Installation determination system for air conditioner

Abstract

This installation determination system for an air conditioner comprises: a terminal machine having an imaging unit for imaging a part to be determined in an air conditioner installed at a prescribed location; a condition determination unit for determining, on the basis of a captured image captured by the imaging unit, whether a work condition that the part to be determined is installed in a manner satisfying a prescribed installation criterion is satisfied; and an output unit for outputting the result of the determination performed by the condition determination unit.

Description

Air conditioning equipment installation assessment system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning device installation determination system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a discrimination system that discriminates device information related to a device to be discriminated, such as an air conditioner, based on an image captured at a position indicated by position information of the device.

[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 134943

[0004] When installing an air conditioning unit, it would be desirable to be able to check the installation status in advance so that the air conditioning unit can be installed in an appropriate location and environment, as this would improve the reliability of the installed air conditioning unit and allow the unit to be used with peace of mind. However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not make it possible to check the installation status of the air conditioning unit in advance.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to enable workers to check the installation status in advance when installing an air conditioning apparatus so that the air conditioning apparatus can be installed in an appropriate location and environment.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one embodiment of the air conditioning device installation determination system of the present disclosure comprises a terminal device having an imaging unit that captures an image of a determination target part of an air conditioning device installed at a specified location, a condition determination unit that determines whether or not a work condition is met that the determination target part is installed in accordance with specified installation standards based on the image captured by the imaging unit, and an output unit that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, when installing an air conditioning apparatus, workers can check the installation conditions in advance so that the air conditioning apparatus can be installed in an appropriate location and environment.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus included in the installation determination system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning apparatus included in the installation determination system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device included in the installation determination system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a viewfinder display unit of the imaging unit shown in FIG. 3 and a viewfinder image (including an image of the front of the outdoor unit). FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a server included in the installation determination system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of a viewfinder image (including an image of the side of the outdoor unit) displayed on the viewfinder display unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a viewfinder image (including an image of the top of the outdoor unit) displayed on the viewfinder display unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a viewfinder image (an image of the front of the indoor unit) displayed on the viewfinder display unit according to the second embodiment. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a viewfinder image (an image of the front of the outdoor unit and a protected area) displayed on the viewfinder display unit according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a viewfinder image (an image of the top of the outdoor unit and a protected area) displayed on the viewfinder display unit according to the third embodiment. Fig. 14 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing the operation of a terminal device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0009] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, in this specification, "installation" includes not only the initial installation of a new air conditioning apparatus 2 but also the relocation of the air conditioning apparatus 2. (First Embodiment) [Configuration of the Installation Determination System] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus 2 provided in an installation determination system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning apparatus 2 includes an indoor unit 6, an outdoor unit 7, multiple refrigerant pipes 8 connecting the indoor unit 6 and the outdoor unit 7, and a remote control 9, which is an input unit 20 for the air conditioning apparatus 2 operated by a user or the like. The air conditioning apparatus 2 is, for example, a room air conditioner (RAC) that is driven (operated) in one of multiple modes, including a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a dehumidification mode. The air conditioning apparatus 2 may be for either residential or commercial use. The indoor unit 6 includes a device communication unit 21 that receives signals transmitted from the remote control 9 or the like, and a device control unit 22 that controls the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 2.

[0010] The air conditioning device 2 includes, as an example, a refrigerant heavier than air. This refrigerant includes, as an example, a flammable refrigerant heavier than air. The refrigerant contained in the air conditioning device 2 may be composed solely of a refrigerant heavier than air. Furthermore, while the type of flammable refrigerant referred to here may be, for example, propane, the type of flammable refrigerant is not limited thereto. As will be described in detail below, when the air conditioning device 2 of this embodiment is installed, a condition determination unit 400 (described below) determines whether or not a work condition is met, i.e., that a predetermined determination target unit 2X is installed in accordance with predetermined installation standards, and the air conditioning device 2 is installed based on the determination result. This allows the operator to check the installation status in advance so that the air conditioning device 2 can be installed in an appropriate location and environment.

[0011] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioning apparatus 2 provided in the installation determination system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device 3 provided in the installation determination system 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a finder display unit 313 of the imaging unit 34 in Fig. 3 and a finder image 60 (including an image of the front surface 7a of an outdoor unit 7 placed outdoors). Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of a server 4 provided in the installation determination system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0012] 2, 3, and 5, the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment is an installation determination system for an air conditioning device 2, and includes the air conditioning device 2, a terminal device 3 that is operated by a worker when installing the air conditioning device 2, and a server 4 that is located separately from the terminal device 3. As an example, the air conditioning device 2, the terminal device 3, and the server 4 can communicate with each other via wireless communication.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 , the air conditioning apparatus 2 has an input unit 20, an apparatus communication unit 21, and an apparatus control unit 22, as well as an apparatus storage unit 23 and an interlock mechanism 24. For example, the apparatus control unit 22 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU, and the apparatus storage unit 23 is implemented by a memory such as a ROM or RAM. The apparatus storage unit 23 stores an apparatus control program that enables the apparatus control unit 22 to perform predetermined control, and product information I1 for various air conditioning apparatuses 2 corresponding to the determination target unit 2X. The interlock mechanism 24 is controlled by the apparatus control unit 22 and restricts operation of the air conditioning apparatus 2. The restriction on operation here includes, for example, restrictions during installation, relocation, pump-down (the operation of collecting the refrigerant in the air conditioning apparatus 2 in the outdoor unit 7), repair, and inspection.

[0014] 3, the terminal 3 has an output unit 30 that outputs a release code issued by a release code issuing unit 401 (described later) to release the interlock mechanism 24, a terminal control unit 31 that controls the output unit 30, and a terminal communication unit 32 that communicates with the server 4. The output unit 30 is, for example, a display, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a speaker or a lamp.

[0015] The terminal device 3 also has an imaging unit 34 that is operated by a worker working on the air conditioning unit 2 and captures an image of a determination target portion 2X of the air conditioning unit 2 installed in a predetermined location. The determination target portion 2X includes, for example, either the indoor unit 6 or the outdoor unit 7. As shown in FIG. 4 , the imaging unit 34 has, as an example, a viewfinder display unit 313 that displays a viewfinder image 60 to help the worker determine the composition of the captured image. In this embodiment, the viewfinder display unit 313 displays a guide pattern 314 that guides the worker so that the determination target portion 2X of the air conditioning unit 2 is positioned in a predetermined position in the viewfinder image 60. FIG. 4 shows the outdoor unit 7 reflected in the viewfinder image 60.

[0016] The viewfinder display unit 313 may be, for example, the output unit 30, which is a display. In other words, in this case, the output unit 30 may have a live view function. The viewfinder display unit 313 may also be configured by, for example, at least one optical component provided in the terminal device 3 separately from the output unit 30.

[0017] The imaging unit 34 of this embodiment is configured to be able to change the position of the guide pattern 314 in the finder image 60 in accordance with the determination target portion 2X displayed in the finder image 60. Furthermore, as one example, the imaging unit 34 automatically captures an image when the determination target portion 2X in the finder image 60 is positioned at a predetermined position guided by the guide pattern 314. In other words, the imaging unit 34 has an automatic capturing function that acquires a captured image at an appropriate timing.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, as a specific configuration, the terminal 3 further includes a terminal storage unit 33. For example, the terminal control unit 31 is realized by a processor such as a CPU, and the terminal storage unit 33 is realized by a memory such as a ROM or RAM. The terminal storage unit 33 stores a terminal control program that enables the terminal control unit 31 to perform predetermined control. The terminal 3 may be, for example, a well-known device such as a smartphone, tablet PC, or laptop PC.

[0019] The server 4 is located, for example, at an information management base such as an authentication center belonging to the manufacturer of the air conditioning device 2. As shown in FIG. 5 , the server 4 includes a condition determination unit 400, a release code issuing unit 401, and a database 410. The database 410 stores setting standard information I3, which is information regarding the installation standards of various determination target units 2X. Specifically, the condition determination unit 400 compares the determination target unit 2X in the captured image data I2 with the setting standard information I3 stored in the database 410 to determine whether the work condition that the determination target unit 2X is installed in accordance with the predetermined installation standard is met based on the captured image data I2. The setting standard information I3 may include product information I1 of various air conditioning devices 2 corresponding to the determination target units 2X, for use in the determination by the condition determination unit 400.

[0020] When a specified release code issuance condition is met, including when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work condition is met, the release code issuing unit 401 issues a release code that is input to the air conditioning unit 2, which is the work target for which product information I1 has been acquired, and causes the air conditioning unit 2 to be in an operable state.

[0021] Specifically, the server 4 includes a server computing unit 40, a server storage unit 41, and a server communication unit 42 that communicates with the terminal device 3 and the like. The condition determination unit 400 and the release code issuing unit 401 are configured by the server computing unit 40. The database 410 is stored in the server storage unit 41. For example, the server computing unit 40 is implemented by a processor such as a CPU, and the server storage unit 41 is implemented by memory such as a ROM or RAM. The server storage unit 41 also stores a server control program that enables the server computing unit 40 to perform predetermined control. An example of the server 4 is a general-purpose personal computer (PC). The server 4 is connected to multiple air conditioning devices 2 via a wireless communication network, for example. As a result, the server 4 manages the multiple air conditioning devices 2, for example.

[0022] [Basic Operation of the Installation Determination System] The operation of the installation determination system 1 when installing an air conditioning apparatus 2 will now be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the finder image 60 (including an image of the side surface 7b of the outdoor unit 7) displayed on the finder display unit 313 of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 shows the outdoor unit 7 being installed on a balcony. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the finder image 60 (including an image of the top surface 7c of the outdoor unit 7) displayed on the finder display unit 313 of Fig. 4.

[0023] The worker inputs product information I1 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be installed into the terminal device 3. There are no limitations on the method for inputting the product information I1, and for example, the product information I1 may be input directly as text information, or may be input via communication using a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or RFID. If a two-dimensional code or RFID is used, the two-dimensional code or RFID tag will be placed on the air conditioning apparatus 2 in advance.

[0024] 3, 6, and 7, if the determination target 2X is the outdoor unit 7, for example, the worker uses the imaging unit 34 to capture an image of the outdoor unit 7 installed in a desired installation location, including the surrounding environment (including the building wall 50 located behind the outdoor unit 7, etc.). At this time, the worker adjusts the composition of the viewfinder image 60 so that the outdoor unit 7 fits within the guide pattern 314 in the viewfinder display section 313.

[0025] 6 and 7 , when photographing the outdoor unit 7, the surface of the outdoor unit 7 that is photographed is not limited to the front surface 7a, but may also be a side surface 7b or a top surface 7c of the outdoor unit 7. Preferably, the timing at which the worker inputs the product information I1 into the terminal 3 occurs before the worker photographs the determination target portion 2X, so that the terminal control unit 31 can determine that it has acquired the product information I1 of the air conditioner 2 to be installed that has been input into the terminal 3, and the imaging unit 34 can appropriately display the guide pattern 314 in the finder image 60 in accordance with the determination target portion 2X of the air conditioner 2 that corresponds to the product information I1.

[0026] Fig. 8 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the terminal device 3 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 9 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the server 4 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flow diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning device 2 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, "S" indicates a step, and "Yes" or "No" following ":" indicates the determination result at the step described immediately before ":".

[0027] 8, during operation of the installation determination system 1, the terminal control unit 31 determines whether or not product information I1 of the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be installed has been acquired (S1). In S1, the terminal control unit 31 repeats this determination until it determines that product information I1 has been acquired. If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S1 that product information I1 has been acquired (S1: Yes), it then determines whether or not captured image data I2 has been acquired (S2). In S2, the terminal control unit 31 repeats this determination until it determines that captured image data I2 has been acquired.

[0028] If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S2 that the captured image data I2 has been acquired (S2: Yes), it then controls the terminal communication unit 32 to transmit the captured image data I2 to the server 4 (S3).

[0029] 9 , the server computing unit 40 determines whether or not the captured image data I2 has been received (S11). In S11, the server computing unit 40 repeats this determination until it determines that the captured image data I2 has been received. If the server computing unit 40 determines in S11 that the captured image data I2 has been received (S11: Yes), the condition determination unit 400 then compares the captured image data I2 with the setting reference information I3 stored in the database 410. Based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 34, the condition determination unit 400 then performs a determination process to determine whether or not the work condition, that the target unit 2X has been installed in a manner that satisfies the predetermined installation reference, is met (S12).

[0030] The term "installation criteria" as used herein refers to criteria established in advance according to the type and model of the air conditioning apparatus 2, for example, so that the air conditioning apparatus 2 can be installed in an appropriate location and environment and used stably. One example of the installation criteria is that the condition determination unit 400 must be unable to identify the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions in the captured image. In this case, in order to determine whether the work conditions are met, the database 410 may store additional information, such as matching image data for determining the presence or absence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, depressions, etc., in the captured image, as setting criteria information I3. In this case, the condition determination unit 400 can refer to the additional information at a predetermined timing to determine whether the work conditions are met.

[0031] The installation criteria may include, for example, a criterion that the condition determination unit 400 can confirm from the captured image at least one of the presence of a ventilation path that dissipates heat from the determination target portion 2X and the presence of a space extending in two or more directions out of the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions from the surface of the determination target portion 2X. The installation criteria may also include, for example, a criterion that the condition determination unit 400 cannot confirm from the captured image the presence of an antenna wire, a signal wire, a power cord, or other power lines.

[0032] Next, the server computing unit 40 checks whether the determination process (S12) has determined that the work conditions are met (S13). If the server computing unit 40 determines in S13 that the work conditions are met (S13: Yes), it determines that the release code issuance conditions are met and controls the release code issuing unit 401 to issue a release code that enables the air conditioning device 2 to be operated (S14). Thereafter, the server computing unit 40 controls the server communication unit 42 to transmit the release code to the terminal device 3 (S15).

[0033] Alternatively, if the server computing unit 40 determines in S13 that the operation conditions have not been met in the determination process (S12) (S13: No), it then controls the server communication unit 42 to send information to the terminal 3 indicating that a release code cannot be issued, and causes the terminal control unit 31 to control the output unit 30 to output information indicating that approval is not possible (S16). With this, the server computing unit 40 ends the flow of FIG.

[0034] 8 , after executing S3, the terminal control unit 31 determines whether the terminal communication unit 32 has received the release code transmitted from the server 4 (S4). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S4 that the terminal communication unit 32 has received the release code (S4: Yes), it controls the output unit 30 to output the received release code (S5). The terminal control unit 31 then ends the flow. When the release code is output to the output unit 30 by the processing of S5, the operator inputs the release code into the input unit 20 of the air conditioning apparatus 2.

[0035] Alternatively, if the terminal control unit 31 determines in S4 that it has not received a release code (S4: No), it then determines whether it has received from the server 4 a message that release is not possible (S6). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S6 that it has not received from the server 4 a message that release is not possible (S6: No), it controls the output unit 30 to output a message that it is currently making a determination (S7), and then returns to step S4. Alternatively, if the terminal control unit 31 determines in S6 that it has received from the server 4 a message that release is not possible (S6: Yes), it controls the output unit 30 to output a message that release code cannot be issued (a message that release is not possible), thereby notifying the operator of this information (S8). With this, the terminal control unit 31 ends the flow of FIG. 8.

[0036] Here, the method for issuing the release code is not limited, and may be, for example, a passcode authentication method using a one-time password. When using a one-time password, various types of one-time passwords, such as a time-synchronized type or a mathematical algorithm type, may be used. Furthermore, when the installation of the air conditioning apparatus 2 involves relocating the air conditioning apparatus 2, for example, it is preferable that a different release code be issued each time the air conditioning apparatus 2 is installed.

[0037] Next, as shown in FIG. 10 , the device control unit 22 of the air conditioning device 2 determines whether a release code has been input to the input unit 20 (S21). In S21, the device control unit 22 repeats this determination until it determines that a release code has been input to the input unit 20. If the device control unit 22 determines in S21 that a release code has been input to the input unit 20 (S21: Yes), the device control unit 22 then determines whether the input release code is a release code corresponding to the device's own product information I1 (S22). If the device control unit 22 determines in S22 that the input release code is a release code corresponding to the device's own product information I1 (S22: Yes), the device control unit 22 then releases the predetermined operation restriction on the air conditioning device 2 (S23). Note that the "predetermined operation restriction" referred to here includes, for example, any of operation restrictions during installation, relocation, pump-down (an operation that collects the refrigerant in the air conditioning device 2 in the outdoor unit 7), repair, and inspection.

[0038] Alternatively, if the device control unit 22 determines in S22 that the input release code does not correspond to its own product information I1 (S22: No), then the device control unit 22 outputs a message indicating that the predetermined operation restrictions on the air conditioning device 2 cannot be released (that release approval is not possible) (S24). The method for outputting this information in S24 is not limited. For example, a warning sound may be emitted from a speaker provided in the air conditioning device 2, or information indicating that the predetermined operation restrictions on the air conditioning device 2 cannot be released may be transmitted from the air conditioning device 2 to the terminal device 3, and the terminal device 3 may output this information from the output unit 30. With this, the device control unit 22 ends the flow of FIG. 10.

[0039] As described above, the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment comprises a terminal device 3 having an imaging unit 34 that captures an image of the determination target part 2X of the air conditioning device 2 installed at a specified location, a condition determination unit 400 that determines whether or not the work condition that the determination target part 2X is installed in a manner that satisfies specified installation standards is met based on the image captured by the imaging unit 34, and an output unit 30 that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit 400.

[0040] According to this configuration, when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are met, the release code issuing unit 401 issues a release code that puts the air conditioning unit 2 into an operable state, and the release code can be input into the air conditioning unit 2. Therefore, for example, by setting work conditions in advance that satisfy set criteria that the air conditioning unit 2 is installed in an appropriate location or environment, the air conditioning unit 2 can be set into an operable state when the work conditions are met. Therefore, when installing the air conditioning unit 2, the worker can check the installation status in advance to ensure that the air conditioning unit 2 is installed in an appropriate location or environment.

[0041] In addition, in the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment, the imaging unit 34 has a viewfinder display unit 313 that displays a viewfinder image 60 for determining the composition of the captured image, and the viewfinder display unit 313 displays a guide pattern 314 that guides the determination target portion 2X to be positioned at a predetermined position in the viewfinder image 60.

[0042] According to the above configuration, the worker can appropriately set the composition of the captured image by using the guide pattern 314. This allows the condition determination unit 400 to appropriately determine, based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit 34, whether or not the work condition that the determination target unit 2X is installed in a manner that satisfies the predetermined installation standard is met.

[0043] Furthermore, the imaging unit 34 of this embodiment changes the position of the guide pattern 314 in the finder image 60 depending on the determination target portion 2X. This allows the position of the guide pattern 314 to be changed depending on the type and size of each determination target portion 2X, thereby obtaining a captured image that allows the condition determination unit 400 to make an appropriate determination. Furthermore, for example, when the determination target portion 2X is the indoor unit 6, even when the indoor unit 6 is installed at a position relatively far from the floor surface 51, an appropriate captured image can be obtained using the guide pattern 314.

[0044] Furthermore, the imaging unit 34 of this embodiment automatically captures an image when the determination target portion 2X is positioned in a predetermined position guided by the guide pattern 314 in the finder image 60. As a result, the captured image is automatically obtained by the imaging unit 34, which reduces the workload on the operator when capturing an image of the determination target portion 2X and allows an appropriate captured image to be obtained.

[0045] In addition, the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment includes a server 4 arranged separately from the terminal device 3, and the server 4 has a condition determination unit 400 and a server communication unit 42 that communicates with the terminal device 3, and the terminal device 3 has a terminal device communication unit 32 that communicates with the server 4 and an output unit 30 that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit 400 received by the terminal device communication unit 32.

[0046] According to the above configuration, after the terminal device communication unit 32 receives the determination result of the condition determination unit 400 transmitted from the server communication unit 42, the output unit 30 of the terminal device 3 outputs the determination result, so that the worker can easily check the determination result of the condition determination unit 400 on the terminal device 3. Furthermore, since the server 4 has the condition determination unit 400, the information processing load on the terminal device 3 can be reduced.

[0047] Furthermore, in the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment, the output unit 30 outputs alert information when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are not met. This allows the worker to reliably recognize the determination result of the condition determination unit 400 that the work conditions are not met from the alert information output by the output unit 30.

[0048] Furthermore, in the installation determination system 1 of this embodiment, the installation criteria include a criterion that the condition determination unit 400 cannot confirm the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions from the captured image. As a result, the condition determination unit 400 determines whether the work conditions are met, taking into consideration the criterion that the condition determination unit 400 cannot confirm the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions from the captured image. Therefore, when installing the air conditioning unit 2, the air conditioning unit 2 can be installed in a more appropriate location and environment.

[0049] As another example, the installation determination system 1 further includes a release code issuing unit 401 that issues a release code to release the interlock mechanism 24 that restricts operation of the air conditioning device 2 when a predetermined release code issuing condition is met, including when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work condition is met, and the output unit 30 outputs the release code issued by the release code issuing unit 401. As a result, when the release code issuance condition is met, the release code issued by the release code issuing unit 401 is used to appropriately transition the air conditioning device 2 to an operable state, allowing stable use of the air conditioning device 2. Below, other embodiments will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0050] Second Embodiment Fig. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a viewfinder image 60 (an image of the front 6a of the indoor unit 6) displayed on the viewfinder display unit 313 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the determination target 2X in this embodiment is the indoor unit 6 of the air conditioning apparatus 2. The captured image shows the interior of a room in which the indoor unit 6 is installed.

[0051] In this embodiment, the installation standards include a standard that the installation height H of the indoor unit 6 from the floor surface 51 (in other words, the height of the bottom surface of the indoor unit 6 from the floor surface 51) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Also, as one example, the guide pattern 314 in this embodiment is arranged so that the indoor unit 6 is positioned above the center in the vertical direction in the viewfinder image 60. This aims to guide the worker so that the indoor unit 6 is installed in an appropriate position even if, for example, a refrigerant having a greater specific gravity than air leaks from the indoor unit 6.

[0052] The installation determination system 1 of this embodiment also includes a calculation unit that performs a predetermined calculation based on the captured image. This calculation unit may be the server calculation unit 40 or may be provided separately from the server calculation unit 40. The calculation unit calculates the floor area of ​​the room based on the captured image. The calculation unit of this embodiment also calculates the installation height H based on the captured image. In the example of the captured image shown in FIG. 11 , the boundary between the floor surface 51 and the room wall surface 53 is hidden by furniture 54. However, the calculation unit calculates the installation height H by calculating the boundary position between the plane including the floor surface 51 and the plane including the wall surface 53. The calculation unit may also calculate and construct a 3D model of the room from at least one captured image, and calculate at least one of the installation height H and the floor area of ​​the room based on this 3D model.

[0053] In this embodiment, even when the determination target 2X is the indoor unit 6, the installation criteria include a criterion that the installation height H of the indoor unit 6 from the floor surface 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so that the condition determination unit 400 can determine whether the work conditions are met, taking into account whether the indoor unit 6 is placed at an appropriate installation height. This allows the worker to recognize the installation status of the indoor unit 6 in advance, so that when installing the indoor unit 6, the indoor unit 6 can be installed in an appropriate location and environment.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the installation criteria include a criterion that the floor area calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a reference value, so that when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the working conditions are met, the indoor unit 6 can be installed in an installation environment of an appropriate size. This allows the air conditioning apparatus 2 to be used with even greater reliability.

[0055] (Third embodiment) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another example of a viewfinder image 60 (an image of the front surface 7a of the outdoor unit 7 and a protected area 315) displayed on the viewfinder display unit 313 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a viewfinder image 60 (an image of the top surface 7c of the outdoor unit 7 and a protected area 315) displayed on the viewfinder display unit 313 according to the third embodiment. The composition of the viewfinder image 60 in Fig. 12 is the same as that in Fig. 4, and the composition of the viewfinder image 60 in Fig. 13 is the same as that in Fig. 7.

[0056] 12 and 13 , the viewfinder display unit 313 of this embodiment further displays a protection area 315 related to the safety of the determination target portion 2X. The protection area 315 includes an area surrounded by all of the guide patterns 314 and has an area extending outward from the area. The protection area 315 overlaps with the protection area 315 and extends outward from the guide patterns 314 beyond the area surrounded by all of the guide patterns 314.

[0057] According to the above configuration, by checking the protection area 315 when photographing the determination target part 2X, the worker can make adjustments in advance to ensure that there are no objects or the like that may obstruct the determination target part 2X within the protection area 315. This allows the worker to safely install the determination target part 2X.

[0058] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 14 is a functional block diagram of a terminal 103 according to a fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 14, the terminal 103 has a condition determination unit 400, a database 410, and a deactivation code issuing unit 401. The terminal control unit 31 may function as both the condition determination unit 400 and the deactivation code issuing unit 401. The database 410 is stored in the terminal storage unit 33. The terminal storage unit 33 stores a terminal control program for the condition determination unit 400 to perform a determination process.

[0059] The fourth embodiment having the above configuration also achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, when installing the air conditioning device 2, the control burden on the server 4 can be reduced compared to when a server 4 that performs predetermined processing is used. Furthermore, because the terminal device 103 has the condition determination unit 400, database 410, and release code issuing unit 401, at least a part of the predetermined processing can also be implemented by the terminal device 103. Therefore, the server 4 can be omitted in some cases.

[0060] Fifth Embodiment Fig. 15 is a flow diagram showing the operation of a terminal device 3 according to a fifth embodiment. The installation determination system 1 of this embodiment includes an information receiving unit to which user information of the air conditioning apparatus 2 is input. The output unit 30 outputs alert information when the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are not met. The release code issuance conditions include a condition that an item indicating that the user agrees to the alert information is input to the information receiving unit.

[0061] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in this embodiment, after it is determined that the work conditions are not met (S13: No) as a result of the determination process (S12) by the condition determination unit 400, the terminal control unit 31 determines that it has not received a release code from the server 4 (S4: No) and also determines that it has received a message from the server 4 that approval is not possible (S6: Yes), and then the terminal control unit 31 controls the output unit 30 to output a message that it is not possible to issue a release code, and executes a process to notify the worker of this information (alert information) (S8).

[0062] 15, after executing S8, the terminal control unit 31 controls the output unit 30 to output a message indicating that the user can input whether or not the user agrees with the alert information into the information receiving unit (S31). As an example, the output unit 30 of this embodiment is a touch panel display and also serves as the information receiving unit. In S31, the terminal control unit 31 controls the output unit 30 as the information receiving unit to display an input screen that receives input from outside. The input screen may be displayed simultaneously with a screen showing the alert information, for example. The information receiving unit may be provided separately from the output unit 30.

[0063] Next, the terminal control unit 31 determines whether or not the user has input to the information receiving unit that he or she agrees to the alert information (S32). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S32 that the user has not input to the information receiving unit that he or she agrees to the alert information (S32: No), it then determines whether or not the user has input to the information receiving unit that he or she does not agree to the alert information (S33). If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S33 that the user has not input to the information receiving unit that he or she does not agree to the alert information (S33: No), it returns to step S31. If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S33 that the user has input to the information receiving unit that he or she does not agree to the alert information (S33: Yes), it ends the flow.

[0064] If the terminal control unit 31 determines in S32 that the user has input to the information receiving unit that he or she agrees to the alert information (S32: Yes), it controls the terminal communication unit 32 to transmit the user's input information to the server 4 (S34). Next, upon receiving the user's input information transmitted from the terminal 3, the condition determination unit 400 controls the deactivation code issuing unit 401 to issue a deactivation code, and controls the server communication unit 42 to transmit the issued deactivation code to the terminal 3 (S35). The terminal control unit 31 controls the output unit 30 to output the deactivation code received from the server 4 (S5).

[0065] According to the fifth embodiment having the above configuration, even if the condition determination unit 400 determines that the work conditions are not met, it is possible to have the release code issuing unit 401 issue a release code on the premise that the user has agreed to the alert information. This allows the user to use the installed air conditioning device 2 while paying attention to the alert information.

[0066] (Additional Notes) The above descriptions of the embodiments disclose the following technologies: [Technology 1] An air conditioning unit installation determination system comprising: a terminal device having an imaging unit that captures an image of a determination target part of an air conditioning unit installed in a predetermined location, a condition determination unit that determines whether a work condition is met that the determination target part is installed in a manner that satisfies predetermined installation standards, based on the image captured by the imaging unit, and an output unit that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit.

[0067] According to the above configuration, when the condition determination unit determines that the work conditions are met, the release code issuing unit issues a release code that puts the air conditioning apparatus into an operable state, and the release code can be input into the air conditioning apparatus. Therefore, for example, by setting work conditions in advance that satisfy set criteria for installing the air conditioning apparatus in an appropriate location or environment, the air conditioning apparatus can be set into an operable state when the work conditions are met. Therefore, when installing the air conditioning apparatus, the worker can check the installation status in advance to ensure that the air conditioning apparatus is installed in an appropriate location or environment.

[0068] [Technology 2] The installation determination system according to Technology 1, wherein the imaging unit has a viewfinder display unit that displays a viewfinder image for determining the composition of the captured image and a guide pattern that guides the determination target portion to be positioned at a predetermined position in the viewfinder image.

[0069] According to the above configuration, the worker can use the guide pattern to appropriately set the composition of the captured image, and the condition determination unit can appropriately determine whether the work condition that the determination target part is installed in a manner that satisfies the predetermined installation standard is met, based on the captured image captured by the imaging unit.

[0070] [Technology 3] The installation determination system according to Technology 2, wherein the imaging unit changes a position of the guide pattern in the viewfinder image depending on the determination target portion.

[0071] According to the above configuration, the position of the guide pattern can be changed depending on the type and size of each target part, so that a captured image can be obtained that allows the condition determination unit to make an appropriate determination. Furthermore, for example, when the target part is an indoor unit, even if the indoor unit is installed at a position relatively far from the floor, an appropriate captured image can be obtained using the guide pattern.

[0072] [Technology 4] The installation determination system according to Technology 2, wherein the imaging unit automatically captures an image when the determination target portion is located at the predetermined position guided by the guide pattern in the viewfinder image.

[0073] According to the above configuration, the captured image is automatically obtained by the imaging unit, so that the workload on the worker when capturing an image of the determination target part is reduced and an appropriate captured image can be obtained.

[0074] [Technology 5] The installation determination system according to any one of Technologies 2 to 4, wherein the viewfinder display unit further displays a protection area related to safety of the determination target portion.

[0075] According to the above configuration, by checking the protection area when photographing the part to be determined, the worker can adjust the protection area in advance to ensure that there are no objects, etc. that may obstruct the part to be determined within the protection area, thereby enabling the worker to set up the part to be determined safely.

[0076] [Technology 6] The installation determination system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, further comprising a server arranged separately from the terminal device, wherein the server has the condition determination unit and a server communication unit that communicates with the terminal device, and the terminal device has a terminal device communication unit that communicates with the server and the output unit.

[0077] According to the above configuration, after the terminal device communication unit receives the judgment result of the condition judgment unit transmitted from the server communication unit, the output unit of the terminal device outputs the judgment result, so that the worker can easily check the judgment result of the condition judgment unit from the terminal device. Also, since the server has the condition judgment unit, the information processing load on the terminal device can be reduced.

[0078] [Technology 7] The installation determination system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 6, wherein the output unit outputs alert information when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the worker can reliably recognize the determination result of the condition determination unit that the work condition is not met from the alert information output by the output unit.

[0080] [Technology 8] The installation determination system according to any one of technologies 1 to 7, wherein the determination target unit is an indoor unit of the air conditioning device, and the installation criteria include a criterion that the installation height of the indoor unit from a floor surface is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0081] According to the above configuration, even when the determination target is an indoor unit of an air conditioner, the installation criteria include a criterion that the installation height of the indoor unit from the floor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, so that the condition determination unit can determine whether the work condition is met, taking into account whether the indoor unit is placed at an appropriate installation height. This allows the worker to recognize the installation status of the indoor unit in advance so that the indoor unit can be installed in an appropriate location and environment when installing the indoor unit.

[0082] [Technology 9] The installation determination system according to any one of techniques 1 to 8, wherein the installation criteria include a criterion that the condition determination unit cannot confirm the presence of a window, a door, an ignition source, a gutter, or a depression from the captured image.

[0083] According to the above configuration, the condition determination unit determines whether the work conditions are met, taking into consideration the criterion that the condition determination unit cannot confirm the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions from the captured image. Therefore, when installing an air conditioning unit, it can be installed in a more appropriate location and environment.

[0084] [Technology 10] An installation determination system according to any one of technologies 1 to 9, wherein the determination target unit is an indoor unit of the air conditioning device, the captured image captures an interior of a room in which the indoor unit is installed, and the system further comprises a calculation unit that calculates a floor area of ​​the room based on the captured image, and the installation criteria include a criterion that the floor area calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0085] According to the above configuration, since the installation criteria include the criterion that the floor area calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a reference value, when the condition determination unit determines that the operating conditions are met, the indoor unit can be installed in an installation environment of an appropriate size. This allows the air conditioning device to be used with even greater reliability.

[0086] [Technology 11] An installation determination system according to any one of technologies 1 to 10, further comprising a release code issuing unit that issues a release code to release an interlock mechanism that restricts operation of the air conditioning device when a predetermined release code issuing condition is met, including when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is met, and the output unit outputs the release code issued by the release code issuing unit.

[0087] According to the above configuration, when the release code issuance conditions are met, the release code issued by the release code issuing unit is used to appropriately transition the air conditioning device to an operable state, allowing the air conditioning device 2 to be used stably.

[0088] [Technology 12] An installation determination system as described in Technology 11, comprising an input unit into which user information of the air conditioning device is input, wherein the output unit outputs alert information when the condition determination unit determines that the operation condition is not met, and the release code issuance condition includes a condition that an item indicating that the user agrees to the alert information is input into the input unit.

[0089] According to the above configuration, even if the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met, the release code issuing unit issues a release code on the premise that the user has agreed to the alert information. This allows the user to use the installed air conditioning device while paying attention to the alert information.

[0090] [Technology 13] The installation determination system according to Technology 11 or 12, further comprising the air conditioning device having the interlock mechanism.

[0091] As described above, each embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0092] In the above embodiment, a configuration was shown in which a remote control 9 was used as the input unit 20 of the air conditioning apparatus 2, but the air conditioning apparatus 2 may have an input unit 20 configured as something other than a remote control 9. Furthermore, while a character code can be exemplified as the release code, the form of the code is not limited to this. Furthermore, the method of inputting the release code into the input unit 20 is not limited to manual input by an operator, and may be, for example, input wirelessly or via a wired connection from a terminal device 3 to the input unit 20. Furthermore, for example, the release code may be input wirelessly or via a wired connection from a server 4 to the input unit 20. Furthermore, the shape of the guide pattern 314 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 4 and can be changed as appropriate.

[0093] Additionally, the functions of the elements disclosed herein can be performed using circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuitry. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs the recited functions or hardware that is programmed to perform the recited functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein or other known hardware that is programmed or configured to perform the recited functions. Where the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0094] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Installation determination system 2 Air conditioning device 2X Determination target unit 3, 103 Terminal device 4 Server 6 Indoor unit 7 Outdoor unit 24 Interlock mechanism 30 Output unit 32 Terminal device communication unit 34 Imaging unit 42 Server communication unit 60 Finder image 220 Device determination unit 221 Release unit 313 Finder display unit 314 Guide pattern 315 Protection area 400 Condition determination unit 401 Release code issuing unit

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit installation determination system comprising: a terminal device having an imaging unit that captures images of the determination target part of an air conditioning unit installed in a specified location; a condition determination unit that determines whether or not the work condition that the determination target part is installed in accordance with specified installation standards is met based on the image captured by the imaging unit; and an output unit that outputs the determination result of the condition determination unit.

2. The installation determination system of claim 1, wherein the imaging unit has a viewfinder display unit that displays a viewfinder image for determining the composition of the captured image and a guide pattern that guides the determination target portion to be positioned at a predetermined position in the viewfinder image.

3. The installation determination system according to claim 2, wherein the imaging unit changes the position of the guide pattern in the viewfinder image depending on the determination target portion.

4. The installation determination system according to claim 2, wherein the imaging unit automatically captures an image when the determination target portion in the viewfinder image is positioned at the predetermined position guided by the guide pattern.

5. The installation determination system according to claim 2, wherein the viewfinder display unit further displays a protection area relating to the safety of the determination target portion.

6. The installation determination system of claim 1, further comprising a server located separately from the terminal device, the server having the condition determination unit and a server communication unit that communicates with the terminal device, and the terminal device having a terminal device communication unit that communicates with the server and the output unit.

7. The installation determination system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs alert information when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met.

8. An installation determination system as described in claim 1, wherein the determination target part is an indoor unit of the air conditioning device, and the installation criteria include a criterion that the installation height of the indoor unit from the floor surface is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

9. The installation determination system according to claim 1, wherein the installation criteria include a criterion that the condition determination unit cannot confirm the presence of windows, doors, ignition sources, gutters, or depressions from the captured image.

10. The installation determination system of claim 1, wherein the determination target unit is an indoor unit of the air conditioning device, the captured image captures the interior of a room in which the indoor unit is installed, and the system further comprises a calculation unit that calculates the floor area of ​​the room based on the captured image, and the installation criteria include a criterion that the floor area calculated by the calculation unit is equal to or greater than a reference value.

11. An installation determination system as described in claim 1, further comprising a release code issuing unit that issues a release code to release an interlock mechanism that restricts operation of the air conditioning device when a predetermined release code issuing condition is met, including when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is met, and the output unit outputs the release code issued by the release code issuing unit.

12. An installation determination system as described in claim 11, comprising an input unit into which user information of the air conditioning device is input, wherein the output unit outputs alert information when the condition determination unit determines that the work condition is not met, and the release code issuance condition includes a condition that an item indicating that the user has agreed to the alert information is input into the input unit.

13. The installation determination system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising the air conditioning device having the interlock mechanism.

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