Specification change proposal system and specification change proposal device

Abstract

To obtain a specification change proposal system capable of proposing the replacement of a ventilation device to a user in a specification for enabling replacement work without being hung down.SOLUTION: A specification change proposal system 100 includes a portable terminal 20, and a server 30 communicable with the portable terminal 20 through a network 40, and the server 30 includes an information acquisition part 31 for acquiring type name specifying information being information for specifying a type name of a ventilation device from the portable terminal 20, a type name specification part 32 for specifying the type name of the ventilation device on the basis of the type name specifying information, a specification change propriety determination part 33 for determining whether the ventilation device whose type name is specified can be changed to a new specification without being hung down, and an information preparation notification part 34 for creating new specification information being information about a new specification and transmitting the new specification information to the portable terminal 20 if the ventilation device whose type name is specified can be changed to the new specification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a specification change proposal system and a specification change proposal device that propose specification changes to users of a ventilation device that ventilates the air in a room.

Background Art

[0002] Among ventilation devices, there are some that are installed in a space above a room such as in a ceiling cavity by a ceiling suspension fitting and ventilate through a duct. As one of them, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a heat exchange ventilation device that performs air supply and exhaust simultaneously and performs heat exchange between the air supply flow and the exhaust flow is known.

[0003] An old-type heat exchange ventilation device that has been in use for several years since manufacture often has lower performance such as power consumption, noise, and heat exchange efficiency compared to a newer model heat exchange ventilation device, and these performances further deteriorate due to aging deterioration. Therefore, when using a heat exchange ventilation device that has been in use for several years since manufacture, the running cost increases and it becomes difficult to maintain the comfort of the room occupants. For this reason, for the purpose of improving and updating the functions of an installed heat exchange ventilation device, a replacement is performed to replace parts other than consumable parts, and it is required to improve performances such as power consumption, noise, and heat exchange efficiency. For this reason, by using a specification change proposal system that displays information on the heat exchange ventilation device after replacement, the user of the heat exchange ventilation device is urged to replace the heat exchange ventilation device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the spaces above rooms, such as attics, beams and columns are often installed, and refrigerant pipes and other wiring are routed, making it difficult to secure space for any work on installed heat exchange ventilation systems. Therefore, depending on the type of parts to be installed during replacement, it may be necessary to remove the heat exchange ventilation system from its ceiling mounts and lower it for installation. Traditionally, when proposing the replacement of a heat exchange ventilation system to a user, whether or not the replacement parts would require removing the heat exchange ventilation system from its ceiling mounts and lowering it for installation was not considered. As a result, replacements that included parts requiring the lowering of the heat exchange ventilation system for installation were sometimes proposed to users. Replacements involving the lowering of a heat exchange ventilation system take longer and require securing workspace in the room where the heat exchange ventilation system will be installed, which is a reason why users hesitate to replace their heat exchange ventilation systems. These problems also occur when the replacement target is a ventilation system that only provides ventilation and does not perform heat exchange.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above, and aims to provide a specification change proposal system that can propose to users the replacement of ventilation equipment with specifications that allow replacement work to be carried out without suspending the equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems and achieve the objectives, the specification change proposal system relating to this disclosure comprises a mobile terminal and a server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal via a network. The server includes an information acquisition unit that acquires model identification information, which is information for identifying the model name of a ventilation device, from the mobile terminal; a model identification unit that identifies the model name of the ventilation device based on the model identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit; a specification change feasibility determination unit that determines whether the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model identification unit can be changed to a new specification that achieves a different ventilation performance from the current specification without being lowered; and an information creation notification unit that, if the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model identification unit can be changed to a new specification, creates new specification information, which is information regarding the new specification, and transmits it to the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a model identification information generation unit that generates model identification information; a model identification information transmission unit that transmits model identification information to the server; and a display unit that displays the new specification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This disclosure provides the benefit of obtaining a specification change proposal system that can propose to users the replacement of ventilation equipment with specifications that allow replacement work to be carried out without lowering the equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing a heat exchange ventilation system, which is the product subject to specification change in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing a heat exchange ventilation system, which is the product subject to specification change in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the airflow generated in a heat exchange ventilation device, which is the product targeted for specification change in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the server operation flow of the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 6]This figure shows an example of how the static pressure airflow characteristic curve and the heat exchange efficiency airflow characteristic curve are displayed in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of power consumption display in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the display of the number of airflow stages in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Diagram showing the configuration of the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] Diagram showing the configuration of the specification change proposal device according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the hardware configuration of the server for the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the hardware configuration of the proposed specification change device according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The specification change proposal system and specification change proposal device according to the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. The specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 1 comprises a mobile terminal 20 and a server 30. The mobile terminal 20 and the server 30 are connected via a network 40 such as the Internet.

[0012] The mobile terminal 20 includes a display unit 21 such as a liquid crystal display device, a model name identification information generation unit 22 which generates model name identification information, which is information for identifying the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system that is the target of the specification change proposal, a communication unit 23 which sends and receives information via the network 40, and a model name identification information transmission unit 26 which processes the transmission of model name identification information to the server 30. Examples of model name identification information include image data of the part of the heat exchange ventilation system's nameplate where the model name is printed, image data of the exterior of the heat exchange ventilation system, data obtained by reading a code such as a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode printed on the nameplate of the heat exchange ventilation system, and character information including at least a part of the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system. If the model name identification information is image data of the part of the heat exchange ventilation system's nameplate where the model name is printed or image data of the exterior of the heat exchange ventilation system, the model name identification information generation unit 22 uses image data of the nameplate or exterior of the heat exchange ventilation system taken using a camera (not shown) provided in the mobile terminal 20 as the model name identification information. Furthermore, if the model identification information is data obtained by reading a code such as a one-dimensional barcode or two-dimensional barcode printed on the nameplate of the heat exchange ventilation system, the model identification information generation unit 22 uses the data of the code such as a one-dimensional barcode or two-dimensional barcode read using a camera (not shown) provided by the mobile terminal 20 as the model identification information. Also, if the model identification information is text information that includes at least a part of the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system, the text information entered using an input device (not shown) provided by the mobile terminal 20 as the model identification information.

[0013] The server 30 includes an information acquisition unit 31 that acquires type name specifying information, a type name specifying unit 32 that specifies the type name of the heat exchange ventilation device based on the type name specifying information obtained by the information acquisition unit 31, and a specification changeability determination unit 33 that determines whether the heat exchange ventilation device of the type name specified by the type name specifying unit 32 can be changed to a new specification that realizes a ventilation performance different from the ventilation performance in the current specification without lifting and lowering. The server 30 further includes an information creation and notification unit 34 that creates information to be transmitted to the mobile terminal 20 based on the determination result by the specification changeability determination unit 33, a list storage unit 35 that stores a list of products with changeable specifications, and a communication unit 36 that transmits and receives information via the network 40. The list of products with changeable specifications is a list of the type names of heat exchange ventilation devices in which at least some of the components constituting the device can be replaced with other components without lifting and lowering. The specification changeability determination unit 33 determines that the heat exchange ventilation device is changeable to a new specification when the type name of the heat exchange ventilation device specified by the type name specifying unit 32 is included in the list of products with changeable specifications, and determines that the heat exchange ventilation device is not changeable to a new specification when the type name of the heat exchange ventilation device specified by the type name specifying unit 32 is not included in the list of products with changeable specifications.

[0014] If the image data obtained by photographing the portion of the nameplate on which the model name is printed is the model name identification information, the model name identification unit 32 can identify the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system by extracting the string of characters printed on the nameplate through image processing. If the external image of the heat exchange ventilation system is the system data, the model name identification unit 32 can identify the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system by comparing the external image of a heat exchange ventilation system with a known model name that has been registered in advance with the model name identification information. Furthermore, if the data obtained by reading a code such as a one-dimensional barcode or two-dimensional barcode printed on the nameplate is the model name identification information, the model name identification unit 32 can identify the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system by comparing the code data such as a one-dimensional barcode or two-dimensional barcode of a heat exchange ventilation system with a known model name that has been registered in advance with the model name identification information. Furthermore, if the character information containing at least a part of the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system is the model name identification information, the model name identification unit 32 can identify the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system by comparing the model name of a known heat exchange ventilation system with the model name identification information.

[0015] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing a heat exchange ventilation device which is a target product for specification changes in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the air flow generated in the heat exchange ventilation device which is a target product for specification changes in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. The heat exchange ventilation device 50 includes a box body 1 configured as a hexahedron. Note that, Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the box body 1 with the illustration of the upper surface of the box body 1 omitted, and Figure 3 shows the internal structure of the box body 1 with the illustration of the lower surface and a part of one side surface of the box body 1 omitted. The box body 1 has four connection ports to which an air supply duct and an exhaust duct connecting the outdoors and the indoors are connected. The four connection ports are an outside air connection port 51 for sucking in outside air, an air supply connection port 52 for discharging air supply into the room, a return air connection port 53 for sucking in indoor air, and an exhaust connection port 54 for discharging exhaust outdoors. In the central part inside the box body 1, a rectangular prism-shaped heat exchanger 2 is arranged horizontally. The heat exchanger 2 is installed such that the diagonals of the rectangle in the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction extend in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. An inspection port 1a is provided on one of the four side surfaces of the box body 1. Maintenance of built-in components such as the heat exchanger 2, the air supply blower 7, and the exhaust blower 8 is performed through the inspection port 1a. The inspection port 1a is closed by closing an openable inspection port cover 6.

[0016] The control box 9 houses a control board 9a for controlling the heat exchange ventilation device 50. As shown in Figure 3, a remote controller 12 for remotely operating the heat exchange ventilation device 50 is connected to the control box 9 via a power line and a signal line (not shown).

[0017] As shown in Figure 4, in a side view, the box body 1 is horizontally divided into two sections by two ridge lines 5a above and below the heat exchanger 2. Further, each of the two horizontally divided sections is vertically divided into two sections by two ridge lines 5b in the horizontal direction of the heat exchanger 2 and the top plate, bottom plate, inside, and partition members of the box body 1. Therefore, the inside of the box body 1 is divided into four sections. Among the four sections, an air supply blower 7 is incorporated in one of the upper two sections, and an exhaust blower 8 is incorporated in the other.

[0018] Of the four compartments within the box 1, the compartment where the supply air blower 7 is installed and the compartment below the compartment where the exhaust air blower 8 is installed form an air supply passage. The compartment below the compartment where the exhaust air blower 8 is installed is an upstream air supply passage located upstream of the heat exchanger 2 in the air supply flow, while the compartment where the supply air blower 7 is installed is a downstream air supply passage located downstream of the heat exchanger 2 in the air supply flow.

[0019] Of the four compartments within the enclosure 1, the compartment where the exhaust fan 8 is installed and the compartment below the compartment where the supply fan 7 is installed form an exhaust air passage. The compartment below the compartment where the supply fan 7 is installed is an upstream exhaust air passage located upstream of the heat exchanger 2 in the exhaust flow, while the compartment where the exhaust fan 8 is installed is a downstream exhaust air passage located downstream of the heat exchanger 2 in the exhaust flow.

[0020] A temperature sensor 3 is installed in the upstream air supply passage. The temperature sensor 3 is connected by lead wires 10 to a control board 9a housed in a control box 9. Since the temperature sensor 3 is positioned to detect the temperature of the air supply before it passes through the heat exchanger 2, i.e., the temperature of the outside air, the control board 9a housed in the control box 9 can switch the operation of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 on and off and adjust the airflow rate based on the outside air temperature.

[0021] Inside the enclosure 1, a bypass air passage is provided that bypasses the heat exchanger 2 and connects the upstream exhaust air passage and the downstream exhaust air passage. A damper 14 is provided at the connection point between the bypass air passage and the upstream exhaust air passage. The damper 14 has the function of switching whether the upstream exhaust air passage is connected to the heat exchanger 2 or to the bypass air passage.

[0022] When the supply air blower 7 is operated, an airflow is generated, and outside air is drawn in through the outside air connection port 51, passes through the upstream supply air passage, the heat exchanger 2, and the downstream supply air passage, and is supplied to the room through the supply air connection port 52. When the exhaust fan 8 is operated, an exhaust airflow is generated, and indoor air is drawn in through the return air connection port 53, passes through the upstream exhaust air passage, the heat exchanger 2, and the downstream exhaust air passage, and is exhausted outdoors through the exhaust connection port 54. At this time, continuous heat exchange takes place between the exhaust airflow and the supply airflow in the heat exchanger 2.

[0023] The motors of the exhaust fan 8 and the supply fan 7 are connected to the control board 9a housed in the control box 9 by lead wires 10. The heat exchange ventilation system 50 allows for the removal and installation of the heat exchanger 2, filter 11, supply fan 7, and exhaust fan 8, as well as cleaning and replacement of other components installed inside the enclosure 1, by opening the inspection cover 6. The remote controller 12 can be attached and detached by plugging and unplugging the connectors on the power line and signal line into the connectors on the control board 9a.

[0024] The heat exchange ventilation system 50 subject to specification change proposals via the specification change proposal system 100 is limited to products sold within a certain period. Heat exchange ventilation systems 50 sold during this period use AC motors in both the supply fan 7 and the exhaust fan 8. The control board 9a for the AC motor changes the supply air volume and exhaust air volume in four stages by changing the rotation speed of the AC motor in four stages. The heat exchange ventilation system 50 drives the supply fan 7 and the exhaust fan 8 to form supply and exhaust airflows, and recovers heat through heat exchange between the supply and exhaust airflows in the heat exchanger 2. In addition, the heat exchanger 2, filter 11, geared motor 13, and temperature sensor 3, which are components subject to maintenance, can be removed by removing the inspection cover 6.

[0025] The building management company, which is the owner of the heat exchange ventilation system 50, has a maintenance contract for the heat exchange ventilation system 50 with a maintenance service provider, and the maintenance service provider performs maintenance work on the heat exchange ventilation system 50. The user of the mobile terminal 20 is the maintenance service provider, and the specification change proposal system 100 is used when the maintenance service provider proposes the replacement of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 to the building management company. In other words, the maintenance service provider proposes the replacement of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 by displaying the information notified to the mobile terminal 20 on the display unit 21 based on the result of the judgment of whether or not it is possible to change to the new specifications, and presenting it to the building management company.

[0026] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the server of the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. In step S1, the server 30 receives model name identification information from the mobile terminal 20. In step S2, the server 30 identifies the model name of the heat exchange ventilation device 50 based on the model name identification information. In step S3, the server 30 determines whether the heat exchange ventilation device 50 whose model name has been identified can be changed to a new specification that achieves a different ventilation performance than the ventilation performance of the current specification. The determination of whether or not it is possible to change to a new specification is made based on whether or not the identified model name is included in the list of products whose specifications can be changed. If it is possible to change the heat exchange ventilation device 50 whose model name has been identified to a new specification that achieves a different ventilation performance than the ventilation performance of the current specification, the answer in step S3 is Yes, and in step S4, the server 30 creates new specification information, which is information about the new specification that can be changed, and sends it to the mobile terminal 20. Details of the information regarding the new specification will be described later. Furthermore, the information on the components and ventilation performance of the heat exchange ventilation device 50 in its current specifications, which is used to create the new specification information, as well as the information on the components to be attached to the heat exchange ventilation device 50 by replacement with the new specifications and the ventilation performance information in the new specifications, may be stored in the server 30 in advance, or may be obtained from a database (not shown) via the network 40. If it is not possible to change the heat exchange ventilation device 50 of the specified model name to a new specification that achieves a different ventilation performance from the ventilation performance in its current specifications, the result will be No in step S3, and in step S5, the server 30 will notify the mobile terminal 20 that the specification change is not possible.

[0027] This section explains the new specification information. One type of new specification information that the server 30 sends to the mobile terminal 20 is information indicating the content of the specification change. The content of the specification change indicates which parts will be replaced by which parts as a result of the specification change. Basically, the server 30 sends only one type of specification change to the mobile terminal 20, but if there are multiple new specifications that can be changed, the server 30 may send the content of each of the multiple specification changes to the mobile terminal 20. By having the server 30 send the content of the specification change for each of the multiple new specifications to the mobile terminal 20, the building management company can refer to the content of the multiple specification changes displayed on the mobile terminal 20 and select the changed specifications, thereby increasing the satisfaction of the building management company.

[0028] Furthermore, one of the new specification information that the server 30 transmits to the mobile terminal 20 is comparative information that compares the ventilation performance under the current specifications with the ventilation performance under the revised new specifications. By displaying the comparative information received from the server 30 on the display unit 21, the maintenance service provider who refers to the comparative information can objectively judge the change in the performance of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 due to the replacement and decide whether or not to propose a specification change to the building management company. In addition, by displaying ordering buttons for the parts necessary to implement the specification change and application buttons for replacement work on the comparative information display screen, the building management company that has decided to implement the specification change can easily order the parts necessary to implement the specification change and apply for replacement work to the maintenance service provider.

[0029] Examples of comparative information include a static pressure-airflow rate characteristic curve diagram, which shows the relationship between static pressure and airflow rate using a curve, and a heat exchange efficiency-airflow rate characteristic curve diagram, which shows the relationship between heat exchange efficiency and airflow rate using a curve. Figure 6 shows an example of the display of the static pressure-airflow rate characteristic curve diagram and the heat exchange efficiency-airflow rate characteristic curve diagram in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. In Figure 6, the static pressure-airflow rate characteristic curve diagram and the heat exchange efficiency-airflow rate characteristic curve diagram have airflow rate (m³) on the horizontal axis. 3The values ​​( / h) are common and shown together in the diagram. The static pressure / airflow characteristic curve and heat exchange efficiency / airflow characteristic curve for the current specifications and the static pressure / airflow characteristic curve and heat exchange efficiency / airflow characteristic curve for the new specifications are displayed side by side.

[0030] The static pressure-airflow characteristic curve shows airflow (m³) on the horizontal axis. 3 This is a graph illustrating the static pressure-airflow characteristic, which is the relationship between airflow and static pressure, with the vertical axis representing the static pressure outside the unit (Pa) and the vertical axis representing the static pressure outside the unit. By displaying the static pressure-airflow characteristic curve for the current specifications and the static pressure-airflow characteristic curve for the new specifications side by side, it is possible to compare the performance of the current specifications with the static pressure-airflow characteristic curve for the new specifications. For example, by displaying the static pressure-airflow characteristic curve for the current specifications and the static pressure-airflow characteristic curve for the new specifications with the same range on the horizontal and vertical axes, the improvement effect due to the specification change can be easily visualized. In terms of ventilation performance, the higher the airflow and the higher the static pressure outside the unit, the better the performance. A higher airflow makes it possible to increase the maximum ventilation rate. Also, if the static pressure outside the unit is high, it is possible to suppress the decrease in airflow even if the supply and exhaust ducts are routed in a complex manner. In the example shown in Figure 6, although the maximum airflow is greater with the current specification heat exchange ventilation system 50, the static pressure is too low near the maximum airflow. Therefore, in actual use, the heat exchange ventilation system 50 is operated at an airflow that ensures a certain level of static pressure. Except near the maximum airflow, the static pressure is generally higher with the new specification from low to high airflow. For this reason, it is expected that ventilation performance will improve by replacing the system with the new specification.

[0031] The heat exchange efficiency airflow characteristic curve diagram has airflow (m³) on the horizontal axis. 3 This is a graph showing the relationship between airflow rate and heat exchange efficiency, where the vertical axis is the airflow rate ( / h) and the vertical axis is the heat exchange efficiency (%). By displaying the heat exchange efficiency airflow characteristic curve for the current specifications and the heat exchange efficiency airflow characteristic curve for the new specifications side by side, it is possible to compare the performance of the current specifications with the heat exchange efficiency airflow characteristics of the new specifications. As shown in Figure 6, the heat exchange efficiency of the new specification heat exchange ventilation system 50 is higher than that of the current specification heat exchange ventilation system 50. Therefore, by replacing the system and changing to the new specifications, it is expected that heat exchange efficiency can be increased and energy consumption can be reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, power consumption can be cited as an example of comparative information. Figure 7 shows an example of power consumption display in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. By graphing the power consumption under the current specifications and the power consumption under the new specifications side by side using a bar graph, the reduction in power consumption can be easily visualized. In the example shown in Figure 7, the bar representing the power consumption of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 under the new specifications is shorter than the bar representing the power consumption of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 under the current specifications, so building management companies can easily grasp how much power consumption will decrease due to the specification change.

[0033] The power consumption displayed is the rated power consumption of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 as listed in the catalog, etc. By visualizing the reduction in power consumption due to specification changes, building management companies can easily recognize the improvement effect.

[0034] Alternatively, the current value flowing through the wiring connected to the control board 9a can be measured using a clamp meter, and the power consumption estimated based on the measured current value can be compared. Generally, as the current value increases, the power consumption value increases, making it possible to check for changes due to degradation from the power consumption listed in the catalog.

[0035] Furthermore, the number of airflow stages can be cited as an example of comparative information. In the case of a specification change in which the motors driving the supply air blower 7 and exhaust air blower 8 are changed from AC motors to DC motors, it is possible to increase the number of airflow stages of the heat exchange ventilation system 50. DC motors are more efficient than AC motors, and therefore have superior power consumption performance and controllability compared to AC motors. In addition, the supply air blower 7 and exhaust air blower 8 driven by DC motors can have more airflow tables than the supply air blower 7 and exhaust air blower 8 driven by AC motors, thus increasing the number of airflow stages.

[0036] Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the number of airflow stages in the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1. In the example shown in Figure 8, the current specification heat exchange ventilation system 50 shows three static pressure-airflow lines, while the new specification heat exchange ventilation system 50 shows thirteen static pressure-airflow lines. Therefore, building management companies can easily recognize that the number of airflow stages will increase due to the specification change.

[0037] Furthermore, when changing from an AC motor to a DC motor, the number of airflow stages can be displayed in both the static pressure-airflow characteristic curve diagram for the AC motor and the static pressure-airflow characteristic curve diagram for the DC motor, making it easy to adjust the airflow for each site. This allows maintenance service providers to easily adjust the ventilation airflow of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 to the ventilation airflow desired by the building management company.

[0038] Furthermore, even when there is a large pressure loss in the supply and exhaust ducts, and it is necessary to use a booster fan when using the supply and exhaust fans 7 and 8 equipped with AC motors, using the supply and exhaust fans 7 and 8 equipped with DC motors allows for a larger ventilation volume than when using the supply and exhaust fans 7 and 8 equipped with AC motors, thus eliminating the need for a booster fan. In this case, not only is the work of separately installing a booster fan unnecessary, but the ventilation volume can be increased even if space for installing a booster fan cannot be secured.

[0039] Furthermore, the model name identification unit 32 identifies the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 in its current specifications, thereby estimating the manufacturing date of the heat exchange ventilation system 50. The information creation and notification unit 34 can then estimate the product lifespan of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 based on the manufacturing date. By transmitting the estimated product lifespan to the mobile terminal 20, the building management company can refer to the estimated product lifespan displayed on the display unit 21 and decide whether or not to replace the heat exchange ventilation system 50.

[0040] The specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 1 can propose to the user the replacement of the heat exchange ventilation device 50 with specifications that allow the replacement work to be carried out without lowering it.

[0041] Embodiment 2. Figure 9 shows the configuration of the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 2. The specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 2 differs from the specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 1 in that the mobile terminal 20 includes a receiver 24 and a position identification unit 25 that identifies the position of the heat exchange ventilation device 50 based on radio waves received by the receiver 24. Other than this, it is the same as the specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 1, so redundant explanations are omitted.

[0042] If building plans are unavailable, it takes time and effort to locate the heat exchange ventilation system 50. For example, it may be necessary to climb a ladder, open a ceiling access panel, and feel around to locate the heat exchange ventilation system 50. Even if the location of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 is known, beams or columns may obstruct its view, making it difficult to visually confirm through the ceiling access panel. The heat exchange ventilation system 50 targeted for specification change proposals by the specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 2 has a transmitter mounted on the control board 9a, and the location information of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 can be obtained by receiving radio waves emitted from the transmitter with the mobile terminal 20. For example, multiple transmitters can be mounted on the control board 9a of the heat exchange ventilation system 50, and the location of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 can be determined based on the time difference in the reception timing of radio waves from each of the multiple transmitters at the receiver 24 of the mobile terminal 20. Furthermore, by mounting a transmitter that emits radio waves in a specific pattern on the control board 9a of the heat exchange ventilation system 50, the location of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 can be determined based on the strength and pattern of the radio waves received by each of the multiple antennas of the receiver 24 mounted on the mobile terminal 20.

[0043] The specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 2 can locate the location of the heat exchange ventilation device 50 using a mobile terminal 20 based on radio waves transmitted from the heat exchange ventilation device 50's transmitter. Therefore, a maintenance service provider can determine whether replacement work to the new specifications notified by the server 30 is feasible based on the installation location of the heat exchange ventilation device 50. For this reason, building maintenance companies can confirm that replacement work is feasible before proposing replacement to the new specifications to the building management company.

[0044] Embodiment 3. Figure 10 shows the configuration of the specification change proposal device according to Embodiment 3. The specification change proposal device 70 according to Embodiment 3 includes a model name identification information generation unit 71, a model name identification unit 72, a specification change feasibility determination unit 73, an information creation notification unit 74, a list storage unit 75, a display unit 76, and a display processing unit 77. The model name identification information generation unit 71 and the display unit 76 are the same as the model name identification information generation unit 22 and the display unit 21 provided in the mobile terminal 20 of the specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The model name identification unit 72, the specification change feasibility determination unit 73, and the list storage unit 75 are the same as the model name identification unit 32, the specification change feasibility determination unit 33, and the list storage unit 35 provided in the server 30 of the specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 1. The information creation notification unit 74 creates new specification information similar to the information creation notification unit 34 of the specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 1 and outputs it to the display processing unit 77. The display processing unit 77 performs a process to display the new specification information on the display unit 76.

[0045] The specification change proposal device 70 according to Embodiment 3 determines whether or not it is possible to change the specifications of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 based on the model name identification information generated by the model name identification information generation unit 71, and if it is possible to change the specifications, it can display information regarding the new specifications on the display unit 76. Therefore, a service maintenance company, which is a user of the specification change proposal device 70, can propose to the user the replacement of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 with specifications that can be replaced without communication via a network and without lowering the specification change proposal device 70 alone.

[0046] Next, the hardware configuration of the server 30 of the specification change proposal system 100 according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and the specification change proposal device 70 according to Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0047] Figure 11 shows the hardware configuration of the server of the specification change proposal system according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. The server 30 is realized by a computer system that includes a processor 91 that performs various processes, a memory 92 which is the main memory, a storage device 93 that stores information, and a communication interface 94.

[0048] The processor 91 may be a computing device such as an arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, CPU (Central Processing Unit), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 92 may use non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage device 93 stores a program for identifying the model name of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 and determining whether or not the specifications of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 can be changed.

[0049] The above computer system realizes the functions of the information acquisition unit 31, the model name identification unit 32, the specification change feasibility determination unit 33, and the information creation notification unit 34 by having the processor 91 read programs corresponding to the processing of each component stored in the storage device 93 into the memory 92 and execute them. The list storage unit 35 is realized by the storage device 93. The communication unit 36 ​​is realized by the communication interface 94. The memory 92 is also used as temporary memory for each process executed by the processor 91. The programs executed by the processor 91 may be provided in a state stored on a storage medium or may be provided via a network.

[0050] Figure 12 shows the hardware configuration of the specification change proposal device according to Embodiment 3. The specification change proposal device 70 according to Embodiment 3 is realized by a computer system comprising a processor 91 that performs various processes, a memory 92 which is the main memory, a storage device 93 that stores information, and a display device 95.

[0051] The above computer system realizes the functions of the model name identification information generation unit 71, the model name identification unit 72, the specification change feasibility determination unit 73, the information creation notification unit 74, and the display processing unit 77 by having the processor 91 read programs corresponding to the processing of each component stored in the storage device 93 into the memory 92 and execute them. The list storage unit 75 is realized by the storage device 93. The display unit 76 is realized by the display device 95. The memory 92 is also used as temporary memory for each process executed by the processor 91. The programs executed by the processor 91 may be provided in a state stored on a storage medium or may be provided via a network.

[0052] In Embodiments 1, 2, and 3, examples were shown of replacing the heat exchange ventilation device 50. However, the product subject to specification change can be any ventilation device to which a duct is connected, and it is also possible to make a ventilation device that only performs ventilation without heat exchange the product subject to specification change.

[0053] Furthermore, the heat exchange ventilation system 50 described in Embodiments 1 and 2 may be given additional functions for humidifying or deodorizing the air supplied to the room through ventilation. In this case, the humidification capacity or deodorization capacity of the heat exchange ventilation system 50 may be displayed as new specification information.

[0054] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples of the content, and can be combined with other known technologies. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0055] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0056] (Note 1) The system comprises a mobile terminal and a server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal via a network. The aforementioned server, An information acquisition unit that acquires model identification information, which is information for identifying the model name of the ventilation device, from the mobile terminal, A model name identification unit identifies the model name of the ventilation device based on the model name identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit, A specification change feasibility determination unit determines whether the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit can be modified to a new specification that achieves a different ventilation performance from the current specification without having to lower it, The system includes an information creation notification unit that, when the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit is eligible for modification to the new specifications, creates new specification information, which is information regarding the new specifications, and transmits it to the mobile terminal. The aforementioned mobile terminal is A model name identification information generation unit that generates the aforementioned model name identification information, A model name identification information transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned model name identification information to the server, A specification change proposal system characterized by having a display unit that displays the aforementioned new specification information. (Note 2) The specification change proposal system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that, if there are multiple new specifications that can be changed to the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit, the information creation notification unit transmits the new specification information for each of the multiple new specifications to the mobile terminal. (Note 3) The specification change proposal system described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that the model identification information is textual information including at least a part of the model name of the ventilation device. (Note 4) The specification change proposal system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the aforementioned model name identification information is image data. (Note 5) The aforementioned mobile terminal is A receiver that receives radio waves emitted by a transmitter mounted on the ventilation device, A specification change proposal system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 4, characterized by having a position estimation unit that estimates the position of the ventilation device based on radio waves received by the receiver. (Note 6) The specification change proposal system according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, characterized in that the information creation notification unit transmits an estimated value of the product life of the ventilation device, whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit, to the mobile terminal. (Note 7) The specification change proposal system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that the information creation and notification unit transmits screen data to the mobile terminal that displays on the display unit a button to order parts necessary for implementing the specification change and a button to request the contractor to implement the specification change. (Note 8) The specification change proposal system described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, characterized in that the new specification information includes comparative information showing a comparison between the ventilation performance under the current specifications and the ventilation performance under the new specifications. (Note 9) The specification change proposal system described in Appendix 8 is characterized in that the comparative information includes at least one of the static pressure airflow characteristics, power consumption, and number of airflow stages. (Note 10) A proposed specification change system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized by comprising a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the exhaust flow and the supply air flow. (Note 11) The specification change proposal system described in Appendix 10 is characterized in that the new specification information includes comparative information showing a comparison between the ventilation performance under the current specifications and the ventilation performance under the new specifications. (Note 12) The specification change proposal system described in Appendix 11 is characterized in that the comparative information includes at least one of static pressure airflow characteristics, power consumption, number of airflow stages, and heat exchange efficiency airflow characteristics. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Enclosure, 1a Inspection port, 2 Heat exchanger, 3 Temperature sensor, 5a, 5b Ridge line, 6 Inspection port cover, 7 Supply air blower, 8 Exhaust air blower, 9 Control box, 9a Control board, 10 Lead wire, 11 Filter, 12 Remote controller, 13 Geared motor, 14 Damper, 20 Mobile terminal, 21, 76 Display unit, 22, 71 Model name identification information generation unit, 23, 36 Communication unit, 24 Receiver, 25 Location identification unit, 26 Model name identification information transmission unit, 30 Server, 31 Information acquisition unit, 32, 72 Model name identification unit, 33, 73 Specification change feasibility determination unit, 34, 74 Information creation notification unit, 35, 75 List storage unit, 40 Network, 50 Heat exchange ventilation device, 51 Outside air connection port, 52 Supply air connection port, 53 54 Return air connection port, 70 Exhaust connection port, 77 Specification change proposal device, 91 Display processing unit, 92 Processor, 93 Memory, 94 Storage device, 94 Communication interface, 95 Display device, 100 Specification change proposal system.

Claims

1. The system comprises a mobile terminal and a server capable of communicating with the mobile terminal via a network. The aforementioned server, An information acquisition unit that acquires model identification information, which is information for identifying the model name of the ventilation device, from the mobile terminal, A model name identification unit identifies the model name of the ventilation device based on the model name identification information acquired by the information acquisition unit, A specification change feasibility determination unit determines whether the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit can be modified to a new specification that achieves a different ventilation performance from the current specification without having to suspend it, The system includes an information creation notification unit that, when the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit is eligible for modification to the new specifications, creates new specification information including at least one of the following: information indicating the details of the specification change from the current specifications to the new specifications and comparative information showing a comparison between the ventilation performance in the current specifications and the ventilation performance in the new specifications, and transmits this information to the mobile terminal. The aforementioned mobile terminal is A model name identification information generation unit that generates the aforementioned model name identification information, A model name identification information transmission unit that transmits the aforementioned model name identification information to the server, A specification change proposal system characterized by having a display unit that displays the aforementioned new specification information.

2. The specification change proposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that, if there are multiple new specifications that can be changed to the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit, the information creation notification unit transmits the new specification information for each of the multiple new specifications to the mobile terminal.

3. The specification change proposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that the model identification information is character information including at least a part of the model name of the ventilation device.

4. The specification change proposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned model name identification information is image data.

5. The aforementioned mobile terminal is A receiver that receives radio waves emitted by a transmitter mounted on the ventilation device, The specification change proposal system according to claim 1, further comprising a position estimation unit that estimates the position of the ventilation device based on radio waves received by the receiver.

6. The specification change proposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information creation notification unit transmits to the mobile terminal an estimated value of the product life of the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit, based on the current specifications.

7. The specification change proposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that the information creation and notification unit transmits screen data to the mobile terminal that displays on the display unit a button to order parts necessary for implementing the specification change and a button to request the contractor to implement the specification change.

8. The specification change proposal system according to claim 1, characterized in that the comparative information includes at least one of static pressure airflow characteristics, power consumption, and number of airflow stages.

9. A proposed specification change system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by comprising a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the exhaust flow and the supply air flow.

10. The specification change proposal system according to claim 9, characterized in that the new specification information includes information indicating at least one of the humidification capacity and deodorization capacity in the new specification.

11. The specification change proposal system according to claim 10, characterized in that the comparative information includes at least one of static pressure airflow characteristics, power consumption, number of airflow stages, and heat exchange efficiency airflow characteristics.

12. A display unit that displays information, A model name identification information generation unit generates model name identification information, which is information for identifying the model name of a ventilation device, A model name identification unit identifies the model name of the ventilation device based on the model name identification information, A specification change feasibility determination unit determines whether the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit can be modified to a new specification that achieves a different ventilation performance from the current specification without having to suspend it, When the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit is eligible for modification to the new specifications, an information creation notification unit creates new specification information that includes at least one of the following: information indicating the details of the specification change from the current specifications to the new specifications and comparative information showing a comparison between the ventilation performance in the current specifications and the ventilation performance in the new specifications. A specification change proposal device characterized by having a display processing unit that displays the new specification information on the display unit when the ventilation device whose model name has been identified by the model name identification unit is eligible for modification to the new specifications.

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