Control method for a device that remotely controls multiple devices and program executed by the device

Abstract

To provide a technique for facilitating a remote operation of a plurality of apparatuses.SOLUTION: A method for controlling a device to remotely operate a plurality of air conditioning apparatuses is disclosed. The device includes a memory that stores setting information and a set temperature. The setting information indicates a plurality of operation candidate apparatuses to be remotely operated among the plurality of air conditioning apparatuses. The control method includes: a first determination step of determining whether a condition indicating a defined relationship between an outside-air temperature and a set temperature is satisfied; a second determination step of determining whether a user exists within a control area of a predetermined size which is specified around a building; and an output step of outputting, to a network, control data that is an instruction to start the operation of at least one operation target apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for remotely controlling air conditioning equipment installed in a building from a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Recent advances in communication technology have made it possible to remotely control home appliances installed in a building from a vehicle (see Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, a user in a vehicle operates a communication terminal to call a home server installed in the user's house. The user then uses the called home server to set up schedules for the operation of home appliances in the house. As a result, the user can remotely control the home appliances. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-64881 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, many users own multiple air conditioners. The technology of Patent Document 1 enables users to remotely control air conditioners, but the user is required to perform various operations to remotely control one air conditioner. If a user tries to operate multiple air conditioners, the number of operations required of the user becomes enormous.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables a plurality of air conditioners to be remotely controlled in a simple manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a device that remotely controls multiple air conditioning devices installed in a building via a network. Setting information and set temperatures are stored in the device's memory. The setting information indicates multiple candidate operation devices to be remotely controlled from among the multiple air conditioning devices. The control method for the terminal device includes: (i) a first determination step of causing a computer of the device to determine whether a condition indicating a predetermined relationship between an outside air temperature and a set temperature is satisfied for each of the multiple candidate operation devices; (ii) a second determination step of causing the computer to determine whether a user of the multiple air conditioning devices has entered a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building; and (iii) an output step of causing the computer to output control data to the network, which is an instruction to start operation of at least one of the target operation devices, if the computer determines that the multiple candidate operation devices include at least one target operation device that satisfies the condition and that the user has entered the control area.

[0007] A program according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by a device that remotely controls multiple air conditioning devices installed in a building via a network. Setting information and set temperatures are stored in the device's memory. The setting information indicates multiple candidate operation devices to be remotely controlled from among the multiple air conditioning devices. The program (i) causes a computer of the device to determine whether a condition indicating a predetermined relationship between an outside temperature and a set temperature is satisfied for each of the multiple candidate operation devices; (ii) causes the computer to determine whether a user of the multiple air conditioning devices has entered a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building; and (iii) if the computer determines that the multiple candidate operation devices include at least one target operation device that satisfies the condition and determines that the user is present within the control area, causes the computer to output control data to the network, which is an instruction to start operation of at least one target operation device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The present invention enables a user to easily remotely control multiple devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart showing a schematic process executed by a control system that remotely controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building from a vehicle via a network (first embodiment). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S110 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment). [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S120 of the flowchart shown in FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S120 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment). [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S130 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment). [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing communication between a communication terminal and air conditioning equipment (first embodiment). [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S150 of the flowchart shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal illustrated in FIG. 5 (second embodiment). [Figure 8A] 10 is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and a start condition for remote operation (third embodiment). [Figure 8B] 10 is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and a start condition for remote operation (third embodiment). [Figure 8C] 10 is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and a start condition for remote operation (third embodiment). [Figure 8D] 10 is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and a start condition for remote operation (third embodiment). [Figure 8E]10 is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and a start condition for remote operation (third embodiment). [Figure 8F] 10 is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and a start condition for remote operation (third embodiment). [Figure 9] 8B is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the touch panel display when the image shown in FIG. 8E is displayed (third embodiment). [Figure 10] 8B is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the touch panel display when the image shown in FIG. 8F is displayed (third embodiment). [Figure 11] 8 is a table showing setting data stored in a memory of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 (third embodiment). [Figure 12] 10 is an exemplary image used by a user to set the location of a building (fourth embodiment). [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed by the touch panel display when the image shown in FIG. 12 is displayed (fourth embodiment). [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of a control system including a communication terminal (fifth embodiment). [Figure 15A] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (fifth embodiment). [Figure 15B] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (fifth embodiment). [Figure 15C] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (fifth embodiment). [Figure 15D] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (fifth embodiment). [Figure 16A] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (sixth embodiment). [Figure 16B] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (sixth embodiment). [Figure 17] 8D is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 8C is displayed (sixth embodiment). [Figure 18] 8D is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 8D is displayed (sixth embodiment). [Figure 19] 16B is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed by the communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 16A is displayed (sixth embodiment). [Figure 20] 16C is a flowchart showing an outline of processing by the communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 16B is displayed (sixth embodiment). [Figure 21] 15D is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed by the communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 15D is displayed (sixth embodiment). [Figure 22A] 10 is an exemplary image displayed on a display when a user uses an application program (seventh embodiment). [Figure 22B] 10 is an exemplary image displayed on a display when a user uses an application program (seventh embodiment). [Figure 23] 13 is an exemplary image displayed on a display when a user uses an application program (eighth embodiment); [Figure 24] 13 is an exemplary image displayed on a display when a user uses an application program (ninth embodiment). [Figure 25] 13 is an exemplary image displayed on a display when a user uses an application program (tenth embodiment). [Figure 26A] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (eleventh embodiment). [Figure 26B] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (eleventh embodiment). [Figure 26C] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (eleventh embodiment). [Figure 26D] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary image that the communication terminal presents to the user (eleventh embodiment). [Figure 27] FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a communication terminal according to a twelfth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a server device according to a thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of an air conditioning device according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a communication terminal according to a fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle VC traveling near the boundary of a control area. [Figure 32] 31 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a process executed by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30. [Figure 33] 31 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (sixteenth embodiment). [Figure 34] 22 is a schematic flowchart showing online recommendation determination processing (seventeenth embodiment). [Figure 35] 35 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1340 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 34 (seventeenth embodiment). [Figure 36] 35 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1360 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 34 (seventeenth embodiment). [Figure 37] 35 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1380 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 34 (seventeenth embodiment). [Figure 38A] 31 is a table showing data of air conditioners stored in a first storage unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (18th embodiment). [Figure 38B] 22 is a table showing air conditioners determined as operation target devices by the image display determination process (18th embodiment). [Figure 39]22 is a schematic flowchart of an image display determination process (18th embodiment). [Figure 40] 34 is a schematic flowchart of the process executed in step S1240 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 33 (19th embodiment). [Figure 41] 16 is a schematic flowchart showing online recommendation determination processing (twentieth embodiment). [Figure 42] 21 is a schematic flowchart showing online recommendation determination processing (twenty-first embodiment). [Figure 43] FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a communication terminal according to a twenty-second embodiment. [Figure 44] 23 is a schematic flowchart showing a procedure for determining an operation mode (twenty-third embodiment). [Figure 45] 23 is a schematic flowchart showing another procedure for determining an operation mode (twenty-third embodiment). [Figure 46] 31 is a table showing data stored in a first storage unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (24th embodiment). [Figure 47] 25 is a schematic flowchart showing a method for determining the display order of images based on the difference between the temperature set by the user and the measured temperature (twenty-fifth embodiment). [Figure 48] FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a server device according to a twenty-sixth embodiment. [Figure 49] 27 is a schematic flowchart showing online recommendation determination processing (27th embodiment). [Figure 50] 50 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1850 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 49 (27th embodiment). [Figure 51] 28 is a schematic flowchart showing online recommendation determination processing (28th embodiment). [Figure 52] 31 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (twenty-ninth embodiment). [Figure 53A]31 is an exemplary image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirtieth embodiment). [Figure 53B] 31 is an exemplary image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirtieth embodiment). [Figure 54] 53B (30th embodiment). FIG. 53C is a table showing exemplary data generated by operations on the images shown in FIGS. 53A and 53B. [Figure 55] 13 is a table showing data of an operation target device to which control data for stopping operation is transmitted (thirtieth embodiment). [Figure 56] 31 is an exemplary image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirtieth embodiment). [Figure 57A] 31 is an exemplary image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirtieth embodiment). [Figure 57B] 31 is an exemplary image displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirtieth embodiment). [Figure 58] 13 is a schematic flowchart showing a setting process for setting operation candidate devices (thirty-first embodiment). [Figure 59A] 31 is an exemplary image presented to a user by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirty-second embodiment). [Figure 59B] 31 is an exemplary image presented to a user by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirty-second embodiment). [Figure 59C] 31 is an exemplary image presented to a user by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirty-second embodiment). [Figure 59D] 31 is an exemplary image presented to a user by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (thirty-second embodiment). [Figure 60] 13 is a schematic flowchart showing the start processing of the off-recommendation processing (33rd embodiment). [Figure 61] 61 is a schematic flowchart showing step S2140 (off-recommendation processing) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 60 (thirty-third embodiment). [Figure 62]13 is a schematic flowchart showing off-recommendation determination processing (thirty-fourth embodiment). [Figure 63] 63 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S2330 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 62 (thirty-fourth embodiment). [Figure 64] 13 is a schematic flowchart of an image display determination process (35th embodiment). [Figure 65] 62 is a schematic flowchart of the process executed in step S2240 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 61 (36th embodiment). [Figure 66] 13 is a schematic flowchart showing off-recommendation determination processing (37th embodiment). [Figure 67] 13 is a schematic flowchart showing off-recommendation determination processing (38th embodiment). [Figure 68] 68 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S2340 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 67 (38th embodiment). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Various embodiments of a technology for remotely controlling air conditioning equipment installed in a building from a vehicle will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technology for remotely controlling air conditioning equipment installed in a building from a vehicle can be clearly understood from the following description.

[0011] <Problems discovered by the present inventors> The present inventors have studied the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and found problems involved in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. The problems involved in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described below.

[0012] According to Patent Document 1, a user (for example, a driver) operates a communication terminal in a car to access a home server, and then the user sets a reservation for a home appliance through the home server.

[0013] When the scheduled time approaches, the home server transmits confirmation image data to the communication terminal to confirm whether the target home appliance is allowed to perform the operation specified by the scheduled setting. If the user approves the execution of the operation, a permission signal permitting the target home appliance to operate is transmitted from the communication terminal to the home server. In response to the permission signal, the home server generates a control signal for executing the scheduled operation. The control signal is transmitted from the home server to the target air conditioning appliance.

[0014] When the home appliance properly receives the control signal, the home appliance generates a notification signal to notify the home appliance that it is operating properly in accordance with the control signal. The notification signal is transmitted from the home appliance to the home server. The home server transfers the notification signal to the communication terminal.

[0015] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 can also be used to remotely control multiple air conditioners. For example, a user can remotely control a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner that adjusts the temperature in a room different from the room adjusted by the first air conditioner.

[0016] A user can set a first time as a reserved time for a first air conditioner, and a second time, different from the first time, as a reserved time for a second air conditioner.

[0017] As the first time approaches, the home server transmits confirmation image data to the communication terminal to confirm whether the first air conditioning device is allowed to perform the operation specified by the reservation setting. As the second time approaches, the home server transmits confirmation image data to the communication terminal to confirm whether the second air conditioning device is allowed to perform the operation specified by the reservation setting. Therefore, the user needs to operate the communication terminal every time confirmation image data is transmitted.

[0018] Many users do not want to operate their communication terminals frequently while in their cars. Users may want to finish operating their communication terminals during the short period when their cars are stopped at traffic lights. The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not meet such user needs.

[0019] First Embodiment As described above, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires the user to perform frequent operations. In the first embodiment, a technology that allows the user to easily remotely control a plurality of air conditioners will be described.

[0020] Fig. 1 is a flowchart showing the general process executed by a control system that remotely controls multiple air conditioning devices installed in a building from a vehicle via a network. The general process executed by the control system will be described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0021] The flowchart in Fig. 1 can be suitably used to start up a plurality of air conditioners. In the following description, the processing according to the flowchart in Fig. 1 will be referred to as "on-recommendation processing."

[0022] (Step S110) In step S110, the control system identifies a plurality of devices to be remotely controlled, and then step S120 is executed.

[0023] (Step S120) In step S120, the control system determines the vehicle's location. If the vehicle's location meets a predetermined condition, step S130 is executed.

[0024] (Step S130) In step S130, the control system presents an operation image to the user. When the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation image, step S140 is executed.

[0025] (Step S140) In step S140, the control system generates control data in response to a user's operation. The control data is output from the communication terminal to the network. In the following embodiments, the terminal device is exemplified by the communication terminal. The communication terminal may be an in-vehicle device (e.g., a car navigation system) installed in a vehicle. Alternatively, the communication terminal may be a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone) carried by a user. Further alternatively, the communication terminal may be another device capable of outputting control data from a vehicle to the network. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific communication terminal. After the control data is output from the communication terminal to the network, step S150 is executed.

[0026] (Step S150) In step S150, the control data is output from the network to the plurality of target devices. Each of the plurality of target devices generates a notification signal indicating that the control data has been received. The notification signal is output from each of the plurality of target devices to the communication terminal via the network. In response to the notification signal, the communication terminal generates a notification image indicating that the control data has been sent to each of the plurality of target devices. The user can check whether the remote control has been performed appropriately by viewing the notification image.

[0027] 2 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S110. The process in step S110 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0028] The memory of the communication terminal pre-stores information about multiple air conditioning devices AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4 owned by the user. The user pre-sets candidate operation devices to be remotely controlled using the control system in the memory. If the user has set multiple air conditioning devices as candidate operation devices, the processing of step S110 continues. Figure 2 shows that the user has set air conditioning devices AC1, AC2, and AC3 as candidate operation devices. The candidate operation devices may be set according to the user's needs. Therefore, the principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific setting of candidate operation devices.

[0029] The memory stores not only information about the operation candidate devices but also information about the temperature conditions set for each of the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3 set as operation candidate devices. The temperature conditions determine the start conditions under which the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3 are activated. For example, a user may set a lower limit temperature of 20°C and an upper limit temperature of 30°C as the temperature conditions for air conditioner AC1. A user may set a lower limit temperature of 22°C and an upper limit temperature of 33°C as the temperature conditions for air conditioner AC2. A user may set a lower limit temperature of 18°C ​​and an upper limit temperature of 35°C as the temperature conditions for air conditioner AC3.

[0030] A computer (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit)) of the communication terminal compares the outside air temperature with the temperature conditions. The outside air temperature may refer to the temperature outside the vehicle. Alternatively, the outside air temperature may refer to the temperature of a room in which multiple air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4 are installed. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific location where the outside air temperature is measured.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows that the computer has selected air conditioners AC1 and AC2 as the devices to be operated. If the information about the outdoor temperature acquired by the computer indicates 34°C, the computer selects air conditioners AC1 and AC2 as the devices to be operated. Air conditioners AC1 and AC2 operate in cooling mode under the control of the control system. In other words, the setting of the upper limit temperature described above is used as a start condition for starting operation in cooling mode.

[0032] If the information regarding the outdoor temperature acquired by the computer indicates 18°C, the computer selects air conditioners AC1 and AC2 as the devices to be operated. Air conditioners AC1 and AC2 operate in heating mode under the control of the control system. That is, the above-mentioned setting of the lower limit temperature is used as a starting condition for starting operation in heating mode. The upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature may be determined according to the user's preferences. Therefore, the principle of this embodiment is not limited to specific values ​​for the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature.

[0033] 3A and 3B are conceptual diagrams of the process in step S120. The process in step S120 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, when the computer of the communication terminal selects a plurality of air conditioners (air conditioners AC1, AC2) as the devices to be operated, step S120 is executed.

[0035] 3A and 3B, the control system predefines a control area CR that surrounds the building HM in which the air conditioning devices AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4 are installed. The size and shape of the control area CR may be determined by a user. Alternatively, the size and shape of the control area CR may be determined by the control system. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific size or shape of the control area CR.

[0036] The computer of the communication terminal acquires location information regarding the location of the vehicle VC. The acquisition of the location information may rely on GPS technology used in general car navigation systems. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific technology for acquiring the location information. In the following embodiment, a car is exemplified by the vehicle VC.

[0037] 3A shows that the vehicle VC is present within the control region CR. FIG. 3B shows that the vehicle VC is present in an area outside the control region CR. The computer of the communication terminal determines whether the vehicle VC is present within the control region CR based on the location information.

[0038] 4 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S130. The process in step S130 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3A, when the computer of the communication terminal determines that the vehicle VC is within the control region CR, step S130 is executed.

[0040] In step S130, the touch panel display of the communication terminal displays an operation image OIM for issuing an instruction to start remotely operating the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 selected as the devices to be operated. The operation image OIM includes an operation area OPR to be operated by the user. The operation area OPR may be a general icon button. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific image design displayed as the operation area OPR.

[0041] If the user operates the operation region OPR, the user can issue a command to start remote operation to both air conditioners AC1 and AC2. Therefore, compared to the prior art, the user can issue a command to start remote operation to air conditioners AC1 and AC2 with a smaller amount of operation.

[0042] 5 is a conceptual diagram showing communication between the communication terminal 100 and air conditioners AC1 and AC2. The processing in step S140 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0043] When the user operates the operation area OPR, the computer of the communication terminal 100 on the vehicle VC generates control data for starting remote operation of the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 selected as the operation target devices. The control data is output from the communication terminal 100 to the network NTW. The control data may undergo predetermined signal processing on the network NTW. Alternatively, the control data may be transmitted directly to the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 via the network NTW. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to specific signal processing of the control data on the network NTW.

[0044] The network NTW transmits control data to each of the air conditioners AC1 and AC2. When the air conditioner AC1 receives the control data, it generates notification data indicating the receipt of the control data. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner AC1 to the network NTW. When the air conditioner AC2 receives the control data, it generates notification data indicating the receipt of the control data. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner AC2 to the network NTW. The notification data transmitted from the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 is transferred from the network NTW to the communication terminal 100.

[0045] If the network NTW does not receive notification data from air conditioner AC1, the network NTW may generate notification data indicating that transmission of control data to air conditioner AC1 has failed. If the network NTW does not receive notification data from air conditioner AC2, the network NTW may generate notification data indicating that transmission of control data to air conditioner AC2 has failed. In these cases, notification data indicating the failure to transmit control data is transmitted from the network NTW to the communication terminal 100. Therefore, the communication terminal 100 can grasp the result of the transmission of the control data.

[0046] 6 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S150. The process in step S150 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0047] The computer of the communication terminal 100 generates notification images NI1 and NI2 in response to the notification data transmitted from the network NTW. The computer of the communication terminal 100 generates a notification image NI1 indicating the result of transmission of control data to air conditioner AC1 in response to the notification data corresponding to air conditioner AC1. The computer of the communication terminal 100 generates a notification image NI2 indicating the result of transmission of control data to air conditioner AC2 in response to the notification data corresponding to air conditioner AC2. Therefore, unlike operation images, the communication terminal 100 displays multiple notification images NI1 and NI2.

[0048] Second Embodiment The process described in relation to the first embodiment can be performed by various communication terminals. In the second embodiment, an exemplary communication terminal is described.

[0049] 7 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal 100 described in relation to the first embodiment. An exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0050] The communication terminal 100 includes a CPU 110, a bus 120, a data communication device 130, a memory 140, an information acquisition device 150, and a touch panel display 160. The CPU 110 is connected to the data communication device 130, the memory 140, the information acquisition device 150, and the touch panel display 160 via the bus 120. The CPU 110 executes a program that controls the data communication device 130, the memory 140, the information acquisition device 150, and the touch panel display 160. In the following embodiments, the computer is exemplified by the CPU 110.

[0051] The data communication device 130 is used to transmit control data and receive notification data as described with reference to Fig. 5. In addition, the data communication device 130 may receive information indicating the temperature inside the building HM from the air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4. The data communication device 130 may be designed based on general communication technology for transmitting and receiving data. The principles of this embodiment are not limited to a specific structure of the data communication device 130.

[0052] The memory 140 includes a first storage area 141 and a second storage area 142. The first storage area 141 is used to store information identifying the air conditioning devices AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4 described with reference to FIG. 2. In addition, the first storage area 141 is used to store information related to the settings of the operation candidate devices described with reference to FIG. 2. The second storage area 142 is used to store information related to the temperature conditions described with reference to FIG. 2. The second storage area 142 may be allocated in a memory element different from the first storage area 141. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific structure of the memory 140.

[0053] In addition to the information described above, the memory 140 may store other information. For example, the memory 140 may store information about the location of the building HM.

[0054] The information acquisition device 150 may be a GPS device that acquires location information regarding the location of the vehicle VC. In addition, the information acquisition device 150 may be a temperature sensor that detects the temperature outside the vehicle VC.

[0055] The touch panel display 160 includes a display 161 and an operation detection sensor 162. The display 161 displays the operation image OIM described with reference to Fig. 4. In addition, the display 161 displays a plurality of notification images NI1, NI2 described with reference to Fig. 6. The operation detection sensor 162 detects a user operation on the operation region OPR described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0056] Instead of the touch panel display 160, a display device exclusively used for displaying the operation image OIM and the plurality of notification images NI1 and NI2 and an input device exclusively used for accepting user operations may be used.

[0057] The CPU 110 executes a program for performing the processing described with reference to Fig. 1. The program may be pre-stored in the memory 140. Alternatively, the program may be called by the CPU 110 from another storage medium.

[0058] 1, the program causes CPU 110 to read information from first storage area 141 and information from second storage area 142. In addition, the program causes CPU 110 to acquire information related to the outside air temperature. CPU 110 may acquire the information related to the outside air temperature through data communication device 130. Alternatively, CPU 110 may acquire the information related to the outside air temperature from information acquisition device 150.

[0059] From the information read from the first storage area 141, the CPU 110 can find out that the user has set air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3 as candidate devices to be remotely controlled (see FIG. 2). From the information read from the second storage area 142, the CPU 110 can find out information about the temperature set as a start condition for starting remote control for air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3.

[0060] The program causes the CPU 110 to compare information about the outside air temperature with information about the temperature set as the start condition. As a result, the CPU 110 can determine to treat the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 as devices to be operated.

[0061] In step S120 described with reference to FIG. 1, the program causes CPU 110 to acquire information regarding the location of vehicle VC from information acquisition device 150. The program causes CPU 110 to read information regarding the location of building HM from memory 140. The program then causes CPU 110 to compare the information regarding the location of vehicle VC with information regarding the location of building HM. As a result, CPU 110 can determine whether vehicle VC is present within control region CR (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0062] If CPU 110 determines that vehicle VC is present within control region CR, the program causes CPU 110 to generate image data representing operation image OIM described with reference to Fig. 4 (step S130 described with reference to Fig. 1). The image data is output from CPU 110 to touch panel display 160. Touch panel display 160 displays operation image OIM on display 161 in accordance with the image data.

[0063] When the user operates the operation region OPR in the operation image OIM, the operation detection sensor 162 generates a detection signal indicating that the user has operated the operation region OPR. The detection signal is output from the operation detection sensor 162 to the CPU 110.

[0064] When the CPU 110 receives the detection signal, the program causes the CPU 110 to generate control data (step S140 described with reference to FIG. 1). The control data is output from the CPU 110 to the data communication device 130. Thereafter, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the control data is transmitted to the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 via the network NTW.

[0065] 5, the network NTW transmits the notification data, and the data communication device 130 receives the notification data. The notification data is output from the data communication device 130 to the CPU 110.

[0066] When CPU 110 receives the notification data, the program causes CPU 110 to generate image data representing notification images NI1 and NI2. The image data is output from CPU 110 to touch panel display 160. Touch panel display 160 displays notification images NI1 and NI2 on display 161 (step S150 described with reference to FIG. 1).

[0067] Third Embodiment As described in relation to the first embodiment, to identify a device to be operated, the user sets multiple operation candidate devices. In addition, the user sets a temperature that defines a start condition for remote operation for each of the multiple operation candidate devices. In the third embodiment, an exemplary method for setting multiple operation candidate devices and start conditions is described.

[0068] 8A to 8F show exemplary images that a user can use to set multiple candidate operation devices and start conditions for remote operation. An exemplary method for setting multiple candidate operation devices and start conditions will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0069] When the application program is installed in communication terminal 100, icon ICN shown in Fig. 8A is displayed on display 161. When the user double-clicks icon ICN, display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8B.

[0070] The image shown in FIG. 8B includes two input windows WD01 and WD02 and two icon buttons IB01 and IB02. The image shown in FIG. 8B is used to authenticate a user. A unique identification number is assigned to each user in advance. In addition, the user sets a password in advance for using the application program. Therefore, a third party cannot use the application program without permission.

[0071] The user enters an identification number in input window WD01. In addition, the user enters a password in input window WD02. Thereafter, when the user presses icon button IB01, display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8C. If the user presses icon button IB02, display 161 again displays the image shown in Fig. 8A.

[0072] The image shown in Fig. 8C includes seven icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, IB07, IB08, and IB09. Each of the five icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, and IB07 represents one of the air conditioners owned by the user. Fig. 8C shows that the user owns five air conditioners.

[0073] One of the five air conditioners is installed in the living room. Another of the five air conditioners is installed in the kitchen. Another of the five air conditioners is installed in a bedroom. Another of the five air conditioners is installed in one of two children's rooms. The remaining one of the five air conditioners is installed in the other children's room. The user can operate the five icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, and IB07 to provide various settings for each of the five air conditioners. When the user presses icon button IB03, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8D. As a result, the user can set the operation of the air conditioner installed in the living room.

[0074] The image shown in Fig. 8D includes four icon buttons IB10, IB11, IB12, and IB13. When the user presses icon button IB11, the display 161 displays an image (see Fig. 8E) that allows the user to select one of settings related to on-recommendation processing and settings related to off-recommendation processing. In the following description, the term "off-recommendation processing" refers to processing for stopping air conditioning equipment by remote control from the communication terminal 100.

[0075] The image shown in Fig. 8E includes three icon buttons IB14, IB15, and IB16. When the user presses icon button IB14, an image (see Fig. 8F) for setting a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions is displayed.

[0076] The image shown in FIG. 8F includes two display windows WD03 and WD04 and six icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, IB20, IB21, and IB22. The display window WD03 displays the above-mentioned lower limit temperature. When the user presses the icon button IB17, the value of the lower limit temperature increases. When the user presses the icon button IB18, the value of the lower limit temperature decreases. The display window WD04 displays the above-mentioned upper limit temperature. When the user presses the icon button IB19, the value of the upper limit temperature increases. When the user presses the icon button IB20, the value of the upper limit temperature decreases. Thus, the user can set the start conditions by operating the icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, and IB20. FIG. 8F shows that the air conditioner in the living room starts up in accordance with remote control from the communication terminal 100 when the outside air temperature drops below 15°C or when the outside air temperature rises above 25°C.

[0077] The user can use the image shown in Fig. 8F to determine not only the start conditions but also the candidate devices for operation. If the user presses icon button IB21, the air conditioner in the living room is registered as a candidate device for operation. If the user does not press icon button IB21, the air conditioner in the living room is not treated as a candidate device for operation.

[0078] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the general processing of touch panel display 160 when the image shown in Fig. 8E is displayed. The general processing of touch panel display 160 will be described with reference to Figs. 7, 8D to 9.

[0079] (Step S210) In step S210, display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8E. As a result, the user is prompted to select whether to perform settings related to on-recommendation processing or off-recommendation processing. Thereafter, step S220 is executed.

[0080] (Step S220) In step S220, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested the display of the previously displayed image (i.e., the image shown in FIG. 8D). If the user presses icon button IB16, step S230 is executed. Otherwise, step S240 is executed.

[0081] (Step S230) In step S230, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8D. After that, the user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in Fig. 8D.

[0082] (Step S240) In step S240, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested settings for the online recommendation process. If the user presses the icon button IB14, step S250 is executed. Otherwise, step S260 is executed.

[0083] (Step S250) In step S250, display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8F After that, the user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in Fig. 8F.

[0084] (Step S260) In step S260, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested settings related to off-recommendation processing. If the user presses icon button IB15, step S270 is executed. Otherwise, step S210 is executed.

[0085] (Step S270) In step S270, an image for making settings related to off-recommendation processing is displayed on the display 161. The user makes predetermined settings on the image for making settings related to off-recommendation processing.

[0086] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the general processing of touch panel display 160 when the image shown in Fig. 8F is displayed. The general processing of touch panel display 160 will be described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8E to 10.

[0087] (Step S310) Step S310 is performed after step S250 described with reference to Figure 9. In step S310, display 161 displays the image shown in Figure 8F. Then, step S320 is performed.

[0088] (Step S320) In step S320, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested display of the previously displayed image (i.e., the image shown in FIG. 8E). If the user presses icon button IB22, step S330 is executed. Otherwise, step S340 is executed.

[0089] (Step S330) In step S330, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8E. Thereafter, the user performs a predetermined operation according to the flowchart described with reference to Fig. 9.

[0090] (Step S340) In step S340, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user intends to adjust the upper limit temperature. If the user intends to adjust the upper limit temperature, the user presses icon button IB19 or icon button IB20. Then, step S350 is executed. Otherwise, step S360 is executed.

[0091] (Step S350) In step S350, the display 161 updates the numerical value in the display window WD04 in response to the pressing of the icon button IB19 or the icon button IB20, after which step S360 is executed.

[0092] (Step S360) In step S360, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user intends to adjust the lower limit temperature. If the user intends to adjust the lower limit temperature, the user presses icon button IB17 or icon button IB18. Then, step S370 is executed. Otherwise, step S380 is executed.

[0093] (Step S370) In step S370, the display 161 updates the numerical value in the display window WD03 in response to the pressing of the icon button IB17 or the icon button IB18. Then, step S380 is executed.

[0094] (Step S380) In step S380, it is determined whether the user intends to register the target air conditioning equipment as an operation candidate equipment. If the user intends to register the target air conditioning equipment as an operation candidate equipment, the user presses the icon button IB21. Then, step S390 is executed. In other cases, step S310 is executed.

[0095] (Step S390) In step S390, an image for making settings related to off-recommendation processing is displayed on the display 161. The user makes predetermined settings on the image for making settings related to off-recommendation processing.

[0096] Fig. 11 is a table showing the setting data stored in the memory 140. The setting data stored in the memory 140 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0097] As a result of the processing described with reference to Figures 9 and 10, the memory 140 can store the setting data shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 shows that the user sets the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, bedroom, and children's room (2) as operation candidate devices in step S380 described with reference to Figure 10, but does not set the air conditioner installed in children's room (1) as an operation candidate device. Therefore, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, bedroom, and children's room (2) can be targets of remote operation described in relation to the first embodiment, but the air conditioner installed in children's room (2) is excluded from the targets of remote operation described in relation to the first embodiment.

[0098] 11 shows that the user set the upper limit temperature to 25°C for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and children's room (2), while setting the upper limit temperature to 30°C for the air conditioner installed in the bedroom, in step S340 described with reference to FIG. 10. Therefore, if the outdoor temperature exceeds 25°C, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and children's room (2) operate in cooling mode under the remote control described in relation to the first embodiment. If the outdoor temperature exceeds 30°C, all air conditioners set as operation candidate devices operate in cooling mode under the remote control described in relation to the first embodiment.

[0099] 11 shows that the user set the lower limit temperature to 10°C for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, and children's room (2), while setting the upper limit temperature to 5°C for the air conditioner installed in the bedroom, in step S360 described with reference to FIG. 10. Therefore, if the outdoor temperature is below 10°C, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, and children's room (2) operate in heating mode under the remote control described in relation to the first embodiment. If the outdoor temperature is below 5°C, all air conditioners set as operation candidate devices operate in heating mode under the remote control described in relation to the first embodiment.

[0100] <Fourth embodiment> As described in connection with the first embodiment, a user sets the location of a target building to determine whether a vehicle is present in the control area. In the fourth embodiment, an exemplary method for setting the location of a building is described.

[0101] 12 shows an exemplary image that a user uses to set the location of a building HM. An exemplary method for setting the location of a building HM will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 7, 8C, and 12.

[0102] The user can use the method described in relation to the third embodiment to cause the display 161 to display the image shown in Fig. 8C. When the user presses the icon button IB08, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 12.

[0103] 12 includes three icon buttons IB23, IB24, and IB25. The user can press icon button IB23 to set the location of the building HM. When the user presses icon button IB23, touch panel display 160 may, in conjunction with a GPS device used as information acquisition device 150, determine the location of communication terminal 100 at the time icon button IB23 was pressed as the location of the building HM.

[0104] The user can press icon button IB24 to cancel the settings for the location of the building HM that were set as described above. If the user presses icon button IB25, the display 161 displays the image shown in Figure 8C.

[0105] Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the general processing of touch panel display 160 when the image shown in Fig. 12 is displayed. The general processing of touch panel display 160 will be described with reference to Figs. 3A, 7, 8C, 12, and 13.

[0106] (Step S410) In step S410, the display 161 displays the image shown in Figure 12. Then, step S420 is executed.

[0107] (Step S420) In step S420, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested display of the previously displayed image (i.e., the image shown in FIG. 8C). If the user presses icon button IB25, step S430 is executed. Otherwise, step S440 is executed.

[0108] (Step S430) In step S430, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8C. After that, the user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in Fig. 8C.

[0109] (Step S440) In step S440, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested to set the location of the building HM. If the user wishes to set the location of the building HM, the user presses the icon button IB23. Then, step S450 is executed. Otherwise, step S460 is executed.

[0110] (Step S450) In step S450, touch panel display 160 may register the position of communication terminal 100 when icon button IB23 is pressed as the position of building HM. Information regarding the position of building HM is output from touch panel display 160 to memory 140. Thereafter, step S460 is executed.

[0111] (Step S460) In step S460, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested to cancel the setting regarding the location of the building HM. If the user wishes to set the location of the building HM, the user presses the icon button IB24. Then, step S470 is executed. Otherwise, step S410 is executed.

[0112] (Step S470) In step S470, CPU 110 erases information relating to the position of building HM from memory 140. As a result, the setting of the position of building HM is appropriately released. Thereafter, step S410 is executed.

[0113] Fifth Embodiment As described in relation to the first embodiment, the communication terminal receives notification data from the air conditioner. If the communication terminal acquires, in addition to the notification data, operation data indicating the operating status of the air conditioner after receiving the control data, the user can confirm whether the air conditioner is operating properly under the above-mentioned remote control. In the fifth embodiment, a control system is described in which the operation data indicating the operating status of the air conditioner can be transmitted from the air conditioner to the communication terminal as notification data.

[0114] 14 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 200 in which a user includes a communication terminal 100. The control system 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0115] The control system 200 includes a server device 300 in addition to the communication terminal 100 described in relation to the first embodiment. The server device 300 is communicatively connected to the communication terminal 100 through an internet communication network ITN. The control data described in relation to the first embodiment is transmitted from the communication terminal 100 to the server device 300 through the internet communication network ITN.

[0116] The control data is then transmitted from the server device 300 to the air conditioning equipment group ACG via the internet communication network ITN. The air conditioning equipment group ACG includes multiple air conditioning equipment installed in the building HM. Each of the multiple air conditioning equipment that receives the control data operates in accordance with the control data.

[0117] Each of the plurality of air conditioning devices that operate according to the control data generates notification data indicating that the control data has been received. The notification data indicating that the control data has been received is transmitted from the air conditioning device group ACG to the server device 300 via the Internet communication line network ITN. The server device 300 then transmits the notification data to the communication terminal 100.

[0118] 15A to 15D show exemplary images presented to a user by communication terminal 100. Images presented to a user by communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 4, 7, and 14 to 15D.

[0119] In step S130 described with reference to Fig. 1, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 15A. The image shown in Fig. 15A corresponds to the operation image OIM described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0120] 15A includes two icon buttons IB26 and IB27, which correspond to the operation region OPR described with reference to FIG.

[0121] If the user presses icon button IB26, the communications terminal 100 may interrupt the processing shown in Fig. 1. If the user presses icon button IB27, the CPU 110 generates control data. As described with reference to Fig. 14, the control data is transmitted to the air conditioning equipment group ACG via the server device 300 (step S140 in Fig. 1).

[0122] The control data is received by the plurality of air conditioning devices identified as devices to be operated in step S110 described with reference to Fig. 1. Each of the plurality of air conditioning devices identified as devices to be operated then generates notification data. As described with reference to Fig. 14, the notification data is transmitted to the communication terminal 100 via the server device 300.

[0123] When communication terminal 100 receives notification data from each of the air conditioners identified as devices to be operated, display 161 sequentially displays the images shown in Fig. 15B and Fig. 15C. Fig. 15B shows an image corresponding to an air conditioner installed in the living room. Fig. 15C shows an image corresponding to an air conditioner installed in the kitchen.

[0124] The image shown in FIG. 15B includes icon buttons IB28 and IB29. When the user presses icon button IB28, display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 15C. When the user presses icon button IB29, communication terminal 100 requests notification of its operating status from the air conditioner installed in the living room. The air conditioner installed in the living room generates operating data representing its operating status. The operating data is then sent from the air conditioner installed in the living room to communication terminal 100. As a result, display 161 displays detailed information about the operation of the air conditioner installed in the living room (see FIG. 15D).

[0125] The image shown in Fig. 15C includes icon buttons IB30 and IB31. When the user presses icon button IB30, communication terminal 100 ends the processing shown in Fig. 1. When the user presses icon button IB31, display 161 displays detailed information about the operation of the air conditioning equipment installed in the kitchen room.

[0126] The image shown in FIG. 15D shows detailed information about the operation of an air conditioner installed in a living room. The image shown in FIG. 15D shows that the air conditioner in the living room is operating in cooling mode. The image shown in FIG. 15D includes information such as the set temperature, set airflow rate, set airflow direction, the current temperature in the living room, and the current humidity in the living room. Therefore, the user can visually confirm that the air conditioner operating in the living room is operating properly.

[0127] The image shown in Figure 15D includes an icon button IB32. When the user presses the icon button IB32, the display 161 again displays the image shown in Figure 15B.

[0128] Sixth Embodiment A typical air conditioner can operate in various operating modes (for example, cooling mode, heating mode, automatic mode, and dehumidification mode). If a user can change the setting of each operating mode from the vehicle, the user can enjoy a comfortable environment from the moment they enter the building. In the sixth embodiment, a communication terminal that allows a user in a vehicle to change the setting of the operating mode of the air conditioner is described.

[0129] 16A and 16B show images presented to the user by the communication terminal 100. A communication terminal 100 that allows the setting of the operation mode of an air conditioner to be changed will be described with reference to Figures 7, 8C, 8D, 14, 15D, 16A, and 16B.

[0130] A user can use the method described in relation to the third embodiment to cause the image shown in Fig. 8C to be displayed on the display 161. When the user presses the icon button IB03, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8D. If the user then presses the icon button IB10, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 16A.

[0131] The image shown in FIG. 16A includes a setting area SR and three icon buttons IB33, IB34, and IB35. The setting area SR includes a first icon column FIC, a second icon column SIC, and a display window WD05. The first icon column FIC and the second icon column SIC each include a plurality of icon buttons for changing the driving mode setting. The user can change the driving mode setting by operating these icon buttons. Information related to the driving mode setting is displayed on the display window WD05. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the driving mode setting. Data related to the driving mode setting is stored in memory 140.

[0132] When the user presses the icon button IB33, information regarding the setting of the operation mode is transmitted from the communication terminal 100 to the air conditioning equipment group ACG via the server device 300. As a result, the target air conditioning equipment changes the setting of its operation mode.

[0133] When the user presses icon button IB34, display 161 displays the image shown in Figure 15D. When the user presses icon button IB35, display 161 again displays the image shown in Figure 8D.

[0134] When the target air conditioning equipment receives the information regarding the setting of the operation mode, it generates notification data indicating that the data transmission from the communication terminal 100 has been performed appropriately. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the communication terminal 100 via the server device 300. As a result, the data communication device 130 receives the notification data.

[0135] When data communication device 130 receives the notification data, CPU 110 displays the image shown in Fig. 16B on display 161. As a result, the user can confirm that communication of information related to the setting of the operation mode has been performed appropriately.

[0136] The image shown in Fig. 16B includes two icon buttons IB36 and IB37. When the user presses icon button IB36, display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 15D. When the user presses icon button IB37, display 161 again displays the image shown in Fig. 16A.

[0137] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing of communication terminal 100 when the image shown in Fig. 8C is displayed. The outline of the processing of communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 7, 8B, 8C, 11, 13, and 17.

[0138] (Step S505) When the user inputs the identification number and password on the image shown in Fig. 8B, step S505 is initiated. In step S505, CPU 110 executes the process for reading the data described with reference to Fig. 11 from memory 140. Thereafter, step S510 is executed.

[0139] (Step S510) In step S510, CPU 110 determines whether the data described with reference to Figure 11 has been properly read. If CPU 110 fails to read the data, step S515 is executed. Otherwise, step S520 is executed.

[0140] (Step S515) In step S515, CPU 110 displays an error image indicating that the data was not read properly on display 161. Then, step S505 is executed.

[0141] (Step S520) In step S520, CPU 110 causes display 161 to display the image described with reference to Figure 8C. Then, step S525 is executed.

[0142] (Step S525) In step S525, the user presses one of the icon buttons IB03 to IB09 on the image described with reference to Fig. 8C, after which step S530 is executed.

[0143] (Step S530) In step S530, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the icon button IB09 has been pressed. If the user has pressed the icon button IB09, step S535 is executed. Otherwise, step S540 is executed.

[0144] (Step S535) In step S535, touch panel display 160 generates a notification signal indicating that icon button IB09 has been pressed. The notification signal is output from touch panel display 160 to CPU 110. In response to the notification signal, CPU 110 executes a predetermined background operation and ends the processing.

[0145] (Step S540) In step S540, touch panel display 160 determines whether any one of icon buttons IB03 to IB07 or icon button IB08 has been pressed. If the user has pressed any one of icon buttons IB03 to IB07, step S545 is executed. Otherwise, step S550 is executed.

[0146] (Step S545) In step S545, the display 161 displays an operation selection screen for the air conditioner corresponding to the pressed icon button (one of the icon buttons IB03 to IB07). Fig. 8D shows the image displayed on the display 161 when the icon button IB03 is pressed.

[0147] (Step S550) In step S550, the process described with reference to FIG. 13 is performed.

[0148] Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the general processing of communication terminal 100 when the image shown in Fig. 8D is displayed. The general processing of communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7, Fig. 8C to Fig. 8E, Fig. 14, Fig. 15D, Fig. 16A, Fig. 17, and Fig. 18.

[0149] (Step S605) When step S545 described with reference to Fig. 17 starts, step S605 is executed. In step S605, touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed icon button IB13 (see Fig. 8D). If the user has pressed icon button IB13, step S610 is executed. Otherwise, step S615 is executed.

[0150] (Step S610) In step S610, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8C. The user then performs a predetermined operation according to the flowchart described with reference to Fig. 17.

[0151] (Step S615) In step S615, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed the icon button IB10 (see FIG. 8D). If the user wants to change the driving mode setting described with reference to FIG. 16A, the user presses the icon button IB10. Then, step S620 is executed. Otherwise, step S625 is executed.

[0152] (Step S620) In step S620, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 16A. After that, the user changes the setting of the driving mode on the image shown in Fig. 16A.

[0153] (Step S625) In step S625, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed the icon button IB11 (see FIG. 8D). If the user wishes to perform a process such as registering an operation target device as described in relation to the third embodiment, the user presses the icon button IB11. Then, step S630 is executed. Otherwise, step S635 is executed.

[0154] (Step S630) In step S630, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8E. If the user presses the icon button IB14, the user can register the operation target device described in relation to the third embodiment for the on-recommendation process. If the user presses the icon button IB15, the user can execute the registration process for the off-recommendation process.

[0155] (Step S635) In step S635, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed icon button IB12 (see FIG. 8D). If the user wants to check the operating status of the air conditioner, the user presses icon button IB12. Then, step S640 is executed. Otherwise, step S605 is executed.

[0156] (Step S640) In step S640, touch panel display 160 generates a notification signal indicating that the user has pressed icon button IB12. The notification signal is output from touch panel display 160 to CPU 110. In response to the notification signal, CPU 110 generates a request signal for requesting notification of the operating status. The request signal is output from CPU 110 to data communication device 130. The request signal is then transmitted from data communication device 130 to air conditioning equipment group ACG via server device 300. Then, step S645 is executed.

[0157] (Step S645) If the air conditioner properly receives the request signal, the air conditioner generates operation data. Then, as described with reference to FIG. 14, the operation data is transmitted to the communication terminal 100 via the server device 300. In this case, the data communication device 130 notifies the CPU 110 of the reception of the operation data. Then, step S650 is executed. If the air conditioner does not properly receive the request signal, or if the operation data is not properly transmitted, step S655 is executed.

[0158] (Step S650) In step S650, CPU 110 displays the image shown in Fig. 15D on display 161. As a result, the user can visually check the operating status of the air conditioner.

[0159] (Step S655) In step S655, CPU 110 displays an error image indicating that communication of the operational data has failed on display 161. Thereafter, step S605 is executed.

[0160] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of communication terminal 100 when the image shown in Fig. 16A is displayed. The schematic process of communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 7, 8D, 14, 15D, 16A, 16B, 18, and 19.

[0161] (Step S705) 18 is started, step S705 is executed. In step S705, CPU 110 requests information previously set for the operation mode from memory 140. Thereafter, step S710 is executed.

[0162] (Step S710) If the memory 140 does not store the previously set information for the driving mode, step S715 is executed. If the memory 140 stores the previously set information for the driving mode, the CPU 110 can obtain the previously set information for the driving mode. Then, step S720 is executed.

[0163] (Step S715) In step S715, CPU 110 sets default values. CPU 110 generates image data using the default values. The image data is output from CPU 110 to touch panel display 160. Touch panel display 160 displays the image shown in FIG. 16A on display 161. In this case, the image represented by the default values ​​is displayed in display window WD05. Then, step S720 is executed.

[0164] (Step S720) In step S720, CPU 110 displays the image shown in Fig. 16A on display 161. In this case, an image created based on the information previously set for the driving mode is displayed in display window WD05.

[0165] (Step S725) In step S725, the user operates the first icon row FIC and / or the second icon row SIC to change the setting for the exercise mode, after which step S730 is executed.

[0166] (Step S730) In step S730, the display 161 displays the updated setting of the driving mode, after which step S735 is executed.

[0167] (Step S735) In step S735, touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed icon button IB35. If the user has pressed icon button IB35, step S740 is executed. Otherwise, step S745 is executed.

[0168] (Step S740) In step S740, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 8D. The user then performs a predetermined operation according to the flowchart described with reference to Fig. 18.

[0169] (Step S745) In step S745, touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed icon button IB33. If the user has pressed icon button IB33, step S750 is executed. Otherwise, step S770 is executed.

[0170] (Step S750) In step S750, CPU 110 transmits the information set by the user using touch panel display 160 from data communication device 130. Thereafter, step S755 is executed.

[0171] (Step S755) In step S755, if the air conditioning equipment receives from the data communication device 130 the information set by the user using the touch panel display 160, the air conditioning equipment generates notification data indicating that the information has been transmitted properly. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the communication terminal 100 via the server device 300. If the data communication device 130 receives the notification data, the CPU 110 determines that the communication of the information set by the user using the touch panel display 160 has been successful. In this case, step S760 is executed. In other cases, step S765 is executed.

[0172] (Step S760) In step S760, CPU 110 displays the image shown in Fig. 16B on display 161. The user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in Fig. 16B.

[0173] (Step S765) In step S765, CPU 110 causes display 161 to display an error image indicating that communication of the information set by the user using touch panel display 160 has failed. Thereafter, step S705 is executed.

[0174] (Step S770) In step S770, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed icon button IB34 (see FIG. 16A). If the user has pressed icon button IB34, step S775 is executed. Otherwise, step S705 is executed.

[0175] (Step S775) In step S775, CPU 110 generates a request signal requesting operational information. The request signal is output from CPU 110 to data communication device 130. Data communication device 130 transmits the request signal. Then, step S780 is executed.

[0176] (Step S780) If the air conditioning equipment receives a request signal from the data communication device 130, the air conditioning equipment generates operation data representing its operating status. As described with reference to Fig. 14, the operation data is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the communication terminal 100 via the server device 300. If the data communication device 130 receives the operation data, the CPU 110 determines that communication of the request signal was successful. In this case, step S785 is executed. In other cases, step S790 is executed.

[0177] (Step S785) In step S785, CPU 110 displays the image shown in Fig. 15D on display 161. The user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in Fig. 15D.

[0178] (Step S790) In step S790, CPU 110 displays an error image indicating that the operation status request process has failed on display 161. Thereafter, step S705 is executed.

[0179] Fig. 20 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing of communication terminal 100 when the image shown in Fig. 16B is displayed. The outline of the processing of communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7, Fig. 14, Fig. 15D, Fig. 16A, Fig. 16B, Fig. 19, and Fig. 20.

[0180] (Step S810) When step S760 described with reference to Fig. 19 is started, step S810 is executed. In step S810, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 16B. Thereafter, step S820 is executed.

[0181] (Step S820) In step S820, touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed icon button IB37 (see FIG. 16B). If the user has pressed icon button IB37, step S830 is executed. Otherwise, step S840 is executed.

[0182] (Step S830) In step S830, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 16A. The user then performs a predetermined operation according to the flowchart described with reference to Fig. 19.

[0183] (Step S840) In step S840, touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed icon button IB36. If the user has pressed icon button IB36, step S850 is executed. Otherwise, step S810 is executed.

[0184] (Step S850) In step S850, CPU 110 generates a request signal requesting operational information. The request signal is output from CPU 110 to data communication device 130. Data communication device 130 transmits the request signal. Then, step S860 is executed.

[0185] (Step S860) If the air conditioning equipment receives a request signal from the data communication device 130, the air conditioning equipment generates operation data representing its operating status. As described with reference to Fig. 14, the operation data is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the communication terminal 100 via the server device 300. If the data communication device 130 receives the operation data, the CPU 110 determines that communication of the request signal was successful. In this case, step S870 is executed. In other cases, step S880 is executed.

[0186] (Step S870) In step S870, CPU 110 displays the image shown in Fig. 15D on display 161. The user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in Fig. 15D.

[0187] (Step S880) In step S880, CPU 110 displays an error image indicating that the operation status request process has failed on display 161. Thereafter, step S810 is executed.

[0188] Fig. 21 is a flowchart showing an outline of the processing of communication terminal 100 when the image shown in Fig. 15D is displayed. The outline of the processing of communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7, Fig. 8D, Fig. 15B to Fig. 16B, and Fig. 21.

[0189] (Step S910) When the user presses icon button IB12 shown in Fig. 8D, icon button IB29 shown in Fig. 15B, icon button IB31 shown in Fig. 15C, icon button IB34 shown in Fig. 16A, or icon button IB36 shown in Fig. 16B, step S910 is executed. In step S910, display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 15D. Then, step S920 is executed.

[0190] (Step S920) In step S920, touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed icon button IB37. If the user has pressed icon button IB37, step S930 is executed. Otherwise, step S910 is executed.

[0191] (Step S930) In step S930, the display 161 displays one of the images shown in Figure 8D, Figure 15B, Figure 15C, Figure 16A, or Figure 16B. The user then performs a predetermined operation on the displayed image.

[0192] Seventh Embodiment The application program described in relation to the third embodiment requires a process for authenticating a user each time the user launches the application program. The user may find the input work for the authentication process troublesome. In the seventh embodiment, an application program that allows the user to omit the input work for the authentication process will be described.

[0193] Figures 22A and 22B show exemplary images that are displayed on display 161 when a user uses an application program. The application program will be described with reference to Figures 7-8C, 22A and 22B.

[0194] When the user double-clicks the icon ICN in the image shown in Fig. 8A, the display 161 displays the image shown in Fig. 22A. Similar to the image shown in Fig. 8B, the image shown in Fig. 22A includes input windows WD01 and WD02 and icon buttons IB01 and IB02.

[0195] The image shown in FIG. 22A includes an icon button IB38 and a check box CBX. When the user presses the icon button IB38, the display 161 displays an explanation of the operations on the image shown in FIG. 22A. This allows the user to easily use the application program. When the user checks the check box CBX, the user can subsequently display the image shown in FIG. 22B on the display 161 without displaying the image shown in FIG. 22A. That is, the display 161 can directly change the displayed image from the image shown in FIG. 8A to the image shown in FIG. 22B.

[0196] In addition to the icon buttons in the image shown in Fig. 8C, the image shown in Fig. 22B includes a scroll bar SRB and an icon button IB39 for the user to instruct to log out. If the user owns multiple air conditioners, the user can operate the scroll bar SRB to display the icon button representing the target air conditioner on the display 161. The user can press the icon button IB39 to terminate the application program.

[0197] Eighth Embodiment Unlike changing the settings for the operation modes of air conditioners or checking the operating status of air conditioners, the settings for air conditioners (settings for identifying candidate operation devices) described in relation to the third embodiment are not performed frequently. Therefore, the application program may be designed so that the user visually recognizes that the icon buttons used for settings for identifying candidate operation devices belong to a different category from the icon buttons used for changing the settings for the operation modes of air conditioners and the icon buttons used for checking the operating status. In the eighth embodiment, an application program is described that can make the user visually recognize that the icon buttons used for settings for identifying candidate operation devices belong to a different category from the icon buttons used for changing the settings for the operation modes of air conditioners and the icon buttons used for checking the operating status.

[0198] 23 shows an exemplary image that is displayed on the display 161 when a user uses the application program. The application program will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0199] Similar to the image shown in FIG. 8D, the image shown in FIG. 23 includes icon buttons IB10, IB12, and IB13. The image shown in FIG. 23 includes icon button IB40 instead of icon button IB11 in the image shown in FIG. 8D. Icon button IB40 is displayed below icon buttons IB10 and IB12. In addition, icon button IB40 differs from icon buttons IB10 and IB12 in shape and size. The words "Initial Settings" are written on icon button IB40, allowing the user to visually recognize that icon button IB40 does not need to be used frequently. When the user presses icon button IB40, display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8E.

[0200] Ninth Embodiment The application program may be designed so that the user can set and cancel the setting of operation candidate devices on one screen. In the ninth embodiment, an application program that allows the user to set and cancel the setting of operation candidate devices on one screen will be described.

[0201] 24 shows an exemplary image that is displayed on display 161 when a user uses the application program. The application program will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0202] Like the image shown in Fig. 8F, the image shown in Fig. 24 includes display windows WD03 and WD04 and icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, IB20, and IB22. The image shown in Fig. 24 includes icon buttons IB41 and IB42 instead of icon button IB21 in the image shown in Fig. 8F. When the user presses icon button IB41, the target air conditioning equipment is registered as an operation candidate equipment. The fact that the target air conditioning equipment has been registered as an operation candidate equipment is stored in memory 140. When the user presses icon button IB42, the registration of the target air conditioning equipment as an operation candidate equipment is canceled. In this case, the data stored in memory 140 (see Fig. 11) is updated so that the registration of the target air conditioning equipment as an operation candidate equipment is deleted.

[0203] Tenth Embodiment As described in connection with the fourth embodiment, a user can register the location of a target building using an application program. The application program may allow a user to set not only the location of the target building but also a control range surrounding the location of the target building. In the tenth embodiment, an application program is described that allows a user to set not only the location of the target building but also a control range.

[0204] 25 shows an exemplary image that is displayed on the display 161 when a user uses the application program. The application program will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0205] Similar to the image shown in Fig. 12, the image shown in Fig. 25 includes icon buttons IB23, IB24, and IB25. The image shown in Fig. 25 further includes icon buttons IB43 and IB44 and a display window WD06.

[0206] The user can operate the icon buttons IB43 and IB44 to set a circular control area CR centered on the position of the building HM. The radius of the control area CR is displayed in a display window WD06.

[0207] When the user subsequently presses icon button IB23, the information representing the position of the building HM and the information of the circular control area CR centered on the building HM are stored in memory 140. When the user presses icon button IB24, the information representing the position of the building HM and the information of the circular control area CR centered on the building HM are erased from memory 140.

[0208] Eleventh Embodiment The communication terminal described in relation to the fifth embodiment displays an image only once to ask the user whether or not to execute a remote operation. If the communication terminal asks the user to confirm multiple times whether or not to execute a remote operation, remote operation against the user's will is less likely to occur. In the eleventh embodiment, a communication terminal is described that asks the user to confirm multiple times whether or not to execute a remote operation.

[0209] Figures 26A to 26D show exemplary images that may be presented to a user by communication terminal 100. Communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 14, 15B, and 26A to 26D.

[0210] As in the fifth embodiment, the communication terminal 100 presents the image shown in Fig. 26A to the user. When the user presses the icon button IB26, the communication terminal 100 presents the image shown in Fig. 26B to the user.

[0211] The image shown in Fig. 26B includes two icon buttons IB45 and IB46. When the user presses icon button IB45, communication terminal 100 transmits control data. When the user presses icon button IB46, communication terminal 100 suspends processing. Control data is transmitted only when the user presses icon button IB26 in the image shown in Fig. 26A and then presses icon button IB45 in the image shown in Fig. 26B. This makes it less likely that remote control will occur against the user's will.

[0212] When the communication terminal 100 receives notification data indicating receipt of the control data for the air conditioner, the communication terminal 100 presents the image shown in Fig. 26C to the user. Like the image shown in Fig. 15B, the image shown in Fig. 26C includes icon button IB29. Unlike the image shown in Fig. 15B, icon button IB28 is excluded from the image shown in Fig. 26B.

[0213] When the user presses icon button IB29, communication terminal 100 presents the user with the image shown in Fig. 26D. Even if the user does not press icon button IB29, communication terminal 100 presents the user with the image shown in Fig. 26D after a predetermined period has elapsed since the display of the image shown in Fig. 26C. Therefore, the user can check the operating status of the target air conditioning equipment.

[0214] <Twelfth embodiment> A designer can design a communication terminal having various functions based on the design principles of the communication terminal described in relation to the second embodiment. In the twelfth embodiment, an exemplary communication terminal is described.

[0215] Fig. 27 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100A of the twelfth embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100A will be described with reference to Figs. 7, 11, 14, and 27.

[0216] Communication terminal 100A includes control unit 111, determination unit 112, first acquisition unit 113, communication unit 131, first storage unit 143, second storage unit 144, second acquisition unit 151, display unit 163, and input unit 164. Control unit 111 controls the overall operation of communication terminal 100A. Therefore, determination unit 112, first acquisition unit 113, communication unit 131, first storage unit 143, second storage unit 144, second acquisition unit 151, display unit 163, and input unit 164 perform predetermined operations under the control of control unit 111.

[0217] The control unit 111, the determination unit 112, and the first acquisition unit 113 correspond to the CPU 110 described with reference to Fig. 7. The determination unit 112 executes the determination process executed by the CPU 110. The first acquisition unit 113 generates a request signal for requesting the operating status of the air conditioner.

[0218] The communication unit 131 corresponds to the data communication device 130 described with reference to Fig. 7. The communication unit 131 transmits various signals (for example, a request signal generated by the first acquisition unit 113) to the server device 300 described with reference to Fig. 14. In addition, the communication unit 131 receives various signals (for example, operation data generated in response to the request signal) from the server device 300.

[0219] The first storage unit 143 and the second storage unit 144 correspond to the memory 140 described with reference to Fig. 7. The first storage unit 143 stores the data described with reference to Fig. 11. The second storage unit 144 stores information about the position of the building HM set by the user using the method described in relation to the fourth embodiment.

[0220] The second acquisition unit 151 corresponds to the information acquisition device 150 described with reference to Fig. 7. The second acquisition unit 151 acquires information related to the location of the vehicle. The second acquisition unit 151 may be a GPS device of a car navigation system that is generally installed in a vehicle. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific device used as the second acquisition unit 151.

[0221] The display unit 163 and the input unit 164 correspond to the touch panel display 160 described with reference to Fig. 7. The display unit 163 corresponds to the display 161 described with reference to Fig. 7. The display unit 163 may be a display of a car navigation system. Alternatively, the display unit 163 may be a display of a smartphone or other mobile terminal. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific device used as the display unit 163.

[0222] The input unit 164 may be formed integrally with the display unit 163. In this case, the input unit 164 corresponds to the operation detection sensor 162. Alternatively, the input unit 164 may be a device separate from the display unit 163. Therefore, the input unit 164 may be a keyboard, a mouse device, or another input device. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific device used as the input unit 164.

[0223] <Thirteenth embodiment> The communication terminal communicates various signals with the server device as described in relation to the fifth embodiment. In the thirteenth embodiment, an exemplary server device is described.

[0224] Fig. 28 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of a server device 300A according to the thirteenth embodiment. The exemplary functional configuration of the server device 300A will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 3A, 3B, 14, 15A, 27, and 28.

[0225] The server device 300A can be used as the server device 300 described with reference to Fig. 14. The server device 300A is designed to communicate various signals with the communication terminal 100A described with reference to Fig. 28.

[0226] Server device 300A includes control unit 310, communication unit 320, notification unit 330, and estimation unit 340. Control unit 310 controls the overall operation of server device 300A. Therefore, communication unit 320, notification unit 330, and estimation unit 340 perform predetermined operations under the control of control unit 310.

[0227] The communication unit 320 of the server device 300A receives control data from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A. The communication unit 320 transmits the control data to the air conditioning equipment group ACG. The air conditioning equipment of the air conditioning equipment group ACG that has received the control data generates notification data indicating the reception of the control data. The notification data indicating the reception of the control data is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment of the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The communication unit 320 of the server device 300A transmits the notification data indicating the reception of the control data to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A.

[0228] If the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A does not receive notification data indicating reception of the control data for a predetermined period after transmitting the control data to the air conditioning equipment group ACG, the control unit 310 causes the notification unit 330 to generate notification data. The notification data generated by the control unit 310 indicates that communication of the control data has failed. The notification data is output from the notification unit 330 of the server device 300A to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The communication unit 320 of the server device 300A transmits the notification data to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A.

[0229] The control unit 111 of the communication terminal 100A reads out information relating to the position of the building HM from the second storage unit 144. The information relating to the position of the building HM is output from the control unit 111 of the communication terminal 100A to the communication unit 131. The information relating to the position of the building HM is then transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The information relating to the position of the building HM is output from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A to the estimation unit 340. Therefore, the estimation unit 340 can acquire the information relating to the position of the building HM.

[0230] The second acquisition unit 151 of the communication terminal 100A generates position data indicating the position of the vehicle VC. The position data is output from the second acquisition unit 151 to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A. The communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A transmits the position data to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The position data is then output from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A to the estimation unit 340. Therefore, the estimation unit 340 can acquire not only information related to the position of the building HM and information related to the control region CR, but also information related to the position of the vehicle VC.

[0231] The estimation unit 340 can determine whether the vehicle VC is moving away from or approaching the building HM, using information about the position of the building HM and information about the position of the vehicle VC. If the vehicle VC is moving away from the building HM, the estimation unit 340 can estimate that the destination of the vehicle VC is not the building HM. If the vehicle VC is approaching from the building HM, the estimation unit 340 can estimate that the destination of the vehicle VC is the building HM. The trigger signal is output from the estimation unit 340 to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A.

[0232] Communication unit 320 of server device 300A transmits a trigger signal to communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100A. After communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100A receives the trigger signal, control unit 111 of communication terminal 100A causes display unit 163 to display the image shown in Fig. 15A. That is, communication terminal 100A switches the processing described with reference to Fig. 1 from step S120 to step S130 in response to the trigger signal.

[0233] <Fourteenth embodiment> The air conditioner communicates various signals with the server device as described in relation to the fifth embodiment. In the fourteenth embodiment, an exemplary air conditioner is described.

[0234] Fig. 29 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of an air conditioning equipment 400A according to Embodiment 14. An exemplary functional configuration of the air conditioning equipment 400A will be described with reference to Figs.

[0235] The air conditioning equipment 400A can be used as the air conditioning equipment of the air conditioning equipment group ACG described with reference to Fig. 14. The air conditioning equipment 400A is designed to communicate various signals with the server device 300A described with reference to Fig. 29.

[0236] The air conditioning equipment 400A includes a control unit 410, a communication unit 420, a temperature data generation unit 430, an operation unit 440, an operation data generation unit 450, and a notification unit 460. The control unit 410 controls the overall operation of the air conditioning equipment 400A. Therefore, the communication unit 420, the temperature data generation unit 430, the operation unit 440, the operation data generation unit 450, and the notification unit 460 perform predetermined operations under the control of the control unit 410.

[0237] The communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A receives control data from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The control unit 410 causes the operation unit 440 to perform the operation specified by the control data. The operation data generation unit 450 generates operation data that represents the operation status of the operation unit 440. The operation data is output from the operation data generation unit 450 to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A. The communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A transmits the operation data to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A.

[0238] The temperature data generation unit 430 measures the temperature around the air conditioning equipment 400A. The temperature data generation unit 430 generates temperature data representing the measured temperature. The temperature data is also transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A.

[0239] The notification unit 460 generates notification data for notifying that the control data has been received by the air conditioning equipment 400A. The notification data is output from the notification unit 460 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A. The communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A transmits the notification data to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A.

[0240] <Fifteenth embodiment> The control area described in relation to the first embodiment does not have to be defined along the vehicle's travel route. Therefore, the vehicle may travel along the boundary of the control area. In this case, the vehicle may enter the control area multiple times. If the communication terminal inquires whether remote control is necessary each time the vehicle enters the control area multiple times, the user may find the frequent inquiries from the communication terminal annoying. In the fifteenth embodiment, a communication terminal that does not inquire excessively frequently about whether remote control is necessary is described.

[0241] Fig. 30 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of a communication terminal 100B according to the fifteenth embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100B will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 7, 15A, 15D, 28, and 30. Reference numerals commonly used between the twelfth embodiment and the fifteenth embodiment mean that the elements to which the common reference numerals are assigned have the same functions as those in the twelfth embodiment. Therefore, the description of the twelfth embodiment is applicable to these elements.

[0242] As in the twelfth embodiment, the communication terminal 100B includes a first acquisition unit 113, a communication unit 131, a first storage unit 143, a second storage unit 144, a second acquisition unit 151, a display unit 163, and an input unit 164. The description of the twelfth embodiment applies to these elements.

[0243] The communication terminal 100B further includes a control unit 111B, a determination unit 112B, and a clock unit 114. The control unit 111B and the clock unit 114 correspond to the CPU 110 described with reference to FIG.

[0244] Control unit 111B controls the overall operation of communication terminal 100B. Therefore, determination unit 112B, first acquisition unit 113, timing unit 114, communication unit 131, first storage unit 143, second storage unit 144, second acquisition unit 151, display unit 163, and input unit 164 perform predetermined operations under the control of control unit 111B.

[0245] Control unit 111B starts clock unit 114 from the time when display unit 163 displays the image shown in Fig. 15A. Clock unit 114 may be a timer that operates for a predetermined period TP.

[0246] If the timer is running when communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B receives the trigger generated by estimation unit 340 of server device 300A, determination unit 112B may determine that it is not necessary to display the image shown in Fig. 15A. Therefore, step S130 described with reference to Fig. 1 is not executed, and communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0247] 31 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle VC traveling near the boundary of a control region CR. The communications terminal 100B will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0248] 31, vehicle VC enters control area CR at time t0. Thereafter, vehicle VC exits control area CR and re-enters control area CR at time t1. If the difference between time t1 and time t0 is less than a threshold period defined by timer 114, display unit 163 does not display the image shown in FIG. 15A at time t1. If the difference between time t1 and time t0 is greater than the threshold period defined by timer 114, display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 15A.

[0249] 32 is a schematic flowchart showing the process executed by communication terminal 100 B. The operation of communication terminal 100 B will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0250] (Step S1110) In step S1110, communication terminal 100B executes the series of processes (on-recommendation process) described with reference to Fig. 1. After that, step S1120 is executed.

[0251] (Step S1120) In step S1120, communication terminal 100B waits for a certain period of time, after which step S1110 is executed.

[0252] <Sixteenth embodiment> The communication terminal described in relation to the fifteenth embodiment can operate according to the operating principles described in relation to the first embodiment. In the sixteenth embodiment, the operation of the communication terminal will be described.

[0253] 33 is a schematic flowchart showing an exemplary operation of communication terminal 100 B. An exemplary operation of communication terminal 100 B will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0254] (Step S1210) In step S1210, communication terminal 100B executes an on-recommendation determination process. The on-recommendation determination process corresponds to step S110 and step S120 described with reference to Fig. 1. After the on-recommendation determination process, step S1220 is executed.

[0255] (Step S1220) In step S1220, communication terminal 100B executes image display determination processing. The image display determination processing is used to determine whether or not the image shown in Fig. 15A is displayed. After the image display determination processing, step S1230 is executed.

[0256] (Step S1230) 15A is displayed in step S1230, step S1240 is executed, otherwise communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0257] (Step S1240) In step S1240, the user decides whether to perform remote control. If the user presses icon button IB26 shown in Fig. 15A, the on-recommendation process ends. If the user presses icon button IB27 shown in Fig. 15A, the remote control process is executed. The remote control process corresponds to steps S130 to S150 described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0258] <Seventeenth embodiment> In the online recommendation determination process described in relation to the sixteenth embodiment, the communication device executes various processes in cooperation with the server device. In the seventeenth embodiment, the online recommendation determination process will be described.

[0259] 34 is a schematic flowchart showing the online recommendation determination process, which will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0260] (Step S1310) In step S1310, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not this is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control region CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control region CR is set, step S1320 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1330 is executed.

[0261] (Step S1320) In step S1320, the determination unit 112B determines whether a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the online recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the online recommendation process, step S1330 is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0262] (Step S1330) In step S1330, control unit 111B causes determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) representing air conditioners owned by the user from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S1340 is executed.

[0263] (Step S1340) In step S1340, communications terminal 100B performs a predetermined determination process on the air conditioner. After the determination process on the air conditioner, step S1350 is executed.

[0264] (Step S1350) In step S1350, determination unit 112B determines whether the result of the determination process in step S1340 indicates the presence of a first candidate device. The term "first candidate device" refers to an air conditioning device that satisfies the start condition. If the result of the determination process indicates the presence of a first candidate device, step S1360 is executed. Otherwise, communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0265] (Step S1360) In step S1360, estimation unit 340 of server device 300A performs an estimation process regarding the destination of vehicle VC. After the estimation process, step S1370 is executed.

[0266] (Step S1370) In step S1370, determination unit 112B determines whether the destination of vehicle VC is the target building. If determination unit 112B determines that the destination of vehicle VC is the target building, step S1380 is executed. Otherwise, communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0267] (Step S1380) In step S1380, processing is performed to determine the position of the vehicle VC relative to the control region CR.

[0268] Fig. 35 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1340 described with reference to Fig. 34. The on-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to Figs. 11, 28 to 31, 34, and 35.

[0269] (Step S1341) In step S1341, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting temperature data. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B then causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A receives the request signal, the control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the temperature data generation unit 430 to generate temperature data representing the temperature of the space in which the air conditioning equipment 400A is located. The temperature data generation unit 430 outputs the temperature data to the communication unit 420. The temperature data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. When communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B receives the temperature data, step S1342 is executed.

[0270] (Step S1342) In step S1342, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads data relating to the start condition from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S1343 is executed.

[0271] (Step S1343) In step S1343, determination unit 112B compares the temperature data with data related to the start condition. If the temperature data satisfies the start condition, step S1344 is executed. Otherwise, step S1345 is executed. For example, if the temperature in the living room is 30°C, step S1344 is executed in the processing for the air conditioner installed in the living room shown in FIG. 11. If the temperature in the living room is 22°C, step S1345 is executed in the processing for the air conditioner installed in the living room shown in FIG. 11.

[0272] (Step S1344) In step S1344, the air conditioning equipment to be processed is selected as the first candidate equipment. Information about the air conditioning equipment selected as the first candidate equipment is temporarily stored in the first storage unit 143. Then, step S1345 is executed.

[0273] (Step S1345) In step S1345, determination unit 112B determines whether processing has been completed for all air conditioners owned by the user. If processing has not been completed for all air conditioners owned by the user, step S1342 is executed. Otherwise, communications terminal 100B ends the processing in step S1340 described with reference to FIG. 34.

[0274] Fig. 36 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1360 described with reference to Fig. 34. The on-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to Figs.

[0275] (Step S1361) In step S1361, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B requests second acquisition unit 151 of communication terminal 100B to generate location information related to the location of the vehicle. Control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads location information related to the location of the target building from second storage unit 144 of communication terminal 100B. Then, step S1362 is executed.

[0276] (Step S1362) In step S1362, the position information of the vehicle and the building is output from second acquisition unit 151 of communication terminal 100B to communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B. The position information of the vehicle and the building is transmitted from communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B to communication unit 320 of server device 300A. Then, step S1363 is executed.

[0277] (Step S1363) In step S1363, when the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A receives the position information of the vehicle and the building, the control unit 310 of the server device 300A causes the estimation unit 340 to estimate the destination of the vehicle. If the position information indicates that the vehicle is moving away from the building, the estimation unit 340 may determine that the destination of the vehicle is not the building. If the position information indicates that the vehicle is approaching the building, the estimation unit 340 may determine that the destination of the vehicle is the building. Data representing the determination result is transmitted from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B. The estimation unit 340 may estimate the destination of the vehicle using another method. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific method for estimating the destination of the vehicle.

[0278] Fig. 37 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1380 described with reference to Fig. 34. The on-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to Figs.

[0279] (Step S1381) In step S1381, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads out location information regarding the location of the target building and the radius of the control area from second storage unit 144. In FIG. 37, the location of the building is represented by the symbol "P0." In FIG. 37, the radius of the control area is represented by the symbol "R." Under the settings shown in FIG. 25, "R" is "5 km." After reading out the location information, step S1382 is executed.

[0280] (Step S1382) In step S1382, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B requests second acquisition unit 151 to generate location information related to the vehicle's location. Communication terminal 100B treats the vehicle's location indicated by the location information acquired in step S1382 as a reference location. In FIG. 37, the reference location is represented by the symbol "P1." After the location information related to the vehicle's location is generated, step S1383 is executed.

[0281] (Step S1383) In step S1383, the communication terminal 100B executes a standby process. The standby time may be constant. Alternatively, the standby time may be changed depending on the speed of the vehicle. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by the standby time. After the standby time has elapsed, step S1384 is executed.

[0282] (Step S1384) In step S1384, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B again requests second acquisition unit 151 to generate position information related to the vehicle's position. Communication terminal 100B treats the vehicle's position indicated by the position information acquired in step S1384 as a determined position. In FIG. 37, the determined position is represented by the symbol "P2." After the position information related to the vehicle's position is generated, step S1385 is executed.

[0283] (Step S1385) In step S1385, if the difference between the vehicle position "P1" and the building position "P0" is greater than the control area radius "R" and the difference between the vehicle position "P2" and the building position "P0" is less than the control area radius "R", step S1386 is executed. Otherwise, step S1387 is executed.

[0284] (Step S1386) In step S1386, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B decides to continue the process. Therefore, after step S1386, step S1220 described with reference to FIG.

[0285] (Step S1387) In step S1387, the determination unit 112B determines to treat the determination position P2 as the reference position P1, and then step S1383 is executed.

[0286] <Eighteenth embodiment> In the image display determination process described in relation to the sixteenth embodiment, it is determined whether or not an image that prompts the user to decide whether to execute remote control is to be displayed. In the eighteenth embodiment, the image display determination process will be described.

[0287] Fig. 38A is a table showing the data of the air conditioners stored in the first storage unit 143 in step S1344 described with reference to Fig. 35. Fig. 38B is a table showing the air conditioners determined as the devices to be operated by the image display determination process. The image determination process will be described with reference to Figs. 11, 30, 33, 35, 38A, and 38B.

[0288] If the temperature data represents a temperature of 26°C, as a result of the processing in step S1344 executed under the settings shown in FIG. 11, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, and children's room (2) are selected as the first candidate devices.

[0289] If the air conditioner installed in the child's room (2) is in operation, there is no need to execute step S1240 described with reference to Fig. 33. Therefore, the determination unit 112B excludes the air conditioner installed in the child's room (2) from the devices to be operated.

[0290] Fig. 39 is a schematic flowchart of the image display determination process, which is executed with reference to Fig. 11, Fig. 15A, Fig. 28 to Fig. 30, Fig. 33, and Fig. 38A to Fig. 39.

[0291] (Step S1221) In step S1221, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads data of the first candidate device from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S1222 is executed.

[0292] (Step S1222) In step S1222, the control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting operation data. The control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B outputs the request signal to the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A receives the request signal, the control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the operation data generation unit 450 to generate operation data. The control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to transmit the operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B via the server device 300A. Then, step S1223 is executed.

[0293] (Step S1223) In step S1223, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to determine whether the air conditioning equipment 400A to be processed is in operation based on the operation data. If the determination unit 112B determines that the air conditioning equipment 400A to be processed is in operation, step S1224 is executed. Otherwise, step S1225 is executed.

[0294] (Step S1224) In step S1224, the determining unit 112B determines that the air conditioning equipment 400A to be processed is to be treated as the second candidate equipment, after which step S1225 is executed.

[0295] (Step S1225) In step S1225, determination unit 112B determines whether the above-mentioned process has been completed for all first candidate devices. If the above-mentioned process has been completed for all first candidate devices, step S1226 is executed. Otherwise, step S1222 is executed. If the air conditioners shown in FIG. 38A have been selected as first candidate devices, and if the above-mentioned process has been completed for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and children's room (2), step S1225 is executed.

[0296] (Step S1226) In step S1226, the determination unit 112B determines whether the air conditioners selected as the second candidate devices include air conditioners set by the user as operation candidate devices. If the air conditioners selected as the second candidate devices include air conditioners set by the user as operation candidate devices, the determination unit 112B temporarily stores the air conditioners selected as the second candidate devices and set by the user as operation candidate devices in the first storage unit 143. Then, step S1227 is executed. In other cases, the control unit 111B suspends processing. Comparing the data shown in FIG. 38A with the data shown in FIG. 11, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and children's room (2) have been set by the user as operation candidate devices, so step S1227 is executed.

[0297] (Step S1227) In step S1227, control unit 111B causes display unit 163 to display the image shown in Fig. 15A. Thereafter, step S1230 described with reference to Fig. 33 is executed.

[0298] <Nineteenth embodiment> In the image display determination process described in relation to the 18th embodiment, if the communication terminal can determine the device to be operated, a process for remotely operating the device to be operated is executed. In the 19th embodiment, a process for remotely operating the device to be operated will be described.

[0299] Figure 40 is a schematic flowchart of the process performed in step S1240 described with reference to Figure 33. The process performed in step S1240 is performed with reference to Figures 15A to 15C, 28 to 30, 33, 38B, 39 and 40.

[0300] (Step S1241) In step S1241, if the user presses icon button IB27 (see FIG. 15A), control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads all data of the air conditioners selected as the devices to be operated (see FIG. 38B) from first storage unit 143. The data read from first storage unit 143 may include setting data that defines the operation of the air conditioners selected as the devices to be operated. After control unit 111B has read the data of all the air conditioners selected as the devices to be operated, step S1242 is executed.

[0301] (Step S1242) In step S1242, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the read setting data as control data. The control data is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A receives the control data, the operation unit 440 of the air conditioning equipment 400A executes the operation determined by the control data. The notification unit 460 of the air conditioning equipment 400A generates notification data indicating that the control data has been received. The control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to transmit the notification data. The notification data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. Then, step S1243 is executed.

[0302] (Step S1243) In step S1243, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B causes an image (see FIGS. 15B and 15C) indicating the communication result of the control data to be displayed on display unit 163 in accordance with the notification data. Then, step S1244 is executed.

[0303] (Step S1244) In step S1244, communication terminal 100B determines whether the user has requested operational data. If the user has requested operational data (if the user has pressed icon buttons IB29 and IB31 (see FIGS. 15B and 15C)), step S1245 is executed. Otherwise, step S1247 is executed.

[0304] (Step S1245) In step S1245, the control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting operation data. The control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B to transmit the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A via the server device 300A. The control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the operation data generation unit 450 to generate operation data in response to the request signal. The control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to transmit the operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B via the server device 300A. Then, step S1246 is executed.

[0305] (Step S1246) In step S1246, control unit 111B causes the operation status represented by the operation data to be displayed on display unit 163. Thereafter, step S1247 is executed.

[0306] (Step S1247) Determination unit 112B of communication terminal 100B determines whether the above-mentioned process has been performed on all of the devices to be operated.

[0307] <Twentieth Embodiment> In the on-recommendation determination process described in relation to the seventeenth embodiment, the determination process for the air conditioner is performed before the determination process for the vehicle position. Alternatively, the determination process for the air conditioner may be performed after the determination process for the vehicle position. In the twentieth embodiment, another on-recommendation determination process is described.

[0308] Fig. 41 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process, which will be described with reference to Figs. 11, 28, 30, 31, 35 to 37, and 41.

[0309] (Step S1410) In step S1410, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not this is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control region CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control region CR is set, step S1420 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1430 is executed.

[0310] (Step S1420) In step S1420, the determination unit 112B determines whether a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the online recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the online recommendation process, step S1430 is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0311] (Step S1430) In step S1430, the estimation unit 340 of the server device 300A performs the estimation process described with reference to Fig. 36. After the estimation process, step S1440 is executed.

[0312] (Step S1440) In step S1440, the determination unit 112B determines whether the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building. If the determination unit 112B determines that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building, step S1450 is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0313] (Step S1450) In step S1450, the process described with reference to Figure 37 is executed to determine whether the vehicle VC has entered the control region CR, after which step S1460 is executed.

[0314] (Step S1460) In step S1460, control unit 111B causes determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) representing air conditioners owned by the user from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S1470 is executed.

[0315] (Step S1470) In step S1470, communication terminal 100B performs the determination process described with reference to FIG.

[0316] <Twenty-first embodiment> In the various embodiments described above, a determination process is performed on the vehicle's location. Therefore, if the user has not previously set the location of the desired building, it is preferable that the on-recommendation determination process be interrupted before the communication terminal performs various processes. In addition, if a determination process is performed on the vehicle's location, an estimation process on the vehicle's destination is not necessarily required. Therefore, the on-recommendation determination process may be greatly simplified. In a 21st embodiment, a simplified on-recommendation determination process is described.

[0317] Fig. 42 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process, which will be described with reference to Figs.

[0318] (Step S1510) In step S1510, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not this is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control region CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control region CR is set, step S1520 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1530 is executed.

[0319] (Step S1520) In step S1520, the determination unit 112B determines whether a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the online recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the online recommendation process, step S1530 is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0320] (Step S1530) In step S1530, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads data related to the building HM from the second storage unit 144. If the user has not performed the settings described with reference to Figures 12 and 25, the control unit 111B cannot read data related to the building HM and therefore suspends the on-recommendation determination process. If the control unit 111B reads data related to the building HM from the second storage unit 144, step S1540 is executed.

[0321] (Step S1540) In step S1540, the process described with reference to Fig. 37 is executed to determine whether the vehicle VC has entered the control region CR, after which step S1550 is executed.

[0322] (Step S1550) In step S1550, control unit 111B causes determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) indicating air conditioners owned by the user from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S1560 is executed.

[0323] (Step S1560) In step S1560, communication terminal 100B performs the determination process described with reference to FIG.

[0324] <Twenty-second embodiment> The communication terminal may acquire information about the outside air temperature without communicating with an air conditioner. In this case, the air temperatures outside the vehicle and the building are acquired by the communication terminal. In the 22nd embodiment, a communication terminal that can acquire information about the outside air temperature without communicating with an air conditioner is described.

[0325] Fig. 43 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of a communication terminal 100C of the 22nd embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100C will be described with reference to Figs. 35 and 43. Reference numerals commonly used between the 15th embodiment and the 22nd embodiment mean that the elements to which the common reference numerals are assigned have the same functions as those in the 15th embodiment. Therefore, the description of the 15th embodiment is applicable to these elements.

[0326] As in the fifteenth embodiment, the communication terminal 100C includes a first acquisition unit 113, a determination unit 112B, a timing unit 114, a communication unit 131, a first storage unit 143, a second storage unit 144, a second acquisition unit 151, a display unit 163, and an input unit 164. The description of the fifteenth embodiment applies to these elements.

[0327] The communication terminal 100C further includes a control unit 111C and a third acquisition unit 152. The control unit 111C corresponds to the CPU 110 described with reference to Fig. 7. The third acquisition unit 152 corresponds to the information acquisition device 150 described with reference to Fig. 7. The third acquisition unit 152 may be a temperature measuring element that measures the temperature outside the vehicle.

[0328] Control unit 111C controls the overall operation of communication terminal 100C. Therefore, determination unit 112B, first acquisition unit 113, timing unit 114, communication unit 131, first storage unit 143, second storage unit 144, second acquisition unit 151, third acquisition unit 152, display unit 163, and input unit 164 perform predetermined operations under the control of control unit 111C.

[0329] The communication terminal 100C performs the same operations as those described in relation to the fifteenth embodiment, except for step S1341 described with reference to Fig. 35. In step S1341, the control unit 111C causes the third acquisition unit 152 to acquire information regarding the temperature outside the vehicle. Thereafter, the communication terminal 100C performs steps S1342 to S1345 using the information acquired by the third acquisition unit 152. Therefore, in step S1341, the communication terminal 100C does not need to communicate with a home appliance.

[0330] <Twenty-third embodiment> The communication terminal may determine the operation mode based on the acquired information about the outside air temperature. In the twenty-third embodiment, a communication terminal that determines the operation mode depending on the outside air temperature will be described.

[0331] Figure 44 is a schematic flow chart showing a procedure for determining an operating mode. With reference to Figures 29, 30, 35, 40 and 44, a method for determining an operating mode will be described.

[0332] (Step S1610) When step S1343 described with reference to FIG. 35 is started, step S1610 is executed. In FIG. 44, the upper limit temperature set by the user is represented by the symbol "UTH." In FIG. 44, the outside air temperature represented by the temperature data acquired in step S1341 described with reference to FIG. 35 is represented by the symbol "THD." In step S1610, determination unit 112B compares the outside air temperature THD with the upper limit temperature UTH. If the outside air temperature THD exceeds the upper limit temperature, step S1620 is executed. Otherwise, step S1630 is executed.

[0333] (Step S1620) In step S1620, communication terminal 100B selects the cooling mode. In this case, communication terminal 100B transmits control data for the cooling mode in step S1242 described with reference to Fig. 40. Operation unit 440 of air conditioning equipment 400A operates in accordance with the control data to adjust the room temperature toward a target temperature that is set lower than the upper limit temperature.

[0334] (Step S1630) In Fig. 44, the lower limit temperature set by the user is represented by the symbol "LTH." In step S1610, the determination unit 112B compares the outside air temperature THD with the lower limit temperature LTH. If the outside air temperature THD is lower than the lower limit temperature, step S1640 is executed. Otherwise, the start condition is not satisfied, and step S1345 shown in Fig. 35 is executed.

[0335] (Step S1640) In step S1640, communications terminal 100B selects the heating mode. In this case, communications terminal 100B transmits control data for the heating mode in step S1242 described with reference to Fig. 40. Operating unit 440 of air conditioning equipment 400A operates in accordance with the control data to adjust the room temperature toward a target temperature that is set higher than the lower limit temperature.

[0336] Figure 45 is a schematic flow chart illustrating another procedure for determining an operating mode. With reference to Figures 29, 30, 35, 40 and 45, a method for determining an operating mode will be described.

[0337] (Step S1650) In step S1650, determination unit 112B determines whether outside air temperature THD is between upper limit temperature UTH and lower limit temperature LTH. If outside air temperature THD is between upper limit temperature UTH and lower limit temperature LTH, the start condition is not satisfied, and step S1345 shown in FIG. 35 is executed. Otherwise, step S1660 is executed.

[0338] (Step S1660) In step S1660, communication terminal 100B selects the automatic mode. In this case, communication terminal 100B transmits control data for the automatic mode in step S1242 described with reference to Fig. 40. Operation unit 440 of air conditioning equipment 400A operates in accordance with the control data to adjust the room temperature toward a target temperature set between the lower limit temperature and the upper limit temperature.

[0339] <Twenty-fourth embodiment> After the control data is transmitted, a plurality of images representing the transmission status of the control data are displayed. The display order of the plurality of images may be predetermined. In the 24th embodiment, a method for determining the display order of the plurality of images is described.

[0340] Figure 46 is a table showing data stored in first storage unit 143. A method for determining the display order of multiple images will be described with reference to Figures 15B, 15C, 30, 38B, 40 and 46.

[0341] FIG. 46 shows that priorities are set for multiple air conditioners owned by a user. The control unit 111B references the priority data and executes the various processes described above in accordance with the priorities. The priorities may be set by the user. Alternatively, the priorities may be set automatically by an application program. The principles of this embodiment are not limited to a specific method for determining the priorities.

[0342] Fig. 38B shows that the air conditioner installed in the living room and the air conditioner installed in the kitchen room have been selected as the devices to be operated. As shown in Fig. 46, a higher priority is assigned to the air conditioner installed in the living room than to the air conditioner installed in the kitchen room. Therefore, the processing loop of steps S1243 to S1248 described with reference to Fig. 40 is executed for the air conditioner installed in the living room, and then for the air conditioner installed in the kitchen room. As a result, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in Fig. 15C after the image shown in Fig. 15B.

[0343] <Twenty-fifth embodiment> The display order of the images may depend on the difference between the temperature set by the user and the measured temperature. In the 25th embodiment, a method for determining the display order of the images from the difference between the temperature set by the user and the measured temperature is described.

[0344] Fig. 47 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method for determining the display order of images from the difference between the temperature set by the user and the measured temperature. A method for determining the display order of multiple images will be described with reference to Figs. 35, 40, 43 and 47.

[0345] (Step S1710) In step S1710, the determination unit 112B determines whether the communication unit 131 has transmitted control data for the cooling mode. The technique for selecting between the cooling mode and the heating mode may be based on the principles of the twenty-third embodiment. If the determination unit 112B determines that the communication unit 131 has transmitted control data for the cooling mode, step S1720 is executed. Otherwise, step S1760 is executed.

[0346] (Step S1720) In step S1720, control unit 111B sets a processing group for the upper limit temperature set for the operation target device from the data of the operation target device read out in step S1241 described with reference to Fig. 40. Thereafter, step S1730 is executed.

[0347] (Step S1730) In step S1730, control unit 111B finds the air conditioner for which the difference between the temperature THD indicated by the temperature data acquired in step S1341 described with reference to Fig. 35 and the upper limit temperature set for the device to be operated is the largest. Then, step S1740 is executed.

[0348] (Step S1740) In step S1740, control unit 111B sets a processing priority for the processing loop of steps S1243 to S1248 shown in Fig. 40. The data of the air conditioner for which the processing priority has been set is removed from the processing group. Then, step S1750 is executed.

[0349] (Step S1750) In step S1750, determination unit 112B determines whether the above-described process has been performed on all of the operation target devices. If the above-described process has been performed on all of the operation target devices, the process ends. Otherwise, step S1720 is executed.

[0350] (Step S1760) In step S1760, control unit 111B sets a processing group of the lower limit temperature set for the operation target device from the data of the operation target device read out in step S1241 described with reference to Fig. 40. Thereafter, step S1770 is executed.

[0351] (Step S1770) In step S1770, control unit 111B finds the air conditioner for which the difference between the temperature THD indicated by the temperature data acquired in step S1341 described with reference to Fig. 35 and the lower limit temperature set for the device to be operated is the largest. Then, step S1780 is executed.

[0352] (Step S1780) In step S1780, control unit 111B sets a processing priority for the processing loop of steps S1243 to S1248 shown in Fig. 40. The data of the air conditioner for which the processing priority has been set is removed from the processing group. Then, step S1790 is executed.

[0353] (Step S1790) In step S1790, determination unit 112B determines whether the above-described process has been performed on all of the operation target devices. If the above-described process has been performed on all of the operation target devices, the process ends. Otherwise, step S1760 is executed.

[0354] As a result of the above processing, the display unit 163 will preferentially display the transmission results of air conditioners for which a large temperature difference has been found.

[0355] <Twenty-sixth embodiment> If the user has not set information regarding the location of the target building, the communication terminal described in relation to the 21st embodiment will suspend processing. If the communication terminal is used with a server device having a function for estimating the location of the building, processing can continue. In this case, the communication terminal can perform various processes using the location of the building estimated by the server device. In the 26th embodiment, an exemplary server device will be described.

[0356] Fig. 48 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of a server device 300B according to the 26th embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the server device 300B will be described with reference to Figs. 36 and 48. Symbols commonly used between the 13th embodiment and the 26th embodiment mean that the elements to which the common symbols are assigned have the same functions as those in the 13th embodiment. Therefore, the description of the 13th embodiment is applicable to these elements.

[0357] The server device 300B includes a communication unit 320 and a notification unit 330. The description of the thirteenth embodiment is applicable to these elements.

[0358] The server device 300B further includes a control unit 310B and an estimation unit 340B. The control unit 310B controls the overall operation of the server device 300B. Therefore, the communication unit 320, the notification unit 330, and the estimation unit 340B perform predetermined operations under the control of the control unit 310B.

[0359] The estimation unit 340B includes a first estimation unit 341 and a second estimation unit 342. The first estimation unit 341 executes the process of step S1363 described with reference to FIG.

[0360] The server device 300B may periodically receive information about the vehicle's location generated by the second acquisition unit 151 of the communication terminal 100B. In this case, the server device 300B can roughly grasp the movement pattern of the vehicle. The second estimation unit 342 can estimate the location of the target building based on the movement pattern of the vehicle.

[0361] If the target building is the user's home, the second estimation unit 342 can estimate that the user's home is located near a location where the vehicle is often parked for a long time. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific estimation method used by the second estimation unit 342.

[0362] <Twenty-seventh embodiment> In the online recommendation determination process, location information of a building estimated by a server device may be used. In the 27th embodiment, an online recommendation determination process using location information of a building estimated by a server device will be described.

[0363] Fig. 49 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process, which will be described with reference to Figs. 11, 12, 25, 30, 31, 35 to 37, 48, and 49.

[0364] (Step S1805) In step S1805, the determination unit 112B of the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not this is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control region CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control region CR is set, step S1810 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1815 is executed.

[0365] (Step S1810) In step S1810, the determination unit 112B determines whether a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the online recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the online recommendation process, step S1815 is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0366] (Step S1815) In step S1815, control unit 111B causes determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) indicating air conditioners owned by the user from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S1820 is executed.

[0367] (Step S1820) In step S1820, communication terminal 100B performs the determination process described with reference to Fig. 35. Thereafter, step S1825 is executed.

[0368] (Step S1825) In step S1825, determination unit 112B determines whether the result of the determination process in step S1820 indicates the presence of a first candidate device. If the result of the determination process indicates the presence of a first candidate device, step S1830 is executed. Otherwise, communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0369] (Step S1830) In step S1830, server device 300B performs the estimation process described with reference to Fig. 36. After the estimation process, step S1835 is executed.

[0370] (Step S1835) In step S1835, determination unit 112B determines whether the destination of vehicle VC is the target building HM. If determination unit 112B determines that the destination of vehicle VC is the target building HM, step S1840 is executed. Otherwise, communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0371] (Step S1840) In step S1840, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads data related to building HM from second storage unit 144. If the user has performed the settings described with reference to Figures 12 and 25, step S1845 is executed. Otherwise, step S1850 is executed.

[0372] (Step S1845) In step S1845, the series of processes described with reference to FIG. 37 are executed.

[0373] (Step S1850) In step S1850, communication terminal 100B cooperates with server device 300B to perform estimation processing relating to the position of vehicle VC.

[0374] Fig. 50 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1850 described with reference to Fig. 49. The process in step S1850 will be further described with reference to Figs. 30, 33, 48 to 50.

[0375] (Step S1851) In step S1851, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B requests second acquisition unit 151 to generate location information related to the vehicle's location. Communication terminal 100B treats the vehicle's location indicated by the location information acquired in step S1851 as a reference location. In FIG. 50, the reference location is represented by the symbol "P1." After the location information related to the vehicle's location is generated, step S1852 is executed.

[0376] (Step S1852) In step S1852, control unit 310B of communication terminal 100B causes communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B to transmit location information regarding the vehicle's location. The location information regarding the vehicle's location is transmitted from communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B to communication unit 320 of server device 300B. Then, step S1853 is executed.

[0377] (Step S1853) In step S1853, the communication terminal 100B executes a standby process. The standby time may be constant. Alternatively, the standby time may be changed depending on the speed of the vehicle. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by the standby time. After the standby time has elapsed, step S1854 is executed.

[0378] (Step S1854) In step S1854, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B again requests second acquisition unit 151 to generate location information related to the vehicle's location. Communication terminal 100B treats the vehicle's location indicated by the location information acquired in step S1854 as a determined location. In FIG. 50, the determined location is represented by the symbol "P2." After the location information related to the vehicle's location is generated, step S1855 is executed.

[0379] (Step S1855) In step S1855, control unit 310B of communication terminal 100B causes communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B to transmit location information regarding the vehicle's location. The location information regarding the vehicle's location is transmitted from communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B to communication unit 320 of server device 300B. Then, step S1856 is executed.

[0380] (Step S1856) In step S1856, control unit 310B of server device 300B requests the estimated position "PE" of the building from second estimation unit 342. If the difference between vehicle position "P1" and the estimated position "PE" of the building is greater than the radius "R" of the control area, and if the difference between vehicle position "P2" and the estimated position "PE" of the building is less than the radius "R" of the control area, step S1857 is executed. Otherwise, step S1858 is executed.

[0381] (Step S1857) In step S1857, control unit 310B of server device 300B causes notification unit 330 to generate a notification signal notifying that the vehicle has entered the control area. The notification signal is transmitted from communication unit 320 of server device 300B to communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B. Control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B determines to continue the processing in response to the notification signal. Therefore, after step S1857, step S1220 described with reference to FIG. 33 is executed.

[0382] (Step S1858) In step S1858, the determination unit 112B determines to treat the determination position P2 as the reference position P1, and then step S1853 is executed.

[0383] <Twenty-eighth embodiment> In the on-recommendation determination process described in relation to the 27th embodiment, the determination process for the air conditioner is performed before the determination process for the vehicle position. Alternatively, the determination process for the air conditioner may be performed after the determination process for the vehicle position. In the 28th embodiment, another on-recommendation determination process is described.

[0384] Fig. 51 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process, which will be described with reference to Figs. 11, 12, 25, 30, 31, 35 to 37, and 49 to 51.

[0385] (Step S1910) In step S1910, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not this is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control region CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control region CR is set, step S1920 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1930 is executed.

[0386] (Step S1920) In step S1920, determination unit 112B determines whether a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of online recommendation processing. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of online recommendation processing, step S1930 is executed. Otherwise, communication terminal 100B ends the processing.

[0387] (Step S1930) In step S1930, server device 300B performs the estimation process described with reference to Fig. 36. After the estimation process, step S1940 is executed.

[0388] (Step S1940) In step S1940, determination unit 112B determines whether the destination of vehicle VC is the target building HM. If determination unit 112B determines that the destination of vehicle VC is the target building HM, step S1950 is executed. Otherwise, communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0389] (Step S1950) In step S1950, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads data related to building HM from second storage unit 144. If the user has performed the settings described with reference to Figures 12 and 25, step S1960 is executed. Otherwise, step S1970 is executed.

[0390] (Step S1960) In step S1960, the series of processes described with reference to Figure 37 are executed, followed by step S1980.

[0391] (Step S1970) In step S1970, communication terminal 100B cooperates with server device 300B to perform the estimation process described with reference to Fig. 50. Thereafter, step S1980 is executed.

[0392] (Step S1980) In step S1980, control unit 111B causes determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) representing air conditioners owned by the user from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S1990 is executed.

[0393] (Step S1990) In step S1990, communication terminal 100B performs the determination process described with reference to FIG.

[0394] <Twenty-ninth embodiment> As a result of the on-recommendation determination process described in relation to the 17th embodiment, an air conditioning device to be treated as the first candidate device is found. If, as a result of the on-recommendation determination process, there is no air conditioning device to be treated as the first candidate device, subsequent processing is not required. In the 29th embodiment, an on-recommendation process is described that determines whether or not an image display determination process is required depending on the result of the on-recommendation determination process.

[0395] Fig. 52 is a schematic flowchart showing an exemplary operation of the communication terminal 100B. The exemplary operation of the communication terminal 100B will be described with reference to Fig. 52. Step numbers used in common between the 16th embodiment and the 29th embodiment mean that the processing to which the common step number is assigned is the same as that in the 16th embodiment. Therefore, the description of the 16th embodiment is applied to these steps.

[0396] (Step S1210) In step S1210, the communication terminal 100B executes an on-recommendation determination process. As described in relation to the seventeenth embodiment, as a result of the on-recommendation determination process, the communication terminal 100B can find an air conditioner that is treated as a first candidate device. After the on-recommendation determination process, step S1215 is executed.

[0397] (Step S1215) In step S1215, the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not there is an air conditioning device that can be treated as a first candidate device. If there is no air conditioning device that can be treated as a first candidate device, the communication terminal 100B ends the on-recommendation process. In other cases, step S1220 is executed. The process from step S1220 onwards is the same as in the sixteenth embodiment.

[0398] Thirty Embodiment The principles of the various embodiments described above enable a user to activate an air conditioner in a building before arriving at the destination building, thereby creating a comfortable environment for the user. The user may realize that the air conditioner in the building is still running after leaving the destination building. The remote control technology described in the various embodiments above (an equipment control system for remotely controlling multiple air conditioners installed in a building from a vehicle via a network, a terminal device used in the equipment control system, a program executed by the terminal device, and a recommendation method) can also be applied to turning off the air conditioner in the building after the user leaves the destination building. In a thirtieth embodiment, a user's operation in an off recommendation process for turning off the air conditioner in the building after the user leaves the destination building is described.

[0399] Figures 53A and 53B show exemplary images displayed on display unit 163 of communication terminal 100B. User operations in the off-recommendation process will be described with reference to Figures 8E, 30, 53A, and 53B.

[0400] When the user performs a predetermined operation on the image displayed on the display unit 163 in accordance with the operation method described in relation to the third embodiment, the display unit 163 can display the image shown in Fig. 8E. Thereafter, when the user presses the icon button IB15, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in Fig. 53A or 53B.

[0401] The image shown in Fig. 53A includes two icon buttons IB47 and IB48. When the user presses icon button IB47, the target air conditioning equipment can be set as an operation candidate equipment that will undergo the off recommendation process. When the user presses icon button IB48, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in Fig. 8E again.

[0402] The image shown in FIG. 53B includes three icon buttons IB49, IB50, and IB51. When the user presses icon button IB49, the target air conditioning equipment can be set as an operation candidate equipment that will undergo the off recommendation process. When the user presses icon button IB50, the setting as an operation candidate equipment can be canceled. When the user presses icon button IB51, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 8E again.

[0403] Figure 54 is a table showing exemplary data generated by operations on the images shown in Figures 53 A and 53 B. With reference to Figures 30 and 53 A-54, the data generated by operations on the images shown in Figures 53 A and 53 B will be described.

[0404] As a result of operations on the images shown in Fig. 53A and Fig. 53B, the data shown in Fig. 54 is stored in the first storage unit 143. When the user presses icon buttons IB47 and IB49, the settings as operation candidate devices are validated. When the user presses icon button IB50, the settings as operation candidate devices are invalidated. Fig. 54 indicates that the settings as operation candidate devices for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, children's room (1), and children's room (2) are valid. Fig. 54 indicates that the setting as operation candidate device for the air conditioner installed in the bedroom is invalid. In this embodiment, the setting information is exemplified by the data shown in Fig. 54.

[0405] Fig. 55 is a table showing data of the operation target device to which control data for stopping operation is sent. The off-recommendation process will be described with reference to Figs. 30, 54 and 55.

[0406] The communication terminal 100B performs off-recommendation processing to select an operation target device from the multiple air conditioners set as operation candidate devices. Figure 55 shows that, as a result of the off-recommendation processing, the air conditioners installed in the living room and children's room (1) are selected as operation target devices from the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, children's room (1), and children's room (2).

[0407] 56 is an exemplary image displayed on the display unit 163 of the communication terminal 100B performing the off-recommendation process. The off-recommendation process will be further described with reference to FIGS.

[0408] After the device to be operated is determined, the communication terminal 100B displays the image shown in FIG. 56 on the display unit 163. The image shown in FIG. 56 includes two icon buttons IB52 and IB53. When the user presses the icon button IB52, the communication terminal 100B ends the off recommendation process without transmitting control data. When the user presses the icon button IB53, control data is transmitted to each of the air conditioners installed in the living room and the children's room (1). As a result, the air conditioners installed in the living room and the children's room (1) can stop operating. In this embodiment, the start instruction image is exemplified by the image shown in FIG. 56. The instruction image area is exemplified by the icon button IB53.

[0409] Figures 57A and 57B are exemplary images displayed by display unit 163 after transmission of control data. The off-recommendation process will be further described with reference to Figures 30, 54, 57A and 57B.

[0410] Setting the display order of images after transmission of control data may be based on the principle described in connection with the 24th embodiment. FIG. 54 shows priorities assigned to multiple air conditioners in the off-recommendation process. A higher priority is assigned to the air conditioner installed in the living room than to the air conditioner installed in the child's room (1). Therefore, the display unit 163 displays the result of transmission of control data to the air conditioner installed in the living room, followed by the result of transmission of control data to the air conditioner installed in the child's room (1). The priorities may be set by the user. Alternatively, the priorities may be automatically set by an application program. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific method for determining priorities. In this embodiment, the first target device is exemplified by the air conditioner installed in the living room. The second target device is exemplified by the air conditioner installed in the child's room (1). The first notification image is exemplified by the image shown in FIG. 57A. The second notification image is exemplified by the image shown in FIG. 57B.

[0411] The image shown in Fig. 57A includes two icon buttons IB54 and IB55. When the user presses icon button IB54, display unit 163 displays the image shown in Fig. 57B. When the user presses icon button IB55, display unit 163 displays detailed operating status of the air conditioner installed in the living room.

[0412] The image shown in Fig. 57B includes two icon buttons IB56 and IB57. When the user presses icon button IB56, the user's operation in the off-recommendation process ends. When the user presses icon button IB57, display unit 163 displays detailed operating status of the air conditioner installed in child's room (1).

[0413] Thirty-first embodiment Similar to the on-recommendation process, the user performs a setting process for setting operation candidate devices for each of a plurality of air conditioning devices for the off-recommendation process. In the 31st embodiment, the setting process for setting operation candidate devices will be described.

[0414] Fig. 58 is a schematic flowchart showing a setting process for setting operation candidate devices. The setting process for setting operation candidate devices will be described with reference to Fig. 8E, Fig. 9, Fig. 30, Fig. 53A to Fig. 54, and Fig. 58.

[0415] (Step S2010) When step S270 described with reference to Fig. 9 is executed, the process of step S2010 starts. In step S2010, display unit 163 displays the image shown in Fig. 53A or 53B. Thereafter, step S2020 is executed.

[0416] (Step S2020) In step S2020, determination unit 112B determines whether the user has operated input unit 164 and pressed icon button IB48. If determination unit 112B determines that the user has operated input unit 164 and pressed icon button IB48, step S2030 is executed. Otherwise, step S2040 is executed.

[0417] (Step S2030) In step S2030, display unit 163 displays the image shown in Fig. 8E, after which the processing described with reference to Fig. 9 is executed.

[0418] (Step S2040) In step S2040, the determination unit 112B determines whether the user has operated the input unit 164 and pressed one of the icon buttons IB47, IB49, and IB50. If the determination unit 112B determines that the user has operated the input unit 164 and pressed one of the icon buttons IB47, IB49, and IB50, step S2050 is executed. Otherwise, step S2010 is executed.

[0419] (Step S2050) In step S2050, control unit 111B updates the data (see FIG. 54) stored in first storage unit 143 in response to a user operation, and then step S2010 is executed.

[0420] Thirty-second embodiment The communication terminal described in relation to the 30th embodiment displays an image only once to ask the user whether or not to execute a remote operation. If the communication terminal asks the user to confirm multiple times whether or not to execute a remote operation, remote operation against the user's will is less likely to occur. In the 32nd embodiment, a communication terminal is described that asks the user to confirm multiple times whether or not to execute a remote operation.

[0421] Figures 59A to 59D show exemplary images that communication terminal 100B presents to the user. Communication terminal 100B will be described with reference to Figures 30, 57A, 57B, and 59A to 59D.

[0422] As in the 30th embodiment, the communication terminal 100B presents the image shown in Fig. 59A to the user. When the user presses the icon button IB53, the communication terminal 100B presents the image shown in Fig. 59B to the user.

[0423] The image shown in FIG. 59B includes two icon buttons IB58 and IB59. When the user presses icon button IB58, communication terminal 100B transmits control data. When the user presses icon button IB59, communication terminal 100B suspends processing. Control data is transmitted only when the user presses icon button IB53 in the image shown in FIG. 59A and then presses icon button IB58 in the image shown in FIG. 59B. Therefore, remote control against the user's will is less likely to occur. In this embodiment, the start instruction image is exemplified by the images shown in FIGS. 59A and 59B. The instruction image area is exemplified by icon buttons IB53 and IB58.

[0424] When the communications terminal 100B receives notification data from the air conditioner indicating receipt of the control data, the communications terminal 100B presents the image shown in Fig. 59C to the user. Fig. 59C includes an icon button IB60. The icon button IB60 corresponds to the icon button IB55 shown in Fig. 57A and the icon button IB57 described with reference to Fig. 57B.

[0425] When the user presses icon button IB60, communication terminal 100B presents the user with the image shown in Fig. 59D. Even if the user does not press icon button IB60, communication terminal 100B presents the user with the image shown in Fig. 59D after a predetermined period has elapsed since the display of the image shown in Fig. 59C. Therefore, the user can check the operating status of the target air conditioner.

[0426] Thirty-third embodiment As described in relation to the 30th embodiment, the off-recommendation process is executed to stop the air conditioning equipment in the building. Therefore, it is preferable that the off-recommendation process be executed early. In the 33rd embodiment, the off-recommendation process that is executed early will be described.

[0427] Fig. 60 is a schematic flowchart showing the start processing of the off-recommendation processing. The start processing of the off-recommendation processing will be described with reference to Fig. 30, Fig. 56, Fig. 59A, and Fig. 60.

[0428] (Step S2110) Step S2110 is executed until communication terminal 100B receives power supply from the vehicle. When communication terminal 100B receives power supply from the vehicle, step S2120 is executed.

[0429] (Step S2120) In step S2120, timing unit 114 starts timing. In Fig. 60, the length of time measured by timing unit 114 is represented by the symbol "TC." Information regarding the length of time TC is output from timing unit 114 to determination unit 112B. After the information regarding the length of time TC is output from timing unit 114 to determination unit 112B, step S2130 is executed.

[0430] (Step S2130) In step S2130, determination unit 112B compares the time length TC represented by the information received from timer unit 114 with a predetermined threshold period TP. The comparison result is output from determination unit 112B to control unit 11B. If the comparison result indicates that the time length TC is less than the threshold period TP, step S2140 is executed. Otherwise, the process ends.

[0431] (Step S2140) In step S2140, the comparison result indicating that the time length TC is less than the threshold period TP is output from the determination unit 112B to the control unit 111B. The control unit 111B, which has received the comparison result, decides to execute the off-recommendation process. As a result of the off-recommendation process, the user can stop the operation of the air conditioning equipment installed in the building from the vehicle. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is exemplified by the threshold period TP. The status information is exemplified by the comparison result.

[0432] In the off-recommendation processing, the image shown in FIG. 56 or 59A is displayed. If the user does not press the icon button IB53 for a first predetermined period, step S2140 may be terminated. In this case, the image shown in FIG. 56 or 59A may be erased from the display unit 163. The display unit 163 may display a map showing the vehicle's traveling position instead of the image shown in FIG. 56 or 59A. In this case, based on the control principle described in connection with the fifteenth embodiment, it is preferable that the application program be designed so that the off-recommendation processing is not executed for a second predetermined period from the display time of the image shown in FIG. 56 or 59A. In this embodiment, the first elapsed period is exemplified by the first predetermined period. The second elapsed period is exemplified by the second predetermined period.

[0433] Fig. 61 is a schematic flowchart showing step S2140 (off-recommendation processing) described with reference to Fig. 60. An exemplary operation of the off-recommendation processing will be described with reference to Figs. 30, 54, 56, 59A, 60, and 61.

[0434] (Step S2210) In step S2210, communication terminal 100B executes an off-recommendation determination process. In the off-recommendation determination process, a confirmation process is executed for the settings of operation candidate devices and the vehicle position, which has been described with reference to Fig. 54. After the off-recommendation determination process, step S2220 is executed.

[0435] (Step S2220) In step S2220, communication terminal 100B executes image display determination processing. The image display determination processing is used to determine whether or not the image shown in Fig. 56 or 59A is displayed. After the image display determination processing, step S2230 is executed.

[0436] (Step S2230) In step S2230, if the image shown in Figure 56 or 59A is displayed, step S2240 is executed. Otherwise, communication terminal 100B ends the process.

[0437] (Step S2240) In step S2240, communication terminal 100B starts the remote control process, which allows the user to stop the operation of the air conditioner from the car.

[0438] Thirty-fourth embodiment In the off-recommendation determination process described in relation to the 33rd embodiment, the communication device executes various processes in cooperation with the server device. In the 34th embodiment, the off-recommendation determination process will be described.

[0439] 62 is a schematic flowchart showing the off-recommendation determination process, which will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0440] (Step S2310) In step S2310, control unit 111B causes determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 54) indicating air conditioners owned by the user from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S2320 is executed.

[0441] (Step S2320) In step S2320, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not an operation candidate device exists. If the user has not set an operation candidate device for any of the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, bedroom, children's room (1), and children's room (2) using the image described with reference to FIG. 53A or FIG. 53B, the determination unit 112B determines that no operation candidate device exists. Alternatively, if the user has pressed the icon button IB50 described with reference to FIG. 53B and canceled the setting of the operation candidate device for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, bedroom, children's room (1), and children's room (2), the determination unit 112B determines that no operation candidate device exists. In these cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the processing. In other cases, step S2330 is executed. In this embodiment, the first determination step is exemplified by step S2320.

[0442] (Step S2380) In step S2380, processing is performed to determine the location of the vehicle VC relative to the location of the building.

[0443] Fig. 63 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S2330 described with reference to Fig. 62. The off-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to Figs.

[0444] (Step S2331) In step S2331, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads location information regarding the location of the target building from second storage unit 144. In FIG. 63, the location of the building is represented by the symbol "PB." After the location information regarding the location of the target building is read, step S2332 is executed. In this embodiment, the second determination step is exemplified by step S2231. The second location information is exemplified by location information regarding the location of the building.

[0445] (Step S2332) In step S2332, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B requests second acquisition unit 151 to generate location information related to the vehicle's location. In FIG. 63, the vehicle's location is represented by the symbol "PC." After the location information related to the vehicle's location is generated, step S2333 is executed. In this embodiment, the second determination step is exemplified by step S2232. The first location information is exemplified by the location information related to the vehicle's location.

[0446] (Step S2333) In step S2333, the determination unit 112B of the communication terminal 100B determines whether the distance between the vehicle position "PC" and the building position "PB" is below a predetermined distance threshold. If the distance threshold is greater than the distance between the vehicle position "PC" and the building position "PB", step S2334 is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal 100B terminates the off-recommendation process. In this embodiment, the control area is exemplified by the area defined by the distance threshold. The second determination step is exemplified by step S2333.

[0447] (Step S2334) In step S2334, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B decides to continue the process. Therefore, after step S2334, step S2220 described with reference to FIG.

[0448] <Thirty-fifth embodiment> In the image display determination process described in relation to the 33rd embodiment, it is determined whether or not an image prompting the user to decide whether to execute remote control is to be displayed. In the 35th embodiment, the image display determination process will be described.

[0449] Fig. 64 is a schematic flowchart of the image display determination process, which is executed with reference to Figs. 28 to 30, 54, 56, 59A, 61, and 64.

[0450] (Step S2221) In step S2221, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads out the data shown in Fig. 54 from first storage unit 143. Thereafter, step S2222 is executed.

[0451] (Step S2222) In step S2222, the control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting operation data. The control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B to output the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A receives the request signal, the control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the operation data generation unit 450 to generate operation data. The control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to transmit the operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B via the server device 300A. Then, step S2223 is executed.

[0452] (Step S2223) In step S2223, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to determine whether the air conditioning equipment 400A to be processed is in operation based on the operation data. If the determination unit 112B determines that the air conditioning equipment 400A to be processed is in operation, step S2224 is executed. Otherwise, step S2225 is executed. In this embodiment, the first determination step is exemplified by step S2223.

[0453] (Step S2224) In step S2224, the determination unit 112B determines to treat the air conditioning equipment 400A to be processed as a processing candidate equipment to be subjected to further processing. Then, step S2225 is executed. In this embodiment, the first determination step is exemplified by step S2224.

[0454] (Step S2225) In step S2225, the determination unit 112B determines whether the above-mentioned processing has been completed for all air conditioning equipment 400A in the data shown in Fig. 54. If the above-mentioned processing has been completed for all air conditioning equipment 400A in the data shown in Fig. 54, step S2226 is executed. Otherwise, step S2222 is executed. If the air conditioning equipment shown in Fig. 38A has been selected as the first candidate equipment, and if the above-mentioned processing has been completed for the air conditioning equipment installed in the living room, kitchen room, and children's room (2), step S2226 is executed.

[0455] (Step S2226) In step S2226, the determination unit 112B determines whether the air conditioning equipment selected as the candidate devices for processing includes an air conditioning equipment set by the user as an operation candidate device. If the air conditioning equipment selected as the candidate devices for processing includes the air conditioning equipment 400A set by the user as an operation candidate device, the determination unit 112B temporarily stores the air conditioning equipment selected as the candidate devices for processing and set by the user as an operation candidate device in the first storage unit 143. Then, step S2227 is executed. In other cases, the control unit 111B interrupts processing.

[0456] (Step S2227) In step S2227, control unit 111B causes display unit 163 to display the image shown in Fig. 56 or 59A. Then, step S2230 described with reference to Fig. 61 is executed. In the present embodiment, the first display step is exemplified by step S2227.

[0457] <Thirty-sixth embodiment> In the image display determination process described in relation to the 35th embodiment, if the communication terminal can determine the device to be operated, a process for remotely operating the device to be operated is executed. In the 36th embodiment, a process for remotely operating the device to be operated is described.

[0458] Figure 65 is a schematic flowchart of the processing performed in step S2240 described with reference to Figure 61. The processing performed in step S2240 is performed with reference to Figures 28 to 30, 56 to 57B, 59A, 61 and 65.

[0459] (Step S2241) In step S2241, if the user presses icon button IB53, the control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B reads out all data of the air conditioning equipment 400A selected as the equipment to be operated from the first storage unit 143. The data read out from the first storage unit 143 may include setting data that defines the operation of the air conditioning equipment 400A selected as the equipment to be operated. After the control unit 111B has read out all data of the air conditioning equipment 400A selected as the equipment to be operated, step S2242 is executed.

[0460] (Step S2242) In step S2242, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the read setting data as control data. The control data is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A receives the control data, the operation unit 440 of the air conditioning equipment 400A stops in accordance with the control data. The notification unit 460 of the air conditioning equipment 400A generates notification data indicating that the control data has been received. The control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to transmit the notification data. The notification data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. Then, step S2243 is executed. In this embodiment, the output step is exemplified by step S2242.

[0461] (Step S2243) In step S2243, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B causes display unit 163 to display an image (see FIGS. 57A and 57B) indicating the communication result of the control data in response to the notification data. Then, step S2244 is executed. In the present embodiment, the second display step is exemplified by step S2243. The plurality of notification images are exemplified by the images shown in FIGS. 57A and 57B.

[0462] (Step S2244) In step S2244, communication terminal 100B determines whether the user has requested operational data. If the user has requested operational data (if the user has pressed icon buttons IB55 and IB57 (see FIGS. 57A and 57B)), step S2245 is executed. Otherwise, step S2247 is executed.

[0463] (Step S2245) In step S2245, the control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting operation data. The control unit 111B of the communications terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B to transmit the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A via the server device 300A. The control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the operation data generation unit 450 to generate operation data in response to the request signal. The control unit 410 of the air conditioning equipment 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to transmit the operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning equipment 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communications terminal 100B via the server device 300A. Then, step S2246 is executed. In the present embodiment, the acquisition step is exemplified by step S2245.

[0464] (Step S2246) In step S2246, control unit 111B causes the operation status represented by the operation data to be displayed on display unit 163. Thereafter, step S2247 is executed. In the present embodiment, the second display step is exemplified by step S2246.

[0465] (Step S2247) Determination unit 112B of communication terminal 100B determines whether the above-mentioned process has been performed on all of the devices to be operated.

[0466] <Thirty-seventh embodiment> If the user has not set the location of the building, the communication terminal may terminate the off-recommendation process. In the 37th embodiment, an off-recommendation determination process that is terminated if the user has not set the location of the building will be described.

[0467] 66 is a schematic flowchart showing the off-recommendation determination process. The off-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 66. Step numbers commonly used between the 34th embodiment and the 37th embodiment mean that the process having the common step number is the same as that of the 34th embodiment. Therefore, the description of the 34th embodiment is applied to these steps.

[0468] As in the thirty-fourth embodiment, the off-recommendation determination process includes steps S2310, S2320, and S2330. The present invention is applied to these steps.

[0469] (Step S2325) Step S2325 is executed between step S2320 and step S2330. In step S2320, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B reads location information regarding the location of the target building from second storage unit 144. If control unit 111B fails to read the location information, the off-recommendation process ends. Otherwise, step S2330 is executed.

[0470] <Thirty-eighth embodiment> If the user has not set the location of the building, the off-recommendation process may be continued using the estimated location of the building using the server device described in relation to the 26th embodiment. In the 38th embodiment, an off-recommendation determination process using the estimated location of the building will be described.

[0471] 67 is a schematic flowchart showing the off-recommendation determination process. The off-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 67. Step numbers commonly used between the 37th embodiment and the 38th embodiment mean that the process having the common step number is the same as that of the 37th embodiment. Therefore, the description of the 37th embodiment is applied to these steps.

[0472] As in the thirty-seventh embodiment, the off-recommendation determination process includes steps S2310, S2320, S2330, and S2325. The present invention is applied to these steps.

[0473] (Step S2340) If control unit 111B fails to read out the position information in step S2325, step S2340 is executed. In step S2340, an estimation process is executed to estimate the position of the building.

[0474] Fig. 68 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S2340 described with reference to Fig. 67. The off-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to Figs. 30, 48, 61, 67, and 68.

[0475] (Step S2341) In step S2341, control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B requests second acquisition unit 151 to generate location information related to the vehicle's location. In Fig. 68, the vehicle's location is represented by the symbol "PC." After the location information related to the vehicle's location is generated, step S2342 is executed.

[0476] (Step S2342) In step S2342, control unit 310B of communication terminal 100B causes communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B to transmit location information regarding the vehicle's location. The location information regarding the vehicle's location is transmitted from communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B to communication unit 320 of server device 300B. Thereafter, step S2343 is executed.

[0477] (Step S2343) In step S2343, the control unit 310B of the server device 300B requests the estimated position "PE" of the building from the second estimation unit 342. If the predetermined distance threshold is greater than the distance between the vehicle position "PC" and the estimated position "PE" of the building, step S2343 is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal 100B ends the off-recommendation process.

[0478] (Step S2344) In step S2344, control unit 310B of server device 300B causes notification unit 330 to generate a notification signal notifying that the distance threshold exceeds the distance between vehicle position "PC" and estimated building position "PE". The notification signal is transmitted from communication unit 320 of server device 300B to communication unit 131 of communication terminal 100B. Control unit 111B of communication terminal 100B determines to continue processing in response to the notification signal. Therefore, after step S2344, step S2220 described with reference to FIG. 61 is executed.

[0479] A control method for a terminal device according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is applied to a terminal device used in an equipment control system for remotely controlling a plurality of air conditioning devices installed in a building from a vehicle via a network. The control method includes a first determination step of, when status information indicating that a predetermined period has not yet elapsed since the time when power supply to the terminal device was started is input to a computer of the terminal device, causing the computer to determine whether or not setting information stored in a memory of the terminal device includes a plurality of operation target devices to be remotely controlled by the plurality of air conditioning devices; a second determination step of, if the computer determines that the plurality of air conditioning devices include the plurality of operation target devices, causing the computer to determine whether or not the vehicle is present within a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building; If it is determined that the device is present within a control area, the method comprises a first display step of displaying a start instruction image on the display of the terminal device to instruct the device to start the remote operation; an output step of causing the computer to output control data to the network to start the remote operation of the multiple target devices if an instruction image area commonly used for the multiple target devices to instruct the device to start the remote operation; and a second display step of displaying on the display multiple notification images indicating that the control data has been sent to the multiple target devices.

[0480] According to the above configuration, the user can easily instruct multiple target devices to start remote operation by operating the instruction image area on the start instruction image. After that, the display shows multiple notification images, so the user can visually confirm whether the instruction to start remote operation has been properly transmitted to the target devices.

[0481] In the above configuration, the second determining step may include causing the computer to obtain first location information relating to a current location of the vehicle and second location information representing a location of the building.

[0482] According to the above configuration, the computer can appropriately determine whether the vehicle is within the control area based on the first location information and the second location information. Therefore, the user will not request remote control of multiple target devices from a location that is excessively far from the building. Therefore, unnecessary operation of the target devices is less likely to occur.

[0483] In the above configuration, the first display step may include causing a timer of the terminal device to measure a first elapsed period from an execution time of the first display step, and if the instruction image area is not operated during the first elapsed period, causing the timer to measure a second elapsed period. The first display step may not be executed again during the second elapsed period.

[0484] According to the above configuration, the display does not frequently display the start instruction image, and therefore the user does not unnecessarily request remote control of a plurality of operation target devices.

[0485] In the above configuration, the control method may further include an acquisition step of causing the computer to acquire information representing an operating state of each of the plurality of operation target devices after receiving the control data, and the second display step may include displaying the information representing the operating state of each of the plurality of operation target devices after receiving the control data.

[0486] According to the above configuration, the user can visually check whether the plurality of operation target devices are operating appropriately.

[0487] In the above configuration, the plurality of operation target devices may include a first target device and a second target device. The plurality of notification images may include a first notification image created for the first target device and a second notification image created for the second target device. The setting information may predetermine that the first notification image is displayed before the second notification image. The second display step may cause the display to display the first notification image before the second notification image.

[0488] According to the above configuration, the display can provide the user with information on the device to be operated first in a predetermined order.

[0489] A program according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment is executed by a terminal device used in an equipment control system that remotely controls multiple air conditioning devices installed in a building from a vehicle via a network. When status information indicating that a predetermined period of time has not yet elapsed since the time when power supply to the terminal device was started is input to a computer of the terminal device, the program causes the computer to determine whether the setting information stored in the memory of the terminal device includes multiple operation target devices that are to be remotely controlled by the multiple air conditioning devices. If the computer determines that the multiple air conditioning devices include the multiple operation target devices, the program causes the computer to determine whether the vehicle is located within a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building. If the computer determines that the vehicle is located within the control area, the program causes the display of the terminal device to display a start instruction image for instructing the user to start the remote control. If an instruction image area commonly used for the plurality of target devices to instruct the start of the remote operation is operated on the start instruction image, the program causes the computer to output control data for starting the remote operation of the plurality of target devices to the network, and causes the display to display a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been sent to the plurality of target devices.

[0490] According to the above configuration, the user can easily instruct multiple target devices to start remote operation by operating the instruction image area on the start instruction image. After that, the display shows multiple notification images, so the user can visually confirm whether the instruction to start remote operation has been properly transmitted to each of the target devices.

[0491] According to another aspect of the above-described embodiment, a recommendation method is implemented by an equipment control system that remotely controls a plurality of air conditioning devices installed in a building from a vehicle via a network. The recommendation method includes the steps of: determining, using a memory that stores setting information identifying the plurality of air conditioning devices, whether the plurality of air conditioning devices include a plurality of remotely controlled target devices; if it is determined that the plurality of air conditioning devices include the remotely controlled target devices, determining whether the vehicle is located within a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building; if it is determined that the vehicle is located within the control area, displaying a start instruction image for instructing the start of the remote operation; if an instruction image area commonly used for the plurality of target devices to instruct the start of the remote operation is operated on the start instruction image, outputting control data for starting the remote operation of the plurality of target devices to the network; and displaying a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been sent to the plurality of target devices.

[0492] According to the above configuration, the user can easily instruct multiple target devices to start remote operation by operating the instruction image area on the start instruction image. After that, the display shows multiple notification images, so the user can visually confirm whether the instruction to start remote operation has been properly transmitted to the target devices.

[0493] The principles of the various embodiments described above may be combined to suit the need for control of multiple devices. [Industrial Applicability]

[0494] The principles of the above-described embodiments are suitably used for controlling air conditioners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0495] 100~100C·····················Communication terminal 110···········································CPU 111, 111B, 111C Control unit 112,112B····································································• 113 1st Acquisition Department 114..Timekeeping section 140 Memory 141 1st storage area 142 2nd storage area 143 1st memory section 144 2nd memory section 160·························Touch panel display 161························Display 200 Control System 400A·········································· Air conditioning equipment AC1~AC4···································· Air conditioning equipment CR·············································Control area HM·························Building NI1, NI2 Notification image NTW Network OIM·····························Operation image OPR······································Operation area VC························Vehicle

Claims

1. A control method used in a device that remotely controls multiple air conditioning devices installed in a building via a network, comprising: The device has a memory that stores setting information and a set temperature. the setting information indicates a plurality of candidate operation devices to be remotely operated among the plurality of air conditioning devices, The control method includes: (i) a first determination step of causing a computer of the device to determine whether or not a condition indicating a predetermined relationship between an outside air temperature and the set temperature is satisfied for each of the plurality of operation candidate devices; (ii) a second determination step of causing the computer to determine whether or not a user of the plurality of air conditioning devices has entered a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building; (iii) an output step of causing the computer to output, to the network, control data that is an instruction to start operation of the at least one operation target device, if the computer determines that the plurality of operation candidate devices includes at least one operation target device that satisfies the condition and determines that the user has entered the control area; (iv) a first display step of displaying, on a display of the device, a start instruction image including an instruction image area for giving the remote operation instruction to all of the at least one operation target device collectively, when the computer determines that the plurality of operation candidate devices includes at least one operation target device that satisfies the condition and determines that the user has entered the control area; In the output step, A control method that causes the computer to output the control data to the network when the instruction image area on the start instruction image is operated.

2. A control method used in a device that remotely controls multiple air conditioning devices installed in a building via a network, comprising: The device has a memory that stores setting information and a set temperature. the setting information indicates a plurality of candidate operation devices to be remotely operated among the plurality of air conditioning devices, The control method includes: (i) a first determination step of causing a computer of the device to determine whether or not a condition indicating a predetermined relationship between an outside air temperature and the set temperature is satisfied for each of the plurality of operation candidate devices; (ii) a second determination step of causing the computer to determine whether or not a user of the plurality of air conditioning devices has entered a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building; (iii) an output step of causing the computer to output, to the network, control data that is an instruction to start operation of the at least one operation target device, if the computer determines that the plurality of operation candidate devices includes at least one operation target device that satisfies the condition and determines that the user has entered the control area; (iv) a second display step of displaying, on a display of the device, a notification image for each of the at least one target device indicating that the control data has been sent to each of the at least one target device.

3. 2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the second determining step includes causing the computer to determine whether the user has entered the controlled area from an area outside the controlled area.

4. 4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein the first display step is executed if the computer determines that the object has entered the control area from an area outside the control area.

5. the first display step includes causing a timer of the device to measure an elapsed time from an execution time when the first display step is executed, The control method according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the first display step is not executed again if the elapsed time does not exceed a threshold period.

6. The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the outside air temperature is the temperature of a room in which each of the plurality of operation candidate devices is installed.

7. A first set temperature is defined as the set temperature, 7. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the output step includes causing the computer to generate the control data such that, if the computer determines in the first determination step that the outside air temperature is lower than the first set temperature, the control data includes a request to cause the at least one target device to adjust its temperature to a target temperature higher than the first set temperature.

8. A second set temperature is defined as the set temperature, 7. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the output step includes causing the computer to generate the control data such that, if the computer determines in the first determination step that the outside air temperature is higher than the second set temperature, the control data includes a request to adjust the temperature of the at least one target device to a target temperature lower than the second set temperature.

9. The set temperatures are defined as a first set temperature and a second set temperature higher than the first set temperature, the first determination step includes causing the computer to determine whether the outside air temperature is within a temperature range between the first set temperature and the second set temperature; 7. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the output step includes causing the computer to generate the control data such that, if the computer determines that the outside air temperature is outside the temperature range, the control data includes a request to cause the at least one operation target device to adjust its temperature toward a target temperature set within the temperature range.

10. the at least one operation target device includes a first target device and a second target device; the notification image includes a first notification image created for the first target device and a second notification image created for the second target device; the first determination step includes causing the computer to calculate, for the first target device, a first temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the set temperature, and causing the computer to calculate, for the second target device, a second temperature difference between the outside air temperature and the set temperature, 3. The control method of claim 2, wherein the second display step includes: if the first temperature difference is greater than the second temperature difference, displaying the first notification image on the display before the second notification image; and if the second temperature difference is greater than the first temperature difference, displaying the second notification image on the display before the first notification image.

11. the at least one operation target device includes a first target device and a second target device; the notification image includes a first notification image created for the first target device and a second notification image created for the second target device; the setting information determines in advance that the first notification image is displayed before the second notification image; The control method according to claim 2 , wherein the second display step displays the first notification image on the display before the second notification image.

12. The method further includes an acquisition step of causing the computer to acquire information representing an operating state of each of the at least one operation target device after receiving the control data, The control method according to claim 2 , wherein the second display step includes displaying the information representing the operating state of each of the at least one operation target device after receiving the control data.

13. The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the building is the user's home.

14. The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the determination in the second determination step uses location information acquired using a GPS provided in the device.

15. A program executed by a device that remotely controls multiple air conditioning devices installed in a building via a network, The device has a memory that stores setting information and a set temperature. the setting information indicates a plurality of candidate operation devices to be remotely operated among the plurality of air conditioning devices, The program (i) causing a computer of the device to determine whether or not a condition indicating a predetermined relationship between an outside air temperature and the set temperature is satisfied for each of the plurality of operation candidate devices; (ii) causing the computer to determine whether a user of the plurality of air conditioning devices has entered a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building; (iii) when the computer determines that the plurality of operation candidate devices includes at least one operation target device that satisfies the condition and determines that the user has entered the control area, the computer outputs control data that is an instruction to start operation of the at least one operation target device to the network; (iv) when the computer determines that the plurality of operation candidate devices includes at least one operation target device that satisfies the condition and determines that the user has entered the control area, it displays on the display of the device a start instruction image including an instruction image area that gives the remote operation instruction to all of the at least one operation target device at once; (v) A program that causes the computer to output the control data to the network when the instruction image area is operated on the start instruction image.

16. A program executed by a device that remotely controls multiple air conditioning devices installed in a building via a network, The device has a memory that stores setting information and a set temperature. the setting information indicates a plurality of candidate operation devices to be remotely operated among the plurality of air conditioning devices, The program (i) causing a computer of the device to determine whether or not a condition indicating a predetermined relationship between an outside air temperature and the set temperature is satisfied for each of the plurality of operation candidate devices; (ii) causing the computer to determine whether a user of the plurality of air conditioning devices has entered a control area of ​​a predetermined size defined around the building; (iii) when the computer determines that the plurality of operation candidate devices includes at least one operation target device that satisfies the condition and determines that the user has entered the control area, the computer outputs control data that is an instruction to start operation of the at least one operation target device to the network; (iv) A program that causes a display of the device to display a notification image for each of the at least one operation target device indicating that the control data has been sent to each of the at least one operation target device.

Images