Air conditioner control device, air conditioner control system, control method, and program

Abstract

This air conditioner control device is provided with: a mode change unit that performs individual changes that allow reception of rewrite data so that a plurality of outdoor machines or a plurality of indoor machines can receive rewrite data transmitted simultaneously; and a program transmission unit that divides the rewrite data and simultaneously transmits the divided rewrite data items to the plurality of outdoor machines or the plurality of indoor machines.

Description

Air conditioner control device, air conditioner control system, control method, and program

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioner control device, an air conditioner control system, a control method, and a program. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-217036, filed on December 22, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] It is known that the program of an air conditioner can be rewritten remotely via a network.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control device that monitors the operating status of air conditioners and remotely controls the rewriting of the operation control programs of the individual air conditioners via a network.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-294028

[0005] The control device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to establish a communication connection with each unit whose operation control program is to be updated and rewrite the operation control program. However, if the control device establishes a communication connection with each unit whose operation control program is to be updated and rewrites the operation control program individually, there is a problem in that it takes a long time to rewrite all of the units whose operation control programs are to be updated.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an air conditioner control device, an air conditioner control system, a control method, and a program.

[0007] The air conditioner control device of the present disclosure includes a mode change unit that individually makes changes to enable multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units to accept the rewrite data that is transmitted simultaneously, and a program transmission unit that divides the rewrite data and transmits each of the divided rewrite data simultaneously to the multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units.

[0008] The control method of the present disclosure includes the steps of individually making changes to enable multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units to accept the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously so that the multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units can receive the rewrite data, and dividing the rewrite data and transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units simultaneously.

[0009] The program disclosed herein causes a computer to execute the steps of individually making changes to enable multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units to accept the rewrite data so that the rewrite data can be received simultaneously, and dividing the rewrite data and simultaneously transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the multiple outdoor units or multiple indoor units.

[0010] According to the air conditioner control device, air conditioner control system, control method, and program of the present disclosure, the time required for rewriting work can be reduced.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an example of processing of a control method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a part I of processing of a control method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a part II of processing of a control method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control method performed by a control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control method performed by a control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of processing performed by each of a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units corresponding to each processing of the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of processing performed by each of a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units corresponding to each processing of the control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the configuration of a computer according to the present disclosure.

[0012] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings and specific configurations used in each embodiment should not be used to interpret the disclosure. The same or corresponding configurations in all drawings will be assigned the same reference numerals, and common descriptions will be omitted.

[0013] The control device according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.

[0014] (Configuration of the Control System) The air conditioner control system 1 is used to remotely control the rewriting of the operation control programs of the indoor or outdoor units of each air conditioner via a network. As shown in FIG. 1 , the control system 1 includes an air conditioning system 10, an air conditioner control device 11, a network 12, and a remote monitoring device 13. The air conditioning system 10 includes multiple outdoor units 104 or multiple indoor units 105. For example, the air conditioning system 10 may include multiple outdoor units 104 (referred to as "outdoor units 104-X") and multiple indoor units 105 (referred to as "indoor units 105-Y"). The control device 11, the outdoor units 104-X, and the indoor units 105-Y are bus-connected via a communication line 106. For example, the data transmission method via the above connection may conform to RS485.

[0015] (Outdoor unit or indoor unit) Each outdoor unit 104-X has a CPU (hereinafter referred to as a "microcomputer") with built-in non-volatile memory and volatile memory. That is, the air conditioning system 10 has multiple microcomputers 1041 (referred to as "microcomputers 1041-X"). Similarly, each indoor unit 105-Y has a microcomputer. That is, the air conditioning system 10 has multiple microcomputers 1051 (referred to as "microcomputers 1051-Y").

[0016] (Control Device) The control device 11 performs the control method of the present disclosure on a unit (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific unit") for which the operation control program is to be updated from among all units included in each air conditioner (referring to the "outdoor unit 104-X or indoor unit 105-Y, or both" included in the air conditioning system 10), and rewrites the operation control program of the specific unit with rewrite data. In this embodiment, "all units" refers to the entire "outdoor unit 104-X and indoor unit 105-Y." Note that the "unit as a whole" refers to the "outdoor unit 104-X or indoor unit 105-Y, or both" included in the air conditioning system 10, and therefore the entire unit includes multiple outdoor units 104 or multiple indoor units 105. Note that the number of specific units is two or more, and corresponds to multiple outdoor units 104 or multiple indoor units 105 in the entire unit. The control device 11 is also communicatively connected to a remote monitoring device 13 via a network 12.

[0017] (Remote Monitoring Device) The remote monitoring device 13 monitors all units from a remote location and requests the remote acceptance of rewrite data. That is, the remote monitoring device 13 requests the control device 11 to rewrite the operation control program of a specific unit with the rewrite data. Upon receiving the request from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12, the control device 11 performs the control method disclosed herein to rewrite the operation control program of the specific unit with the rewrite data. That is, the remote monitoring device 13 instructs the timing for rewriting the operation control program of each unit with the rewrite data.

[0018] 2, the control device 11 includes an acquisition unit 111, a mode change unit 112, a program transmission unit 113, a first instruction unit 114, a second instruction unit 115, and a storage unit 116. The operation of each unit in the control device 11 described below corresponds to at least a part of the control method of the present disclosure.

[0019] (Acquisition Unit) The acquisition unit 111 acquires rewrite data from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12. For example, when a request is received from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12, the acquisition unit 111 acquires the rewrite data provided by the remote monitoring device 13. The acquisition unit 111 may also store the acquired rewrite data in the storage unit 116.

[0020] (Mode Change Unit) The mode change unit 112 individually changes the microcomputers of two or more specific units so that they can accept the rewrite data, so that multiple outdoor units 104 (outdoor units 104-X) or multiple indoor units 105 (indoor units 105-Y) can receive the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously. For example, the mode change unit 112 individually changes the microcomputers of two or more specific units so that they can accept the rewrite data. In addition, the mode change unit 112 may individually change the microcomputers of two or more specific units so that they cannot accept the rewrite data.

[0021] For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , assume that there are three units (unit A, unit B, and unit C) connected to the control device 11. For example, in case α, when all of the units included in the overall unit are specific units, it is desirable for the program transmission unit 113 to transmit rewrite data to all of the units. On the other hand, in case β, when some of the units included in the overall unit (unit A, unit B) are specific units, it is desirable for the program transmission unit 113 to transmit rewrite data only to some of the units. Therefore, the mode change unit 112 of the present disclosure individually changes the microcomputers of two or more specific units in advance so that they can accept rewrite data. By changing the specific units (unit A and unit B) in advance so that they can accept rewrite data, only the rewrite-enabled specific units can accept the rewrite data that is simultaneously transmitted.

[0022] The program transmission unit 113 can specify all units as the destination (indicated as "To all units" in FIG. 3) and transmit the rewrite data simultaneously using the multi-drop connection that is a feature of the transmission method conforming to RS485 mentioned above. Note that units that have microcomputers that have not been modified to be able to accept the rewrite data will not accept (ignore) the rewrite data that is transmitted simultaneously.

[0023] (Operation of Microcomputer Corresponding to Mode Change Unit) Each microcomputer in each of the two or more specific units erases the rewrite area in the microcomputer in accordance with the change made by the mode change unit 112 to enable acceptance of rewrite data. Furthermore, each microcomputer in each of the two or more specific units may lock the rewrite area in the microcomputer in accordance with the change made by the mode change unit 112 to disable acceptance of rewrite data.

[0024] (Program Transmission Unit) The program transmission unit 113 divides the rewrite data and transmits each of the divided rewrite data simultaneously to multiple outdoor units 104 (outdoor units 104-X) or multiple indoor units 105 (indoor units 105-Y). For example, the program transmission unit 113 first divides the rewrite data into predetermined amounts, and then further divides each predetermined amount into packets. The program transmission unit 113 then sequentially transmits each of the divided packets of rewrite data simultaneously to the microcomputers of two or more specific units. By using a broadcast address during simultaneous transmission, the rewrite data is transmitted to all units connected via the communication line 106. For example, the predetermined amount conforms to the erase unit (e.g., 2 kilobytes) of the nonvolatile memory of the microcomputer in each outdoor unit 104-X or indoor unit 105-Y. Hereinafter, this predetermined amount will be referred to as one block. For example, the minimum division unit (packet unit) of the rewrite data is 32 bytes per packet. The division unit can be changed by the worker as needed.

[0025] Furthermore, when a transmission method conforming to RS485 is used, the divided rewrite data is transmitted sequentially via serial communication. As shown in FIG. 4, the program transmission unit 113 broadcasts the rewrite data divided into packets, sequentially from the first packet to the 64th packet, to the microcomputers of two or more specific units. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the first packet is broadcast first to the microcomputers (microcomputers 1051-1 and 1051-2) of two specific units (unit A and unit B: indoor unit 105-1 and indoor unit 105-2), followed by the second packet, and finally the 64th packet, as time axis T elapses. As shown in FIG. 4 again, if a predetermined capacity consisting of 1 to 64 packets is defined as one block, the program transmission unit 113, after transmitting the first block, broadcasts the first to 64th packets constituting the second block in the same manner as for the first block. In this way, when the rewrite data is transmitted simultaneously from the first block to the 100th block in order, 200 kilobytes of rewrite data is transmitted simultaneously to the microcomputers of two or more specific units (unit A and unit B). Note that parallel communication may be used depending on the transmission method. In this case, the program transmission unit 113 transmits each of the divided rewrite data simultaneously to the microcomputers of two or more specific units.

[0026] When the program transmission unit 113 transmits each of the divided rewrite data simultaneously, it also adds a code for detecting data errors. The added code is used for parity checks, checksums, or CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) performed by the microcomputer. By using the code, the microcomputer can check whether or not there is a data transmission error. When the program transmission unit 113 receives a notification from the microcomputer that there is a data transmission error, it individually retransmits the divided rewrite data corresponding to the block in which the data transmission error was determined to exist, to the microcomputer that notified it of the data transmission error.

[0027] (First Instruction Unit) The first instruction unit 114 instructs the multiple outdoor units 104 (outdoor units 104-X) or the multiple indoor units 105 (indoor units 105-Y) to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in each of the divided rewrite data they receive. For example, the first instruction unit 114 instructs each microcomputer in each of two or more specific units to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in each of the divided rewrite data packets received by that microcomputer. That is, the first instruction unit 114 causes each microcomputer to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error for each block, which is a collection of rewrite data divided into packets. The first instruction unit 114 instructs each microcomputer when the total amount of rewrite data divided into packets reaches a predetermined capacity (one block). That is, the first instruction unit 114 instructs the microcomputer each time the microcomputer in a specific unit receives one block of rewrite data. For example, if the microcomputer receives rewrite data from the first block to the hundredth block, the first instructing unit 114 instructs the microcomputer to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in the first block when it receives the rewrite data for the first block. The first instructing unit 114 also instructs the microcomputer to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in the first block when it receives the rewrite data for the second block. In this way, the first instructing unit 114 instructs the microcomputer to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in each block when it receives the rewrite data for the first block to the hundredth block.

[0028] When the control device 11 receives a notification of a data transmission error in any of the blocks determined by each microcomputer, the first instruction unit 114 instructs erasure of the block determined to have the data transmission error. Thereafter, the program transmission unit 113 retransmits the divided rewrite data corresponding to the erased block to each of the microcomputers that notified the presence of the data transmission error.

[0029] (Operation of Microcomputer Corresponding to First Instructor) In response to instructions from first instruction unit 114, each microcomputer in each of the two or more specific units determines whether or not there is a data transmission error in each block of the rewrite data divided into packets it receives. If a transmission error is found, the microcomputer notifies control device 11 of the transmission error and, in response to instructions from first instruction unit 114, erases the block in which a transmission error is found. For example, in response to instructions from first instruction unit 114, the microcomputer uses a checksum to simply determine whether or not there is a data transmission error for each block. If there is no transmission error, the microcomputer sequentially writes a predetermined amount (one block) of rewrite data to the nonvolatile memory.

[0030] (Second Instructing Unit) The second instructing unit 115 instructs each of the multiple outdoor units 104 (outdoor unit 104-X) or the multiple indoor units 105 (indoor unit 105-Y) to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in all of the rewrite data that it has received. For example, the second instructing unit 115 instructs each microcomputer in each of two or more specific units to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in all of the rewrite data (all blocks) that it has received. The second instructing unit 115 issues an instruction when each microcomputer has received all blocks of rewrite data.

[0031] When the control device 11 receives a notification of a data transmission error from any microcomputer, the second instruction unit 115 instructs the control device 11 to erase all blocks written to the nonvolatile memory of the microcomputer that notified the data transmission error. The mode change unit 112 individually changes the settings of the microcomputers that have not notified the data transmission error so that they cannot accept rewrite data, and then the program transmission unit 113 restarts the broadcast transmission of the divided rewrite data from the beginning. This is because broadcast transmission is not necessary for microcomputers that have not notified the data transmission error, i.e., microcomputers that have successfully written data. The mode change unit 112 may change the settings of the microcomputers that have not notified the data transmission error so that they cannot accept rewrite data before the second instruction unit 115 instructs the control device 111 to erase all blocks.

[0032] (Operation of Microcomputer Corresponding to Second Instructor) In response to an instruction from second instructor 115, each microcomputer in each of the two or more specific units determines whether or not there is a data transmission error in all of the received rewrite data (all blocks). If there is a transmission error, the microcomputer notifies control device 11 of the transmission error and erases all blocks written to the nonvolatile memory in response to an instruction from second instructor 115. For example, in response to an instruction from second instructor 115, the microcomputer uses CRC to make a final determination of whether or not there is a data transmission error in all of the rewrite data (all blocks) written to the nonvolatile memory. If there is no transmission error, the writing of the received rewrite data is completed in each microcomputer.

[0033] It should be noted that with regard to data transmission errors, it is sufficient that a data transmission error is simply determined in accordance with an instruction from the first instruction unit 114, and then a final determination of the data transmission error is made in accordance with an instruction from the second instruction unit 115. That is, the following combinations of the method of detecting data transmission errors in accordance with an instruction from the first instruction unit 114 and the method of detecting data transmission errors in accordance with an instruction from the second instruction unit 115 are possible: a combination of a parity check as a simple determination and a checksum as a final determination, a combination of a parity check as a simple determination and a CRC as a final determination, and a combination of a checksum as a simple determination and a CRC as a final determination, as described above.

[0034] (Storage Unit) The storage unit 116 stores the rewrite data acquired by the acquisition unit 111 .

[0035] (Control Method) The control method in this embodiment will be described. The control method in this embodiment is carried out in accordance with the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Also, FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts of processes performed by a microcomputer in one specific unit corresponding to each process of the control device 11. The control device 11 communicates with multiple microcomputers that perform the processes in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0036] First, the acquisition unit 111 of the control device 11 acquires the rewrite data from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12 (step ST10).

[0037] Next, the mode change unit 112 of the control device 11 individually changes the two or more specific units, that is, the outdoor units 104 (outdoor units 104-X) or the indoor units 105 (indoor units 105-Y), to enable them to accept the rewrite data so that they can receive the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously (step ST11). For example, the mode change unit 112 individually changes the microcomputers of the two or more specific units to enable them to accept the rewrite data. Note that the processing of step ST11 triggers the microcomputers to perform step ST21, which will be described later, via a connector C1.

[0038] Next, the program transmission unit 113 of the control device 11 divides the rewrite data into predetermined capacity, and then divides each predetermined capacity into packets. After that, the program transmission unit 113 simultaneously transmits each of the divided packets of rewrite data to the microcomputers of two or more specific units (step ST12).

[0039] Next, the first instruction unit 114 of the control device 11 instructs each microcomputer in each of the two or more specific units to determine whether there is a data transmission error in each of the rewrite data divided into packets received by that microcomputer (step ST13).

[0040] Next, the control device 11 determines whether or not a notification of a data transmission error has been received for any of the blocks determined by each microcomputer (step ST14). If a notification of a data transmission error has been received (step ST14: YES), the first instruction unit 114 of the control device 11 first instructs the erasure of the block in which the data transmission error has been determined (step ST15-1). Then, the program transmission unit 113 individually retransmits the divided rewrite data corresponding to the erased block to the microcomputer that notified the existence of the data transmission error (step ST15-2). Then, the process of step ST13 is performed again. If a notification of a data transmission error has not been received (step ST14: NO), the control device 11 proceeds to the next step ST16.

[0041] The processing from step ST13 to step ST14 is instructed to the microcomputer in a specific unit as step STM every time the microcomputer receives one block of rewrite data.

[0042] Next, the control device 11 determines whether the transmission process for all blocks constituting the rewrite data has been completed (step ST16). If the transmission process for all blocks has not been completed (step ST16: NO), the control device 11 performs the process of step ST12 again. If the transmission process for all blocks has been completed (step ST16: YES), the control device 11 proceeds to the next step ST17.

[0043] Next, the second instruction unit 115 of the control device 11 instructs each microcomputer in each of the two or more specific units to determine whether there is a data transmission error for all of the rewrite data (all blocks) received by the microcomputer (step ST17).

[0044] Next, the control device 11 determines whether it has received a notification of a data transmission error from any of the microcomputers (step ST18). If it has received a notification of a data transmission error (step ST18: YES), the second instruction unit 115 instructs the microcomputer that notified it to erase all blocks written in its nonvolatile memory (step ST15-8). The mode change unit 112 individually changes the settings of the microcomputers that have not notified it of the data transmission error so that they cannot accept the rewrite data, and then the program transmission unit 113 restarts the simultaneous transmission of the divided rewrite data from the beginning (step ST15-9). The process of step ST13 is then performed again. The mode change unit 112 may also change the settings of the microcomputers that have not notified it of the data transmission error so that they can accept the rewrite data before the second instruction unit 115 instructs them to erase all blocks (step ST15-8). If it has not received a notification of a data transmission error (step ST18: NO), the control device 11 proceeds to the next step ST19.

[0045] Next, the mode change unit 112 of the control device 11 individually changes the microcomputers of the two or more specific units so that they cannot accept the rewrite data (step ST19). Note that the processing of step ST19 triggers the microcomputers to perform step ST29, which will be described later. In this way, the control device 11 performs the process of rewriting the operation control programs of the microcomputers of the two or more specific units to the rewrite data (end).

[0046] 8 and 9, the processing performed by the microcomputer of one specific unit corresponding to each processing of the control device 11 will be described.

[0047] First, the microcomputer is triggered by the process of step ST11 described above, and erases the rewrite area in the nonvolatile memory of the microcomputer in accordance with the change made by the mode change unit 112 to enable acceptance of rewrite data (step ST21).

[0048] Next, the microcomputer receives each of the rewrite data divided into packets from the program transmission unit 113 (step ST22). After receiving the rewrite data divided into packets, the rewrite data is temporarily stored in the volatile memory of the microcomputer.

[0049] Next, the microcomputer, in response to an instruction from the first instruction unit 114, determines whether or not there is a data transmission error for a block, which is a set of rewrite data divided into packets (step ST23-1). If there is a data transmission error (step ST23-1: YES), the microcomputer notifies the control device 11 of the transmission error (step ST24-1) and, in response to an instruction from the first instruction unit 114, erases the block in which the transmission error was determined (step ST24-2). Thereafter, the microcomputer performs the process of step ST22 again. If there is no data transmission error (step ST23-1: NO), the microcomputer proceeds to the next step ST26.

[0050] Next, the microcomputer sequentially writes a predetermined amount (one block) of rewrite data into the nonvolatile memory (step ST23-2).

[0051] The processing from step ST23-1 to step ST23-2 is performed in response to an instruction from the first instruction unit 114 each time the microcomputer receives one block of rewrite data as step STN.

[0052] Next, the microcomputer determines whether or not reception of all rewrite data (all blocks) has been completed (step ST26). If reception of all blocks has not been completed (step ST26: NO), the microcomputer repeats the process of step ST22. If reception of all blocks has been completed (step ST26: YES), the microcomputer proceeds to the next step ST27.

[0053] Next, the microcomputer determines whether or not there is a data transmission error for all of the received rewrite data (all blocks) (step ST27). If there is a transmission error (step ST27: YES), the microcomputer notifies the control device 11 of the transmission error (step ST24-8) and, in response to an instruction from the second instruction unit 115, erases all blocks written to the non-volatile memory (step ST24-9). Thereafter, the microcomputer performs the process of step ST22 again. If there is no transmission error (step ST27: NO), the microcomputer proceeds to the next step ST28.

[0054] Next, the microcomputer completes writing of the received rewrite data (step ST28).

[0055] Next, the microcomputer locks the rewrite area in accordance with the change made by the mode change unit 112 to make the rewrite data unacceptable (step ST29). In this way, the microcomputer merges with the processing of the control device 11 via the connector C2 (end).

[0056] (Operations and Effects) According to the control device of this embodiment, before transmitting each of the rewrite data simultaneously, the microcomputers of two or more specific units are individually modified in advance to enable them to accept the rewrite data. By modifying the specific units in advance so that they can accept the rewrite data, only the rewrite-enabled specific units can accept the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously. This enables the control device to transmit the rewrite data simultaneously. By enabling simultaneous transmission, it is possible to reduce the time required compared to when the control device individually transmits the rewrite data to the specific units while communicating with them, and rewrites the operation control programs of the specific units with the rewrite data. Therefore, the control device according to the present disclosure can reduce the time required for the rewrite operation.

[0057] FIG. 10 shows a comparative example. As shown in FIG. 10, in the comparative example, the control device 11C individually connects to the specific units and sends rewrite data to rewrite the operation control programs of the specific units with the rewrite data. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, if the control device 11C rewrites the microcomputers (microcomputers 1051-1 and 1051-2) of two specific units (unit A and unit B: indoor units 105-1 and 105-2), the process will be as follows: A first packet is first sent to microcomputer 1051-1 of unit A via serial communication, and then a second packet is sent to microcomputer 1051-2 of unit B. After the first packet is sent to all specific units, a second packet is sent to all specific units, and similar processing is repeated until the 64th packet is finally sent. These packets are sent in accordance with the passage of time axis T shown in the figure. Therefore, there is a problem in that the amount of packets to be transmitted increases in proportion to the number of specific units that are individually connected for communication.

[0058] In contrast to the comparative example, in the control device according to the present disclosure, only specific units that can accept the rewrite data can accept the rewrite data that is transmitted simultaneously. This allows the control device 11 to transmit the rewrite data simultaneously. By enabling simultaneous transmission, the amount of rewrite data packets to be transmitted is reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of rewrite data packets to be transmitted, the work time required for transmitting the rewrite data is also reduced. Therefore, the control device according to the present disclosure can reduce the time required for the rewrite work.

[0059] (Other Embodiments) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure are also included.

[0060] In the above embodiment, it is stated that "the number of specific units is two or more, and corresponds to a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 in the overall unit." However, this is not limited to this, and it may be stated, for example, that "the number of specific units is two or more, and corresponds to a plurality of outdoor units 104 and a plurality of indoor units 105 in the overall unit."

[0061] In the above embodiment, it is stated that "the acquiring unit 111 acquires the rewrite data from the remote monitoring device 13 via the network 12," but the acquiring unit 111 may acquire the rewrite data at any timing. Furthermore, if the rewrite data already exists in the storage unit 116, the acquiring unit 111 may check the version of the rewrite data provided by the remote monitoring device 13, and if the version is the same as the rewrite data existing in the storage unit, the acquiring unit 111 may acquire the rewrite data from the storage unit.

[0062] 11 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the configuration of a computer 1100 according to this embodiment. The computer 1100 includes, for example, a processor 1110, a main memory 1120, a storage 1130, and an interface 1140.

[0063] Each of the functional units of the control device 11 described above is implemented in a computer 1100. The operation of each of the functional units described above is stored in the form of a program in a storage 1130. The processor 1110 reads the program from the storage 1130, loads it into the main memory 1120, and executes the above-described processing in accordance with the program. The processor 1110 also allocates storage areas in the main memory 1120 to be used by each of the functional units described above in accordance with the program.

[0064] The program may be for realizing part of the functions to be performed by the computer 1100. For example, the program may be a program that performs the functions in combination with another program already stored in the storage 1130 or in combination with another program installed in another device. Furthermore, the computer 1100 may include a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) in addition to or instead of the above configuration. Examples of PLDs include programmable array logic (PAL), generic array logic (GAL), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and field programmable gate array (FPGA). In this case, some or all of the functions implemented by processor 1110 may be implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0065] Examples of storage 1130 include a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory. Storage 1130 may be an internal medium directly connected to the bus of computer 1100, or an external medium connected to computer 1100 via interface 1140 or a communication line. Furthermore, when this program is distributed to computer 1100 via a communication line, computer 1100 that receives the program may deploy the program in main memory 1120 and execute the above-described processing. Furthermore, the program may be a program for realizing part of the above-described functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that realizes the above-described functions in combination with another program already stored in storage 1130.

[0066] <Additional Notes> The control device 11 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0067] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0068] (Supplementary Note 1) (1) The control device 11 of the air conditioner according to the first aspect includes a mode change unit 112 that individually makes changes to enable a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 to accept the rewrite data so that the rewrite data can be received simultaneously, and a program transmission unit 113 that divides the rewrite data and transmits each of the divided rewrite data simultaneously to the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105.

[0069] According to this configuration, before each of the rewrite data is transmitted simultaneously, the microcomputers of the two or more specific units are individually modified in advance to enable them to accept the rewrite data. By modifying the specific units in advance so that they can accept the rewrite data, only the rewrite-enabled specific units can accept the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously. This allows the control device 11 to simultaneously transmit the rewrite data. This simultaneous transmission reduces the time required compared to when the control device 11 transmits the rewrite data individually while communicating with the specific units, and rewrites the operation control programs of the specific units with the rewrite data. Therefore, the control device 11 according to the present disclosure can reduce the time required for the rewrite operation.

[0070] (Supplementary Note 2) (2) The control device 11 according to the second aspect is the control device described in (1), and further includes a first instruction unit 114 that instructs the outdoor units 104 or the indoor units 105 to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in each of the divided rewritten data that is received, and the first instruction unit 114 gives the instruction when the total amount of the divided rewritten data reaches a predetermined capacity.

[0071] With this configuration, once a certain amount of capacity has been accumulated, the rewriting process can be performed on the nonvolatile memory of the microcomputer at an early stage. This reduces the time required for the rewriting process. Therefore, the control device 11 according to the present disclosure can reduce the time required for the rewriting process.

[0072] Furthermore, by associating the predetermined capacity with the erase unit of the nonvolatile memory, the address of the erased block can be associated with the address of the block that was originally to be created, resulting in smooth rewrite processing.

[0073] (Appendix 3) (3) The air conditioner control system 1 relating to the third aspect comprises the air conditioner control device described in (1) or (2), the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105, and a remote monitoring device 13 that requests the reception of the rewrite data remotely.

[0074] With this configuration, the remote monitoring device 13 can instruct the timing for rewriting the operation control program of a specific unit with rewrite data. This eliminates the need for a worker to visit the site where the specific unit is located to perform the rewrite work. Therefore, the air conditioner control system 1 according to the present disclosure can reduce the time required for the rewrite work.

[0075] (Appendix 4) (4) The air conditioner control system 1 according to the fourth aspect is the air conditioner control system described in (3), wherein the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105 are individually modified by the air conditioner control device 11 to be able to accept the rewrite data, and the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105 that are able to accept the rewrite data accept the rewrite data that is sent all at once.

[0076] With this configuration, in accordance with instructions from the remote monitoring device 13, the control device 11 can pre-configure the specific units so that they can accept the rewrite data. This allows only the rewrite data that can be accepted to be transmitted simultaneously. In other words, the control device 11 can transmit the rewrite data simultaneously. This allows for simultaneous transmission, which reduces the time required compared to when the control device individually transmits the rewrite data to the specific units while communicating with them, and then rewrites the operation control programs of the specific units with the rewrite data. Therefore, the air conditioner control system 1 according to the present disclosure can reduce the time required for the rewrite work.

[0077] (Appendix 5) (5) The control method according to the fifth aspect includes the steps of individually making changes to enable a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 to accept the rewrite data so that the rewrite data can be received simultaneously, and dividing the rewrite data and simultaneously transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105.

[0078] According to this configuration, before each of the rewrite data is transmitted simultaneously, the microcomputers of the two or more specific units are individually modified in advance to enable them to accept the rewrite data. By modifying the specific units in advance so that they can accept the rewrite data, only the rewrite-enabled specific units can accept the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously. This allows the control device 11 to simultaneously transmit the rewrite data. This simultaneous transmission reduces the time required compared to when the control device 11 transmits the rewrite data individually to the specific units while communicating with them, thereby rewriting the operation control programs of the specific units with the rewrite data. Therefore, the control method according to the present disclosure reduces the time required for the rewrite operation.

[0079] (Supplementary Note 6) (6) The program relating to the sixth aspect causes a computer to execute the steps of individually making changes to enable a plurality of outdoor units 104 or a plurality of indoor units 105 to accept the rewrite data so that the rewrite data can be received simultaneously, and dividing the rewrite data and simultaneously transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units 104 or the plurality of indoor units 105.

[0080] According to this configuration, before each of the rewrite data is transmitted simultaneously, the microcomputers of the two or more specific units are individually modified in advance to enable them to accept the rewrite data. By modifying the specific units in advance so that they can accept the rewrite data, only the rewrite-enabled specific units can accept the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously. This allows the control device 11 to simultaneously transmit the rewrite data. This simultaneous transmission reduces the time required compared to when the control device 11 transmits the rewrite data individually to the specific units while communicating with them, and rewrites the operation control programs of the specific units with the rewrite data. Therefore, the program disclosed herein reduces the time required for the rewrite operation.

[0081] According to the above-described aspect, the time required for the rewriting work can be reduced.

[0082] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Control system 10 Air conditioning system 104 Multiple outdoor units 1041 Multiple microcomputers 105 Multiple indoor units 1051 Multiple microcomputers 106 Communication line 11 Control device 111 Acquisition unit 112 Mode change unit 113 Program transmission unit 114 First instruction unit 115 Second instruction unit 116 Storage unit 12 Network 13 Remote monitoring device

Claims

1. An air conditioner control device comprising: a mode change unit which individually makes changes to enable a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units to accept rewrite data transmitted simultaneously so that the outdoor units or the indoor units can receive the rewrite data; and a program transmission unit which divides the rewrite data and transmits each of the divided rewrite data simultaneously to the outdoor units or the indoor units.

2. The air conditioner control device of claim 1, further comprising a first instruction unit that instructs the outdoor units or the indoor units to determine whether or not there is a data transmission error in each of the divided rewritten data received, the first instruction unit issuing the instruction when the total amount of the divided rewritten data reaches a predetermined capacity.

3. An air conditioner control system comprising: an air conditioner control device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2; the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units; and a remote monitoring device which requests the reception of the rewrite data remotely.

4. The air conditioner control system of claim 3, wherein the outdoor units or indoor units are individually modified by the air conditioner control device to be able to accept the rewrite data, and the outdoor units or indoor units that are able to accept it accept the rewrite data that is transmitted all at once.

5. A control method including the steps of: individually making changes to enable a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units to accept the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously so that the outdoor units or the indoor units can receive the rewrite data; and dividing the rewrite data and transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the plurality of outdoor units or the plurality of indoor units simultaneously.

6. A program causing a computer to execute the steps of: individually making changes to enable a plurality of outdoor units or a plurality of indoor units to accept the rewrite data transmitted simultaneously so that the outdoor units or the indoor units can receive the rewrite data; and dividing the rewrite data and transmitting each of the divided rewrite data to the outdoor units or the indoor units simultaneously.

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