted from the interface device 2, it displays the response message. This allows the second user to check the content of the response message of the first user on the second portable terminal 3s. That is, the second user who performed the second operation first can check on the second portable terminal 3s the reason why the first user performed the first operation, which is the subsequent operation. Then, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0091] In step S170, it is determined whether permission information to the effect that the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is accepted is received from the second portable terminal 3s. Specifically, the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2 determines whether permission information to the effect that the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is accepted is received from the second portable terminal 3s as acceptance / non-acceptance result information which is information indicating whether the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is accepted.

[0092] The second user, who has confirmed the contents of the response message from the first user, determines whether to accept the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, and performs an operation to input the acceptance / rejection result of the first operation on the terminal operation unit 31 of the second mobile terminal 3s. When the terminal operation unit 31 accepts an operation related to the acceptance / rejection result of the first operation from the second user, it transmits acceptance / rejection result information, which is operation information corresponding to the operation related to the acceptance / rejection result of the first operation, to the terminal control unit 35 of the second mobile terminal 3s. When the terminal control unit 35 receives the acceptance / rejection result information transmitted from the terminal operation unit 31, it transmits the acceptance / rejection result information to the terminal communication unit 34. When the terminal communication unit 34 receives the acceptance / rejection result information transmitted from the terminal control unit 35, it transmits the acceptance / rejection result information to the interface device 2.

[0093] The acceptance result information can be said to be information indicating whether or not the operational settings of the air conditioner 1 can be changed to the content of the first setting change command.

[0094] When the mobile terminal communication unit 22 of the interface device 2 receives the acceptance result information transmitted from the terminal communication unit 34 of the second mobile terminal 3s, it transmits the acceptance result information to the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2. The operation setting management unit 23 receives the acceptance result information transmitted from the mobile terminal communication unit 22.

[0095] The operation setting management unit 23 receives, as the acceptance / non-acceptance result information, either permission information indicating that the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is accepted, or non-permission information indicating that the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is not accepted.

[0096] The operation setting management unit 23 determines that permission information to the effect that the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is accepted has been received from the second portable terminal 3s when the permission information is stored in the operation setting management unit 23. When the permission information is not stored in the operation setting management unit 23, the operation setting management unit 23 determines that permission information to the effect that the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is accepted has not been received from the second portable terminal 3s.

[0097] If it is determined that permission information to the effect that the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is accepted has not been received from the second mobile terminal 3s, the result in step S170 is No, and the process proceeds to step S180. If it is determined that permission information to the effect that the first operation, which is a new operation performed by the first user, is accepted has been received from the second mobile terminal 3s, the result in step S170 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S190.

[0098] In step S180, the operation from the first user, which is the subsequent operation, is invalidated, and the operation state of the second user, which is the preceding operation, is continued. Specifically, the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2 invalidates the operation from the first user, which is the subsequent operation information, i.e., invalidates the first operation information, which is the subsequent operation information, and performs control to discard the first operation information. As a result, the operation setting management unit 23 continues to control the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the second operation information, which is the preceding operation information of the air conditioner 1. Then, the process returns to step S110.

[0099] In step S190, the subsequent operation from the first user is validated, and the first operation information, which is the subsequent operation information transmitted from the first mobile terminal 3f, is transmitted to the air conditioner 1. Specifically, on the condition that the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2 has received the permission information, it validates the subsequent operation from the first user, that is, it validates the first operation information, which is the subsequent operation information transmitted from the first mobile terminal 3f, and performs control to transmit the first operation information to the air conditioner 1. In other words, the operation setting management unit 23 transmits the first operation information to the air conditioner 1, and performs control to cause the air conditioner 1 to control the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the first operation information.

[0100] The operation setting management unit 23 transmits the first operation information to the interface control unit 28. Upon receiving the first operation information transmitted from the operation setting management unit 23, the interface control unit 28 performs control to convert the first operation information into a data format that can be interpreted by the air conditioner 1 and transmit the converted information to the air conditioner 1.

[0101] That is, when the interface control unit 28 receives the first operation information transmitted from the operation setting management unit 23, it transmits the first operation information to the data conversion unit 24. When the data conversion unit 24 receives the first operation information transmitted from the interface control unit 28, it converts the first operation information into a data format that can be interpreted by the air conditioner 1, and transmits the converted first operation information to the interface control unit 28.

[0102] When the interface control unit 28 receives the converted first operation information transmitted from the data conversion unit 24, it transmits the converted first operation information to the air conditioner communication unit 21. When the air conditioner communication unit 21 receives the converted first operation information transmitted from the interface control unit 28, it transmits the converted first operation information to the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1.

[0103] Therefore, when the operation setting management unit 23 obtains permission information from the second mobile terminal 3s as acceptance result information indicating that the setting change to the contents of the first setting change command is accepted, it can be said to send the first setting change command to the air conditioner 1.

[0104] When the indoor unit communication unit 113 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 receives the converted first operation information transmitted from the air conditioner communication unit 21 of the interface device 2, it transmits the converted first operation information to the air conditioning control unit 114. When the air conditioning control unit 114 receives the converted first operation information transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit 113, it controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the converted first operation information. Then, the process returns to step S110.

[0105] In addition, in the case where the interface device 2 does not require the operation setting adjustment function for adjusting operation settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 from multiple users as described above, it is possible to easily switch between enabling and disabling the operation setting adjustment function by performing a setting operation on the interface control unit 28 from the mobile terminal 3 or a setting operation on the DipSW 27.

[0106] As described above, in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment, the operation setting management unit 23 of the interface device 2 has an operation setting adjustment function that adjusts operation settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 from multiple users. That is, when the operation setting management unit 23 receives operation information about operation settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 from multiple mobile terminals 3 in succession, it determines and decides the operation information to be reflected in the operation control of the air conditioner 1, and reflects the operation settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 indicated in the decided operation information in the operation control of the air conditioner 1.

[0107] That is, when the contents of the first setting change command acquired from the first mobile terminal 3f, which is the mobile terminal 3, at the first time differ from the contents of the second setting change command acquired from the second mobile terminal 3s, which is the mobile terminal 3, at the second time, which is a time before the first time, the operation setting management unit 23 performs control to transmit a request message, which is a message requesting a comment on the setting reason of the first setting change command, to the first mobile terminal 3f. Then, the operation setting management unit 23 performs control to acquire a response message, which is a response to the request message, from the first mobile terminal 3f and transfer it to the second mobile terminal 3s. After that, the operation setting management unit 23 performs control to acquire from the second mobile terminal 3s the acceptance result information indicating whether or not the operation setting of the air conditioner 1 can be changed to the contents of the first setting change command, and selects one setting change command to be reflected in the air conditioner 1 from the first setting change command and the second setting change command based on the acceptance result information.

[0108] As a result, in the air conditioning system 100, it is possible to prevent a situation in which, after a certain user has previously operated the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 from the mobile terminal 3, the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 are arbitrarily rewritten by the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 operated by a subsequent other user from the mobile terminal 3. As a result, in the air conditioning system 100, it becomes possible to maintain the operating state of the air conditioner 1 desired by the user who previously operated the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1.

[0109] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 100, if the reason why the other user performed the subsequent operation from the mobile terminal 3 is valid, it becomes possible to accept the subsequent operation from the other user. As a result, in the air conditioning system 100, when the contents of the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 operated by multiple users from the mobile terminal 3 are different, it is possible to adjust the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 operated by multiple users from the mobile terminal 3. In other words, in the air conditioning system 100, when the contents of the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 operated by multiple users from the mobile terminal 3 are different, it is possible to automatically and smoothly adjust the requests for the operation settings between the users.

[0110] The air conditioning system 100 can flexibly respond by permitting a change to the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 in response to the content of the comment on the reason for the subsequent operation. That is, in the air conditioning system 100, if a user who previously operated the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 from the mobile terminal 3 accepts the subsequent operation based on the content of the response message, the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 are changed. As a result, the air conditioning system 100 does not uniformly reject changes to the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 by other subsequent users, and allows for highly flexible operation control of the air conditioner 1 in line with the practical benefits of the user.

[0111] Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 100 of embodiment 1, the effect is achieved in that it is possible to coordinate the operational settings of the air conditioner between users in the air conditioning system 100 in which operational settings of the air conditioner 1 can be set from multiple mobile terminals 3.

[0112] Embodiment 2 In embodiment 2, a description will be given of another operation of the above-mentioned air conditioning system 100. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of information in the air conditioning system 100 in embodiment 2. The processing of the air conditioning system 100 shown in Fig. 7 is repeatedly performed from when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started until the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0113] In the second embodiment, priorities can be set for multiple users who operate the mobile terminal 3 to set operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1. That is, an individual priority order is assigned to each of the multiple users. Priority information for the multiple users is determined in advance and set in the operational setting management unit 23. The priorities for the multiple users can be said as the priorities of the multiple mobile terminals 3. The priorities for the multiple users can be said as the priorities of the multiple mobile terminals 3.

[0114] Priority information of multiple users, that is, priority order information of multiple users, can be said to be information for determining which user among multiple users should have priority in an operation performed on the mobile terminal 3. Priority order information of multiple users can be changed as appropriate from the mobile terminal 3. Priority information of multiple users can be said to be priority information of multiple mobile terminals 3. Priority information of multiple users can be said to be priority information of multiple mobile terminals 3.

[0115] In the second embodiment, an operation of the operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 performed on the mobile terminal 3 by a high-priority user is unconditionally reflected in the air conditioner 1. On the other hand, if a preceding operation has been performed by a user with a higher priority than a low-priority user, a request message is sent to the low-priority user, requesting a comment on the reason for the new operation. Then, based on a response message that is a response to the request message, it is determined whether or not the operation of the low-priority user is reflected in the air conditioner 1.

[0116] In the second embodiment, when there is a clear administrator of the air conditioning system 100, such as a system administrator or a parent, the priorities among a plurality of users are set in advance, and an individual priority order is assigned to each of the plurality of users.

[0117] Here, it is assumed that the priority of user A is higher than the priority of user B. In other words, it is assumed that the priority of the mobile terminal 3a held by user A is higher than the priority of the mobile terminal 3 held by user B. Furthermore, the operation information ai1, operation information ai2, operation information bi1, and operation information bi2 described below are information in which the contents of the operation settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 are different.

[0118] In step S21, operation information bi1 corresponding to an operation b1 of user B who remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3b to the interface device 2. Upon receiving the operation information bi1 transmitted from the mobile terminal 3b, the interface device 2 stores the operation information bi1. The interface device 2 transmits the operation information bi1 to the air conditioner 1. Upon receiving the operation information bi1, the air conditioner 1 controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the operation information bi1.

[0119] After that, in step S22, operation information ai1 which is subsequent to the operation b1 of user B and corresponds to the operation a1 of user A who remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a to the interface device 2. Upon receiving the operation information ai1, if a preceding operation has already been performed by another user, the interface device 2 determines whether the priority of the user who performed the preceding operation is higher than the priority of the user who performed the subsequent operation.

[0120] Because user A has a higher priority than user B, the interface device 2 unconditionally reflects the operation a1 of the operational settings related to the operation of the air conditioner 1 performed on the mobile terminal 3a by user A who has a higher priority, in the air conditioner 1. In other words, the interface device 2 transmits operation information ai1 to the air conditioner 1. Upon receiving the operation information ai1, the air conditioner 1 controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the operation information ai1.

[0121] After that, in step S23, operation information ai2 which is subsequent to user A's operation a1 and corresponds to user A's operation a2 for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a to the interface device 2. The interface device 2 transmits the operation information ai2 to the air conditioner 1. Upon receiving the operation information ai2, the air conditioner 1 controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 based on the operation information ai2.

[0122] After that, in step S24, operation information bi2, which is subsequent to the operation a2 of user A and corresponds to the operation b2 of user B who remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 1, is transmitted from the mobile terminal 3b to the interface device 2. When the interface device 2 receives the operation information bi2, if a preceding operation has already been performed by another user, the interface device 2 determines whether or not the priority of the user who performed the preceding operation is higher than the priority of the user who performed the subsequent operation. In other words, when the interface device 2 receives the operation information bi2, if the interface device 2 has already received preceding operation information from another user, the interface device 2 determines whether or not the priority of the mobile terminal 3 that transmitted the preceding operation information is higher than the priority of the mobile terminal 3 that transmitted the subsequent operation information.

[0123] The interface device 2 determines that the priority of user A is higher than the priority of user B. In other words, the interface device 2 determines that the priority of the portable terminal 3a held by user A is higher than the priority of the portable terminal 3b held by user B.

[0124] In step S25, a request message is sent to the mobile terminal 3b where the subsequent operation b2 has been performed, requesting a comment on the reason for performing the new operation. Specifically, the interface device 2 sends a request message to the mobile terminal 3b where the subsequent operation b2 has been performed, requesting a comment on the reason for performing the new operation. That is, when the priority of the mobile terminal 3 that has transmitted the subsequent operation information is low, the interface device 2 sends a comment on the reason for performing the new operation to the mobile terminal 3 with low priority. That is, when the priority of the user who has performed the subsequent operation is low, the interface device 2 requests a comment on the reason for performing the new operation from the user with low priority.

[0125] In step S26, a response message that is a response to the request message is transmitted to the interface device 2. When the mobile terminal 3b receives the request message, it displays the request message and prompts the user B to input a response to the request message. When the mobile terminal 3b accepts an operation related to inputting a response comment to the request message from the user B, it transmits a response message that is operation information corresponding to the operation related to inputting the response comment to the request message to the interface device 2.

[0126] In step S27, the response message is transferred to the mobile terminal 3a on which the operation was performed earlier. Specifically, when the interface device 2 receives the response message transmitted from the mobile terminal 3b, the interface device 2 transmits the response message to the mobile terminal 3a on which the operation was performed earlier without processing the content of the response message.

[0127] In step S28, acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b2, which is information indicating whether or not the operation b2 performed by the user B is accepted, is transmitted to the interface device 2. Specifically, the mobile terminal 3a transmits the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b2 to the interface device 2.

[0128] In step S29, the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b2 is transferred to the mobile terminal 3b. Specifically, when the interface device 2 receives the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b2 transmitted from the mobile terminal 3a, the interface device 2 transmits the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b2 to the mobile terminal 3b where the subsequent operation b2 was performed, without processing the content of the acceptance / non-acceptance result information of the operation b2.

[0129] When the mobile terminal 3b receives the acceptance result information of the operation b2, it displays the acceptance result of the operation b2, which is the content indicated in the acceptance result information of the operation b2, and presents it to the user B. That is, the mobile terminal 3b is notified of whether the operation b2 was accepted by the user A who performed the preceding operation a2, based on the acceptance result information of the operation b2. Then, the user B who performed the subsequent operation b2 can confirm whether the operation b2 was accepted by the user A, based on the acceptance result of the operation b2 displayed on the mobile terminal 3b.

[0130] Next, an operation of the interface device 2 of the air conditioning system 100 in embodiment 2 will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart explaining the procedure of the operation of the interface device 2 of the air conditioning system 100 in embodiment 2. The processing of the air conditioning system 100 shown in Fig. 8 is repeatedly performed from when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started until the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0131] Here, it is assumed that a first user holds a first mobile terminal 3f which is a mobile terminal 3. Also, it is assumed that a second user holds a second mobile terminal 3s which is a mobile terminal 3. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the same operations as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are assigned the same step numbers. Below, differences between the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

[0132] If it is determined that the interface device 2 has received the preceding operation information from the second portable terminal 3s, the result of step S120 becomes Yes, and the process proceeds to step S210.

[0133] In step S210, it is determined whether the priority of the second user is higher than the priority of the first user. That is, it is determined whether the priority of the second mobile terminal 3s held by the second user is higher than the priority of the first mobile terminal 3f held by the first user. Specifically, the operation setting management unit 23 determines whether the priority of the second user who performed the second operation, which is an operation preceding the first operation, is higher than the priority of the first user who performed the first operation, which is a subsequent operation. That is, the operation setting management unit 23 determines whether the priority of the second mobile terminal 3s to which the second operation information, which is the preceding operation information, is transmitted is higher than the priority of the first mobile terminal 3f to which the first operation information, which is the subsequent operation information, is transmitted. The operation setting management unit 23 determines whether the priority of the second user is higher than the priority of the first user based on information on the priority of a plurality of users that is predetermined and stored in the operation setting management unit 23.

[0134] If it is determined that the priority of the second user is lower than that of the first user, i.e., if it is determined that the priority of the second mobile terminal 3s is lower than that of the first mobile terminal 3f, the result in step S210 is No, and the process proceeds to step S220. If it is determined that the priority of the second user is higher than that of the first user, i.e., if it is determined that the priority of the second mobile terminal 3s is higher than that of the first mobile terminal 3f, the result in step S210 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S140.

[0135] In step S220, the first operation information transmitted from the first portable terminal 3f is transmitted to the air conditioner 1. That is, the first operation information transmitted from the first portable terminal 3f is reflected in the air conditioner 1. Step S220 is performed in the same manner as step S130.

[0136] As described above, in the second embodiment, when there is a clear administrator of the air conditioning system 100, such as a system administrator or a parent, the priority between multiple users is set in advance and an individual priority order is assigned to each of the multiple users, thereby reducing the exchange of request messages and response messages between the interface device 2 and the second mobile terminal 3s.

[0137] As a result, in the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce communication failures in the air conditioning system 100 and to obtain the effect of improving the usability of the air conditioning system 100. And in the second embodiment, it is possible to provide a way of using the air conditioning system 100 that corresponds to the usage environment of the air conditioning system 100, for example, an operation performed on the mobile terminal 3 by a system administrator or the like is reflected preferentially, and an operation performed on the mobile terminal 3 by other general users requires the transmission of a request message.

[0138] Embodiment 3 In the third embodiment, another operation of the air conditioning system 100 described above will be described. In the third embodiment, whether or not a subsequent operation is reflected in the air conditioner 1 is determined based on whether or not a predetermined set time has elapsed since the immediately preceding operation was performed, that is, since the interface device 2 received the immediately preceding operation information. That is, when a certain user performs an operation to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1 on the mobile terminal 3 and then a subsequent user performs a new operation to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 1 on the mobile terminal 3, the operation setting management unit 23 determines whether or not a predetermined set time has elapsed since the immediately preceding operation was performed.

[0139] The predetermined set time is a reference time for the operation setting management unit 23 to determine whether or not to reflect a subsequent operation in the air conditioner 1 when a previous operation for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 is performed on the mobile terminal 3 after which the previous operation for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 1 is performed on the mobile terminal 3.

[0140] Next, an operation of the interface device 2 of the air conditioning system 100 in embodiment 3 will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart explaining the procedure of the operation of the interface device 2 of the air conditioning system 100 in embodiment 3. The processing of the air conditioning system 100 shown in Fig. 9 is repeatedly performed from when the operation of the air conditioner 1 is started until the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stopped.

[0141] Here, it is assumed that a first user holds a first mobile terminal 3f which is a mobile terminal 3. Also, it is assumed that a second user holds a second mobile terminal 3s which is a mobile terminal 3. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the same operations as those in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 are assigned the same step numbers. Below, differences between the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 will be described.

[0142] If it is determined that the interface device 2 has received the preceding operation information from the second portable terminal 3s, the result of step S120 becomes Yes, and the process proceeds to step S310.

[0143] In step S310, it is determined whether or not a predetermined set time has elapsed since the immediately previous operation information was received in the interface device 2. Specifically, the operation setting management unit 23 uses a timer function of the operation setting management unit 23 to determine whether or not a predetermined set time has elapsed since the immediately previous operation information was received.

[0144] If it is determined in the interface device 2 that the predetermined set time has not elapsed since the previous operation information was received, the result in step S310 is No, and the process proceeds to step S140. If it is determined in the interface device 2 that the predetermined set time has elapsed since the previous operation information was received, the result in step S310 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S320.

[0145] In step S320, the first operation information transmitted from the first portable terminal 3f is transmitted to the air conditioner 1. That is, the first operation information transmitted from the first portable terminal 3f is reflected in the air conditioner 1. Step S320 is performed in the same manner as step S130.

[0146] As described above, in the third embodiment, a request message is transmitted to the user who performed the subsequent operation in order to maintain the operating state of the air conditioner 1 desired by the user who performed the immediately previous operation until a predetermined set time has elapsed since the immediately previous operation was performed. Then, if the user who performed the immediately previous operation accepts the subsequent operation based on the contents of the response message, the operational settings of the operational control of the air conditioner 1 are changed.

[0147] On the other hand, in embodiment 3, if a predetermined set time has elapsed since the previous operation was performed, the user who performed the previous operation is deemed to be satisfied, and the subsequent operation is reflected in the air conditioner 1.

[0148] As a result, in embodiment 3, the operational settings for the operation control of the air conditioner 1 desired by a particular user are not reflected excessively in the air conditioning system 100, and it is possible to flexibly respond to the operational states of the air conditioner 1 desired by multiple users, and to provide multiple users with a greater selection of operational states for the air conditioner 1. Furthermore, by combining the operation of the air conditioning system 100 in embodiment 2 and the operation of the air conditioning system 100 in embodiment 3, it is possible to more flexibly provide the operational environment of the air conditioning system 100 desired by multiple users.

[0149] Next, the hardware configuration of each of the control units 80 according to the first to third embodiments will be described. The control units 80 according to the first to third embodiments correspond to the air conditioning control unit 114 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1, the operation setting management unit 23, the data conversion unit 24 and the interface control unit 28 in the interface device 2, and the terminal control unit 35 of the mobile terminal 3, respectively, according to the first to third embodiments. Each function of the control unit 80 according to the first to third embodiments is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processing device that executes a program stored in a storage device.

[0150] When the processing circuit is a dedicated hardware, the processing circuit corresponds to a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or a combination of these. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 80 according to the first to third embodiments are realized by hardware. A logic circuit 81a that realizes the functions of the control unit 80 is incorporated in the processing circuit 81.

[0151] When the processing circuit 81 is a processing device, the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0152] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 80 according to the first to third embodiments are realized by software. The processing circuit 81 has a processor 811 that executes a program 81b, a random access memory 812 that the processor 811 uses as a work area, and a storage device 813 that stores the program 81b. The processor 811 expands the program 81b stored in the storage device 813 on the random access memory 812 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 80. The software or firmware is written in a program language and stored in the storage device 813. The processor 811 can be exemplified by a central processing unit, but is not limited to this. The storage device 813 can be a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or an EEPROM (registered trademark). The semiconductor memory may be a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory. Further, in addition to a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) can be applied to the storage device 813. The processor 811 may output data such as a calculation result to the storage device 813 for storage, or may store the data in an auxiliary storage device (not shown) via the random access memory 812. By integrating the processor 811, the random access memory 812, and the storage device 813 on one chip, the functions of the control unit 80 can be realized by a microcomputer.

[0153] The processing circuit 81 realizes the functions of the control unit 80 by reading and executing the program 81b stored in the storage device 813. It can also be said that the program 81b causes a computer to execute procedures and methods for realizing the functions of the control unit 80.

[0154] In addition, the processing circuit 81 may be configured so that some of the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by dedicated hardware, and some of the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software or firmware.

[0155] Thus, the processing circuitry 81 can realize each of the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0156] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or the embodiments may be combined with each other. Also, parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1 air conditioner, 2 interface device, 3, 3a, 3b mobile terminal, 3f first mobile terminal, 3s second mobile terminal, 11 indoor unit, 12 outdoor unit, 21 air conditioner communication unit, 22 mobile terminal communication unit, 23 operation setting management unit, 24 data conversion unit, 26 memory unit, 27 dip switch, 28 interface control unit, 31 terminal operation unit, 32 terminal display unit, 33 terminal memory unit, 34 terminal communication unit, 35 terminal control unit, 80 control unit, 81 processing circuit, 81a logic circuit, 81b program, 100 air conditioning system, 111 indoor unit air conditioning unit, 112 indoor unit memory unit, 113 indoor unit communication unit, 114 air conditioning control unit, 811 processor, 812 random access memory, 813 storage device.

Claims

1. An interface device that is capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile terminals and an air conditioner, and that configures an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning of an air-conditioning target area together with the plurality of mobile terminals and the air conditioner, an operation setting management unit capable of transmitting and receiving information between a plurality of the mobile terminals and the air conditioner, and selecting one of the setting change commands to be reflected in the air conditioner from setting change commands which are information instructing changes to operation settings of the air conditioner and are set from the plurality of the mobile terminals; When the content of a first setting change command acquired from a first portable terminal that is the portable terminal at a first time differs from the content of a second setting change command acquired from a second portable terminal that is the portable terminal at a second time that is a time earlier than the first time, the operation setting management unit: A control for transmitting a request message to the first mobile terminal, the request message being a message requesting a comment on a setting reason of the first setting change command; A control for acquiring a response message, which is a response to the request message, from the first portable terminal and transferring the response message to the second portable terminal; acquires from the second mobile terminal acceptance result information indicating whether or not the operation settings of the air conditioner can be changed to the content of the first setting change command, and performs control to select one of the setting change commands to be reflected in the air conditioner from the first setting change command and the second setting change command based on the acceptance result information. Interface device.

2. When the operation setting management unit acquires, from the second mobile terminal, permission information indicating that the setting change to the content of the first setting change command is accepted as the acceptance result information, the operation setting management unit transmits the first setting change command to the air conditioner.

2. The interface device of claim 1.

3. the operation setting management unit determines a priority order between the first portable terminal and the second portable terminal based on priority order information of the plurality of portable terminals, and transmits the request message to the first portable terminal when the priority order of the second portable terminal is higher than the priority order of the first portable terminal; 3. An interface device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the operation setting management unit transmits the first setting change command to the air conditioner without transmitting the request message to the first mobile terminal when a predetermined set time has elapsed since acquiring the second setting change command; An interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An air conditioning system that includes a plurality of mobile terminals, an air conditioner, and an interface device, and that performs air conditioning of an air-conditioning target area, the interface device is capable of transmitting and receiving information between the plurality of mobile terminals and the air conditioner, and includes an operation setting management unit that selects one of the setting change commands to be reflected in the air conditioner from setting change commands that are information for instructing changes to operation settings of the air conditioner and are set from the plurality of mobile terminals; When the content of a first setting change command acquired from a first portable terminal that is the portable terminal at a first time differs from the content of a second setting change command acquired from a second portable terminal that is the portable terminal at a second time that is a time earlier than the first time, the operation setting management unit: A control for transmitting a request message to the first mobile terminal, the request message being a message requesting a comment on a setting reason of the first setting change command; A control for acquiring a response message, which is a response to the request message, from the first portable terminal and transferring the response message to the second portable terminal; acquires from the second mobile terminal acceptance result information indicating whether or not the operation settings of the air conditioner can be changed to the content of the first setting change command, and performs control to select one of the setting change commands to be reflected in the air conditioner from the first setting change command and the second setting change command based on the acceptance result information. Air conditioning system.

6. When the operation setting management unit acquires, from the second mobile terminal, permission information indicating that the setting change to the content of the first setting change command is accepted as the acceptance result information, the operation setting management unit transmits the first setting change command to the air conditioner.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

7. the operation setting management unit determines a priority order between the first portable terminal and the second portable terminal based on priority order information of the plurality of portable terminals, and transmits the request message to the first portable terminal when the priority order of the second portable terminal is higher than the priority order of the first portable terminal; 7. An air conditioning system according to claim 5 or 6.

8. the operation setting management unit transmits the first setting change command to the air conditioner without transmitting the request message to the first mobile terminal when a predetermined set time has elapsed since acquiring the second setting change command; An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

Images