Air-conditioning linkage system

Abstract

This air-conditioning coordination system is equipped with: an air-conditioning system having a plurality of indoor units which condition air and are provided in the rooms of a lodging facility, an outdoor unit for supplying a coolant to the plurality of indoor units, a system controller for integratedly controlling the plurality of indoor units and the outdoor unit, and a remote controller for controlling one of the plurality of indoor units; and a lodging facility system having a terminal device in which an application program is installed in order to execute a function for performing a lodging facility reservation by inputting reservation information, which includes the scheduled date / time at which and room in which the stay at the lodging facility will occur, and a function for inputting air-conditioning setting information which indicates the settings for the air-conditioning in the reserved room, and also having a lodging facility server for communicating with the terminal device and storing the reservation information and air-conditioning setting information therein. Therein, the system controller or the remote controller controls the indoor unit which is provided to the reserved room on the basis of the air-conditioning setting information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning linked system used in a lodging facility. Mu

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a lodging facility such as a hotel, an air-conditioning system that sets an air conditioner by using a tablet terminal or the like provided in each room is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an air-conditioning system that stores the operating state of an air conditioner as a history and utilizes it for the next control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The application program installed in the tablet terminal used in the conventional air-conditioning system including Patent Document 1 is an air-conditioning dedicated application program that can only set the air conditioner. Some of the air-conditioning dedicated application programs can also be used on the terminal devices owned by the guests staying at the lodging facility. However, such an air-conditioning dedicated application program has limited available scenes for the guests, and the work of installing it on the terminal device may be felt to be troublesome, and it is difficult to say that it is widely used. Therefore, there is room for improving the convenience of the air-conditioning function in the conventional air-conditioning system.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an air-conditioning linked system that improves the convenience of the air-conditioning function in a lodging facility. Mu ​It is an object of the present invention to provide

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The air-conditioning linked system according to the present disclosure includes a plurality of indoor units provided in a room of a lodging facility for performing air conditioning, an outdoor unit for supplying refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units, a system controller for integrally controlling the plurality of indoor units and the outdoor unit, a remote controller for controlling one of the plurality of indoor units, A ventilation device provided in a room of a lodging facility for ventilation, an air-conditioning system having, a function of inputting reservation information including the date and time and the room for which reservation is planned in a lodging facility to make a reservation for the lodging facility, and a function of inputting air-conditioning setting information indicating settings for the air conditioning of the reserved room, a terminal device in which an application program for executing these functions is installed, and a lodging facility server that communicates with the terminal device and stores the reservation information and the air-conditioning setting information. The system controller or the remote controller controls the indoor unit provided in the reserved room based on the air-conditioning setting information and the ventilation device to control The remote controller wirelessly communicates with the terminal device, controls the indoor unit provided in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information transmitted from the terminal device, periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device, and when the communication with the terminal device cannot be established, stops the indoor unit provided in the reserved room, operates the ventilation device, and when the communication with the terminal device is established, operates the indoor unit provided in the reserved room and stops the ventilation device 。

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the air-conditioning setting of the reserved room can be performed by an application program for making a reservation for a lodging facility. Thereby, the air-conditioning linked system can improve the convenience of the air-conditioning function in the lodging facility.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 is a system that links a lodging facility system 2 for performing operations in a lodging facility such as a hotel and an air-conditioning system 3 for managing and controlling an air conditioner provided in the lodging facility. First, the outlines of the lodging facility system 2 and the air-conditioning system 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and then the cooperation between the lodging facility system 2 and the air-conditioning system 3 will be described.

[0011] First, the accommodation facility system 2 will be described. The accommodation facility system 2 is used, for example, by a hotel group that conducts a chain expansion of Hotel A, Hotel B, and Hotel C. As shown in FIG. 1, the accommodation facility system 2 includes a general server 21, a store server 22, a management device 23, and a terminal device 24. The general server 21 is a server device managed by a hotel general management department that generalizes Hotel A, Hotel B, and Hotel C. All the personal information, reservation information, and settlement information of the guests staying at all the hotels managed by the hotel general management department are intensively recorded in the general server 21. In FIGS. 1 and 2, since the configurations applied to Hotel B and Hotel C in the accommodation facility system 2 are the same as those of Hotel A, the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0012] The store server 22 is, for example, a server device installed in the server room of Hotel A. The store server 22 is connected to the general server 21 via an Internet line or the like, and records the personal information, reservation information, and settlement information of the guests staying at the hotel. The management device 23 is, for example, a PC terminal installed in the management room of Hotel A and having software for performing hotel management operations installed thereon. Hereinafter, the software that realizes the functions for performing hotel management operations on the management device 23 composed of a computer may be referred to as management software. The management device 23 is operated by the hotel manager and employees, accesses the store server 22, and updates the information stored in the store server 22.

[0013] The terminal device 24 is a PC terminal, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like owned by a user who uses the accommodation facility. An application program for making a reservation for the accommodation facility is installed on the terminal device 24. Hereinafter, this application program may be referred to as the hotel app 50. The description of the hotel app 50 will be given later. The terminal device 24 on which the hotel app 50 is installed is connected to the general server 21 and the store server 22 via an Internet line or the like.

[0014] Next, the air conditioning system 3 will be described. The air conditioning system 3 includes a system controller 31, an outdoor unit 32, indoor units 33a and 33b, a ventilation device 34, remote controllers 35a and 35b, and guest room sensors 36a and 36b. The system controller 31 is connected to the outdoor unit 32 and the plurality of indoor units 33a and 33b by wired communication conforming to the standards for air conditioners, and integrally controls the outdoor unit 32 and the plurality of indoor units 33a and 33b.

[0015] The outdoor unit 32 is installed outside the building of the accommodation facility or the like, and transfers heat or cold by supplying refrigerant to the indoor units 33a and 33b. The indoor unit 33a is installed in, for example, guest room A and performs air conditioning in guest room A. The indoor unit 33b is installed in, for example, guest room B and performs air conditioning in guest room B. The ventilation device 34 is installed in, for example, guest room A and performs ventilation in guest room A.

[0016] The remote controller 35a is wired-connected to the indoor unit 33a and controls the indoor unit 33a by communicating with the indoor unit 33a. In addition to the wired communication with the indoor unit 33a, the remote controller 35a performs wireless communication with the guest room sensor 36a and a terminal device 24 within the communicable range including guest room A. The remote controller 35b is wired-connected to the indoor unit 33b and controls the indoor unit 33b by communicating with the indoor unit 33b. In addition to the wired communication with the indoor unit 33b, the remote controller 35b performs wireless communication with the guest room sensor 36b and a terminal device 24 within the communicable range including guest room B.

[0017] The passenger compartment sensor 36a acquires the temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc. of passenger compartment A and transmits them to the remote controller 35a. The passenger compartment sensor 36b acquires the temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc. of passenger compartment B and transmits them to the remote controller 35b. The indoor units 33a and 33b, the remote controllers 35a and 35b, and the passenger compartment sensors 36a and 36b are assigned unique identification codes with numbers or symbols at the end, for example, so that the installed passenger compartment can be identified. When communication is performed within the air conditioning system 3, each device is specified by this identification code.

[0018] Here, an example of the hardware of the host server 21 will be described. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the host server 21 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the host server 21 is composed of a computer including a processor 41 such as a CPU and a memory 42. Each function of the host server 21 is realized by the processor 41 and the memory 42. FIG. 3 shows that the processor 41 and the memory 42 are communicably connected to each other via a bus 43.

[0019] The functions of the host server 21 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 42. The processor 41 reads and executes the programs stored in the memory 42 to realize the functions of each means.

[0020] As the memory 42, for example, non-volatile semiconductor memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) are used. Also, as the memory 42, a volatile semiconductor memory of RAM (Random Access Memory) may be used. Further, as the memory 42, removable recording media such as magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, CDs (Compact Discs), MDs (Mini Discs), and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) may be used. Note that since the store server 22, the management device 23, the terminal device 24, and the system controller 31 are also composed of computers like the integrated server 21, the description thereof is omitted.

[0021] The hotel app 50 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the hotel app 50 according to the first embodiment. The hotel app 50 is stored in the memory of the terminal device 24 and read from the memory by the processor of the terminal device 24, causing the processor to execute various functions. The hotel app 50 has, for example, a GUI program 51, a room key program 52, a payment program 53, a communication program 54, an air conditioning operation program 55, and an air conditioning operation API (Application Programming Interface) 56. The GUI program 51 causes the processor of the terminal device 24 to display an input screen for inputting personal information, reservation information, and air conditioning setting information of the hotel guest on the display (not shown) of the terminal device 24. The personal information includes, for example, the name, contact information, and terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device of the hotel guest. The reservation information includes the date and time and the room for which accommodation at the accommodation facility is planned. The air conditioning setting information includes information indicating, for example, the operation mode of the air conditioner, the set temperature, the air volume, and the operation time of the air conditioner.

[0022] The room key program 52 is for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute a function of operating as a room key for the room reserved by the terminal device 24 itself. The settlement program 53 is for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute a function of performing settlement for the accommodation facility. The communication program 54 is for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute a function of communicating with the integrated server 21 and the store server 22. The terminal device 24 realizes a function of reserving an accommodation facility, a function as a room key, and a settlement function by communicating various information such as personal information of the hotel guest, reservation information, and information indicating the settlement result with the integrated server 21 and the store server 22. Note that the communication method and communication content for realizing the function of reserving an accommodation facility, the function as a room key, and the settlement function are not particularly limited. Among the GUI program 51, the part for causing the display of an input screen for inputting personal information of the hotel guest excluding the air-conditioning setting information and reservation information, the room key program 52, the settlement program 53, and the communication program 54 are programs included in the existing hotel app 50. These existing programs are collectively referred to as the hotel program 60.

[0023] The air conditioning operation program 55 is for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to transmit air conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a. The air conditioning operation program 55 is, for example, obtained by extracting only the air conditioning setting function from an air conditioning dedicated application program that only performs existing air conditioning settings. The air conditioning operation program 55 is made public by the manufacturer that provides the air conditioning system 3 to the operator of the accommodation facility, but detailed specifications and the like are not made public. Furthermore, the air conditioning operation program 55 differs for each manufacturer or model of the air conditioning system 3. For example, when there are air conditioning system manufacturer AAA and air conditioning system manufacturer BBB, the air conditioning operation program 55 of air conditioning system manufacturer AAA is different from the air conditioning operation program 55 of air conditioning system manufacturer BBB. When the air conditioning system 3 that air conditions each room of the accommodation facility is manufactured by air conditioning system manufacturer AAA, the air conditioning operation program 55 of air conditioning system manufacturer AAA is incorporated into the hotel app 50 of the accommodation facility. Thus, for the operator of the accommodation facility, the air conditioning operation program 55 is in a so-called black box state.

[0024] The air conditioner operation API 56 is an interface that causes the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute a function of delivering the input air conditioner setting information to the air conditioner operation program 55, and is used to utilize the air conditioner operation program 55. By incorporating the air conditioner operation API 56 into the hotel app 50 together with the air conditioner operation program 55, various types of information that are originally communicated to the air conditioner operation program 55, which is a black box, in a specific format are now made available for use with the air conditioner operation program 55 based on the air conditioner setting information input from the input screen. Specifically, when the hotel app 50 includes the air conditioner operation program 55 of air conditioner system manufacturer AAA, the air conditioner operation API 56 includes instructions for using the air conditioner operation program 55 such as "Air conditioner system manufacturer AAA Mode()". By inputting air conditioner setting information (for example, cooling at 25°C) inside the parentheses, the air conditioner operation program 55 performs internal processing and sends a signal containing the air conditioner setting information for operating the indoor units 33a or 33b at 25°C cooling to the remote controllers 35a or 35b. In this way, the air conditioner operation program 55 causes the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute a function of controlling the indoor units 33a or 33b based on the air conditioner setting information obtained via the air conditioner operation API 56.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the hotel app according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 5, on the terminal device 24, an air conditioner setting screen, which is one of the input screens displayed by the GUI program 51 and where air conditioner setting information is input, is displayed. The guest inputs desired settings for "operation mode", "temperature", "air volume", and "operation time" from the air conditioner setting screen of the hotel app and presses the "start operation" button. Thereby, a signal containing the air conditioner setting information input by the guest is sent from the terminal device 24 to the remote controllers 35a or 35b. Note that "operation mode", "temperature", "air volume", and "operation time" are forms for inputting air conditioner setting information indicating the operation mode of the air conditioner, the set temperature, the air volume, and the operation time of the air conditioner, etc.

[0026] When attempting to implement the air conditioning function in the hotel app 50 without using the air conditioning operation program 55 and the air conditioning operation API 56, the developer of the hotel app 50 needs to understand the unique communication specifications for the air conditioner, etc. In Embodiment 1, by using the air conditioning operation API 56, it is not necessary to understand the unique communication specifications for the air conditioner, etc. Also, in Embodiment 1, the developer of the hotel app 50 only needs to make modifications for changing the screen for setting the air conditioning setting information in the conventional hotel program 60, and incorporate the air conditioning operation program 55 and the air conditioning operation API 56 into the hotel program 60, that is, their essence. Therefore, compared with the case of constructing an application program that can independently set the air conditioning without using these, the function for air conditioning setting can be added to the hotel app 50 at a lower cost.

[0027] The hotel app 50 is provided to hotel guests in various ways. For example, it may be provided to hotel guests via a recording medium on which the hotel app 50 is recorded. Also, the hotel app 50 may be stored in an integrated server 21 or the like or another server for providing the hotel app 50, and installed on the terminal device 24 via a communication line such as the Internet.

[0028] The cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 of Embodiment 1 will be described. The remote controller 35a performs wireless communication with the terminal device 24 owned by the hotel guest. Thereby, the air conditioning setting information can be communicated from the terminal device 24 to the air conditioning system 3. Thereby, various functions in which the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 are coordinated are realized. Hereinafter, the specific functions due to the cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 will be described. In the following description, a case where the guest room A is a room reserved by the hotel guest, and the terminal device 24 communicates with the remote controller 35a provided in the guest room A of Hotel A is taken as an example, but the cases of guest room B or guest rooms other than Hotel A are the same.

[0029] First, the reservation function in the air-conditioning linked system 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. On the terminal device 24, an input screen is displayed by the hotel app 50, and reservation information including the personal information of the guest, the date and time of the planned stay at the accommodation facility, and the room is input by the guest from the input screen. Further, air-conditioning setting information indicating the guest's preference for the air-conditioning of the reserved room is input. Note that information such as terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device is automatically numbered, for example, at the time of installing the app, without depending on the operation of the guest. The terminal device 24 transmits the input personal information, reservation information, and air-conditioning setting information to the integrated server 21. The integrated server 21 stores the received personal information, reservation information, and air-conditioning setting information in association with each other, whereby the reservation at the accommodation facility is completed.

[0030] Next, the function of starting the air-conditioning when the guest room is unlocked in the air-conditioning linked system 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. As described above, the terminal device 24 functions as a room key for the reserved room. When the terminal device 24 is held over the lock of the reserved room, the terminal device 24 communicates the terminal identification information to the integrated server 21 and acquires the air-conditioning setting information associated with the terminal identification information, which was stored in the integrated server 21 at the time of reservation. The terminal device 24 transmits the acquired air-conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a of the reserved room. Thereby, when the guest room reserved by the guest is unlocked, the air-conditioning with the desired setting is automatically started. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the trouble for the guest of installing an air-conditioning dedicated application on the terminal device 24 and performing operations for setting the air-conditioning after entering the room. Note that the remote controller to which the air-conditioning setting information is transmitted may be determined by the identification code of the remote controller of the room being communicated to the terminal device 24 from the lock of the room. Further, by storing information associating each room with the remote controller provided in each room in the integrated server 21, the identification code of the remote controller of the reserved room may also be obtained from the reservation information associated with the terminal identification information when acquiring the air-conditioning setting information.

[0031] Next, the function of setting the air conditioning in the air conditioning linkage system 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. On the terminal device 24, an air conditioning setting screen is displayed by the hotel application 50, and air conditioning setting information is input. When the air conditioning setting information is input, the terminal device 24 transmits the air conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a of the reserved room. The remote controller 35a starts the air conditioning or changes the operating state based on the air conditioning setting information according to the command from the terminal device 24.

[0032] Finally, the function of switching the stop or start of the air conditioning and ventilation according to the occupancy status of the user in the air conditioning linkage system 1 of Embodiment 1 will be described. The remote controller 35a periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device 24. When the communication between the remote controller 35a in Room A and the terminal device 24 installed with the hotel application is interrupted, such as when the terminal device 24 is outside the area where wireless communication with the remote controller 35a is possible, it is determined that the hotel guest is out. At this time, the remote controller 35a commands the indoor unit 33a to stop operating and commands the ventilation device 34 to start operating. If the indoor unit 33a and the ventilation device 34 have already been commanded, the indoor unit 33a and the ventilation device 34 continue the state at the time of receiving the command. On the other hand, when the communication between the remote controller 35a in Room A and the terminal device 24 installed with the hotel application is connected, such as when the terminal device 24 is within the area where wireless communication with the remote controller 35a is possible, it is determined that the hotel guest is in the room. At this time, the remote controller 35a commands the indoor unit 33a to start operating and commands the ventilation device 34 to stop operating. The operating state of the indoor unit 33a when restarting the operation after stopping the operation once is determined by the air conditioning setting information input at the time of reservation or the operating state immediately before stopping the indoor unit 33a. In this way, the occupancy status of the hotel guest in the room can be determined, and the comfort for the hotel guest can be improved. Note that the command from the remote controller 35a to the ventilation device 34 is communicated via the outdoor unit 32.

[0033] Here, the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 when performing each of the above-described functions will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 according to the first embodiment. Using FIG. 6, a method for making a reservation for an accommodation facility in the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 will be described. First, when personal information, reservation information, and air-conditioning setting information are input from an input screen, the terminal device 24 transmits the input personal information, reservation information, and air-conditioning setting information to the integrated server 21 (step S1). When the integrated server 21 receives the reservation information and the air-conditioning setting information from the terminal device 24, it associates and stores the received personal information, reservation information, and air-conditioning setting information (step S2). Thereby, the reservation for the accommodation facility is completed.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 according to the first embodiment. Using FIG. 7, a method for starting the air conditioner when unlocking in the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 will be described. First, when the terminal device 24 unlocks the room reserved as a room key, it makes an inquiry about the air-conditioning setting information to the integrated server 21 (step S11). In response to the inquiry from the terminal device 24, the integrated server 21 transmits the air-conditioning setting information to the terminal device 24 (step S12). When the terminal device 24 receives the air-conditioning setting information from the integrated server 21, it transmits the received air-conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a (step S13). When the remote controller 35a receives the air-conditioning setting information from the terminal device 24, it commands the indoor unit 33a to start the air conditioner based on this air-conditioning setting information (step S14).

[0035] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 according to the first embodiment. Using FIG. 8, a method for setting the air conditioner in the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 will be described. First, when the air-conditioning setting information is input, the terminal device 24 transmits the input air-conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a of the reserved room (step S21). The remote controller 35a commands the indoor unit 33a to start the air conditioner or change the operating state of the air conditioner based on the air-conditioning setting information according to the command from the terminal device 24 (step S22).

[0036] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 according to Embodiment 1. Using FIG. 9, a method for switching the stop or start of air conditioning and ventilation according to the presence / absence situation of a user in the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 will be described. First, the remote controller 35a transmits a regular communication signal for checking the communication status with the terminal device 24 to the terminal device 24 (step S31). When the terminal device 24 receives the regular communication signal, it returns the regular communication signal to the remote controller 35a (step S32).

[0037] Subsequently, the remote controller 35a determines whether there is a return of the regular communication signal (step S33). When there is a return of the regular communication signal (step S33: YES), the remote controller 35a commands the indoor unit 33a to start operating and commands the ventilation device 34 to stop operating (step S34). When there is no return of the regular communication signal (step S33: NO), the remote controller 35a commands the indoor unit 33a to stop operating and commands the ventilation device 34 to start operating (step S35).

[0038] As described above, the hotel application 50 of Embodiment 1 is an application program for executing a function of making a reservation for a lodging facility by inputting reservation information including the date and time and the room for which the user plans to stay at the lodging facility, and a function of inputting air-conditioning setting information indicating the setting for the air conditioning of the reserved room. Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, the air-conditioning setting of the reserved room can be performed by the application program for making a reservation for the lodging facility. Thereby, the air-conditioning cooperation system can improve the convenience of the air-conditioning function in the lodging facility.

[0039] As described above, when making a reservation for an accommodation facility using an application program for making a reservation for the accommodation facility, the remote controller 35a of the first embodiment controls the indoor unit 33a provided in the reserved room based on the air-conditioning setting information input at that time. Therefore, even if the user of the accommodation facility does not perform the setting operation of the air-conditioning of the room used by the dedicated application program for air-conditioning, the air-conditioning by the indoor unit 33a is started. Thereby, the air-conditioning cooperation system 1 can improve the convenience of the air-conditioning function in the accommodation facility.

[0040] Further, the terminal device 24 belongs to the hotel guest. For this reason, an unspecified number of users do not touch the terminal device 24, and the stress on the hygiene aspect for the hotel guest can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to install a terminal in each guest room, the cost can be reduced.

[0041] Second Embodiment. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an air-conditioning cooperation system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in the second embodiment, the cooperation method between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air-conditioning system 3 is different from that in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted, and the description will be centered on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0042] The accommodation facility system 2 has a wireless communication device 25. The wireless communication device 25 is provided in the accommodation facility and communicates with the terminal device 24 in the accommodation facility. The wireless communication device 25 is, for example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark, hereinafter omitted) router. The terminal device 24 communicates with the integrated server 21 by Internet communication or Wi-Fi communication provided by the wireless communication device 25. Further, the remote controllers 35a and 35b do not necessarily have a wireless communication function with the guest room sensors 36a and 36b and the terminal device 24.

[0043] The cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 in Embodiment 2 will be described. The system controller 31 communicates with the management device 23 provided in the accommodation facility by wire or wirelessly. The communication between the management device 23 and the system controller 31 is realized by applying an interface to the management software installed in the management device 23, which can transmit and receive air conditioning setting information and the like to and from the system controller 31. This interface is made public by the manufacturer providing the air conditioning system 3 to the operator of the accommodation facility. Thereby, air conditioning setting information can be communicated from the management device 23 to the air conditioning system 3, and various functions that link the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 are realized. Further, the management device 23 automatically transmits the information and signals communicated from the integrated server 21 via the store server 22 to the system controller 31 without depending on the operations of the hotel manager and employees. The management software realizes a function of automatically transmitting the information and signals communicated from the integrated server 21 via the store server 22 to the system controller 31 to the computer. Hereinafter, specific functions achieved by the cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 will be described. Since the reservation function in the air conditioning cooperation system 1A of Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the air conditioning cooperation system 1 in Embodiment 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] First, the function of starting air conditioning before entering the room in the air conditioning cooperation system 1A of Embodiment 2 will be described. First, the general server 21 transmits reservation information and air conditioning setting information to the management device 23 via the store server 22. In response to this, the management device 23 transmits the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information to the system controller 31. Based on the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information, the system controller 31 starts the air conditioning in the reserved room before the date and time when the guest is scheduled to stay, specifically, before the first time of the check-in time on the day when the stay is scheduled. The first time is the time from when the air conditioning is started until the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature, for example, 30 minutes. As a result, before the guest checks in, pre-cooling and pre-heating at the set temperature desired by the guest are automatically started. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the trouble for the guest of installing an air conditioning dedicated application on the terminal device 24 and performing operations for setting the air conditioning after entering the room. In addition, by starting the air conditioning before the first time of the check-in time, the indoor temperature is at the set temperature when the guest checks in, so the comfort for the guest can be improved. Note that the system controller 31 specifies the identification code of the indoor unit of the reserved room from the information indicating the reserved room included in the reservation information.

[0045] Subsequently, the function of setting the air conditioning in the air conditioning cooperation system 1A of Embodiment 2 will be described. An air conditioning setting screen displayed by the hotel application 50 is displayed on the terminal device 24, and air conditioning setting information is input. When the air conditioning setting information is input, the terminal device 24 transmits the terminal identification information and the air conditioning setting information to the general server 21. In response to this, the general server 21 generates, as room information indicating the reserved room, based on the terminal identification information and the reservation information stored at the time of reservation. Then, the general server 21 transmits the air conditioning setting information and the room information to the management device 23 via the store server 22. The management device 23 transmits the air conditioning setting information and the room information to the system controller 31. The system controller 31 starts the air conditioning or changes the operating state of the air conditioning based on the air conditioning setting information and the room information transmitted from the management device 23.

[0046] Finally, the function of switching the stop or start of air conditioning and ventilation according to the occupancy status of the user in the air-conditioning linked system 1A of the second embodiment will be described. The integrated server 21 periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device 24 via the wireless communication device 25. When the communication with the terminal device 24 cannot be established, such as when the terminal device 24 is outside the area where wireless communication with the wireless communication device 25 is possible, it is determined that the guest is out. At this time, the integrated server 21 transmits a signal for stopping the indoor unit 33a and operating the ventilation device 34 to the system controller 31 via the store server 22 and the management device 23. Thereby, the integrated server 21 instructs the indoor unit 33a to stop operating and instructs the ventilation device 34 to start operating. On the other hand, when the communication with the terminal device 24 is established, such as when the terminal device 24 is within the area where wireless communication with the wireless communication device 25 is possible, it is determined that the guest is in the room. At this time, the integrated server 21 transmits a signal for operating the indoor unit 33a and stopping the ventilation device 34 to the system controller 31 via the store server 22 and the management device 23. Thereby, the system controller 31 instructs the indoor unit 33a to start operating and instructs the ventilation device 34 to stop operating. In this way, the occupancy status of the guest in the room can be determined, and the comfort for the guest can be improved.

[0047] Here, the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1A when performing each of the above-described functions will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1A according to the second embodiment. Using FIG. 11, a method of starting air conditioning before entering the room in the air-conditioning cooperation system 1A will be described. First, the general server 21 transmits reservation information and air-conditioning setting information to the store server 22 (step S41). When the store server 22 receives the reservation information and the air-conditioning setting information from the general server 21, it transmits the received reservation information and air-conditioning setting information to the management device 23 (step S42). When the management device 23 receives the reservation information and the air-conditioning setting information from the store server 22, it transmits the received reservation information and air-conditioning setting information to the system controller 31 (step S43). Then, when the system controller 31 receives the reservation information and the air-conditioning setting information from the management device 23, it commands the indoor unit 33a to start the air conditioning based on the received reservation information and air-conditioning setting information (step S44).

[0048] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1A according to Embodiment 2. Using FIG. 12, a method for setting air conditioning in the air-conditioning cooperation system 1A will be described. First, when air-conditioning setting information is input, the terminal device 24 transmits the air-conditioning setting information and the terminal identification information to the integrated server 21 (step S51). When the integrated server 21 receives the air-conditioning setting information and the terminal identification information from the terminal device 24, it generates room information and transmits the received air-conditioning setting information and the generated room information to the store server 22 (step S52). When the store server 22 receives the air-conditioning setting information and the room information from the integrated server 21, it transmits the received air-conditioning setting information and the room information to the management device 23 (step S53). When the management device 23 receives the air-conditioning setting information and the room information from the store server 22, it transmits the received air-conditioning setting information and the room information to the system controller 31 (step S54). Then, when the system controller 31 receives the air-conditioning setting information and the room information from the management device 23, it commands the indoor unit 33a of the room specified by the room information to start the air conditioning or change the operating state of the air conditioning based on the air-conditioning setting information and the room information transmitted from the management device 23 (step S55).

[0049] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air-conditioning cooperation system 1A according to Embodiment 2. Using FIG. 13, a method for switching the stop or start of air conditioning and ventilation according to the occupancy status of the user in the air-conditioning cooperation system 1A will be described. First, the integrated server 21 transmits a periodic communication signal for checking the communication status with the terminal device 24 to the terminal device 24 via the wireless communication device 25 (step S61). When the terminal device 24 receives the periodic communication signal, it returns the periodic communication signal to the integrated server 21 via the wireless communication device 25 (step S62).

[0050] Subsequently, the overall server 21 determines whether there is a reply to the regular communication signal (step S63). If there is a reply to the regular communication signal (step S63: YES), the overall server 21 commands the indoor unit 33a to start operating, and transmits a control signal for commanding the ventilation device 34 to stop operating to the store server 22 (step S64). If there is no reply to the regular communication signal (step S63: NO), the overall server 21 commands the indoor unit 33a to stop operating, and transmits a control signal for commanding the ventilation device 34 to start operating to the store server 22 (step S65).

[0051] When the store server 22 receives a control signal from the overall server 21, it transmits the received control signal to the management device 23 (step S66). When the management device 23 receives a control signal from the store server 22, it transmits the received control signal to the system controller 31 (step S67). When the system controller 31 receives a control signal from the management device 23, it commands the indoor unit 33a and the ventilation device 34 to change the operating state based on the received control signal (step S68).

[0052] As described above, the system controller 31 of the second embodiment controls the indoor unit 33a provided in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information input when making a reservation for an accommodation facility by an application program for making a reservation for the accommodation facility. Therefore, even if the user of the accommodation facility does not perform the setting operation of the air conditioning of the room used by the dedicated application program for air conditioning, the air conditioning by the indoor unit 33a is started. Thereby, the air conditioning cooperation system 1A can improve the convenience of the air conditioning function in the accommodation facility.

[0053] Incidentally, as for the air-conditioning cooperation system of the present disclosure, it is desirable to select an optimal form in view of the cost of introduction into the accommodation facility. Here, as described in the first embodiment, the air-conditioning cooperation system in which the terminal device 24 and the remote controller 35a communicate with each other so that the accommodation facility system 2 and the air-conditioning system 3 cooperate with each other is referred to as a hotel app 50-remote control communication system. Further, as described in the second embodiment, the air-conditioning cooperation system in which the management device 23 and the system controller 31 communicate with each other so that the accommodation facility system 2 and the air-conditioning system 3 cooperate with each other is referred to as a management device-system controller communication system. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a comparison result between the hotel app 50-remote control communication system and the management device-system controller communication system. Using FIG. 14, the costs of introducing each of the hotel app 50-remote control communication system and the management device-system controller communication system will be compared and described.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 14, in the case of the hotel app 50-remote control communication system, since a remote control capable of wireless communication is required in each guest room, it is necessary to consider the purchase costs thereof. Further, when sharing air-conditioning setting information and the like among the integrated server 21, the store server 22, and the management device 23, small-scale development of each device is required. Therefore, the hotel app 50-remote control communication system is suitable for small-scale hotels that are to be constructed in the future. On the other hand, in a large-scale hotel that already uses a remote controller that can only communicate wired with another indoor unit, the hotel app 50-remote control communication system is not suitable because the cost of replacing the remote controller is high.

[0055] In the case of the management device - Cisco communication system, although it requires costs for the development of the management software installed in the management device 23 and the hotel application 50, it does not require a wireless - connectable remote controller 35a. Also, for the overall server 21 and the store server 22, small - scale development is required to transmit air - conditioning setting information, etc. to the management device 23 via the overall server 21 and the store server 22. For this reason, the management device - Cisco communication system is suitable for large - scale hotels that already use another remote controller, as operation can be started without replacing the remote controller. As described above, the optimal form as an air - conditioning cooperation system is selected from the perspective of the costs required according to the scale and facilities of the hotel.

[0056] The above is the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations of the above - described embodiments, and various modifications or combinations are possible within the scope of its technical idea. For example, depending on the scale of the accommodation facility, the overall server 21 may be omitted. The entire overall server 21 and the store server 22, or the store server 22 alone, corresponds to the "accommodation facility server" of the present disclosure.

[0057] Also, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the remote controller 35a may cause the terminal device 24 to display the information acquired from the guest room sensor 36a.

[0058] Also, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the air-conditioning setting information input when using the accommodation facility for the first time may be linked to personal information and applied also when using the accommodation facility after the next time. In this case, for example, the air-conditioning setting information set when using the accommodation facility last time stored in the integrated server 21 may be displayed as the initial value of the air-conditioning setting information input on the air-conditioning setting screen. Also, when using the accommodation facility for the second time and later, the input of the air-conditioning setting information by the guest may be omitted, and the air-conditioning setting information input at the first use may be reapplied. And at this time, the air-conditioning setting information may be shared even between different hotels managed by the same hotel integrated department. Further, at this time, an appropriate air-conditioning setting may be presented based on the outside air temperature and the indoor temperature.

[0059] Also, in Embodiment 1, the case where the remote controller 35a periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device 24 has been described. However, the remote controller 35a may be configured to acquire the communication status between the wireless communication device such as a Wi-Fi router that can be used in the indoor area A of the accommodation facility and the terminal device 24. In this case, when the terminal device 24 is outside the area where wireless communication with the wireless communication device is possible, such as when the communication between the wireless communication device in Room A and the terminal device 24 installed with the hotel app is interrupted, the remote controller 35a determines that the guest has gone out. At this time, the remote controller 35a commands the indoor unit 33a to stop operating and commands the ventilation device 34 to start operating. On the other hand, when the terminal device 24 is within the area where wireless communication with the wireless communication device is possible, such as when the communication between the wireless communication device in Room A and the terminal device 24 installed with the hotel app is connected, the remote controller 35a determines that the guest has returned from going out. At this time, the remote controller 35a commands the indoor unit 33a to start operating and commands the ventilation device 34 to stop operating.

[0060] Also, in Embodiment 2, it was described that the air conditioner is started before the first time of the check-in time. The first time may not be a fixed value and may be varied according to the load of the air conditioner. For example, the system controller 31 adjusts the first time based on the difference between the indoor temperature acquired from the guest room sensor 36a and the set temperature indicated by the air conditioner setting information. Specifically, the greater the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is than the reference value, the longer the first time is made from the initial value, and the smaller the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is than the reference value, the shorter the first time is made from the initial value.

[0061] Also, in Embodiment 2, the air conditioner may be started when the terminal device 24 enters the communicable range of the wireless communication device 25. Further in this case, the integrated server 21 may calculate the position of the terminal device 24 or the distance between the terminal device 24 and the reserved room from the communication strength with the terminal device 24 via the wireless communication device 25 and transmit it to the system controller 31. At this time, the system controller 31 determines the operating states of the outdoor unit 32 and the indoor unit 33a so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature indicated by the air conditioner setting information and precooling / preheating is completed by the time the guest checks in.

[0062] Also, in Embodiment 2, by enabling the integrated server 21 to acquire the GPS position information of the terminal device 24, the air conditioner may be started when the terminal device 24 approaches the accommodation facility, such as within the premises of the accommodation facility. Further in this case, the integrated server 21 may transmit the GPS position information of the terminal device 24 to the system controller 31, or calculate the distance between the terminal device 24 and the reserved room and transmit the calculated distance between the terminal device 24 and the reserved room to the system controller 31. At this time, the system controller 31 determines the operating states of the outdoor unit 32 and the indoor unit 33a so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature indicated by the air conditioner setting information and precooling / preheating is completed by the time the guest checks in.

[0063] Also, in the second embodiment, the terminal device 24 may be configured to transmit the scheduled check-out time of the accommodation facility to the integrated server 21 at the time of reservation. In this case, the system controller 31 can stop the air conditioning of the reserved room when the check-out time arrives.

Explanation of Signs

[0064] 1, 1A Air conditioning linkage system, 2 Accommodation facility system, 3 Air conditioning system, 21 Integrated server, 22 Store server, 23 Management device, 24 Terminal device, 25 Wireless communication device, 31 System controller, 32 Outdoor unit, 33a, 33b Indoor units, 34 Ventilation device, 35a, 35b Remote controllers, 36a, 36b Guest room sensors, 41 Processor, 42 Memory, 43 Bus, 50 Hotel app, 51 GUI program, 52 Room key program, 53 Settlement program, 54 Communication program, 55 Air conditioning operation program, 56 Air conditioning operation API, 60 Hotel program.

Claims

1. A plurality of indoor units provided in a room of a lodging facility and performing air conditioning, An outdoor unit that supplies refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units, A system controller that integrally controls the plurality of indoor units and the outdoor unit, A remote controller that controls one of the plurality of indoor units, An air conditioning system having a ventilation device provided in the room of the lodging facility for ventilation, A terminal device installed with an application program for performing a function of inputting reservation information including the date and time and room to stay at the lodging facility to make a reservation for the lodging facility, and a function of inputting air conditioning setting information indicating settings for air conditioning of the reserved room, A lodging facility system having a lodging facility server that communicates with the terminal device and stores the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information, The system controller or the remote controller controls the indoor unit and the ventilation device provided in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information, The remote controller, Communicates wirelessly with the terminal device, and controls the indoor unit provided in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information transmitted from the terminal device, Regularly checks the communication status with the terminal device, stops the indoor unit provided in the reserved room when communication with the terminal device is not established, operates the ventilation device, and when communication with the terminal device is established, operates the indoor unit provided in the reserved room and stops the ventilation device An air conditioning cooperation system.

2. The application program installed in the terminal device is further for performing a function of operating as a room key for the reserved room, The terminal device, When unlocking the reserved room, commands the remote controller to start air conditioning in the indoor unit provided in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information The air conditioning cooperation system according to Claim 1.

3. The lodging facility system, A management device that manages information stored in the lodging facility server, Further includes a wireless communication device provided in the lodging facility for communicating with the terminal device, The lodging facility server regularly checks the communication status with the terminal device via the wireless communication device, The system controller, communicate with the management device, and control the indoor unit and the ventilation device provided in the reserved room based on the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information stored in the accommodation facility server. When the communication via the wireless communication device between the accommodation facility server and the terminal device cannot be connected, stop the indoor unit provided in the reserved room, operate the ventilation device, and when the communication via the wireless communication device between the accommodation facility server and the terminal device can be connected, operate the indoor unit provided in the reserved room and stop the ventilation device. The air conditioning cooperation system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system controller Based on the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information, start the air conditioning for the indoor unit provided in the room reserved before the date and time of the planned stay. The air conditioning cooperation system according to claim 3.

5. The terminal device belongs to the user of the accommodation facility. The air conditioning cooperation system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The remote controller When restarting the operation of the indoor unit provided in the reserved room from a state where communication with the terminal device cannot be connected to a state where communication with the terminal device can be connected, control the indoor unit provided in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information input at the time of reservation. The air conditioning cooperation system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The application program In the hotel program for causing the terminal device to execute the function of making a reservation for the accommodation facility, An air conditioning operation program for causing the terminal device to execute the function of transmitting the air conditioning setting information to the remote controller, and An air conditioning operation API for causing the terminal device to execute the function of delivering the input air conditioning setting information to the air conditioning operation program are incorporated. The air conditioning cooperation system according to claim 1.

8. The air conditioning operation program Based on the air conditioning setting information acquired via the air conditioning operation API, cause the terminal device to execute the function of controlling the indoor unit. The air conditioning cooperation system according to claim 7.

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