Wireless communication device, program for wireless communication device, control method for wireless communication device, and communication system

Abstract

Provided are a wireless communication device, a program for the wireless communication device, a control method for the wireless communication device, and a communication system with which the time and labor required for communication connection between a plurality of wireless communication devices and an access point can be reduced.　A wireless communication device according to the present disclosure is connected to an air conditioning device and comprises a control unit that receives a first communication connection instruction transmitted from a terminal device, the first communication connection instruction including a list indicating identification information for identifying one or more other wireless communication devices connected to the air conditioning device and to be connected to an access point, and also including connection information for connecting to the access point, and when the first communication connection instruction is received, the control unit establishes a communication connection with the access point on the basis of the connection information and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices indicated in the list.

Description

Wireless communication device, wireless communication device program, wireless communication device control method, and communication system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication device, a program for the wireless communication device, a control method for the wireless communication device, and a communication system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a communication adapter to an air conditioner and remotely controlling the air conditioner.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-085599

[0004] The present disclosure provides a wireless communication device, a program for the wireless communication device, a control method for the wireless communication device, and a communication system that can reduce the effort required for communication connections between multiple wireless communication devices and an access point.

[0005] The wireless communication device of the present disclosure is a wireless communication device connected to an air conditioning device, and is equipped with a control unit that receives a first communication connection instruction sent by a terminal device, the first communication connection instruction including a list showing identification information identifying one or more other wireless communication devices that are connected to the air conditioning device and are intended to connect to an access point, and connection information for connecting to the access point, and upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and sends a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices shown in the list.

[0006] In addition, the program of the terminal device in the present disclosure causes a processor of a wireless communication device that is communicatively connected to an air conditioning device to receive a first communication connection instruction sent by the terminal device, which includes a list showing identification information identifying one or more other wireless communication devices that are connected to the air conditioning device and are intended to connect to an access point, and connection information for connecting to the access point; and, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and sends a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices shown in the list.

[0007] Furthermore, a control method for a terminal device in the present disclosure is a control method for a wireless communication device connected to an air conditioning device, which receives a first communication connection instruction sent by the terminal device, the first communication connection instruction including a list indicating identification information identifying one or more other wireless communication devices connected to the air conditioning device and intended to connect to an access point, and connection information for connecting to the access point, and upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices indicated in the list.

[0008] Further, the communication system of the present disclosure is a communication system including a plurality of wireless communication devices connected to a plurality of air conditioning devices, and includes a terminal device and an access point, and the wireless communication device receives a first communication connection instruction including a list sent by the terminal device indicating identification information identifying each of the wireless communication devices that is to connect to the access point, and connection information for connecting to the access point, and includes a control unit that, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to other of the wireless communication devices indicated in the list.

[0009] The wireless communication device, the wireless communication device program, the wireless communication device control method, and the communication system disclosed herein can transmit a second communication connection instruction including connection information to other wireless communication devices using a list indicating the identification information of the other wireless communication devices, eliminating the need to configure the other wireless communication devices one by one in order to establish a communication connection with an access point, thereby reducing the effort required for establishing communication connections between multiple wireless communication devices and an access point.

[0010] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configurations of a terminal device and a wireless communication device in embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for inputting location information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a list created by a creation unit in embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen notifying that a communication connection cannot be established with any wireless communication device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless communication device in embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configurations of a wireless router and a server device in embodiment 1. FIG.

[0011] (Knowledge, etc., that Forms the Basis of the Present Disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, there was a technology, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, in which a wireless communication device is connected to an air conditioning device and the air conditioning device is remotely controlled. Known techniques for communicatively connecting a wireless communication device to an access point include, for example, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). However, when multiple wireless communication devices are installed, the wireless communication devices may be scattered throughout a facility, such as an office building. Therefore, the inventors discovered a problem in this case: in order to communicatively connect the multiple wireless communication devices to an access point, it is necessary to configure each device one by one in order, which is time-consuming. The present disclosure therefore provides a wireless communication device, a wireless communication device program, a wireless communication device control method, and a communication system that can reduce the time-consuming process of communicatively connecting multiple wireless communication devices to an access point.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of communication system] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication system 1000. The communication system 1000 is a system in which an air conditioning system 1 and a server device 2 communicate via a network NW. The network NW includes the Internet, a telephone network, and other communication networks. The server device 2 is an example of a "server."

[0014] The communication system 1000 includes an air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 is a system that conditions the air conditioning space within the facility H. In this embodiment, the communication system 1000 includes one air conditioning system 1, but the communication system 1000 may include multiple air conditioning systems 1.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning apparatus 3. The air conditioning apparatus 3 includes an indoor unit 4 and an outdoor unit 5. The indoor unit 4 and the outdoor unit 5 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring, thereby forming a refrigeration cycle in the air conditioning apparatus 3. Note that, although FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration in which the air conditioning apparatus 3 includes one indoor unit 4 and one outdoor unit 5, the number of indoor units 4 and the number of outdoor units 5 included in the air conditioning apparatus 3 are not limited to one each. There may be one outdoor unit 5 and multiple indoor units 4, or there may be multiple outdoor units 5 and multiple indoor units 4. Furthermore, although the indoor unit 4 in this embodiment is illustrated as a four-way ceiling cassette type indoor unit, the indoor unit 4 may be of other types, such as a two-way ceiling cassette type, a ceiling-suspended type, or a wall-mounted type.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1 includes a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as "remote control") 6. The remote control 6 is installed on a wall or the like of the space to be air-conditioned by the indoor units 4. The remote control 6 has multiple operation buttons for starting and stopping operation, menu operations, cursor key operations, and the like. The remote control 6 also has a display configured with an LCD or LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LED light for displaying the operating status of the indoor unit 4, and the like. The remote control 6 is connected to the indoor unit 4 via a remote control wiring RL, and receives power from and communicates with the indoor unit 4 via the remote control wiring RL. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 includes one indoor unit 4, and therefore the air conditioning system 1 includes one remote control 6. However, if the air conditioning system 1 includes multiple indoor units 4, the number of remote controls 6 is not limited to the number corresponding to the number of indoor units 4. In other words, the number of remote controls 6 provided in an air conditioning system 1 having a plurality of indoor units 4 may be one or more.

[0017] The air conditioning system 1 includes a wireless communication device 7. The wireless communication device 7 is a device that establishes a wireless local area network (Wireless Local Area Network) within the facility H and wirelessly communicates with devices connected to the wireless local area network. The wireless communication device 7 is connected to the indoor unit 4 via a remote control wiring RL and operates by receiving power from the indoor unit 4 via the remote control wiring RL. The wireless communication device 7 also communicates with the indoor unit 4 via the remote control wiring RL. Note that the wireless communication device 7 is not a device that is connected to or built into the indoor unit 4 at the time of shipping the indoor unit 4, but rather a device that is retrofitted to the indoor unit 4 after the indoor unit 4 is installed in the facility H. When the wireless communication device 7 is retrofitted to the indoor unit 4, the breaker for the facility H is turned off and no power is supplied to the wireless communication device 7. However, the wireless communication device 7 is not limited to being retrofitted to the indoor unit 4. The wireless communication device 7 may be installed at the same time that the air conditioning apparatus 3 including the indoor unit 4 is installed in the facility H. The wireless communication device 7 may be configured to be pre-connected to the indoor unit 4 at the time of shipment or may be built-in.

[0018] When the wireless communication device 7 has established a communication connection with the wireless router 8 and the wireless router 8 is connected to the wireless local network, the wireless communication device 7 communicates with the server device 2 via the wireless router 8. The wireless router 8 is an interface device that connects the wireless communication device 7 to the network NW, and is installed in the facility H. The wireless communication device 7 collects information requested by the server device 2 from each part of the air conditioning system 1 as the upload target. The wireless communication device 7 then transmits the collected information to the server device 2. The wireless router 8 is an example of an "access point."

[0019] A total of three wireless communication devices 7 are installed in facility H. As will be described later, wireless communication device 7A, wireless communication device 7B, and wireless communication device 7C are capable of wireless communication with each other. When there is no need to particularly distinguish between the wireless communication devices 7A, 7B, and 7C, they will be referred to as wireless communication devices 7.

[0020] Returning to the explanation of the communication system 1000, the communication system 1000 includes a server device 2. The server device 2 is a device that processes information using the wireless communication device 7 as a client. The server device 2 is connected to a network NW and communicates with the wireless communication device 7. Note that in each drawing, the server device 2 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the server device 2 is composed of a single device.

[0021] The communication system 1000 includes a terminal device 9. The terminal device 9 is a PC (Personal Computer) such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. An application program related to the communication system 1000 is installed on the terminal device 9, and the terminal device 9 communicates with the wireless router 8 and the wireless communication device 7 using the functions of this application program. In the following description, this application program is referred to as a "terminal APP" and will be appropriately represented as a "terminal APP 921" with the reference number "921" attached.

[0022] 2 is a diagram showing the configurations of the terminal device 9 and the wireless communication device 7 in embodiment 1. The terminal device 9 is connected to a terminal control device 90, and an imaging device 91, a first communication device 92, a second communication device 93, and a touch panel 94 that are provided in the terminal device 9. The terminal control device 90 is an example of a "control unit."

[0023] The terminal control device 90 includes a terminal processor 900 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a terminal memory 920, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. The terminal processor 900 is an example of a "processor."

[0024] The terminal memory 920 is a memory that stores programs and data. The terminal memory 920 stores the terminal APP 921 and other data processed by the terminal processor 900. The terminal memory 920 has a non-volatile storage area. The terminal memory 920 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the terminal processor 900. The terminal memory 920 is composed of, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The terminal device 9 is, for example, a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but may also be a dedicated terminal for the communication system 1000.

[0025] The image capturing device 91 is a so-called camera equipped with an image sensor and a lens. The image capturing device 91 functions as a reading unit that reads device identification information 712 (described later) from a code such as a two-dimensional code or a one-dimensional code. The device identification information 712 is an example of "identification information."

[0026] The first communication device 92 is a communication device having a transmitter and a receiver, and performs short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and communicates with the third communication device 72 of each wireless communication device 7 under the control of the terminal processor 900.

[0027] The second communication device 93 is a communication device having a transmitter and a receiver, performs short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and communicates with the router communication device 81 of the wireless router 8 under the control of the terminal processor 900.

[0028] The touch panel 94 is a notification means for displaying a screen.

[0029] The terminal processor 900 functions as a first communication control unit 901, a second communication control unit 902, a display control unit 903, an acquisition unit 904, a location reception unit 905, a creation unit 906, a setting unit 907, a reception unit 908, a communication connection unit 909, and a notification unit 910 by reading and executing the terminal APP 921 stored in the terminal memory 920.

[0030] The first communication control unit 901 communicates with the wireless communication device 7 via the first communication device 92 .

[0031] The second communication control unit 902 communicates with a device connected to the wireless local network, that is, the wireless router 8, via the second communication device 93.

[0032] The display control unit 903 uses the touch panel 94 to generate and display various screens.

[0033] The acquiring unit 904 acquires the device identification information 712 from the code photographed by the photographing device 91. Specifically, the acquiring unit 904 acquires the device identification information 712 by having the photographing device 91 photograph the code attached to the wireless communication device 7. In this embodiment, as the code attached to the wireless communication device 7, a sticker on which a QR code (registered trademark) from which the device identification information 712 can be read is printed is affixed to the corresponding wireless communication device 7.

[0034] The device identification information 712 includes the serial number of each indoor unit 4. However, the information is not limited to this and may be any unique information that can uniquely identify the wireless communication device 7 connected to each indoor unit 4. The device identification information 712 also includes a MAC address (Media Access Control), which is a unique physical address. The device identification information 712 may also include other information, such as an encryption method or a product name.

[0035] The location receiving unit 905 receives input of location information via a screen displayed by the display control unit 903 for inputting location information for each wireless communication device 7. The location information is information indicating the location where the wireless communication device 7 is installed. The location information is the name of the location where the wireless communication device 7 is installed.

[0036] The location names can be changed as appropriate as long as the user can recognize the location of each wireless communication device 7. The location names are, for example, the names of the rooms if each location has a name, such as a large conference room, a small conference room, a reception room, etc. Furthermore, the location names are, for example, the indoor unit numbers if the numbers of each indoor unit 4 correspond to the names of each location.

[0037] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen G1 for inputting location information. The screen G1 displays, for each piece of acquired device identification information 712, serial number information J1 and MAC address information J2 included in the acquired device identification information 712. The screen G1 displays a character string indicating a serial number as the serial number information J1. The screen G1 displays a character string indicating a MAC address as the MAC address information J2.

[0038] Screen G1 displays the entered location input information J3 for each acquired device identification information 712. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of screen G1 in which the character strings "Office" and "Conference Room A" have already been entered as location input information J3 for two pieces of device identification information 712. Screen G1 displays a location input field C1 for entering location information if it has not yet been entered. Screen G1 also displays a Done button C2, which functions as a trigger for the creation unit 906 (described later) to create a list. The Done button C2 is a software button with the character string "Read Complete." The Done button C2 cannot be pressed until location information is entered for the acquired device identification information 712, or does not respond even if pressed. In other words, the Done button C2 is not enabled if there is unentered location information. This prevents the user from forgetting to enter location information in the location input field C1. Screen G1 also displays a Read button C3 for starting code reading by the imaging device 91. The Read button C3 is a software button with the character string "Read Next Code." When the read button C3 is pressed, the image capture device 91 transitions to a screen for reading the code.

[0039] The creation unit 906 creates a list by grouping the device identification information 712 and the location information in response to a predetermined trigger, and acquires the list. The predetermined trigger is, for example, pressing a software button that is displayed on the touch panel 94 and instructs the start of list creation. In this embodiment, pressing the complete button C2 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to the predetermined trigger.

[0040] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a list Li created by the creation unit 906. The list Li shows device identification information 712 and location information LOC. The device identification information 712 in the list Li is arranged in order from top to bottom, namely, first, second, and third. The device identification information 712 includes the serial number of each indoor unit 4 and the MAC address of each wireless communication device 7. The input location information LOC is linked to each device identification information 712 and shown in the list Li. The created list Li is stored in the terminal memory 920 as data to be processed by the terminal processor 900.

[0041] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, when the creation unit 906 creates a list, the setting unit 907 sets a user ID (Identification) and password that link the list to one setting account, and stores the setting account in the management data 212 of the server device 2, which will be described later, by linking it to the list.

[0042] The reception unit 908 receives input of connection information 812 for establishing a communication connection with the wireless router 8. Specifically, the reception unit 908 receives input of the connection information 812 input via the touch panel 94 on a screen for performing router settings that is generated and displayed by the display control unit 903. The connection information 812 is the SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​and password of the wireless router 8.

[0043] The communication connection unit 909 performs the communication connection operation described below in response to a predetermined trigger. The predetermined trigger is, for example, pressing a software button displayed on the touch panel 94 that instructs the start of the communication connection operation, or pressing a reset button C4 on a notification screen G2 (described later).

[0044] The communication connection unit 909 establishes a communication connection between each wireless communication device 7 and the router communication device 81 by communicating with the wireless communication device 7 using the first communication control unit 901 based on the list created by the creation unit 906 and the input connection information 812.

[0045] Specifically, the communication connection unit 909 establishes a communication connection with each wireless communication device 7 corresponding to each device identification information 712 shown in the list in turn, using the first communication control unit 901. Next, when the communication connection unit 909 establishes a communication connection with one wireless communication device 7, it transmits a first communication connection instruction including connection information 812. The first communication connection instruction is a signal that instructs a communication connection with the wireless router 8 using the connection information 812.

[0046] In this way, the communication connection unit 909 establishes a communication connection with any one of the wireless communication devices 7 corresponding to the device identification information 712 shown in the list.

[0047] If the first communication control unit 901 has not established a communication connection with the wireless communication device 7 , the notification unit 910 notifies the device identification information 712 and location information of each wireless communication device 7 .

[0048] A case where the first communication control unit 901 has not established a communication connection with the wireless communication device 7 refers to a case where the first communication control unit 901 has not established a communication connection within a predetermined period of time in the above-described communication connection operation. An example of a case where the first communication control unit 901 cannot establish a communication connection with the wireless communication device 7 is when the distance between the terminal device 9 and the wireless communication device 7 is not sufficiently small when the first communication control unit 901 of the terminal device 9 and the third communication control unit 701 of the wireless communication device 7 communicate via short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the communication connection cannot be established.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a notification screen G2 notifying the user that a communication connection cannot be established with any of the wireless communication devices 7. The notification unit 910 notifies the user that a communication connection cannot be established with any of the wireless communication devices 7 by displaying the notification screen G2 using the display control unit 903. The notification screen G2 displays a list Li including serial number information J1, MAC address information J2, and location information LOC. The notification screen G2 displays the text "Communication connection failed" as failure information J4 indicating that a communication connection cannot be established with any of the wireless communication devices 7. The notification screen G2 also displays the text "Please move closer to one of the adapters" as prompt information J5 prompting the user to move the terminal device 9 closer to one of the wireless communication devices 7. The notification screen G2 also displays a reset button C4 that functions as a trigger for the communication connection unit 909 to perform a communication connection operation. The reset button C4 is a software button with the text "Perform setup again." When the reset button C3 is pressed, the communication connection unit 909 attempts to establish a communication connection with any of the wireless communication devices 7 again.

[0050] In this way, the notification screen G2 prompts the user to move together with the terminal device 9 so as to reduce the distance between the terminal device 9 and each wireless communication device 7. Specifically, by getting closer to the location of the nearest wireless communication device 7, it becomes easier to establish a communication connection between the terminal device 9 and the wireless communication device 7.

[0051] When the notification unit 910 receives a connection failure signal (described later) from a wireless communication device 7, it notifies the corresponding wireless communication device 7, i.e., the wireless communication device 7 with which the communication connection has failed, of the device identification information 712 and location information 712. Specifically, the notification unit 910 causes the display control unit 903 to display the device identification information 712 and location information LOC of the wireless communication device 7 corresponding to the connection failure signal.

[0052] Furthermore, the notification unit 910 notifies that the establishment of the communication connection has been completed when the notification unit 910 has established the communication connection with all of the wireless communication devices 7 shown in the list and has received a registration signal from the server device 2. Specifically, the notification unit 910 causes the display control unit 903 to display a screen notifying that the establishment of the communication connection has been completed.

[0053] [1-1-3. Wireless Communication Device] Fig. 2 shows one of the wireless communication devices 7 included in the communication system 1000. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the wireless communication device 7. The wireless communication device 7 includes a control device 70, an interface 71, a third communication device 72, and a fourth communication device 73 included in the wireless communication device 7. The control device 70 includes a processor 700 such as a CPU or an MPU, a memory 710, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. The control device 70 is an example of a "control unit."

[0054] The memory 710 is a memory that stores programs and data. The memory 710 stores a program 711, device identification information 712, and data to be processed by the processor 700. The memory 710 has a non-volatile storage area. The memory 710 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the processor 700. The memory 710 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0055] The interface 71 includes an interface circuit that communicates and receives power via the remote control wiring RL, and a power supply circuit that supplies power supplied from the indoor unit 4 to each part of the wireless communication device 7. The interface communicates with the indoor unit 4 and supplies power to each part of the wireless communication device 7 under the control of the control device 70.

[0056] The third communication device 72 is a communication device having a transmitter and a receiver, and performs short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), and communicates with the first communication device 92 of the terminal device 9 and the third communication device 72 of another wireless communication device 7 under the control of the processor 700.

[0057] The fourth communication device 73 is a communication device having a transmitter and a receiver, performs short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and communicates with the router communication device 81 of the wireless router 8 under the control of the processor 700.

[0058] The processor 700 functions as a third communication control unit 701, a fourth communication control unit 702, and a control unit 703 by reading and executing a program 711 from the memory 710.

[0059] The third communication control unit 701 communicates with the terminal device 9 or another wireless communication device 7 via the third communication device 72. When the wireless communication device 7 receives power supply, the third communication control unit 701 waits so as to be able to establish a communication connection with the terminal device 9.

[0060] The fourth communication control unit 702 communicates with a device connected to the wireless local network, that is, the wireless router 8, via the fourth communication device 73.

[0061] The control unit 703 communicates with the indoor unit 4 via the interface 71 .

[0062] The control unit 703 compares the device identification information 712 sent by the first communication control unit 901 from the terminal device 9 with the device identification information 712 of the wireless communication device 7, and if they match, authenticates them to establish a wireless communication connection.

[0063] When the control unit 703 receives a first communication connection instruction including connection information 812 from the terminal device 9 via the third communication control unit 701, it causes the fourth communication control unit 702 to transmit an authentication instruction including the connection information 812 to the wireless router 8. The authentication instruction is a signal that instructs communication connection with the wireless router 8 by collating and authenticating the connection information 812.

[0064] If the fourth communication control unit 702 has not established a communication connection with the wireless router 8, i.e., if the communication connection with the wireless router 8 cannot be established within a predetermined period of time, the control unit 703 causes the third communication control unit 701 to transmit a connection failure signal to the terminal device 9. This corresponds to a case where the establishment of a communication connection between the wireless router 8 and the wireless communication device 7 has failed. When the control unit 703 receives the first communication connection instruction and establishes a communication connection with the wireless router 8, the control unit 703 causes the third communication control unit 701 to establish a communication connection with one other wireless communication device 7 based on the list and to transmit a second communication connection instruction. The second communication connection instruction includes connection information 812. The control unit 703 repeats the operation of causing the third communication control unit 701 to transmit the second communication connection instruction to one other wireless communication device 7 based on the list until the second communication connection instructions have been transmitted to all other wireless communication devices 7 listed in the list, excluding the control unit 7's own wireless communication device 7. When the control unit 703 receives the second communication connection instruction, it causes the fourth communication control unit 702 to transmit an authentication instruction including connection information 812 to the wireless router 8. For example, when the wireless communication device 7A receives the first communication connection instruction, the wireless communication device 7A transmits a second communication connection instruction to the wireless communication device 7B, and then transmits a second communication connection instruction to the wireless communication device 7C.

[0065] 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of the wireless router 8 and the server device 2. The wireless router 8 includes a router control device 80 and a router communication device 81. Specifically, the wireless router 8 is a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router or the like.

[0066] The router control device 80 includes a router processor 800 such as a CPU or MPU, a router memory 810, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0067] The router memory 810 is a memory that stores programs and data. The router memory 810 stores a router program 811, connection information 812, and other data to be processed by the terminal processor 900. The router memory 810 has a non-volatile storage area. The router memory 810 may also have a volatile storage area that constitutes a work area for the router memory 810. The terminal memory 920 is composed of, for example, a ROM or a RAM. As described above, the connection information 812 is an SSID and a password.

[0068] The router communication device 81 is a communication device having a transmitter and a receiver, and performs short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and communicates with the server device 2, terminal device 9, and wireless communication device 7 under the control of the router processor 800.

[0069] The router processor 800 functions as a router communication control unit 801 and a router control unit 802 by reading and executing a router program 811 stored in a router memory 810 .

[0070] The router communication control unit 801 communicates with the server device 2 , the terminal device 9 , and the wireless communication device 7 via the router communication device 81 .

[0071] When the router control unit 802 receives an authentication instruction from the wireless communication device 7, it compares the connection information 812 included in the authentication instruction with the connection information 812 of the wireless router 8, and if they match, authenticates the wireless router 8 to establish a communication connection. This establishes a communication connection between the wireless router 8 and the wireless communication device 7. Each time a communication connection with a wireless communication device 7 is established, the router control unit 802 transmits to the server device 2 a signal indicating that a communication connection with the wireless communication device 7 has been established, the signal including the device identification information 712 of the wireless communication device 7.

[0072] [1-1-5. Server Device] The server device 2 includes a server control device 20 and a server communication device 21.

[0073] The server control device 20 is a control device that controls each part of the server device 2. The server control device 20 includes a server processor 200, which is a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, a server memory 210, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the server device 2.

[0074] The server memory 210 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 210 stores a server program 211, management data 212, and data to be processed by the server processor 200. The server memory 210 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 210 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the server processor 200. The server memory 210 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0075] The management data 212 includes a list of device identification information 712 linked to each setting account.

[0076] The server communication device 21 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit, and communicates with the wireless router 8 under the control of the server control device 20 .

[0077] The server processor 200 reads and executes a server program 211 from the server memory 210, thereby functioning as a server communication control unit 201 and a management unit 202. The management unit 202 is an example of a "notification unit."

[0078] The server communication control unit 201 communicates with the wireless router 8 via the server communication device 21 .

[0079] The management unit 202 generates management data 212 , stores the management data 212 in the server memory 210 , and modifies the management data 212 .

[0080] When the management unit 202 receives a signal from the wireless router 8 indicating that a communication connection with the wireless communication device 7 has been established, the management unit 202 associates the corresponding wireless communication device 7 with the list of management data 212 and registers it.

[0081] Furthermore, when a communication connection with the wireless communication device 7 is established, the management unit 202 periodically transmits registration status information including a list of management data 212 to the terminal device 9. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a registration status screen G3 that shows the status of the communication connection between the wireless communication device 7 and the wireless router 8.

[0082] The management unit 202 causes the display control unit 903 of the terminal device 9 to display a registration status screen G3. The registration status screen G3 displays serial number information J1, MAC address information J2, location information LOC, establishment information J11, and unestablishment information J12 based on the list stored in the management data 212. On the registration status screen G3, the serial number information J1, MAC address information J2, and location information LOC are arranged in this order from left to right, and the establishment information J11 or unestablishment information J12 is displayed to the left of the serial number information J1.

[0083] The establishment information J11 indicates that a communication connection between the wireless communication device 7 in question and the wireless router 8 has been established. The establishment information J11 is a string of characters "OK" juxtaposed to a string of characters indicating the device identification information 712 and location information LOC of the wireless communication device 7 with which the communication connection has been established. The unestablished information J12 indicates that a communication connection between the wireless communication device 7 in question and the wireless router 8 has not yet been established. The unestablished information J12 is a string of characters "x" juxtaposed to a string of characters indicating the device identification information 712 and location information LOC of the wireless communication device 7 with which the communication connection has been established.

[0084] The registration status information including a list of management data 212 is sent by the management unit 202 to the terminal device 9 at a predetermined interval, and is sent at a relatively short interval, so that the user can monitor which wireless communication device 7 has established a communication connection with the wireless router 8 by using the registration status screen G3.

[0085] [1-2. Operation] Next, a description will be given of the operation of each unit of the communication system 1000. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device 9. The flowchart illustrates an example of a control method executed by a terminal APP 921 of a terminal control device 90, which is a computer included in the terminal device 9.

[0086] The acquisition unit 904 acquires the device identification information 712 (step S1). The user reads the code of the wireless communication device 7 with the photographing device 91 included in the terminal device 9, thereby obtaining the device identification information 712.

[0087] Next, the location receiving unit 905 receives input of location information (step S2).

[0088] Next, the creation unit 906 determines whether there is a trigger to start creating the list (step S3). If there is no trigger to start creating the list (step S3: NO), the process proceeds to step S1. In this way, the user repeatedly reads the codes of multiple wireless communication devices 7 and then inputs location information.

[0089] If there is a trigger to start creating a list (step S3: YES), the creation unit 906 creates a list based on the device identification information 712 acquired in step S1 and the location information received in step S2, and acquires the list (step S4).

[0090] Next, the accepting unit 908 accepts input of the connection information 812 (step S5). At least the operations of steps S1 to S5 are performed in a state where the breaker of facility H is turned off and the wireless communication device 7 does not receive power supply.

[0091] Next, the communication connection unit 909 determines whether or not there is a trigger to start the communication connection operation (step S6). If there is no trigger to start the communication connection operation (step S6: NO), the determination in step S6 is performed again.

[0092] If there is a trigger to start the communication connection operation (step S6: YES), the communication connection unit 909 determines whether a communication connection has been established with any of the wireless communication devices 7 on the list (step S7). Note that, before step S7, the user turns on the breaker of facility H, so that the wireless communication device 7 receives power and the third communication control unit 701 is in standby mode so that the wireless communication device 7 can be connected to the terminal device 9 via communication. In this embodiment, the terminal device 9 and the wireless communication device 7 establish a communication connection via short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth. In this manner, the terminal device 9 and the wireless communication device 7 establish a communication connection using a communication standard different from the Wi-Fi standard implemented by the terminal device 9 and the wireless router 8. Because the third communication control unit 701 is in standby mode, the user can establish a communication connection between the terminal device 9 and the wireless communication device 7 without needing a PIN (Personal Identification Number) code for each wireless communication device 7. Alternatively, the PIN code for each wireless communication device 7 may be stored in advance in the terminal APP 922 of the terminal device 9.

[0093] Furthermore, in step S7, the communication connection unit 909 tries to establish a communication connection with the first wireless communication device 7 on the list. If a communication connection can be established with the first wireless communication device 7 on the list, a determination of YES is made in step S7. If a communication connection cannot be established with the first wireless communication device 7 on the list, the communication connection unit 909 tries to establish a communication connection with the next wireless communication device 7 on the list. Thereafter, the communication connection unit 909 checks whether a connection can be established with all wireless communication devices 7 on the list, and if a communication connection cannot be established with any of the wireless communication devices 7, a determination of NO is made in step S7.

[0094] If a communication connection has not been established with any of the wireless communication devices 7 on the list (step S7: NO), the notification unit 910 notifies the user to approach any of the wireless communication devices 7 and retry the communication connection (step S8), and then ends the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. In step S7, the notification screen G2 shown in Fig. 5 is displayed by the notification unit 910. Pressing the reset button C4 shown in Fig. 5 triggers the start of the communication connection operation, and the process proceeds to step S7.

[0095] If a communication connection is established for a wireless communication device 7 (step S7: YES), the communication connection unit 909 transmits a first communication connection instruction to the wireless communication device 7 with which the communication connection has been established (step S9). The notification unit 910 then displays a registration status screen G3 indicating the status of the communication connection between the wireless communication device 7 and the wireless router 8 (step S10). To notify the user of the progress of the establishment of the communication connection for the listed wireless communication devices 7 on the registration status screen G3 in step S10, the notification unit 910 sequentially displays the character string "OK" as establishment information J11 for each wireless communication device 7 with which a communication connection has been established. After this, when the communication connection for all wireless communication devices 7 listed in the list is completed, the notification unit 910 notifies the user of the completion. Furthermore, if the communication connection for all wireless communication devices 7 in the list has not been completed after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed, the notification unit 910 displays the character string "x" as non-establishment information J12 for each wireless communication device 7 for which the communication connection has not been completed, thereby notifying the user of an error.

[0096] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless communication device 7. The flowchart is an example of a control method for the wireless communication device 7 executed by a program 711 of a control device 70, which is a computer included in the wireless communication device 7. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the wireless router 8. The control unit 703 determines whether a first communication connection instruction or a second communication connection instruction has been received (step S21).

[0097] When the first communication connection instruction is received (step S21: first communication connection instruction), the control unit 703 causes the fourth communication control unit 702 to transmit an authentication instruction to the wireless router 8 (step S22). Next, the control unit 703 determines whether a communication connection with the wireless router 8 has been established (step S23).

[0098] 11, an operation for establishing a communication connection between the wireless communication device 7 and the wireless router 8 will be described. The router control unit 802 of the wireless router 8 determines whether or not an authentication instruction has been received (step S31). If an authentication instruction has not been received (step S31: NO), the process proceeds to step S31.

[0099] If an authentication instruction is received (step S31: YES), the router control unit 802 verifies the connection information 812 included in the authentication instruction and authenticates the wireless router 8 to establish a communication connection (step S32). This establishes a communication connection between the wireless router 8 and one wireless communication device 7. Next, the router control unit 802 transmits a signal indicating that a communication connection with the wireless communication device 7 has been established to the server device 2 (step S33).

[0100] 10, if a communication connection with the wireless router 8 has not been established (step S23: NO), the control unit 703 causes the third communication control unit 701 to transmit a connection failure signal to the terminal device 9 (step S24). After step S24 is completed, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0101] If a communication connection with the wireless router 8 is established (step S23: YES), the control unit 703 establishes a communication connection with another wireless communication device 7 using the third communication control unit 701 (step S25). In step S25, the control unit 703 attempts to establish a communication connection with the first wireless communication device 7 in the list, excluding the wireless communication device 7 itself. If the control unit 703 cannot establish a communication connection with the first wireless communication device 7 in the list, it attempts to establish a communication connection with the next wireless communication device 7 in the list. In this embodiment, the wireless communication devices 7 establish a communication connection using short-range wireless communication via Bluetooth. In this way, the wireless communication devices 7 communicate with each other using a communication standard different from the Wi-Fi standard implemented by the terminal device 9 and the wireless router 8. Next, the control unit 703 transmits a second communication connection instruction to the other wireless communication device 7 using the third communication control unit 701 (step S26). Next, the control unit 703 determines whether the second communication connection instruction has been sent to all other wireless communication devices 7 listed in the list (step S27).

[0102] If the second communication connection instruction has not been transmitted to all other wireless communication devices 7 shown in the list (step S27: NO), the wireless communication device 7 proceeds to step S25. If the second communication connection instruction has been transmitted to all other wireless communication devices 7 shown in the list (step S27: NO), the wireless communication device 7 ends its operation.

[0103] Returning to the explanation of step S21, when the second communication connection instruction is received (step S21: second communication connection instruction), the control unit 703 causes the fourth communication control unit 702 to transmit an authentication instruction to the wireless router 8 (step S28). After step S28 is completed, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0104] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the wireless communication device 7 connected to the air conditioning device 3 receives, from the terminal device 9, a list Li indicating device identification information 712 identifying one or more other wireless communication devices 7 connected to the air conditioning device 3 and intended to connect to the wireless router 8, and a first communication connection instruction including connection information 812 for connecting to the wireless router 8. Upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, the control device 70 establishes a communication connection with the wireless router 8 based on the connection information 812, and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information 812 to the other wireless communication devices 7 indicated in the list Li. This allows the second communication connection instruction including the connection information 812 to be transmitted to the other wireless communication devices 7 using the list Li indicating the device identification information 712 of the other wireless communication devices 7, eliminating the need to configure the other wireless communication devices 7 one by one in order to establish a communication connection with the wireless router 8. This reduces the effort required for communication connection between the multiple wireless communication devices 7 and the wireless router 8.

[0105] Furthermore, upon receiving the second communication connection instruction, the control device 70 establishes a communication connection with the wireless router 8 based on the connection information 812 included in the second communication connection instruction. This allows the wireless communication device 7 to establish a communication connection with the wireless router 8 via another wireless communication device 7.

[0106] Furthermore, when the wireless router 8 and the wireless communication device 7 cannot establish a communication connection, the control device 70 transmits a connection failure signal to the terminal device 9. This allows the terminal device 9 to know that the wireless communication device 7, which has established a communication connection with the terminal device 9, has failed to establish a communication connection with the wireless router 8.

[0107] The device identification information 712 shown in the list Li is information read by the terminal device 9 from the code attached to the wireless communication device 7. This allows a communication connection to be established between the terminal device 9 or the wireless router 8 and the wireless communication device 7 intended by the installer or user. Since indoor units 4 are installed in various ways within the facility H, it is expected that the installation manners of the wireless communication devices 7 will also vary. Therefore, the installer may establish a communication connection with all wireless communication devices 7 intended to be installed in the facility H, or may establish a communication connection with desired wireless communication devices 7, taking into account the installation location of each wireless communication device 7. By creating the list Li by reading the code attached to the wireless communication device 7, it is possible to establish a communication connection with desired wireless communication devices 7, taking into account the installation location of each wireless communication device 7. The installation location of each wireless communication device 7 may be considered, for example, as the difficulty of performing short-range wireless communication between the wireless communication devices 7.

[0108] As described above, the program 711 of the wireless communication device 7 in this embodiment causes a processor of a wireless communication device communicatively connected to the air conditioning device 3 to receive, from a terminal device, a list Li indicating device identification information 712 identifying one or more other wireless communication devices 7 that are connected to the air conditioning device and are to connect to the wireless router 8, and a first communication connection instruction including connection information 812 for connecting to the wireless router 8, and upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, causes the processor to establish a communication connection with the wireless router 8 based on the connection information 812, and to transmit a second communication connection instruction including the connection information 812 to the other wireless communication devices 7 indicated in the list Li. This provides the same functions and effects as the wireless communication device 7 described above.

[0109] As described above, the control method for the wireless communication device 7 in this embodiment is a control method for the wireless communication device 7 connected to the air conditioning device 3, and receives a list Li transmitted by a terminal device, the list Li indicating device identification information 712 identifying one or more other wireless communication devices 7 connected to the air conditioning device 3 and intended to connect to the wireless router 8, and a first communication connection instruction including connection information 812 for connecting to the wireless router 8, and upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the wireless router 8 based on the connection information 812, and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information 812 to the other wireless communication devices 7 indicated in the list Li. This provides the same functions and effects as the wireless communication device 7 described above.

[0110] As described above, the communication system 1000 in this embodiment is a communication system 1000 including a plurality of wireless communication devices 7 connected to a plurality of air conditioning devices 3, and includes a terminal device 9 and a wireless router 8. The wireless communication device 7 receives a list Li sent by the terminal device 9, in which device identification information 712 identifying each wireless communication device 7 that is to connect to the wireless router 8 is indicated, and a first communication connection instruction including connection information 812 for connecting to the wireless router 8, and includes a control device 70 that, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the wireless router 8 based on the connection information 812 and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information 812 to the other wireless communication devices 7 indicated in the list Li. This provides the same functions and effects as the wireless communication device 7 described above.

[0111] Furthermore, upon receiving the second communication connection instruction, the control device 70 establishes a communication connection with the wireless router 8 based on the connection information 812 included in the second communication connection instruction. This allows the wireless communication device 7 to establish a communication connection with the wireless router 8 via another wireless communication device 7 or the terminal device 9.

[0112] The system further includes a server device 2 connected to the wireless router 8, the list Li being linked to the device identification information 712 and having location information LOC indicating the installation location, and the server device 2 including a management unit 202 that notifies the terminal device 9 of the status of the communication connection between the wireless router 8 and the wireless communication device 7. This allows the user to recognize which wireless communication device 7 has established a communication connection with the wireless router 8.

[0113] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. It is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the creation unit 906 creates the list by causing the terminal processor 900 of one terminal device 9 to function via the terminal APP 921. In another embodiment, the communication system 1000 may include multiple terminal devices 9, and the creation unit 906 of one terminal device 9 may acquire the list created by the other terminal device 9 from the server device 2. This configuration is particularly suitable when the installation location of the wireless communication device 7 is difficult to access for anyone other than the installer. In one example of the operation in this configuration, the installer uses one terminal device 9 to perform steps S1 to S5 shown in FIG. 9 in advance. Then, the user of the air conditioning device 3 uses the other terminal device 9 to perform steps S6 to S11 shown in FIG. 9 . Examples of difficult-to-access locations include the back side of the ceiling or a corner pocket of a four-way ceiling cassette type indoor unit 4. In another embodiment, the creation unit 906 may acquire a list stored in advance in the server device 2.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the third communication device 72 of the wireless communication device 7 performs short-range wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) and communicates with the first communication device 92 of the terminal device 9 under the control of the processor 700. In another embodiment, the third communication device 72 may function as a Wi-Fi access point. In this case, the wireless communication device 7 communicates with the second communication device 93 of the terminal device 9. As described above, in another embodiment, the wireless communication device 7 and the terminal device 9 establish a communication connection in a so-called AP (Access Point) mode. In this case, it is assumed that information such as an SSID and a password required to connect to the third communication device 72, which is a Wi-Fi access point, is predetermined and stored in the terminal APP 921.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the wireless communication device 7 is configured to acquire the connection information 812 from the terminal device 9 using a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth. In another embodiment, a detachable camera is connected to the wireless communication device 7 via a wired cable. Furthermore, the wireless communication device 7 acquires the connection information 812 by having the camera read a code that can read the connection information 812. The code that can read the connection information 812 is displayed on the touch panel 94 of the terminal device 9, for example.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the communication connection unit 909 is configured to establish a communication connection with any one of the wireless communication devices 7 corresponding to the device identification information 712 shown in the list. In other embodiments, the communication connection unit 909 may be configured to establish a communication connection with the wireless communication device 7 corresponding to the device identification information 712 that is acquired first.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, a wireless communication device 7 that receives a first communication connection instruction from a terminal device 9 is configured to transmit a second communication connection instruction to another wireless communication device 7. In another embodiment, a communication system 1000 may include three or more wireless communication devices 7A, 7B, and 7C. If a communication connection cannot be established between one wireless communication device 7A and the other wireless communication device 7B, the control device 70 of one wireless communication device 7A may establish a communication connection with the other wireless communication device 7B via another wireless communication device 7C. In this manner, even if a second communication connection instruction cannot be transmitted from one wireless communication device 7A to the other wireless communication device 7B, the instruction can be relayed to the other wireless communication device 7B via the other wireless communication device 7C. Therefore, even if it is difficult to establish a communication connection between any combination of the wireless communication devices 7A, 7B, and 7C, a communication connection can be established between each wireless communication device 7 included in the communication system 1000.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, a dedicated application program to be installed is exemplified as a program for realizing each functional unit of the terminal processor 900, but the program may also be a browser or the like.

[0120] The terminal processor 900, the processor 700, the server processor 200, and the router processor 800 may be configured by a single processor or by multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured by, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0121] The configurations of the terminal device 9, wireless communication device 7, wireless router 8, and server device 2 shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the functions of each unit to be realized by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiments may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0122] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0123] 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.

[0124] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0125] (Technology 1) A wireless communication device connected to an air conditioning device includes a control unit that receives, from a terminal device, a list indicating identification information identifying one or more other wireless communication devices connected to the air conditioning device and intended to connect to an access point, and a first communication connection instruction including connection information for connecting to the access point. Upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, the wireless communication device establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices indicated in the list. This allows the second communication connection instruction including the connection information to be transmitted to the other wireless communication devices using the list indicating the identification information of the other wireless communication devices, eliminating the need to configure the other wireless communication devices one by one to establish a communication connection with the access point. This reduces the effort required for communication connections between multiple wireless communication devices and the access point.

[0126] (Technology 2) The wireless communication device according to Technology 1, wherein, upon receiving a second communication connection instruction, the control unit establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information included in the second communication connection instruction. This allows the wireless communication device to establish a communication connection with the access point via another wireless communication device.

[0127] (Technology 3) The wireless communication device according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the control unit transmits a connection failure signal to the terminal device when the access point and the wireless communication device cannot establish a communication connection. This allows the terminal device to recognize that the wireless communication device that established a communication connection with the terminal device failed to establish a communication connection with the access point.

[0128] (Technology 4) The wireless communication device according to any one of Technologies 1 to 3, wherein the identification information shown in the list is information read by the terminal device from a code attached to the wireless communication device. This allows a communication connection to be established between the terminal device or the access point and the wireless communication device intended by the worker.

[0129] (Technology 5) A program for a wireless communication device that causes a processor of a wireless communication device communicatively connected to an air conditioning device to receive, from a terminal device, a list indicating identification information identifying one or more other wireless communication devices that are connected to the air conditioning device and that are to connect to an access point, and a first communication connection instruction including connection information for connecting to the access point, and, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, causes the processor to establish a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and to transmit a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices indicated in the list. This provides the same functions and effects as Technology 1.

[0130] (Technology 6) A control method for a wireless communication device connected to an air conditioning device, the control method comprising: receiving a list transmitted by a terminal device showing identification information identifying one or more other wireless communication devices connected to the air conditioning device and intended to connect to an access point, and a first communication connection instruction including connection information for connecting to the access point; upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishing a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and transmitting a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices shown in the list. This achieves the same functions and effects as Technology 1.

[0131] (Technology 7) A communication system including a plurality of wireless communication devices connected to a plurality of air conditioning devices, the system including a terminal device and an access point, wherein the wireless communication device receives a first communication connection instruction including connection information for connecting to the access point and a list indicating identification information for identifying each of the wireless communication devices that are to connect to the access point, transmitted by the terminal device, and a control unit that, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices indicated in the list. This provides the same functions and effects as Technology 1.

[0132] (Technology 8) The communication system according to Technology 7, wherein, upon receiving a second communication connection instruction, the control unit establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information included in the second communication connection instruction. This allows the wireless communication device to establish a communication connection with the access point via another wireless communication device or a terminal device.

[0133] (Technology 9) The communication system according to Technology 7 or 8, further comprising a server connected to the access point, wherein the list is linked to the identification information and includes location information indicating an installation location, and the server comprises a notification unit that notifies the terminal device of a communication connection status between the access point and the wireless communication device. This allows a user to recognize which wireless communication device has established a communication connection with the access point.

[0134] As described above, the wireless communication device, the program for the wireless communication device, the control method for the wireless communication device, and the communication system according to the present invention can be used to establish communication connections between multiple wireless communication devices and an access point.

[0135] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air conditioning system 2 Server device (server) 3 Air conditioning device 4 Indoor unit 5 Outdoor unit 6 Remote control 7 Wireless communication device 8 Wireless router (access point) 9 Terminal device 70 Control device (control unit) 72 Third communication device 73 Fourth communication device 90 Terminal control device 91 Imaging device 92 First communication device 93 Second communication device 94 Touch panel 202 Management unit (notification unit) 210 Server memory 212 Management data 700 Processor 701 Third communication control unit 702 Fourth communication control unit 703 Control unit 712 Device identification information (identification information) 812 Connection information 900 Terminal processor 901 First communication control unit 902 Second communication control unit 904 Acquisition unit 905 Location reception unit 906 Creation unit 907 Setting unit 908 Reception unit 909 Communication connection unit 910 Notification unit 920 Terminal memory 921 Terminal APP 1000 Communication system H Facility LOC Location information Li List NW Network

Claims

1. A wireless communication device connected to an air conditioning device, comprising: a control unit that receives a first communication connection instruction sent by a terminal device, the first communication connection instruction including a list indicating identification information identifying one or more other wireless communication devices connected to the air conditioning device and intended to connect to an access point, and connection information for connecting to the access point; and, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices indicated in the list.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, upon receiving a second communication connection instruction, the control unit establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information included in the second communication connection instruction.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits a connection failure signal to the terminal device when the access point and the wireless communication device cannot establish a communication connection.

4. A wireless communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the identification information shown in the list is information read by the terminal device from a code attached to the wireless communication device.

5. A program for a wireless communication device that causes a processor of a wireless communication device communicatively connected to an air conditioning device to receive a first communication connection instruction sent by a terminal device, the first communication connection instruction including a list showing identification information identifying one or more other wireless communication devices connected to the air conditioning device and intended to connect to an access point, and connection information for connecting to the access point; and, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices shown in the list.

6. A control method for a wireless communication device connected to an air conditioning device, comprising: receiving a first communication connection instruction sent by a terminal device, the first communication connection instruction including a list indicating identification information for identifying one or more other wireless communication devices connected to the air conditioning device and intended to connect to an access point, and connection information for connecting to the access point; and, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishing a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and transmitting a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to the other wireless communication devices indicated in the list.

7. A communication system comprising a plurality of wireless communication devices connected to a plurality of air conditioning devices, the communication system comprising: a terminal device; and an access point; wherein the wireless communication device receives a first communication connection instruction sent by the terminal device, the first communication connection instruction including a list indicating identification information for identifying each of the wireless communication devices that are to connect to the access point, and connection information for connecting to the access point; and a control unit that, upon receiving the first communication connection instruction, establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information, and transmits a second communication connection instruction including the connection information to other of the wireless communication devices indicated in the list.

8. The communication system according to claim 7, wherein, upon receiving a second communication connection instruction, the control unit establishes a communication connection with the access point based on the connection information included in the second communication connection instruction.

9. A communication system as described in claim 7 or 8, further comprising a server connected to the access point, wherein the list is linked to the identification information and has location information indicating an installation location, and the server comprises a notification unit that notifies the terminal device of the status of the communication connection between the access point and the wireless communication device.

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