Air-conditioning control system

Abstract

An air-conditioning control system constituted of: a server; a plurality of unit controllers, each associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers has a first unique identifier; and a plurality of quick- response (QR) codes, each associated with the first unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers, wherein each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising an address or identifier of the server and a second section comprising the first unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller, wherein responsive to a request from a user device being received at the server, where the request contains the first unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers, the server allows communication between the user device and the respective unit controller, and wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit, wherein the first unique identifier of each unit controller is not associated with a network address.

Description

AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates substantially to the field of air-conditioning systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] Technological development has brought on a significant increase in the number of office towers in the world's largest cities. Particularly, in the world's largest cities, the urban landscape has been "taken over" by office towers designed to serve high-tech industries, advanced pharmaceuticals, communications, government buildings, and more.

[0003] In a typical office building, every room is equipped with an independent air conditioning unit, and the independent air conditioning unit is controlled by a computerized controller and thermostat. The air conditioning units are the biggest energy consumers in the building and any technological advancement that energetically improves the operation of the air conditioners will lead to a greener and friendlier environment.SUMMARY

[0004] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of prior art systems and methods. This is provided in one embodiment by an air-conditioning control system comprising: a plurality of unit controllers, each associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers has a random unique identifier; and a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes, each associated with the random unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers; a plurality of regional controllers, each in communication with a respective one of a plurality of subsets of the unit controllers via a respective communication channel; and a server.

[0005] In some examples, each of the plurality of regional controllers initiates a dialogue on the respective communication channel with the respective subset of unit controllers to: determine which of the subset of unit controllers has not been assigned a respectivecommunication address for communication on the respective communication channel; and for each of the subset of unit controllers that has not been assigned a respective communication address, assign a respective communication address for communication on the respective communication channel.

[0006] In some examples, each of the plurality of regional controllers generates a mapping of the assigned communication addresses to the random unique identifiers of the respective subset of unit controllers, the generated mapping stored on the server.

[0007] In some examples, each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising an address or identifier of the server and a second section comprising the random unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller.

[0008] In some examples, for each of the plurality of QR codes, responsive to scanning of the respective QR code by a user device, a request is sent from the user device to the server to communicate with the unit controller associated with the respective QR code, the request containing the random unique identifier of the respective unit controller.

[0009] In some examples, responsive to the request from the user device being received at the server, the server initiates communication between the user device and the respective unit controller via the respective regional controller, based at least in part on the respective random unique identifier and the assigned communication address of the respective unit controller.

[0010] In some examples, each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control and monitor one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

[0012] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, governs. As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As utilized herein, “and / or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and / or”. As an example, “x and / or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y) } . In other words, “x and / or y” means “x, y or both of x and y”. As someexamples, “x, y, and / or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}.

[0013] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0014] In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of embodiments of the instant inventive concepts. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts, and “a” and “an” are intended to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0015] As used herein, the term "about", when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of + / -10%, more preferably + / -5%, even more preferably + / -1%, and still more preferably + / -0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed devices and / or methods.

[0016] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, but not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding sections or elements throughout.

[0018] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of thepreferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of a first air-conditioning control system, in accordance with some examples;

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a high-level block diagram of a first more detailed example of the air-conditioning control system of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a high-level block diagram of a second more detailed example of the air-conditioning control system of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a high-level flow chart of an air-conditioning control method, in accordance with some examples; and

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level block diagram of a second air-conditioning control system, in accordance with some examples.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLES

[0024] In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component.

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of an air-conditioning control system 10. In some examples, system 10 comprises: a server 20; a plurality of unit controllers 30; and a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes 40. In some examples, server 20 is located within a building 50 comprising a plurality of rooms 60. In some examples, building 50 is an office building and each room 60 is a respective office within the office building.

[0026] In some examples, each room 60 has therein a respective air conditioner (AC) unit 70. Each AC unit 70 may be any of a variety of AC units, such as a wall mounted AC unit, a window AC unit, or cassette AC unit, without limitation. Although the below is described in relation to examples where each room 60 has its own AC unit 70, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In some examples, a respective central AC unit 70 can be provided for each of a plurality of groups of rooms 60.

[0027] In some examples, server 20 comprises one or more processors and a memory, the memory having stored therein instructions, that when read by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors of server 20 to perform various steps, as described below. In some examples, a portion of the computing capability of server 20 is located at a remote location, such as in a cloud server. Thus, in some examples, one or more of the steps of server 20 are performed outside of building 50. In some examples, server 20 can be implemented by any one of a wide variety of servers known to those skilled in the art. One illustrative and commercially available example of such a server can be a Lenovo ThinkSystem SR630 server, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0028] In some examples, each unit controller 30 comprises one or more processors and a memory, the memory having stored therein instructions, that when read by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors of the respective unit controller 30 to perform various steps, as described below. In some examples, each unit controller 30 comprises a random unique identifier. The term "unique", as used herein, means that it is different than the identifiers of all the rest of the unit controllers 30. In some examples, each random unique identifier is unique in relation to a respective server 20, and different unit controllers 30 that are destined to locations with different servers 20 may have the same random unique identifier. Thus, in some examples, the uniqueness of the random unique identifier is locally unique for each server 20, and not globally unique. It is noted that the term "random", as used herein, is not meant to be limited to an identifier that is completely random. Particularly the identifier may be assigned in accordance with predefined rules such that random numbers / letters areassigned within predefined boundaries. Additionally, the identifier may comprise a portion that is random (optionally within predefined boundaries) and a portion that is not random. In some examples, the unique identifier is a production identifier of the respective unit controller 30, comprising a plurality of numbers and / or letters. The term "production identifier", as used herein, means an identifier assigned during production to identify the respective unit controller30.

[0029] In some examples, the unique identifier is not associated with a network address, i.e., the unique identifier does not comprise a network address (such as an IP address) of the respective unit controller 30, nor does it comprise an identifier of such a network address. As will be described below, it is not required for unit controller 30 to be assigned a network address.

[0030] In some examples, the unique identifier is stored in the memory of the respective unit controller 30. In some examples, the unique identifier is stored in the memory of the respective unit controller 30 during manufacturing thereof. In some examples, each unit controller 30 comprises a memory 31, and the respective unique identifier is stored within memory 31. It is noted that unit controllers 30 of FIG. 1 are illustrated as comprising memory31, while in FIGs. 2 and 3 unit controllers 30 are illustrated without memory 31, however this is not limiting in any way. Memory 31 can be provided for any example of unit controller 30, and the unique identifier can be stored therein. In some examples, memory 31 comprises a read-only memory, and the unique identifier is burned into memory 31.

[0031] In some examples, each QR code 40 is provided within a respective room 60. In some examples each QR code 40 is printed on a respective card, or on another object within the room. In some examples, the card with the QR code 40 can be mounted on the wall of the room 60.

[0032] In some examples, each QR code 40 is associated with the random unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers 30. Thus, each QR code 40 is associated with a different unit controller 30. In some examples, each QR code 40 comprises: a first section; and a second section. In some examples, the first section comprises an address for communication with server 20. In some examples, the address comprises an Internet protocol (IP) address. In some examples, the first section comprises an identifier of an address of server 20. In some examples, the identifier of the address comprises a respective dynamic domainname system (DDNS) identifier of server 20. In some examples, the second section comprises the random unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller 30.

[0033] In some examples, each unit controller 30 is in communication with server 20. In some examples, each unit controller 30 is connected to server 20 via a wired communication line 75 (e.g., an RS-485 communication cable), such that commands from server 20 are received at each unit controller 30 via the wired communication line 75. In some examples, each unit controller 30 is wirelessly connected to server 20.

[0034] In some examples, each unit controller 30 is in communication with server 20 via one or more intermediate units. Particularly, FIGs. 2 and 3 each illustrate a high-level block diagram of more detailed examples of system 10, further comprising a plurality of regional controllers 80. For simplicity, FIGs. 2 and 3 do not show building 50 with rooms 60.

[0035] In some examples, each regional controller 80 comprises one or more processors and a memory, the memory having stored therein instructions, that when read by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors of the respective regional controller 80 to perform various steps, as described below. In some examples, each regional controller 80 is implemented as a communications controller.

[0036] In some examples, each unit controller 30 and regional controller 80 can be implemented by any one of a wide variety of controllers known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and direct digital controllers (DDCs). One illustrative and commercially available example of such a controller can be a VeroPoint (PLC / DDC) controller, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0037] In some examples, each regional controller 80 is in communication with a respective subset of unit controllers 30 via a respective communication channel 75. The term "communication channel", as used herein, means a separate means of communication. This can be, for example: a separate network; a dedicated frequency range within a larger bandwidth of a network; a separate communication protocol within a network, such that different communication channels are different protocols within the same frequency; or a wired communication line.

[0038] In some examples, each communication channel 75 is a respective wireless network. In some examples, the wireless network is a mesh network, such that each regionalcontroller 80 and the respective subset of unit controllers 30 form a respective mesh network 75. In some examples, each communication channel 75 is a wired communication line, such that each regional controller 80 is connected to the respective subset of unit controllers 30 via a respective wired communication line 75. Commands from each regional controller 80 are received at each respective unit controller 30 via the respective communication channel 75. In some examples, the subset of unit controllers 30 for each regional controller 80 is associated with one or more floors of building 50.

[0039] In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 2, regional controllers 80 are each implemented by a respective hardware unit in communication with server 20. In some examples, regional controllers 80 are connected to server 20 via a network 85, and server 20 communicates with regional controllers 80 via network 85. In some examples, network 85 is a local area network (LAN). In some examples, communication over network 85 is performed using TCP / IP protocols.

[0040] In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 3, regional controllers 80 are each incorporated within server 20, i.e. each regional controller 80 is implemented by a dedicated portion of software within server 20. For clarity, in FIG. 3 server 20 is denoted as server 20'. As described above in relation to FIG. 2, communication with each subset of unit controllers is performed over a separate communication channel 75. In some examples, where each communication channel 75 is a wired communication line, server 20 comprises a plurality of communication ports, each connected to a respective communication line, and the communications to and from each port is controlled at the respective regional controller 80. In some examples, as described above, where each communication channel 75 is a wireless channel, communication with server 20 is performed over separate networks / frequency bands / protocols, and the communication with each subset of unit controllers 30 is controlled by the respective regional controller 80.

[0041] In some examples, upon an initial connection of unit controller 30 to a respective regional controller 80, a predetermined dialogue takes place therebetween. In some examples, the predetermined dialogue is performed automatically. In some examples, each regional controller 80 initiates a dialogue on the respective communication channel 75 with the respective subset of unit controllers 30 to determine which of the subset of unit controllers 30 has not been assigned a respective communication address for communication on the respective communication channel 75. The term "communication address", as used herein, an assignedaddress to the respective unit controller 30 for being addressed on the respective communication channel.

[0042] In some examples, regional controller 80 determines that a unit controller 30 has not been assigned a respective communication address by requesting from each of the respective subset of unit controllers 30 to report whether they have had a communication address assigned thereto. In such an example, unit controller 30 is programmed to make such a report upon request. In some examples, regional controller 80 determines that a unit controller 30 has not been assigned a respective communication address by requesting from each of the respective subset of unit controllers 30 to transmit their assigned communication address, and if no communication address is received, or if the random unique address is received, regional controller 80 determines that the respective unit controller 30 has not been assigned a communication address.

[0043] In some examples, for each unit controller 30 that the regional controller 80 determines has not been assigned a communication address, regional controller 80 assigns a communication address for that unit controller 30. In some examples, the communication address is shorter than the random unique identifier thereof. In some examples, the assigned communication addresses for each subset of unit controllers 30 consist of sequential numbers, such that each assigned communication address is the next number in the sequency (e.g., 1 - 99). In some examples, for each unit controller 30, the assigned communication address is stored on a memory of the unit controller 30. In some examples, the assigned communication address is further stored on a memory of server 20. In some examples, the assigned communication address is further stored on the respective regional controller 80.

[0044] In some examples, each regional controller 80 maps the assigned communication addresses to the random unique identifiers of the respective subset of unit controllers 30. In some examples, each regional controller 80 generates a data table that includes all of the random unique identifiers of the unit controllers 30 in communication therewith and the respective communication addresses mapped thereto. In some examples, the assigned communication addresses, and the respective mappings (e.g., the respective data tables), are stored on a memory of server 20.

[0045] In some examples, whenever a new unit controller 30 is added in building 50, and connected to a respective regional controller 80, the respective regional controller 80 assigns a new communication address, as described above.

[0046] In operation, a user scans a QR code 40 using a QR code scanner, such as a scanner in a user device, such as a smartphone. Upon scanning the QR code, the address of server 20 is identified, and the user device issues a request to server 20 to receive data from the unit controller 30 whose random unique identifier is in the second section of the QR code 40. The request includes the random unique identifier that is in the second section of the QR code 40. For example, the combination of the address identifier of server 20 and the random unique identifier of the respective unit controller 30 will access a page in server 20 that is associated with the respective unit controller 30. In some examples, where a communication address is assigned to each unit controller 30, server 20 provides access to the respective unit controller 30 based on the mapping from the random unique identifier to the assigned communication address. In some examples, server 20 first determines which regional controller 80 is associated with the respective random unique identifier, and then determines which communication address has been assigned to the respective unit controller 30. Server 20 communicates with the identified unit controller 30, via the respective regional controller 80, by using the respective communication address.

[0047] Server 20 allows access to the respective unit controller 30, thus allowing the user to control various functions on the user device. In some examples, the functions controlled by the user can include, without limitation, turning the respective AC unit 70 on and off, adjusting the thermostat and changing the fan speed. In some examples, based on a respective user input, a timer can be set for a desired time for the respective AC unit 70 to be shut off by the respective unit controller 30 and / or to set a weekly plan of on / off times for AC unit 70.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a high-level flow chart of an air-conditioning control method, in accordance with some examples. The method of FIG. 4 is described herein in relation to system 10, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way, and the method of FIG. 4 can be implemented by other appropriate systems without exceeding the scope of the disclosure.

[0049] In some examples, stage 1000 is implemented. Particularly, during a first initiation, each of a plurality of regional controllers assigns a communication address for each of a subset of respective unit controllers, such as unit controllers 30, determined to not have acommunication address assigned thereto. In some examples, each of the plurality of unit controllers is associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, and configured to control the associated air conditioner unit.

[0050] As described above, in some examples, each regional controller initiates a dialogue on a respective communication channel to determine which unit controllers on the communication channel have not been assigned a communication address. For each unit controller determined to not have been assigned a communication address, the regional controller assigns a respective communication address.

[0051] In some examples, each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the respective subset of unit controllers via a respective one of a plurality of wireless networks or a respective one of a plurality of wired communication lines. In some examples, the server is in communication with the plurality of regional controllers, optionally via a LAN. Alternatively, the plurality of regional controllers are incorporated within the server. For example, each regional controller is implemented as a dedicated portion of software within server 20.

[0052] In some examples, stage 1010 is implemented. Particularly, each of the plurality of regional controllers of stage 1000 maps the assigned communication address to the respective random unique identifier.

[0053] In stage 1020, one of a plurality of QR codes is scanned, such as a QR code 40. In some examples, each QR code is associated with the random unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers of stage 1000.

[0054] In some examples, each of the plurality of QR codes comprises: a first section; and a second section. In some examples, the first section comprises an address of a server, such as server 20. In some examples, the first section comprises an identifier of an address of a server, such as server 20. In some examples, the identifier of the address is a DDNS identifier of the server. In some examples, the second section comprises the ranodm unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller.

[0055] In stage 1030, responsive to a user device scanning a QR code, the user device issues a request to the server to communicate with the respective unit controller associated with the scanned QR code, the request including the random unique identifier of the associated unitcontroller. Responsive to the request from the user device being received at the server of stage 1020, communication is allowed between the user device and the respective unit controller, via the respective regional controller 80.

[0056] In some examples, allowing access to the unit controllers 30 via server 20 avoids the need for having a fixed LAN network address for each unit controller 30. This is advantageous since air conditioner controllers are typically not provided with Internet communication ports, due to excessive costs. This is particularly true in office buildings, which can have hundreds, or even thousands, of offices. Moreover, in some examples, system 10 allows communication between user devices and unit controllers 30 utilizing simple communication ports, such as via RS-485 communication.

[0057] In some examples, during installation of a new AC unit 70, it is not required for the installer to assign a specific address to the respective unit controller 30 since the unit controller 30 comes with a unique and random identifier, optionally stored on a memory thereof, and the identifier is used for communication with a user device via server 20.

[0058] In some examples, system 10 eliminates the need for a conventional thermostat / panel for an office air conditioner, which provides considerable financial saving, improves the visibility of the office, and allows control of the AC unit 70 through the user's smartphone.

[0059] In some examples, as opposed to a conventional thermostat, system 10 provides numerous possibilities for the user to control the AC unit 70, including providing an efficient interface for selecting a weekly operating plan on the user's smartphone, thus saving energy.

[0060] Although the above has been described in relation to examples where communication with unit controllers is accomplished via a server, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In some examples, each QR code comprises, in a first section thereof, a web address to download an application, and, in a second section thereof, a wireless address of the respective unit controller. As described above, in some examples, the wireless address is a random and unique address. The downloaded application is configured for controlling a unit controllers based on a scanned address.

[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level block diagram of an air-conditioning control system 100. In some examples, system 100 comprises: a plurality of unit controllers 130 and a pluralityof QR codes 140. In some examples, unit controllers 130 are located within a building 50 comprising a plurality of rooms 60. In some examples, as described above, each room 60 has therein a respective air conditioner (AC) unit 70. As further described above, although each room 60 is described as having its own AC unit 70, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In some examples, a respective central AC unit 70 can be provided for each of a plurality of groups of rooms 60. In some examples, each unit controller 130 is located within a respective room 60.

[0062] In some examples, each unit controller 130 comprises one or more processors and a memory, the memory having stored therein instructions, that when read by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors of the respective unit controller 130 to perform various steps, as described below. In some examples, each unit controller 130 further comprises a wireless communication device 135 comprising an antenna and a controller configured to perform wireless communication via the antenna, utilizing one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth and Zigbee.

[0063] In some examples, each unit controller 130 comprises a unique wireless address. In some examples, the unique wireless address is a random address. In some examples, the unique identifier is an address of the wireless device 135 of the respective unit controller 130, assigned by the manufacturer thereof, such as the Bluetooth or Zigbee address.

[0064] In some examples, each QR code 140 is provided within a respective room 60. In some examples each QR code 140 is printed on a respective card, or on another object within the room. In some examples, the card with the QR code 140 can be mounted on the wall of the room 60.

[0065] In some examples, each QR code 140 is associated with the unique wireless address of the wireless device 135 of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers 130. Thus, each QR code 140 is associated with a different unit controller 130. In some examples, each QR code 140 comprises: a first section; and a second section. In some examples, the first section comprises a web address for a predetermined website, the website comprising an application 150 to be downloaded. In some examples, the second section comprises the unique wireless address associated with the wireless device 135 of the respective unit controller 130.

[0066] In operation, when QR code 140 is scanned by a user device 160, the web address on the QR code 140 enables user device 160 to access the website and download application150. In some examples, user device 160 is any device that provides for both scanning QR codes and performing wireless communication, such as a smartphone or tablet. In some examples, user device 160 runs application 150, which controls user device 160 to wirelessly connect to the wireless address in the second section of QR code 140, thereby connecting to wireless device 135 of the respective unit controller 130. In some examples, the wireless address is read by scanning QR code 140 via the downloaded application 150.

[0067] In some examples, the processor of the respective unit controller 130 allows application 150 to control the respective unit controller 130. In some examples, application 150 displays appropriate data of the respective unit controller 130 on user device 160.

[0068] The above systems and methods can provide various advantages. For example, in a large installation project, such as in an office building, the HVAC contractor is required to install hundreds, or even thousands, of units, each with its own controller. Typically, the controllers of the air conditioners are similar or identical hardware-wise, and it is advantageous to provide the contractor with the ability to provide air conditioners with identical controllers in all of the office spaces. Additionally, it is advantageous to have an automatic mechanism that identifies the unique number of the air conditioner controller and allows communication between the occupant of an office and the air conditioning unit, without the need to assign complex addresses, such as an IP address. The above systems and methods, which include regional controllers, and unit controllers with random identifiers, which allow automatic assigning of communication addresses can provide such significant advantages for HVAC contractors.Some Examples of the Disclosed Technology

[0069] Some examples of above-described technology are enumerated below. It should be noted that one feature of an example in isolation or more than one feature of the example taken in combination and, optionally, in combination with one or more features of one or more examples below are examples also falling within the disclosure of this application.

[0070] Example 1. An air-conditioning control system comprising: a plurality of unit controllers, each associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers has a random unique identifier; a plurality of quickresponse (QR) codes, each associated with the random unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers; a plurality of regional controllers, each in communication witha respective one of a plurality of subsets of the unit controllers via a respective communication channel; and a server, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers initiates a dialogue on the respective communication channel with the respective subset of unit controllers to: determine which of the subset of unit controllers has not been assigned a respective communication address for communication on the respective communication channel; and for each of the subset of unit controllers that has not been assigned a respective communication address, assign a respective communication address for communication on the respective communication channel, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers generates a mapping of the assigned communication addresses to the random unique identifiers of the respective subset of unit controllers, the generated mapping stored on the server, wherein each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising an address or identifier of the server and a second section comprising the random unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller, wherein, for each of the plurality of QR codes, responsive to scanning of the respective QR code by a user device, a request is sent from the user device to the server to communicate with the unit controller associated with the respective QR code, the request containing the random unique identifier of the respective unit controller, wherein responsive to the request from the user device being received at the server, the server initiates communication between the user device and the respective unit controller via the respective regional controller, based at least in part on the respective random unique identifier and the assigned communication address of the respective unit controller, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control and monitor one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit.

[0071] Example 2. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 1, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers does not have a TCP / IP network address assigned thereto.

[0072] Example 3. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly, example 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the server via a TCP / IP network, each of the plurality of regional controllers assigned a respective IP address, or wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the server via a wireless network.

[0073] Example 4. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of regional controllers are incorporated within the server.

[0074] Example 5. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1 - 4, wherein, for each of the plurality of subsets of unit controllers, the respective communication addresses are serially assigned by the respective regional controller.

[0075] Example 6. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein, for each of the plurality of unit controllers, the respective assigned communication address is stored by the respective unit controller.

[0076] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0077] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

[0078] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0079] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An air-conditioning control system comprising: a plurality of unit controllers, each associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers has a random unique identifier; a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes, each associated with the random unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers; a plurality of regional controllers, each in communication with a respective one of a plurality of subsets of the unit controllers via a respective communication channel; and a server, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers initiates a dialogue on the respective communication channel with the respective subset of unit controllers to: determine which of the subset of unit controllers has not been assigned a respective communication address for communication on the respective communication channel; and for each of the subset of unit controllers that has not been assigned a respective communication address, assign a respective communication address for communication on the respective communication channel, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers generates a mapping of the assigned communication addresses to the random unique identifiers of the respective subset of unit controllers, the generated mapping stored on the server, wherein each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising an address or identifier of the server and a second section comprising the random unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller, wherein, for each of the plurality of QR codes, responsive to scanning of the respective QR code by a user device, a request is sent from the user device to the server to communicate with the unit controller associated with the respective QR code, the request containing the random unique identifier of the respective unit controller, wherein responsive to the request from the user device being received at the server, the server initiates communication between the user device and the respective unit controller via the respective regional controller, based at least in part on the respective random unique identifier and the assigned communication address of the respective unit controller,wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control and monitor one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit.

2. The air-conditioning control system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers does not have a TCP / IP network address assigned thereto.

3. The air-conditioning control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the server via a TCP / IP network, each of the plurality of regional controllers assigned a respective IP address, or wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the server via a wireless network.

4. The air-conditioning control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of regional controllers are incorporated within the server.

5. The air-conditioning control system of any one of claims 1 - 4, wherein, for each of the plurality of subsets of unit controllers, the respective communication addresses are serially assigned by the respective regional controller.

6. The air-conditioning control system of any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein, for each of the plurality of unit controllers, the respective assigned communication address is stored by the respective unit controller.

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