CN109891156B

CN109891156B - Network system, server, information processing method, air conditioner, and program

Info

Publication number: CN109891156B
Application number: CN201780061820.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 作田瑞; 脇善久
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2016-10-24
Filing date: 2017-08-31
Publication date: 2020-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2037-08-31
Also published as: WO2018079063A1; JP6625034B2; CN109891156A; JP2018071797A

Abstract

A network system (1) is provided with a server (200) and an air conditioner (100) capable of communicating with the server (200). When the air conditioner (100) receives a control command, information from the server (200) is output. Preferably, the air conditioner (100) acquires first information including maintenance information from the server (200) and outputs the first information by transmitting information acquired by various sensors to the server (200) when receiving an on command as a control command, and acquires second information including a weather forecast from the server (200) and outputs the second information when receiving an off command as a control command.

Description

Network system, server, information processing method, air conditioner, and program

Technical Field

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a technique for providing effective information to a user using an air conditioner and a server.

Background

Conventionally, there has been known a technique for effectively utilizing an air conditioner. For example, japanese patent application laid-open No. 2004-78719 (patent document 1) discloses a home appliance, a washing machine, and an information notification setting program. According to patent document 1, a home appliance having a communication function capable of communicating with an external device, includes: a detection device that detects that a user approaches or operates a home appliance; an acquisition device that acquires information using a communication function when or before the detection device detects the approach of a user or an operation is performed; and an information notifying device that notifies the user of information acquired by the acquiring device using the communication function when the detecting device detects the approach of the user or the operation is performed.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2004-78719

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

Techniques for efficiently providing useful information to users are being sought. Therefore, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a network system, a server, an information processing method, an air conditioner, and a program that can efficiently provide useful information to a user. Means for solving the problems

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network system including a server and an air conditioner capable of communicating with the server. When the air conditioner receives a control command, information from the server is output.

Preferably, the air conditioner includes various sensors. In the air conditioner, when an on command is received as a control command, information obtained from various sensors is transmitted to a server, so that first information including maintenance information on the air conditioner is obtained from the server and output, and when an off command is received as a control command, second information including a weather forecast is obtained from the server and output.

Preferably, the time period targeted for information is associated with each time period for which information is output.

Preferably, the time period as the object of the information is associated with each device that outputs the information.

Preferably, the network system further includes a communication terminal capable of communicating with the server. The air conditioner can receive control commands from the remote controller and the communication terminal.

Preferably, the network system further includes a communication terminal capable of communicating with the server. The air conditioner and the communication terminal can output information from the server.

Preferably, the information comprises a weather forecast. The communication terminal outputs a weather forecast of the location of the air conditioner.

Preferably, the server is capable of acquiring calendar information of the user. The server provides weather forecasts for the user's future location as information from the server based on the calendar information.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server including: a communication interface for communicating with an air conditioner and other servers; and a processor for acquiring predetermined information from the other server and providing the information to the air conditioner in accordance with a command input to the air conditioner via the communication interface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method for a server including a communication interface and a processor. The information processing method includes: a step in which the processor receives a command input to the air conditioner via the communication interface; a step in which the processor acquires information from another server via the communication interface based on the command; a step in which the processor provides information to the air conditioner via the communication interface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an air conditioner including a communication interface for communicating with a server, various sensors, an output unit, and a processor. The processor acquires first information including maintenance information of the air conditioner from the server and outputs the first information from the output unit by transmitting information acquired by the various sensors to the server when receiving an on command as a control command, and acquires second information including a weather forecast from the server and outputs the second information from the output unit when receiving an off command as a control command.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for a communication terminal including a communication interface, an output unit, and a processor. The program causes the processor to perform the steps of: a step of determining a future location of the user based on the calendar information of the user when the control command is inputted to the air conditioner; and outputting the information on the location to an output unit or an air conditioner.

Effects of the invention

As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a network system, a server, an information processing method, an air conditioner, and a program capable of efficiently providing useful information to a user.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a network system 1 according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the operation of the network system 1 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an input screen of a control command of air conditioner 100 of smartphone 300 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an output screen of a weather forecast of the smartphone 300 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of the server 200 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a message database according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of the smartphone 300 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the remote controller 400 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a sequence diagram showing information processing in the case where the remote controller 400 according to the first embodiment is powered off.

Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing information processing of the power-on from the remote controller 400 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing information processing of the power-off from the smartphone 300 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing information processing of the power-on from the smartphone 300 according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram showing a setting screen for information notification according to the second embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Thus, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

< first embodiment >

< overall Structure of network System 1 >

First, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1. The network system 1 mainly includes: a server 200 for providing an information providing service; an electrical device such as an air conditioner 100 capable of communicating with the server 200 via a router, the internet, or the like; a remote controller 400 for controlling the air conditioner 100; and a communication terminal such as a smartphone 300 capable of communicating with the server 200. The server 200 of the present embodiment acquires various information from a server 200A for providing weather forecast, a server 200B for providing news, a server 200C for providing traffic information, a server 200D for providing calendar information of a user, and the like.

The electric device is not limited to the air conditioner 100 shown in fig. 1, and may be home appliances such as an air cleaner, a dehumidifier, a humidifier, and an illumination device, AV (audio/video) devices such as a television, a hard disk recorder, a music player, and a game machine, lighting equipment, a hot water supply system, and various sensors.

< summary of operation of network System 1 >

Next, an outline of the operation of the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the air conditioner 100, which is an electrical device, outputs useful information to a user when receiving a control command via a remote controller 400, a smartphone 300, or the like.

For example, when an operation command is accepted via the remote controller 400 in the morning, the air conditioner 100 requests the server 200 for information such as a weather forecast during the daytime of the current day, a stock market of the new york market in the previous day, an exchange rate, and the like. Then, the air conditioner 100 outputs information such as a weather forecast during the day on the current day, a stock market in the new york market on the previous day, and an exchange rate based on the information from the server 200.

Then, when receiving an operation command via the remote controller 400 at night, the air conditioner 100 requests the server 200 for information such as the weather forecast of the next day, the stock market of the tokyo market today, and the exchange rate. Then, based on the information from server 200, air conditioner 100 outputs weather forecast on the next day, information such as stock market, exchange rate, and the like on the tokyo market today.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, an operation command of air conditioner 100 can be received via smartphone 300. In this case, the smartphone 300 requests the above-described information from the server 200. Then, as shown in fig. 4, the smartphone 300 outputs information from the server 200.

As described above, in the network system 1 according to the present embodiment, useful information such as weather forecast can be output at an appropriate timing such as when the user goes out, sleeps, or returns home. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the network system 1 for realizing such a function will be described in detail.

< hardware configuration of air conditioner 100 as electric apparatus >

First, the structure of the air conditioner 100 will be described with reference to fig. 5. Referring to fig. 5, the air conditioner 100 includes, as main components: cpu (central Processing unit)110, memory 120, display panel 130, operation unit 140, sensor 150, communication interface 160, infrared interface 165, speaker 170, various sensors 180, and device driver 190.

The CPU110 controls each unit of the air conditioner 100 by executing a program stored in the memory 120 or an external storage medium.

The memory 120 is implemented by various rams (random Access memories), various roms (read Only memories), and the like. The memory 120 stores a program executed by the CPU110, data generated by the CPU110 executing the program, data input via the operation unit 140, data received by the remote controller 400, data received by the server 200 via a router, the internet, and the like.

The display panel 130 outputs characters, images, and the like based on a signal from the CPU 110. The display panel 130 may be a lamp only.

The operation unit 140 is implemented by buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like, receives a command from a user, and inputs the command to the CPU 110. The display panel 130 and the operation unit 140 may constitute a touch panel.

The communication interface 160 is implemented by a communication module such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The communication interface 160 exchanges data between other devices through wired communication or wireless communication. That is, CPU110 receives and transmits various information from and to other apparatuses such as server 200 via communication interface 160.

The infrared interface 165 accepts a command from the remote controller 400 and provides an interface to the CPU 110.

The speaker 170 outputs a voice such as a warning sound or a message based on a signal from the CPU 110.

The sensor 180 measures the room temperature, the outdoor air temperature, the number of times each part is used, the state of the dust box, and the like, or senses the presence of a person based on a signal from the CPU110, and delivers the result to the CPU 110.

The device driving unit 190 controls each unit (motor, heater, etc.) of the electric device based on a signal from the CPU 110.

< hardware configuration of Server 200 >

Next, the configuration of the server 200 will be described with reference to fig. 6. Server 200 includes, as main components, CPU210, memory 220, operation unit 240, and communication interface 260.

CPU210 controls each unit of server 200 by executing a program stored in memory 220. For example, the CPU210 executes a program stored in the memory 220, refers to various data, and executes various processes described later.

The memory 220 is implemented by various RAMs, various ROMs, and the like. The memory 220 stores a program executed by the CPU210, data generated by the CPU210 executing the program, input data, a database used for other information providing services of the present embodiment, and the like.

For example, the memory 220 stores data such as a user database, a device database, a message database 221, and the like. In the present embodiment, the information such as the database is stored in the server 200, but the information may be stored in another device accessible to the server 200.

Fig. 7 is an image showing the message database 221 according to the present embodiment. Referring to fig. 7, the message database 221 according to the present embodiment stores a message ID, a range of times when an operation command is received, a message body, and the like for each message.

For example, CPU210 of server 200 obtains a weather forecast corresponding to a zip code of the address of the user or home appliance from an external server. The CPU210 creates a message in which a weather forecast is embedded. The CPU210 transmits voice data of the message to the air conditioner 100 via the communication interface 260.

In the present embodiment, the time zone in which the air conditioner 100 is commanded is associated with the time zone of the weather forecast. For example, the time period of the weather forecast is 8 hours to 18 hours of the day with respect to 5 hours to 9 hours of the time period in which the command is input to the air conditioner 100. The time period of the weather forecast is 3 am to 13 am of the following day, with respect to 21 pm to 24 am of the time period in which the command is input to the air conditioner 100.

Returning to fig. 6, the operation unit 240 receives a command from a service manager or the like and inputs the command to the CPU 210.

Communication interface 260 transmits data from CPU210 to other devices such as air conditioner 100 and smartphone 300 via the internet, a carrier network, a router, and the like. In contrast, communication interface 260 receives data from other devices such as air conditioner 100 and smartphone 300 via the internet, a carrier network, a router, and the like, and passes the data to CPU 210.

< hardware configuration of smartphone 300 of communication terminal >

First, the structure of the smartphone 300 will be described with reference to fig. 8. The smartphone 300 includes, as main components, a CPU310, a memory 320, a display panel 330, an operation unit 340, a communication interface 360, and a speaker 370.

CPU310 controls each unit of smartphone 300 by executing a program stored in memory 320 or an external storage medium.

The memory 320 is implemented by various RAMs, various ROMs, and the like. Memory 320 stores programs executed by CPU310, data generated by CPU310 executing the programs, data input via operation unit 340, data received from server 200 via a router or the internet, and the like.

Display panel 330 outputs characters, images, and the like based on a signal from CPU 310. The operation unit 340 is implemented by buttons, a touch panel, a keyboard, and the like, receives a command from a user, and inputs the command to the CPU 310. The display panel 330 and the operation unit 340 may constitute a touch panel.

The communication interface 360 is implemented by an antenna or the like. The communication interface 360 exchanges data between the server 200, the air conditioner 100, and other devices. That is, CPU310 receives and transmits various information from and to other devices such as server 200 via communication interface 360.

Speaker 370 outputs a voice such as a warning tone or a message based on a signal from CPU 310.

< hardware construction of remote controller 400 >

First, the structure of the remote controller 400 will be described with reference to fig. 9. Referring to fig. 9, remote controller 400 includes, as main components, CPU410, memory 420, display panel 430, operation unit 440, infrared interface 465, and speaker 470.

CPU410 controls each unit of remote controller 400 by executing a program stored in memory 420 or an external storage medium.

The memory 420 is implemented by various RAMs, various ROMs, and the like. Memory 420 stores programs executed by CPU410, data generated by CPU410 executing the programs, commands input via operation unit 440, and the like.

Display panel 430 outputs characters, images, and the like based on a signal from CPU 410. The display panel 430 may be a lamp only.

Operation unit 440 is implemented by a button, a touch panel, a keyboard, or the like, receives a command from a user, and inputs the command to CPU 410. The display panel 430 and the operation unit 440 may constitute a touch panel.

Infrared interface 465 transmits a signal indicating the input command to air conditioner 100.

Speaker 470 outputs a voice of a warning tone, a message, etc., based on a signal from CPU 410.

< information processing in network System 1 >

Next, information processing in the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 10 to 13.

First, a case where a user inputs a power off command to the remote controller 400 will be described with reference to fig. 10.

The power off signal is transmitted from the remote controller 400 to the air conditioner 100 (step S102). CPU110 of air conditioner 100 transmits a notice of power off to server 200 via communication interface 160 (step S104).

The CPU210 of the server 200 acquires weather forecast, stock market information, exchange rate information, other news, and the like from the other servers 200A, 200B, and 200C via the communication interface 260 (step S106 and step S108). The CPU210 provides the acquired information to the air conditioner 100 via the communication interface 260 (step S110).

The CPU110 of the air conditioner 100 outputs information such as weather forecast acquired by the server 200 (step S112). For example, the CPU110 outputs the information to the display panel 130. Alternatively, the CPU110 outputs the information to the speaker 170. Alternatively, the CPU110 causes the remote controller 400 to display the information or speech-output the information.

Next, a case where the user inputs a power on command to the remote controller 400 will be described with reference to fig. 11.

The power on signal is transmitted from the remote controller 400 to the air conditioner 100 (step S202). CPU110 of air conditioner 100 transmits the power on instruction to server 200 via communication interface 160 (step S204). In the present embodiment, the CPU110 transmits measurement data such as the state of the dust box from the various sensors 180 to the server 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S206).

CPU210 of server 200 acquires measurement data and reads maintenance information corresponding to the measurement data. The CPU210 provides the maintenance information to the air conditioner 100 via the communication interface 260 (step S210).

CPU110 of air conditioner 100 outputs the maintenance information acquired by server 200 (step S212). For example, the CPU110 outputs the information to the display panel 130. Alternatively, the CPU110 outputs the information to the speaker 170. Alternatively, the CPU110 causes the remote controller 400 to display the information or speech-output the information.

Next, a case where the user inputs a power off command of air conditioner 100 to the home appliance control application of smartphone 300 will be described with reference to fig. 12.

The power off command of the air conditioner 100 is transmitted from the smart phone 300 to the server 200 (step S302). The server 200 transmits a power off command to the air conditioner 100 (step S304). CPU110 of air conditioner 100 transmits a notice of power off to server 200 via communication interface 160 (step S306).

The CPU210 of the server 200 acquires weather forecast, stock price information, exchange rate information, news, and the like from the other servers 200A, 200B, and 200C via the communication interface 260 (step S308 and step S310). The CPU210 provides the acquired information to the smartphone 300 via the communication interface 260 (step S312).

CPU310 of smartphone 300 outputs information such as a weather forecast acquired by server 200 (step S312). For example, the CPU310 outputs the information to the display panel 330. Alternatively, the CPU310 outputs the information to the speaker 370. Alternatively, CPU310 causes the air conditioner to display the information or outputs the information in voice via server 200.

Next, a case where the user inputs a power on command to the home appliance control application of the smartphone 300 will be described with reference to fig. 13.

The power on signal of the air conditioner 100 is transmitted from the smartphone 300 to the server 200 (step S402). Server 200 transmits a power on command to air conditioner 100 (step S404). CPU110 of air conditioner 100 transmits the power on instruction to server 200 via communication interface 160 (step S406). In the present embodiment, the CPU110 transmits measurement data such as the state of the dust box from the various sensors 180 to the server 200 via the communication interface 160 (step S408).

CPU210 of server 200 acquires measurement data and reads maintenance information corresponding to the measurement data. The CPU210 provides the maintenance information to the smartphone 300 via the communication interface 260 (step S410).

CPU310 of smartphone 300 outputs the maintenance information acquired by server 200 (step S412). For example, the CPU310 outputs the information to the display panel 330. Alternatively, the CPU310 outputs the information to the speaker 370. Alternatively, CPU310 causes air conditioner 100 to display the information or output the information in voice via server 200.

< second embodiment >

In the first embodiment, the air conditioner 100 outputs various information when a control command is transmitted from the remote controller 400 to the air conditioner 100, and the smart phone 300 outputs various information when a control command is transmitted from the smart phone 300 to the air conditioner 100.

However, it is also possible that the smart phone 300 outputs various information when a control command is transmitted from the remote controller 400 to the air conditioner 100. Alternatively, when a control command is transmitted from remote controller 400 to air conditioner 100, air conditioner 100 and smartphone 300 may output various information.

Further, when a control command is transmitted from smartphone 300 to air conditioner 100, air conditioner 100 may output various information. Alternatively, when a control command is transmitted from smartphone 300 to air conditioner 100, air conditioner 100 and smartphone 300 may output various information.

Alternatively, the home appliance control application of the smartphone 300 accepts whether to output various information from the user. For example, as shown in fig. 14, when CPU310 of smartphone 300 inputs a control command to air conditioner 100 via operation unit 340, instruction 330A to notify smartphone 300 of various information is received.

< third embodiment >

In the first embodiment, when a power-on command is input, maintenance information is output. However, when the power-on command is input, weather forecast, stock market information, exchange rate information, other news, and the like may be output as in the case of the power-off command.

< fourth embodiment >

In the first embodiment, the air conditioner 100 outputs substantially the same information as the smartphone 300, but the air conditioner 100 may output only a weather forecast and the smartphone 300 may output the weather forecast and other news. That is, the air conditioner 100 acquires first information including a weather forecast from the server 200 and outputs the first information, and the smartphone 300 acquires second information more than the first information from the server 200 and outputs the second information.

Alternatively, air conditioner 100 may acquire and output a weather forecast of 3 hours to 6 hours ago from server 200, or smartphone 300 may acquire and output a weather forecast of 3 hours to 24 hours ago from server 200. Or conversely, the air conditioner 100 may acquire and output the weather forecast 3 hours ago to 24 hours ago from the server 200, or the smartphone 300 may acquire and output the weather forecast 3 hours ago to 6 hours ago from the server 200.

< fifth embodiment >

It is preferable that the user registers the location of the air conditioner 100 with the server 200. Then, it is preferable that the weather forecast of the location of the air conditioner 100 is output from the air conditioner 100, the smartphone 300, and the remote controller 400 when the control command is transmitted from the remote controller 400 to the air conditioner 100 and when the control command is transmitted from the smartphone 300 to the air conditioner 100.

< sixth embodiment >

Alternatively, the air conditioner 100 or the smartphone 300 may acquire calendar information of the user. For example, when a power-off command is input to air conditioner 100, CPU310 of smartphone 300 acquires calendar information of the registered user from server 200D in accordance with the program of memory 320, and specifies the location of the user after a first predetermined time (for example, after 3 to 9 hours), that is, the destination of the user. Then, CPU310 obtains and outputs the weather forecast at the position after the first predetermined time from weather information providing server 200A. This is because the possibility that the user will go out immediately is high.

Similarly, when a power-on command is input to air conditioner 100, CPU310 of smartphone 300 acquires calendar information of the registered user from server 200D in accordance with the program of memory 320, and specifies the location of the user after a second predetermined time (for example, after 6 to 24 hours) after the first predetermined time of the user, that is, the destination of the user. Then, CPU310 obtains and outputs the weather forecast at the position after the second predetermined time from weather information providing server 200A. This is because the user is less likely to go out immediately.

When the air conditioner 100 inputs a power-off command, the smartphone 300 acquires calendar information of the user from the server 200D and specifies the location of the user after a first predetermined time (for example, after 3 to 9 hours), that is, the destination of the user. Then, CPU310 may acquire and output a weather forecast of the location after the first predetermined time from weather information providing server 200A. When the power-on command is input to air conditioner 100, calendar information of the user is acquired from server 200D, and the location of the user after a second predetermined time (for example, after 6 to 24 hours) from the first predetermined time of the user, that is, the destination of the user is specified. Then, CPU310 may acquire and output a weather forecast of the location after the second predetermined time from weather information providing server 200A.

< seventh embodiment >

The communication terminals such as the server 200 and the smartphone 300, and the remote controller 400 may bear a part or all of the functions of the air conditioner 100 according to the above-described embodiment. Alternatively, a plurality of servers, communication terminals such as the air conditioner 100 and the smartphone 300, and the remote controller 400 may bear a part or all of the functions of the server 200. Alternatively, the server 200, the air conditioner 100, and the like may bear a part or all of the functions of the smartphone 300 and the remote controller 400.

For example, although the server 200 also plays a role of home appliance control in the first embodiment, the home appliance control server may be separately provided from the server 200. In this case, the power-off command of the air conditioner 100 is transmitted from the smartphone 300 to the home appliance control server, and the home appliance control server transmits the power-off command to the air conditioner 100. Then, CPU110 of air conditioner 100 transmits a notice to the server 200 via communication interface 160 that the power is turned off.

< other application example >

An embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a case where a program is supplied to a system or an apparatus. Then, a storage medium (or a memory) storing a program expressed by software for implementing one embodiment of the present invention is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or CPUMPU) of the system or the apparatus reads and executes the program code stored in the storage medium, thereby realizing the effects of one embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the program code itself read out from the storage medium, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes one embodiment of the present invention.

In addition, the following cases are naturally included: by executing the program code read out by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized, but also a part or all of actual processing such as an OS (operating system) operating on the computer can be executed based on instructions of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the processing.

Further, the following is naturally included: the program code read out from the storage medium is written in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or another storage medium provided in a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and then, based on an instruction of the program code, a part or all of actual processing such as a CPU provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is executed, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting the invention. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims, not the description, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

Description of the reference numerals

1: network system

100: air conditioner

110：CPU

120: memory device

130: display panel

140: operation part

150: sensor with a sensor element

160: communication interface

165: infrared interface

170: loudspeaker

180: sensor with a sensor element

190: device driving section

200: server

200A: weather information providing server

200B: news information providing server

200C: traffic information providing server

200D: calendar information providing server

210：CPU

220: memory device

221: message database

240: operation part

260: communication interface

300: intelligent telephone

310：CPU

320: memory device

330: display panel

340: operation part

360: communication interface

370: loudspeaker

400: remote controller

410：CPU

420: memory device

430: display panel

440: operation part

465: infrared interface

470: loudspeaker

Claims

1. A network system is provided with:

a server; and

an air conditioner capable of communicating with the server, characterized in that,

the air conditioner includes various sensors that are included,

in the air-conditioning apparatus, it is preferable that,

when an ON command is received as a control command, information acquired by the various sensors is transmitted to the server, so that first information including maintenance information on the air conditioner is acquired from the server and output,

when a disconnection command is received as the control command, second information including a weather forecast is acquired from the server and the second information is output.

2. The network system according to claim 1,

the time period as the object of the information is associated with each time period for which the information is output.

3. The network system according to claim 1,

the time period as the object of the information is associated with each device that outputs the information.

4. The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

further comprises a communication terminal capable of communicating with the server,

the air conditioner is capable of accepting the control command from a remote controller and the communication terminal.

5. The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the air conditioner and the communication terminal are capable of outputting the information from the server.

6. The network system according to claim 5,

the information includes a weather forecast and a weather forecast,

the communication terminal outputs a weather forecast of the position of the air conditioner.

7. The network system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the server is able to retrieve calendar information for the user,

the server provides weather forecasts for the user's future location as information from the server based on the calendar information.

8. An air conditioner is characterized by comprising:

a communication interface for communicating with a server;

various sensors;

an output section; and

a processor for processing the received data, wherein the processor is used for processing the received data,

the processor acquires first information including maintenance information of the air conditioner from the server and outputs the first information from the output unit by transmitting information acquired by the various sensors to the server when receiving an on command as a control command, and acquires second information including a weather forecast from the server and outputs the second information from the output unit when receiving an off command as the control command.