Air conditioning system and server

Abstract

In this air conditioning system, a server (30) comprises: an integrated command generation unit (33) that, when it is determined that no person is present in an air conditioning target space on the basis of occupancy status information that is acquired from an air conditioner and indicates the presence status of a person in the air conditioning target space, generates an integrated command in which a plurality of setting commands are integrated, on the basis of air conditioning state information that is acquired from the air conditioner and indicates an air conditioning state of the air conditioner, and a plurality of setting commands received from a remote operation terminal until a predetermined standby period elapses; and an integrated command transmission unit (311) that transmits the integrated command to the air conditioner at the end of a standby period. The air conditioning system is able to suppress the communication amount of operation commands between the air conditioner and the server (30) without impairing the comfort of a user.

Description

Air conditioning systems and servers

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a remotely controllable air conditioning system and server.

[0002] In a conventional remote control method for an air conditioner, a server transmits a setting command to the air conditioner each time a setting command is received from a user. For example, Patent Document 1 describes that the indoor units of an air conditioning system are connected to an air conditioning control server via an air conditioning network, and that air conditioning control is performed under commands from the air conditioning control server.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-116197

[0004] When home appliances with Internet of Things (IoT) functionality are operated remotely, it is expected that there may be limitations on the communication capacity of cellular adapters, etc., so that the appliances can be used even if a network is not installed at the home or factory where the appliances are installed.

[0005] However, in the conventional remote control method for air conditioners as described in Patent Document 1 above, when a server receives setting commands from multiple users or multiple setting commands from a single user, it sends the same number of operation commands to the air conditioner as the received operation commands, which has the problem of increasing the amount of communication between the server and the air conditioner.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an air conditioning system that is capable of reducing the amount of communication of operation commands between an air conditioner that is remotely controlled by operation commands sent from a remote control terminal via a server and the server, without compromising user comfort.

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioner that conditions the air of an air-conditioned space, a server capable of communicating with the air conditioner, and a remote control terminal that can communicate with the server and transmits setting commands to the server as commands for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner. The server includes: an integrated command generation unit that, when it is determined that no one is present in the air-conditioned space based on occupancy status information that is information obtained from the air conditioner and indicating the presence or absence of people in the air-conditioned space, generates an integrated command that integrates multiple setting commands based on air conditioning status information that is information obtained from the air conditioner and indicating the air conditioning status of the air conditioner and the multiple setting commands received from the remote control terminal until a predetermined standby period has elapsed; and an integrated command transmission unit that transmits the integrated command to the air conditioner after the standby period has ended.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication of operation commands between an air conditioner that is remotely controlled by operation commands sent from a remote control terminal via a server and the server, without compromising user comfort.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a remote control terminal provided in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a server provided in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram explaining processing related to control of air conditioners in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

[0010] An air conditioning system and a server according to an embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] First Embodiment. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to include an air conditioner 10, a remote control terminal 20, and a server 30. The air conditioner 10, the remote control terminal 20, and the server 30 are connected to the Internet 40, a global information communication network, and are capable of sending and receiving information among them. In the air conditioning system 1, the operation of the air conditioner 10 can be remotely controlled by the remote control terminal 20. In other words, the air conditioning system 1 can be said to be a home appliance system that includes the air conditioner 10, which is a home appliance to be controlled, and the remote control terminal 20 that remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0012] 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioner 10 provided in the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1. The air conditioner 10 includes an air conditioner main body having an indoor unit 11 disposed indoors, which is the space to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 12 disposed outdoors, and a remote controller 13 that controls the operation of the air conditioner main body. Note that hereinafter, the remote controller may also be referred to as a remote control.

[0013] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping (not shown) and internal and external communication lines (not shown), and refrigerant for heat exchange flows through the refrigerant piping. The air conditioner 10 forms a complete refrigeration cycle with the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 11. The air conditioner 10 uses refrigerant circulating between the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 11 through the refrigerant piping to transfer heat between the air inside the room, which is the space to be air-conditioned, and the air outside the room, thereby realizing air conditioning of the room.

[0014] The indoor unit 11 includes an indoor unit air conditioning unit 111, an indoor temperature sensor 112, an occupancy detection sensor 113, an air conditioning status collection unit 114, an indoor unit communication unit 115, an indoor unit memory unit 116, and an indoor unit control unit 117.

[0015] The indoor unit air conditioning section 111 has the air conditioning function of an indoor unit of a general air conditioner. The indoor unit air conditioning section 111 includes components such as an indoor heat exchanger (not shown) that exchanges heat between the air in the room where the indoor unit 11 is located and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, a blower fan (not shown) that sends the conditioned air that has undergone heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger from the indoor unit 11 into the room, and an air direction adjustment section (not shown) that adjusts the direction in which the conditioned air is sent from the indoor unit 11 into the room. Note that the components included in the indoor unit 11 are not limited to these.

[0016] The indoor temperature sensor 112 is configured using, for example, a thermistor, and measures the indoor temperature of the room, which is the space to be air-conditioned, at predetermined intervals.

[0017] The occupancy detection sensor 113 detects the presence of people in a room that is an air-conditioned space at a predetermined cycle. The occupancy detection sensor 113 transmits occupancy status information, which is the detection result, to the air conditioning status collection unit 114 and the indoor unit control unit 117. The occupancy status information is information that indicates the presence of people in a room that is an air-conditioned space. The occupancy status information includes information that indicates the presence of people in a room that is an air-conditioned space, and information that indicates the absence of people in a room that is an air-conditioned space. The occupancy detection sensor 113 is, for example, an infrared sensor that uses infrared rays to detect the presence of people in a room.

[0018] The air conditioning status collection unit 114 collects air conditioning status information at predetermined intervals from the indoor unit control unit 117. The air conditioning status collection unit 114 transmits the collected air conditioning status information to the server 30.

[0019] The air conditioning status information is information that indicates the air conditioning status of the air conditioner 10, and is information that includes at least one of information on the operating status of the air conditioner 10 and information on various setting values ​​for controlling the air conditioner 10. Specifically, the air conditioning status information is information that includes at least one of the operating status, operating mode, set temperature, indoor temperature, wind direction, and wind speed for the air conditioner 10.

[0020] The indoor unit communication unit 115 communicates with the outdoor unit 12, the remote control 13, and the server 30. The indoor unit communication unit 115 is capable of bidirectional communication of information with the outdoor unit 12 via an internal / external communication line. The indoor unit communication unit 115 is also capable of bidirectional communication of information with the remote control 13, for example, via infrared communication. The indoor unit communication unit 115 is also capable of bidirectional communication of information with the server 30 via the Internet 40. The indoor unit communication unit 115 transmits various pieces of information it receives to the indoor unit control unit 117. The indoor unit communication unit 115 also transmits various pieces of information received from the indoor unit control unit 117 to devices external to the indoor unit 11 via the Internet 40. The indoor unit communication unit 115 receives setting commands transmitted from the remote control 13. The indoor unit communication unit 115 also receives setting commands transmitted from the remote control terminal 20 via the server 30 and the Internet 40.

[0021] The setting command is a variety of control instructions for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10. Specifically, the setting command is a change request that requests a change to at least one of the operating state of the air conditioner 10, exemplified by power on / off, operating mode, set temperature, airflow direction, and airflow speed, and the function settings of the air conditioner 10, exemplified by the power saving setting and timer setting of the air conditioner 10. The setting command can also be considered a setting request that requests a setting for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10. The setting command is input by the user via the remote control 13 or the remote operation terminal 20 and transmitted to the indoor unit communication unit 115.

[0022] The indoor unit storage unit 116 is a storage unit that stores information such as various control setting values ​​and programs for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10. The indoor unit storage unit 116 stores various information received by the indoor unit 11. The various information received by the indoor unit 11 includes setting commands sent from the remote control terminal 20 and received via the server 30 and the Internet 40. The indoor unit storage unit 116 is a non-volatile storage unit, and is configured with a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0023] The indoor unit control unit 117 controls the operation of the entire air conditioning system 1. The indoor unit control unit 117 is a control unit that controls the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 in response to setting commands from the user received via the remote control 13 or the remote control terminal 20, thereby controlling the air conditioning system 1. In other words, the indoor unit control unit 117 functions as an air conditioning control unit that controls the entire air conditioner 10. The indoor unit control unit 117 receives setting requests for the air conditioner 10, such as power on / off, operation mode, and set temperature, sent from the remote control 13 or the remote control terminal 20, and controls the air conditioner 10 based on the setting requests.

[0024] The outdoor unit 12 includes an outdoor unit air conditioning unit 121 , an outdoor unit communication unit 122 , an outdoor unit storage unit 123 , and an outdoor unit control unit 124 .

[0025] The outdoor unit air conditioning unit 121 has the functions of an outdoor unit of a general air conditioner. The outdoor unit air conditioning unit 121 includes components such as an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) for exchanging heat between outdoor air and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuit, a fan (not shown) for blowing air outside the room, and a compressor (not shown) for compressing the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. Note that the components of the outdoor unit air conditioning unit 121 are not limited to these.

[0026] The outdoor unit communication unit 122 communicates with the indoor unit 11. The outdoor unit communication unit 122 is capable of two-way communication of information with the indoor unit 11.

[0027] The outdoor unit storage unit 123 is a storage unit that stores information such as various control setting values ​​and programs for controlling the operation of the outdoor unit 12. The outdoor unit storage unit 123 is a non-volatile storage unit, and is configured with a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0028] The outdoor unit control unit 124 controls the operation of the outdoor unit 12 based on the control of the indoor unit control unit 117 .

[0029] The remote controller 13 includes a remote controller operation unit 131 , a remote controller display unit 132 , a remote controller storage unit 133 , a remote controller communication unit 134 , and a remote controller control unit 135 .

[0030] The remote control operation unit 131 receives an operation from the user. When the remote control operation unit 131 receives an operation from the user, the remote control operation unit 131 transmits information corresponding to the user's operation to the remote control control unit 135 as an operation signal.

[0031] The remote control display unit 132 is a display unit that displays various information. The remote control display unit 132 displays information and status required for air conditioning by the air conditioner 10, such as the set temperature and operation mode of the air conditioner 10, and switches and displays screens corresponding to operations on the remote control operation unit 131.

[0032] The remote control storage unit 133 stores various types of information necessary for air conditioning in the air conditioner 10. The remote control storage unit 133 temporarily or long-term stores setting contents and image data related to the setting contents to be displayed on the remote control display unit 132. The remote control storage unit 133 is a non-volatile storage unit and is configured with a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0033] The remote control communication unit 134 is capable of two-way communication of information with the indoor unit communication unit 115 of the indoor unit 11 via infrared communication. Note that the connection between the indoor unit communication unit 115 of the indoor unit 11 and the remote control communication unit 134 is not limited to infrared communication. In other words, the remote control communication unit 134 may also perform two-way communication of information with the indoor unit communication unit 115 of the indoor unit 11 via wireless communication or wired communication.

[0034] The remote control control unit 135 controls the operation of the remote control 13. The remote control control unit 135 controls the remote control 13 based on an operation signal transmitted from the remote control operation unit 131. The remote control control unit 135 remotely controls the operation of the air conditioner main body. Based on the operation signal transmitted from the remote control operation unit 131, the remote control control unit 135 transmits a setting command to the indoor unit 11 for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner main body.

[0035] The remote control terminal 20 transmits setting commands received from the user to the indoor unit 11 via the server 30 to remotely control the air conditioner 10. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the remote control terminal 20 provided in the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] The remote control terminal 20 includes a terminal operation unit 21 , a terminal display unit 22 , a terminal storage unit 23 , a terminal communication unit 24 , and a terminal control unit 25 .

[0037] The terminal operation unit 21 is an input unit that accepts setting operations from the user. The terminal operation unit 21 accepts setting commands for the air conditioner 10 input by the user, and transmits the setting commands to the terminal storage unit 23 and the terminal control unit 25.

[0038] The terminal display unit 22 is a display unit that displays various information. The terminal display unit 22 displays information and status required for air conditioning by the air conditioner 10, such as the set temperature and operation mode of the air conditioner 10, and switches and displays screens corresponding to operations on the terminal operation unit 21.

[0039] The terminal storage unit 23 is a storage unit that stores various information necessary for air conditioning in the air conditioner 10, including setting commands for the air conditioner 10. The terminal storage unit 23 temporarily or long-term stores setting contents and image data related to the setting contents to be displayed on the terminal display unit 22. The terminal storage unit 23 is a non-volatile storage unit, and is configured from a semiconductor storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0040] The terminal communication unit 24 performs wireless communication with a public line, connects to the Internet 40 via the public line, and is capable of two-way communication of information with the server 30. The terminal communication unit 24 transmits setting commands for the air conditioner 10 to the server 30 via the Internet 40.

[0041] The terminal control unit 25 is a control unit that controls the overall processing of the remote control terminal 20. The terminal control unit 25 transmits setting commands for the air conditioner 10 sent from the terminal operation unit 21 to the server 30 via the terminal communication unit 24 and the Internet 40. The server 30 transmits the setting commands sent from the remote control terminal 20 to the indoor unit control unit 117 of the indoor unit 11 via the Internet 40. This allows the user to remotely control the operation of the air conditioner 10 using the remote control terminal 20.

[0042] The remote control terminal 20 has air conditioning control application software for the remote control terminal 20, which is application software for executing a remote control function for remotely controlling the operation of the air conditioner 10. The air conditioning control application software is stored in the terminal storage unit 23. The terminal control unit 15 executes the air conditioning control application software stored in the terminal storage unit 23 to receive setting commands for the air conditioner 10 from the user and transmit the setting commands to the indoor unit 11. Hereinafter, the air conditioning control application software may be referred to as an air conditioning control app.

[0043] 4 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 30 included in the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1. The server 30 transmits setting commands for the air conditioners 10 sent from the remote control terminal 20 to the indoor units 11. The server 30 includes a server communication unit 31, a server storage unit 32, an integrated command generation unit 33, and a server control unit 34.

[0044] The server communication unit 31 is connected to the Internet 40 and communicates with the remote control terminal 20. The server communication unit 31 is also connected to the Internet 40 and communicates with the indoor unit 11. The server communication unit 31 transmits various pieces of information received from the indoor unit 11 or the remote control terminal 20 to the server control unit 34. The server communication unit 31 also transmits various pieces of information received from the server control unit 34 to the indoor unit 11 or the remote control terminal 20. The server communication unit 31 also has an integrated command transmission unit 311.

[0045] The integrated command transmission unit 311 transmits the integrated command generated by the integrated command generation unit 33 to the indoor unit control unit 117 of the indoor unit 11 via the Internet 40 .

[0046] The server storage unit 32 stores various information related to the processing of the server 30 , including setting commands for the air conditioner 10 received from the remote control terminal 20 .

[0047] When it is determined that no one is in the room based on the occupancy status information acquired from the air conditioner 10, the integrated command generation unit 33 generates an integrated command that integrates multiple setting commands based on the air conditioning state information acquired from the air conditioner 10 and the multiple setting commands received from the remote control terminal 20 until a predetermined waiting period has elapsed. By using the air conditioning state information when generating the integrated command, the integrated command generation unit 33 can generate the integrated command after accurately grasping the current air conditioning state of the air conditioner 10. This makes it possible to prevent user comfort from being impaired when the air conditioner 10 is controlled based on the integrated command.

[0048] The server control unit 34 is a control unit that controls the overall processing of the server 30. The server control unit 34 controls processing for receiving setting commands for the air conditioner 10 transmitted from the remote control terminal 20. The server control unit 34 controls processing for transmitting setting commands for the air conditioner 10 transmitted from the remote control terminal 20 to the indoor unit control unit 117 of the indoor unit 11. The server control unit 34 also controls processing for transmitting the integrated command generated by the integrated command generation unit 33 from the integrated command transmission unit 311 to the indoor unit control unit 117 of the indoor unit 11.

[0049] 5 is a diagram illustrating processing related to control of the air conditioner 10 in the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1. The following describes the characteristic information flow and processing in the air conditioning system 1 with reference to FIG.

[0050] The user operates the air conditioning control application on the remote control terminal 20 and transmits a setting command 41 from the remote control terminal 20 to the server 30 .

[0051] In the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10, the air conditioning status collecting unit 114 collects air conditioning status information 42 from the indoor unit control unit 117 at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the occupancy detection sensor 113 detects the presence of people in the room at predetermined intervals. The occupancy detection sensor 113 transmits occupancy status information 43, which is the detection result, to the air conditioning status collecting unit 114 and the indoor unit control unit 117. The air conditioning status collecting unit 114 receives the occupancy status information 43 transmitted from the occupancy detection sensor 113. The air conditioning status collecting unit 114 then transmits the acquired air conditioning status information 42 and occupancy status information 43 to the server 30 at predetermined intervals.

[0052] The integrated command generation unit 33 of the server 30 receives the setting command 41, the air conditioning status information 42, and the occupancy status information 43. The integrated command generation unit 33 generates an integrated command 44 using the received setting command 41, the air conditioning status information 42, and the occupancy status information 43. The integrated command generation unit 33 transmits the generated integrated command 44 to the integrated command transmission unit 311. Upon receiving the integrated command 44 transmitted from the integrated command generation unit 33, the integrated command transmission unit 311 transmits the integrated command 44 to the indoor unit control unit 117 of the air conditioner 10.

[0053] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing steps for generating an integrated command when multiple setting commands are received by the server 30 included in the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. Here, the server 30 receives multiple setting commands for the air conditioner 10, i.e., multiple setting requests for the air conditioner 10, in order from request 1 to request N, from the remote control terminal 20. The setting requests sent from the remote control terminal 20 are sent to the integrated command generation unit 33 via the Internet 40 and the server communication unit 31, and are received by the integrated command generation unit 33.

[0054] First, in step S110, a request receiving step, the integrated command generating unit 33 receives a setting request for request 1. Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0055] In the request content analysis step of step S120, the integrated command generator 33 analyzes the request content of the setting request for request 1 accepted in the request acceptance step of step S110. Then, the process proceeds to step S130.

[0056] In analyzing the request content of the setting request, the integrated command generation unit 33 analyzes the content of the setting command 41 transmitted from the remote control terminal 20. For example, the integrated command generation unit 33 analyzes whether the content of the setting command 41 is a change in operation mode or a change in set temperature. If the integrated command generation unit 33 analyzes that the content of the setting command 41 is a change in operation mode, it also grasps the operating state before and after the change in operation mode, for example, a change from fan operation to cooling operation. Furthermore, if the integrated command generation unit 33 analyzes that the content of the setting command 41 is a change in set temperature, it also grasps the set temperature before and after the change in set temperature, for example, a change from 25°C to 26°C.

[0057] In step S130, a delay time waiting step, the integrated command generation unit 33 waits until the end of the delay time. Then, the process proceeds to step S140. Here, the integrated command generation unit 33 determines the presence or absence of people in the room based on the presence status information acquired from the air conditioning status collection unit 114 of the air conditioner 10. If a user is present in the room, the process proceeds to step S140 without waiting until the end of the delay time.

[0058] The delay time is a predetermined waiting period from the time when the integrated command generation unit 33 receives the setting request of request 1, which is the first setting request transmitted from the remote control terminal 20. In other words, the delay time is a period that starts when the integrated command generation unit 33 receives the setting request of request 1, which is the first setting request transmitted from the remote control terminal 20. The delay time is set in advance for each group of setting requests. The first setting request is the first setting request received after the previous generation of the integrated command.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing setting request group information in the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The setting request group information is information relating to groups of setting requests. In FIG. 7, the setting request group information shows the content of the setting request set for each group and the setting value of the delay time when the setting requests are grouped into three groups. The setting request group information is determined in advance and stored in the integrated command generation unit 33. The setting request group information may also be stored in the server storage unit 32.

[0060] 7, setting requests that significantly affect user convenience, such as operation on / off and changing the operation mode, are grouped into a first group with a relatively short delay time. Setting requests with a lower priority, such as timer settings and other settings, are grouped into a third group with a relatively long delay time. Setting requests for the set temperature, humidity, wind direction, and wind speed are grouped into a second group with a longer delay time than the first group but shorter than the third group.

[0061] The delay time standby state continues until the delay time expires. When the integrated command generator 33 receives a subsequent setting request for request 2 while waiting for the delay time, it continues counting the delay time that started when the setting request for request 1 was received. Furthermore, if the delay time preset for the setting request for request 2, which was received later, is shorter than the delay time preset for the setting request for request 1, which was received earlier, the integrated command generator 33 uses the shorter delay time.

[0062] That is, when the integrated command generation unit 33 receives the setting request for the subsequent request 2 while waiting for the delay time, the integrated command generation unit 33 changes the delay time from the delay time of the setting request for request 1 to the delay time of the setting request for request 2. Note that in this case as well, the start point of the delay time is when the integrated command generation unit 33 receives the setting request for request 1, which is the first setting request.

[0063] The remaining delay time at the time when a subsequent setting request is received is referred to as the remaining delay time. The delay time is completed when a predetermined count time has been counted. In other words, the integrated command generator 33 ends the delay time standby state when the predetermined delay time has been counted.

[0064] For example, a request to change the operation mode from fan operation to cooling operation and a request to change the operation mode from fan operation to heating operation are setting requests for changing the operation mode, and belong to the same group of setting requests. Also, a request to change the set temperature from 25°C to 26°C and a request to change the set temperature from 26°C to 27°C are setting requests for changing the set temperature, and belong to the same group of setting requests.

[0065] When the setting request for request 1 is waiting for the delay time, the setting requests from request 2 to request N received by the integrated command generator 33 after the setting request for request 1 are accepted and their contents are analyzed in the same manner as the setting request for request 1. The integrated command generator 33 then waits until the delay time ends (steps S160, S170, ..., S180, S190). Then, the process proceeds to step S140.

[0066] After the delay time has elapsed, in step S140 (a combined command generation step), combined command generator 33 generates a combined command. Combined command generator 33 transmits the generated combined command to combined command transmitter 311. Then, the process proceeds to step S150.

[0067] The integrated command is a setting command that integrates the setting request of request 1 and multiple setting requests received by the integrated command generation unit 33 while waiting for the delay time, and in this case, it is a setting command that integrates multiple setting requests from the setting request of request 1 to the setting request of request N.

[0068] For example, assume that the previous setting request of request 1 is a request to change the operation mode from fan operation to cooling operation, and the subsequent setting request of request 2 is a request to change the operation mode from fan operation to heating operation. In this case, the integrated command prioritizes the change to heating operation, which is the operation mode after the change in the setting request of subsequent request 2. As a result, the integrated command becomes a request to change the operation mode from fan operation to heating operation.

[0069] Also, for example, assume that the previous setting request, request 1, is a request to change the set temperature from 25°C to 26°C, and the subsequent setting request, request 2, is a request to change the set temperature from 26°C to 27°C. In this case, the integrated command will prioritize 27°C, which is the changed set temperature in the subsequent setting request, request 2. In this case, since the previous setting request, request 1, is a request to change the set temperature from 25°C to 26°C, the current set temperature is determined to be 25°C. As a result, the integrated command becomes a request to change the set temperature from 25°C to 27°C.

[0070] In step S150 , the integrated command transmission step, the integrated command transmission unit 311 transmits the integrated command to the indoor unit control unit 117 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10 .

[0071] Thereafter, the indoor unit control unit 117 controls the air conditioner 10 based on the integrated command.

[0072] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation when a setting request is received in the server 30. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the detailed operation when a setting request is received in the server 30 included in the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0073] In step S310, the integrated command generator 33 receives a setting request, and then the process proceeds to step S320.

[0074] In step S320, the integrated command generation unit 33 determines whether or not a user is present in the room. The integrated command generation unit 33 receives occupancy status information transmitted from the air conditioning status collection unit 114 of the indoor unit 11 at predetermined intervals, and determines whether or not a user is present in the room based on the received occupancy status information.

[0075] If it is determined that a user is present in the room, the result in step S320 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S380. If it is determined that a user is not present in the room, the result in step S320 is No, and the process proceeds to step S330.

[0076] In step S330, the integrated command generator 33 determines whether or not the current state is a delay time standby state.

[0077] If it is determined that the delay time is currently being waited for, the answer in step S330 is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S340. If it is determined that the delay time is not currently being waited for, the answer in step S330 is No, and the process proceeds to step S400.

[0078] In step S340, the integrated command generator 33 resets the remaining delay time. That is, the integrated command generator 33 resets the remaining delay time by taking the shortest delay time among the delay times corresponding to the multiple setting requests that the integrated command generator 33 has currently accepted while waiting for the delay time as the positive value. That is, the integrated command generator 33 compares the delay times of the multiple setting requests that are currently accepted, extracts the shortest delay time, calculates the remaining delay time based on the extracted delay time, and sets the calculated remaining time as the remaining delay time. Then, the process proceeds to step S350.

[0079] In step S400, the integrated command generation unit 33 starts the delay time. That is, the integrated command generation unit 33 sets the delay time corresponding to the setting request received in step S310 in the integrated command generation unit 33, and starts counting the elapsed time of the delay time. Then, the process proceeds to step S350.

[0080] In step S350, the integrated command generating unit 33 determines whether there is any contradiction among the request contents of the multiple setting requests currently being accepted.

[0081] If it is determined that there is no contradiction between the request contents of the multiple setting requests currently being accepted, the answer is Yes in step S350, and the process proceeds to step S360. If it is determined that there is a contradiction between the request contents of the multiple setting requests currently being accepted, the answer is No in step S350, and the process proceeds to step S410.

[0082] In step S410, the integrated command generation unit 33 cancels the inconsistent setting requests. Then, the integrated command generation unit 33 notifies the user that the inconsistent setting requests have been canceled. Specifically, the integrated command generation unit 33 transmits a cancellation notice, which is a notice that the inconsistent setting requests have been canceled, to the remote control terminal 20. The user can confirm the cancellation notice by displaying the cancellation notice on the terminal display unit 22 of the remote control terminal 20.

[0083] For example, if the setting request of the earlier request 1 is a request to change the operation mode from fan operation to cooling operation, and the setting request of the subsequent request 2 is a request to change the operation mode from fan operation to heating operation, the integrated command generation unit 33 prioritizes the change of the operation mode to heating operation, which is the changed operation mode in the subsequent request 2. As a result, the current candidate request content for the integrated command becomes a request to change the operation mode from fan operation to heating operation. The change of the operation mode to cooling operation in the setting request of the earlier request 1 is canceled as it contradicts the change of the operation mode to heating operation in the setting request of the later request 2. At this time, the user is notified that the change of the operation mode to cooling operation in the setting request of the earlier request 1 has been canceled.

[0084] Also, for example, assume that the earlier setting request, request 1, is a request to change the set temperature from 25°C to 26°C during heating operation, and the later setting request, request 2, is a request to change the operation mode from heating to cooling. In this case, the user's requests include a mixture of requests to heat and requests to cool, resulting in a contradiction between the user's requests. In this case, the setting request received earlier, request 1, is canceled. The user is then notified that the contradictory setting requests have been canceled.

[0085] In step S360, the integrated command generator 33 waits until the remaining delay time expires, and then the process proceeds to step S370.

[0086] In step S370, the integrated command generation unit 33 determines whether the delay time has ended by determining whether the elapsed time counted by the integrated command generation unit 33 from the start of the delay time has reached the delay time.

[0087] If it is determined that the delay time has elapsed, the answer is Yes in step S370, and the process proceeds to step S380. If it is determined that the delay time has not elapsed, the answer is No in step S370, and the process returns to step S310.

[0088] When returning from step S370 to step S310, if the integrated command generator 33 has received a new setting request in step S310, the integrated command generator 33 repeats the above-described steps S320 to S370. If a new setting request is not received within a predetermined time in step S310, the integrated command generator 33 proceeds to step S370.

[0089] In step S380, the integration command generating unit 33 integrates the accepted setting requests to generate an integration command.

[0090] When the process proceeds from step S320 to step S380, the integrated command generation unit 33 generates an integrated command by integrating the initially accepted setting request with the multiple setting requests accepted by the integrated command generation unit 33 up until the time when it is determined in step S320 that a user is present in the room. Note that if the initially accepted setting request is the only setting request accepted by the integrated command generation unit 33 at the end of the delay time, the integrated command generation unit 33 generates an integrated command using the content of the initially accepted setting request as the content of the integrated command. The integrated command generation unit 33 transmits the generated integrated command to the integrated command transmission unit 311.

[0091] In other words, if a user is present in the room, the integrated command generation unit 33 generates an integrated command at the time it is determined in step S320 that a user is present in the room, so as not to impair the user's comfort.

[0092] Furthermore, when the process proceeds from step S370 to step S380, the integrated command generation unit 33 generates an integrated command by integrating the initially accepted setting request with multiple setting requests accepted by the integrated command generation unit 33 while waiting for the delay time up until the end of the delay time. If the initially accepted setting request is the only setting request accepted by the integrated command generation unit 33 at the end of the delay time, the integrated command generation unit 33 generates an integrated command using the content of the initially accepted setting request as the content of the integrated command. The integrated command generation unit 33 transmits the generated integrated command to the integrated command transmission unit 311. Then, the process proceeds to step S390.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of integrating multiple setting requests of different types in the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The setting request of request 1 is a request to turn the power of the air conditioner 10 on or off. The setting request of request 2 is a request to change the operation mode of the air conditioner 10. The setting request of request 3 is a request to change the set temperature of the air conditioner 10. The setting request of request 4 is a request to change the air speed of the air conditioner 10. The setting request of request 5 is a request to enable or disable the power saving setting of the air conditioner 10. The setting requests of requests 1 to 5 are of different types. The setting requests of requests 1 to 5 can be included in a single integrated command as mutually consistent setting requests. When the setting request of request 1 is received first, and then the setting request of request 5 is received before the delay time has elapsed, the integrated command is an integrated command that integrates the setting requests of requests 1 to 5. The integrated command illustrated in FIG. 9 includes requests for power: on, operation mode: cooling, set temperature: −2° C., air speed: weak, and power saving setting: enabled.

[0094] In step S390 , the integrated command transmission unit 311 transmits the integrated command to the indoor unit control unit 117 of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10 .

[0095] According to the air conditioning system 1 of the above-described embodiment 1, an air conditioning system is realized which includes an air conditioner that conditions the air in the space to be air-conditioned, a server capable of communicating with the air conditioner, and a remote control terminal that can communicate with the server and transmits setting commands to the server, which are commands for remotely operating the air conditioner.The air conditioning system is also realized which includes: an integrated command generation unit that generates an integrated command that integrates multiple setting commands based on air conditioning status information that is information obtained from the air conditioner and indicating the air conditioning status of the air conditioner when the server determines that no one is present in the space to be air-conditioned based on occupancy status information that is information obtained from the air conditioner and indicating the air conditioning status of the air conditioner, and multiple setting commands received from the remote control terminal until a predetermined waiting period has elapsed; and an integrated command transmission unit that transmits the integrated command to the air conditioner after the waiting period has ended.

[0096] As described above, in the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment, the integrated command generation unit 33 of the server 30 determines whether or not a person is present in the room based on the occupancy status information. If the integrated command generation unit 33 determines that no one is present in the room, it generates an integrated command that integrates multiple setting commands based on the air conditioning status information and the multiple setting commands received from the remote control terminal 20 before the delay time, which is a predetermined waiting period, has elapsed. Then, the integrated command transmission unit 331 transmits the integrated command to the indoor unit control unit 117 of the air conditioner 10 after the delay time has elapsed.

[0097] The air conditioning system 1 configured as described above can reduce the amount of communication of setting commands from the server 30 to the air conditioner 10 without compromising user comfort by sending an integrated command to the air conditioner 10 that integrates multiple setting commands received by the server 30 when no one is present in the room.

[0098] That is, in the air conditioning system 1, if the setting command initially received by the server 30 and a subsequent setting command received by the server 30 while waiting for the delay time initiated by receiving that setting command are setting commands that belong to different groups, an integrated command that integrates these setting commands is transmitted to the air conditioner 10 after the delay time has elapsed. This allows the air conditioning system 1 to integrate multiple setting commands with different request content in the server 30 and transmit them to the air conditioner 10, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the amount of communication between the server 30 and the air conditioner 10.

[0099] Furthermore, if a previously received setting command and a subsequent setting command received by the server 30 during the delay time waiting period initiated by receiving the setting command belong to the same group, the server 30 transmits an integrated command created by adopting the request content of the later received setting command to the air conditioner 10 after the delay time has elapsed. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1, the request content of the later received setting command is executed by the air conditioner 10, and the request content of the earlier received setting command that does not match the request content of the later received setting command is not transmitted to the air conditioner 10. This allows the air conditioning system 1 to reduce the amount of communication between the server 30 and the air conditioner 10 while satisfying the user's latest requests.

[0100] In this way, the air conditioning system 1 is configured to define the priority of the request contents to be adopted when integrating multiple setting commands having different request contents to generate an integrated command. This has the effect of making it possible for the air conditioning system 1 to prevent multiple setting commands having conflicting request contents from being sent to the air conditioner 10. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary sudden changes in control in the air conditioner 10, and makes it possible to remotely operate the air conditioner 10 without impairing user comfort.

[0101] Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 1 of embodiment 1, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication of operation commands between the air conditioner 10, which is remotely controlled by operation commands sent from the remote control terminal 20 via the server 30, and the server 30, without compromising the comfort of the user.

[0102] Next, the hardware configuration of each of the control units 80 according to the first embodiment will be described. The control unit 80 according to the first embodiment corresponds to each of the air conditioning status collection unit 114 and the indoor unit control unit 117 in the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10, the outdoor unit control unit 124 in the outdoor unit 12 of the air conditioner 10, the remote controller control unit 135 in the remote control 13 of the air conditioner 10, the terminal control unit 25 in the remote control terminal 20, and the server control unit 34 in the server 30. Each function of the control unit 80 according to the first embodiment is realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware, or may be a processing unit that executes a program stored in a storage device.

[0103] When the processing circuit is dedicated hardware, the processing circuit may be a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or a combination thereof. Figure 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 80 according to the first embodiment are realized by hardware. The processing circuit 81 incorporates a logic circuit 81a that realizes the functions of the control unit 80.

[0104] When the processing circuit 81 is a processing device, the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0105] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which the functions of the control unit 80 according to the first embodiment are implemented by software. The processing circuit 81 includes a processor 811 that executes a program 81b, a random access memory 812 that the processor 811 uses as a work area, and a storage device 813 that stores the program 81b. The processor 811 deploys the program 81b stored in the storage device 813 on the random access memory 812 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 80. The software or firmware is written in a programming language and stored in the storage device 813. The processor 811 may be, but is not limited to, a central processing unit. The storage device 813 may be a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The semiconductor memory may be either a non-volatile memory or a volatile memory. In addition to semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) can be used as the storage device 813. The processor 811 may output data such as calculation results to the storage device 813 for storage, or may store the data in an auxiliary storage device (not shown) via the random access memory 812. By integrating the processor 811, the random access memory 812, and the storage device 813 on a single chip, the functions of the control unit 80 can be realized by a microcomputer.

[0106] The processing circuitry 81 reads and executes the program 81b stored in the storage device 813 to realize the functions of the control unit 80. It can also be said that the program 81b causes the computer to execute the procedures and methods for realizing the functions of the control unit 80.

[0107] The processing circuit 81 may be configured so that some of the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by dedicated hardware, and some of the functions of the control unit 80 are realized by software or firmware.

[0108] In this way, the processing circuitry 81 can realize each of the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these.

[0109] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, and parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0110] 1 Air conditioning system, 10 Air conditioner, 11 Indoor unit, 12 Outdoor unit, 13 Remote controller, 20 Remote operation terminal, 21 Terminal operation unit, 22 Terminal display unit, 23 Terminal memory unit, 24 Terminal communication unit, 25 Terminal control unit, 30 Server, 31 Server communication unit, 32 Server memory unit, 33 Integrated command generation unit, 34 Server control unit, 40 Internet, 41 Setting command, 42 Air conditioning status information, 43 Occupancy status information, 44 Integrated command, 80 Control unit, 81 Processing circuit, 81a Logic circuit, 81b Program, 111 Indoor unit air conditioning unit, 112 Indoor temperature sensor, 113 Occupancy detection sensor, 114 Air conditioning status collection unit, 115 Indoor unit communication unit, 116 Indoor unit memory unit, 117 Indoor unit control unit, 121 Outdoor unit air conditioning unit, 122 Outdoor unit communication unit, 123 Outdoor unit storage unit, 124 Outdoor unit control unit, 131 Remote controller operation unit, 132 Remote controller display unit, 133 Remote controller storage unit, 134 Remote controller communication unit, 135 Remote controller control unit, 311 Integrated command transmission unit, 811 Processor, 812 Random access memory, 813 Storage device.

Claims

1. An air conditioner that provides air conditioning for a space to be air-conditioned, A server capable of communicating with the aforementioned air conditioner, A remote control terminal that can communicate with the server and transmits setting commands, which are commands for remotely operating the air conditioner, to the server, Equipped with, The aforementioned server, When it is determined that there are no people in the air-conditioned space based on the occupancy status information, which is information obtained from the air conditioner indicating the presence of people in the air-conditioned space, an integrated command generation unit generates an integrated command by integrating a plurality of setting commands based on the air conditioning status information, which is information obtained from the air conditioner indicating the state of air conditioning in the air conditioner, and a plurality of setting commands received from the remote control terminal during a predetermined waiting period. An integrated command transmission unit that transmits the integrated command to the air conditioner after the end of the aforementioned waiting period, Equipped with, Air conditioning system.

2. The aforementioned air conditioner is A occupancy detection sensor for detecting the presence of people in the air-conditioned space, An air conditioning control unit that controls the aforementioned air conditioner, An air conditioning status collection unit collects the occupancy status information from the occupancy detection sensor, collects the air conditioning status information from the air conditioning control unit, and transmits the occupancy status information and the air conditioning status information to the integrated command generation unit. Equipped with, The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The integrated command generation unit generates the integrated command prioritizing the setting content indicated by the setting command received relatively later over the setting content indicated by the setting command received relatively earlier. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned waiting period is set individually for each setting specified by the setting command. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

5. The air conditioning status information includes at least one of the following: information on the operating status of the air conditioner and information on set values ​​for controlling the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned air conditioning status information includes at least one of the following for the air conditioner: operating status, operating mode, set temperature, room temperature, airflow direction, and airflow speed. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

7. The setting command is a change request that requests a change to at least one of the following: the operating state of the air conditioner and the settings of the air conditioner's functions. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The setting command includes at least one of the following: power on / off, operating mode, set temperature, airflow direction, airflow speed, power saving setting, and timer setting. The air conditioning system according to claim 7.

9. A server that receives setting commands transmitted from a remote control terminal and transmits them to the air conditioner, which are commands for remotely operating an air conditioner. When it is determined that there are no people in the air-conditioned space based on the occupancy status information, which is information obtained from the air conditioner indicating the presence of people in the air-conditioned space, the integrated command generation unit generates an integrated command by integrating a plurality of setting commands based on the air conditioning status information, which is information obtained from the air conditioner indicating the state of air conditioning in the air conditioner, and a plurality of setting commands received from the remote control terminal during a predetermined waiting period. An integrated command transmission unit that transmits the integrated command to the air conditioner after the end of the aforementioned waiting period, Equipped with, server.