Air conditioning systems, air conditioning system control methods, and programming.

Abstract

The invention relates to an air conditioning system capable of performing automatic control of the set temperature of an air conditioning unit according to a schedule. The air conditioning system under the invention is an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning unit, and includes: an automatic controller that performs automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioning unit; and a management unit that manages the schedule of service related to the air conditioning unit that the user subscribes to. When the schedule managed by the management unit is the first schedule, the automatic controller causes both the first period in which automatic control is performed and the second period in which automatic control is not performed to occur.When the plan managed by the management is a second plan that differs from the first, the automatic controller makes the first time period, which is longer than the time period in the first plan, occur.

Description

Air conditioning system, air conditioning system control method, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling an air conditioner so that the set temperature of the air conditioner changes in stages in response to changes in the outside air temperature.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-061716

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, an air conditioning system control method, and a program that can automatically control the set temperature of an air conditioner according to a plan.

[0005] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, and includes an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device, and a management unit that manages service plans related to the air conditioning device that a user has subscribed to, and when the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and when the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan that is different from the first plan, the automatic control unit generates the first period that is longer than the first plan.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method for an air conditioning system in the present disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, wherein, when the service plan related to the air conditioning device to which a user has subscribed is a first plan, a computer of the air conditioning system generates both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning device is automatically controlled and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and, when the plan to which the user has subscribed is a second plan different from the first plan, generates the first period that is longer than the first plan.

[0007] The program disclosed herein also causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit to function as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning unit, and when a user subscribes to a first plan for a service related to the air conditioning unit, the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and when the user subscribes to a second plan different from the first plan, the automatic control unit generates the first period that is longer than the first plan. This specification includes all of the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-170024, filed on September 29, 2023.

[0008] The air conditioning system, air conditioning system control method, and program disclosed herein can automatically control the set temperature of the air conditioner for a shorter period than with the second plan when the user has subscribed to a first plan, and can automatically control the set temperature of the air conditioner for a longer period than with the first plan when the user has subscribed to a second plan that is different from the first plan. Thus, the set temperature of the air conditioner can be automatically controlled according to the plan.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management server in embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of first management data in embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of second management data in embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of achievements in embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of changes in embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of a management server in embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of a management server in embodiment 1. FIG.

[0010] (Knowledge, etc., that Forms the Basis of the Present Disclosure) When the inventors conceived the present disclosure, there existed technologies for automatically controlling the set temperature of an air conditioner, just as there existed technologies for changing the set temperature of an air conditioner in response to changes in outdoor temperature. Meanwhile, in recent years, services related to air conditioners have been considered. However, if automatic control of the set temperature is incorporated into such services, a mechanism for automatically controlling the set temperature according to a plan may be required. However, the inventors discovered a problem in that no such mechanism existed in the past, and to solve this problem, they came up with the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, an air conditioning system control method, and a program that can automatically control the set temperature of an air conditioner according to a plan.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Air Conditioning System] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system that conditions a conditioned space S using an air conditioner 1. Air conditioning of the conditioned space S can include cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, etc., and this embodiment describes a case where the conditioned space S is cooled and heated by the air conditioner 1. The conditioned space S is a space owned by a facility H, and is a space that is air-conditioned by the air conditioner 1. Examples of facility H include homes, offices, stores, medical facilities, and public facilities.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioner 1. In FIG. 1 , the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioners 1. Note that the number of air conditioners 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12, and performs air conditioning operation using the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to air-condition the conditioned space S in which the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioner 1 is connected to a network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network composed of a public line network, a dedicated line, the Internet, other communication networks, etc.

[0014] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by a user P. In this embodiment, the user P is a user of services related to the air conditioning device 1, which will be described later. An example of the user P is an administrator who manages the facility H. Note that the user P is not limited to a person, and may also be an entity with management authority over the facility H (for example, a company that operates the facility H). The terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a laptop computer, but may also be a tablet computer, desktop computer, or smartphone. The terminal device 2 is connected to a network NW. The terminal device 2 displays information related to the air conditioning device 1 for each facility H.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioning apparatus 1. The management server 3 is connected to a network NW and performs information processing with the air conditioning apparatus 1 and the terminal device 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by the user P, or may be a server device not owned by the user P.

[0016] The management server 3 provides services related to the air conditioning apparatus 1. In the following description, services related to the air conditioning apparatus 1 will be abbreviated as "services" where appropriate. In this embodiment, a first plan and a second plan that is more expensive than the first plan are prepared for the services.

[0017] The first plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, the first plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of 500 yen per system. The services that can be received with the first plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and a trial of automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. In the following explanation, automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 will be abbreviated as "automatic control" where appropriate.

[0018] An automatic control trial is performed when user P requests an automatic control trial. In this embodiment, the automatic control trial period is a maximum of one year from the time user P requests an automatic control trial. This trial period is merely an example and may be a maximum of less than one year, a maximum of one year or more, or may be variable. During the automatic control trial, a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed alternately occur. How the first period and second period are switched can be determined as appropriate, but the following description will be given assuming that the switching occurs every week as an example. During the second period, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 is set by the remote control 13. One week is an example of a "predetermined period."

[0019] The second plan is a plan with a monthly fee of β yen (β > α). For example, the second plan is a plan with a monthly fee of 1,000 yen per system. The services that can be received with the second plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and automatically controlling the set temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0020] In the second plan, automatic control is performed. That is, in the second plan, only the first period occurs, and the second period does not occur. In other words, as long as user P continues to subscribe to the second plan, the air conditioning device 1 continues to automatically control the set temperature. Therefore, assuming that a contract is concluded for a period longer than one week, the second plan will result in a longer first period than the first plan.

[0021] By providing two types of plans in this way, if user P finds automatic control appealing, he or she can select the second plan, and if he or she is reluctant to select automatic control, he or she can try out automatic control by selecting the first plan.

[0022] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service of providing weather data. The weather data provided by the server includes at least a forecast value of the outside air temperature of the facility H.

[0023] In each figure, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are each represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are configured as a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may be configured to include multiple server devices with different processing contents, or may be configured as the same server device.

[0024] 1, the configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described. The air conditioner 1 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a remote control 13, and a communication device 14. Note that the air conditioner 1 may be equipped with a plurality of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12.

[0025] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. As a result, in the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 form a refrigerant cycle.

[0026] The remote control 13 is installed on a wall or the like of the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 13 has a plurality of operation buttons that allow the user of the air conditioner 1 to start or stop operation, operate menus, operate cursor keys, etc. The remote control 13 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 and the operating status of the indoor unit 11.

[0027] The communication device 14 is a device that connects to the network NW and communicates with the management server 3. The communication device 14 is also a device that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1. The communication device 14 transmits operation data RD to the management server 3 every time the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 is changed.

[0028] The operation data RD is data indicating that an operation to change the set temperature has been accepted. The operation data RD records the air conditioner ID (Identification), the date and time of change, the air conditioning type, the set temperature before the change, and the set temperature after the change. The air conditioner ID is identification information for the air conditioning device 1. The date and time of change is the date and time when the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 was changed. The air conditioning type is the type of air conditioning being performed by the air conditioning device 1, and in this embodiment indicates cooling or heating. The set temperature before the change is the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 before the change. The set temperature after the change is the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 after the change.

[0029] The communication device 14 receives setting data SD from the management server 3. The setting data SD is data that instructs the setting of the temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and records the setting temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1. The communication device 14 operates the air conditioning device 1 at the setting temperature recorded in the received setting data SD.

[0030] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31. The server control device 30 is an example of a "computer."

[0031] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a server memory 310, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0032] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores a control program 311, a first management database (DB) 312, a second management DB 313, and data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is constituted by, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The control program 311 is an example of a "program."

[0033] The first management DB 312 is a database that manages data related to the air conditioning apparatus 1. The management DB 312 has one record R1 for each air conditioning apparatus 1. Each record R1 records an air conditioner ID, communication information, the location of the facility H, the air conditioning type, the current set temperature, first management data MD1, and second management data MD2. The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning apparatus 1, such as address information for the communication device 14. The location of the facility H is the location of the facility H where the air conditioning apparatus 1 is installed, such as the address of the facility H. The current set temperature is the set temperature set in the air conditioning apparatus 1. The first management data MD1 is data that manages information related to changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 1 when cooling. The second management data MD2 is data that manages information related to changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 1 when heating. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first management data MD1 and the second management data MD2, the symbol "MD" is added and they are expressed as "management data MD."

[0034] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first management data MD1. The first management data MD1 records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the first management data MD1 records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the midnight to 23:00 hours. N is an integer between 0 and 23.

[0035] The first management data MD1 also records multiple outside air temperatures in 1°C increments. The range of outside air temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 includes at least the range of temperatures that the outside air can reach at the facility H. Note that the range of outside air temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 may be the same regardless of the location of the facility H, or may be different depending on the location of the facility H.

[0036] The first management data MD1 records one piece of collected data AD for each combination of one time period and one outside air temperature. The collected data AD is data containing information related to the actual changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. The collected data AD is data that collects various data within a predetermined range of set temperatures. From the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 is determined by processing in the flowchart described below.

[0037] The collected data AD records a plurality of set temperatures of the air conditioner 1 in 1°C increments within a predetermined range. In the example of Fig. 3, the collected data AD records 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. In other words, in the example of Fig. 3, the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD is the range from 23°C to 27°C.

[0038] The collected data AD records the number of actual values, the number of changes, and the change probability for each recorded set temperature. In the example of FIG. 3 , the collected data AD records the number of actual values, the number of changes, and the change probability for each of 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. The number of actual values ​​indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set in the air conditioning device 1. The number of changes indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was changed to another set temperature. The change probability indicates the probability of changing the corresponding set temperature to another set temperature. The change probability is a probability calculated by dividing the corresponding number of changes by the corresponding number of actual values.

[0039] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second management data MD2. The second management data MD2 is different from the first management data MD1 in the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the recorded collected data AD. The collected data AD recorded in the first management data MD1 has a predetermined range of the set temperature between 23°C and 27°C. In contrast, the collected data AD recorded in the second management data MD2 has a predetermined range of the set temperature between 18°C ​​and 23°C.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2 , the second management DB 313 is a database that manages data related to the service plans to which the user P has subscribed. The second management DB 313 has one record R2 for each facility H. Each record R2 records a facility ID, one or more air conditioner IDs, a contract plan, a trial execution status, a trial start date, a switching date, and an automatic control execution status. The facility ID is identification information for the facility H. The contract plan is a plan to which the user P has subscribed, and in this embodiment, indicates the first plan or the second plan. The trial execution status is data that is recorded when the corresponding contract plan indicates the first plan, and indicates whether or not a trial of automatic control is being executed. The trial start date is data that is recorded when the corresponding trial execution status indicates that a trial is being executed, and indicates the start date of the trial of automatic control. The switching date is data that is stored when the corresponding trial execution status indicates that a trial is being executed, and indicates the date of switching from the first period to the second period, or the date of switching from the second period to the first period. The automatic control execution status is data that is recorded when the corresponding trial execution status indicates that a trial is being executed, and indicates whether automatic control is being executed or not.

[0041] The server communication device 31 includes hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the air conditioning device 1 , the terminal device 2 , and the weather server 4 under the control of the server control device 30 .

[0042] The server processor 300 reads and executes a control program 311 stored in the server memory 310 , thereby functioning as a communication control unit 301 , an acquisition unit 302 , an update unit 303 , an automatic control unit 304 , and a management unit 305 .

[0043] The communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioning apparatus 1 , the terminal device 2 , and the weather server 4 via the server communication device 31 .

[0044] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R1 and acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R1. More specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R1 and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information requests a forecast value of the outside air temperature for a time period including the current time. The forecast value request information includes the location of the facility H recorded in the record R1 and the requested time period. For example, if the current time is H:M, the forecast value request information includes the time period from H:00 to H+1:00. Note that H is an integer between 0 and 24, and M is an integer between 0 and 59. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 a plurality of forecast values ​​corresponding to the location and time period of the facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 and acquires the calculated average value as the outside air temperature. Note that in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 302 truncates or rounds off decimal points when calculating the average forecast value.

[0045] The update unit 303 updates the first management DB 312. At L minutes past each hour, the update unit 303 updates the number of actual results recorded in the collected data AD. The update unit 303 updates the number of actual results for each record R1. Here, L is an integer between 0 and 59, e.g., 0. To explain the update of the number of actual results in detail, at L minutes past each hour, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R1 being processed. Next, the update unit 303 references the management data MD for the record R1 being processed and identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature that the acquisition unit 302 has acquired. Next, the update unit 303 increments the number of actual results recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the current set temperature recorded in the record R1 being processed. The update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of actual results to a change probability that reflects the incremented number of actual results.

[0046] Here, updating of the number of achievements will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of achievements.

[0047] 5 illustrates an example in which the current time when updating the performance count is between 2 PM and 34° C., and the outdoor temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34° C. Also, the example in FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the air conditioning device is operating in cooling mode. In the example in FIG. 5, the update unit 303 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period between 2 PM and 34° C. from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0048] The explanation of Fig. 5 will be given by way of example when the current set temperature recorded in the record R1 to be processed is 25°C. That is, the explanation of Fig. 5 will be given by way of example when the set temperature set in the air conditioning apparatus 1 is 25°C. In the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 increments the number of achievements corresponding to 25°C from "4" to "5" among the number of achievements recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5" in conjunction with the update of the number of achievements.

[0049] Next, the update performed by the update unit 303 will be described. When the communication control unit 301 receives operation data RD, the update unit 303 updates the first management DB 312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 identifies a record R1 having the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD from the first management DB 312. Next, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R1 to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the air conditioning type of the identified record R1 to the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0050] Furthermore, the update unit 303 causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R1 identified by the received operation data RD. Next, if the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD is cooling, the update unit 303 identifies, from the first management data MD1 of the identified record R1, collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature that the acquisition unit 302 has acquired. Furthermore, if the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD is heating, the update unit 303 identifies, from the second management data MD2 of the identified record R1, collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature that the acquisition unit 302 has acquired. Next, the update unit 303 references the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates cooling and the changed set temperature is lower than the set temperature before the change, increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD. Furthermore, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates heating and the changed set temperature is higher than the set temperature before the change, increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD. Note that the update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to a change probability that reflects the incremented number of changes.

[0051] Here, updating of the number of changes will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of changes.

[0052] The explanation of Fig. 6 will be given by way of example of a case where the current time when the number of changes is updated is between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outdoor temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation of Fig. 6 will also be given by way of example of a case where the air conditioning device 1 is performing cooling operation. In the case of Fig. 6, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outdoor temperature of 34°C, from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0053] The description of FIG. 6 illustrates a case where the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD indicates cooling. The description of FIG. 6 also illustrates a case where the pre-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25°C. The description of FIG. 6 also illustrates a case where the post-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 24°C. In this example, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to 25°C from "3" to "4" among the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD. In the case of FIG. 6, the update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" in conjunction with the update of the number of changes.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2 , the automatic control unit 304 automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. In automatically controlling the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 and sets the determined set temperature in the air conditioner 1. The automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature in the air conditioner 1 based on the record R1 to be processed. In detail, the automatic control unit 304 generates setting data SD and outputs the generated setting data SD and communication information recorded in the record R1 to be processed to the communication control unit 301. The generated setting data SD records the determined set temperature. The communication control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the automatic control unit 304 to the air conditioner 1 based on the communication information received from the automatic control unit 304.

[0055] The management unit 305 manages the service plans related to the air conditioning apparatus 1 subscribed to by the user P. As part of this management, the management unit 305 records and updates data in the second management DB 313.

[0056] When switching the contracted plan of user P from the first plan to the second plan, the management unit 305 switches the contracted plan recorded in record R2 corresponding to this user P from the first plan to the second plan. Furthermore, when switching the contracted plan of user P from the second plan to the first plan, the management unit 305 switches the contracted plan recorded in record R2 corresponding to this user P from the second plan to the first plan. Specifically, the terminal device 2 is capable of displaying a screen for switching contracted plans, and accepts a contracted plan switching operation from user P on this screen. Upon accepting a contracted plan switching operation from user P, the terminal device 2 transmits switching request information requesting a contracted plan switch to the management server 3. This switching request information records the facility ID of facility H managed by user P and the plan to which the plan is to be switched. When the communication control unit 301 receives switching request information, the management unit 305 identifies record R2 having the facility ID of the received switching request information from the second management DB 313, and changes the contract plan of the identified record R2 to the plan recorded in the received switching request information.

[0057] When the plan subscribed to by user P is the first plan and user P requests the execution of a trial of automatic control, the management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in record R2 corresponding to this user P to a trial execution status indicating that the trial is currently being executed. Furthermore, when the management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in record R2 to a trial execution status indicating that the trial is currently being executed, the management unit 305 updates the trial start date recorded in this record R2 to the date on which the trial execution status was updated. Specifically, the terminal device 2 can display a screen for inputting an instruction to execute a trial of automatic control, and receives an instruction to execute a trial of automatic control from user P on this screen. When the terminal device 2 receives an instruction to execute a trial of automatic control from user P, it transmits execution request information requesting the execution of a trial of automatic control to the management server 3. The facility ID of facility H managed by user P is recorded in this execution request information. When the communication control unit 301 receives execution request information, the management unit 305 identifies record R2 having the facility ID of the received execution request information from the second management DB 313, updates the trial execution status of the identified record R2 to "trial execution in progress," and also updates the trial start date of the identified record R2.

[0058] When user P subscribes to the first plan and requests a trial of automatic control, the management unit 305 updates the changeover date and automatic control execution status recorded in record R2 corresponding to this user P every week. Specifically, the management unit 305 processes record R2 indicating the first plan as the contract plan. That is, when the current date and time is one week after the changeover date recorded in record R2 being processed, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status recorded in record R2 being processed. When the automatic control execution status before the update indicates that the automatic control is being executed, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status to indicate that the automatic control is not being executed. On the other hand, when the automatic control status before the update indicates that the automatic control is not being executed, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status to indicate that the automatic control is being executed.

[0059] If user P has subscribed to the first plan and has requested a trial of automatic control, the management unit 305 ends the trial of automatic control one year after the start of the trial of automatic control. Specifically, the management unit 305 processes record R2, which indicates that the contract plan is the first plan. That is, if the current date and time indicates a date and time one year after the trial start date recorded in record R2 to be processed, the management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in record R2 to "trial completed." In addition, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status recorded in record R2 to indicate that the automatic control is not currently being executed.

[0060] 1-2. Operation Next, a description will be given of the operation of each unit of the air conditioning system 1000 according to the first embodiment. FIG.

[0061] The flowchart in Fig. 7 is a flowchart that starts at K minutes past the hour. Here, K is an integer between 0 and 59, for example, 0. The flowchart in Fig. 7 is a flowchart that is performed for each facility H. In other words, the flowchart in Fig. 7 is an operation that is performed for each record R2 stored in the second management DB 313.

[0062] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan or the second plan (step SA1).

[0063] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SA1: first plan), it determines whether user P has requested the execution of automatic control (step SA2).

[0064] In step SA2, the automatic control unit 304 makes a positive determination if the trial execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that the trial is currently being executed. Also, in step SA2, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative determination if the trial execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that the trial is not currently being executed.

[0065] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the user P corresponding to the record R2 to be processed has not requested a trial (step SA2: NO), it does not perform automatic control (step SA3). Note that not performing automatic control means not generating the setting data SD.

[0066] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the user P has requested the execution of automatic control (step SA2: YES), it determines whether the current time is within the first period or the second period (step SA4).

[0067] In step SA4, if the automatic control execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that the automatic control is currently being executed, the automatic control unit 304 determines that the current time is within the first period, and if the automatic control execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that the automatic control is not currently being executed, the automatic control unit 304 determines that the current time is within the second period.

[0068] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the current time is within the second period (step SA4: within the second period), it does not execute automatic control (step SA3).

[0069] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the current time is within the first period (step SA4: within the first period), it executes automatic control (step SA5).

[0070] Returning to the explanation of step SA1, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SA1: second plan), it executes automatic control (step SA5).

[0071] Step SA5 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 to 18. The processing of step SA5 is performed for each air conditioning unit 1 installed in facility H. That is, the processing of step SA5 is executed for each record R1 that has the air conditioner ID of record R2 that was the processing target in Figure 7.

[0072] The processing of step SA5 will be explained below separately for the case where the air conditioning type of the record R1 to be processed is cooling and the case where it is heating.

[0073] 1-2-1. Automatic Control in Cooling Mode First, the operation when the air conditioning type in the record R1 to be processed is cooling will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in automatic control.

[0074] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R1 being processed (step SB1). Step SB1 will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R being processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. For example, if the current time is 10:00, the forecast value request information records a time period from 10:00 to 11:00. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 multiple forecast values ​​(e.g., a forecast value for 10:00 and a forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the location and time period of the facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 and acquires the calculated average as the outside air temperature.

[0075] Next, the automatic control unit 304 identifies the collected data AD to be processed from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed (step SB2).

[0076] Step SB2 will now be described in detail. The automatic control unit 304 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired in step SB1 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0077] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SB2 satisfies the following first condition (step SB3): First condition: A first set temperature and a second set temperature exist.

[0078] The first set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, such as 0.1 (10% as a percentage). The second set temperature is a set temperature that is next lowest in the predetermined range after the first set temperature and whose corresponding change probability is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0079] The first and second set temperatures will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "0 / 1" is recorded for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "3 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0080] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C correspond to the first set temperature, and 24°C corresponds to the second set temperature. Note that the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3 satisfies the first condition.

[0081] 8 , if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the first condition is satisfied (step SB3: YES), it executes a first determination process (step SB4). The first determination process is a process for determining an appropriate set temperature. In the first determination process, the collected data AD identified in step SB2 is processed.

[0082] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the first determination process.

[0083] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB41).

[0084] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are not multiple second set temperatures (step SB41: NO), it determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB42).

[0085] Here, step SB42 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 3. When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, 24°C is the second set temperature in the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, and other set temperatures do not correspond to the second set temperature. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, the automatic control unit 304 determines 24°C as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 in step 33.

[0086] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are multiple second set temperatures (step SB41: YES), it determines the second set temperature that most increases the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SB43).

[0087] The set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is cooling.

[0088] Step SB43 will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD. In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 10, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "1 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0089] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, 24° C., 26° C., and 27° C. correspond to the first set temperatures, and 23° C. and 25° C. correspond to the second set temperatures in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 10. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Fig. 10, the automatic control unit 304 determines the second set temperature of 23° C. as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner 1 is cooling.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of step SB3 in FIG. 8, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (step SB3: NO), it performs a process for determining whether the first condition is satisfied (step SB5).

[0091] The first condition satisfaction process is a process for ensuring that the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD satisfies the first condition described above. In the first condition satisfaction process, the collected data AD identified in step SB2 is processed.

[0092] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the first condition satisfaction process.

[0093] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether all of the performance numbers recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are zero (step SB51).

[0094] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that all of the actual numbers are zero (step SB51: YES), it determines the median of the multiple set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB52). Note that in this embodiment, when calculating the median set temperature, digits after the decimal point are discarded or rounded off to the nearest integer.

[0095] The set temperature determined in step SB52 is not limited to the median value. For example, the set temperature determined in step SB52 may be the lowest set temperature, the highest set temperature, the next highest set temperature after the median value, or the next lowest set temperature after the median value among the plurality of set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed.

[0096] Returning to the explanation of step SB51, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that all of the actual numbers are not zero (step SB51: NO), it determines whether the probability of change to the third set temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "energy-saving third set temperature") that consumes the least energy among the set temperatures (hereinafter referred to as the "third set temperatures") with an actual number of one or more is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53). This predetermined threshold is, for example, 0.1 (10% as a percentage). Note that the set temperature that consumes the least energy of the air conditioner 1 within a predetermined range of set temperatures refers to the highest set temperature within the predetermined range of set temperatures when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling.

[0097] The third energy saving set temperature will now be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD.

[0098] 12 records the number of achievements of "4", the number of changes of "0", and the change probability of "0 / 4" for each set temperature from 23° C. to 24° C. In addition, the collected data AD shown in FIG. 12 records the number of achievements of "0" and the number of changes of "0" for each set temperature from 25° C. to 27° C., but since the number of achievements is zero, the change probability is not recorded.

[0099] When the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is cooling, 24° C. corresponds to the energy-saving third set temperature in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0100] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 11, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving side third set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: YES), it determines whether the added temperature obtained by adding 1°C to the energy-saving side third set temperature exceeds the highest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54).

[0101] Here, the processing of step SB54 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 12. As described above, in Figure 12, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, 24°C is the energy saving side third set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Figure 12, the added temperature when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling is 25°C. Furthermore, of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD of Figure 12, 27°C is the highest set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Figure 12, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative determination in step SB54.

[0102] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the added temperature does not exceed the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54: NO), it determines the added temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SB55).

[0103] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the added temperature exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54: YES), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SB56). Note that if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0104] Step SB56 will now be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD.

[0105] In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 13, for each set temperature from 23°C to 26°C, the number of achievements of "0" and the number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of achievements is zero, the change probability is not recorded. Also, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 13, for the set temperature of 27°C, the number of achievements of "3", the number of changes of "4", and the change probability of "3 / 4" are recorded.

[0106] In Figure 13, 27°C is the third energy-saving set temperature. Therefore, the added temperature is 28°C, which exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD. Therefore, in the case of Figure 13, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, the automatic control unit 304 determines 26°C as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0107] Returning to the explanation of step SB53 in Figure 11, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the third set temperature on the energy-saving side is not less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: NO), it determines whether or not there is a fourth set temperature with an actual number of zero between the lowest set temperature and the third set temperature on the energy-saving side within the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SB57).

[0108] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that a fourth set temperature exists between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature (step SB57: YES), it determines the fourth set temperature as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SB58). Note that if there are multiple fourth set temperatures, the automatic control unit 304 determines the fourth set temperature that results in the least energy saving of the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0109] Step SB58 will now be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD.

[0110] In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 14, the number of achievements of "0" and the number of changes of "0" are recorded for each of the set temperatures of 23°C, 24°C, and 27°C, but the change probability is not recorded because the number of achievements is zero. Also, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 14, the number of achievements of "3", the number of changes of "2", and the change probability of "2 / 3" are recorded for the set temperature of 25°C. Also, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 14, the number of achievements of "4", the number of changes of "4", and the change probability of "4 / 4" are recorded for the set temperature of 26°C.

[0111] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1 and the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is cooling, 26° C. corresponds to the energy-saving third set temperature in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0112] In the collected data AD of Fig. 14, 23°C is the lowest set temperature. That is, in the collected data AD of Fig. 15, between 23°C and the third set temperature on the energy saving side, there are a fourth set temperature of 23°C and a fourth set temperature of 24°C. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 15, in step SB58, the automatic control unit 304 determines 24°C as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0113] 11 , if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there is no fourth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the third energy-saving set temperature (step SB57: NO), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the lowest set temperature and the third energy-saving set temperature within the specified range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SB59). Note that if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0114] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 8, the automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 to the set temperature determined in step SB4 or step SB5 (step SB6).

[0115] [1-2-2. Automatic Control in the Case of Heating] First, the operation when the air conditioning type of the record R1 to be processed is heating will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in automatic control. In the description of Fig. 15, the same steps as in Fig. 8 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0116] The automatic control unit 304 identifies the collected data AD to be processed from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed (step SC1).

[0117] Step SC1 will now be described in detail. The automatic control unit 304 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired in step SB1 from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0118] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SC1 satisfy the following second condition (step SC2). Second condition: A fifth set temperature and a sixth set temperature exist.

[0119] The fifth set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold, such as 0.1 (10% as a percentage). The sixth set temperature is a set temperature that is next lowest in the predetermined range after the fifth set temperature and whose corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.

[0120] Here, the fifth and sixth set temperatures will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4, a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 18°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 19°C, a change probability of "1 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 20°C, a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 21°C, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 22°C, and a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C.

[0121] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4, 21°C, 22°C, and 23°C correspond to the fifth set temperature, and 20°C corresponds to the sixth set temperature. Note that the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4 satisfies the second condition above.

[0122] 15 , if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the second condition is met (step SC2: YES), it executes a second determination process (step SC3). The second determination process is a process for determining an appropriate set temperature. In the second determination process, the collected data AD identified in step SC1 is processed.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the second determination process.

[0124] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether or not there are multiple fifth set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC31).

[0125] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are not multiple fifth set temperatures (step SC31: NO), it determines the fifth set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SC32).

[0126] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are multiple fifth set temperatures (step SC31: YES), it determines the fifth set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed that will most effectively increase the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SC33).

[0127] The set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the highest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is heating.

[0128] Returning to the explanation of step SC2 in FIG. 15, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the second condition is not satisfied (step SC2: NO), it performs processing for satisfying the second condition (step SC4).

[0129] The process for satisfying the second condition is a process for ensuring that the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD satisfies the second condition described above. In the process for satisfying the second condition, the collected data AD identified in step SC1 is processed.

[0130] 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the second condition satisfaction process. In the description of Fig. 17, the same steps as in Fig. 11 are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the processes will be omitted as appropriate.

[0131] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving side third set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: YES), it determines whether the subtracted temperature obtained by subtracting 1°C from the energy-saving side third set temperature is lower than the lowest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41).

[0132] The third energy saving set temperature during heating will now be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD.

[0133] The collected data AD shown in Fig. 18 records the number of achievements of "2", the number of changes of "1", and the change probability of "1 / 2" for each set temperature between 19°C and 20°C. Also, the collected data AD shown in Fig. 18 records the number of achievements of "0" and the number of changes of "0" for each set temperature between 18°C ​​and 21°C to 23°C, but since the number of achievements is zero, the change probability is not recorded.

[0134] When the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is heating, 19° C. corresponds to the energy-saving third constant temperature in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0135] Here, the processing of step SC41 will be specifically explained with reference to FIG. 18. As described above, in FIG. 18, 19°C is the third energy saving set temperature. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 18, the subtraction temperature is 18°C. Furthermore, 18°C ​​is the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD of FIG. 18. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 18, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative determination in step SC41.

[0136] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the subtraction temperature is not below the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41: NO), it determines the subtraction temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SC42). On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the subtraction temperature is below the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41: NO), it performs the processing of step SB56.

[0137] Returning to the explanation of step SB53 in Figure 17, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the third set temperature on the energy-saving side is not less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: NO), it determines whether or not there is a fourth set temperature with an actual number of zero between the highest set temperature and the third set temperature on the energy-saving side within the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SC43).

[0138] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that a fourth set temperature exists between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature (step SC43: YES), it determines (step SB58) the fourth set temperature as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1. Note that if there are multiple fourth set temperatures, the automatic control unit 304 determines the fourth set temperature that results in the least energy saving of the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0139] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that there is no fourth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the third energy-saving set temperature (step SC43: NO), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the highest set temperature and the third energy-saving set temperature within the specified range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SC44). Note that if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0140] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 15, the automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SC3 or step SC4 (step SC5).

[0141] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As explained above, the air conditioning system 1000 conditions the conditioned space S using the air conditioning device 1. The air conditioning system 1000 includes an automatic control unit 304 that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and a management unit 305 that manages the service plans for the air conditioning device 1 to which the user P has subscribed. When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates both a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed. When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the second plan, which is more expensive than the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates a first period that is longer than the first plan.

[0142] According to this, if user P has subscribed to the first plan, which is cheaper than the second plan, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 can be automatically controlled for a shorter period than with the second plan, and if user P has subscribed to the second plan, which is more expensive than the first plan, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 can be automatically controlled for a longer period than with the first plan. Thus, the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 can be automatically controlled appropriately depending on the plans with different prices.

[0143] When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 causes the first period and the second period to occur alternately every week.

[0144] In this way, the first period and the second period occur alternately, which increases the possibility that the user P will be able to feel the effect of the automatic control.

[0145] When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 determines whether or not user P is requesting the execution of automatic control, and if it determines that user P is requesting the execution of automatic control, generates both the first period and the second period.

[0146] According to this, when user P requests the execution of automatic control, both the first period and the second period are generated, thereby preventing a period in which automatic control is performed from occurring even when user P has not requested automatic control.

[0147] When the automatic control unit 304 determines that execution of automatic control is not requested, it does not generate the first period but generates the second period.

[0148] According to this, if the user P does not request the execution of automatic control, a period during which automatic control is performed is not generated, thereby preventing a period during which automatic control is performed even though the user P has not requested automatic control.

[0149] When the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the second plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates the first period but does not generate the second period.

[0150] According to this, when the plan subscribed to by user P is an expensive plan, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a period in which automatic control is not performed, and a difference in comfort due to the occurrence of the first period and the second period does not occur in the air-conditioned space S. Therefore, when the plan subscribed to by user P is an expensive plan, the comfort of the air-conditioned space S can be maintained.

[0151] The control method of the air conditioning system 1000 generates both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 is automatically controlled and a second period in which automatic control is not performed when the service plan for the air conditioning device 1 to which the user P has subscribed is the first plan, and generates a first period that is longer than the first plan when the plan to which the user P has subscribed is the second plan that is more expensive than the first plan.

[0152] This provides the same effects as the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0153] The control program 311 causes the server control device 30 of the air conditioning system 1000, which conditions the conditioned space S with the air conditioning device 1, to function as an automatic control unit 304 that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. If the service plan for the air conditioning device 1 to which user P has subscribed is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates both a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed, and if the plan to which user P has subscribed is the second plan, which is more expensive than the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates a first period that is longer than the first plan.

[0154] This provides the same effects as the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0155] (Embodiment 2) Next, embodiment 2 will be described. In comparison with embodiment 1, embodiment 2 provides three service plans: a first plan, a second plan, and a third plan. Plan 3 is a plan that does not execute automatic control of the set temperature. Furthermore, in embodiment 2, plan 1 is a plan that executes a trial of automatic control regardless of a request for a trial of automatic control.

[0156] In this embodiment, the first plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, the first plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of 500 yen per system. The services that can be received with the first plan include setting the functions of the air conditioning device 1 for the purpose of energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and a trial of automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1.

[0157] In this embodiment, the second plan is a plan with a monthly fee of β yen (β > α). For example, the second plan is a plan with a fee of 1,000 yen per month per system. The services that can be received with the second plan include setting the functions of the air conditioning device 1 for the purpose of energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and automatically controlling the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. In this embodiment, automatic control is also performed with the second plan.

[0158] In this embodiment, the third plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, the third plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of 500 yen per system. The services that can be received with the third plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of energy consumption and checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, but do not include a trial of automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0159] By providing three plans in this way, if user P finds automatic control appealing, he or she can select plan 2; if he or she is reluctant to select automatic control, he or she can try automatic control by selecting plan 1; and if he or she does not find automatic control appealing or is not interested in automatic control, he or she can select plan 3. Furthermore, even if user P has selected plan 3, if user P becomes interested in or finds automatic control appealing, he or she can select plan 1 to try automatic control. Note that if user P has selected plan 1 and the trial period has elapsed, user P will select plan 2 or plan 3.

[0160] [2-1. Configuration] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0161] [2-2. Operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation of each unit of the air conditioning system 1000 in embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 differs from embodiment 1 in the operation related to the determination of whether or not to execute automatic control.

[0162] Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3. Note that, like Fig. 7, the flowchart in Fig. 19 is a flowchart performed for each facility H. In other words, the flowchart in Fig. 19 shows the operation performed for each record R2 stored in the second management DB 313.

[0163] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SD1).

[0164] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SD1: YES), it executes the process of step SA5.

[0165] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is not the second plan (step SD1: NO), it determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2).

[0166] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2: YES), it executes the processes from step SA4 onwards.

[0167] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2: NO), it executes the process of step SA3.

[0168] [2-3. Effects, etc.] According to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0169] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0170] In other embodiments, the algorithm for automatically controlling the set temperature is not limited to the algorithm of the first embodiment described above.

[0171] In the above-described embodiment, the outdoor air temperature is included as a parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning apparatus 1. In other embodiments, the parameters may be configured to include outdoor air humidity, the amount of solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, the amount of precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc., instead of or in addition to the outdoor air temperature.

[0172] In another embodiment, the management server 3 may further store the update date and time when updating the number of achievements or the number of changes. In this other embodiment, the configuration may be such that the more recent the update date and time, the higher the priority in calculating the change probability.

[0173] In the above-described embodiment, the specified range of the set temperature indicated by the collected data AD is a range of 23°C to 27°C, but this specified range is merely an example and may be the range of set temperatures that can be set by the air conditioning device 1, or may be a range that a user is expected to set within the range of set temperatures that can be set by the air conditioning device 1.

[0174] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set temperatures in increments of 1° C. In other embodiments, the increments of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range are not limited to 1° C. and may be, for example, in increments of 0.5° C.

[0175] In the embodiment described above, the first plan is a plan in which a trial of automatic control is performed if a trial of automatic control is requested. In other embodiments, the first plan may be a plan in which a trial of automatic control is performed regardless of a request for a trial of automatic control.

[0176] In the above-described embodiment, the second plan is a plan in which the second period does not occur. In another embodiment, the second plan may be a plan in which the second period occurs. Note that in this other embodiment, it is preferable that the second period occurring in the second plan is shorter than the second period occurring in the first plan.

[0177] In the above-described embodiment, both the first plan and the second plan are paid plans, but in other embodiments, the first plan may be a free plan and the second plan may be a paid plan.

[0178] In the above-described embodiment, in the first plan, the first period and the second period alternate every week, but this cycle is merely an example and may be longer or shorter than one week.

[0179] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In another embodiment, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each time period, rather than for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In this other embodiment, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0180] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In another embodiment, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each outside temperature, rather than for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In this other embodiment, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the time period including the current time and the number of changes that match the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the number of changes that match the current conditions. In other embodiments, the set temperature may be determined taking into consideration the number of changes that are close to the current conditions (for example, the number of changes within ±1°C of the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302).

[0182] In the above-described embodiment, when there are multiple second set temperatures and multiple fifth set temperatures, the set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S is determined as the set temperature to be set, but the set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning device 1 may also be determined as the set temperature to be set.

[0183] In the embodiment described above, the temperature compared in step SB54 is the temperature obtained by adding 1°C to the energy-saving third set temperature. In other embodiments, the temperature compared in step SB54 is not limited to the temperature obtained by adding 1°C to the energy-saving third set temperature, but may be the temperature obtained by adding a predetermined temperature (e.g., 2°C) to the energy-saving third set temperature, or may be the temperature obtained by multiplying the energy-saving third set temperature by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.1). When multiplying, decimals may be rounded up or down.

[0184] In the above-described embodiment, the temperature compared in step SC41 is the subtracted temperature obtained by subtracting 1°C from the energy-saving third set temperature. In other embodiments, the temperature compared in step SC41 is not limited to the subtracted temperature obtained by subtracting 1°C from the energy-saving third set temperature, but may be the temperature obtained by subtracting a predetermined temperature (e.g., 2°C) from the energy-saving third set temperature, or may be the temperature obtained by multiplying the energy-saving third set temperature by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 0.1). When multiplying, decimals may be rounded up or down.

[0185] In the above-described embodiment, the plans have different prices, but the differences between the plans are not limited to the prices, and may also be the service contents.

[0186] In other embodiments, at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, and the automatic control unit 304 may be executed not by the server control unit 30 but by a control unit controlling each unit of the terminal device 2 or a control unit (e.g., the communication device 14) controlling each unit of the air conditioning device 1. In this other embodiment, the control unit controlling each unit of the terminal device 2 or the control unit controlling each unit of the air conditioning device 1 corresponds to the "computer." In addition, in this other embodiment, a program for realizing at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, and the automatic control unit 304, which is executed by the control unit controlling each unit of the terminal device 2 or the control unit controlling each unit of the air conditioning device 1, corresponds to the "program." In addition, in this other embodiment, the memory of the terminal device 2 or the air conditioning device 1 may store the management data MD. Note that when the control unit controlling each unit of the air conditioning device 1 functions as the automatic control unit 304, the automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature for the air conditioning device 1 by controlling each unit of the air conditioning device 1. In other words, in this case, the automatic control unit 304 does not generate the setting data SD.

[0187] The server processor 300 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0188] The configuration of the management server 3 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0189] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 19 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0190] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0191] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0192] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, comprising: an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning unit; and a management unit that manages service plans for the air conditioning unit subscribed to by a user. When the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed. When the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan different from the first plan, the automatic control unit generates the first period that is longer than the first plan. According to this, when the plan subscribed to by the user is the first plan, the set temperature of the air conditioning unit can be automatically controlled for a shorter period than the second plan, and when the plan subscribed to by the user is the second plan different from the first plan, the set temperature of the air conditioning unit can be automatically controlled for a longer period than the first plan. Therefore, the set temperature of the air conditioning unit can be automatically controlled according to the plan.

[0193] (Technology 2) In the air conditioning system according to Technology 1, when the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, the automatic control unit alternates between the first period and the second period at predetermined intervals. By alternately generating the first period and the second period, it is possible to increase the likelihood that a user will be able to realize the effect of automatic control.

[0194] (Technology 3) In the air conditioning system according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, when the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, the automatic control unit determines whether the user has requested the execution of the automatic control, and if it determines that the user has requested the execution of the automatic control, generates both the first period and the second period. According to this, when the user has requested the execution of automatic control, both the first period and the second period are generated, thereby preventing the occurrence of a period in which automatic control is performed even when the user has not requested automatic control.

[0195] (Technology 4) In the air conditioning system according to Technology 3, when it is determined that the automatic control unit has not requested the execution of the automatic control, the automatic control unit does not generate the first period but generates the second period. According to this, when the user has not requested the execution of the automatic control, the period during which the automatic control is performed is not generated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the period during which the automatic control is performed from occurring even when the user has not requested the automatic control.

[0196] (Technology 5) The air conditioning system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 4, wherein the second plan is a plan that is more expensive than the first plan. This allows appropriate automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner according to the plans with different prices.

[0197] (Technology 6) The air conditioning system according to any one of Technology 5, wherein the automatic control unit generates the first period but does not generate the second period when the plan managed by the management unit is the second plan. This prevents a period in which automatic control is not performed from occurring when the user has subscribed to a high-priced plan, and prevents a difference in comfort in the air-conditioned space due to the occurrence of the first period and the second period. Therefore, when the user has subscribed to a high-priced plan, the comfort of the air-conditioned space can be maintained.

[0198] (Technology 7) A control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, wherein a computer of the air conditioning system generates both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning device is automatically controlled and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed when a service plan related to the air conditioning device to which a user has subscribed is a first plan, and generates the first period that is longer than the first plan when the plan to which the user has subscribed is a second plan different from the first plan. This achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1.

[0199] (Technology 8) A program that causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space with an air conditioning device to function as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device, and the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed when a service plan related to the air conditioning device that a user has subscribed to is a first plan, and generates the first period that is longer than the first plan when the plan that the user has subscribed to is a second plan that is different from the first plan. This achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1.

[0200] As described above, the air conditioning system, the control method for an air conditioning system, and the program according to the present invention can be used to automatically control the set temperature of an air conditioner.

[0201] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air conditioning device 2 Terminal device 3 Management server 4 Weather server 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote control 14 Communication device 30 Server control device (computer) 31 Server communication device 300 Server processor 301 Communication control unit 302 Acquisition unit 303 Update unit 304 Automatic control unit 305 Management unit 310 Server memory 311 Control program (program) 312 First management DB 313 Second management DB 1000 Air conditioning system AD Collected data H Facility MD Management data NW Network RD Operation data S Air-conditioned space SD Setting data

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, comprising: an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning unit; and a management unit that manages service plans related to the air conditioning unit to which a user has contracted, wherein the automatic control unit, when the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and when the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan different from the first plan, generates the first period which is longer than the first plan.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the automatic control unit alternates between the first period and the second period at predetermined intervals when the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the automatic control unit, when the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, determines whether or not the user has requested execution of the automatic control, and when it determines that the user has requested execution of the automatic control, generates both the first period and the second period.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the automatic control unit, when determining that execution of the automatic control is not requested, does not generate the first period but generates the second period.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the second plan is more expensive than the first plan.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein the automatic control unit generates the first period but does not generate the second period when the plan managed by the management unit is the second plan.

7. A control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, wherein a computer of the air conditioning system, when a service plan related to the air conditioning unit to which a user has subscribed is a first plan, generates both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning unit is automatically controlled and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and, when the plan to which the user has subscribed is a second plan different from the first plan, generates the first period which is longer than the first plan.

8. A program that causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit to function as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning unit, wherein the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, when the plan for a service related to the air conditioning unit to which a user has subscribed is a first plan, and generates the first period that is longer than the first plan, when the plan to which the user has subscribed is a second plan different from the first plan.

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