Air conditioning system and air conditioning device

Abstract

An air conditioning system (1) includes an air conditioning apparatus (200) and a server (100). The air conditioning apparatus has memory (212) which houses air conditioning software, and a processor (211) that executes the air conditioning software in the memory. The air conditioning software includes a plurality of application programs and a base program. The server distributes first update data, which is necessary in order for the processor to update at least one of a plurality of pieces of the application software, to the air conditioning apparatus, and the processor uses the base software to update the corresponding application software inside the memory on the basis of the first update data.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an air conditioning system that includes a server that stores update software, and an air conditioner that updates its control software with the update software received from the server.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2017 / 199331) describes an air conditioning system that includes a server on which update software for an air conditioning device is stored, a wireless adapter that receives the update software from the server, and an air conditioning device that updates the software stored in its memory with the update software received by the wireless adapter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 199331 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventionally, a remote device such as a server would distribute update software to the air conditioning device in a lump sum in order to update the air conditioning device's software, and the air conditioning device would temporarily store the received update software in memory separately from the software currently in use.

[0006] As described above, conventional air conditioners have had to store update software in memory separately from the software in use, which has led to problems such as a large memory capacity required for the air conditioner. Also, conventionally, there has been a problem in that the time required to update the software is long because the capacity of the update software is large.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the memory capacity required in an air conditioning apparatus and to shorten the update time when updating software for the air conditioning apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An air conditioning system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first air conditioning apparatus and a server that distributes air conditioning software to the first air conditioning apparatus. The first air conditioning apparatus has a first processor that executes the air conditioning software and a first memory that stores the air conditioning software, and the air conditioning software includes a plurality of application software that respectively realize a plurality of functions provided by the first air conditioning apparatus and basic software that manages jobs of the plurality of application software, the server distributes first update data required for the first air conditioning apparatus to update one of the plurality of application software to the first air conditioning apparatus, and the first processor updates the corresponding application software in the first memory using the basic software based on the first update data.

[0009] An air conditioning apparatus according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a first processor that executes air conditioning software and a first memory that stores the air conditioning software. The air conditioning software includes a plurality of application software that respectively realizes a plurality of functions provided by the air conditioning apparatus and basic software that manages jobs of the plurality of application software, the first processor is capable of communicating with a server that distributes the air conditioning software, and when the first processor receives first update data required to update one of the plurality of application software from the server, the first processor updates the corresponding application software in the first memory using the basic software based on the first update data. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, when updating software in an air conditioning apparatus, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity required in the air conditioning apparatus and shorten the update time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an air conditioning system in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of data contained in a database constructed in a storage device. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the software configuration and hardware configuration of the air conditioning apparatus. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an overview of a flow for updating air conditioning software. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a process for searching for properties that have installed air conditioners in which updated air conditioning software is stored, when the air conditioning software is updated on the cloud. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not to permit distribution of the air conditioning software in an air conditioning apparatus when the air conditioning software has been updated on the cloud. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for updating an application program for an air conditioning apparatus with an application program updated on the cloud. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for updating the basic program of an air conditioning apparatus with a basic program updated on the cloud. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for updating the basic program of an air conditioning apparatus with a basic program updated on the cloud. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a process for changing an entry point in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing property data registered in a database. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of a procedure by which an air conditioning apparatus calculates a priority order. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a procedure in which a server creates an estimation model using a learning device. [Figure 14] A block diagram for explaining the procedure in which a server estimates priority regarding the use of an application program using a trained estimation model. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for registering first data and a property ID of a new property in the database when an air conditioning apparatus is installed in a new property. [Figure 16] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for creating a trained estimation model. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for determining the priority order of application software recommended for an air conditioning apparatus. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system as a modified example. [Figure 19] 7 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example related to FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.

[0013] Embodiment 1 <Overall configuration of air conditioning system 1> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system 1 in the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 is composed of a remote control system 3 and air conditioners 200A, 200B, etc. installed in a plurality of properties 300A, 300B, etc. The air conditioners 200A, 200B, etc. each have a similar hardware configuration. However, the hardware configurations of the air conditioners 200A, 200B, etc. do not have to be completely identical. For example, the number of indoor units or outdoor units included in the air conditioner 200A may differ from the number of indoor units or outdoor units included in the air conditioner 200B. In FIG. 1, two properties 300A, 300B are illustrated as a representative example. In the following, the properties 300A, 300B, etc. may be collectively referred to as "property 300", and the air conditioners 200A, 200B, etc. may be collectively referred to as "air conditioner 200".

[0014] The number of properties 300 is not limited to two. Air conditioners 200 installed in each of many more properties 300 may be connected to the remote control system 3. In this embodiment, the property 300 refers to the location where the air conditioner 200 is installed.

[0015] The remote control system 3 includes a terminal device 10, terminal devices 20A, 20B, ..., a cloud 30, and a wide area network 60. The cloud 30 is composed of a server 100 and a storage device 50. The server 100 performs various functions of the remote control system 3 by utilizing a database constructed in the storage device 50.

[0016] The cloud 30 is communicatively connected to the terminal device 10, terminal devices 20A, 20B..., and air conditioning devices 200A, 200B... via a wide area network 60. The terminal device 10 and the terminal devices 20A, 20B... each include a display 40. The terminal device 10 is operated, for example, by a person in charge of the developer of the air conditioning device 200. The terminal devices 20A, 20B... are operated by respective users of the air conditioning devices 200A, 200B....

[0017] For example, the terminal device 20A is operated by a user of the air conditioning device 200A installed in the property 300A. The terminal device 20B is operated by a user of the air conditioning device 200B installed in the property 300B. The terminal device 20A is installed in the property 300A, for example. The terminal device 20B is installed in the property 300B, for example. The terminal device 20A may be installed in a location other than the property 300A. The same applies to the terminal device 20B. Hereinafter, the terminal devices 20A, 20B, etc. may be collectively referred to as "terminal device 20". The terminal device 20 is configured, for example, by a personal computer. The terminal device 20 may be configured by a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0018] The air conditioning apparatus 200 includes a management device 201, an indoor unit 202, and an outdoor unit 203. The management device 201 includes a processor 211 that functions as a control unit, and a memory 212 in which various programs are stored. The management device 201 controls the air conditioning apparatus 200 based on air conditioning software installed in the air conditioning apparatus 200. The indoor unit 202 and the outdoor unit 203 each include air conditioning components such as a heat exchanger. The management device 201 may be included as part of the configuration of the indoor unit 202 or the outdoor unit 203.

[0019] The developer of the air conditioner 200 provides various models of the air conditioner 200 to users. The type of air conditioning software installed in the air conditioner 200 varies depending on the model of the air conditioner 200. The type of air conditioning software installed in the air conditioner 200 varies depending on the user's wishes. For example, even if the air conditioner 200A installed in the property 300A and the air conditioner 200B installed in the property 300B are the same model, the air conditioning software installed in each of the air conditioners 200A, 200B may be different. <Data to be registered in Database 51> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a part of the data included in the database 51 constructed in the storage device 50. As shown in Fig. 2, in the database 51, at least master data 52 and model-specific data 53 are registered.

[0020] The master data 52 includes software groups configured for each model lineup of the air conditioning device 200, and version information for each piece of software included in the software group. The model identification data includes the model of the air conditioning device 200 for each property 300A, 300B, etc., and the type and version information of the software installed in each of the air conditioning devices 200A, 200B, etc. When any of the multiple pieces of air conditioning software are upgraded by the developer of the air conditioning device 200, the upgraded air conditioning software is uploaded to the cloud 30. For example, the developer's staff can operate the terminal device 10 to upload the updated air conditioning software to the cloud 30. As a result, the upgraded air conditioning software is newly registered in the master data 52 of the database 51.

[0021] The server 100 can identify the model of the air conditioning device 200, the type of software installed, and the version of the software for each property 300 by referencing a database 51 constructed in the storage device 50. When the air conditioning software is upgraded, the server 100 transmits data for updating the air conditioning software to the air conditioning devices 200 in the property 300 in which the corresponding air conditioning software has been installed. This enables the target air conditioning devices 200 to update their air conditioning software to the latest version. <Software and hardware configuration> 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the software configuration and hardware configuration of the air conditioning apparatus 200. The air conditioning apparatus 200 includes air conditioning software 210 as its software configuration, and includes a hardware device 240 as its hardware configuration. The air conditioning software 210 is stored in the memory 212 of the management apparatus 201, for example.

[0022] Fig. 3 illustrates some of the hardware devices 240 of the air conditioning apparatus 200. As shown in Fig. 3, the hardware devices 240 include a temperature sensor 241 that detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, a pressure sensor 242 that detects the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit, a temperature and humidity sensor 243 that detects the outside air temperature and humidity, a compressor 244 that discharges high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant into the refrigerant circuit, a fan 245 that circulates air near the heat exchanger, and a valve 246 such as an expansion valve that adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant.

[0023] The management device 201 controls the air conditioner 200 in accordance with the air conditioning software 210. The detection values ​​of a temperature sensor 241, a pressure sensor 242, and a temperature and humidity sensor 243 are input to the management device 201 (see FIG. 1). The management device 201 controls the operating frequency of a compressor 244 and the opening degree of a valve 246, taking into consideration the detection values ​​of the temperature sensor 241 and the pressure sensor 242.

[0024] The basic software section 220 includes a job control section 222, a data management section 223, a communication section 224, a device driver 225, and a job schedule 226. The job schedule 226 describes the procedure for executing a job.

[0025] The device driver 225 controls the job schedule 226 and the hardware devices 240. The communication unit 224 performs data communication with the wide area network 60 to which the air conditioning apparatus 200 is connected. The data management unit 223 manages input / output information of the device driver 225, and transmits / receives data to / from the programs of the application software unit 230. The data management unit 223 manages commands from the job control unit 222, and also manages the states of various programs.

[0026] The job schedule 226 describes the priority of the programs, the execution conditions of the programs, and the stop conditions of the programs. The job control unit 222 outputs execution and stop commands for various programs based on the priority of the programs, the execution conditions of the programs, and the stop conditions of the programs. Here, the various programs include the various programs of the basic software unit 220 and the various programs of the application software unit 230.

[0027] The job control unit 222 monitors commands received from a communication unit 224 and the states of various programs held by a data management unit 223 in order to determine the conditions of a job schedule.

[0028] The application programs 231 of the application software section 230 realize various functions of the air conditioning apparatus 200. Each of the multiple application programs 231 operates independently, without being aware of conflicts between the application programs 231.

[0029] The application program 231 is a highly flexible program designed by a designer who individually declares the functions and purposes of the air conditioning apparatus 200 in the program and defines the inputs, calculation algorithms, and outputs in the program.

[0030] The application software section 230 is composed of a group of programs describing control algorithms that realize the functions of the air conditioning apparatus 200. The group of programs is composed of independent program units, such as an operation control program 231A, an equipment protection control program 231B, a defrost control program 231C, etc. By executing each program, program control states such as start, run, and stop are formed.

[0031] For example, the operation control program 231A inputs data from the communication unit 224, the detection values ​​of the temperature sensor 241, and the detection values ​​of the pressure sensor 242, performs calculations, and outputs control values ​​for the compressor 244, the fan 245, and the valve 246. Similarly, the device protection control program 231B and the defrost control program 231C input the detection values ​​of the temperature sensor 241 and the detection values ​​of the pressure sensor 242, performs calculations, and outputs control values ​​for the compressor 244, the fan 245, and the valve 246.

[0032] Hereinafter, the operation control program 231A, the device protection control program 231B, the defrost control program 231C, etc. may be collectively referred to as the "application program (application software) 231." In addition, in comparison with the application program 231, the programs constituting the job control unit 222, the data management unit 223, the communication unit 224, the device driver 225, and the job schedule 226 of the basic software unit 220 may be collectively referred to as the "basic program (basic software) 221."

[0033] Various application programs 231 may be processed in parallel according to instructions from a job control unit 222. Various application programs 231 may share the same data at the same time. Data that needs to be shared is managed by a data management unit 223.

[0034] The operation control program 231A calculates values ​​to be output to the compressor 244, the fan 245, and the valve 246 based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 241, the detection value of the pressure sensor 242, and the indoor set temperature received by the communication unit 224. In this manner, the operation control program 231A is executed to realize operation in the normal operation mode (cooling operation or heating operation).

[0035] When the operation control program 231A is being executed, the detection value of the temperature sensor 241 or the pressure sensor 242 may exceed a threshold value. In this case, the application software unit 230 needs to execute the device protection control program 231B in order to switch the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the abnormal mode.

[0036] Information from the temperature sensor 241 and the pressure sensor 242 may be shared between the operation control program 231A and the equipment protection control program 231B via the data management unit 223. Output values ​​to the compressor 244, the fan 245, and the valve 246 may also be shared between a plurality of application programs 231 in the application software unit 230 via the data management unit 223. These output values ​​are notified to the device driver 225 in accordance with the priority order described in the job schedule 226.

[0037] The basic software section 220 is composed of a basic program 221 that spans various application programs 231 in the application software section 230. The application programs 231 belonging to the application software section 230 each output a calculation result independently. Therefore, if each application program 231 simultaneously outputs a calculation result to actuators such as the compressor 244, the fan 245, and the valve 246, a conflict occurs.

[0038] Therefore, the job control unit 222 determines the application program 231 that is to have the calculation result output preferentially according to a predetermined priority order. The priority order is described in the job schedule 226. The data management unit 223 manages data shared by the multiple application programs 231. The device driver 225 prevents conflicting commands from being output to a hardware device 240 that is commonly handled by the multiple application programs 231. <Outline of the process for updating the air conditioning software 210> Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the flow for updating the air conditioning software 210. This flowchart is executed by the air conditioning system 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the air conditioning software 210 is updated through three steps: occurrence of an update, a determination as to whether an update is possible, and the update process. The update target is the basic program 221 constituting the basic software section 220 or the application program 231 in the application software section 230. Data required for the update is distributed from the server 100 in the cloud 30 to the air conditioning device 200.

[0039] For example, when one of the multiple application programs 231 is updated in the cloud 30, the updated application program 231 is delivered to the air conditioning apparatus 200. Note that, instead of the application program 231 itself, difference data required for the update may be delivered to the air conditioning apparatus 200. Therefore, the update data delivered from the server 100 to the air conditioning apparatus 200 may be the program (basic program or application program) itself, or may be data including content required to update the target program (for example, difference data).

[0040] When the basic software unit 220 receives an application program 231 to be updated from the server 100, it does not update the entire application software unit 230, but updates only the application program 231 required for the update. Therefore, the minimum unit of update is one application program 231. When the air conditioning apparatus 200 receives the basic program 221 from the server 100, it updates the basic program 221 in the basic software unit 220.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, first, it is determined whether or not the air conditioning software 210 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 needs to be updated (step S100). Step S100 is determined by the server 100. The server 100 determines that the air conditioning software 210 needs to be updated when any of the update programs that make up the air conditioning software 210 have been registered in the storage device 50. More specifically, the server 100 determines that the air conditioning software 210 needs to be updated when any of the update programs that make up the air conditioning software 210 have been registered in the master data 52 of the database 51.

[0042] If it is determined in step S100 that an update is not required, the processing based on this flowchart ends. If it is determined in step S100 that an update is required, it is determined whether or not the air conditioning software 210 in the air conditioning device 200 can be updated (step S200).

[0043] For example, if the remaining capacity of the memory 212 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 is less than the capacity required to update the air conditioning software 210, it is determined in step S200 that updating of the air conditioning software 210 is impossible. This determination is made, for example, in the air conditioning apparatus 200 or in the server 100. If the server 100 transmits the memory capacity required for the update to the air conditioning apparatus 200, the air conditioning apparatus 200 is able to determine step S200. If the air conditioning apparatus 200 transmits the remaining capacity of the memory 212 to the server 100, the server 100 is able to determine step S200.

[0044] If it is determined in step S200 that updating is not possible, the processing based on this flowchart ends. Note that if the remaining capacity of the memory 212 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 is less than the capacity required to update the air conditioning software 210, the server 100 may notify the terminal device 20 corresponding to that air conditioning apparatus 200 of the insufficient capacity. The terminal device 20 may be configured so that the data in the memory 212 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 can be organized by a user operating the terminal device 20.

[0045] If the remaining capacity of the memory 212 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 is insufficient to accommodate the capacity required to update the air conditioning software 210, the air conditioning apparatus 200 may operate to automatically organize the data in the memory 212 and then receive the update program from the server 100.

[0046] For example, if an update program can be stored in the memory 212 in terms of file size by deleting an application program with a low priority (frequency of use) in the memory 212, the air conditioning apparatus 200 may delete that application program before receiving the update program from the server 100. In this case, the air conditioning apparatus 200 can write a schedule for executing update processing using the update program into the job schedule 226, and then execute the update processing according to that schedule.

[0047] If it is determined in step S200 that the update is possible, the air conditioning software 210 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 is updated (step S400). Step S400 is executed by the server 100 and the air conditioning apparatus 200. That is, the server 100 distributes the air conditioning software 210 to be updated to the air conditioning apparatus 200. The air conditioning apparatus 200 uses the received air conditioning software 210 to update the target air conditioning software 210.

[0048] The process described with reference to Fig. 4 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 10. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 relate to the update of application software section 230, and Fig. 7 relates to the update of basic software section 220. <Process for identifying the update target of the air conditioning software 210> 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for searching for a property 300 that has installed an air conditioning apparatus 200 in which the updated air conditioning software 210 is stored, when the air conditioning software 210 is updated on the cloud 30. Processing based on this flowchart is executed by the air conditioning system 1.

[0049] 5, the server 100 determines whether the air conditioning software 210 has been updated on the cloud 30 (step S102). On the cloud 30, the basic program 221 and the application program 231 can be updated individually. In particular, there are multiple types of application program 231, such as an operation control program 231A, an equipment protection control program 231B, a defrost control program 231C, etc., and each is updated individually on the cloud 30. In step S102, it is determined whether any of these programs has been updated on the cloud 30.

[0050] If it is determined in step S102 that the air conditioning software 210 has not been updated, the processing based on this flowchart ends. If it is determined in step S102 that the air conditioning software 210 has been updated, the server 100 searches for a target property 300 (step S104). The property 300 searched here is a property 300 that has introduced an air conditioning device 200 that includes a program corresponding to the updated air conditioning software 210.

[0051] In this embodiment, the basic program 221 is assigned a different ID depending on the model of the air conditioning apparatus 200. The application program 231 is assigned a different ID depending on its type. For this reason, for example, the operation control program 231A, the device protection control program 231B, the defrost control program 231C, etc. are each assigned a different ID.

[0052] The ID of the basic program 221 and the ID of the application program 231 of the air conditioning device 200 are registered for each property 300A, 300B in the model identification data 53 in the database 51. The server 100 uses the database 51 to search for air conditioning devices 200 installed with a program having an ID that matches the ID of the updated air conditioning software 210. Furthermore, the server 100 uses the database 51 to search for properties 300 that have installed the air conditioning devices 200 found as a result of the search.

[0053] Next, the server 100 selects an air conditioning device 200 that has free space to write the update program from among the air conditioning devices 200 installed in the property 300 found by the search (step S106). For example, the server 100 receives the size of the free space from the air conditioning device 200 installed in the property 300 found by the search. This enables the server 100 to determine whether or not the air conditioning device 200 has free space to write the update program.

[0054] Next, the server 100 notifies the terminal devices 20 corresponding to the properties 300 in which the selected air conditioning devices 200 are installed of the occurrence of the update (step S108). As a result, depending on the number of properties 300 in which the air conditioning devices 200 to be updated are installed, one or more terminal devices 20 are notified of the occurrence of the update.

[0055] Next, the server 100 determines whether the air conditioning software 210 to be updated is an application program 231 (step S110). If the air conditioning software 210 to be updated is not the application program 231, the process proceeds to step S114. If the air conditioning software 210 to be updated is the application program 231, the server 100 notifies the terminal devices 20 corresponding to the other properties 300 not selected in step S106 that the application program 231 can be newly installed (step S112).

[0056] Next, the one or more terminal devices 20 that have received the notification of step S108 or step S112 from the server 100 display on the display 40 that an update of the air conditioning software 210 will occur, or that a new application program 231 can be installed (step S114). A user who understands from the display 40 that an update of the air conditioning software 210 will occur decides whether or not to allow the update of the air conditioning software 210. Alternatively, a user who understands from the display 40 that a new application program 231 can be installed decides whether or not to allow the installation of a new application program 231.

[0057] The terminal device 20 accepts an operation indicating permission to update the air conditioning software 210 (basic program 221 or application program 231) or to newly install the application program 231 (step S116). If a user operation is detected in step S116, the terminal device 20 notifies the server 100 of the cloud 30 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 for which the air conditioning software 210 is to be updated, or the air conditioning apparatus 200 for which the application program 231 is to be newly installed (step S120). This ends the processing based on this flowchart.

[0058] Step S120 allows the server 100 to identify to which of the multiple air conditioning devices 200 the update program should be distributed. If no user operation is detected in step S116 (if an operation that does not permit distribution is detected), the server 100 is not notified of the air conditioning device 200 for which the program is to be updated or newly installed. As a result, the update program is not distributed to the air conditioning device 200 in question.

[0059] Note that this flowchart shows an example in which the server 100 distributes an update program in response to an instruction from a user on the terminal device 20. However, after the server 100 selects the target air conditioning apparatus 200 in step S106, the server 100 may automatically distribute the update program to the target air conditioning apparatus 200 without waiting for an instruction from the user. <Process to determine whether to allow distribution of updates> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not to permit distribution of the air conditioning software 210 in the air conditioning apparatus 200 when the air conditioning software 210 is updated on the cloud 30.

[0060] First, the server 100 transmits program information and a distribution permission request to the target air conditioning apparatus 200 (step S202). The target air conditioning apparatus 200 is the air conditioning apparatus 200 about which the server 100 has received notification in step S120 of Fig. 5. Therefore, the processing of step S202 is executed for one or multiple air conditioning apparatuses 200. The program information includes the ID of the air conditioning software 210 to be distributed (either the basic program 221 or multiple application programs 231), program capacity, version information, and the like.

[0061] The air conditioning device 200 that has received the program information and the distribution permission request determines whether there is sufficient free space available for installing the program to be distributed (step S204). More specifically, the management device 201 of the air conditioning device 200 determines whether there is sufficient free space available in the memory 212 for installing the program to be distributed.

[0062] If the air conditioning apparatus 200 determines YES in step S204, it adds an update process to the job schedule 226 (step S206). The update process is added to the job schedule 226 by the management device 201 of the air conditioning apparatus 200. In terms of the basic software unit 220, the update process is added to the job schedule 226 by the job control unit 222.

[0063] The update process is a process for updating any one of the existing basic program 221 and the multiple application programs 231 included in the air conditioning software 210. Alternatively, the update process is a process for installing a new application program 231.

[0064] Next, the air conditioning apparatus 200 returns distribution permission to the server 100 of the cloud 30 (step S208). Having received the distribution permission, the server 100 judges as YES in step S402 in Fig. 7, which will be described later.

[0065] If the air conditioning apparatus 200 judges NO in step S204, it returns a message that delivery is not possible to the server 100 of the cloud 30 (step S210) and ends the processing based on this flowchart. Having received the message that delivery is not possible, the server 100 judges NO in step S402 of FIG. 7, which will be described later.

[0066] Note that the flowchart shown in Fig. 6 includes step S204 for determining whether there is free space. Therefore, in Fig. 5, step S106 for determining whether there is free space to write the update program may be omitted. <Processing for updating or newly installing application program 231> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for updating the application program 231 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 with the application program 231 updated on the cloud 30.

[0067] Here, a case in which an existing application program 231 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 is updated, and a case in which a new application program 231 is installed in the air conditioning apparatus 200 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. Note that in the explanation of the flowchart shown in Fig. 7, a "program" refers to any one of the multiple application programs 231.

[0068] First, the server 100 determines whether or not updating of the update program (application program 231) to the target air conditioning apparatus 200 is permitted (step S402). If updating of the program of the target air conditioning apparatus 200 is not permitted, the processing based on this flowchart ends. If updating of the program of the target air conditioning apparatus 200 is permitted, the server 100 distributes the update program to the target air conditioning apparatus 200 (step S404).

[0069] The communication unit 224 of the target air conditioning apparatus 200 receives the distributed update program, and the job control unit 222 detects the reception (step S406). The job control unit 222 recognizes that the received data is an update program. The job control unit 222 executes an update process for the job schedule 226 (step S408). The update process starts the data management unit 223. The data management unit 223 starts a process of storing the received update program in a free area of ​​the memory 212 (step S410).

[0070] Next, the data management unit 223 judges whether the process of storing the update program in the free area is completed (step S412). The data management unit 223 repeats the process of step S412 until the process of storing the update program in the free area is completed.

[0071] When the process of storing the update program in the free space is completed, the job control unit 222 searches the job schedule 226 for the ID of the update program (step S414) and determines whether or not a program with the same ID as the ID of the update program exists in the job schedule 226 (step S416).

[0072] If a program with the same ID as the ID of the update program exists in the job schedule 226, the job control unit 222 sets the job schedule 226 so that the next time the program with that ID is started, the address of the update program is referenced instead of the address of the program before the update (step S418). In other words, the job control unit 222 changes the entry point of the job schedule 226 so that the next time the program with that ID is started, the updated program is started. As a result, the next time the program with that ID (application program 231) is called, the updated program is started.

[0073] The data management unit 223 may delete the pre-update program from the memory 212 when the updated program is started.

[0074] If a program with the same ID as the ID of the update program does not exist in the job schedule 226, the job control unit 222 registers the ID as a new program in the job schedule 226 (step S420) and ends the processing based on this flowchart. As a result, the new application program 231 is installed in the air conditioning device 200. <Update process of basic program 221> 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of processing for updating the basic program 221 of the air conditioning apparatus 200 with the basic program 221 updated on the cloud 30.

[0075] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a process for changing an entry point in the flowcharts of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. Fig. 10 shows the relationship between a job schedule 226 and a program area 213. The program area 213 is provided in the memory 212. The program area 213 has a free area 214 capable of storing an update program.

[0076] The processing of the flowcharts shown in Figures 4 to 6 described above is similarly applied to the update of the basic program 221. That is, if the program permitted for distribution in step S208 of Figure 6 is the application program 231, processing based on the flowchart of Figure 7 is executed, and if the program permitted for distribution in step S208 of Figure 6 is the basic program 221, processing based on the flowcharts of Figures 8 and 9 described below is executed.

[0077] In the explanation of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the term “program” refers to the basic program 221.

[0078] First, the server 100 determines whether or not distribution of an update program (basic program 221) for the target air conditioning apparatus 200 is permitted (step S602). If updating the program for the target air conditioning apparatus 200 is not permitted, the processing based on this flowchart ends. If updating the program for the target air conditioning apparatus 200 is permitted, the server 100 distributes the update program to the target air conditioning apparatus 200 (step S604).

[0079] The communication unit 224 of the target air conditioning apparatus 200 receives the distributed update program, and the job control unit 222 detects the reception (step S606). The job control unit 222 recognizes that the received data is an update program. The job control unit 222 executes an update process for the job schedule 226 (step S608). The update process starts the data management unit 223. The data management unit 223 starts a process of storing the received update program in the free area 214 of the program area 213 in program module units (step S610). Each of the multiple program modules constitutes the job control unit 222, data management unit 223, communication unit 224, device driver 225, etc. of the basic software unit 220.

[0080] 10 shows a state in which update program modules (1) to (3) are stored in free area 214 of program area 213. Old program modules (1) to (3) that are currently being used and are not yet updated are also stored in program area 213. By continuously executing step S610, update program modules (1) to (3) are successively stored in free area 214.

[0081] Next, the job control unit 222 determines whether or not there is an update program module that has been stored in the free area 214 (step S612). If step S610 is continuously executed but there is no update program module that has been stored in the free area 214, the process proceeds to step S618. If there is an update program module that has been stored in the free area 214, the job control unit 222 searches the job schedule 226 for a program module with the same ID as the update program module (step S614).

[0082] Next, the job control unit 222 changes the entry point of the program module corresponding to the ID in the job schedule 226 from the old module to the new module (step S616). For example, Fig. 10 shows how the entry point of the program module corresponding to ID=1 is changed from entry point A of the old program module to entry point X of the new module (update program module).

[0083] Next, the job control unit 222 determines whether or not the pre-update program modules are running, except for the program module corresponding to the job control unit 222 (step S618). Step S618 is determined for the program modules whose entry points have been changed in step S616. If the entry point has been changed from the pre-update program module to the updated program module, the pre-update program module can be deleted. However, if the pre-update program module is running, it is necessary to delete the pre-update program module after the operation has ended.

[0084] If the result of the determination in step S618 is NO, data management unit 223 deletes the pre-update program module from program area 213 (step S620). However, if the result of the determination in step S618 is YES, the process of step S620 is not executed and the process proceeds to step S622. In step S622, job control unit 222 determines whether or not the process of storing all update program modules in free area 214 has been completed. If the process of storing all update program modules in free area 214 has not been completed, the process returns to step S610.

[0085] When the process of storing all update program modules in free area 214 is completed, data management unit 223 determines whether all pre-update program modules have been deleted from program area 213, except for the program module corresponding to job control unit 222 (step S624). If all pre-update program modules have not been deleted from program area 213, except for the program module corresponding to job control unit 222, the process returns to step S618. Note that the program module corresponding to job control unit 222 is excluded in the determination in step S624 because it is job control unit 222 that executes the main control of this flowchart.

[0086] In this way, by repeatedly executing the process of returning from step S622 to step S610 and the process of returning from step S624 to step S618, eventually all update program modules are stored in free area 214, and the process of changing the entry points is executed for all program modules. As a result, all pre-update program modules are deleted except for the program module corresponding to job control unit 222. At this time, the determination in step S624 is YES.

[0087] The air conditioning apparatus 200 may be configured to execute, in parallel, the process of sequentially storing update programs in the free space 214, the process of changing the entry point for executing the update program each time an update program is stored in the free space, and the process of sequentially deleting old program modules whose entry points have been changed.

[0088] If the result of the determination in step S624 is YES, the update program module (old program module) corresponding to the job control unit 222 is initialized, and the job schedule of the program module before the update (old program module) is inherited (step S626).

[0089] Next, the job control unit 222 is restarted, and the update program module corresponding to the job control unit 222 is restarted (step S628). Next, after waiting for the program module corresponding to the job control unit 222 before the update to stop (step S630), the data management unit 223 deletes the program module before the update from the program area 213 (step S632). This completes the update of the program module corresponding to the job control unit 222. With the above, all the processes for updating the basic program 221 are completed.

[0090] As described above, job control unit 222 sequentially stores each of the multiple program modules in memory 212 (step S610). When storage of a first program module (e.g., a program module corresponding to device driver 225) in memory 212 is completed but storage of a second program module (e.g., a program module corresponding to communication unit 224) in memory 212 is not completed, job control unit 222 uses the first program module to update the first program module portion of the corresponding operating system in memory 212 (steps S612 to S616).

[0091] The job control unit 222 is a job module used for updating the basic program 221. When updating the corresponding basic software in the memory 212 for each of a plurality of program modules, the air conditioning apparatus 200 updates the module portion of the job control unit 222 last (step S624).

[0092] As described above, according to this embodiment, update processing is executed in units of programs required for updating, among the various programs that make up the air conditioning software 210. This makes it possible to shorten the program update time compared to updating all of the programs that make up the air conditioning software 210 at once. Furthermore, because it is only necessary to distribute data for the programs required for updating from the server 100, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity required for the air conditioning apparatus and also to reduce the amount of communication between the server 100 and the air conditioning apparatus 200.

[0093] Conventionally, when updating a program, it has been necessary to cut off the power supply to the air conditioning apparatus 200. However, in this embodiment, the update processing for each of the various application programs 231 is handled by the basic software unit 220. Therefore, while the application program 231 is being updated, it is possible to continue operating the air conditioning apparatus 200 without cutting off the power supply to the air conditioning apparatus 200.

[0094] In this manner, in this embodiment, the application program 231 is divided into a plurality of function units that realize each of a plurality of functions provided by the air conditioning apparatus 200. This allows the user to selectively install the required application program 231 into the air conditioning apparatus 200. As a result, the program capacity required for the air conditioning apparatus 200 can be reduced. In this embodiment, since the basic software unit 220 is responsible for the process of updating the application program 231, there is no need to shut off the power when updating the program. Therefore, state variables stored in volatile memory or the like are not erased by updating the program.

[0095] Here, an example has been described in which the air conditioning software 210 is stored in the memory 212 of the management device 201. However, a control device equivalent to the management device 201 may be provided for the indoor unit 202 or the outdoor unit 203, and the air conditioning software 210 may be stored in the memory of that control device. The indoor unit 202 or the outdoor unit 203 may be configured to include the management device 201.

[0096] In this embodiment, when updating basic program 221 constituting basic software section 220, the update process is executed for each program module of basic program 221. Basic software section 220 is composed of a program module corresponding to job control section 222, as well as a program module corresponding to communication section 224, a program module corresponding to device driver 225, and the like.

[0097] The job control unit 222 is responsible for the update processing of these program modules excluding the job control unit 222. The job control unit 222 updates these program modules on a module-by-module basis. After the job control unit 222 finishes the processing of updating these program modules, the air conditioning apparatus 200 initializes and restarts the update program module corresponding to the job control unit 222 (steps S626, S628), and finally ends the update of the basic program. For this reason, according to this embodiment, it is possible to update the basic program simply by restarting the program module corresponding to the job control unit 222, out of the program modules constituting the basic program. <Property data registered in Database 51> 11 is a diagram showing the property data 54 registered in the database 51. The property data 54 includes data for identifying the environments of the individual properties 300A, 300B, .... As will be described below, the remote control system 3 including the server 100 can provide air conditioning software 210 according to the environmental characteristics of the property 300 through machine learning using the property data 54.

[0098] 11, the property data 54 is registered in the database 51 for each of the property 300A, property 300B, .... The property data 54 is made up of first data and second data.

[0099] The first data is data indicating substantially permanent and persistent characteristics of the property 300, and includes, for example, location information and climate information. The location information is composed of latitude and longitude indicating the location of the property 300. The climate information is composed of information such as whether the property 300 is located in a relatively warm region or a cold region.

[0100] For example, when the air conditioning device 200 is installed in a new property 300, the first data is registered in the database 51 by a person in charge of developing the air conditioning device 200. For example, the person in charge of the development may register the first data in the database 51 using the terminal device 10.

[0101] The second data is data that may vary depending on the season and time of day, and includes, for example, the priority order of the application programs 231 and weather information in the vicinity of the property 300. The priority order is information calculated based on the usage status of the various application programs 231 possessed by the air conditioning apparatus 200. The weather information is information including the outdoor air temperature and humidity of the property 300. The outdoor air temperature and humidity of the property 300 are measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 243 (see FIG. 3) of the air conditioning apparatus 200. The priority order and weather information are calculated at regular intervals in the air conditioning apparatuses 200A, 200B, etc. installed in the properties 300A, 300B, etc., respectively.

[0102] The air conditioning apparatus 200A, air conditioning apparatus 200B, ... transmit the calculated priority and weather information, as well as date and time information indicating the calculation date and time, to the server 100. The air conditioning apparatus 200A, air conditioning apparatus 200B, ... transmit the property ID together with this information to the server 100. The server 100 registers the received date and time information, priority order, and weather information in the database 51 as second data for each property ID of the air conditioning apparatus 200.

[0103] By referring to the priority order information, the server 100 can grasp which of the various application programs 231 in the air conditioning apparatus 200 is used most frequently and which is used least frequently. By referring to the priority order information, the server 100 can identify application programs 231 that are used very infrequently and application programs 231 that are not used.

[0104] Here, the priority order will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a specific example of the procedure by which the air conditioning apparatus 200 calculates the priority order. Here, it is assumed that the air conditioning apparatus 200 has a first program to a fourth program as application programs 231. The air conditioning apparatus 200 counts the number of times each of the first program to the fourth program is used. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the fourth program is used most frequently, and the first program is used 0 times.

[0105] When the specified period has elapsed, the air conditioning device 200 calculates the frequency of use based on the number of times of use and the specified period. For example, the frequency of use can be calculated by "number of times of use / specified period". As a result, the frequency of use of each program is calculated. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the priority order regarding the use of the first to fourth programs is calculated.

[0106] The priority order is calculated by the air conditioning software 210. More specifically, the air conditioning software 210 periodically measures the number of times each of the various application programs 231 in the application software section 230 is used. The air conditioning software 210 obtains the frequency of use by dividing the number of times the application programs 231 are used by the air conditioning software 210. The air conditioning software 210 determines the priority order of the various application programs 231 used by the air conditioning software 210 by ranking them according to their frequency of use. This priority order is also called "functional priority order."

[0107] Since the function priority varies depending on the time of day, it is also possible to obtain a usage distribution according to the time of day. In this case, it is also possible to automatically schedule basic functions such as starting up the air conditioner 200 and switching operation according to the time of day. The function priority is periodically transmitted to the remote control system 3 together with information such as outside air temperature, humidity, etc., which is environmental information used by the air conditioning software 210. <Learning Phase> 13 is a block diagram for explaining a procedure in which the server 100 creates an estimation model 114 using the learning device 110. As shown in FIG. 13, the server 100 includes the learning device 110 and the estimation model 114. The learning device 110 and the estimation model 114 are realized by the processor 101 and the memory 102 of the server 100. In particular, the estimation model 114 is realized by the memory 102 of the server 100. The learning device 110 and the estimation model 114 may be realized by using a part of the storage area of ​​the storage device 50.

[0108] The learning device 110 includes an input unit 111, a determination unit 112, and a learning unit 113. The estimation model 114 includes a neural network 115 and parameters 116. The estimation model 114 performs deep learning by using the neural network 115. The parameters 116 include weighting coefficients used in calculations by the neural network 115, and the like.

[0109] Here, a description will be given of the learning phase in which the estimation model 114 is trained. The estimation model 114 is trained by the learning device 110. The estimation model 114 is trained by the learning device 110 so as to estimate the priority order regarding the use of the application program 231 of the air conditioning device 200.

[0110] To train the estimation model 114, for example, a supervised learning algorithm is used. The learning device 110 trains the estimation model 114 by supervised learning using a large amount of training data 5. The training data 5 is composed of first data and second data registered in a database 51. The first data and second data are registered in the database 51 for each property 300 (see FIG. 11).

[0111] The learning device 110 uses the first data and the second data registered for each property 300 as one set of learning data 5. For example, in the property data 54 shown in FIG. 11, each of (first data of property 300A, second data of date and time information A1 of property 300A), (first data of property 300A, second data of date and time information A2 of property 300A), (first data of property 300A, second data of date and time information A3 of property 300A), ..., (first data of property 300B, second data of date and time information B1 of property 300B), (first data of property 300B, second data of date and time information B2 of property 300B), (first data of property 300B, second data of date and time information B3 of property 300B), ... corresponds to one set of learning data 5.

[0112] Of the set of learning data 5, the first data (location information, climate information) and weather information, which is a part of the second data, are input to the input unit 111 of the learning device 110. The priority order of the second data is input to the learning unit 113 of the learning device 110 as correct answer data.

[0113] The determination unit 112 determines the priority order based on the learning data 5 and the estimation model 114 input to the input unit 111, and outputs the determination result to the learning unit 113. The learning unit 113 trains the estimation model 114 based on the determination result obtained by the determination unit 112 and the supervised data. Specifically, the learning unit 113 trains the estimation model 114 by adjusting parameters 116 (e.g., weighting coefficients) so that the determination result obtained by the estimation model 114 approaches the supervised data.

[0114] In this way, the estimation model 114 is trained to determine priority from the location information, climate information, and weather information of the property 300 in which the air conditioning device 200 is located, based on learning data including location information, climate information, weather information, and priority of the property 300 in which the air conditioning device 200 is located. <Operation Phase> 14 is a block diagram for explaining the procedure in which the server 100 uses the trained estimation model 114 to estimate the priority order regarding the use of the application program 231. The server 100 can use the trained estimation model 114 to output the priority order for the air conditioning device 200C newly installed in the new property 301.

[0115] The server 100 includes a determination device 120 and an estimation model 114. The determination device 120 and the estimation model 114 are realized by the processor 101 and the memory 102 of the server 100.

[0116] The determination device 120 includes an input unit 121, a processing unit 122, and an output unit 123. Information on the property 300 for which one wishes to check the priority order recommended by the determination device 120 is input to the input unit 121. For example, when one wishes to check the priority order of an air conditioning device 200C newly installed in a new property 301, first data (location information, climate information) of the new property 301 and current weather information (outdoor temperature, humidity) of the new property 301 are input to the input unit 121.

[0117] The first data for the new property 301 is registered in the database 51 by a person in charge at the developer of the air conditioning device 200 when the air conditioning device 200 is installed in the new property 300. The first data already registered in the database 51 is input to the input unit 121. Weather information is input to the input unit 121 from the air conditioning device 200C installed in the new property 301, for example, via the wide area network 60. The user may input weather information to the input unit 121 using the terminal device 20C corresponding to the new property 301.

[0118] The processing unit 122 determines the priority order based on the first data and weather information input to the input unit 121 and the estimation model 114, and outputs the determination result to the output unit 123. The output unit 123 outputs the determination result to the outside of the determination device 120. The server 100 transmits the determination result to the terminal device 20C. The terminal device 20C displays the priority order as recommended application programs on the display 40 based on the determination result.

[0119] The user can set the priority order of the application programs 231 to be installed in the air conditioning apparatus 200C based on the display on the display 40. In addition, the user can also specify an application program 231 that is considered unnecessary to install, from the priority order displayed on the display 40.

[0120] The terminal device 20C may be provided with a function that enables the user to rearrange the priorities. The terminal device 20C may have a function of transmitting the confirmed priorities to the server 100 when the terminal device 20C detects an operation by the user to confirm the priorities. The server 100 may have a function of setting the application program 231 of the air conditioning device 200C in accordance with the priorities when the server 100 receives the confirmed priorities from the terminal device 20C.

[0121] As described above, according to the remote control system 3 including the server 100, when an air conditioning unit 200C is introduced to a new property 301, property data for the new property 301 can be input to the trained estimation model 114, and various application programs 231 that should be introduced to the application software unit 230 can be recommended.

[0122] Instead of placing the trained estimation model 114 in the server 100, the trained estimation model 114 may be placed in the air conditioning apparatus 200. The learning device 110 may further use the number of times the application program 231 is used, as learning data, shown in Fig. 12 to perform learning for estimating the priority order. In this case, the air conditioning apparatus 200C in the new property 301 may input data indicating the number of times each application program 231 is used to the trained estimation model 114 when a test run is performed.

[0123] The air conditioning device 200C can use the output results of the trained estimation model 114 arranged in the air conditioning device 200C or the server 100 to set more appropriate priorities for the application program 231. This allows the air conditioning device 200C (the job control unit 222 and the data management unit 223) to update its own job schedule 226 to an appropriate schedule.

[0124] 15 is a flowchart showing the procedure for registering the first data and property ID of the new property 301 in the database 51 when an air conditioning device 200C is introduced into the new property 301. First, the server 100 determines whether or not the air conditioning device 200C has been installed in the new property 301 (step S701).

[0125] For example, when the server 100 receives from the air conditioning device 200C a property ID that is not registered in the database 51, the server 100 determines that the air conditioning device 200C has been installed in a new property 301. In this case, the server 100 registers the first data of the new property 301 together with the property ID in the database 51 (step S702). If the determination in step S701 is NO, the processing of step S702 is not executed and the processing based on this flowchart ends.

[0126] 16 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for creating the trained estimation model 114. Here, the processing of the air conditioning devices 200 installed in each of the multiple properties 300 and the processing of the server 100 will be explained together.

[0127] First, the air conditioning apparatus 200 determines that the timer T has counted a specified time (step S801). Here, the specified time is the time interval at which the air conditioning apparatus 200 calculates the priority order of the application program 231 and meteorological information.

[0128] When the timer T counts a specified time, the air conditioning apparatus 200 calculates the usage frequency of the application programs 231 for each type of application program 231 (step S802). Next, the air conditioning apparatus 200 creates a priority order for the application programs 231 based on the calculated usage frequency (step S803). The priority order information created here includes the usage frequency of each application program 231. Next, the air conditioning apparatus 200 measures the outside air temperature and humidity using the temperature and humidity sensor 243 (step S804).

[0129] Next, the air conditioning apparatus 200 transmits the property ID and the second data (including weather information and priority order) to the server 100 (step S805). After that, the air conditioning apparatus 200 restarts the timer T (step S806) and ends the processing based on this flowchart.

[0130] The server 100 waits until it receives the second data (step S811). Eventually, one of the air conditioning devices 200 transmits the second data together with the property ID to the server 100. The server 100 registers the received second data in the database 51 by property ID (step S812). Next, the server 100 executes a learning process using the first data and second data registered in the database 51 (step S813) and updates the estimation model 114 (step S814). This ends the processing based on this flowchart.

[0131] FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure for determining the priority order of the application programs 231 recommended for the air conditioning apparatus 200C.

[0132] First, the server 100 acquires the first data and weather information of the new property 301 (step S901).

[0133] Next, the server 100 inputs the first data of the new property 301 and the weather information into the trained estimation model 114 (step S902). Next, the server 100 outputs a determination result (priority order) from the estimation model 114 (step S903). Next, the server 100 transmits the output determination result to the terminal device 20C as recommended application program information (step S904), and ends the processing based on this flowchart.

[0134] As explained above, according to this embodiment, by utilizing the determination device 120, it is possible to install in the air conditioning apparatus 200 only the application programs 231 corresponding to functions desired to be used locally (in each property 300) according to the frequency of use of the application programs 231. In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to remove unused application programs 231 from the memory 212 of the air conditioning apparatus 200. This makes it possible to increase the free space for data in the memory 212. This gives the air conditioning apparatus 200 more room to install other useful application programs 231. Therefore, the user can customize the types of application programs 231 as necessary.

[0135] According to this embodiment, by learning the estimation model 114 from information on the site (each property 300) and the frequency of program use (or the number of uses), a learning model capable of outputting appropriate priority order data taking into account the characteristics of each property 300 is formed. This makes it possible to recommend to the user which functions should be applied to the air conditioning device 200C of the new property 301. As a result, it becomes possible to automatically apply the priority order to the air conditioning device 200C at the time the air conditioning device 200C is introduced into the new property 301. By using the determination device 120, it becomes unnecessary for a person to select the application program 231 to be applied to the air conditioning device 200C, and as a result, it is possible to prevent human judgment errors. Therefore, according to this embodiment, optimal control by machine learning can be applied to the air conditioning system 1.

[0136] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system 2 as a modified example. As shown in Fig. 18, an air conditioning device 200 is connected to a remote control system 3 via an on-premises network 61 in a property 300. The air conditioning system 2 is similar to the air conditioning system 1, except that the on-premises network 61 is formed in the property 300. Therefore, the description of the air conditioning system 2 will not be repeated here any further.

[0137] Fig. 19 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example related to Fig. 6. In this modified example, steps S2111 to S2115 are added to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6.

[0138] In this modification, an example will be described in which, if there is not enough free space in memory 212 to install the target program in step S204, an application program 231 with a low priority is deleted from memory 212 to secure free space. Detailed descriptions of steps S202, S204, S206, S208, and S210 will not be repeated here.

[0139] If the air conditioning apparatus 200 determines in step S204 that there is not enough free space in the memory 212 to install the target program, it selects the application program 231 with the lowest priority from within the memory 212 (step S2111). Here, the application program 231 selected in step S2111 is assumed to be application program X. The priority is determined, for example, by frequency of use. The air conditioning apparatus 200 updates the number of uses for each application program 231 each time it is used. The air conditioning apparatus 200 determines the frequency of use based on the number of uses.

[0140] Next, the air conditioning apparatus 200 notifies the user that the application program X will be deleted (step S2112). For example, the air conditioning apparatus 200 transmits information indicating that the application program X will be deleted to the terminal device 20 of the user.

[0141] Next, the air conditioning apparatus 200 receives from the user a user instruction regarding the deletion of the application program X (step S2113). This instruction is transmitted, for example, from the terminal device 20 of the user.

[0142] Next, the air conditioning apparatus 200 determines whether or not the user has permitted the deletion of the application program X (step S2114). If the user has not permitted the deletion of the application program X, the air conditioning apparatus 200 proceeds to the process of step S210. If the user has permitted the deletion of the application program X, the air conditioning apparatus 200 deletes the application program X from the memory 212 (step S2115). Next, the air conditioning apparatus 200 executes the process of step S208. As a result, a notification of permission to distribute the target program is returned from the air conditioning apparatus 200 to the server 100. As a result, the target program is distributed to the air conditioning apparatus 200 with free space in the memory 212 secured.

[0143] (summary) The above embodiments will be summarized.

[0144] (1) The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system (1) comprising an air conditioning apparatus (200) and a server (100) that communicates with the air conditioning apparatus, the air conditioning apparatus having a memory (212) that stores air conditioning software and a processor (211) that executes the air conditioning software in the memory, the air conditioning software including a plurality of application software (231) that respectively realizes a plurality of functions provided by the air conditioning apparatus and basic software (221) that manages jobs of the plurality of application software, the server distributes first update data required for the processor to update one of the plurality of application software to the air conditioning apparatus (step S404), and the processor updates the corresponding application software in the memory using the basic software based on the first update data (step S418).

[0145] (2) In an air conditioning system, the server distributes new application software that is not stored in memory to the air conditioning device (steps S112, S114, S404), and the processor stores the distributed new application software in memory, thereby adding new functions realized by the new application software to the air conditioning device (step S420).

[0146] (3) In the air conditioning system, the server distributes second update data required to update the basic software to the air conditioning device (step S604), and the processor updates the corresponding basic software in the memory based on the second update data (Figures 8 and 9).

[0147] (4) In the air conditioning system, the operating system includes a plurality of modules (222 to 226), and the processor updates the corresponding operating system in the memory for each of the plurality of modules based on the second update data (step S616).

[0148] (5) The multiple modules include a first module and a second module (program modules constituting job control unit 222, data management unit 223, communication unit 224, device driver 225, and job schedule 226 other than the module constituting job control unit 222), and the processor sequentially stores each of the multiple modules in memory (step S610), and if storage of the second module in memory is not complete when storage of the first module in memory is complete, uses the first module to update the first module portion of the corresponding operating software in memory (steps S612 to S616).

[0149] (6) The multiple modules include a job module (job control unit 222) used to update corresponding basic software in the memory, and when the processor updates the corresponding basic software in the memory for each of the multiple modules, it updates the job module portion of the basic software last (step S624).

[0150] (7) The air conditioning system further includes a terminal device (20) that communicates with a server, and the server notifies the terminal device that one of the plurality of application software programs can be updated (step S108). After obtaining permission from the terminal device to update one of the plurality of application software programs, the server distributes the first update data to the air conditioning device (step S120).

[0151] (8) The air conditioning system includes a determination device (120) that determines the priority of each of a plurality of application software programs to be used in the air conditioning unit. The determination device determines the priority based on location information, climate information, and weather information of the location where the air conditioning unit is installed, as well as an estimation model including a neural network, and outputs the priority determination result (step S903).

[0152] (9) In the air conditioning system, the server includes a determination device (FIG. 14). (10) In an air conditioning system, an estimation model is trained to determine priorities from location information, climate information, and weather information of the location where the air conditioning unit is installed, based on training data including location information, climate information, weather information, and priorities (Figure 13).

[0153] (11) When there is insufficient capacity in the memory, the air conditioning apparatus deletes application software with a low priority from among multiple application software stored in the memory, and then updates the corresponding application software in the memory (steps S2111 to S2115).

[0154] (12) The present disclosure provides an air conditioning device capable of communicating with a server, comprising: a memory for storing air conditioning software; and a processor for executing the air conditioning software stored in the memory, wherein the air conditioning software includes a plurality of application software that respectively realizes a plurality of functions provided by the air conditioning device, and basic software that manages jobs of the plurality of application software, and when the processor receives first update data required to update one of the plurality of application software from the server, the processor updates the corresponding application software in the memory using the basic software based on the first update data.

[0155] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments described above, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1,2 Air conditioning system, 3 Remote control system, 5 Learning data, 10 Terminal device, 20, 20A, 20B Terminal device, 30 Cloud, 40 Display, 50 Storage device, 51 Database, 52 Master data, 53 Model identification data, 54 Property data, 60 Wide area network, 61 In-house network, 100 Server, 101 Processor, 102 Memory, 110 Learning device, 111 Input unit, 112 Judgment unit, 113 Learning unit, 114 Estimation model, 115 Neural network, 116 Parameter, 117 Processing unit, 118 Output unit, 120 Judgment device, 121 Input unit, 122 Processing unit, 123 Output unit, 200, 200A, 200B Air conditioning device, 201 Management device, 202 Indoor unit, 203 Outdoor unit, 210 Air conditioning software, 211 processor, 212 memory, 213 program area, 214 free area, 220 basic software section, 221 basic program, 222 job control section, 223 data management section, 224 communication section, 225 device driver, 226 job schedule, 230 application software section, 231 application program, 231A operation control program, 231B equipment protection control program, 231C defrost control program, 240 hardware device, 241 temperature sensor, 242 pressure sensor, 243 temperature and humidity sensor, 244 compressor, 245 fan, 246 valve, 300, 300A, 300B object, 301 new object.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, comprising: An air conditioning device; A server that communicates with the air conditioning apparatus, The air conditioning device includes: A memory for storing air conditioning software; a processor for executing the air conditioning software in the memory; The air conditioning software comprises: A plurality of application software programs each realizing a plurality of functions provided by the air conditioning device; an operating system for managing jobs of the plurality of application software programs; the server distributes first update data required for the processor to update one of the plurality of application software to the air conditioning device; The processor updates the corresponding application software in the memory using the operating system based on the first update data; The air conditioning system further includes a determination device that determines a priority order for each of the plurality of application software programs to be used in the air conditioning device, The air conditioning system, wherein the determination device determines the priority based on at least one of location information, climate information, and weather information of the location where the air conditioning device is installed, as well as an estimation model including a neural network, and outputs the priority determination result.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the server includes the determination device.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the estimation model is trained to determine the priority from the location information, climate information, and weather information of the location where the air conditioning unit is installed based on learning data including location information, climate information, weather information, and the priority.

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