Air conditioning system

Abstract

This air conditioning system (1) comprises an air conditioner (10), a remote monitoring device (21) for monitoring the air conditioner (10), and a server device (31) for communicating with the remote monitoring device (21). The server device (31) is provided with a communication unit (301) for transmitting and receiving data to and from the remote monitoring device (21), and a parser processing unit (302) for executing a process relating to the monitoring of the air conditioner (10) by the remote monitoring device (21).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known to update the control software of an air conditioner when adding a new function to the air conditioner.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-56889 (Patent Document 1) discloses a system in which a user updates the control software of an air conditioner using data provided via the Internet or a memory card.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the system disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-56889, when adding a new function to an air conditioner, the user needs to update the control software of the air conditioner, which places a burden on the user.

[0006] Furthermore, with the recent spread of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, there are air conditioning systems that monitor an air conditioner with a remote monitoring device and collect data of the air conditioner with a server device communicably connected to the remote monitoring device. Also in such an air conditioning system, when adding a new function, the user needs to update the control software of each of the air conditioner and the remote monitoring device, which places a burden on the user.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioning system that does not impose a burden on the user by updating the air conditioner and the remote monitoring device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioner, a remote monitoring device that monitors the air conditioner, and a server device that communicates with the remote monitoring device. The server device includes a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the remote monitoring device, and a parser processing unit that executes processing related to the monitoring of the air conditioner by the remote monitoring device.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the air conditioning system of the present disclosure, without updating each of the air conditioner and the remote monitoring device, by updating the server device, the processing related to the monitoring of the air conditioner by the remote monitoring device can be updated, so that the user is not burdened by the update of the air conditioner and the remote monitoring device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described, but it has been planned from the beginning of the application to appropriately combine the configurations described in each embodiment. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0012] Embodiment 1. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 10, a remote monitoring device 21, a server device 31, and a user device 70.

[0013] The remote monitoring device 21 is communicably connected to at least one air conditioner 10. For example, the remote monitoring device 21 is communicably connected to each of the air conditioners 10A and 10B. The air conditioner 10A includes an outdoor unit 40A, an indoor unit 51A, and an indoor unit 52A, and is communicably connected to a remote controller 60A. The air conditioner 10A configured in this way adjusts, based on the operation of the remote controller 60A, the temperature or humidity of the air sucked in from the indoor space, and supplies the adjusted air to the indoor space. The air conditioner 10B includes an outdoor unit 40B, an indoor unit 51B, and an indoor unit 52B, and is communicably connected to a remote controller 60B. The air conditioner 10B configured in this way adjusts, based on the operation of the remote controller 60B, the temperature or humidity of the air sucked in from the indoor space, and supplies the adjusted air to the indoor space.

[0014] By monitoring the air conditioner 10, the remote monitoring device 21 collects air-conditioning data related to the air-conditioning of the air conditioner 10 and controls the air conditioner 10.

[0015] The server device 31 exists in a cloud computing mode between the remote monitoring device 21 and the user device 70. The remote monitoring device 21 is connected to a router 80 via a LAN (Local Area Network). The server device 31 is communicably connected to the router 80 via a network 90A. With such a connection, the server device 31 can communicate with the remote monitoring device 21. Further, the server device 31 is communicably connected to the user device 70 via a network 90B.

[0016] The server device 31 accumulates and stores the air-conditioning data of the air conditioner 10 collected by the remote monitoring device 21. The air-conditioning data includes, for example, data such as an operation state corresponding to operation or stop, an operation start time, an operation end time, a set temperature, a set humidity, a cooling / heating operation mode, an indoor temperature, and an indoor humidity. Note that the air-conditioning data may include data such as a refrigerant temperature and a refrigerant pressure measured by a sensor installed in a refrigerant pipe or the like.

[0017] Furthermore, the server device 31 outputs data corresponding to various setting values input using the user device 70 to the remote monitoring device 21. The remote monitoring device 21 controls the air conditioner 10 based on the data acquired from the server device 31.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configurations of the remote monitoring device 21 and the server device 31 according to Embodiment 1.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the remote monitoring device 21 includes an arithmetic device 25, a storage device 26, and a communication device 27.

[0020] The arithmetic device 25 is an arithmetic entity (computer) that executes various processes according to various programs. The arithmetic device 25 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an MPU (Multi Processing Unit). Furthermore, the arithmetic device 25 may include a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a flash memory. Note that the arithmetic device 25 may be composed of an arithmetic circuit (Processing Circuitry).

[0021] The storage device 26 includes a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage device 26 stores various programs and data referred to by the arithmetic device 25. Specifically, the storage device 26 stores a monitoring program 265 for monitoring the air conditioner 10.

[0022] The communication device 27 transmits and receives data (information) to and from each of the air conditioner 10 and the server device 31 by wired communication or wireless communication. For example, the communication device 27 transmits and receives data to and from the air conditioner 10 by wired communication. Further, the communication device 27 is connected to the network 90A via the LAN and the router 80, thereby transmitting and receiving data to and from the server device 31. In this example, the remote monitoring device 21 communicates with each of the air conditioner 10 and the server device 31 using one communication device 27, but may communicate with each of the air conditioner 10 and the server device 31 using each of a plurality of communication devices 27.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the server device 31 includes an arithmetic device 35, a storage device 36, and a communication device 37.

[0024] The arithmetic device 35 is an arithmetic entity (computer) that executes various processes according to various programs. The arithmetic device 35 includes, for example, at least one of a CPU, an FPGA, a GPU, and an MPU. Further, the arithmetic device 35 may include a volatile memory such as a DRAM or an SRAM, and a non-volatile memory such as a ROM or a flash memory. Note that the arithmetic device 35 may be configured by an arithmetic circuit.

[0025] The storage device 36 includes a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage device 36 stores various programs and data referred to by the arithmetic device 35. Specifically, the storage device 36 stores a parser program 365 for executing a process related to monitoring of the air conditioner 10 by the remote monitoring device 21 (hereinafter, also referred to as "parser process").

[0026] The communication device 37 transmits and receives data (information) to and from each of the remote monitoring device 21 and the user device 70 by means of wired communication or wireless communication. For example, the communication device 37 is connected to the network 90A to transmit and receive data to and from the remote monitoring device 21. The communication device 37 is connected to the network 90B to transmit and receive data to and from the user device 70. In this example, the server device 31 communicates with each of the remote monitoring device 21 and the user device 70 using one communication device 37, but may also communicate with each of the remote monitoring device 21 and the user device 70 using each of a plurality of communication devices 37.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the remote monitoring device 21 includes, as main functional units, a communication unit 201 and an air conditioning communication management unit 202. Each of the communication unit 201 and the air conditioning communication management unit 202 can be realized by the arithmetic device 25 executing the monitoring program 265 stored in the storage device 26.

[0028] The server device 31 includes, as main functional units, a communication unit 301, a parser processing unit 302, a storage unit 303, and a data analysis unit 310. Each of the communication unit 301, the parser processing unit 302, and the data analysis unit 310 can be realized by the arithmetic device 35 executing the parser program 365 stored in the storage device 36. Note that the storage unit 303 is a functional unit corresponding to the storage device 36.

[0029] The server device 31 analyzes the air conditioning data of the air conditioner 10 acquired from the remote monitoring device 21 by executing parser processing, and stores the analysis result of the air conditioning data as a database.

[0030] Specifically, the remote monitoring device 21 acquires the air conditioning data output from the air conditioner 10 by the air conditioning communication management unit 202. The remote monitoring device 21 outputs the air conditioning data to the server device 31 by the communication unit 201.

[0031] The server device 31 acquires the air-conditioning data output from the remote monitoring device 21 through the communication unit 301. The data analysis unit 310 of the server device 31 outputs the air-conditioning data acquired via the communication unit 301 to the parser processing unit 302 and requests the parser processing unit 302 to analyze the air-conditioning data. The server device 31 analyzes the air-conditioning data by the parser processing unit 302.

[0032] Here, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the air-conditioning data acquired from the air conditioner 10 is composed of 6-byte (48-bit) data including "01", "C9", "03", "2D", "81", and "01". The first byte "01" indicates the address of the source, that is, the air conditioner 10. The second byte "C9" indicates the address of the destination, that is, the server device 31. The third byte "03" indicates the command length. The fourth and fifth bytes "2D81" indicate the command type, and in this example, it indicates the operating state corresponding to operation or stop. The sixth byte "01" indicates the content of the command, and in this example, it indicates operation as the operating state.

[0033] When the parser processing unit 302 acquires the air-conditioning data as described above, it extracts the data to be stored in the storage device 36 as a database from the acquired air-conditioning data, and converts the extracted data into a form that the storage device 36 stores as a database.

[0034] For example, the parser processing unit 302 extracts the data "01" of the source address from the air-conditioning data, and associates the extracted data "01" with "S_address" indicating the source address in the database format. The parser processing unit 302 extracts the data "C9" of the destination address from the air-conditioning data, and associates the extracted data "C9" with "d_address" indicating the destination address in the database format. The parser processing unit 302 extracts the data "01" of the operating state from the air-conditioning data, and associates the extracted data "01" with "DataID_Drive" indicating the operating state in the database format.

[0035] After analyzing the air-conditioning data as described above, the parser processing unit 302 outputs analysis data including the analysis result of the air-conditioning data to the data analysis unit 310. In this example, the analysis data includes the data "01" as "S_address", the data "C9" as "d_address", and the data "01" as "DataID_Drive". The server device 31 stores the analysis data acquired by the data analysis unit 310 from the parser processing unit 302 in the storage unit 303 as a database.

[0036] In FIG. 3, an example in which the air-conditioning data includes data indicating an operation state corresponding to operation or stop has been described, but the air-conditioning data may include data indicating contents other than the operation state.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of the air-conditioning system 1 according to a modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an example in which the air-conditioning data acquired from the air conditioner 10 is composed of 6-byte (48-bit) data including "01", "C9", "03", "35", "83", and "18". The "01" in the first byte indicates the address of the transmission source, that is, the air conditioner 10. The "C9" in the second byte indicates the address of the destination, that is, the server device 31. The "03" in the third byte indicates the command length. The "3583" in the fourth and fifth bytes indicates the command type, and in this example, it indicates the indoor temperature. The "18" in the sixth byte indicates the content of the command, and in this example, it indicates 24 degrees as the indoor temperature.

[0038] The parser processing unit 302 extracts the data "01" of the transmission source address from the air-conditioning data, and associates the extracted data "01" with "S_address" indicating the transmission source address in the database format. The parser processing unit 302 extracts the data "C9" of the destination address from the air-conditioning data, and associates the extracted data "C9" with "d_address" indicating the destination address in the database format. The parser processing unit 302 extracts the data "18" of the indoor temperature from the air-conditioning data, and associates the extracted data "18" with "DataID_InletTemp" indicating the indoor temperature in the database format.

[0039] After analyzing the air-conditioning data as described above, the parser processing unit 302 outputs analysis data including the analysis result of the air-conditioning data to the data analysis unit 310. In this example, the analysis data includes the data "01" as "S_address", the data "C9" as "d_address", and the data "18" as "DataID_InletTemp". The server device 31 stores the analysis data acquired by the data analysis unit 310 from the parser processing unit 302 in the storage unit 303 as a database.

[0040] In addition to the operating state and the indoor temperature, the server device 31 may convert various data included in the air-conditioning data, such as the start time of operation, the end time of operation, the set temperature, the set humidity, the cooling / heating operation mode, the indoor humidity, the refrigerant temperature, and the refrigerant pressure, into the format of "DataID" and store them in the storage device 36 as a database.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing of the air-conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Among the processing steps shown in FIG. 5 (hereinafter abbreviated as "S"), the processing executed by the server device 31 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 35 executing the parser program 365. The processing executed by the remote monitoring device 21 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 25 executing the monitoring program 265.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioner 10 outputs air-conditioning data to the remote monitoring device 21 (S111). The remote monitoring device 21 acquires the air-conditioning data output from the air conditioner 10 (S211). The remote monitoring device 21 outputs the air-conditioning data to the server device 31 (S212).

[0043] The server device 31 acquires the air-conditioning data output from the remote monitoring device 21 (S311). The server device 31 analyzes the air-conditioning data by the parser processing unit 302 and generates analysis data including the analysis result (S312). The server device 31 stores the analysis data in the storage device 36 (S313).

[0044] Thus, according to the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1, the remote monitoring device 21 outputs the air conditioning data acquired from the air conditioner 10 to the server device 31 as it is without analyzing it. Then, the server device 31 analyzes the air conditioning data of the air conditioner 10 acquired via the remote monitoring device 21, and stores the analysis data including the analysis result in the storage device 36 as a database.

[0045] Thereby, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 21, the remote monitoring device 21 outputs the air conditioning data acquired from the air conditioner 10 to the server device 31 as it is without analyzing it, so that the server device 31 can analyze the air conditioning data. Therefore, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 21, the user does not need to update the remote monitoring device 21, and only needs to update the server device 31 to store the data corresponding to the new function in the storage device 36 as a database. Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1, the user is not burdened by updating the air conditioner 10 and the remote monitoring device 21.

[0046] Embodiment 2. The air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. Hereinafter, only the parts different from the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described for the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 2.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 2 includes an air conditioner 10, a remote monitoring device 22, a server device 32, and a user device 70.

[0048] The remote monitoring device 22 according to Embodiment 2 has the same hardware configuration as the remote monitoring device 21 according to Embodiment 1, and includes, as main functional units, a communication unit 201 and an air-conditioning communication management unit 202. Each of the communication unit 201 and the air-conditioning communication management unit 202 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 25 executing the monitoring program 265 stored in the storage device 26.

[0049] The server device 32 according to Embodiment 2 has the same hardware configuration as the server device 31 according to Embodiment 1, and includes, as main functional units, a communication unit 301, a parser processing unit 302, a user interface 304, and an operation unit 320. Each of the communication unit 301, the parser processing unit 302, the user interface 304, and the operation unit 320 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 35 executing the parser program 365 stored in the storage device 36.

[0050] The server device 32 executes parser processing to obtain operation data for operating the air conditioner 10 from the user device 70, converts the operation data into operation commands recognizable by the air conditioner 10, and outputs the operation commands to the remote monitoring device 22. The remote monitoring device 22 outputs the operation commands obtained from the server device 32 to the air conditioner 10 to remotely operate the air conditioner 10.

[0051] Specifically, the user inputs operation data for operating the air conditioner 10 using the user device 70. The server device 32 obtains the operation data from the user device 70 through the user interface 304. The operation unit 320 of the server device 32 outputs the operation data obtained through the user interface 304 to the parser processing unit 302 and requests the parser processing unit 302 to generate operation commands. The server device 32 converts the operation data into operation commands recognizable by the air conditioner 10 by the parser processing unit 302.

[0052] Here, FIG. 6 shows an example in which the operation data acquired from the user device 70 includes "d_address" and "DataID_Drive". "d_address" indicates the address of the destination, and in this example, the data "01" corresponding to the address of the air conditioner 10 is associated. "DataID_Drive" indicates the operation state corresponding to operation or stop, and in this example, the data "01" corresponding to operation is associated.

[0053] When the parser processing unit 302 acquires the operation data as described above, it converts the acquired operation data into an operation command recognizable by the air conditioner 10.

[0054] For example, the parser processing unit 302 associates "C9" indicating the address of the server device 32 as the source address with the first byte of the operation command, associates "01" indicating the address of the air conditioner 10 as the destination address with the second byte of the operation command, associates "03" as the command length with the third byte of the operation command, associates "0D01" indicating the start / stop operation as the command type with the fourth and fifth bytes of the operation command, and associates "01" indicating operation as the content of the command with the sixth byte of the operation command.

[0055] When the parser processing unit 302 generates an operation command based on the operation data as described above, it outputs the operation command to the remote monitoring device 22. The remote monitoring device 22 acquires the operation command output from the server device 32 by the communication unit 201. The remote monitoring device 22 outputs the operation command to the air conditioner 10 by the air conditioner communication management unit 202. The operation command output to the air conditioner 10 is shown in a data format recognizable by the air conditioner 10 by the parser processing unit 302. Thereby, the air conditioner 10 operates according to the user's instruction based on the operation command.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 2. Among the processing steps shown in FIG. 7, the processing executed by the server device 32 can be realized by the arithmetic device 35 executing the parser program 365. The processing executed by the remote monitoring device 22 can be realized by the arithmetic device 25 executing the monitoring program 265.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the user device 70 outputs operation data for operating the air conditioner 10 input by the user to the server device 32 (S721). The server device 32 acquires the operation data output from the user device 70 (S321). The server device 32 converts the operation data into an operation command by the parser processing unit 302 (S322). The server device 32 outputs the operation command to the remote monitoring device 22 (S323).

[0058] The remote monitoring device 22 acquires the operation command output from the server device 32 (S221). The remote monitoring device 22 outputs the operation command to the air conditioner 10 (S222). The air conditioner 10 acquires the operation command output from the remote monitoring device 22 (S121). The air conditioner 10 operates based on the operation command (S122).

[0059] Thus, according to the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 2, the server device 32 converts the operation data input by the user into an operation command recognizable by the air conditioner 10. Therefore, the remote monitoring device 22 can output the operation command acquired from the server device 32 to the air conditioner 10 as it is without converting the operation data input by the user into an operation command.

[0060] In FIG. 6 described above, an example was shown in which the user instructs the air conditioner 10 to operate or stop. However, when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 22, even when the user inputs operation data corresponding to the new function (for example, the set value of a new strong wind mode, etc.), the server device 32 can convert the operation data input by the user into an operation command recognizable by the air conditioner 10.

[0061] Accordingly, when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 22, even when the user inputs operation data corresponding to the new function, the remote monitoring device 22 may simply output the operation command acquired from the server device 32 to the air conditioner 10 as it is. Therefore, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 22, the user does not need to update the remote monitoring device 22, and can cause the air conditioner 10 to perform an operation corresponding to the new function only by updating the server device 32. Thus, according to the air conditioning system 2 according to Embodiment 2, the user is not burdened by the update of the air conditioner 10 and the remote monitoring device 22.

[0062] In the air conditioning system 2 described above, an example in which the operation data for operating the air conditioner 10 includes data for operating or stopping the air conditioner 10 has been described, but the operation data may include other data. For example, the operation data may include data for changing the set temperature, data for changing the set humidity, data for switching the cooling / heating operation mode, and the like.

[0063] Further, the operation data may include data for resetting an abnormality of the air conditioner 10. For example, the user device 70 outputs operation data including an address for designating the air conditioner 10 to be the target of abnormality reset based on a user input, and data indicating that the abnormality is to be reset, to the server device 32. The server device 32 converts the operation data into an operation command by the parser processing unit 302, and outputs the operation command to the remote monitoring device 22. The remote monitoring device 22 outputs the operation command from the server device 32 to the air conditioner 10 designated by the address in the operation data. The air conditioner 10 resets the abnormality based on the operation command.

[0064] Furthermore, the operation data may include data for causing any air conditioner 10 to transmit the air-conditioning data of the air conditioner 10. As described above, the air-conditioning data includes data such as an operation state corresponding to operation or stop, an operation start time, an operation end time, a set temperature, a set humidity, a cooling / heating operation mode, an indoor temperature, an indoor humidity, a refrigerant temperature, and a refrigerant pressure. These air-conditioning data may be data that can be used by the user to identify the presence or absence of an abnormality.

[0065] For example, the user device 70 outputs operation data including an address for designating the air conditioner 10 to be the target of acquisition of the air-conditioning data based on a user input, and data (DataID) for designating the air-conditioning data to be requested, to the server device 32. The server device 32 converts the operation data into an operation command by the parser processing unit 302, and outputs the operation command to the remote monitoring device 22. The remote monitoring device 22 outputs the operation command from the server device 32 to the air conditioner 10 designated by the address in the operation data. The air conditioner 10 outputs the air-conditioning data designated by the operation data to the server device 32 via the remote monitoring device 22 based on the operation command. Thereafter, the server device 32 stores the air-conditioning data of the air conditioner 10 acquired via the remote monitoring device 22 in the storage device 36 by the same processing as the server device 31 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] When the air conditioner 10 enters an abnormal state, the operation will not be performed until the abnormal state is reset. Conventionally, it has been necessary for a service technician to visit the site to directly check the abnormality of the air conditioner 10 and reset the abnormality. However, according to the air conditioning system 2 according to the second embodiment, a user who is a service technician can acquire the air conditioning data of the air conditioner 10 from a remote location and monitor the air conditioning data by inputting operation data from the user device 70. Thereby, the user can identify the presence or absence of an abnormal state of the air conditioner 10 and identify the cause of the abnormality.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the air conditioning system 2 according to the second embodiment, a user who is a service technician can reset the abnormal state of the air conditioner 10 even from a remote location by inputting operation data from the user device 70. For example, the user can reset the abnormality of the air conditioner 10 by inputting operation data for restarting the air conditioner 10 from a remote location from the user device 70. Also, the user can input a reset operation for eliminating the cause of the failure of the air conditioner 10 to the air conditioner 10 by inputting operation data from the user device 70. Thereby, it is no longer necessary for a user who is a service technician to visit the site to directly check the abnormality of the air conditioner 10 and reset the abnormality, and the maintenance efficiency of the air conditioner 10 is improved.

[0068] Also, the remote monitoring device 22 may be configured to store, by the storage device 26, the data exchanged with the air conditioner 10 over a predetermined period (for example, several days). In this way, even when a communication abnormality occurs between the remote monitoring device 22 and the server device 32, the remote monitoring device 22 can hold the data acquired from the air conditioner 10, such as air conditioning data, for a predetermined period. Thereby, even when the air conditioner 10 enters an abnormal state, the user can identify the cause of the abnormality during the period in which the storage device 26 holds the data.

[0069] Embodiment 3. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the air conditioning system 3 according to Embodiment 3 will be described. Hereinafter, only the parts different from the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described for the air conditioning system 3 according to Embodiment 3.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 3 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the air conditioning system 3 according to Embodiment 3 includes an air conditioner 10, a remote monitoring device 23, a server device 33, and a user device 70.

[0071] The remote monitoring device 23 according to Embodiment 3 has the same hardware configuration as the remote monitoring device 21 according to Embodiment 1, and includes, as main functional parts, a communication unit 201, an air conditioning communication management unit 202, and a storage unit 203. Each of the communication unit 201 and the air conditioning communication management unit 202 can be realized by the arithmetic device 25 executing the monitoring program 265 stored in the storage device 26. Note that the storage unit 203 is a functional part corresponding to the storage device 26.

[0072] The server device 33 according to Embodiment 3 has the same hardware configuration as the server device 31 according to Embodiment 1, and includes, as main functional parts, a communication unit 301, a parser processing unit 302, a user interface 304, and a cycle setting management unit 330. Each of the communication unit 301, the parser processing unit 302, the user interface 304, and the cycle setting management unit 330 can be realized by the arithmetic device 35 executing the parser program 365 stored in the storage device 36.

[0073] The server device 33 executes parser processing to obtain a cycle setting value for periodically monitoring the air conditioner 10 from the user device 70, converts the cycle setting value into cycle setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 23, and outputs the cycle setting data to the remote monitoring device 23. The remote monitoring device 23 stores the cycle setting data acquired from the server device 33 in the storage device 26. Then, the remote monitoring device 23 periodically monitors the air conditioner 10 based on the cycle setting data.

[0074] The remote monitoring device 23 periodically monitors the air conditioner 10 based on the period setting data, and determines whether the air-conditioning data stored in the storage device 36 is up-to-date as in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0075] For example, as in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, the remote monitoring device 23 can store the air-conditioning data in the storage device 36 by outputting the air-conditioning data acquired from the air conditioner 10 to the server device 33. However, when a communication abnormality or the like occurs between the air conditioner 10 and the remote monitoring device 23, the remote monitoring device 23 may not be able to acquire the air-conditioning data. Therefore, the remote monitoring device 23 is configured to actively acquire the air-conditioning data from the air conditioner 10 periodically and output the acquired air-conditioning data to the server device 33, so as to maintain the air-conditioning data stored in the storage device 36 as the latest data.

[0076] Specifically, the user inputs a period setting value for periodically monitoring the air conditioner 10 using the user device 70. The server device 33 acquires the period setting value from the user device 70 through the user interface 304. The period setting management unit 330 of the server device 32 outputs the period setting value acquired through the user interface 304 to the parser processing unit 302 and requests the parser processing unit 302 to generate period setting data. The server device 33 converts the period setting value into period setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 23 by the parser processing unit 302.

[0077] Here, FIG. 8 shows an example in which the periodic setting value acquired from the user device 70 includes a “scheduled communication destination address”, a “DataID”, and a “scheduled communication period”. The “scheduled communication destination address” indicates the address of the air conditioner 10 to be monitored by the remote monitoring device 23. The “DataID” indicates the monitoring content of the remote monitoring device 23, such as switching between operation / stop, switching between cooling / heating, setting the indoor temperature, and setting the indoor humidity. The “scheduled communication period” indicates the monitoring period of the remote monitoring device 23. That is, the user can use the user device 70 to specify, as a periodic setting value, the address of the air conditioner 10 to be monitored by the remote monitoring device 23, the monitoring target of the remote monitoring device 23, the monitoring content, and the monitoring period.

[0078] When the parser processing unit 302 acquires a periodic setting value as described above, it converts the acquired periodic setting value into periodic setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 23.

[0079] For example, the parser processing unit 302 associates the user-specified data of the “scheduled communication destination address” with the “scheduled communication destination address” of the periodic setting data. The parser processing unit 302 associates the user-specified data of the “DataID” with the designated command of the air-conditioning data of the periodic setting data. The remote monitoring device 23 can identify the monitoring content by referring to the designated command of the air-conditioning data. The parser processing unit 302 associates the user-specified data of the “scheduled communication period” with the “scheduled communication period” of the periodic setting data.

[0080] When the parser processing unit 302 generates periodic setting data based on the periodic setting value as described above, it outputs the periodic setting data to the remote monitoring device 23. The remote monitoring device 23 acquires the periodic setting data output from the server device 33 by the communication unit 201. The remote monitoring device 22 stores the periodic setting data acquired from the server device 33 by the storage unit 203. The remote monitoring device 23 periodically monitors the air conditioner 10 based on the periodic setting data stored in the storage unit 203 by the air-conditioning communication management unit 202.

[0081] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the air conditioning system 3 according to Embodiment 3. Among the processing steps shown in FIG. 9, the processing executed by the server device 33 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 35 executing the parser program 365. The processing executed by the remote monitoring device 23 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 25 executing the monitoring program 265.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9, the user device 70 outputs a cycle setting value for periodically monitoring the air conditioner 10 input by the user to the server device 33 (S731). The server device 33 acquires the cycle setting value output from the user device 70 (S331). The server device 33 converts the cycle setting value into cycle setting data by the parser processing unit 302 (S332). The server device 33 outputs the cycle setting data to the remote monitoring device 23 (S333).

[0083] The remote monitoring device 23 acquires the cycle setting data output from the server device 33 (S231). The remote monitoring device 23 stores the cycle setting data in the storage device 26 (S232). The remote monitoring device 23 monitors the air conditioner 10 based on the cycle setting data stored in the storage device 26 (S233).

[0084] Thus, according to the air conditioning system 3 according to Embodiment 3, the server device 33 converts the cycle setting value input by the user into cycle setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 23. Therefore, the remote monitoring device 23 can monitor the air conditioner 10 based on the cycle setting data acquired from the server device 33 without converting the cycle setting value input by the user into cycle setting data by itself.

[0085] Accordingly, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 23, and the user inputs a cycle setting value corresponding to the new function, the remote monitoring device 23 can monitor the air conditioner 10 based on the cycle setting data acquired from the server device 33. Therefore, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 23, the user does not need to update the remote monitoring device 23 and can monitor the air conditioner 10 with respect to the air conditioning data corresponding to the new function only by updating the server device 33. Thus, according to the air conditioning system 3 according to the third embodiment, the user is not burdened by the update of the air conditioner 10 and the remote monitoring device 23.

[0086] In the air conditioning system 3, the user may input a cycle setting value from the user device 70, and the remote monitoring device 23 may periodically acquire a plurality of pieces of air conditioning data desired by the user from the air conditioner 10 and store them in the storage device 26. Thereby, a user such as a person who performs maintenance on the air conditioner 10 can register desired air conditioning data according to the cycle setting value and periodically acquire the air conditioning data necessary for maintenance via the remote monitoring device 23. That is, the user does not need to acquire desired air conditioning data each time using operation data as in the air conditioning system 2 according to the second embodiment described above, and can acquire the air conditioning data necessary for maintenance periodically by registering the cycle setting value once.

[0087] Generally, in cloud services, as the processing volume by a cloud server such as the server device 33 increases, the usage fee of the cloud server increases accordingly. Therefore, there is a desire to reduce the processing volume by the cloud server. For example, like the air conditioning system 2 according to the above-described Embodiment 2, if the air conditioning data is monitored each time using the operation data via the server device 33 on the cloud, the processing volume by the server device 33 increases, and accordingly, the usage fee of the server device 33 increases. In this regard, like the air conditioning system 3 according to Embodiment 3, if the desired air conditioning data is registered by setting the cycle setting value once, it is possible to suppress the processing volume of the periodic monitoring via the server device 33, and the cloud usage fee can be suppressed.

[0088] Embodiment 4. With reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, the air conditioning system 4 according to Embodiment 4 will be described. Hereinafter, only the parts different from the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described for the air conditioning system 4 according to Embodiment 4.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 4 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. 10, the air conditioning system 4 according to Embodiment 4 includes a plurality of air conditioners 10 (10A, 10B), a remote monitoring device 24, a server device 34, and a user device 70.

[0090] The remote monitoring device 24 according to Embodiment 4 has the same hardware configuration as the remote monitoring device 21 according to Embodiment 1, and includes, as main functional parts, a communication unit 201, an air conditioning communication management unit 202, and a storage unit 203. Each of the communication unit 201 and the air conditioning communication management unit 202 can be realized by the arithmetic device 25 executing the monitoring program 265 stored in the storage device 26. Note that the storage unit 203 is a functional part corresponding to the storage device 26.

[0091] The server device 34 according to Embodiment 4 has the same hardware configuration as the server device 31 according to Embodiment 1, and includes, as main functional units, a communication unit 301, a parser processing unit 302, a user interface 304, and a filter setting management unit 340. Each of the communication unit 301, the parser processing unit 302, the user interface 304, and the filter setting management unit 340 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 35 executing the parser program 365 stored in the storage device 36.

[0092] By executing parser processing, the server device 34 acquires from the user device 70 filter setting values for filtering the air-conditioning data output from the air conditioner 10, converts the filter setting values into filter setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 24, and outputs the filter setting data to the remote monitoring device 24. The remote monitoring device 24 stores the filter setting data acquired from the server device 34 in the storage device 26. Then, the remote monitoring device 24 filters the air-conditioning data acquired from the air conditioner 10 based on the filter setting data.

[0093] In the example of FIG. 10, the remote monitoring device 24 acquires only the air-conditioning data of the air conditioner 10 required by the user by acquiring the air-conditioning data of the air conditioner 10 permitted by the filter setting data among the plurality of air conditioners 10 (10A, 10B) being monitored, and stores it in the storage device 36.

[0094] For example, as in the examples of FIGS. 3 and 4, the remote monitoring device 24 can store the air-conditioning data in the storage device 36 by outputting the air-conditioning data acquired from the air conditioner 10 to the server device 34. However, if the remote monitoring device 24 acquires all the air-conditioning data output from each of the plurality of air conditioners 10 and outputs it to the server device 34, the communication volume may increase and the storage capacity of the storage device 36 may become insufficient. Therefore, the remote monitoring device 24 is configured to suppress the communication volume and the storage amount of the air-conditioning data stored in the storage device 36 by filtering the air-conditioning data that can be acquired from each of the plurality of air conditioners 10 and acquiring only the air-conditioning data required by the user.

[0095] Specifically, the user inputs filter setting values for filtering the air-conditioning data output from each of the plurality of air conditioners 10 using the user device 70. Here, FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the input of filter setting values in the air-conditioning system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of check boxes 77 for selecting the addresses of the air conditioners 10 for which acquisition of air-conditioning data is permitted are displayed on the display 75 of the user device 70. The user can acquire air-conditioning data only from a desired air conditioner 10 and store it in the storage device 36 by adding a check to the check box 77 indicating the address corresponding to the air conditioner 10 from which the air-conditioning data is to be acquired. That is, the filter setting value includes information on the addresses of at least one air conditioner 10 for which acquisition of air-conditioning data is permitted among the plurality of air conditioners 10 being monitored.

[0096] Returning to FIG. 10, the server device 34 acquires filter setting values from the user device 70 through the user interface 304. The filter setting management unit 340 of the server device 34 outputs the filter setting values acquired through the user interface 304 to the parser processing unit 302 and requests the parser processing unit 302 to generate filter setting data. The server device 34 converts the filter setting values into filter setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 24 by the parser processing unit 302.

[0097] Here, FIG. 10 shows an example including the addresses of the air conditioners 10 corresponding to pass or non-pass of the filter setting values acquired from the user device 70. In the check box 77 shown in FIG. 11, the air conditioner 10 corresponding to the address to which the user adds a check is associated with pass in the filter setting value, and the air conditioner 10 corresponding to the address to which the user does not add a check is associated with non-pass in the filter setting value.

[0098] When the parser processing unit 302 obtains the filter setting values as described above, it converts the obtained filter setting values into filter setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 24. For example, based on the filter setting values, the parser processing unit 302 generates filter setting data by associating pass or non-pass for each address of a plurality of air conditioners 10 in a data format recognizable by the remote monitoring device 24.

[0099] When the parser processing unit 302 generates filter setting data based on the filter setting values, it outputs the filter setting data to the remote monitoring device 24. The remote monitoring device 24 obtains the filter setting data output from the server device 34 by the communication unit 201. The remote monitoring device 24 stores the filter setting data obtained from the server device 34 by the storage unit 203. Then, the remote monitoring device 24 updates a filter table (not shown) for filtering based on the filter setting data.

[0100] The air conditioner communication management unit 202 includes a filter unit 224. The remote monitoring device 24 obtains air conditioner data only from the air conditioners 10 corresponding to the addresses set to pass based on the filter setting data stored in the storage unit 203 by the filter unit 224, and outputs the obtained air conditioner data to the server device 34. More specifically, the remote monitoring device 24 does not have a function of switching pass / non-pass for each address (that is, enabling / disabling filtering), and when obtaining air conditioner data from the air conditioner 10, it filters the air conditioner data based on the filter table. In this way, the remote monitoring device 24 applies the filter setting by updating the filter table based on the filter setting data.

[0101] FIG. 10 is an example of applying a filter to a predetermined address. Therefore, the filter unit 224 compares the address of the air conditioner 10 with the addresses set to non-pass by the filter setting data (filter table). In the filter setting data, any bit belonging to a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 255) is associated with each address in advance, and the filter unit 224 outputs only the air-conditioning data from the air conditioner 10 with the address associated with "1" to the server device 34.

[0102] For example, in the example of FIG. 10, the remote monitoring device 24 does not acquire the air-conditioning data B from the air conditioner 10B corresponding to the address set to non-pass, while acquires the air-conditioning data A from the air conditioner 10A corresponding to the address set to pass, and outputs the acquired air-conditioning data A to the server device 34. In this way, the remote monitoring device 24 can acquire the air-conditioning data only from the air conditioners 10 permitted by the user and output it to the server device 34.

[0103] In FIG. 10, an example in which the remote monitoring device 24 acquires the air-conditioning data of the air conditioners 10 permitted by the filter setting data among the plurality of air conditioners 10 being monitored has been described. However, the remote monitoring device 24 may filter the air-conditioning data by other methods.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an air-conditioning system 4 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. In the example of FIG. 12, the remote monitoring device 24 acquires only the air-conditioning data required by the user by acquiring the air-conditioning data permitted by the filter setting data among the plurality of air-conditioning data in at least one air conditioner 10 and stores it in the storage device 36.

[0105] Specifically, the user sets the air-conditioning data to be permitted for acquisition among the plurality of air-conditioning data that can be output from at least one air conditioner 10 being monitored, using the filter setting value. For example, the user sets the air-conditioning data to be permitted for acquisition among various air-conditioning data such as the operating state, start time of operation, end time of operation, set temperature, set humidity, cooling / heating operation mode, indoor temperature, and indoor humidity, using the filter setting value. That is, the filter setting value includes information on the air-conditioning data for which acquisition is permitted among the plurality of air-conditioning data that can be output from at least one air conditioner 10 being monitored.

[0106] Here, FIG. 12 shows an example including information on the air-conditioning data corresponding to passing or not passing of the filter setting value acquired from the user device 70. The air-conditioning data permitted for acquisition by the user is associated with passing in the filter setting value, and the air-conditioning data not permitted for acquisition by the user is associated with not passing in the filter setting value.

[0107] When the parser processing unit 302 acquires the filter setting value as described above, it converts the acquired filter setting value into filter setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 24. For example, based on the filter setting value, the parser processing unit 302 generates filter setting data for setting passing or not passing for each of the plurality of air-conditioning data in a data format recognizable by the remote monitoring device 24.

[0108] When the parser processing unit 302 generates filter setting data based on the filter setting value, it outputs the filter setting data to the remote monitoring device 24. The remote monitoring device 24 acquires the filter setting data output from the server device 34 through the communication unit 201. The remote monitoring device 24 stores the filter setting data acquired from the server device 34 in the storage unit 203. Then, the remote monitoring device 24 updates a filter table (not shown) for filtering based on the filter setting data.

[0109] The remote monitoring device 24, based on the filter setting data stored in the storage unit 203 by the filter unit 224, acquires only the air conditioner data for which passage is set, and outputs the acquired air conditioner data to the server device 34. More specifically, the remote monitoring device 24 does not have a function of switching passage / non-passage (i.e., effective / ineffective filtering) for each air conditioner data. When acquiring air conditioner data from the air conditioner 10, it filters the air conditioner data based on the filter table. In this way, the remote monitoring device 24 applies the filter setting by updating the filter table based on the filter setting data.

[0110] Since FIG. 12 is an example of applying a filter to predetermined air conditioner data, the filter unit 224 compares the air conditioner data with the air conditioner data set to non-pass by the filter setting data (filter table). In the filter setting data, any bit belonging to a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 255) is pre-associated with each air conditioner data, and the filter unit 224 outputs only the air conditioner data associated with "1" to the server device 34.

[0111] For example, in the example of FIG. 12, the remote monitoring device 24 does not acquire the air conditioner data B for which non-passage is set among the air conditioner data that can be output from the air conditioner 10A, while acquiring the air conditioner data A for which passage is set, and outputs the acquired air conditioner data A to the server device 34. In this way, the remote monitoring device 24 can acquire and output only the air conditioner data permitted by the user to the server device 34.

[0112] Among the data filtered by the filter setting data, the data related to the operating state of the air conditioner 10 is stored in the storage unit 203 of the remote monitoring device 24. The data related to the operating state of the air conditioner 10 held by the remote monitoring device 24 is used to reflect the operation / stop or abnormal state of the air conditioner 10 on the lighting unit (for example, LED: Light Emitting Diode) provided in the remote monitoring device 24. That is, among the air-conditioning data, the remote monitoring device 24 stores, in the storage unit 203, the data indicated by the lighting unit of the remote monitoring device 24 regardless of whether or not the data is filtered by the filter setting data, but does not output it to the server device 34.

[0113] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing of the air-conditioning system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. Among the processing steps shown in FIG. 13, the processing executed by the server device 34 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 35 executing the parser program 365. The processing executed by the remote monitoring device 24 can be realized by the arithmetic unit 25 executing the monitoring program 265.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 13, the user device 70 outputs (S741) a filter setting value for filtering the air-conditioning data input by the user to the server device 34. The server device 34 acquires (S341) the filter setting value output from the user device 70. The server device 34 converts (S342) the filter setting value into filter setting data by the parser processing unit 302. The server device 34 outputs (S343) the filter setting data to the remote monitoring device 24.

[0115] The remote monitoring device 24 acquires (S241) the filter setting data output from the server device 34. The remote monitoring device 24 stores (S242) the filter setting data in the storage device 26. The remote monitoring device 24 filters (S243) the air-conditioning data based on the filter setting data stored in the storage device 26 and acquires only the permitted air-conditioning data.

[0116] Thus, according to the air conditioning system 4 according to Embodiment 4, the server device 34 converts the filter setting value input by the user into filter setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 24. Therefore, the remote monitoring device 24 can filter the air conditioning data based on the filter setting data acquired from the server device 34 without converting the filter setting value input by the user into the filter setting data by itself.

[0117] As a result, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 24, and the user inputs a filter setting value corresponding to the new function, the remote monitoring device 24 can filter the air conditioning data based on the filter setting data acquired from the server device 34. Therefore, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 24, the user does not need to update the remote monitoring device 24, and can filter the air conditioning data corresponding to the new function only by updating the server device 34. Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 4 according to Embodiment 4, the user is not burdened by the update of the air conditioner 10 and the remote monitoring device 24.

[0118] Note that the air conditioning data that is likely to be filtered by the filter setting data includes maintenance data. The maintenance data is data for the remote monitoring device to monitor the operating state of the air conditioner 10 in more detail. For example, the maintenance data includes data mainly used for maintenance, such as pressure values, temperature values, power consumption values, etc., measured by sensors installed in the air conditioner 10 and the like. When the user does not need detailed data such as pressure values and current values, the user can apply a filter to these data by inputting a filter setting value.

[0119] In addition, for some air conditioners 10 that are equipped with functions such as humidity setting and left / right air direction, but are not supported on the user interface screen of the user device 70, even if the data related to these functions is acquired, the user cannot display / operate it. Therefore, data that is not supported on such a user interface screen can be a target for filtering. Note that the remote monitoring device may automatically set a filter for the air-conditioning data that can be supported on the user interface screen among the acquired air-conditioning data.

[0120] Also, when the air conditioner 10 that is not a monitoring target of the remote monitoring device or the remote control of the air conditioner 10 is connected to the remote monitoring device, the air-conditioning data from these air conditioners 10 that are not monitoring targets can be a target for filtering. Note that the remote monitoring device may determine whether it is a non-monitoring target based on the information acquired in the initial communication, and update the filter table based on the result.

[0121] In the air-conditioning system according to each of the above-described Embodiments 1 to 4, as described below, operation data, a cycle setting value, or a filter setting value can be input by the user. Specifically, the user device 70 accesses the UI unit (not shown) of the server device via the user interface 304 of the server device. First, the user registers the identification information in the UI unit by inputting the identification information (such as the manufacturing number) of the remote monitoring device from the user device 70. The user device 70 graphically displays a screen including information on the air conditioner 10 acquired by the remote monitoring device corresponding to the identification information registered in the UI unit. At this time, the user inputs various setting data (operation data, cycle setting value, or filter setting value) of the remote monitoring device on the displayed screen. The parser processing unit 302 of the server device converts the various setting data input by the user device 70 into a format that can be read by the remote monitoring device, and outputs it to the remote monitoring device via the communication unit 301.

[0122] In an air conditioning system, various setting data (operation data, cycle setting values, or filter setting values) may be directly registered in the remote monitoring device. For example, at the initial shipment of the air conditioning system and the remote monitoring device, various setting data may be registered in the non-volatile area of the remote monitoring device.

[0123] Also, the user may directly input various setting data from the remote monitoring device as follows.

[0124] Specifically, as operation data, the remote monitoring device can allow the user to set the same content as a remote control for operating the air conditioner 10 (for example, operation or stop, operation start time, operation end time, set temperature, set humidity, cooling / heating operation mode, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, etc.).

[0125] The remote monitoring device can register a combination of "DataID", "periodic communication destination address", and "periodic communication cycle" as periodic setting values for a predetermined number of cases (for example, 1000 cases). When the user has air conditioning data or the like that they want to additionally monitor, the user can freely set "DataID", "periodic communication destination address", and "periodic communication cycle" from the remote monitoring device. Also, the remote monitoring device may prepare a set in which a combination of "DataID", "periodic communication destination address", and "periodic communication cycle" is templated in advance according to the purpose or use of the monitoring, so that the user can easily perform the cycle setting by selecting it.

[0126] Regarding filter setting, the remote monitoring device may be configured to display which air conditioner 10 is connected to which address based on the information of the air conditioner 10 obtained in the initial communication, so that the user can optionally filter out unnecessary air conditioners 10. Alternatively, when an air conditioner 10 that the remote monitoring device does not support is connected based on the information of the air conditioner 10 collected in the initial communication, the remote monitoring device may set a filter for that air conditioner 10.

[0127] The remote monitoring device may be configured to display a list of the functions of the air conditioner 10 based on the information of the air conditioner 10 obtained in the initial communication regarding the filter settings, so that the user can filter out data other than the data regarding the desired functions. Alternatively, the remote monitoring device may prepare a set of templatized filtering setting contents in advance according to the purpose or use of the monitor, and enable the user to easily perform filtering by selecting it.

[0128] (Summary) This disclosure relates to air conditioning systems 1 to 4. The air conditioning systems 1 to 4 include an air conditioner 10, remote monitoring devices 21 to 24 for monitoring the air conditioner 10, and server devices 31 to 34 that communicate with the remote monitoring devices 21 to 24. The server devices 31 to 34 include a communication unit 301 that transmits and receives data to and from the remote monitoring devices 21 to 24, and a parser processing unit 302 that executes processing related to the monitoring of the air conditioner 10 by the remote monitoring devices 21 to 24.

[0129] Thereby, the air conditioning systems 1 to 4 can update the processing related to the monitoring of the air conditioner 10 by the remote monitoring devices 21 to 24 by updating the server devices 31 to 34 instead of the air conditioner 10 and the remote monitoring devices 21 to 24, so that the user is not burdened by the update of the air conditioner 10 and the remote monitoring devices 21 to 24.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1, the server device 31 further includes a storage device 36. The remote monitoring device 21 acquires air conditioning data regarding the air conditioning of the air conditioner 10 and outputs the air conditioning data to the server device 31. The server device 31 analyzes the air conditioning data acquired from the remote monitoring device 21 by the parser processing unit 302 and stores the analysis result of the air conditioning data in the storage device 36.

[0131] As a result, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 21, the user does not need to update the remote monitoring device 21, and can store data corresponding to the new function in the storage device 36 by only updating the server device 31.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the air conditioning system 2 according to the second embodiment, the server device 32 acquires operation data for operating the air conditioner 10 from the user, converts the operation data into operation commands recognizable by the air conditioner 10 by the parser processing unit 302, and outputs the operation commands to the remote monitoring device 22. The remote monitoring device 22 outputs the operation commands acquired from the server device 32 to the air conditioner 10.

[0133] As a result, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 22, the user does not need to update the remote monitoring device 22, and can cause the air conditioner 10 to perform operations corresponding to the new function by only updating the server device 32.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in the air conditioning system 3 according to the third embodiment, the server device 33 acquires a cycle setting value for periodically monitoring the air conditioner 10 from the user, converts the cycle setting value into cycle setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 23 by the parser processing unit 302, and outputs the cycle setting data to the remote monitoring device 23. The remote monitoring device 23 periodically monitors the air conditioner 10 based on the cycle setting data acquired from the server device 33.

[0135] As a result, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 23, the user does not need to update the remote monitoring device 23, and can monitor the air conditioner 10 for air conditioning data corresponding to the new function by only updating the server device 33.

[0136] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, in the air conditioning system 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the server device 34 acquires from the user a filter setting value for filtering air conditioning data related to the air conditioning of the air conditioner 10, and the parser processing unit 302 converts the filter setting value into filter setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device 24, and outputs the filter setting data to the remote monitoring device 24. The remote monitoring device 24 filters the air conditioning data acquired from the air conditioner 10 based on the filter setting data acquired from the server device 34.

[0137] Thereby, even when a new function is added to the air conditioner 10 or a new air conditioner 10 equipped with a new function is connected to the remote monitoring device 24, the user does not need to update the remote monitoring device 24, and can filter the air conditioning data corresponding to the new function only by updating the server device 34.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 10, in the air conditioning system 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the remote monitoring device 24 acquires the air conditioning data of the air conditioner 10 permitted by the filter setting data among the plurality of air conditioners 10 being monitored.

[0139] Thereby, the user can suppress the storage amount of the air conditioning data stored in the storage device 36 while suppressing the communication amount by acquiring only the air conditioning data required by the user among the air conditioning data that can be acquired from each of the plurality of air conditioners 10.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 12, in the air conditioning system 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the remote monitoring device 24 acquires the air conditioning data permitted by the filter setting data among the plurality of air conditioning data.

[0141] Thereby, the user can suppress the storage amount of the air conditioning data stored in the storage device 36 while suppressing the communication amount by acquiring only the air conditioning data required by the user among the plurality of air conditioning data in at least one air conditioner 10.

[0142] The air conditioning systems according to each of Embodiments 1 to 4 have been described above. However, the configurations and functions provided in each air conditioning system may be combined. For example, one air conditioning system may include all of the configurations and functions provided in the air conditioning systems according to each of Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0143] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0144] 1, 2, 3, 4 Air conditioning systems, 10, 10A, 10B Air conditioners, 21, 22, 23, 24 Remote monitoring devices, 25, 35 Arithmetic units, 26, 36 Storage devices, 27, 37 Communication devices, 31, 32, 33, 34 Server devices, 40A, 40B Outdoor units, 51A, 51B, 52A, 52B Indoor units, 60A, 60B Remote controls, 70 User devices, 75 Displays, 77 Check boxes, 80 Routers, 90A, 90B Networks, 201, 301 Communication units, 202 Air conditioning communication management unit, 203, 303 Storage units, 224 Filter unit, 265 Monitoring program, 302 Parser processing unit, 304 User interface, 310 Data analysis unit, 320 Operation unit, 330 Cycle setting management unit, 340 Filter setting management unit, 365 Parser program.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, comprising: an air conditioner; a remote monitoring device for monitoring the air conditioner; a server device that communicates with the remote monitoring device and includes a parser processing unit that executes processing related to monitoring of the air conditioner by the remote monitoring device; The server device: obtains from a user a filter setting value for filtering air conditioning data related to air conditioning of the air conditioner; converts the filter setting value into filter setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device; outputs the filter setting data to the remote monitoring device; The remote monitoring device: updates a filter table for filtering the air conditioning data obtained from the air conditioner based on the filter setting data obtained from the server device; filters the air conditioning data obtained from the air conditioner based on the updated filter table; An air conditioning system that obtains, among a plurality of pieces of the air conditioning data, the air conditioning data permitted by the filter setting data.

2. The server device further includes a storage device; The remote monitoring device obtains the air conditioning data permitted by the filter setting data and outputs the air conditioning data to the server device; The server device: analyzes the air conditioning data obtained from the remote monitoring device by the parser processing unit; Stores the analysis result of the air conditioning data in the storage device. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The server device: obtains from a user operation data for operating the air conditioner; converts the operation data into an operation command recognizable by the air conditioner by the parser processing unit; outputs the operation command to the remote monitoring device; The remote monitoring device outputs the operation command obtained from the server device to the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. The server device: obtains from a user a period setting value for periodically monitoring the air conditioner; converts the period setting value into period setting data recognizable by the remote monitoring device by the parser processing unit; outputs the period setting data to the remote monitoring device; The remote monitoring device periodically monitors the air conditioner based on the period setting data obtained from the server device. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

5. The remote monitoring device acquires the air-conditioning data of the air conditioner permitted by the filter setting data among the plurality of air conditioners being monitored, for the air-conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. As processing related to monitoring of the air conditioner, the parser processing unit executes at least one of processing for analyzing data acquired from the remote monitoring device, processing for converting data for operating the air conditioner into commands recognizable by the remote monitoring device, and processing for converting set values for monitoring the air conditioner into data recognizable by the remote monitoring device, for the air-conditioning system according to claim 1.

Images