Program, communication terminal, and control method for communication terminal

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a program, a communication terminal, and a control method for a communication terminal that make it possible to improve the convenience of a communication terminal that wirelessly communicates with remote controls for air-conditioning devices.　This program is to be executed by a communication terminal that comprises a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication that conforms to Bluetooth standards and an operation unit that receives operations. The program makes the communication terminal search for remote controls for air-conditioning devices that can communicate with the wireless communication unit, display a selection screen that makes it possible to select the remote controls discovered by the search, and, when a remote control has been selected on the basis of the selection screen, display a menu screen that that corresponds to whether an apparatus registration that associates the air-conditioning device that corresponds to the selected remote control and a property at which the air-conditioning device is installed has been completed for the air-conditioning device.

Description

Program, communication terminal, and communication terminal control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, a communication terminal, and a control method for a communication terminal.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a communication terminal receives information sent from a remote control of an air conditioner by visible light communication using a light receiving unit.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-197617

[0004] The present disclosure provides a program, a communication terminal, and a control method for a communication terminal that can improve convenience for users who use a communication terminal that wirelessly communicates with a remote control for an air conditioner.

[0005] The program in the present disclosure is a program executed by a communication terminal having a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard and an operation unit that accepts operations, and causes the communication terminal to search for remote controls for air conditioning devices that can communicate via the wireless communication unit, displays a selection screen from which the remote controls found by the search can be selected, and when one of the remote controls is selected based on the selection screen, displays a menu screen depending on whether device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the air conditioning device with the property in which the air conditioning device is installed.

[0006] The communication terminal in the present disclosure is a communication terminal that includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard, a display unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit searches for remote controls for air conditioning devices that can communicate via the wireless communication unit, displays a selection screen on the display unit from which the remote controls found by the search can be selected, and when the remote control is selected based on the selection screen, displays a menu screen on the display unit depending on whether device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the air conditioning device with the property in which the air conditioning device is installed.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a control method for a communication terminal, which includes a communication terminal having a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard, searches for an air conditioning device remote control that can communicate via the wireless communication unit, displays a selection screen that allows the remote control found by the search to be selected, and, when the remote control is selected based on the selection screen, displays a menu screen that corresponds to whether device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the air conditioning device with the property in which the air conditioning device is installed. This specification is intended to include the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-056405, filed on March 29, 2024.

[0008] According to the program, communication terminal, and communication terminal control method disclosed herein, it is possible to improve convenience for users who use communication terminals that wirelessly communicate with remote controls for air conditioning apparatuses.

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning management system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration relating to control of the air conditioning management system; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of a communication terminal; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of a communication terminal; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of display transition by a communication terminal; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display transition by a communication terminal;

[0010] (Knowledge, etc., that Forms the Basis of the Present Disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology in which an air conditioning device maintenance worker could have a communication terminal receive information transmitted by the air conditioning device's remote control via visible light communication and display the results of the air conditioning device's test run on the communication terminal. However, while it is conceivable to have the air conditioning device and the communication terminal communicate using a wireless communication method other than visible light communication, the inventors discovered that in this case, the difference in communication method makes operation of the communication terminal more complicated, which could reduce user convenience. The present disclosure therefore provides a program, a communication terminal, and a control method for a communication terminal that can improve user convenience for users who use a communication terminal that wirelessly communicates with an air conditioning device remote control.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed description than necessary will be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration will 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] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] 1-1. Configuration 1-1-1. Configuration of Air Conditioning Management System Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning management system 1000. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration related to control of the air conditioning management system 1000.

[0014] The air conditioning management system 1000 includes an air conditioning device 1 and a communication terminal 2. The air conditioning management system 1000 may also include a cloud server 3. The air conditioning management system 1000 is a system in which the communication terminal 2 communicates with a remote control 30 included in the air conditioning device 1, and the communication terminal 2 manages information related to the air conditioning device 1.

[0015] The air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20, and conditions the air of a space to be conditioned in which the indoor unit 20 is installed. As shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11 for circulating a refrigerant, and an outdoor blower fan 12 for causing an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown) to perform heat exchange. The outdoor unit 10 also includes an outdoor air temperature sensor 13 for detecting the outdoor air temperature, and a refrigerant pressure sensor 14 for detecting the refrigerant pressure on the inlet side of the compressor 11.

[0016] The indoor unit 20 is equipped with an indoor blower fan 21 for performing heat exchange in an indoor heat exchanger (not shown). The indoor unit 20 takes in indoor air by driving the indoor blower fan 21, and blows the air into the room from an outlet after heat exchange in the indoor heat exchanger. The indoor unit 20 is equipped with a flap 25 for adjusting the direction of air blown out from the outlet of the indoor unit 20.

[0017] The air conditioning apparatus 1 includes a remote control 30. As shown in Fig. 1, the remote control 30 has a box-shaped main body that is installed on a wall or the like of the space to be conditioned, and a remote control display unit 32, such as a liquid crystal display panel, is provided on the front of the main body 31. Below the remote control display unit 32, a remote control operation unit 33 is provided that allows the user to start or stop operation, operate menus, operate cursor keys, etc. The remote control operation unit 33 is composed of, for example, a plurality of buttons.

[0018] The communication terminal 2 is a portable device used by an administrator who manages the air conditioning apparatus 1 or a worker who performs maintenance on the air conditioning apparatus 1. The communication terminal 2 is, for example, a computer such as a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, or a smartphone, and is preferably a portable device. The communication terminal 2 includes a terminal display unit 40 configured with a liquid crystal display panel or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display panel, and displays information related to the air conditioning apparatus 1 on the terminal display unit 40. A touch sensor that detects touch operations on the terminal display unit 40 is superimposed on the surface of the terminal display unit 40. The communication terminal 2 detects operations on the terminal display unit 40 using the touch sensor and executes processing according to the detected operations. In the following description, the person operating the communication terminal 2 is referred to as a user. The user may be a user of the air conditioning apparatus 1, a maintenance worker who inspects or repairs the air conditioning apparatus 1, or a person involved in managing the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0019] The cloud server 3 is a server computer that executes data communication with the communication terminal 2 and other computers. The cloud server 3 is composed of a single or multiple server computers that are arranged on a communication network such as the Internet.

[0020] The communication terminal 2 is connected to the remote control 30 via a wireless communication path 6 and acquires information about the air conditioning apparatus 1 from the remote control 30 by performing wireless communication with the remote control 30. The wireless communication path 6 is configured by wireless electrical communication. That is, the wireless communication path 6 is wireless communication using radio waves, unlike optical wireless communication. For example, a short-range wireless communication method can be used for the wireless communication path 6. Specifically, the wireless communication path 6 in this embodiment is a wireless communication path executed in accordance with the Bluetooth protocol. Note that the Bluetooth communication standard described in this embodiment is not limited to existing Bluetooth standard versions 1.0 to 1.2, 2.0 to 2.1, 3.0, 4.0 to 4.2, 5.0 to 5.4, or standards derived therefrom. Furthermore, the present disclosure is also applicable to new versions established after Bluetooth version 5.4 and newly derived standards.

[0021] The communication terminal 2 is connected to the cloud server 3 via a communication path 7, and communicates with the cloud server 3. The communication path 7 includes a communication line connecting the communication terminal 2 and the cloud server 3, and may include either a wired communication line or a wireless communication line. For example, the communication path 7 may include a cellular communication network, the Internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a public line network, a provider device, a dedicated line, a base station, etc. The communication terminal 2 transmits information obtained from the remote control 30 to the cloud server 3, and the cloud server 3 manages the information received from the communication terminal 2, thereby enabling management of the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0022] [1-1-2. Configuration of Each Device] Here, the configuration of each device that constitutes the air conditioning management system 1000 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0023] The remote control 30 includes the above-described remote control display unit 32 and remote control operation unit 33, as well as a remote control control unit 35, a room temperature sensor 37, a remote control memory 38, and a remote control communication unit 39. The remote control operation unit 33 accepts a user's operation and outputs an operation signal to the remote control control unit 35.

[0024] The remote controller 30 is provided with a room temperature sensor 37 for detecting the room temperature inside the remote controller 30, and a remote controller memory 38 for storing predetermined information inside the remote controller 30.

[0025] The remote control control unit 35 controls the display of the remote control display unit 32 in response to various operation signals such as an operation start operation, an operation switching operation such as cooling operation or heating operation, and a temperature setting operation, which are performed by the remote control operation unit 33. The remote control control unit 35 is also configured to output an operation control signal to the indoor control unit 26 of the indoor unit 20 based on the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 37.

[0026] The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor control unit 26. The indoor control unit 26 controls the driving of the indoor blower fan 21 and the driving of the flap 25 based on a drive control signal from a remote control unit 35.

[0027] The outdoor unit 10 is equipped with an outdoor control unit 15. The indoor control unit 26 is configured to output an operation control signal to the outdoor control unit 15, and the outdoor control unit 15 controls the drive of the compressor 11 and the outdoor blower fan 12 based on the operation control signal sent from the indoor control unit 26 and the values ​​detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor 13 and the refrigerant pressure sensor 14.

[0028] In this embodiment, the remote control unit 35 is configured to collectively manage the controls performed by the indoor control unit 26 and the outdoor control unit 15 .

[0029] The outdoor control unit 15 sends outdoor temperature information from the outdoor temperature sensor 13, refrigerant pressure information from the refrigerant pressure sensor 14, and power consumption information from the compressor 11 and the outdoor blower fan 12 to the remote control unit 35 via the indoor control unit 26, and the remote control control unit 35 stores this information sequentially in the remote control memory 38.

[0030] The indoor control unit 26 also sends room temperature information from the room temperature sensor 37 and power consumption information from the indoor blower fan 21 to the remote control unit 35, and the remote control unit 35 stores this information in the remote control memory 38 one by one.

[0031] The remote control control unit 35 calculates the cumulative power usage based on the power consumption information sent from the outdoor control unit 15 and the indoor control unit 26 and stores the cumulative power usage information in the remote control memory 38 .

[0032] The remote control memory 38 stores in advance the unique ID information of the air conditioner 1, specifically the serial number and model name, which has been set in advance. Furthermore, the remote control memory 38 may also store alarm information that has occurred in the air conditioner 1, test run result information when the air conditioner 1 was installed, and installation information for the air conditioner 1. Each of these pieces of information is managed as equipment operation management information.

[0033] The remote control communication unit 39 is a wireless communication device that includes an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver (not shown) and performs wireless communication conforming to the Bluetooth standard as described above. The remote control communication unit 39 may also have a function for performing short-range wireless communication using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or other communication methods. The remote control communication unit 39 performs data communication with the communication terminal 2 through the wireless communication path 6 under the control of the remote control control unit 35.

[0034] The communication terminal 2 includes a terminal control unit 100. The terminal control unit 100 includes a processor 101 configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microcontroller, or the like, and a memory 102 that stores programs executed by the processor 101 and data processed by the processor 101. The memory 102 is a non-volatile storage device configured with a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory. The memory 102 stores, for example, a control program 103 and connection history data 104.

[0035] The communication terminal 2 includes the above-described terminal display unit 40 and terminal operation unit 42, as well as a first communication unit 45 and a second communication unit 46. The terminal display unit 40 displays characters and images on the terminal display unit 40 under the control of the terminal control unit 100. The terminal operation unit 42 is connected to a touch sensor superimposed on the terminal display unit 40, accepts input based on operations detected by the touch sensor, and outputs the input data to the terminal control unit 100.

[0036] The first communication unit 45 is a communication device that includes an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver (not shown) and performs cellular communication or Wi-Fi communication. The first communication unit 45 performs data communication with the cloud server 3 through the communication path 7 under the control of the terminal control unit 100.

[0037] The second communication unit 46 is a wireless communication device that includes an antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver (not shown) and performs wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth standard. The second communication unit 46 performs data communication with the remote control 30 via the wireless communication path 6 under the control of the terminal control unit 100. The second communication unit 46 is an example of a wireless communication unit.

[0038] The processor 101 controls each unit of the communication terminal 2 by reading and executing the control program 103. The processor 101 controls the second communication unit 46 to search for a remote control 30 located within a range where the communication terminal 2 can communicate. The processor 101 causes the second communication unit 46 to communicate with the remote control 30 found by the search, and establishes communication with the remote control 30. For example, the processor 101 causes the second communication unit 46 to perform Bluetooth communication, performs pairing with the remote control 30, and acquires information from the paired remote control 30. The processor 101 stores the information acquired from the remote control 30 in the memory 102.

[0039] The processor 101 controls the first communication unit 45 to communicate with the cloud server 3 and transmits information obtained from the remote control 30 to the cloud server 3 .

[0040] The processor 101 causes the terminal display unit 40 to display various screens in operations related to the second communication unit 46 searching for the remote control 30, pairing with the remote control 30, connecting to the remote control 30, and obtaining information from the connected remote control 30. For example, the processor 101 causes the terminal display unit 40 to display a screen that enables the operator operating the communication terminal 2 to select a remote control 30 to connect to the communication terminal 2. Furthermore, for example, the processor 101 causes the terminal display unit 40 to display a screen that includes information received by the communication terminal 2 from the selected remote control 30. Pairing between the second communication unit 46 and the remote control 30 is an example of connection processing.

[0041] When the processor 101 connects to the remote control 30 via the second communication unit 46, the processor 101 stores information about the connection history as connection history data 104 in the memory 102. Furthermore, if the connection history data 104 has already been stored, the processor 101 updates the connection history data 104 each time the processor 101 connects to the remote control 30 via the second communication unit 46. For example, when the second communication unit 46 communicates with the remote control 30 according to the Bluetooth communication protocol, the processor 101 includes information in the connection history data 104 indicating that pairing with the remote control 30 has been performed, that connection with the remote control 30 has been established, and that the connection with the remote control 30 has been terminated. Pairing is a process in which the communication terminal 2 and the remote control 30 transmit and receive information about and configure each other's devices according to the Bluetooth communication protocol. After multiple devices have completed pairing with each other, these multiple devices are able to communicate data with each other. The connection history data 104 includes information for identifying the remote control 30 with which the communication terminal 2 has performed pairing or connection, and the date and time of the pairing, connection, and disconnection. The information for identifying the remote control 30 may be the device ID, Bluetooth ID, manufacturing number, serial number, or other information of the remote control 30.

[0042] With the above configuration, the air conditioning management system 1000 can use the communication terminal 2 to obtain information about the operating state and other aspects of the air conditioning apparatus 1 from the remote control 30. The information obtained by the communication terminal 2 from the remote control 30 is then stored in the cloud server 3, allowing the air conditioning apparatus 1 to be managed.

[0043] For example, the cloud server 3 stores unique ID information for the air conditioning apparatus 1, which is a device to be managed. Specific examples of ID information include the serial number and model name. Furthermore, the cloud server 3 may also store in advance device service information corresponding to the serial number and model name. Examples of device service information include instruction manual information, installation manual information, technical documentation information, service parts list information, troubleshooting information, and recommended setting information corresponding to the model name of the air conditioning apparatus 1. The device service information stored in the cloud server 3 may be configured to be obtainable by the communication terminal 2 by the communication terminal 2 communicating with the cloud server 3 via the communication path 7. The cloud server 3 may also store device service information for multiple air conditioning apparatuses 1 and other devices.

[0044] When the communication terminal 2 receives the device operation management information from the remote control 30, it communicates with the cloud server 3 via the communication path 7. In this case, the communication terminal 2 acquires, from the device service information stored in the cloud server 3, device service information having the same ID information as the ID information included in the device operation management information acquired from the remote control 30.

[0045] The communications terminal 2 displays, for example, device operation management information acquired from the remote control 30 and device service information acquired from the cloud server 3 on the terminal display unit 40. In this case, the terminal display unit 40 displays, for example, the operating status and power saving amount of the air conditioning device 1, instruction manuals, technical document information, etc. This enables the user to easily check the operating status of the air conditioning device 1 and device service information for the relevant air conditioning device 1 on the terminal display unit 40 of the communications terminal 2.

[0046] Furthermore, the communications terminal 2 may transmit an operation management information history based on the device operation management information acquired from the remote control 30 to the cloud server 3, and store the information in the cloud server 3. When the communications terminal 2 acquires new device operation management information, the communications terminal 2 may transmit the new operation management information history to the cloud server 3, and the cloud server 3 may update the operation management information history. The communications terminal 2 may display the updated operation management information history on the terminal display unit 40 as device service information.

[0047] In this way, in the air conditioning management system 1000, for example, a maintenance worker or the like can communicate with the cloud server 3 using the communication terminal 2, allowing not only users of the air conditioning apparatus 1 but also the maintenance worker to obtain equipment service information including operation management information history. This makes it easy to understand the status of the equipment when performing maintenance work, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work. Also, for example, when an alarm occurs in the air conditioning apparatus 1, alarm information may be sent from the remote control 30 to the communication terminal 2, and the communication terminal 2 may then send the alarm information to the cloud server 3. In this case, a response measure according to the cause of the alarm may be selected based on troubleshooting information stored in the cloud server 3, and the response may be sent back to the communication terminal 2.

[0048] The air conditioning management system 1000 may also manage the air conditioner 1 using the operation management information history stored in the cloud server 3. For example, the communications terminal 2 can compare past power consumption histories and display daily, weekly, or monthly electricity bills on the terminal display unit 40 based on the accumulated power usage information included in the operation management information history. The cloud server 3 may also determine the accumulated operating time of the air conditioner 1 based on the operation management information history, and transmit maintenance information such as when to clean or replace the filter of the indoor unit 20 to the communications terminal 2.

[0049] Additionally, the cloud server 3 may be configured to register in advance, along with ID information, property information such as the purpose, size, and area of ​​the building in which the air conditioning unit 1 is installed. By registering property information in the cloud server 3, the air conditioning management system 1000 may be able to, for example, acquire an average set temperature pattern under similar installation conditions based on changes in the set temperature over the course of a day, or may predict the occurrence pattern of peak loads under similar installation conditions based on changes in the amount of power used by the air conditioning unit 1.

[0050] Furthermore, the communication terminal 2 may transmit the current output of the air conditioning unit 1 to the cloud server 3 based on the equipment operation management information transmitted by the remote control 30, thereby enabling an output ranking or the like to be obtained for properties that meet similar installation conditions. Also, the communication terminal 2 may obtain the operating status of the air conditioning unit 1 multiple times a day and store this operating status in the cloud server 3 as an operation management information history, thereby obtaining information comparing the operating status of a newly installed replacement air conditioning unit 1 with the operating status of the previously installed air conditioning unit 1.

[0051] Furthermore, when an automatic test run is performed to check for refrigerant leaks in the air conditioning device 1, the test run results may be acquired by the communication terminal 2, and the communication terminal 2 may transmit and store the results to the cloud server 3. In this way, it is possible to diagnose changes in the amount of refrigerant by comparing the results with the results of previous test runs.

[0052] [1-2. Operation] Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of the communication terminal 2. Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are diagrams showing examples of display transitions by the communication terminal 2, showing various screens displayed on the terminal display unit 40 and their transitions. The operation of this embodiment will be described below with reference to these diagrams.

[0053] Steps S1 to S16 in Fig. 3 and steps S21 to S27 in Fig. 4 are executed by the processor 101. Screens displayed in response to the operations in Fig. 3 and their transitions are shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Fig. 5(A) is an example of a top screen 410, and Figs. 5(B) and 6(A) are examples of a remote control selection screen 420. Fig. 6(B) is an example of a menu screen 430A, and Fig. 6(C) is an example of a menu screen 430B. The remote control selection screen 420 is an example of a selection screen.

[0054] The communication terminal 2 displays a top screen 410 on the terminal display unit 40 (step S1). As shown in FIG. 3A, a plurality of instruction units 411 are arranged on the top screen 410. The instruction units 411 are software buttons that the user operates. When the terminal operation unit 42 detects a touch operation on the display position of the instruction units 411, the communication terminal 2 accepts input corresponding to the touched instruction unit 411. Five instruction units 411A, 411B, 411C, 411D, and 411E are arranged on the top screen 410. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between these units, they will be referred to as instruction units 411.

[0055] The instruction unit 411A is an operation unit for instructing the communication terminal 2 to connect to the remote control 30 via the wireless communication path 6. The instruction units 411B, 411C, 411D, and 411E are operation units for instructing the communication terminal 2 to change or view information registered therein.

[0056] When the user operates the instruction unit 411A, the communication terminal 2 accepts a connection instruction from the user (step S2). In accordance with the connection instruction, the communication terminal 2 searches for a communicable remote control 30 using the second communication unit 46 (step S3). In step S3, the second communication unit 46 transmits a search signal, and a remote control 30 that can communicate with the second communication unit 46 receives the search signal and transmits a response. The communication terminal 2 identifies a remote control 30 that can communicate with the communication terminal 2 by receiving the response transmitted by the remote control 30 (step S4).

[0057] The communication terminal 2 refers to the connection history data 104 and identifies the remote controller 30 that has already been paired with the communication terminal 2 from among the remote controllers 30 identified in step S4 (step S5). Next, the communication terminal 2 identifies the remote controller 30 that most recently connected with the communication terminal 2 from among the remote controllers 30 identified in step S4 (step S6). That is, the communication terminal 2 identifies the remote controller 30 that most recently connected with the communication terminal 2. In other words, this remote controller 30 is the remote controller 30 that last connected with the communication terminal 2.

[0058] Based on the results of the processes in steps S4, S5, and S6, the communication terminal 2 displays the remote control selection screen 420 on the terminal display unit 40 (step S7).

[0059] 5B , an operation unit 401 for instructing the user to return to the previous screen and to return to the top screen 410 is disposed at the top of the remote control selection screen 420. The remote control selection screen 420 has a plurality of display areas 421, and each display area 421 can display a remote control image 422 representing the remote control 30. In the present embodiment, three display areas 421A, 421B, and 421C are disposed on the remote control selection screen 420. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between these, they will be referred to as display areas 421.

[0060] 5(B), one remote control image 422 is displayed in each of display areas 421A, 421B, and 421C. Each remote control image 422 represents one remote control 30. The remote control 30 indicated by the remote control image 422 displayed in display area 421A has already been paired with the communication terminal 2 and is the remote control 30 that most recently connected to the communication terminal 2. Therefore, an image 423 indicating that the remote control 30 has already been paired with the communication terminal 2 and an image 424 indicating that the remote control 30 was the remote control 30 that last connected to the communication terminal 2 are displayed side by side in the remote control image 422 in display area 421A.

[0061] The remote control 30 indicated by the remote control image 422 displayed in the display area 421B has been paired with the communication terminal 2. Therefore, an image 423 indicating that pairing has been completed is displayed alongside the remote control image 422 in the display area 421B.

[0062] The remote control 30 indicated by the remote control image 422 displayed in the display area 421C has not yet been paired with the communication terminal 2. For this reason, images 423 and 424 are not displayed in the position corresponding to the remote control image 422 in the display area 421C.

[0063] In this way, remote control images 422 indicating remote controls 30 with which communication terminal 2 can communicate are displayed side by side on remote control selection screen 420. These remote control images 422 are displayed in a manner that allows distinction based on images 423 and 424 as to whether or not the remote control 30 has been paired with communication terminal 2 and whether or not it is the remote control 30 that was last connected to communication terminal 2. On remote control selection screen 420, communication terminal 2 may display a device ID or the like, which is information that identifies the remote control 30, side by side with remote control image 422. Furthermore, on remote control selection screen 420, remote control images 422 may be displayed side by side in a single display area without distinguishing display areas.

[0064] The communication terminal 2 detects an operation on each remote control image 422 displayed on the remote control selection screen 420. The remote control image 422 is an operation section for the user to select one remote control 30.

[0065] After displaying the remote control selection screen 420 in step S7, the communication terminal 2 waits for a selection operation by the user (step S8). When the user operates any of the remote control images 422 displayed on the remote control selection screen 420 (step S8: YES), the communication terminal 2 accepts the selection operation by the user and proceeds to step S9.

[0066] In step S9, the communication terminal 2 determines whether the remote control 30 corresponding to the remote control image 422 selected by the user has already been paired (step S9). If the remote control 30 has not already been paired (step S9: NO), the communication terminal 2 requests pairing from the corresponding remote control 30. When pairing with the remote control 30 in response to this request is performed (step S10), the communication terminal 2 proceeds to step S11. If the remote control 30 has already been paired (step S9: YES), the communication terminal 2 skips step S10 and proceeds to step S11.

[0067] In step S11, the communication terminal 2 performs a process to connect to the remote control 30 (step S11). The communication terminal 2 determines whether the connected remote control 30 has already been registered (step S12). Device registration refers to registering the air conditioning apparatus 1 connected to the remote control 30 as a management target of the cloud server 3. Specifically, it refers to a process of storing information in the cloud server 3 that associates the property in which the air conditioning apparatus 1 is installed with the air conditioning apparatus 1. For a registered air conditioning apparatus 1, property information related to the address and name of the property in which the air conditioning apparatus 1 is installed is stored in the cloud server 3. When the air conditioning apparatus 1 is registered, information identifying the air conditioning apparatus 1 is stored in association with the property information. Here, the information identifying the air conditioning apparatus 1 is, for example, identification information for at least one of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. In other words, unique identification information is assigned to each outdoor unit 10 and indoor unit 20 of the air conditioning apparatus 1. The identification information is, for example, a manufacturing ID or a serial number. Furthermore, for air conditioning apparatuses 1 that have already been registered, at least one of device service information and operation management information history is stored in the cloud server 3, and can be continuously managed by the cloud server 3. In step S12, the communications terminal 2 communicates with the remote control 30, for example, using the second communications unit 46, and acquires identification information for the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20 from the remote control 30. The communications terminal 2 queries the cloud server 3 based on the identification information acquired from the remote control 30, and determines whether or not the apparatus has been registered based on the cloud server 3's response to this query.

[0068] If the device has not been registered (step S12: NO), the communication terminal 2 displays the unregistered menu screen 430 on the terminal display unit 40 (step S14). If the device has been registered (step S12: YES), the communication terminal 2 displays the registered menu screen 430 on the terminal display unit 40 (step S15). After displaying the menu screen 430, the communication terminal 2 executes a process corresponding to the operation on the menu screen 430 (step S16).

[0069] 6 shows the screen transition from the remote control selection screen 420 to the menu screen 430. The menu screen 430 has two types of screens: an unregistered menu screen 430A shown in Fig. 6(B) and a registered menu screen 430B shown in Fig. 6(C). The display on the terminal display unit 40 transitions from the remote control selection screen 420 to the menu screen 430A or the menu screen 430B depending on the determination result of step S13 (Fig. 3).

[0070] Menu screen 430A is an example of an unregistered menu screen. Menu screen 430A has multiple function instruction sections 431A, 431B, and 431C arranged in addition to operation section 401. When there is no need to distinguish between function instruction sections 431A, 431B, and 431C, they will be referred to as function instruction sections 431.

[0071] The function instruction unit 431A is an operation unit for starting device registration of the remote control 30 connected to the communication terminal 2 and the air conditioning apparatus 1 connected to this remote control 30. The function instruction units 431B and 431C correspond to functions that the communication terminal 2 can execute for a remote control 30 for which device registration has not been performed. The function instruction unit 431B is an operation unit for instructing the execution of an operation status check function. The function instruction unit 431C is an operation unit for instructing the execution of an energy saving monitor function. The operation status check function and energy saving monitor function are functions by which the communication terminal 2 obtains information related to the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1 from the remote control 30 and displays it on the terminal display unit 40. These functions allow, for example, a user such as a maintenance worker for the air conditioning apparatus 1 to use the communication terminal 2 to check the operation status and energy consumption of the air conditioning apparatus 1. One example of energy consumption by the air conditioning apparatus 1 is power consumption. In other words, menu screens 430A and 430B are configured to enable instructions to check (display) information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 and to check (display) information related to the energy consumption of the air conditioning apparatus. The operating status check function and energy saving monitor function can also be executed for air conditioning apparatus 1 for which device registration has not been completed, and function instruction sections 431 corresponding to these functions are arranged on the unregistered menu screen 430A. The operating status check function and energy saving monitor function will be described in detail below.

[0072] Menu screen 430B is an example of a registered / unregistered menu screen. Menu screen 430B has multiple function instruction sections 432A, 432B, 432C, 432D, 432E, 432F, and 432G arranged in addition to operation section 401. When there is no need to distinguish between function instruction sections 432A to 432G, they will be referred to as function instruction sections 432.

[0073] The function instruction unit 432A and the function instruction unit 432B are operation units that instruct the execution of a function to check the details of the device registration of the remote control 30 connected to the communication terminal 2 and the air conditioning apparatus 1 connected to this remote control 30. In detail, the function instruction unit 432A instructs the execution of a function to check the property information of the registered device, and the function instruction unit 432B instructs the confirmation of the device information of the registered device. Property information and device information will be described later, but both the function instruction units 432A and 432B instruct the execution of a function that assumes that device registration has been completed. The function instruction unit 432A is an instruction unit that instructs the confirmation of information related to the property associated with the air conditioning apparatus 1 and is an example of a second confirmation instruction unit. The function instruction unit 432B is an instruction unit that instructs the confirmation of information related to the air conditioning apparatus 1 and is an example of a first confirmation instruction unit.

[0074] The function instruction section 432C is an operation section for instructing the execution of the same function as the function instruction section 431B, and the function instruction section 432D is an operation section for instructing the execution of the same function as the function instruction section 431C.

[0075] The function instruction unit 432E is an operation unit that instructs the execution of a refrigerant leakage detection service record display function, and the function instruction unit 432F is an operation unit that instructs the execution of a fluorocarbon emission reduction simple inspection input function. The function instruction unit 432G is an operation unit that instructs the execution of a fluorocarbon emission reduction simple inspection history display function. The refrigerant leakage detection service and the fluorocarbon emission reduction simple inspection are services performed by a maintenance worker on the air conditioning apparatus 1. When these detections and operations are performed, the result data is associated with the identification information of the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20 and stored in the cloud server 3. The fluorocarbon emission reduction simple inspection input function is a function that a maintenance worker uses to input information when performing a fluorocarbon emission reduction simple inspection, and the function instruction unit 432F is operated by the maintenance worker. Furthermore, when the function instruction units 432E and 432G are operated, the communication terminal 2 acquires result data stored in the cloud server 3 based on the device registration information and displays the acquired result data on the terminal display unit 40.

[0076] In this way, the communications terminal 2 selectively displays menu screen 430A or menu screen 430B depending on whether or not the air conditioning apparatus 1 has been registered. For this reason, the communications terminal 2 displays menu screen 430B for executing functions based on apparatus registration for a registered air conditioning apparatus 1, providing a variety of functions to maintenance workers and users of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Furthermore, even if the air conditioning apparatus 1 has not been registered, the communications terminal 2 displays menu screen 430A that makes it possible to check the operating status, etc., of the air conditioning apparatus 1. For this reason, maintenance workers and the like can easily check information about air conditioning apparatuses 1 that have not been registered using the communications terminal 2.

[0077] Here, the operation related to device registration will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication terminal 2 related to device registration, and Fig. 7 shows the screens displayed in response to the operation of Fig. 4 and their transitions. Fig. 7(A) is an example of a device information input screen 440, and Fig. 7(B) is an example of an instruction screen 450. Figs. 7(C) and 7(D) are examples of a property information input screen 460.

[0078] When the user touches the function instruction section 431A of the menu screen 430A, the communication terminal 2 accepts a device registration operation (step S21). The communication terminal 2 displays the device information input screen 440 on the terminal display section 40 (step S22) and accepts input of device information using the device information input screen 440 (step S23).

[0079] 7A includes a device display section 441, input sections 442, 443, 444, 445, and a completion instruction section 446. The device display section 441 is an area where information relating to the outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20, or air conditioning apparatus 1 that is the target of device registration is displayed. The device display section 441 displays, for example, an image of the outdoor unit 10, as well as the model name and product number of the outdoor unit 10.

[0080] The input sections 442, 443, 444, and 445 are input boxes into which information can be input. When a touch operation is performed on any of the input sections 442, 443, 444, and 445, the communication terminal 2 displays a software keyboard for inputting letters and numbers superimposed on the device information input screen 440. The user can use the software keyboard to input letters and numbers into the input sections 442, 443, 444, and 445. Information such as the device name, serial number, service contact information, and installation date for the outdoor unit 10 or indoor unit 20 displayed on the device display section 441 is input into the input sections 442, 443, 444, and 445. After completing input into the input sections 442, 443, 444, and 445, the user operates the completion instruction section 446. An operation on the completion instruction section 446 corresponds to an instruction indicating that input using the device information input screen 440 is complete. Based on the operation of the completion instruction unit 446, the communication terminal 2 accepts input to the input units 442, 443, 444, and 445 and acquires the input information.

[0081] When the communication terminal 2 receives an instruction to register property information (step S24), the terminal display unit 40 displays the property information input screen 460 (step S25).

[0082] The instruction screen 450 in Fig. 7 (B) is a screen that instructs the user to start inputting property information, and includes an instruction section 451 that instructs the user to register new property information, and an instruction section 452 that instructs the user to add the property information to existing property information. A property refers to a building or facility in which the air conditioning apparatus 1 is installed. Newly registering property information is a process of inputting information about a new property and associating the outdoor unit 10 or indoor unit 20 displayed in the equipment display section 441 with the new property. Adding to existing property information is a process of selecting an existing property and associating the outdoor unit 10 or indoor unit 20 displayed in the equipment display section 441 with the selected property.

[0083] When the instruction unit 451 is operated, the communication terminal 2 displays a screen on the terminal display unit 40 for inputting the address and name of the property as property information, and accepts the input. In this case, the communication terminal 2 generates new property information based on the input information. Furthermore, when the instruction unit 452 is operated, the communication terminal 2 displays a property information input screen 460 on the terminal display unit 40. The property information input screen 460 in FIG. 7(C) displays a list of existing properties that have already been registered in a property display unit 461. In the property display unit 461, one or more existing properties displayed in the list can be selected by a touch operation. When an existing property is selected in the property display unit 461, the communication terminal 2 displays a confirmation display 465 as a pop-up display superimposed on the property information input screen 460.

[0084] The confirmation display 465 is a screen for confirming that the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20 is to be associated with the existing property selected in the property display section 461. An instruction section 467 for inputting instructions of approval or denial is arranged on the confirmation display 465. When approval or denial is input by operating the instruction section 467, the communication terminal 2 erases the display of the confirmation display 465 and returns to the display of the property information input screen 460. When approval is input by operating the instruction section 467, the communication terminal 2 acquires information about the property selected in the property display section 461.

[0085] The communications terminal 2 accepts input of property information using the property information input screen 460 (step S26), associates the equipment information with the property information, and transmits the associated information to the cloud server 3 via the first communications unit 45 (step S27). The cloud server 3 receives the information transmitted by the communications terminal 2 and stores the equipment information of the air conditioning device 1 in association with the property information.

[0086] 8A and 8B show screens displayed in response to execution of the driving status confirmation function and their transitions. Fig. 8A shows an example of a driving status confirmation screen 470, and Fig. 8B and Fig. 8C show examples of a driving status display screen 480.

[0087] The operation status confirmation function is a function by which the communication terminal 2 acquires equipment operation management information relating to the operation status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 from the remote control 30, and displays information based on the equipment operation management information on the terminal display unit 40. When the function instruction unit 431B of the menu screen 430A or the function instruction unit 432C of the menu screen 430B is operated, the communication terminal 2 executes the operation status confirmation function in response to this operation.

[0088] When the operation status check function is started, the communications terminal 2 displays an operation status check screen 470. An equipment display section 471 is arranged on the operation status check screen 470. The equipment display section 471 is an area that displays information related to the air conditioning apparatus 1 that is the target of the operation status check, or the outdoor unit 10 and indoor units 20 that are included in this air conditioning apparatus 1. The equipment display section 471 displays, for example, an image of the outdoor unit 10, as well as the model name and product number of the outdoor unit 10.

[0089] The operation status confirmation screen 470 displays a selectable operation history of the air conditioning apparatus 1. In the example of FIG. 7(A), two operation histories 472A and 472B are displayed. When there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be referred to as operation history 472. One operation history 472 is a record containing information about one operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1. One record contains information from when the air conditioning apparatus 1 starts operating until it stops operating. The remote control 30 generates records related to the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1 and stores them in the remote control memory 38 as equipment operation management information.

[0090] When the operation status checking function is started, the communication terminal 2 communicates with the remote control 30 via the second communication unit 46, identifies the appliance operation management information that can be acquired from the remote control 30, and displays the operation history 472 that indicates the identified appliance operation management information. Here, when any one of the operation histories 472 is selected by a touch operation by the user, the communication terminal 2 acquires the appliance operation management information corresponding to the selected operation history 472 from the remote control 30, and displays the operation status display screen 480 based on the acquired appliance operation management information.

[0091] 8(B) includes an operating information display section 481. The operating information display section 481 displays various information related to the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1. For example, the operating information display section 481 includes an information display section 482 that displays the operating mode, set temperature, air volume setting, power consumption, etc. of the air conditioning apparatus 1, and an outdoor air temperature display 483 that shows the outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor unit 10.

[0092] Here, when displaying the operating status display screen 480 for an air conditioning apparatus 1 for which equipment has been registered, the communications terminal 2 places a save instruction section 484 on the operating status display screen 480. For example, when the function instruction section 432C of the menu screen 430B is operated, the communications terminal 2 displays the save instruction section 484. The save instruction section 484 is an operation section operated by the user, and instructs that the information displayed on the operating information display section 481 be stored in the cloud server 3. When the save instruction section 484 is operated, the communications terminal 2 displays a confirmation display 485 as a pop-up superimposed on the operating status display screen 480.

[0093] Furthermore, when the communication terminal 2 displays the operation status display screen 480 for an air conditioning apparatus 1 for which device registration has not been completed, the save instruction section 484 is not displayed on the operation status display screen 480. In this case, the user can view information on the operation information display section 481. If device registration is a prerequisite for a user to view the operation status display screen 480, the user cannot check the operation status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 using the communication terminal 2 unless device registration is completed. Therefore, in urgent cases, such as when a maintenance worker needs to quickly check the operation status, device registration work is required, which increases the work load. In contrast, with the configuration of this embodiment, the operation status display screen 480 can be viewed using the communication terminal 2 even for an air conditioning apparatus 1 for which device registration has not been completed. This has the advantage of improving convenience for users who, such as maintenance workers, handle multiple air conditioning apparatuses, including the air conditioning apparatus 1, and need to quickly check the operation status.

[0094] The confirmation display 485 is a screen for confirming that the information displayed on the operating information display unit 481 is to be stored in the cloud server 3. The confirmation display 485 includes an instruction unit 487 for inputting instructions of approval or denial. When approval or denial is input by operating the instruction unit 487, the communications terminal 2 erases the display of the confirmation display 485 and returns to displaying the operating status display screen 480. When approval is input by operating the instruction unit 487, the communications terminal 2 transmits the information displayed on the operating information display unit 481 to the cloud server 3 in association with the air conditioning apparatus 1 displayed on the equipment display unit 471. The cloud server 3 receives the information transmitted by the communications terminal 2 and stores the information in association with the equipment information of the air conditioning apparatus 1. In this way, the operating status display screen 480, which is transitioned from the menu screen 430B displayed when the air conditioning apparatus 1 has been registered as an apparatus, for displaying information indicating the operating status is configured to enable an instruction to save the information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Therefore, the user can view the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 on the operating status display screen 480 and can instruct the saving of information relating to the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1. In contrast, the operating status display screen 480 transitioned to from the menu screen 430A, which is displayed when the air conditioning apparatus 1 has not been registered as equipment, is configured not to be able to instruct the saving of information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Therefore, the user can view the operating status of an air conditioning apparatus 1 that has not been registered as equipment on the operating status display screen 480.

[0095] 9A and 9B show screens displayed in response to the execution of the energy saving monitor function and their transitions. Fig. 9A shows an example of an energy saving monitor screen 510, and Fig. 9B shows an example of an energy saving information display screen 520.

[0096] The energy saving monitor function is a function in which the communications terminal 2 acquires equipment operation management information related to the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 from the remote control 30, and displays information related to the energy consumption of the air conditioning apparatus 1 on the terminal display unit 40 based on the equipment operation management information. The energy saving monitor function is similar to the operating status confirmation function, but differs in that it mainly displays information related to energy consumption for the purpose of energy conservation. When the function instruction section 431C of the menu screen 430A or the function instruction section 432D of the menu screen 430B is operated, the communications terminal 2 executes the energy saving monitor function in response to this operation.

[0097] When the energy saving monitor function is started, the communications terminal 2 displays an energy saving monitor screen 510. An equipment display section 511 is arranged on the energy saving monitor screen 510. The equipment display section 511 is an area that displays information related to the air conditioner 1 that is the target of the energy saving monitor function, or the outdoor unit 10 and indoor units 20 that are included in this air conditioner 1. The equipment display section 511 displays, for example, an image of the outdoor unit 10, as well as the model name and product number of the outdoor unit 10.

[0098] An instruction section 512 for instructing the reading of information is arranged on the energy saving monitor screen 510. When the user performs a touch operation on the instruction section 512, the communication terminal 2 communicates with the remote control 30, acquires from the remote control 30 the equipment operation management information of the air conditioning apparatus 1 displayed on the equipment display section 511, and displays the energy saving information display screen 520 based on the acquired equipment operation management information.

[0099] The energy saving information display screen 520 in Fig. 9 (B) includes an energy saving information display section 521. The energy saving information display section 521 displays information related to the power consumption of the air conditioner 1. The energy saving information display section 521 has a plurality of tabs 522, 523, and 524 arranged to switch the unit of aggregation of the power consumption of the air conditioner 1. The tabs 522, 523, and 524 are touch-operable operation sections. The tab 522 instructs the display of information related to power consumption aggregated on a daily basis, the tab 523 instructs the display of information related to power consumption aggregated on a weekly basis, and the tab 524 instructs the display of information related to power consumption aggregated on a monthly basis.

[0100] For example, when tab 522 is operated, an electric energy display section 525 showing the amount of power consumption calculated on a daily basis is displayed in the energy saving information display section 521. Also, an electric energy graph 526 showing the change in the amount of power consumption over the course of a day is displayed in the energy saving information display section 521. When tab 523 or tab 524 is operated, the electric energy display section 525 and the electric energy graph 526 are displayed in units of one week or one month.

[0101] Here, when displaying the energy saving information display screen 520 for an air conditioning apparatus 1 for which device registration has been completed, the communications terminal 2 places a save instruction section 527 on the energy saving information display screen 520. For example, when the function instruction section 432D of the menu screen 430B is operated, the communications terminal 2 displays the save instruction section 527. The save instruction section 527 is an operation section operated by the user, and issues an instruction to store the information displayed in the energy saving information display section 521 in the cloud server 3. When the save instruction section 527 is operated, the communications terminal 2 transmits the information displayed in the energy saving information display section 521 to the cloud server 3 in association with the air conditioning apparatus 1 displayed in the device display section 511. The cloud server 3 receives the information transmitted by the communications terminal 2 and stores it in association with the device information of the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0102] Furthermore, when the communications terminal 2 displays the energy saving information display screen 520 for an air conditioning apparatus 1 that has not been registered as a device, the save instruction section 527 is not displayed on the energy saving information display screen 520. In this case, the user can view information on the energy saving information display section 521. In this way, the energy saving information display screen 520 for displaying information on energy consumption, which is transitioned from the menu screen 430B that is displayed when the air conditioning apparatus 1 has been registered as a device, is configured to allow the user to instruct the saving of information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Therefore, the user can view the energy consumption of the air conditioning apparatus 1 using the energy saving information display screen 520 and can instruct the saving of information regarding the energy consumption of the air conditioning apparatus 1. In contrast, the energy saving information display screen 520 transitioned from the menu screen 430A that is displayed when the air conditioning apparatus 1 has not been registered as a device, is configured not to allow the user to instruct the saving of information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Therefore, the user can view the energy consumption of an air conditioning apparatus 1 that has not been registered as a device using the energy saving information display screen 520.

[0103] If device registration is a prerequisite for a user to view the energy saving information display screen 520, the user will not be able to check the power consumption, etc. of the air conditioning apparatus 1 unless the device registration is completed. For example, even if a maintenance worker needs to quickly check the power consumption, etc., the task of device registration is required, which increases the amount of work required. In contrast, with the configuration of this embodiment, the user can view the energy saving information display screen 520 using the communication terminal 2 even for an air conditioning apparatus 1 for which device registration has not been completed. This has the advantage of improving convenience for users who, like maintenance workers, handle a large number of air conditioning apparatuses, including the air conditioning apparatus 1, and who need to quickly check the status of the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0104] The operating status confirmation function shown in Fig. 8 and the energy saving monitor function shown in Fig. 9 are examples of functions executed by the communications terminal 2 in step S16. The communications terminal 2 can execute a variety of functions in accordance with operations on the menu screen 430, and the user can use these functions to manage the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0105] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned 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 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 embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the communication terminal 2 performs wireless communication in accordance with the Bluetooth standard with the remote control 30. However, the communication terminal 2 may perform communication using another wireless communication method. For example, the second communication unit 46 and the remote control communication unit 39 may be wireless communication devices that perform short-range wireless communication using Wi-Fi, NFC, or another communication method. In other words, the wireless communication path 6 is not limited to a wireless communication line in accordance with the Bluetooth standard, but may also be a communication path using Wi-Fi, NFC, or another wireless communication method.

[0107] For example, in the above embodiment, an air conditioning apparatus 1 in which one outdoor unit 10, indoor unit 20, and remote control 30 are connected is exemplified, but the air conditioning apparatuses that can be managed by the air conditioning management system 1000 are not limited to this configuration. For example, multiple outdoor units 10 may be connected to the indoor unit 20, or multiple remote controls 30 may be connected to one air conditioning apparatus 1. Furthermore, the air conditioning apparatus 1 may be equipped with an air conditioning control device that controls the operation of the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 as a device separate from the remote control 30, in which case the remote control 30 may be connected to the air conditioning control device.

[0108] In the above embodiment, a smartphone or a tablet terminal is used as the communication terminal 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a dedicated communication terminal 2 capable of communicating with the cloud server 3 may be used. Furthermore, the server does not have to be the cloud server 3, and any server with which the communication terminal 2 can communicate, such as a server of a device management company, may be used.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the "program" is exemplified as an application program that can be installed on the communication terminal 2, but the "program" may also be a software program that already exists on the communication terminal 2, such as a browser.

[0110] The "programs" in the above-described embodiments may be non-temporarily recorded on a recording medium that is readable by the processor of the communication terminal 2. The recording medium may be a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device. Alternatively, these programs may be stored in a server device or the like, and the communication terminal 2 may download the programs from the server device to achieve the above-described operations.

[0111] The processor 101 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).

[0112] The configurations of the communication terminal 2 and the remote control 30 shown in Figure 2 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which 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.

[0113] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 3 and 4 are divided according to the main processing content in order to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way in which 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 that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0114] 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.

[0115] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0116] (Technology 1) A program executed by a communication terminal equipped with a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard and an operation unit that accepts operations, the program causing the communication terminal to search for air conditioning device remote controls that can communicate via the wireless communication unit, displaying a selection screen from which the remote controls found through the search can be selected, and when one of the remote controls is selected based on the selection screen, displaying a menu screen according to whether device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the air conditioning device with the property in which the air conditioning device is installed. This allows the communication terminal that communicates with air conditioning device remote controls within Bluetooth communication range to display the selection screen, thereby enabling the user to select the remote control with which to communicate from the searched remote controls. A menu screen corresponding to the registration status of the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control can then be provided. This realizes a user interface for establishing communication between the remote control and the communication terminal that is optimal for a configuration in which the remote control and the communication terminal communicate wirelessly, thereby improving convenience for users of the communication terminal.

[0117] (Technology 2) The program according to Technology 1, wherein the menu screen corresponding to the case where the device registration has not been executed for the air conditioning device has a registration instruction unit that instructs the user to perform the device registration for the air conditioning device. This displays a menu screen including items desired by the user depending on whether the air conditioning device has been registered, thereby realizing a more convenient user interface.

[0118] (Technology 3) The program according to Technology 2, wherein when the communication terminal receives an operation of the registration instruction section of the menu screen, the program executes the device registration process and associates information about the air conditioning device with information about the property. This allows for a menu screen including items desired by the user to be displayed in cases where the air conditioning device is not registered as a device, thereby realizing a more convenient user interface.

[0119] (Technology 4) The program according to Technology 3, wherein the menu screen corresponding to the case where the device registration has been executed for the air conditioning device includes at least one of a first confirmation instruction unit that instructs the user to confirm information related to the air conditioning device and a second confirmation instruction unit that instructs the user to confirm information related to the property. According to this, when the air conditioning device has been registered as a device, a menu screen including an instruction unit that instructs the user to perform functions related to device registration is displayed, thereby realizing a more convenient user interface.

[0120] (Technology 5) The program according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4, wherein the menu screen displayed when device registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device and the menu screen displayed when device registration has been performed are both configured to allow a user to instruct the user to check information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device. This allows a user to view the operating status of an air conditioning device using a communication terminal, regardless of whether device registration has been performed. Since the operating status can be checked even for air conditioning devices for which device registration has not been performed, for example, a maintenance worker or the like can quickly check the operating status of an air conditioning device for which device registration has not been performed, without having to perform device registration work. This further improves the convenience of users using communication terminals when checking the operating status of air conditioning devices.

[0121] (Technology 6) The program described in Technology 5, wherein a screen for displaying information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device, which is displayed when device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device, is configured to allow a user to instruct saving of the information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device, and a screen for displaying information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device, which is displayed when device registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device, is configured not to allow a user to instruct saving of the information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device. This allows a user to instruct saving of information indicating the operating status of an air conditioning device for which device registration has been performed. This allows efficient management of air conditioning devices using the device registration of the air conditioning device. Furthermore, a user will not mistakenly instruct saving of information indicating the operating status of an air conditioning device for which device registration has not been performed. This further improves the convenience of users using communication terminals when checking the operating status of air conditioning devices.

[0122] (Technology 7) The program according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, wherein the menu screen displayed when device registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device and the menu screen displayed when device registration has been performed are both configured to be able to instruct the display of information regarding the energy consumption of the air conditioning device. This allows a user to use a communication terminal to view information regarding the energy consumption of an air conditioning device, regardless of whether device registration has been performed. Because the energy consumption of air conditioning devices that have not been registered can be checked, for example, a maintenance worker or the like can quickly check the energy consumption of an air conditioning device that has not been registered, without having to perform device registration work. This further improves the convenience of users using communication terminals when checking the energy consumption of air conditioning devices.

[0123] (Technology 8) The program according to Technology 7, wherein a screen for displaying information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning device, which is displayed when the device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device, is configured to allow an instruction to save the information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning device, and a screen for displaying information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning device, which is displayed when the device registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device, is configured not to allow an instruction to save the information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning device. This allows a user to instruct the saving of information indicating the energy consumption of an air conditioning device for which device registration has been performed. Therefore, the air conditioning device can be efficiently managed using the device registration of the air conditioning device. Furthermore, a user will not mistakenly instruct the saving of information indicating the energy consumption of an air conditioning device for which device registration has not been performed. Therefore, the convenience of users using communication terminals when checking the energy consumption of air conditioning devices can be further improved.

[0124] (Technology 9) The program according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 8, wherein the selection screen displays, among the remote controls capable of communicating via the wireless communication unit, the remote control that most recently communicated with the wireless communication unit, distinguishing it from the other remote controls. This makes it possible to present information that is useful when a user selects a remote control on the selection screen based on the wireless communication history. This further improves the convenience of users who use communication terminals.

[0125] (Technology 10) The program according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 9, wherein the selection screen displays, among the remote controls capable of communicating via the wireless communication unit, remote controls that have completed connection processing with the wireless communication unit, in a manner that distinguishes them from remote controls that have not yet completed connection processing with the wireless communication unit. This makes it possible to present information that is useful when a user selects a remote control on the selection screen based on the status of the connection processing. This further improves convenience for users of communication terminals.

[0126] (Technology 11) A communication terminal includes a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard, a display unit, and a control unit. The control unit searches for air conditioning device remote controls that can communicate via the wireless communication unit, displays a selection screen on the display unit that allows the user to select a remote control found through the search, and, when a remote control is selected based on the selection screen, displays a menu screen on the display unit that indicates whether device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the air conditioning device with the property in which the air conditioning device is installed. This allows the communication terminal, which communicates with air conditioning device remote controls within Bluetooth communication range, to display the selection screen, thereby enabling the user to select a remote control to communicate with from the searched remote controls. A menu screen corresponding to the registration status of the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control can then be provided. This realizes a user interface for establishing communication between the remote control and the communication terminal that is optimal for a configuration in which the remote control and the communication terminal communicate wirelessly, thereby improving convenience for users of the communication terminal.

[0127] (Technology 12) A control method for a communication terminal including a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard, performs a search for air conditioning device remote controls that can communicate via the wireless communication unit, displays a selection screen that allows the user to select a remote control found through the search, and, when the remote control is selected based on the selection screen, displays a menu screen according to whether device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the air conditioning device with the property in which the air conditioning device is installed. This allows the communication terminal that communicates with air conditioning device remote controls within Bluetooth communication range to display the selection screen, allowing the user to select a remote control to communicate with from the searched remote controls. A menu screen corresponding to the registration status of the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control can then be provided. This realizes a user interface for establishing communication between the remote control and the communication terminal that is optimal for a configuration in which the remote control and the communication terminal communicate wirelessly, thereby improving convenience for users of the communication terminal.

[0128] As described above, the program, communication terminal, and control method for a communication terminal according to the present invention can be used for managing the operating status of an air conditioning device, etc., by using a communication terminal that communicates wirelessly with a remote control for the air conditioning device.

[0129] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air conditioning device 2 Communication terminal 3 Cloud server 6 Wireless communication path 7 Communication path 10 Outdoor unit 11 Compressor 12 Outdoor blower fan 13 Outdoor air temperature sensor 14 Refrigerant pressure sensor 15 Outdoor control unit 20 Indoor unit 21 Indoor blower fan 25 Flap 26 Indoor control unit 30 Remote control 31 Main unit 32 Remote control display unit 33 Remote control operation unit 35 Remote control control unit 37 Room temperature sensor 38 Remote control memory 39 Remote control communication unit 40 Terminal display unit 42 Terminal operation unit (operation unit) 45 First communication unit 46 Second communication unit (wireless communication unit) 100 Terminal control unit 101 Processor 102 Memory 103 Control program (program) 104 Connection history data 401 Operation unit 410 Top screen 411, 411A to 411E Instruction section 420 Remote control selection screen (selection screen) 422 Remote control image 430, 430A, 430B Menu screen 431, 431A to 431C Function instruction section 432, 432C to 432G Function instruction section 432A Function instruction section (second confirmation instruction section) 432B Function instruction section (first confirmation instruction section) 440 Device information input screen 450 Instruction screen 460 Property information input screen 470 Operation status confirmation screen 480 Operation status display screen 510 Energy saving monitor screen 520 Energy saving information display screen 1000 Air conditioning management system

Claims

1. A program executed by a communication terminal having a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard and an operation unit that accepts operations, wherein the communication terminal performs a search for air conditioning device remote controls that can communicate via the wireless communication unit, displays a selection screen from which the remote controls found by the search can be selected, and when one of the remote controls is selected based on the selection screen, displays a menu screen depending on whether device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the property in which the air conditioning device is installed with the air conditioning device.

2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the menu screen corresponding to the case where the equipment registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device has a registration instruction section that instructs the user to perform the equipment registration for the air conditioning device.

3. A program as described in claim 2, which, when the communication terminal receives an operation of the registration instruction section of the menu screen, executes the equipment registration process and associates information about the air conditioning device with information about the property.

4. The program described in claim 3, wherein the menu screen corresponding to the case where the equipment registration has already been performed for the air conditioning device includes at least one of a first confirmation instruction section that instructs the user to confirm information about the air conditioning device and a second confirmation instruction section that instructs the user to confirm information about the property.

5. The program described in claim 1, wherein the menu screen displayed when the equipment registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device and the menu screen displayed when the equipment registration has been performed are both configured to be able to instruct the user to check information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device.

6. A program as described in claim 5, wherein a screen for displaying information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device, which is displayed when the equipment registration has been performed for the air conditioning device, is configured to be able to instruct the user to save the information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device, and a screen for displaying information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device, which is displayed when the equipment registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device, is configured not to instruct the user to save the information indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device.

7. The program described in claim 1, wherein the menu screen displayed when the equipment registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device and the menu screen displayed when the equipment registration has been performed are both configured to be able to instruct the display of information regarding the energy consumption of the air conditioning device.

8. The program described in claim 7, wherein a screen for displaying information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning device, which is displayed when the equipment registration has been performed for the air conditioning device, is configured to be able to instruct the user to save the information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning device, and a screen for displaying information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning device, which is displayed when the equipment registration has not been performed for the air conditioning device, is configured not to instruct the user to save the information indicating the energy consumption of the air conditioning device.

9. The program according to claim 1, wherein the selection screen displays the remote control that most recently communicated with the wireless communication unit among the remote controls that can communicate via the wireless communication unit, distinguishing it from the other remote controls.

10. The program described in claim 1, wherein the selection screen displays, among the remote controls capable of communicating via the wireless communication unit, remote controls that have completed connection processing with the wireless communication unit, distinguishing them from remote controls that have not completed connection processing with the wireless communication unit.

11. A communication terminal comprising: a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard; a display unit; and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs a search for a remote control for an air conditioning device that can communicate via the wireless communication unit; causes the display unit to display a selection screen on which the remote control found by the search can be selected; and when the remote control is selected based on the selection screen, causes the display unit to display a menu screen depending on whether device registration has been performed on the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the property in which the air conditioning device is installed with the air conditioning device.

12. A control method for a communication terminal, comprising: a communication terminal having a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard; searching for a remote control for an air conditioning device that can communicate via the wireless communication unit; displaying a selection screen on which the remote control found by the search can be selected; and when the remote control is selected based on the selection screen, displaying a menu screen according to whether device registration has been performed for the air conditioning device corresponding to the selected remote control, associating the property in which the air conditioning device is installed with the air conditioning device.

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