Air conditioning control system

Abstract

To enable an operation schedule to be flexibly set.SOLUTION: An air conditioning management system 1 is provided, which manages a plurality of air conditioners (a room air conditioner 3, a non-living room air conditioner 4, a duct type air conditioner 5, floor heating 6) installed in a building 2. The air conditioning management system 1 comprises: input information reception means (a home gateway 7) receiving input information by a user; operation schedule generation means (the home gateway 7) generating the operation schedule of each of the plurality of air conditioners on the basis of the input information; and air conditioning control means (the home gateway 7) controlling the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioners on the basis of the operation schedule, and the air conditioner control means sets a schedule for the day or a schedule for the nearest future week on the basis of the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means, and controls the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioners on the basis of the set schedule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a central air conditioning system has been proposed that can adjust the air quality of multiple rooms in a building using a single air conditioning device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There are also cases where central air conditioning is performed using multiple air conditioning devices, in which case it is possible to control the air conditioning on the first floor to be on and the air conditioning on the second floor to be off, for example. When air conditioning the entire building using one air conditioner, as in Patent Document 1, the user simply sets a schedule (timer) for that one air conditioner so that it operates according to the schedule (timer). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-010779 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when multiple air conditioners are used to provide central air conditioning, the user must set an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioners, which is cumbersome.Furthermore, when the planned schedule changes, it is difficult to set an operation schedule flexibly.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable the setting of an operation schedule in a flexible manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, In an air conditioning management system 1 that manages a plurality of air conditioning devices (room air conditioners 3, non-residential air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, and floor heating 6) installed in a building 2, an input information receiving means (home gateway 7) for receiving input information input by a user; an operation schedule generating means (home gateway 7) for generating an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the input information; and an air conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioning devices, The air conditioning device control means setting a schedule for the current day or the next week based on the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means; Controlling the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the set schedule. death, the operation schedule generating means is capable of generating, as the operation schedule, a today-only schedule and a weekday schedule based on a normal life pattern set for each day of the week; The air conditioning device control means The schedule for the day is as follows: At the time of switching from the previous day to today, a schedule is set to which the day schedule corresponding to today's day of the week is applied; When the today-only schedule is generated, a schedule to which the today-only schedule is applied is set in place of the weekday schedule; The today-only schedule is generated when a predetermined operation is performed by the user in a state where a schedule to which the day of the week schedule corresponding to today's day of the week is applied is set. It is characterized by the following.

[0007] According to the invention of claim 1, the user simply inputs input information, and an operation schedule for each of a plurality of air conditioners is generated based on the input information, and the schedule for the current day or the next week is set based on the generated operation schedule. Therefore, the operation schedule can be set flexibly according to the circumstances. It is also easy to use because it can respond flexibly if there is an irregular event today.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17, In the air conditioning management system 1 according to claim 1, the operation schedule generating means (home gateway 7) is capable of generating, as the operation schedule, an event schedule and a weekday schedule based on a normal life pattern set for each day of the week; The air conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) sets the schedule for the next week as follows: the event schedule is applied to one or more days of the week designated by a user; A schedule is set in which the corresponding day schedule is applied to other days of the week.

[0009] According to the invention described in claim 2, if there is an irregular event in the coming week, it can be dealt with flexibly, making it easy to use.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17, In the air conditioning management system 1 according to claim 2, When the event schedule is applied to a specific day of the week in the past week, When the specified day of the week in the most recent week changes to the next day of the week, the application of the event schedule is canceled, The day of the week schedule corresponding to the predetermined day of the week in the following week is applied.

[0011] According to the invention described in claim 3, the validity period of the event schedule is one week, so that if there is an irregular event in the coming week, it can be dealt with flexibly and is easy to use.

[0012] The invention described in claim 4 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17, In the air conditioning management system 1 according to claim 1, The predetermined operation is a first operation of pressing a first button, a second operation of adjusting a set schedule, and a third operation of pressing a second button, which are performed in this order: the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation. It is characterized by:

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 4, When a schedule to which a weekday schedule corresponding to today's day of the week is applied is set, a today-only schedule can be generated when a first operation of pressing a first button, a second operation of adjusting the set schedule, and a third operation of pressing a second button are performed in this order.

[0014] The invention described in claim 5 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17, Claim 1 In the air conditioning management system 1 described in If the today-only schedule applies, At the time of switching from today to the next day, the application of the today-only schedule is cancelled, and a schedule to which the day schedule corresponding to the day of the week of the next day is applied is set as the schedule for the current day.

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 5, the validity period of the today-only schedule is one day, so that when there is an irregular event for just one day, it can be dealt with flexibly and is easy to use.

[0016] The invention described in claim 6 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17 (particularly FIGS. 10 to 12), In the air conditioning management system 1 according to claim 2, The event schedule can be generated by copying the day of the week schedule.

[0017] According to the invention as set forth in claim 6, an event schedule can be easily generated, which is convenient to use.

[0018] The invention described in claim 7 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 17 (particularly FIGS. 14 to 16), In the air conditioning management system 1 according to claim 2, The one or more days of the week to which the event schedule applies are displayed in a manner that allows the user to identify them.

[0019] According to the invention as set forth in claim 7, the days of the week to which the event schedule applies can be easily ascertained, making it easy to use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, an operation schedule can be set flexibly according to circumstances. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an air conditioning management system according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] First embodiment: A diagram illustrating generation of an operation schedule. [Figure 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Second embodiment: a diagram illustrating connecting lines. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, although the embodiments described below are subject to various technically preferable limitations for carrying out the present invention, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0023] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an air conditioning management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioning control system 1 is a whole-building air conditioning system that uses multiple air conditioning facilities (air conditioning devices) to manage the air conditioning of the entire building 2. Specifically, the air conditioning control system 1 is configured with various facilities (room air conditioners 3, non-residential room air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, floor heating 6, and a home gateway 7) installed in the building 2, a terminal device 8, and a communication network N. Although the building 2 in this embodiment is two stories high as shown in FIG. 1(b), it is not limited to this and may be one story high or three or more stories high.

[0024] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the room air conditioner 3 is installed in the living / dining room (LD) of the building 2, but the room in which the room air conditioner 3 is installed is not limited to the living / dining room. The room air conditioner 3 may be installed in multiple rooms. That is, the air conditioning management system 1 may manage one or multiple room air conditioners 3. In the example shown in FIG. 1(b), a wall-mounted air conditioner is installed as the room air conditioner 3, but the room air conditioner 3 is not limited to a wall-mounted air conditioner and may be, for example, a ceiling-mounted air conditioner.

[0025] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the non-occupied room air conditioner 4 is installed in a washroom in the building 2, but the room in which the non-occupied room air conditioner 4 is installed is not limited to a washroom. The non-occupied room air conditioner 4 may be installed in multiple rooms. That is, the air conditioning management system 1 can manage one or multiple non-occupied room air conditioners 4. The non-occupied room air conditioner 4 is an air conditioner that is more compact than the room air conditioner 3 and is suitable for installation in small spaces where it is difficult to install a room air conditioner 3. Specifically, the non-occupied room air conditioner 4 can be installed in rooms (non-occupied rooms) such as washrooms, dressing rooms, kitchens, toilets, studies, remote work spaces, hallways, entrance halls, and walk-in closets.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the air outlets 5a of the ducted air conditioner 5 are installed in a Western-style room on the second floor and in a hallway on the second floor in the building 2. However, the rooms in which the air outlets 5a are installed are not limited to the Western-style room and the hallway, and are not limited to rooms on the second floor. When the air outlets 5a are installed in rooms on the first floor and the second floor, a ducted air conditioner 5 dedicated to the first floor and a ducted air conditioner 5 dedicated to the second floor may be installed, or a ducted air conditioner 5 shared by the first and second floors may be installed. In other words, the air conditioning management system 1 may manage one or more ducted air conditioners 5. Here, the ducted air conditioner 5 has multiple air outlets 5a and multiple ducts 5b, and sends air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner itself via the ducts 5b and the air outlets 5a into each room in which the air outlets 5a are installed.

[0027] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the floor heating system 6 is installed in the living / dining room of the building 2, but the room in which the floor heating system 6 is installed is not limited to the living / dining room. Furthermore, there may be multiple rooms in which the floor heating system 6 is installed. In other words, the air conditioning management system 1 can manage one or multiple floor heating systems 6. In addition, in this embodiment, the floor heating system 6 is installed in the room in which the room air conditioner 3 is installed, but this is not limited thereto, and the room in which the room air conditioner 3 is installed and the room in which the floor heating system 6 is installed may be different.

[0028] Furthermore, the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment is a whole-building air conditioning system that manages multiple air conditioning facilities (air conditioning devices) to air condition the entire building 2, but is not limited to this. The air conditioning management system 1 may be a system that manages multiple air conditioning facilities (air conditioning devices) installed in the building 2, and may be a system that, for example, air conditions only specific spaces in the building 2 (for example, only living rooms, only the first floor, only the second floor). Furthermore, if there are multiple air conditioning facilities (air conditioners) that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1, the multiple air conditioning facilities may be the same type of air conditioning facilities. Specifically, for example, if there are two or more air conditioning facilities that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1, two of them may be room air conditioners 3 (for example, a room air conditioner 3 installed in the living / dining room on the first floor and a room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor).

[0029] In addition, in this embodiment, air conditioning equipment (air conditioners) is not installed in the toilet, bathroom, and storage area (storage room) in the building 2, but they may be installed. Furthermore, the air conditioning equipment (air conditioners) that can be controlled by the air conditioning management system 1 are not limited to room air conditioners 3, non-residential room air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, and floor heating systems 6, but may also be, for example, fans. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1(b), if a living / dining room and a bathroom are adjacent to each other, instead of installing a non-residential room air conditioner 4 in the bathroom, a fan that can be controlled by the air conditioning management system 1 may be installed on the wall separating the living / dining room and the bathroom, and the fan may be used to send air from the living / dining room (air whose temperature has been adjusted by the room air conditioner 3) to the bathroom. Alternatively, the living / dining room may be connected to another room by a duct, and a fan that can be controlled by the air conditioning management system 1 may be installed in the duct, and the fan may be used to send air from the living / dining room (air whose temperature has been adjusted by the room air conditioner 3) to the other room. Furthermore, the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment is capable of managing four types of air conditioning equipment: room air conditioners 3, non-residential room air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, and floor heating 6, but is not limited to this, and the air conditioning management system 1 can manage multiple types of air conditioning equipment (air conditioning devices), and may manage less than four types (including one type), or five or more types.

[0030] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 1(b), the home gateway 7 connected to a communication network N such as the Internet is installed in the living / dining room of the building 2, but the room in which the home gateway 7 is installed is not limited to the living / dining room. A home gateway 7 is a device that combines the functions of a router (such as creating connection settings to a provider), a wireless LAN function that enables Wi-Fi connection, a VoIP gateway (connecting telephones and fax machines to send and receive voice calls and faxes), a relay function between the telephone network and the IP network, and a line termination device for optical fiber lines. In addition, in this embodiment, a so-called modem with router function, which has both of the above functions, is used as the home gateway 7, but this is not limited to this, and the home gateway 7 may also be constructed using various devices such as routers and hubs that have the above functions.

[0031] Furthermore, the home gateway 7 may be provided with a calculation means, a communication means, a storage means, etc., as appropriate, which are necessary to realize the air conditioning management system 1 of this embodiment. With such a configuration, the home gateway 7 can collect data input by the user and control various air conditioning equipment in the building 2 based on the collected data. In other words, the home gateway 7 may simply have the functions of a router or hub, etc., and construct the air conditioning management system 1 of this embodiment by linking with external devices, or the home gateway 7 may be given the necessary functions and construct the air conditioning management system 1 of this embodiment without linking with external devices, and the degree of linking with external devices may also be changed as appropriate.

[0032] In this embodiment, the home gateway 7 includes a calculation means, a communication means, a storage means, etc., which are necessary to realize the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1(a), for example, the home gateway 7 includes a control unit 71 that centrally controls the operation of the air conditioning management system 1, a communication unit 72 that communicates with various pieces of equipment in the building 2 and via the communication network N, and a storage unit 73 that stores various programs executed by the control unit 71 and various data necessary for the air conditioning management system 1. That is, the home gateway 7 in this embodiment constructs the air conditioning control system 1 without linking with an external device. For example, if the home gateway 7 constructs the air conditioning control system 1 by linking with an external device, the home gateway 7 is connected to the external device via a communication network N, and the air conditioning control system 1 is configured to include various pieces of equipment (room air conditioners 3, non-residential room air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, floor heating 6, home gateway 7, etc.) installed in the building 2, a terminal device 8, the external device, and the communication network N.

[0033] The terminal device 8 is an information terminal carried by a user (such as a resident of the building 2) of the air conditioning control system 1, and is specifically a computer having a display device, an input device, a storage device, a microprocessor, etc. More specifically, the terminal device 8 may be a mobile phone (for example, a smartphone or feature phone), a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a desktop personal computer, a laptop personal computer, a palmtop personal computer, a tablet personal computer, or the like. The terminal device 8 is connected to the home gateway 7 via a communication network N. Specifically, an application program for using the air conditioning management system 1 of this embodiment and the like is installed in the terminal device 8, and when this application program is started, the terminal device 8 and the home gateway 7 communicate with each other via the communication network N to send and receive various signals and various data.

[0034] In this embodiment, the terminal device 8 is primarily owned by a user of the air conditioning management system 1 (such as a resident of building 2), but is not limited to this and may be owned, for example, by a construction company involved in the construction of building 2, an electric power company, a company providing various network services, etc. In this embodiment, a tablet personal computer is used as the terminal device 8. However, other terminal devices may also be used in combination. The terminal device 8, which is a tablet-type personal computer, is equipped with a touch panel, and the terminal device 8 can be operated by pressing or sliding the display on the screen.

[0035] The air conditioning management system 1 is configured as a system including various pieces of equipment (room air conditioners 3, non-residential room air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, floor heating 6, home gateway 7, etc.) installed in the building 2 as described above, a terminal device 8, and a communication network N, and in order to realize the air conditioning management system 1 in this embodiment, it is equipped with an image data transmission means, an input information reception means, an operation schedule generation means, an air conditioning device control means, a display means, an adjustment means, and an operation means.

[0036] The image data transmission means is realized by the control unit 71 of the home gateway 7 executing an image data transmission program stored in the storage unit 73 of the home gateway 7 . The image data transmitting means first generates a screen on which objects such as windows, icons, buttons, tabs, figures, tables, graphs, text, signs, and patterns are arranged, which are necessary to display various information including the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means, and then transmits the generated screen data to the terminal device 8, etc. In other words, the screen data transmission means generates display data for displaying various information, including the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means, on the display device (display means) of the terminal device 8, and also transmits the generated screen data to the terminal device 8.

[0037] The input information receiving means is a means for receiving input information entered by a user, and is realized by the control unit 71 of the home gateway 7 executing an input information receiving program stored in the memory unit 73 of the home gateway 7. When a user operates an input device (such as a touch panel) of terminal device 8 to input predetermined input information, the input information is transmitted from terminal device 8 to home gateway 7 via communication network N. Then, when communication unit 72 of home gateway 7 receives the input information, input information receiving means receives the input information and stores it in storage unit 73 or the like.

[0038] The operation schedule generation means is a means for generating an operation schedule for each of a plurality of air conditioning devices based on input information, and is realized by the control unit 71 of the home gateway 7 executing an operation schedule generation program stored in the memory unit 73 of the home gateway 7. Specifically, the operation schedule generation means generates an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioning equipment (room air conditioners 3, non-residential air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, floor heating 6, etc.) installed in the building 2 based on the input information received by the input information receiving means.

[0039] The air conditioning device control means is a means for controlling the operation of each of the multiple air conditioning devices based on an operation schedule, and is realized by the control unit 71 of the home gateway 7 executing the air conditioning device control program stored in the memory unit 73 of the home gateway 7. Specifically, the air conditioning device control means controls the operation of each of the multiple air conditioning equipment (room air conditioners 3, non-residential room air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, floor heating 6, etc.) installed in the building 2 based on the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means.

[0040] The display means is a means for displaying the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means, and is, for example, a display device of the terminal device 8. The adjustment means is a means for the user to adjust the operation schedule displayed on the display means, and is, for example, an input device (touch panel or the like) of the terminal device 8. The operation means is a means that can be operated by the user, and is, for example, an input device (such as a touch panel) of the terminal device 8.

[0041] Next, with reference to the drawings, various screens and functions displayed on the display device (display means) of the terminal device 8 based on the display data generated and transmitted by the screen data transmitting means will be described. That is, the screen data transmitting means can generate display data to be displayed on the display device of the terminal device 8, and can transmit the generated display data to the terminal device 8. Then, the terminal device 8 can display a screen based on the received display data on its own display device. Although not shown, the display device of the terminal device 8 can display a top screen in addition to the various screens described below. The top screen displays buttons (for example, a side menu 100) for transitioning to various screens including the various screens described below.

[0042] 2, 3, 5 to 8 are examples of various screens displayed on the display device of terminal device 8. The screen displayed on the display device of terminal device 8 is configured to have an area for a side menu 100 having a plurality of buttons, and an area that is displayed by selecting a plurality of buttons in the side menu 100. FIG. 2 shows an air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, which is displayed when, for example, the user presses the "Settings" button 114 in the side menu 100 displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0043] First, the side menu 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the side menu 100 includes a presence status confirmation field 101 that allows the user to select whether or not a resident is in the building 2, i.e., whether the resident is present or absent. When the resident goes out (when the resident leaves the building 2), the resident can select absence and activate the alert mode. This operation can be performed using the switch button 101a. The alert mode is for monitoring the openings through which people can enter and exit the building 2 when "absent" is selected in the presence status confirmation field 101. Specifically, when the resident is absent, sensors or the like are used to detect the operation of fixtures and shutters that open and close the openings, and monitor the unlocking of electric locks. If it is detected that an opening has been opened when the resident is absent, a notification is sent to the resident, the security company, and the police.

[0044] 2, the side menu 100 includes a "Housewide Status" button 102, a "Room Status" button 103, a "Device Status" button 104, a "Cool Air Control" button 105, a "Home Automatic Operation" button 106, a "Air Conditioning Schedule Operation" button 107, a "Timer Status" button 108, a "Scene Status" button 109, an "Energy Status" button 110, an "Energy Comparison" button 111, a "Battery Usage Status" button 112, a "Peak Cut Control" button 113, and a "Settings" button 114. By pressing these buttons, the respective display screens can be displayed on the display device.

[0045] The air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 can be displayed by pressing the "Settings" button 114, as described above. As shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the side menu 100, the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 is provided with a "lifestyle pattern" area 210, a "room setting" area 220, and a "schedule creation" button 230.

[0046] The user can configure settings related to the resident's lifestyle pattern in the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210. One or more "Pattern" input fields 211 are displayed in the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210, and the "Pattern" input field 211 is provided with an activity time input area 212 for the user to input the activity times for "Good Morning," "Go Out," "I'm Home," and "Good Night," a day of the week selection area 213 for the user to select a day of the week, an "Add" button 214, a "Duplicate" button 215, and a "Delete" button 216.

[0047] 2, three "pattern" input fields 211 are displayed in the "lifestyle pattern" area 210. Of these three "pattern" input fields 211, the top "pattern" input field 211 has a first lifestyle pattern and the days of the week to which the first lifestyle pattern is to be applied entered, the middle "pattern" input field 211 has a second lifestyle pattern and the days of the week to which the second lifestyle pattern is to be applied entered, and the bottom "pattern" input field 211 has a third lifestyle pattern and the days of the week to which the third lifestyle pattern is to be applied entered.

[0048] Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 2, a first lifestyle pattern (wake-up time "7:00", departure time "9:00", return home time "18:00", bedtime "24:00"), which is the lifestyle pattern for days when the user goes to work, is entered in activity time input area 212 in the top "pattern" input field 211, and the days of the week ("Monday" and "Wednesday") to which the first lifestyle pattern applies are entered in day of week selection area 213 in the top "pattern" input field 211. In the example shown in Figure 2, a second lifestyle pattern (wake-up time "7:00", bedtime "23:00"), which is the lifestyle pattern for days when the user works from home, is entered in activity time input area 212 in central "pattern" input field 211, and the days of the week ("Tuesday", "Thursday", "Friday") to which the second lifestyle pattern applies are entered in day of week selection area 213 in central "pattern" input field 211. In the example shown in Figure 2, the third lifestyle pattern (wake-up time "8:00" and bedtime "23:00"), which is a lifestyle pattern for holidays among the user's lifestyle patterns, is entered in the activity time input area 212 in the bottom "pattern" input field 211, and the days of the week ("Saturday" and "Sunday") to which the third lifestyle pattern will be applied are entered in the day of the week selection area 213 in the bottom "pattern" input field 211.

[0049] Note that the "pattern" input field 211 may be configured so that bedtimes after "24:01" cannot be entered. In other words, the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 may be configured so that only times within the ranges of "0:00" to "24:00" can be entered as the wake-up time, time to go outside, time to get home, and time to go to bed. In this case, for example, a tentative bedtime (e.g., "24:00") can be entered on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, and then the tentative bedtime can be changed (adjusted) on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (described below) that is displayed by pressing the "create schedule" button 230, thereby allowing a bedtime of "24:01" or later to be entered.

[0050] Furthermore, when the user presses the "Add" button 214 in the "Pattern" input field 211, another "Pattern" input field 211 is added. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 2 , when the "Add" button 214 in the top "Pattern" input field 211, the "Add" button 214 in the central "Pattern" input field 211, or the "Add" button 214 in the bottom "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, another "Pattern" input field 211 is added to the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210. A default lifestyle pattern is input in the "Pattern" input field 211 added by pressing the "Add" button 214, and the user performs an editing operation to change the default lifestyle pattern to the lifestyle pattern of the resident by operating the activity time input area 212 and the day of the week selection area 213 of the added "Pattern" input field 211.

[0051] Furthermore, when the user presses the "Duplicate" button 215 in a "Pattern" input field 211, a corresponding "Pattern" input field 211 is added. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in Fig. 2, when the "Duplicate" button 215 in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, a "Pattern" input field 211 is added to the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210, with the same lifestyle pattern (first lifestyle pattern) as that in the topmost "Pattern" input field 211 having been input. Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 2, when the "Duplicate" button 215 in the central "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, a "Pattern" input field 211 is added to the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210, with the same lifestyle pattern (second lifestyle pattern) as that in the central "Pattern" input field 211 having been input. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Duplicate" button 215 in the bottom "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, a new "Pattern" input field 211 is added to the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210, with the same life pattern (third life pattern) as the bottom "Pattern" input field 211 entered in it. Therefore, if the lifestyle pattern to be added is closer to the first lifestyle pattern than the default lifestyle pattern, for example, it is easier to edit by adding the "Pattern" input field 211 by pressing the "Duplicate" button 215 in the top "Pattern" input field 211 rather than by pressing the "Add" button 214 to add the "Pattern" input field 211.

[0052] Furthermore, when the user presses the "Delete" button 216 in a "Pattern" input field 211, the corresponding "Pattern" input field 211 is deleted. Specifically, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Delete" button 216 in the top "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, the "Pattern" input field 211 in which the first lifestyle pattern has been input is deleted. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Delete" button 216 in the central "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, the "Pattern" input field 211 in which the second lifestyle pattern has been input is deleted. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the "Delete" button 216 in the bottom "Pattern" input field 211 is pressed, the "Pattern" input field 211 in which the third lifestyle pattern has been input is deleted.

[0053] In the "Room Settings" area 220, the user can make settings related to the room in which the air conditioning equipment is installed. The "Room Settings" area 220 is provided with an "Air Conditioning Equipment" display field 221 that displays air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 (air conditioning equipment that can communicate with the home gateway 7), a "User Household" display field 222 that displays the household that uses the air conditioning equipment, a "Room Name" display field 223 that displays the name of the room in which the air conditioning equipment is installed, and a "Room Purpose" input field 224 where the user can input the purpose of the room in which the air conditioning equipment is installed.

[0054] A "V" mark 224a is provided at the right end of the "Room use" input field 224, and when this "V" mark 224a is pressed, multiple options for the room use are displayed, and any option can be selected. In this embodiment, when the "V" mark 224a is pressed, three options are displayed: "Living room (activity)," "Living room (sleeping)," and "Non-living room," but the options displayed are not limited to these. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the floor heating 6 is installed in the room where the room air conditioner 3 is installed, so there is no need to input the purpose of the room where the floor heating 6 is installed. Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 2, it is not possible to input the purpose of the room where the floor heating 6 is installed. Of course, it is also possible to input the purpose of the room where the floor heating 6 is installed.

[0055] Once the user has completed inputting the resident's lifestyle pattern and the purpose of the room in which air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 is installed, he or she presses the "Create schedule" button 230. As a result, the information entered on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (first input information) is sent from the terminal device 8 to the home gateway 7, and is accepted by the input information accepting means. The input information accepting means then stores the accepted first input information in the memory unit 73. Next, the operation schedule generation means generates an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 based on the first input information received by the input information receiving means, and stores it in the memory unit 73 together with other control information (set temperature, etc.).

[0056] Next, the image data transmission means generates display data for displaying the control information stored in the memory unit 73 (operation schedule, set temperature, information regarding automatic return to scheduled operation (described later), information regarding water heater linked operation (described later), information regarding home switch linked operation (described later), etc.) on the display device of the terminal device 8, and transmits the generated display data to the terminal device 8. As a result, the screen displayed on the display device of the terminal device 8 switches from the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 shown in FIG. 2 to the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 shown in FIG.

[0057] First, the generation of the operation schedule will be described. Figure 4(a) shows the relationship between room uses and operation schedules. The operation schedule shown in Figure 4(a) is part of an operation schedule that is generated when a lifestyle pattern of wake-up time "6:00", departure time "9:00", return time "17:00", and bedtime "23:00" is entered in the "Lifestyle Pattern" area 210 of the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, and when "Wednesday" is entered as the day of the week to which this lifestyle pattern applies. In the operation schedule of this embodiment, a band image is displayed during the time periods when the air conditioning equipment is turned on, and no band image is displayed during the time periods when the air conditioning equipment is turned off (stopped). Furthermore, among the time periods when the air conditioning equipment is turned on, the time periods when it operates in normal operation mode are displayed with a dark band image, and the time periods when it operates in low-power operation mode that consumes less power than the normal operation mode are displayed with a light band image, but the way each time period is displayed can be changed as appropriate.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4(b), for air conditioning equipment for which the use of the room in which it is installed has been entered as "living room (activity)" in the "Room Settings" area 220 of the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200, on days of the week for which the four activity times of wake-up time, time to go out, time to come home, and time to go to bed have been entered, the equipment is scheduled to operate in normal operation mode from "30 minutes before wake-up time to time to go out" and "30 minutes before come home to time to go to bed," and to operate in low-energy operation mode for all other times; and on days of the week for which the leave time and come home time have not been entered (see the "Pattern" input field 211 in the center and the "Pattern" input field 211 at the bottom in Figure 2), the equipment is scheduled to operate in normal operation mode from "30 minutes before wake-up time to time to go to bed," and to operate in low-energy operation mode for all other times.

[0059] In addition, for air conditioning equipment whose room use is entered as "living room (sleeping)," the equipment will be scheduled to operate in normal operation mode from "one hour before bedtime until two hours after bedtime," and in low-energy operation mode at other times. In addition, for air conditioning equipment whose installed room use has been input as "non-occupied," the schedule is set up so that it will operate in normal operation mode when either the air conditioning equipment whose installed room use has been input as "occupied (activity)" or the air conditioning equipment whose installed room use has been input as "occupied (sleeping)" is in normal operation mode, and the others will operate in reduced operation mode.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, the floor heating 6 is installed in the room where the room air conditioner 3 is installed. Furthermore, the air conditioning device control means of this embodiment is configured not to control the floor heating 6 to operate in low-key operation mode. In other words, the floor heating 6 is controlled to switch on / off rather than to switch between normal operation / low-key operation / off, and the operation schedule generation means of this embodiment is configured to create a schedule so that the floor heating 6 is turned on when the room air conditioner 3 in the same room is in normal operation mode and turned off otherwise. In this embodiment, the timing at which the floor heating 6 is switched from off to on is the same as the timing at which the room air conditioner 3 in the same room is switched from low-energy operation mode (or off) to normal operation mode, but they may be different. Also, the timing at which the floor heating 6 is switched from on to off is the same as the timing at which the room air conditioner 3 in the same room is switched from normal operation mode to low-energy operation mode (or off), but they may be different. Also, the air conditioning device control means may control the floor heating 6 to switch between normal operation, low-energy operation, and off, just like other air conditioning equipment.

[0061] Furthermore, the timing for starting the normal operation mode of an air conditioning unit whose use in the room in which it is installed is input as "occupied room (activity)" is not limited to 30 minutes before wake-up time or 30 minutes before home time, but may be any timing earlier than wake-up time or home time. In other words, the pre-cooling and pre-heating times of an air conditioning unit whose use in the room in which it is installed is input as "occupied room (activity)" are not limited to 30 minutes. Furthermore, the pre-cooling and pre-heating times may differ depending on the type of air conditioning unit. Furthermore, the timing for ending the normal operation mode of an air conditioning unit for which the use of the room in which it is installed has been input as "occupied room (activity)" is not limited to when the occupant leaves the house or when the occupant goes to bed.

[0062] Furthermore, the timing for starting the normal operation mode of an air conditioning unit whose installed room use is input as "occupied room (sleeping)" is not limited to one hour before bedtime, but may be any time earlier than bedtime. In other words, the pre-cooling and pre-heating times of an air conditioning unit whose installed room use is input as "occupied room (sleeping)" are not limited to one hour. Furthermore, the pre-cooling and pre-heating times may differ depending on the type of air conditioning unit. Furthermore, the timing for ending the normal operation mode of an air conditioning unit whose installed room use is entered as "living room (sleeping)" is not limited to two hours after bedtime, but may be any time later than bedtime.

[0063] The operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means in accordance with the rules shown in FIG. 4(b) is presented to the user on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 has, in addition to the side menu 100, an "operation schedule" area 310, a "detailed settings" area 320, and an "execute" button 330.

[0064] In the "operation schedule" area 310, the user can check the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means. Specifically, the "operation schedule" area 310 is provided with a "first schedule" display field 311 that displays the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 generated by the operation schedule generation means, a "second schedule" display field 312 that displays the operation schedule of the non-residential room air conditioner 4 generated by the operation schedule generation means, a "third schedule" display field 313 that displays the operation schedule of the ducted air conditioner 5 generated by the operation schedule generation means, and a "fourth schedule" display field 314 that displays the operation schedule of the floor heating 6 generated by the operation schedule generation means.

[0065] Of course, separate "Schedule" display columns are provided for each air conditioning equipment if there is more than one air conditioning equipment of the same type among the air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1. Specifically, for example, if the air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 includes a room air conditioner 3 installed in a living / dining room on the first floor and a room air conditioner 3 installed in a bedroom on the second floor, the "Operation Schedule" area 310 will be provided with a "First Schedule" display column 311 that displays the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the living / dining room on the first floor, and another "First Schedule" display column 311 that displays the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor.

[0066] Furthermore, in the "operation schedule" area 310, the user can adjust (change) the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means. Specifically, for example, the time periods for the normal operation mode and the conservative operation mode can be adjusted by dragging and dropping the boundary between the dark band image corresponding to the normal operation mode and the light band image corresponding to the conservative operation mode, which are displayed in the "Schedule" display columns 311 to 313, to change the length of these band images. As described above, the air conditioning device control means of this embodiment does not control the floor heating 6 to operate in conservative operation mode, and therefore the light-colored band image corresponding to the conservative operation mode is not displayed in the "fourth schedule" display field 314, which displays the operation schedule of the floor heating 6. Therefore, in the "fourth schedule" display field 314, the time period during which the floor heating 6 is on (normal operation mode) can be adjusted by changing the length of the band image by dragging and dropping the end of the dark-colored band image corresponding to the normal operation mode. The operation for adjusting (changing) the operation schedule is not limited to the drag-and-drop operation. For example, when a predetermined position in the "Schedule" display fields 311 to 314 is tapped, a screen may be displayed in which the time periods (e.g., start and end times) of "Normal Operation Mode," "Reserved Operation Mode," and "Operation Stop (Off)" can be adjusted (changed) by entering numbers.

[0067] Furthermore, the "Schedule" display fields 311 to 314 display the set temperature in the normal operation mode, and are provided with adjustment buttons 318a and 318b that allow the user to adjust (change) the set temperature in the normal operation mode. Specifically, for example, when the user presses the "Up" button 318a of the adjustment buttons provided in the "First Schedule" display field 311, the set temperature in the normal operation mode of the room air conditioner 3 increases by a predetermined temperature (e.g., 1°C), and when the user presses the "Down" button 318b of the adjustment buttons provided in the "First Schedule" display field 311, the set temperature in the normal operation mode of the room air conditioner 3 decreases by a predetermined temperature (e.g., 1°C). The default value of the set temperature in the normal operation mode may differ depending on the type of air conditioning equipment or the purpose of the room in which the air conditioning equipment is installed. For example, a tolerance range may be set for the set temperature in normal operation mode so that the temperature difference between rooms falls within a predetermined range (for example, within 4°C), and the set temperature may be adjusted (changed) within that tolerance range. Furthermore, the tolerance range may differ depending on the type of air conditioning equipment or the purpose of the room in which the air conditioning equipment is installed.

[0068] Furthermore, the "Operation Schedule" area 310 is provided with a "Heating" tab 315 and a "Cooling" tab 316. When the user presses the "Heating" tab 315, the operation schedule for heating is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311 to 314. When the user presses the "Cooling" tab 316, the operation schedule for cooling is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311 to 314. Figure 3 shows the screen that is displayed when the "Heating" tab 315 is pressed. Furthermore, the "operation schedule" area 310 has a day of the week selection area 317. In the day of the week selection area 317, buttons for "Week," "Mon," "Tue," "Wed," "Thu," "Fri," "Sat," and "Sun" are arranged side by side, and when the "Week" button is pressed, the operation schedule from Monday to Sunday is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311-314, and when the "Mon" button is pressed, the operation schedule for Monday is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311-314. Figure 3 shows the screen that is displayed when the "Wed" button is pressed.

[0069] In the "Detailed Settings" area 320, the user can set details regarding scheduled operation (control of the air conditioning equipment based on an operation schedule by the air conditioning device control means). Specifically, the "Advanced Settings" area 320 displays a "Set Temperature for Conservative Operation" input field 321, which allows the user to input the set temperature for the conservative operation mode. The "Set Temperature for Conservative Operation" input field 321 is provided with "V" marks 321a and 321b. Pressing the "V" mark 321a displays multiple options for the set temperature for heating in the conservative operation mode, allowing the user to select any option. In this embodiment, pressing the "V" mark 321a displays 11 options for the difference from the set temperature for heating in the normal operation mode: "0°C," "-0.5°C," "-1.0°C," "-1.5°C," "-2.0°C," "-2.5°C," "-3.0°C," "-3.5°C," "-4.0°C," "-4.5°C," and "-5.0°C." However, the displayed options are not limited to these. In addition, in this embodiment, the default value of the set temperature during heating in the conservative operation mode is set to "-2.0°C (a temperature 2°C lower than the set temperature during heating in the normal operation mode)", but the default value is not limited to this.

[0070] Furthermore, pressing the "V" mark 321b displays multiple options for the set temperature for cooling in conservative operation mode, allowing the user to select any option. In this embodiment, pressing the "V" mark 321b displays 11 options for the difference from the set temperature for cooling in normal operation mode: "0°C," "+0.5°C," "+1.0°C," "+1.5°C," "+2.0°C," "+2.5°C," "+3.0°C," "+3.5°C," "+4.0°C," "+4.5°C," and "+5.0°C." However, the displayed options are not limited to these. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the default value for the set temperature for cooling in conservative operation mode is "+2.0°C (a temperature 2°C higher than the set temperature for cooling in normal operation mode)," but the default value is not limited to this.

[0071] Furthermore, the "Detailed Settings" area 320 displays an "Automatic Return to Scheduled Operation" input field 322. Hereinafter, the act of a resident or other person operating the air conditioning equipment directly or using a remote control dedicated to the air conditioning equipment will be referred to as "manual operation." Furthermore, air conditioning equipment that is being controlled by the air conditioning unit control means will be referred to as "controlled equipment," and air conditioning equipment that can be controlled by the air conditioning unit control means (can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1) but is not currently subject to control by the air conditioning unit control means will be referred to as "non-target equipment." Residents and the like can manually operate the controlled equipment to switch the state of the controlled equipment (set temperature, air volume, operation mode, heating / cooling, power on / off, etc.) In this embodiment, by manually operating the controlled equipment, the controlled equipment is removed from the targets of control by the air conditioning device control means and becomes non-target equipment. Specifically, for example, when a resident operates one of the controlled facilities (air conditioning facility X) using the remote control of the air conditioning facility X, the air conditioning device control means is configured to stop the scheduled operation of the air conditioning facility X. The air conditioning device control means is also provided with a scheduled operation automatic return function that switches the air conditioning facility X from non-target facility to controlled facility and resumes (returns) the scheduled operation of the air conditioning facility X after a predetermined time has elapsed since the scheduled operation of the air conditioning facility X was stopped.

[0072] In the "Scheduled operation automatic return" input field 322, it is possible to input whether or not to turn on the scheduled operation automatic return function, and the time from the suspension of scheduled operation until the return. Specifically, in the "schedule operation automatic return" input field 322, the schedule operation automatic return function can be switched on / off by using a switch button 322a. Furthermore, the "Scheduled operation automatic return" input field 322 has a "V" mark 322b, which can be operated only when the switch button 322a is on. When the "V" mark 322b is pressed, multiple options are displayed as the time from the suspension of scheduled operation to its return, and any option can be selected. In this embodiment, when the "V" mark 322b is pressed, six options are displayed: "10 minutes," "20 minutes," "30 minutes," "40 minutes," "50 minutes," and "60 minutes," but the options displayed are not limited to these. In this embodiment, the default setting for the "Scheduled operation automatic return" input field 322 is "Scheduled operation automatic return function 'on', return to scheduled operation after '30' minutes", but the default setting is not limited to this.

[0073] In addition, in the "Detailed Settings" area 320, an input field 323 for "Water Heater Interlocking Operation" is displayed. In this embodiment, the home gateway 7 is configured to be able to communicate with a water heater (or its remote control) installed in the building 2. The air conditioning device control means has a water heater linked operation function that, when the automatic operation of the water heater is turned on, ignores the operation schedule of a predetermined air conditioning device (air conditioning device Y) and operates the air conditioning device Y in normal operation mode, and, when the automatic operation of the water heater is turned off, resumes (returns) the scheduled operation of the air conditioning device Y.

[0074] In the "water heater linked operation" input field 323, it is possible to input whether or not to turn on the water heater linked operation function and the room in which the air conditioning equipment Y is installed. Specifically, in the "water heater linked operation" input field 323, the water heater linked operation function can be switched on / off by using a switch button 323a. Furthermore, a "V" mark 323b is provided in the "water heater linked operation" input field 323, and this "V" mark 323b can be operated only when the switch button 323a is on. When the "V" mark 323b is pressed, multiple options are displayed as the rooms that will be the target of the water heater linked operation function, and any option can be selected. For example, if a "washroom" is selected as the room that will be the target of the water heater linked operation function, the air conditioning equipment installed in the washroom (non-residential room air conditioner 4 in this embodiment) will be designated as the specified air conditioning equipment (air conditioning equipment Y).

[0075] In this embodiment, the default setting for the "water heater linked operation" input field 323 is "water heater linked operation function 'on', target room 'washroom'", but the default setting is not limited to this. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water heater linked operation function is activated when the water heater linked operation function is on and the air conditioning equipment designated as the air conditioning equipment (air conditioning equipment Y) to be linked to the water heater is the equipment under control, but this is not limited to this.

[0076] In addition, in the "Detailed Settings" area 320, an "At-home switch linked operation" input field 324 is displayed. In this embodiment, the air conditioning device control means has an at-home switch interlocking operation function that, when the switch button 101a in the at-home status confirmation field 101 is set to "Away," ignores the operation schedule and operates the controlled equipment in a conservative operation mode, and, when the switch button 101a is set to "At Home," resumes (restores) the scheduled operation of the controlled equipment. Exceptionally, even when the at-home switch interlocking operation function is in operation, for controlled equipment whose operation schedule specifies a time period in which it should be turned off, the operation of the controlled equipment may be stopped according to the operation schedule only during that time period.

[0077] In the "Home switch linked operation" input field 324, it is possible to input whether or not to turn on the home switch linked operation function. Specifically, in the "Home switch linked operation" input field 324, it is possible to switch the home switch linked operation function on / off using a switch button 324a. In this embodiment, the default setting of the "home switch linked operation" input field 324 is "home switch linked operation function 'ON'", but the default setting is not limited to this.

[0078] When the user has completed adjusting the operation schedule (inputting schedule adjustment information) and setting details related to scheduled operation, he or she presses the "Execute" button 330. As a result, the information entered on the air conditioning scheduled operation setting screen 300 (second input information) is sent from the terminal device 8 to the home gateway 7, and is accepted by the input information accepting means. The input information accepting means then stores the accepted second input information in the storage unit 73. Next, the operation schedule generation means corrects (updates) the control information (operation schedule, set temperature, information regarding automatic return to scheduled operation, information regarding water heater linked operation, information regarding home switch linked operation, etc.) stored in the memory unit 73 based on the second input information received by the input information receiving means. Next, the air conditioning device control means starts controlling the air conditioning equipment based on the control information stored in the storage unit 73. In this embodiment, the air conditioning device control means sets the air volume to automatic and controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment, but this is not limited to this.

[0079] That is, the operation schedule generation means generates a provisional operation schedule as an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1, based on the first input information (lifestyle pattern information, room information) input on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200. Furthermore, the operation schedule generation means generates a definitive operation schedule as an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1, based on the provisional operation schedule and the second input information (specifically, schedule adjustment information among the second input information) input on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300. Therefore, it can be said that the operation schedule generation means generates a final operation schedule based on the input information entered on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (Fig. 2) and the input information entered on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (Fig. 3). Furthermore, if the user does not adjust (change) the tentative operation schedule on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (Fig. 3), the tentative operation schedule becomes the final operation schedule. The air conditioner control means controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the determined operation schedule, that is, the determined operation schedule is the operation schedule used for scheduled operation.

[0080] Thereafter, when the user presses the “Scheduled Air Conditioning Operation” button 107 in the side menu 100, this is notified from the terminal device 8 to the home gateway 7. In response to this, the screen data transmission means generates display data for displaying the control information (here, the operation schedule and the set temperature in the normal operation mode) stored in the storage unit 73 on the display device of the terminal device 8, and transmits the generated display data to the terminal device 8. As a result, the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400 shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is displayed on the display device of the terminal device 8. As shown in Figures 5 to 8, in addition to the side menu 100, the air conditioning scheduled operation screen 400 is provided with an "operation schedule" area 410, a scheduled operation "ON / OFF" switch button 420, and a "heating / cooling" switch button 430.

[0081] In the "operation schedule" area 410, the user can check the operation schedule used for scheduled operation (control of the air conditioning equipment based on the operation schedule by the air conditioning device control means). Specifically, the "operation schedule" area 410 is provided with a "first schedule" display field 411 that displays the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 generated by the operation schedule generation means, a "second schedule" display field 412 that displays the operation schedule of the non-residential room air conditioner 4 generated by the operation schedule generation means, a "third schedule" display field 413 that displays the operation schedule of the ducted air conditioner 5 generated by the operation schedule generation means, and a "fourth schedule" display field 414 that displays the operation schedule of the floor heating 6 generated by the operation schedule generation means.

[0082] Of course, separate "Schedule" display columns are provided for each air conditioning equipment if there is more than one air conditioning equipment of the same type among the air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1. Specifically, for example, if the air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 includes a room air conditioner 3 installed in a living / dining room on the first floor and a room air conditioner 3 installed in a bedroom on the second floor, the "Operation Schedule" area 410 will be provided with a "First Schedule" display column 411 that displays the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the living / dining room on the first floor, and another "First Schedule" display column 411 that displays the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor.

[0083] Furthermore, the "Operation Schedule" area 410 is provided with a "Heating" tab 415 and a "Cooling" tab 416. When the user presses the "Heating" tab 415, the operation schedule for heating is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 411 to 414. When the user presses the "Cooling" tab 416, the operation schedule for cooling is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 411 to 414. Figures 5 and 6 show screens that are displayed when the "Heating" tab 415 is pressed, and Figures 7 and 8 show screens that are displayed when the "Cooling" tab 416 is pressed. Furthermore, the "operation schedule" area 410 is provided with a day of the week selection area 417. In the day of the week selection area 417, buttons for "Week," "Mon," "Tue," "Wed," "Thu," "Fri," "Sat," and "Sun" are arranged side by side, and when the "Week" button is pressed, the operation schedule from Monday to Sunday is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 411 to 414, and when the "Mon" button is pressed, the operation schedule for Monday is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 411 to 414. Figures 5 and 7 show screens that are displayed when the "Wed" button is pressed, and Figures 6 and 8 show screens that are displayed when the "Wed" button is pressed.

[0084] As described above, in this embodiment, when a controlled piece of equipment is manually operated, the controlled piece of equipment becomes a non-target piece of equipment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user can select the non-target piece of equipment on the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400. Specifically, check boxes 418 are provided in the "Schedule" display columns 411 to 414, and air conditioning equipment with a check mark in the corresponding check box 418 is equipment under control, and air conditioning equipment with an uncheck mark in the corresponding check box 418 is equipment not under control. Therefore, by unchecking a check box 418, the user can stop the scheduled operation of the air conditioning equipment corresponding to that check box 418. Also, by checking a check box 418, the user can start (resume) the scheduled operation of the air conditioning equipment corresponding to that check box 418.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, air conditioning equipment that has become non-target equipment due to the user's operation of unchecking it maintains the state (set temperature, air volume, operation mode, heating / cooling, power on / off, etc.) that it had immediately before the check was removed. Specifically, for example, when a room air conditioner 3 is heating in the conservative operation mode, if the user performs an operation of unchecking to uncheck the check box 418 in the "first schedule" display field 411 that displays the operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3, the room air conditioner 3 will continue heating in the conservative operation mode even after the check is removed. Of course, it is possible to manually operate an air conditioning equipment that maintains the state that it had immediately before the check was removed to switch the state of the air conditioning equipment.

[0086] In this embodiment, the check box 418 corresponding to an air conditioning facility that has become an excluded facility due to the user's unchecking operation is unchecked, as well as for an air conditioning facility that has become an excluded facility due to a resident's manual operation, but this is not limited to this. In addition, in this embodiment, not only air conditioning equipment that has become non-target equipment due to manual operation by the resident, but also air conditioning equipment that has become non-target equipment due to the user unchecking the box, if the scheduled operation automatic return function is set to on, the air conditioning equipment will be returned to controlled equipment after a predetermined time has passed since it became non-target equipment, but this is not limited to this. In addition, in this embodiment, not only air conditioning equipment that has become equipment under control due to a user's check box operation, but also air conditioning equipment that has become equipment under control due to the operation of the scheduled operation automatic return function will have a check box 418 corresponding to that air conditioning equipment checked, but this is not limited to this.

[0087] Furthermore, on the air conditioning scheduled operation screen 400, the user can not only individually set the air conditioning equipment for which scheduled operation is to be stopped (or the air conditioning equipment for which scheduled operation is to be started) by operating the checkbox 418, but can also collectively set the air conditioning equipment for which scheduled operation is to be stopped (or the air conditioning equipment for which scheduled operation is to be started) by operating the scheduled operation "ON / OFF" switch button 420. Specifically, when the user turns off the switch button 420, the air conditioning device control means collectively stops (turns off) the operation of all controlled equipment (air conditioning equipment with check marks in the check boxes 418) and suspends the scheduled operation of all controlled equipment. When the user turns on the switch button 420, the air conditioning device control means starts (resumes) the scheduled operation of all controlled equipment. This allows the user to collectively suspend / resume scheduled operation for multiple air conditioning equipment simply by operating the switch button 420, without having to operate the check boxes 418 one by one. Therefore, the scheduled operation "on / off" switch button 420 can be utilized when the user is away for an extended period of time, such as traveling.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the switching button 420 is turned off, the operation of all controlled equipment is stopped and scheduled operation is cancelled, but this is not limited to this. The air conditioning equipment that stops operation and cancels scheduled operation when the switching button 420 is turned off may be, for example, all air conditioning equipment that can be controlled by the air conditioning equipment control means (i.e., all controlled equipment and all non-target equipment). In addition, in this embodiment, when the switching button 420 is turned on, scheduled operation of all controlled equipment is started, but this is not limited to this. The air conditioning equipment that starts scheduled operation when the switching button 420 is turned on may be, for example, all air conditioning equipment that can be controlled by the air conditioning equipment control means (i.e., all controlled equipment and all non-target equipment). Furthermore, when the switching button 420 is turned off, the timing (date and time) at which the switching button 420 is automatically turned on (turned on without user operation) may be input. Of course, even if the switching button 420 is off, the occupant can manually operate the air conditioning equipment to switch the state of the air conditioning equipment.

[0089] Furthermore, on the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400, the user can select whether the air conditioning device control means will perform control using a heating operation schedule or a cooling operation schedule from the operation schedules stored in the storage unit 73. Specifically, the "heating / cooling" switch button 430 can be used to switch between heating and cooling. The operation schedule used by the air conditioner control means may be configured so that the timing (date and time) of switching from heating to cooling, or the timing (date and time) of switching to cooling or heating, can be input. Furthermore, the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400 or the like may be configured to display the history of power consumption. In addition, in this embodiment, the set temperature of each air conditioning unit that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 is set for each air conditioning unit, but this is not limited to this. For example, the temperature settings of all air conditioning units may be controlled with one set temperature.

[0090] The operation schedule and set temperatures displayed on the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400 are the operation schedule (confirmed operation schedule) and set temperatures stored in the memory unit 73, and are the operation schedule and set temperatures used in scheduled operation, but the operation schedule and set temperatures cannot be adjusted (changed) on the air conditioning schedule operation screen 400. That is, in this embodiment, the operation schedule and set temperatures can only be adjusted on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300. Therefore, the user can adjust (update) the confirmed operation schedule and set temperatures by pressing the "Settings" button 114 on the side menu 100 again to display the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed again (when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed while the confirmed operation schedule is stored in the memory unit 73), the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (see FIG. 2) is not displayed, but the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 is displayed, and the confirmed operation schedule and set temperature are displayed in the "Operation Schedule" area 310 of the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300, but this is not limiting, and the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (see FIG. 2) may also be displayed when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed again.

[0091] According to the first embodiment, the following excellent effects are achieved. The air conditioning management system 1 of the first embodiment is a system that manages multiple air conditioning devices (room air conditioners 3, non-residential room air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, and floor heating 6) installed in a building 2, and includes input information receiving means (home gateway 7) that receives input information entered by a user, operation schedule generation means (home gateway 7) that generates an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioning devices based on the input information, and air conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) that controls the operation of each of the multiple air conditioning devices based on the operation schedule. The input information receiving means receives, as input information (first input information), lifestyle pattern information related to the lifestyle patterns of residents in the building 2 and room information related to rooms in which air conditioning devices are installed. Therefore, the user only needs to input information (lifestyle pattern information and room information) to generate an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioners based on the input information. In other words, the user only needs to input lifestyle pattern information and room information to set a schedule for collectively controlling the multiple air conditioners, making schedule setting easy.

[0092] In the first embodiment, the lifestyle pattern information is the resident's activity times including wake-up times and bedtimes, and the room information is information that can determine whether the room in which the air conditioner is installed is a room used after waking up ("room (activity)") or a room used when going to bed ("room (sleep)"). The operation schedule generation means (home gateway 7) can be configured to generate an operation schedule for air conditioners installed in rooms used after waking up, in which normal operation starts before wake-up time, and to generate an operation schedule for air conditioners installed in rooms used when going to bed, in which normal operation starts before bedtime (see FIGS. 2 and 4). Therefore, by simply inputting lifestyle pattern information and room information, the user can generate an operating schedule that takes into account the pre-cooling and pre-heating times of the air conditioner, making it easy to set a schedule that will create a comfortable indoor air-conditioning environment.

[0093] The air conditioning management system 1 of the first embodiment also includes a display means (terminal device 8) that displays the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means (home gateway 7), and an adjustment means (terminal device 8) that allows the user to adjust the operation schedule displayed on the display means. The input information receiving means (home gateway 7) can be configured to receive schedule adjustment information regarding the operation schedule adjusted by the adjustment means as input information (second input information), the operation schedule generation means (home gateway 7) regenerates the operation schedule based on the schedule adjustment information, and the air conditioner control means (home gateway 7) can be configured to control the operation of each of the multiple air conditioners based on the regenerated operation schedule. Therefore, the user can generate an operation schedule that is closer to the user's ideal simply by adjusting the operation schedule displayed on the display means. Therefore, the user can adjust the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generation means using the operation schedule displayed on the display means, making schedule setting easier than if the user had to set schedules from scratch for each of multiple air conditioners.

[0094] Furthermore, if there is an air conditioner among the multiple air conditioners that satisfies a predetermined condition, the air conditioner control means (home gateway 7) of the first embodiment can stop controlling the operation of the air conditioner that satisfies the predetermined condition. The air conditioner that satisfies the predetermined condition can be at least one of an air conditioner that is under control other than that by the air conditioner control means (e.g., manual operation) and an air conditioner that is specified to be linked to a predetermined operation (e.g., automatic operation) performed by a device (e.g., a water heater) other than an air conditioner installed in the building 2. That is, it is possible to stop control by the air conditioner control means for an air conditioner that has been controlled by something other than control by the air conditioner control means (for example, manual operation). Therefore, it is possible to avoid inconveniences such as, for example, when the state of an air conditioner has been switched by control other than control by the air conditioner control means, the state of the air conditioner being switched again immediately thereafter by control based on an operation schedule, which is easy to use. Alternatively, it is possible to stop control based on an operation schedule for an air conditioner that is specified to be linked to a predetermined operation (for example, automatic operation) performed by a device other than an air conditioner (for example, a water heater) installed in building 2. This makes it easy to use because it can avoid inconveniences such as, for example, the state of an air conditioner being switched in linkage with a predetermined operation of a device other than an air conditioner, and then the state of the air conditioner being switched again immediately thereafter by control based on an operation schedule.

[0095] The air conditioning management system 1 of the first embodiment also includes an operation means (terminal device 8) that can be operated by a user. The air conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) can stop controlling the operation of a relevant air conditioner among the multiple air conditioners based on the operation schedule in response to a first operation by the user (for example, an operation to uncheck the checkbox 418), and can stop controlling the operation of the multiple air conditioners based on the operation schedule in response to a second operation by the user (for example, an operation to switch the switch button 101a to "Away" (however, only when the at-home switch linked operation function is set to "On") or an operation to switch the switch button 420 to "Off"). Therefore, the user can specify air conditioners that do not operate according to the operation schedule (air conditioners for which scheduled operation should be stopped) individually or all at once, which makes it easy to use.

[0096] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. For the sake of convenience, elements common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the first embodiment, when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed again (when the "Settings" button 114 is pressed while a confirmed operation schedule is stored in the memory unit 73), the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 is displayed. In contrast to this, in the second embodiment, when the "Set" button 114 is pressed again (when the "Set" button 114 is pressed while a confirmed operation schedule is stored in the memory unit 73), the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A is displayed.

[0097] 9 to 15 and 17 are diagrams showing examples of the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A. 9, in addition to the side menu 100, the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A is provided with an "Operation Schedule" area 310A and a "Confirm Schedule" button 340. The air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A may also be provided with a "Detailed Settings" area 320.

[0098] In the "operation schedule" area 310A, the user can check the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73 (hereinafter referred to as the "confirmed operation schedule"). Specifically, the "Operation Schedule" area 310A is provided with a "First Schedule" display field 311A ​​that displays the confirmed operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 from among the confirmed operation schedules stored in the memory unit 73, a "Second Schedule" display field 312A that displays the confirmed operation schedule of the non-residential room air conditioner 4, a "Third Schedule" display field 313A that displays the confirmed operation schedule of the ducted air conditioner 5, and a "Fourth Schedule" display field 314A that displays the confirmed operation schedule of the floor heating 6.

[0099] Of course, separate "Schedule" display columns are provided for each air conditioning equipment if there is more than one air conditioning equipment of the same type among the air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1. Specifically, for example, if the air conditioning equipment that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1 includes a room air conditioner 3 installed in the living / dining room on the first floor and a room air conditioner 3 installed in a bedroom on the second floor, the "Operation Schedule" area 310A will be provided with a "First Schedule" display column 311A ​​that displays the confirmed operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the living / dining room on the first floor, and a "First Schedule" display column 311A ​​that displays the confirmed operation schedule of the room air conditioner 3 installed in the bedroom on the second floor.

[0100] Furthermore, in the "operation schedule" area 310A, the user can adjust (change) the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73. Specifically, for example, the time periods for the normal operation mode and the conservative operation mode can be adjusted by dragging and dropping the boundary between the dark band image corresponding to the normal operation mode and the light band image corresponding to the conservative operation mode displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 313A to change the length of these band images. Furthermore, for example, when the operation mode switches from conservative operation mode to normal operation mode to conservative operation mode to operation stopped (off) to conservative operation mode to normal operation mode, etc., if the band image (a light-colored band image corresponding to the conservative operation mode) displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 313A is interrupted, the time period for the conservative operation mode can be adjusted by dragging and dropping the end of the band image to change the length of the band image.

[0101] Furthermore, like the air conditioning device control means of the first embodiment, the air conditioning device control means of this embodiment does not control the floor heating 6 to operate in conservative operation mode, and therefore the light-colored band image corresponding to the conservative operation mode is not displayed in the "fourth schedule" display field 314A that displays the confirmed operation schedule of the floor heating 6. Therefore, in the "fourth schedule" display field 314A, the time period during which the floor heating 6 is on (normal operation mode) can be adjusted by changing the length of the band image by dragging and dropping the end of the dark-colored band image corresponding to the normal operation mode. Note that the operation for adjusting (changing) the confirmed operation schedule is not limited to the drag-and-drop operation. For example, when a predetermined position in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A is tapped, a screen may be displayed in which the time periods (e.g., start time and end time) of "Normal Operation Mode," "Reserved Operation Mode," and "Operation Stop (Off)" can be adjusted (changed) by entering numbers.

[0102] Furthermore, the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A display the set temperatures in the normal operation mode, and are provided with adjustment buttons 318a and 318b for the user to adjust (change) the set temperatures in the normal operation mode. Furthermore, check boxes 319 are provided in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A, and air conditioning equipment with a check mark in the corresponding check box 319 is equipment under control, while air conditioning equipment with an uncheck mark in the corresponding check box 319 is equipment that is not subject to control. Therefore, by unchecking a check box 319, the user can stop the scheduled operation of the air conditioning equipment corresponding to that check box 319. Also, by checking a check box 319, the user can start (resume) the scheduled operation of the air conditioning equipment corresponding to that check box 319. The "operation schedule" area 310A also has a "heating" tab 315 and a "cooling" tab 316. Fig. 9 shows the screen that is displayed when the "heating" tab 315 is pressed.

[0103] The "Operation Schedule" area 310A has a day of the week selection area 317. In the day of the week selection area 317, buttons for "Week," "Mon," "Tue," "Wed," "Thu," "Fri," "Sat," and "Sun" are arranged side by side, and when the "Week" button is pressed, the confirmed operation schedule from Monday to Sunday is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A, and when the "Mon" button is pressed, the confirmed operation schedule for Monday is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A. Figure 9 shows the screen that is displayed when the "Wed" button is pressed.

[0104] Here, in the storage unit 73 of this embodiment, as in the storage unit 73 of the first embodiment, a confirmed operation schedule (day of the week schedule) from Monday to Sunday is stored as the confirmed operation schedule. Moreover, unlike the storage unit 73 of the first embodiment, the storage unit 73 of this embodiment stores an operation schedule for change. Specifically, the storage unit 73 of this embodiment stores one or more event schedules (in this embodiment, three event schedules: event schedule 1, event schedule 2, and event schedule 3) as the operation schedule for change. Furthermore, the storage unit 73 of this embodiment can store a today-only schedule as the operation schedule for change.

[0105] The "Operation Schedule" area 310A is provided with a "Copy" button 30. When the "Copy" button 30 is pressed, a schedule copy screen 350 is displayed superimposed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A, as shown in Fig. 10. The schedule copy screen 350 is provided with "V" marks 351 and 352. When the "V" mark 351 on the left side is pressed, multiple options are displayed as the operation schedule to be copied, and when the "V" mark 352 on the right side is pressed, multiple options are displayed as the operation schedule to be changed. In this embodiment, when the "V" mark 351 on the left side is pressed, seven options from "Every Monday" to "Every Sunday" are displayed as shown in FIG. 11, but the displayed options are not limited to this. Furthermore, when the "V" mark 352 on the right side is pressed, ten options from "Every Monday" to "Every Sunday" and "Event Schedule 1" to "Event Schedule 3" are displayed as shown in FIG. 12, but the displayed options are not limited to this.

[0106] The schedule copy screen 350 also has a "Cancel" button 353 and an "OK" button 354. When the "Cancel" button 353 is pressed, the schedule copy screen 350 is cleared. On the other hand, when the "OK" button 354 is pressed, the schedule copy screen 350 is cleared and the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73 is updated. For example, when the "OK" button 354 is pressed in the state where the message "Do you want to copy 'Every Monday' to 'Every Thursday'?" is displayed, the same operation schedule as the confirmed operation schedule for Monday is overwritten and saved in the memory unit 73 as the confirmed operation schedule for Thursday. Also, for example, when the "OK" button 354 is pressed in a state where the message is "Do you want to copy 'Every Tuesday' to 'Event Schedule 3'?", an operation schedule identical to the confirmed operation schedule for Tuesday is overwritten and saved in the memory unit 73 as Event Schedule 3.

[0107] The "Operation Schedule" area 310A is provided with a "Today" button 31. The "Today" button 31 is displayed when the day of the week selected in the day of the week selection area 317 is the same as today (today). That is, Figs. 9 to 14 are screens that are displayed when today's day of the week is Wednesday, and Fig. 15 is a screen that is displayed when today's day of the week is other than Friday. Also, Fig. 13 is a screen that is displayed when the "Today" button 31 is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in Fig. 9. That is, Fig. 13 is a screen that is displayed when the "Today" button 31 is pressed (when the "Today" button 31 is enabled). On the other hand, Figs. 9 to 12 and 14 are screens that are displayed when the "Today" button 31 is disabled.

[0108] On the air conditioning scheduled operation setting screen 300A (see FIG. 13) where the "Today" button 31 is enabled, if the operation schedule displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A is adjusted and then the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed, the adjusted operation schedule is saved as a today-only schedule in the memory unit 73. In this case, the confirmed operation schedule stored in the memory unit 73 is not updated. Then, when the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is enabled, the air conditioner control means resets the schedule for that day. Specifically, when the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is enabled, the air conditioner control means resets the schedule for that day to a schedule that applies the today-only schedule, instead of a schedule that applies the corresponding day-of-week schedule (for example, if today is Wednesday, the confirmed operation schedule for Wednesday), and controls the operation of the air conditioner equipment based on the reset schedule for that day (i.e., the today-only schedule stored in the storage unit 73). Thereafter, when the day switches from today to the next day (when it becomes midnight today), the air conditioner control means sets a schedule that applies the corresponding day-of-week schedule (for example, if today is Wednesday, the confirmed operation schedule for Thursday) as the schedule for that day, and controls the operation of the air conditioner equipment based on the set schedule for that day (i.e., the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73). The today-only schedule is erased from the storage unit 73, for example, when the next day arrives.

[0109] On the other hand, on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIG. 13) where the "Today" button 31 is enabled, if the operation schedule displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A is adjusted and then the "Today" button 31 is pressed again, the "Today" button 31 becomes disabled, and the operation schedule before the adjustment (i.e., the confirmed operation schedule stored in the memory unit 73) is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A.

[0110] The "operation schedule" area 310A is provided with an event schedule selection area 32. In the event schedule selection area 32, number buttons "1," "2," and "3" are arranged side by side. The process performed when the "2" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed and the process performed when the "3" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed are the same as the process performed when the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed. Therefore, the following will explain the process performed when the "1" button is pressed, and will omit explanations of the processes performed when the "2" button or the "3" button is pressed.

[0111] When the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed, event schedule 1 stored in the memory unit 73 is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A, and a connecting line 33 is displayed connecting the "1" button to the selected day of the week button (the day of the week selected in the day of the week selection area 317). Fig. 14 is a screen that is displayed when the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in Fig. 9. In other words, Fig. 14 is a screen that is displayed when the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is pressed (the "1" button becomes active) when the selected day of the week button is the "Wed" button.

[0112] Furthermore, when a day of the week button other than the selected day of the week button is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIG. 14) while the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is enabled, a connecting line 33 is added connecting the "1" button to the newly selected day of the week button (the day of the week selected in the day of the week selection area 317), as shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a screen that is displayed when the "Fri" button in the day of the week selection area 317 is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 14. In other words, FIG. 15 is a screen that is displayed when the "Fri" button is pressed as a day of the week button other than the selected day of the week button (the "Wed" button) while the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is enabled.

[0113] Furthermore, if the "1" button is pressed again on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see Figures 14 and 15) where the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is enabled, the "1" button becomes disabled and the corresponding day of the week schedule (for example, if the selected day of the week button is the "Friday" button, the confirmed operation schedule for Friday) is displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A.

[0114] When the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see Figures 14 and 15) where the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is enabled, the air conditioning device control means sets a schedule for the next week including event schedule 1, and controls the operation of the air conditioning equipment based on the set schedule for the next week. Specifically, the air conditioning device control means sets a schedule for the next week that includes event schedule 1, in which event schedule 1 is applied to a specific day of the week (the day of the week that corresponds to the day of the week button connected to the "1" button by connecting line 33 at the time the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed), and the corresponding day of the week schedule is applied to other days of the week.

[0115] More specifically, when the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 14, the day button connected to the "1" button by connecting line 33 is the "Wed" button, so the air conditioning device control means applies event schedule 1 to Wednesday (today) as the schedule for the next week, and sets a schedule in which the corresponding day schedule is applied to each day of the week other than Wednesday (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday). Furthermore, when the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 15, the day buttons connected to the "1" button by connecting line 33 are the "Wed" button and the "Fri" button, so the air conditioning device control means applies event schedule 1 to Wednesday (today) and Friday (the day after tomorrow) as the schedule for the next week, and sets a schedule in which the corresponding day schedule is applied to each day of the week other than Wednesday and Friday (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday).

[0116] That is, when event schedule 1 is selected (when the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed while the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is enabled), the air conditioning device control means switches from control based on the schedule for the current day to control based on the schedule for the most recent week. Then, when the most recent week ends, the air conditioning device control means switches from control based on the schedule for the most recent week to control based on the schedule for the current day. Here, "the most recent week ends" means, for example, that if today (the day when event schedule 1 was selected) is Wednesday, the control will switch from Tuesday to Wednesday of the following week (when it becomes midnight on Tuesday of the following week).

[0117] Furthermore, on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIGS. 14 and 15) where the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is enabled, if the operation schedule displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A is adjusted and then the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed, the event schedule 1 stored in the storage unit 73 is updated based on the adjusted operation schedule. In this case, the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73 is not updated. The air conditioner control means then sets a schedule for the upcoming week that includes the updated event schedule 1, and controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the set schedule for the upcoming week.

[0118] In this way, the event schedule is valid for the most recent week including the day on which the event schedule is selected. For example, if the day (today) on which event schedule 1 is selected is Thursday, and Thursday and Monday are selected as the days of the week to which event schedule 1 should be applied, then the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A on the day (Thursday) on which event schedule 1 is selected displays a connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button to the "Mon" button and a connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button to the "Thu" button, as shown in FIG. 16(a). In this case, the air conditioning device control means applies event schedule 1 to Thursday (today) and Monday (four days from now) as the schedule for the upcoming week, and sets a schedule in which the corresponding day-of-the-week schedules are applied to the days of the week other than Thursday and Monday (Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday). Therefore, on the day (Thursday) on which event schedule 1 is selected, from the time of selection, the schedule setting for that day is canceled, the schedule for the upcoming week is set, and the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on event schedule 1.

[0119] Then, some time passes and it becomes the day after the day on which event schedule 1 was selected. On the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A on the day after the day on which event schedule 1 was selected (Friday), as shown in Fig. 16(b), only the connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button and the "Mon" button is displayed, and the connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button and the "Thu" button has been removed. Since Friday is not a day selected as a day on which event schedule 1 is to be applied, on the day after the day on which event schedule 1 was selected (Friday), the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding day of the week schedule (Friday's confirmed operation schedule).

[0120] Further time passes and four days have passed since Event Schedule 1 was selected. 16(c), on the day (Monday) four days after the day on which event schedule 1 was selected, the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A displays only the connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button and the "Month" button. Since Monday is the day selected as the day on which event schedule 1 is to be applied, on the day (Monday) four days after the day on which event schedule 1 was selected, the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on event schedule 1, not the corresponding day of the week schedule (the confirmed operation schedule for Monday).

[0121] Further time passes, and five days have passed since the day event schedule 1 was selected. On the day (Tuesday) five days after the day event schedule 1 was selected, the connecting line 33 connecting the "1" button and the "Month" button is also hidden on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A, as shown in Fig. 16(d). Since Tuesday is not a day selected as a day to apply event schedule 1, on the day five days after the day event schedule 1 was selected (Tuesday), the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding day of the week schedule (Tuesday's confirmed operation schedule).

[0122] Further time passes, and it is now seven days since the day event schedule 1 was selected. On the day (Thursday) seven days after the day event schedule 1 was selected, the connecting line 33 is not displayed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A, as shown in Fig. 16(e). Then, on the day (Wednesday) six days after the day event schedule 1 was selected, the most recent week including the day event schedule 1 was selected ends, so on the day (Thursday) seven days after the day event schedule 1 was selected, the schedule settings for the most recent week are canceled, the schedule for the current day is set, and the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on the schedule for the corresponding day of the week (the confirmed operation schedule for Thursday).

[0123] It is not necessary to select the day of the week on which event schedule 1 is selected (the day on which the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed while the "1" button in the event schedule selection area 32 is enabled) as the day on which event schedule 1 is applied. Specifically, for example, if the day (today) on which event schedule 1 is selected is Thursday, days other than Thursday (for example, Friday and Monday) may be selected as the days to which event schedule 1 is applied. In this case, the air conditioning device control means applies event schedule 1 to Friday (the following day) and Monday (four days later) as the schedule for the most recent week, and sets a schedule in which the corresponding day-of-week schedule is applied to each of the days of the week other than Friday and Monday (Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday). Therefore, on the day (Thursday) on which event schedule 1 is selected, the schedule setting for the current day is canceled from the time of selection, and the schedule for the most recent week is set. However, since Thursday is not a day of the week selected as the day on which event schedule 1 is applied, the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding day-of-week schedule (Thursday's confirmed operating schedule). Furthermore, in this case, the most recent week including the day on which event schedule 1 was selected ends on Wednesday of the following week, so on Thursday of the following week, the schedule setting for the most recent week is canceled, the schedule for the current day is set, and the operation of the air conditioning equipment is controlled based on the corresponding day-of-week schedule (Thursday's confirmed operating schedule).

[0124] Furthermore, on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (see FIG. 9) where the "Today" button 31 is disabled and all the numeric buttons in the event schedule selection area 32 are disabled, if the operation schedule displayed in the "Schedule" display fields 311A ​​to 314A is adjusted and then the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed, the confirmed operation schedule stored in the memory unit 73 is updated based on the adjusted operation schedule. Then, when the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is disabled and all the numeric buttons in the event schedule selection area 32 are disabled, the air conditioner control means resets the schedule for that day. Specifically, when the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is disabled and all the numeric buttons in the event schedule selection area 32 are disabled, the air conditioner control means resets the schedule for that day to a schedule to which the corresponding day schedule included in the updated confirmed operation schedule is applied, instead of the schedule to which the corresponding day schedule included in the confirmed operation schedule before the update is applied, and controls the operation of the air conditioner equipment based on the reset schedule for that day (i.e., the confirmed operation schedule stored in the storage unit 73).

[0125] Furthermore, when the "Week" button in the day of the week selection area 317 is pressed on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A, the "Copy" button 30 and the event schedule selection area 32 are hidden, and if the "Today" button 30 was displayed, the "Today" button 30 is hidden, as shown in FIG. 17.

[0126] According to the second embodiment, the following excellent effects are achieved. The air conditioning management system 1 of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the air conditioning management system 1 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the air conditioning management system 1 of the second embodiment is a system that manages multiple air conditioning devices (room air conditioners 3, non-residential room air conditioners 4, ducted air conditioners 5, and floor heating 6) installed in a building 2, and is equipped with input information accepting means (home gateway 7) that accepts input information entered by a user, operation schedule generating means (home gateway 7) that generates an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioning devices based on the input information, and air conditioning device control means (home gateway 7) that controls the operation of each of the multiple air conditioning devices.The air conditioning device control means sets a schedule for the current day or a schedule for the upcoming week based on the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means, and controls the operation of each of the multiple air conditioning devices based on the set schedule.

[0127] That is, simply by inputting information, the user generates an operation schedule for each of the multiple air conditioners based on the input information, and the schedule for the current day or the next week is set based on the generated operation schedule. Therefore, the operation schedule can be set flexibly according to the circumstances. In addition, because the operating schedule can be set flexibly, if there is a change in the planned schedule, there is no need to turn off all air conditioning units or leave them as they are on the day of the week schedule, which is a hassle. Therefore, even if the planned schedule changes, it is possible to provide a comfortable living environment for people and reduce the burden on the natural environment. In other words, by increasing air conditioning efficiency, it can contribute to achieving SDGs Goal 7 "Affordable and clean energy" and Goal 13 "Take urgent action to combat climate change."

[0128] Here, the operation schedule generating means of the second embodiment can generate a day of the week schedule, an event schedule, and a today-only schedule as the operation schedule. The weekday schedule (confirmed operation schedule) is generated based on, for example, input information (first input information (lifestyle pattern information (normal life pattern) and room information)) entered on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 200 (Figure 2) and input information (second input information) entered on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300 (Figure 3). The event schedule is generated based on, for example, the first input information and the second input information, the input information (third input information) entered on the schedule copy screen 350 (FIGS. 10 to 12), and the input information (fourth input information) entered on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (FIGS. 14 and 15) where any of the numeric buttons in the event schedule selection area 32 is active. The today-only schedule is generated, for example, based on the first input information, the second input information, and the input information (fifth input information) entered on the air conditioning schedule operation setting screen 300A (Figure 13) where the ``Today'' button 31 is enabled.

[0129] In addition, in the second embodiment, the operation schedule generation means can generate an event schedule and a weekday schedule based on normal life patterns for each day of the week as the operation schedule, and the air conditioning device control means can set a schedule for the upcoming week in which the event schedule is applied to one or more days of the week specified by the user, and the corresponding weekday schedule is applied to other days of the week.

[0130] Therefore, it is easy to use because it can respond flexibly if there are irregular events in the coming week. If the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means is only a weekday schedule (fixed operation schedule), for example, if there are irregular events on Tuesday and Thursday of this week, and the fixed operation schedule for Tuesday and Thursday is adjusted (changed), the changed fixed operation schedule will also be applied to Tuesday and Thursday of the following week. Therefore, if there are no irregular events on Tuesday and Thursday of the following week (if Tuesday and Thursday of the following week are normal life patterns), it is necessary to adjust (change) the fixed operation schedule for Tuesday and Thursday again, which is troublesome. In contrast, in the second embodiment, it is possible to set a schedule for the upcoming week that is reflected only in the week (this week) when an irregular event occurs, so that irregular events can be accommodated without changing the weekday schedule (confirmed operation schedule), making it easy to use.

[0131] In addition, in the second embodiment, when an event schedule is applied to a specific day of the week in the most recent week, at the time of switching from the specific day of the week in the most recent week to the next day of the week, it is possible to cancel the application of the event schedule, and apply the weekday schedule corresponding to the specific day of the week to the specific day of the following week. Specifically, for example, if an event schedule is applied to Tuesdays and Thursdays (specified days of the week) in the most recent week, when the time changes from Tuesday (specified day of the week) to Wednesday (next day of the week) in the most recent week, the application of the event schedule can be canceled and the fixed operation schedule for Tuesday (the weekday schedule corresponding to the specified day of the week) can be applied to Tuesday (specified day of the week) in the following week, and when the time changes from Thursday (specified day of the week) to Friday (next day of the week) in the most recent week, the application of the event schedule can be canceled and the fixed operation schedule for Thursday (the weekday schedule corresponding to the specified day of the week) can be applied to Thursday (specified day of the week) in the following week. Therefore, since the validity period of the event schedule is one week, if there is an irregular event in the coming week, it can be dealt with flexibly and is easy to use.

[0132] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the operation schedule generation means can generate, as operation schedules, a today-only schedule and a weekday schedule based on normal life patterns set for each day of the week, and the air conditioning device control means sets, as the schedule for the current day, a schedule to which the weekday schedule corresponding to the current day is applied at the time of switching from the previous day to the current day, and when a today-only schedule is generated (for example, when the "Confirm Schedule" button 340 is pressed while the "Today" button 31 is enabled), it is possible to reset the schedule to which the today-only schedule is applied instead of the weekday schedule.

[0133] Therefore, if there is an irregular event today, you can respond flexibly, making it easy to use. If the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means is only a weekday schedule (fixed operation schedule), and there is an irregular event today (for example, Tuesday), adjusting (changing) the fixed operation schedule for Tuesday will also apply the changed fixed operation schedule to the following Tuesday. Therefore, if there is no irregular event on the following Tuesday (if the following Tuesday is a normal life pattern), it is necessary to adjust (change) the fixed operation schedule for Tuesday again, which is troublesome. In contrast, in the second embodiment, it is possible to set a today-only schedule that is reflected only on the day (today) when an irregular event occurs, so that irregular events can be accommodated without changing the weekday schedule (confirmed operation schedule), making it easy to use.

[0134] In addition, in the second embodiment, when a today-only schedule is applied, the application of the today-only schedule is canceled at the time of switching from today to the next day, and a schedule can be set for the current day in which the weekday schedule corresponding to the next day is applied. Specifically, for example, if a today-only schedule is applied to Tuesday, when the day changes from Tuesday (today) to Wednesday (next day), the application of the today-only schedule can be canceled, and a schedule can be set for the current day in which the fixed operation schedule for Wednesday (the weekday schedule corresponding to the following day) is applied. Therefore, since the validity period of the today-only schedule is one day, it is possible to respond flexibly to cases where an irregular event occurs for just one day, and it is easy to use.

[0135] In the second embodiment, the event schedule can be generated by copying the day of the week schedule. Therefore, the event schedule can be easily generated, making it easy to use.

[0136] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, one or more days of the week to which the event schedule applies can be displayed so that the user can identify them. Specifically, a connecting line 33 can be displayed. Therefore, it is easy to know the days of the week to which the event schedule applies, making it easy to use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1. Air conditioning control system 2. Building 3. Room air conditioners (air conditioning units) 4. Air conditioners for non-residential rooms (air conditioning units) 5. Ducted air conditioners (air conditioning units) 6 Floor heating (air conditioning unit) 7 Home gateway (input information receiving means, operation schedule generating means, air conditioning device control means)

Claims

1. In an air conditioning management system that manages multiple air conditioning units installed in a building, input information receiving means for receiving input information input by a user; an operation schedule generating means for generating an operation schedule for each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the input information; and air conditioning device control means for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioning devices, The air conditioning device control means setting a schedule for the current day or the next week based on the operation schedule generated by the operation schedule generating means; Controlling the operation of each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the set schedule; the operation schedule generating means is capable of generating, as the operation schedule, a today-only schedule and a weekday schedule based on a normal life pattern set for each day of the week; The air conditioning device control means The schedule for the day is as follows: At the time of switching from the previous day to today, a schedule is set to which the day schedule corresponding to today's day of the week is applied; When the today-only schedule is generated, a schedule to which the today-only schedule is applied is set in place of the weekday schedule; An air conditioning management system characterized in that the today-only schedule is generated when a specified operation is performed by a user while a schedule is set to which the weekday schedule corresponding to today's day of the week is applied.

2. The air conditioning management system according to claim 1, the operation schedule generating means is capable of generating, as the operation schedule, an event schedule and a weekday schedule based on a normal life pattern set for each day of the week; The air conditioning device control means may include, as the schedule for the next week: the event schedule is applied to one or more days of the week designated by a user; An air conditioning control system characterized in that a schedule is set in which the corresponding day of the week schedule is applied to other days of the week.

3. The air conditioning management system according to claim 2, When the event schedule is applied to a specific day of the week in the past week, When the specified day of the week in the most recent week changes to the next day of the week, the application of the event schedule is canceled, An air conditioning management system, wherein the day of the week schedule corresponding to the predetermined day of the week is applied to the predetermined day of the following week.

4. The air conditioning management system according to claim 1, The air conditioning management system is characterized in that the specified operations are a first operation of pressing a first button, a second operation of adjusting a set schedule, and a third operation of pressing a second button, performed in the order of the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation.

5. The air conditioning management system according to claim 1, If the today-only schedule applies, An air conditioning management system characterized in that, at the time of switching from today to the next day, the application of the today-only schedule is canceled and a schedule is set for the current day in which the weekday schedule corresponding to the next day of the week is applied.

6. The air conditioning management system according to claim 2, 10. An air conditioning management system according to claim 9, wherein the event schedule can be generated by copying the day of the week schedule.

7. The air conditioning management system according to claim 2, An air conditioning management system characterized in that one or more days of the week to which the event schedule applies are displayed in a manner that allows a user to identify them.

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