Air conditioning system, control method and program for air conditioning system

Abstract

To improve the operability of remote operation.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system comprises: an operation terminal which has an air conditioner and a first input part, and generates and transmits a plurality of kinds of first control signals to the air conditioner in response to a plurality of kinds of first input operations on the first input part; and a communication terminal which has a second input part, and generates and transmits a plurality of kinds of second control signals to the operation terminal in response to a plurality of kinds of second input operations on the second input part, wherein the operation terminal transmits first information representing limited first input operation to the communication terminal and generates and transmits a first control signal to the air conditioner according to a second control signal received from the communication terminal, and the communication terminal receives the first information before receiving the second input operation, and also limits second input operation corresponding to the limited first input operation according to the first information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes the following air conditioner controller for the purpose of realizing invalidation of a specific operation and access restriction to a specific screen by simple operations. That is, the controller described in Patent Document 1 includes an information display unit that displays an air conditioning management screen including a plurality of display items for managing the air conditioner, a display control unit that causes the information display unit to display the air conditioning management screen, and a wireless communication unit that receives a command from a communication terminal. Then, when the display control unit receives a non-display command for causing the wireless communication unit to make at least one display item non-displayed from the communication terminal, the display control unit makes the corresponding display item non-displayed in response to the non-display command.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, currently, remote control application software such as a smartphone App (application software) for air conditioners is being released by each company. For example, a setting signal can be transmitted from the smartphone App to a remote control (remote controller), a unit, or the like. However, due to the operation being restricted by the settings of the remote control or the unit, there are cases where the signal sent from the smartphone App cannot be reflected in the settings of the remote control / unit. In such a case, for example, it is possible to notify on the smartphone App that the setting cannot be reflected, but there is a problem that as a user, some time and effort are spent on the input operation to the smartphone App, and there may be dissatisfaction with the timing of the notification after the input operation.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program that can improve the operability of remote control.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioner, an operation terminal having a first input unit that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal having a second input unit that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the second control signals to the operation terminal. The operation terminal transmits first information representing the first input operation with restricted operation to the communication terminal, generates the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal, and transmits the first control signal to the air conditioner. The communication terminal receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation with restricted operation based on the first information before receiving the second input operation.

[0007] The control method of the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure uses an air conditioner, an operation terminal having a first input unit that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the first control signals to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal having a second input unit that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the second control signals to the operation terminal. The operation terminal transmits first information representing the first input operation with restricted operation to the communication terminal, and generates the first control signal according to the second control signal received from the communication terminal and transmits the first control signal to the air conditioner. The communication terminal receives the first information before receiving the second input operation, and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation with restricted operation based on the first information.

[0008] The program according to the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer included in an operation terminal having a first input unit that generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits the first control signals to an air conditioner, and a communication terminal having a second input unit that generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits the second control signals to the operation terminal, in an air conditioning system including the air conditioner, the operation terminal, and the communication terminal, to transmit first information representing the first input operation with restricted operation to the communication terminal, and generate the first control signal according to the second control signal received from the communication terminal and transmit the first control signal to the air conditioner, and causing a computer included in the communication terminal to receive the first information before receiving the second input operation, and restrict the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation with restricted operation based on the first information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the air conditioning system, the control method of the air conditioning system, and the program of the present disclosure, the operability of remote control can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an air conditioning system, a method for setting an air conditioning system, and a program according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration example of a communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of restriction of input operations of a remote controller according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of first information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of first information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams showing display examples of a communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In each figure, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] (Configuration of the air conditioning system) As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment includes air conditioners 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, and remote controllers 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, and 10-6 as operation terminals for the air conditioners 20-1, 20-2, or 20-3, and a communication terminal 30. Hereinafter, when the air conditioners 20-1 to 20-3 are collectively referred to, they are called the air conditioner 20. When the remote controllers 10-1 to 10-6 are collectively referred to, they are called the remote controller 10. Note that the number of each component is not limited to the case shown in FIG. 1, and the air conditioning system 1 can include one or more air conditioners 20, one or more remote controllers 10, and one or more communication terminals 30.

[0013] Each air conditioner 20 includes one or more indoor units 21 and one outdoor unit 22. The indoor unit 21 is connected to the outdoor unit 22 by a communication line 24 and is also connected to the remote controller 10 by a communication line 23. Each air conditioner 20 is operated by one or more remote controllers 10. Note that the air conditioners 20-1 and 20-2 each include one indoor unit 21 and one outdoor unit 22, and one remote controller 10-1 or 10-2 is connected to each indoor unit 21. Also, the air conditioner 20-3 includes three indoor units 21 and one outdoor unit 22, and two remote controllers 10-3 and 10-4, and one remote controller 10-5 and one remote controller 10-6 are respectively connected to each indoor unit 21. When connecting a plurality of remote controllers 10 to one indoor unit 21, for example, one can be set as the master unit and the other as the slave unit, and differences can be set in operation items, operation ranges, etc. Further, each remote controller 10 may be connected to a centralized management device (not shown), and the centralized management device may centrally manage each remote controller 10.

[0014] (Configuration of Remote Controller) The remote controller 10 controls the operation of the air conditioner 20 or the remote controller 10 itself. In the present embodiment, the remote controller 10, for example, gives instructions for starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioner 20, sets the operation mode (cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidifying operation, air supply operation, automatic operation, etc.), sets the set temperature, air volume, air direction, etc., sets the setting range of the air volume and air direction, sets the on or off setting value of the timer, sets the time setting value, switches the on or off of each function such as high-power operation and energy-saving operation, restricts the permission to change settings for each operation item, sets information such as the installation date, person in charge, and contact information of the air conditioner 20, etc.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a configuration example of the remote controller 10. The remote controller 10 can be configured using a computer such as a microcomputer, and includes the following parts as a functional configuration composed of a combination of hardware such as a computer, peripheral circuits, and peripheral devices, and software such as programs executed by the computer. That is, the remote controller 10 includes an input / output unit 11, a wireless communication unit 12, a wired communication unit 13, and a control unit 14 as a functional configuration.

[0016] The input / output unit 11 includes, for example, a plurality of operation buttons and a display device, or a configuration combining an input device such as a touch panel and a display device, an input / output device such as audio, etc. The input / output unit 11 is a configuration example of a first input unit according to the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, a predetermined input operation on the input / output unit 11 is referred to as a first input operation.

[0017] The wireless communication unit 12 transmits and receives predetermined information such as first information and second control signals, which will be described later, to and from the communication terminal 30 using, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0018] The wired communication unit 13 transmits and receives predetermined information such as a first control signal to and from the indoor unit 21.

[0019] The control unit 14 controls each of the input / output unit 11, the wireless communication unit 12, and the wired communication unit 13. For example, the control unit 14 generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the input / output unit 11 and transmits them to the air conditioner 20 (indoor unit 21). Here, the first input operation is, for example, an operation for transmitting a predetermined first control signal to the air conditioner 20, an operation for setting operation restrictions, etc. on the remote controller 10, etc., and includes, for example, an input operation on buttons, etc. on a multi-layer operation screen in the input / output unit 11. The first control signal is, for example, a signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20, and includes, for example, a control signal for instructing the start or stop of operation of the air conditioner 20, a control signal for instructing an operation mode (cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidifying operation, blowing operation, automatic operation, etc.), a control signal for instructing the switching of set values such as set temperature, air volume, and air direction, a control signal for instructing the on or off of operation by the timer function, a control signal for instructing the notification of the room temperature and outside air temperature measured by the air conditioner 20, a control signal for setting the operation state of the remote controller 10 itself, etc.

[0020] In addition, the control unit 14 can limit, for example, some of the multiple types of first input operations on the input / output unit 11 and the second control signal received from the communication terminal 30. Here, the limitation of the input operation and the signal includes the invalidation of the input operation and the signal, the limitation of the range of the set value when switching the set value according to the input operation and the signal, and the like. In the present embodiment, the control unit 14 can limit the first input operation and the second control signal received from the communication terminal 30, for example, individually for each of the multiple types of functions of the air conditioner 20, and for each predetermined set condition common to the multiple functions and for each of the multiple types of functions of the air conditioner 20. Here, with reference to FIG. 4, an example of the limitation of the first input operation will be described.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows an example of the correspondence between the multiple types of functions of the air conditioner 20 operated (set) by the remote controller 10 and the set conditions and individual conditions when generating the first control signal. Here, the set condition is a condition commonly set for all functions (or a predetermined multiple functions), and the individual condition is a condition set for each individual function (each function) for each function. In FIG. 4, as examples of the functions of the air conditioner 20 operated by the remote controller 10, there are a operation / stop function, a set temperature switching selection function, a set temperature automatic ON / OFF function, a operation mode switching selection function, an air volume switching selection function, an air direction switching selection function, a high power operation function, an energy saving operation function, a draft prevention ON / OFF function, a human sensor ON / OFF function, and a ventilation function. In addition, FIG. 4 indicates that the operation by the remote controller 10 is restricted with a "×" mark, and no restriction with an "○" mark. The control unit 14 refers to, for example, a list information of operation restrictions showing the correspondence between each condition and each function as shown in FIG. 4 stored in a predetermined storage area, determines whether the function corresponding to the first input operation input to the input / output unit 11 is restricted, and restricts the first input operation corresponding to the restricted function. The control unit 14 changes, for example, the mode of the screen display so as to invalidate the first input operation corresponding to the function restricted in the input / output unit 11. The change in the mode of the screen display is performed, for example, by making the button corresponding to the function non-displayed or grayed out so that it cannot be selected.

[0022] Note that the operation / stop function is a function for starting or stopping the operation of the air conditioner 20. The set temperature switching selection function is a function for switching the value of the set temperature (target temperature). The set temperature automatic ON / OFF function is a function for switching the ON / OFF of the function for automatically setting the set temperature. The operation mode switching selection function is a function for switching the operation mode to cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidifying operation, air supply operation, automatic operation, etc. The air volume switching selection function is a function for switching the air volume within a predetermined range (for example, a function for switching the strength of the air volume in four steps). This range can be restricted by the remote controller 10 (for example, preventing the selection of the strongest air volume at the fourth step). The air direction switching selection function is a function for switching and selecting the up / down or left / right of the air direction. The high-power operation function is a function for automatically raising (during heating) or lowering (during cooling) the set temperature for a predetermined time, for example. The high-power operation function is invalid in operation modes other than cooling or heating. The energy-saving operation function is a function for automatically controlling the capacity according to the outdoor temperature, with 28°C as the reference during cooling and 22°C as the reference during heating, for example. The energy-saving operation function is invalid in operation modes other than cooling, heating, or automatic. The draft prevention ON / OFF function is a function for turning on or off the function for preventing excessive cold or heat sensations by controlling the air flow. The draft prevention ON / OFF function is invalid in indoor units not equipped with this function. The human presence sensor ON / OFF function is a function for turning on or off the function for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20 according to the movement of a person detected by the human presence sensor. The human presence sensor ON / OFF function is invalid in indoor units not equipped with this function. The ventilation function is a function for switching the on / off of the ventilation operation.

[0023] In addition, the setting conditions shown in FIG. 4 (which may also be read as setting states) include conditions related to restrictions by centralized / decentralized management (which may be read as states, the same applies hereinafter) and conditions related to restrictions by parent-child settings. The conditions related to restrictions by centralized / decentralized management include conditions indicating whether it is under centralized management or decentralized management. When under centralized management, it includes conditions for both the operating state and the stopped state. When under decentralized management, it also includes conditions for both the operating state and the stopped state. Further, the conditions related to restrictions by parent-child settings include conditions for when the main unit is set and when the sub-unit is set when the remote control 10 has been set for parent-child settings. Note that decentralized management means that centralized management by a centralized management device is not performed, for example, management of the air conditioner 20 is performed only by the remote control 10. Also, when no parent-child settings have been made, the setting conditions of the remote control 10 are the parent settings.

[0024] In addition, the individual conditions shown in FIG. 4 include conditions for operation restriction settings and conditions for other indoor settings. The conditions for operation restriction settings are conditions indicating whether or not individual functions have been restricted for the remote control 10. As an operation restriction setting, for example, when a setting is made to prohibit the operation of the operation stop function, the operation of the operation / stop function is restricted. Also, in the conditions for other indoor settings, for example, the set temperature switching selection function is restricted during energy-saving operation. Similarly, when the automatic set temperature is invalid, the automatic set temperature ON / OFF function is restricted. Also, when there is only one type of operation mode, the operation mode switching selection function is restricted. Here, when there is only one type of operation mode means that a setting has been made to limit the operation mode to one type (for example, only cooling operation or only heating operation). Also, when there is only one type of fan tap, the air volume switching selection function is restricted. When there is only one type of fan tap means that a setting has been made to limit the setting of the air volume to one type. Also, high-power operation, energy-saving operation, draft prevention ON / OFF, and human sensor ON / OFF may also be individually restricted.

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 4, when any of the conditions related to the restrictions by centralized / distributed management, the conditions related to the restrictions by parent-child setting, and the individual conditions results in "×" (restricted), the function is restricted. For example, in the case of centralized management, the operation / stop function is restricted regardless of whether it is in the operating state or the stopped state. Also, in the case of distributed management, if there is no prohibition setting for the operation stop operation, the function is not restricted (becomes unrestricted).

[0026] Further, the control unit 14, for example, transmits first information representing a first input operation whose operation is restricted to the communication terminal 30 via the wireless communication unit 12, and generates a first control signal in response to a second control signal received from the communication terminal 30 and transmits it to the air conditioner 20 via the wired communication unit 13. In the present embodiment, the restriction of the operation in the first input operation can be set individually for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner 20 (as the restriction of each function based on the individual conditions in FIG. 4), and for each predetermined setting condition common to a plurality of functions and for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner 20 (as the restriction of each function based on the setting conditions in FIG. 4). Also, the first information is information representing a first input operation whose operation is restricted. Further, the second control signal is a signal corresponding to the first control signal (for example, a plurality of types of second control signals and a plurality of types of first control signals may be the same for each type), and is generated by the communication terminal 30.

[0027] The first information includes, for example, information representing the restriction for each function. FIG. 5 shows an example of the first information when the first information includes information representing the restriction for each function. The first information 51 shown in FIG. 5 includes information 511 representing the restriction for each function and information 512 regarding the restriction of the setting range of a predetermined function. The information 511 indicates whether each function is restricted (in the case of "×") or not (in the case of "○"). In this case, the information 511 corresponds to the case where the setting condition is "under distributed management" and "in the operating state" and there is no restriction by individual conditions in the example shown in FIG. 4. Note that the information 511 may be composed of, in addition to the information indicating the presence or absence of the restriction for each function as in this example, information representing each restricted function, information representing each unrestricted function, and the like. Also, the information 512 can be omitted when there is no first input operation for which a range restriction is set.

[0028] In addition, the first information may include information representing restrictions for each individually set function (restrictions for each function restricted based on the individual conditions in FIG. 4) and information representing the current setting conditions (the setting conditions in FIG. 4). FIG. 6 shows an example of the first information when the first information includes information representing the current setting conditions and information representing restrictions for each individually set function. The first information 52 shown in FIG. 6 includes information 527 representing the current setting conditions, information 528 representing restrictions for each individually set function, and information 526 regarding restrictions on the setting range of a predetermined function.

[0029] The information 527 includes information 521 indicating whether it is under centralized management or decentralized management, information 522 indicating whether it is in operation or stopped, and information 523 indicating whether it is a parent setting or a child setting. The information 528 includes information 524 indicating the content of the setting of the operation restrictions shown in FIG. 4 and information 525 indicating the content of other indoor settings shown in FIG. 4. Also, the information 526 is the same as the information 512 shown in FIG. 5.

[0030] The way of configuring the first information can be arbitrarily selected (for example, it can be either the example shown in FIG. 5 or the example shown in FIG. 6). Alternatively, the way of configuration may be arbitrarily selectable by setting to the remote control 10 or the like.

[0031] (Configuration of the communication terminal) The communication terminal 30 can be configured using, for example, a mobile communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, an information processing device such as a personal computer, etc., and is configured as a functional configuration including a combination of hardware such as a computer, peripheral circuits, and peripheral devices provided in the mobile communication terminal, the information processing device, etc., and software such as a program (app) executed by the computer. That is, the communication terminal 30 includes, as a functional configuration, an input / output unit 31, a wireless communication unit 32, and a control unit 33. In this embodiment, the app according to this embodiment executed on the communication terminal 30 is referred to as a setting information change app.

[0032] The input / output unit 31 includes, for example, a configuration combining an input device such as a touch panel and a display device, an input / output device using voice, etc. The input / output unit 31 displays, for example, a predetermined screen, and while changing the screen according to an input operation on the screen, inputs predetermined input information or displays predetermined output information. The input / output unit 31 is a configuration example of a second input unit according to the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, a predetermined input operation on the input / output unit 31 is referred to as a second input operation.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 32 transmits and receives predetermined information to and from the remote controller 10, for example, using short-range wireless communication.

[0034] The control unit 33 controls each of the input / output unit 31 and the wireless communication unit 32. For example, the control unit 33 generates a plurality of types of second control signals according to a plurality of types of second input operations on the input / output unit 31 and transmits them to the remote controller 10 via the wireless communication unit 32. At that time, before receiving the second input operation on the input / output unit 31, the control unit 33 receives the first information (for example, the first information 51 in FIG. 5 or the first information 52 in FIG. 6) from the remote controller 10 and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation whose operation is restricted based on the first information. Further, the control unit 33 can restrict the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation whose operation is restricted based on the first information for each function.

[0035] When the first information includes information representing the current setting conditions and information representing restrictions for each individually set function (information representing individual conditions) (for example, in the case of the first information 52 in FIG. 6), the control unit 33 refers to a list of operation restrictions showing the correspondence between each condition and each function as shown in FIG. 4 stored in a predetermined storage area, determines the presence or absence of operation restrictions for each function based on the setting conditions and individual conditions represented by the first information, and restricts the second input operation regarding the restricted function. In this case, the amount of the first information transmitted from the remote controller 10 to the communication terminal 30 can be relatively small, but on the other hand, the processing of the control unit 33 becomes slightly more complicated.

[0036] Alternatively, when the first information includes information representing restrictions for each function (for example, the first information 51 in FIG. 5), the control unit 33 restricts the second input operation related to the restricted function based on the first information. In this case, since the control unit 33 does not need to determine the presence or absence of operation restrictions for each function, the processing of the control unit 33 can be simplified, but there is a drawback that the communication volume increases when the number of functions operated on the communication terminal 30 increases.

[0037] Further, when the first information includes information related to restrictions on the setting range of a predetermined function (for example, the information 512 in FIG. 5, the information 526 in FIG. 6), the control unit 33 restricts the setting range in the second input operation for the function whose setting range is restricted based on the first information. For example, there may be a case where the settable range of the set temperature or the air volume is changed by the setting of the remote controller 10. When the communication between the remote controller 10 side and the communication terminal 30 is established, these pieces of information are also transmitted to the communication terminal 30 and reflected in the settable range on the communication terminal 30.

[0038] (Operation example of the air conditioning system) Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11 and the like, an operation example of the air conditioning system 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described. The process shown in FIG. 7 is a process that starts when the setting information change application is launched on the communication terminal 30. When the setting information change application is launched on the communication terminal 30, the wireless communication unit 32 and the wireless communication unit 12 establish a communication connection according to a predetermined protocol, and start communication between the communication terminal 30 and the remote controller 10 (step S1).

[0039] Next, the remote controller 10 transmits the first information to the communication terminal 30, and the communication terminal 30 receives the first information from the remote controller 10 (step S2). Next, the communication terminal 30 restricts the second input operation based on the first information (step S3). Thereafter, the second input operation is restricted according to the restricted state in step S3.

[0040] Next, the communication terminal 30 generates a second control signal in response to the second input operation and transmits it to the remote controller 10, and the remote controller 10 receives the second control signal from the communication terminal 30 (step S4). Next, the remote controller 10 generates a first control signal in response to the second control signal and transmits it to the air conditioner 20, or changes the settings of the remote controller 10 (step S5). Next, for example, the control unit 14 of the remote controller 10 determines whether there has been a switching between operation / stop (step S6). If there has been a switching between operation / stop (step S6: YES), it returns to step S2. If there has been no switching between operation / stop (step S6: NO), for example, the control unit 33 of the communication terminal 30 determines whether there has been an end instruction for the setting information change application (step S7).

[0041] If there has been an end instruction for the setting information change application (step S7: YES), the communication between the communication terminal 30 and the remote controller 10 is terminated (step S8), and the process shown in FIG. 7 is terminated. If there has been no end instruction for the setting information change application (step S7: NO), it returns to step S4.

[0042] FIG. 8 shows an example of a home screen (home screen C100-1) displayed on the input / output unit 31 of the communication terminal 30. The home screen C100-1 shown in FIG. 8 includes a set temperature and room temperature display icon C102, an operation start and stop switching button C103, a set temperature increase button C104, a set temperature decrease button C105, a cooling operation selection button C106, a dehumidifying operation selection button C107, a blowing operation selection button C108, a heating operation selection button C109, an automatic operation selection button C110, an air volume setting button C111, an air direction (up and down) setting button C112, an air direction (left and right) setting button C113, a high power operation ON / OFF button C114, an energy saving operation ON / OFF button C115, a draft prevention function ON / OFF button C116, a human sensor ON / OFF selection button C117, a ventilation function ON / OFF button C118, a timer function selection button C119, etc.

[0043] Figures 9 and 10 show Home Screen C100-2, which is an example of the case where the second input operation by the human presence sensor ON / OFF selection button C117 is restricted from the state of Home Screen C100-1, and Home Screen C100-3, which is another example. Figure 9 shows the state where the human presence sensor ON / OFF selection button C117 is grayed out. Figure 10 shows the state where the human presence sensor ON / OFF selection button C117 is hidden.

[0044] Also, Figure 11 shows Home Screen C100-4, which is an example of the case where the set range of the air volume is restricted (the set range of the air volume is restricted from four levels to three levels) from the state of Home Screen C100-1.

[0045] (Function and Effect) According to the present embodiment, before the communication terminal 30 receives the second input operation, the communication terminal 30 receives first information representing the first input operation restricted by the remote controller 10 and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation restricted based on the first information. According to this configuration, the user can grasp the input operation restricted before the input operation, and for example, compared with the case where it is notified that it is restricted after the operation, the operability of the remote operation can be improved.

[0046] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure are also included. In the above operation example, it was assumed that the first information is transmitted from the remote controller 10 to the communication terminal 30 when the setting change application is started and when the operation or stop is switched. However, the transmission timing of the first information is not limited to this example. For example, when the operation state of the air conditioner 20 is changed by an operation on the remote controller 10 or the like, and the content of the operation restriction at the communication terminal 30 changes, new first information may be generated by the remote controller 10 and transmitted to the communication terminal 30. Further, in the above embodiment, the indoor unit 21 and the remote controller 10 are configured separately. However, for example, the indoor unit 21 may have the function of the remote controller 10, and the indoor unit 21 and the remote controller 10 may be integrally configured. Further, in the above embodiment, the second control signal is transmitted from the communication terminal 30 to the remote controller 10, and the remote controller 10 generates the first control signal corresponding to the second control signal and transmits the first control signal to the air conditioner 20. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the communication terminal 30 may generate the first control signal corresponding to the second control signal and transmit the first control signal from the communication terminal 30 to the remote controller 10.

[0047] Further, the remote controller 10 can also be configured in an embodiment without the input / output unit 11. In that case, the first control signal for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20 or the remote controller 10 itself is generated based only on the second control signal received from the communication terminal 30. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment can be understood as having, for example, the following aspects. That is, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 20 having a wireless terminal (a configuration corresponding to the remote controller 10), and a communication terminal 30 having a second input unit (input / output unit 31), which generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits them to the wireless terminal. Then, the wireless terminal generates a first control signal according to the second control signal received from the communication terminal 30, and controls the air conditioner 20 with the first control signal. Further, the wireless terminal transmits the first control signal with restricted operations, the second control signal, or the first information representing the second input operation to the communication terminal. Further, before receiving the second input operation, the communication terminal 30 receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first control signal or the second control signal with restricted operations based on the first information or the second input operation with restricted operations based on the first information. In this case, the wireless terminal can be configured as, for example, a detachable board having a function as an interface that can be mounted on the air conditioner 20.

[0048] (Computer Configuration) FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to at least one embodiment. The computer 90 includes a processor 91, a main memory 92, a storage 93, and an interface 94. The above-described communication terminal 30 and remote controller 10 are implemented in the computer 90. The operations of the above-described respective processing units are stored in the storage 93 in the form of a program. The processor 91 reads the program from the storage 93, expands it in the main memory 92, and executes the above processing according to the program. Further, the processor 91 secures a storage area corresponding to each of the above-described storage units in the main memory 92 according to the program.

[0049] The program may be for realizing a part of the functions to be exerted on the computer 90. For example, the program may exert functions by combination with other programs already stored in the storage or combination with other programs implemented in other devices. In other embodiments, the computer may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and the like. In this case, part or all of the functions realized by the processor may be realized by the integrated circuit.

[0050] Examples of the storage 93 include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), semiconductor memory, and the like. The storage 93 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of the computer 90, or may be an external medium connected to the computer 90 via the interface 94 or a communication line. Also, when this program is distributed to the computer 90 via a communication line, the computer 90 that has received the distribution may expand the program in the main memory 92 and execute the above processing. In at least one embodiment, the storage 93 is a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0051] <Appendix> The air conditioning system 1 described in the embodiment is understood, for example, as follows.

[0052] (1) The air conditioning system 1 according to the first aspect includes an air conditioner 20, an operation terminal (remote controller 10) having a first input unit (input / output unit 11), which generates a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit and transmits them to the air conditioner, and a communication terminal 30 having a second input unit (input / output unit 31), which generates a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit and transmits them to the operation terminal. The operation terminal transmits first information representing the first input operation with restricted operation to the communication terminal, generates the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal, and transmits it to the air conditioner. The communication terminal receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation with restricted operation based on the first information before receiving the second input operation. According to this aspect and the following aspects, the operability of remote control can be improved.

[0053] (2) The air conditioning system 1 according to the second aspect is the air conditioning system 1 in (1), wherein the restriction of the operation in the first input operation can be set individually for each of the plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner, and for each predetermined setting condition common to the plurality of functions and for each function. The communication terminal restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation with restricted operation based on the first information for each function, and the first information 51 includes information representing the restriction for each function. According to this aspect, the processing in the communication terminal can be simplified.

[0054] (3) The air conditioning system 1 according to the third aspect is the air conditioning system 1 in (1), wherein the restriction of the operation in the first input operation can be set individually for each of the plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner, and for each predetermined setting condition common to the plurality of functions and for each function. The communication terminal restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation whose operation is restricted based on the first information for each function. The first information 52 includes information representing the restriction for each function set individually and information representing the current setting condition. According to this aspect, it is relatively easy to reduce the amount of information of the first information.

[0055] (4) The air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth aspect is the air conditioning system 1 in (1) to (3), wherein the first information includes information 512 and 526 regarding the restriction of the setting range of a predetermined function. The communication terminal restricts the setting range in the second input operation for the function whose setting range is restricted based on the first information.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0056] 1... Air conditioning system 10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4, 10-5, 10-6... Remote control 30... Communication terminal 11, 31... Input / output unit 12, 32... Wireless communication unit 13... Wired communication unit 14, 33... Control unit 51, 52... First information

Claims

1. An air conditioner, An operation terminal having a first input unit, generating a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit, and transmitting the first control signals to the air conditioner, A communication terminal having a second input unit, generating a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit, and transmitting the second control signals to the operation terminal, comprising: The operation terminal transmits first information representing the first input operation with restricted operation to the communication terminal, and generates the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal and transmits the first control signal to the air conditioner, Before receiving the second input operation, the communication terminal receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation with restricted operation based on the first information, The restriction of the operation in the first input operation can be set by an individual condition for individually setting the presence or absence of restriction for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner, and a setting condition for collectively setting the presence or absence of restriction for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner, The first information includes the individual condition and information representing the current setting condition, The information representing the current setting condition includes information indicating whether it is under centralized management or decentralized management, information indicating whether it is in operation or stopped, and information indicating whether it is a parent setting or a child setting, The communication terminal identifies the first input operation with restricted operation based on the individual condition included in the first information, and refers to information indicating the correspondence between the setting condition stored in a storage area in advance and the presence or absence of operation restriction for each function, and identifies the first input operation with restricted operation in the current setting condition included in the first information, and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the identified first input operation An air conditioning system.

2. The first information includes information regarding the restriction of the setting range of a predetermined function, The communication terminal restricts the setting range in the second input operation for the function whose setting range is restricted based on the first information. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. An air conditioner, An operation terminal having a first input unit, generating a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit, and transmitting the first control signals to the air conditioner, A communication terminal having a second input unit, generating a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit, and transmitting the second control signals to the operation terminal, Using, The step in which the operation terminal transmits first information representing the first input operation with restricted operation to the communication terminal, and generates the first control signal according to the second control signal received from the communication terminal and transmits the first control signal to the air conditioner, The step in which the communication terminal receives the first information and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation with restricted operation based on the first information before receiving the second input operation Including, The restriction of the operation in the first input operation can be set by an individual condition for individually setting the presence or absence of restriction for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner, and a setting condition for collectively setting the presence or absence of restriction for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner, The first information includes the individual condition and information representing the current setting condition, The information representing the current setting condition includes information indicating whether it is under centralized management or decentralized management, information indicating whether it is in operation or stopped, and information indicating whether it is a parent setting or a child setting, The step of restricting the second input operation specifies the first input operation whose operation is restricted based on the individual conditions included in the first information, and refers to information indicating the correspondence between the setting conditions stored in advance in the storage area and the presence or absence of operation restrictions for each function, and specifies the first input operation whose operation is restricted under the current setting conditions included in the first information, and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the specified first input operation. A control method for an air conditioning system.

4. An air conditioner, An operation terminal having a first input unit, generating a plurality of types of first control signals in response to a plurality of types of first input operations on the first input unit, and transmitting the first control signals to the air conditioner, A communication terminal having a second input unit, generating a plurality of types of second control signals in response to a plurality of types of second input operations on the second input unit, and transmitting the second control signals to the operation terminal, In an air conditioning system comprising: Causing a computer included in the operation terminal to transmit first information representing the first input operation whose operation is restricted to the communication terminal, and generating the first control signal in response to the second control signal received from the communication terminal and transmitting the first control signal to the air conditioner, Causing a computer included in the communication terminal to receive the first information and restrict the second input operation corresponding to the first input operation whose operation is restricted based on the first information before receiving the second input operation, The restriction of the operation in the first input operation can be set by individual conditions for individually setting the presence or absence of restriction for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner, and setting conditions for collectively setting the presence or absence of restriction for each of a plurality of types of functions of the air conditioner, The first information includes the individual conditions and information representing the current setting conditions, The information representing the current setting conditions includes information indicating whether it is under centralized management or decentralized management, information indicating whether it is in operation or stopped, and information indicating whether it is a parent setting or a child setting, The step of restricting the second input operation identifies the first input operation whose operation is restricted based on the individual conditions included in the first information, and refers to information indicating the correspondence between the setting conditions stored in the storage area in advance and the presence or absence of operation restrictions for each function to identify the first input operation whose operation is restricted under the current setting conditions included in the first information, and restricts the second input operation corresponding to the identified first input operation. Program.

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