GB2610505A

GB2610505A - Remote control device and air conditioner

Info

Publication number: GB2610505A
Application number: GB2217092.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tomita Daiki
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2020-05-29
Filing date: 2020-05-29
Publication date: 2023-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-29
Also published as: JPWO2021240773A1; GB2610505B; JP7394992B2; WO2021240773A1; GB202217092D0

Abstract

A remote control device according to the present disclosure comprises: an operation device-side communication control unit which performs communication with a device to be operated; an external device-side communication control unit which performs communication with an external wireless communication device; and a control processing unit which controls the operation device-side communication control unit and the external device-side communication control unit, wherein the control processing unit identifies the position of the wireless communication device on the basis of a wireless signal emitted by the wireless communication device, and when the control processing unit determines that the wireless communication device is positioned within a pre-set setting range, the control processing unit causes the operation device-side communication control unit to transmit an operation signal to the device to be operated.

Description

DESCRIPTION Title of Invention

REMOTE CONTROL DEVICE AND AIR CONDITIONER

Technical Field

[0001] The technique described in the present disclosure relates to a remote control device and an air-conditioning apparatus, and particularly relates, for example, to operation that is caused to be performed, by a device using radio.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a large conference room or office, sometimes, it is inconvenient for a person to cause an air-conditioning apparatus to operate, using a remote control device. For this reason, in some cases, a device including a human detecting sensor is required to have a function of detecting persons entering and leaving a room that is an air-conditioning target space, and causing an air-conditioning apparatus to automatically start its operation, for example, in an efficient operation mode or with temperature setting, or stop the operation.

[0003] In view of the above, in the past, an air-conditioning apparatus has been proposed that includes a human detecting device to detect the presence or absence of a person, for example, from a video obtained, for example, by capturing images of the inside of a room which is an air-conditioning target space, for example, using a CCD camera or pyroelectric sensor as a human detecting sensor, and that starts and stops an automatic operation (for example, see Patent Literature 1).

Citation List Patent Literature [0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-190164

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem [0005] However, in order to physically improve the accuracy of detecting a person, for example, by capturing images, for example, as in a CCD camera and a pyroelectric sensor, it is necessary to increase the size of an image capturing element. Inevitably, a human detecting device is made larger. Therefore, the size and design of the housing of an apparatus incorporating the human detecting device are greatly restricted, and as a result, it is not possible to maintain the degree of freedom in design in some cases.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the present disclosure relates to a remote control device and an air-conditioning apparatus which enable the detection accuracy of a human detecting device to be improved and which enable the degree of freedom in design in an apparatus incorporating the human detecting device to be maintained.

Solution to Problem [0007] A remote control device according to one embodiment of the disclosure includes an operation-device-side communication control module that communicates with a target apparatus to be operated; an external-device-side communication control module that communicates with an external wireless communication device; and a control processing module configured to control the operation-device-side communication control module and the external-device-side communication control module. The control processing module causes the operation-device-side communication control module to transmit an operation signal to the target apparatus, when the control processing module determines a location of the wireless communication device on the basis of a radio signal transmitted by the wireless communication device and determines that the wireless communication device is located within a setting range determined in advance.

[0008] Furthermore, an air-conditioning apparatus according to another embodiment of the disclosure includes: an external-device-side communication control module configured to communicate with an external wireless communication device; and a control processing module configured to control the external-device-side communication control module and an apparatus involved in air conditioning. The control processing module starts an automatic operation whose operation contents are set in advance, when the control processing module determines a location of the wireless communication device on the basis of a radio signal transmitted by the wireless communication device and determines that the wireless communication device is located within a setting range determined in advance.

Advantageous Effects of Invention [0009] In the remote control device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, when the control processing module determines the location of the wireless communication device from the radio signal transmitted by the wireless communication device and determines that the wireless communication device is located within the setting range, the operation signal to cause the automatic operation of an air-conditioning apparatus to start is transmitted. It can be said that no correspondence relationship is established between the size and detection accuracy of the external-device-side communication control module that receives a radio signal from the wireless communication device. Thus, it is possible to obtain a human detecting device in which the detection accuracy is improved while reducing in an increase in the size of the device.

[0010] Furthermore, in the remote control device or the air-conditioning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, because of provision of the above human detecting device, it is possible to maintain the size of the housing and the degree of freedom in design.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 illustrates a configuration of an air-conditioning system, while focusing on a remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 illustrates a configuration of the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an automatic operation start process up to the start of the an automatic operation, which is related to an automatic start-stop function and performed by the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an operation stop process up to the stopping of the automatic operation, which is performed by the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1 before an automatic stop is achieved.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 illustrates the entire configuration of an air-conditioning system including remote control devices 10 according to Embodiment 2.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an automatic operation start process up to the start of the automatic operation, which is related to the automatic start-stop function and performed by a remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 2.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an operation stop process up to the stopping of the automatic operation which is performed by the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 2.

Description of Embodiments

[0012] A remote control device and an air-conditioning apparatus according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, etc. In each of figures which will be referred to below, components that are the same or equivalent to those in a previous figure or previous figures are denoted by the same reference signs. The same is true of the entire text of descriptions as made below concerning embodiments.

Furthermore, in the figures, relationships between sizes of components may differ from actual ones. The configurations of components are described by way of example in the entire text of the description, and these descriptions are not limiting. In particular, a combination of components is not limited only to a combination of components described regarding the same embodiment, and a component described in an embodiment can be applied to another embodiment. Regarding a plurality of components that are of the same kind and distinguished from each other by suffixes, in the case where the components do not particularly need to be distinguished from each other or to be specified, the suffixes may be omitted.

[0013] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 illustrates a configuration of an air-conditioning system, while focusing on a remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 includes an air-conditioning apparatus 100 and the remote control device 10. Furthermore, a wireless communication device is provided as an external device located outside the system.

[0014] The air-conditioning apparatus 100, which is a target apparatus to be operated, is installed in a room and performs heating operation or cooling operation to condition air in the interior of the room, which is an air-conditioning target space. In the following description, it is assumed that an indoor unit installed in the room is the air-conditioning apparatus 100. The air-conditioning apparatus 100 includes an air-conditioning controller 110. The air-conditioning controller 110 controls the entire air-conditioning apparatus 100. Furthermore, the air-conditioning controller 110 can perform communication, which is transmission and reception, for example, of data, with the remote control device 10. The air-conditioning controller 110 controls, for example, components (not illustrated) that are related to air conditioning and that are included in a refrigerant circuit in the air-conditioning apparatus 100, for example, in response to, for example, an operation instruction included in an operation signal transmitted from the remote control device 10. Additionally, the air-conditioning controller 110 transmits, to the remote control device 10, a state signal including data, for example, regarding the state of the air-conditioning apparatus 100.

[0015] The wireless communication device 20 is a terminal device that can perform wireless communication using radio waves. The wireless communication device 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a portable phone terminal. The wireless communication device 20 according to Embodiment 1 includes at least a terminal-side wireless communication module 21, a terminal-side processing control module 22, a terminal-side display module 23, and a terminal-side input module 24.

[0016] The terminal-side wireless communication module 21 includes, for example, an antenna to perform wireless communication. The terminal-side wireless communication module 21 according to Embodiment 1 serves as an interface for the exchange of data between the terminal-side processing control module 22 and the remote control device 10. Furthermore, the terminal-side wireless communication module 21 according to Embodiment 1 periodically transmits a radio signal which does not identify the other party for communication. At this time, the terminal-side wireless communication module 21 causes the radio signal to include an identifier by which the wireless communication device 20 can be identified. It should be noted that the terminal-side wireless communication module 21 according to Embodiment 1 performs communication (transmission and reception of signal) based on wireless communication standards of Bluetooth (registered trademark) including, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). However, the wireless communication standards are not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the wireless communication device 20 may perform wireless communication compliant with standards, such as Wi-Fi.

[0017] The terminal-side display module 23 makes a display based on a display signal transmitted from the terminal-side processing control module 22. Furthermore, the terminal-side input module 24 transmits to the terminal-side processing control module 22, an input signal including an instruction, data, etc. input by a user [0018] The terminal-side processing control module 22 controls components included in the wireless communication device 20. The terminal-side processing control module 22 performs processing on the instruction, the data, etc. included in the input signal transmitted from the terminal-side input module 24. Furthermore, the terminal-side processing control module 22 transmits a display signal to the terminal-side display module 23 and causes the terminal-side display module 23 to make a display. In particular, it should be noted that the terminal-side processing control module 22 according to Embodiment 1 performs a setting process related to an automatic start-stop function that is related to, for example, starting and stopping of an automatic operation by the air-conditioning apparatus 100 that is performed according to the contents of operation that are determined in advance. In addition, the terminal-side processing control module 22 causes the terminal-side wireless communication module 21 to transmit a signal including setting data to the remote control device 10. Also, it should be noted that the contents of processing by the terminal-side processing control module 22 are stored as data in the form of a program, such as an application, in the wireless communication device 20. For example, in the case where the user can make settings related to the automatic start-stop function in the remote control device 10, the terminal-side processing control module 22 does not need to perform the process related to settings in the wireless communication device 20.

[0019] The remote control device 10 is connected in communication to an associated air-conditioning apparatus 100, which is a target apparatus to be operated. The remote control device 10 transmits to the air-conditioning apparatus 100, an operation signal including an operation instruction input by the user Furthermore, based on a signal transmitted from the air-conditioning apparatus 100, the remote control device 10 indicates for the user, the state of the air-conditioning apparatus 100, for example, by displaying the state of the air-conditioning apparatus 100. The remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1 further transmits an operation signal to the air-conditioning apparatus 100 on the basis of data on the location of the wireless communication device 20 that is obtained from a signal transmitted by the wireless communication device 20. The operation signal includes an operation instruction regarding the automatic operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 based on the automatic start-stop function.

[0020] Fig. 2 illustrates a configuration of the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1. The remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1 includes a first communication control module 11, a second communication control module 12, a main control module 13, a remote-control display module 14, and a remote-control operation module 15. Of the components of the remote control device 10, the second communication control module 12 and the main control module 13 form a human detecting device that detects a person in the room.

[0021] The first communication control module 11, which is an operation-device-side communication control module, serves as an interface for communication between the main control module 13 and the air-conditioning apparatus 100. The first communication control module 11 transmits an operation signal transmitted from the main control module 13 to the air-conditioning apparatus 100. Furthermore, the first communication control module 11 receives a state signal from the air-conditioning apparatus 100. It should be noted that although the first communication control module 11 according to Embodiment 1 will be described as a module that performs wireless communication using infrared rays, the description is not limiting, and communication via a wired connection may be performed.

[0022] The first communication control module 11 includes a first transmission and reception module 11A and a first communication module 11B. For example, the first transmission and reception module 11A converts the format of a signal into a format that can be dealt with by the main control module 13 in processing, or a format in which the signal can be transmitted to the air-conditioning apparatus 100. Furthermore, the first communication module 11B according to Embodiment 1 includes, for example, an infrared device to perform signal communication.

[0023] The second communication control module 12, which is an external-device-side communication control module, serves as an interface for wireless communication between the main control module 13 and an external device such as the wireless communication device 20. In particular, it should be noted that the second communication control module 12 according to Embodiment 1 can detect a radio field strength of a radio signal. As described above, the second communication control module 12 performs communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0024] The second communication control module 12 according to Embodiment 1 includes a second transmission and reception module 12A, a second wireless communication module 12B, and a radio wave detection module 12C. For example, the second transmission and reception module 12A converts the format of a signal into a format in which the signal can be in processing dealt with by the main control module 13 or a format in which the signal can be transmitted to an external device such as the wireless communication device 20. Furthermore, the second wireless communication module 12B according to Embodiment 1 communicates with the external device, using a radio signal. In particular, it should be noted that the second wireless communication module 12B according to Embodiment 1 includes an antenna array 12D in which a plurality of antennas are arranged in an array; that is, the antennas are located at different positions. Each of the antennas receives one radio signal, and for example, a direction in which the radio signal is transmitted and a distance to the radio signal are calculated as described below, whereby the location of the wireless communication device 20 can be determined. As described above, the second communication control module 12 performs communication based on Bluetooth (registered trademark). Therefore, it is possible to put a technique of determining the location of an object to practical use, by utilizing a direction detection function included in the core specifications of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Version 5.1. The radio wave detection module 12C detects a radio field strength of a radio signal received by the antenna array 12D and a direction in which the radio signal is transmitted.

[0025] The remote-control display module 14 includes a display device (not illustrated) and displays, for example, a setting temperature, an air volume setting, and the state of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 on the basis of a display signal transmitted from the main control module 13. The remote-control operation module 15 includes buttons, etc., and receives an operation instruction regarding, for example, starting or stopping of operation, a temperature, and an air volume, which are input from the user The input operation instructions are transmitted to the main control module 13.

[0026] The main control module 13, which is a control processing module, controls the entire remote control device 10. In particular, it should be noted that in Embodiment 1, on the basis of the location of a wireless communication device 20 in which the automatic start-stop function is enabled, the main control module 13 transmits to the air-conditioning apparatus 100, an operation signal including an instruction to start or stop the automatic operation based on the automatic start-stop function. The main control module 13 according to Embodiment 1 includes an arithmetic processing module 13A, a storage module 13B, and a timing module 13C. The arithmetic processing module 13A performs processes, such as arithmetic and determination processes, for example, on the basis of data and an instruction that are included in a signal, and controls components. Furthermore, the storage module 13B is a device that stores data necessary when the arithmetic processing module 13A performs a process. The timing module 13C includes, for example, a timer to time the time and time period that are necessary information when the arithmetic processing module 13A performs a process, such as a determination process.

[0027] The arithmetic processing module 13A of the main control module 13 is, for example, a microcomputer including a control arithmetic processor, such as a central processing module (CPU). Furthermore, the storage module 13B includes, for example, a volatile storage device (not illustrated), such as a random-access memory (RAM) that can temporarily store data, and a non-volatile auxiliary storage device (not illustrated), such as a hard disk, and a flash memory that can store data for a long period of time. The storage module 13B stores, as a program, data on a processing procedure of processing by the arithmetic processing module 13A. Additionally, the processing by the arithmetic processing module 13A is achieved by execution of a process by the control processor based on the data stored as the program. This description, however, is not limiting. A device that serves as the main control module 13 to perform the process may be, for example, a dedicated device (hardware), not a general-purpose device.

[0028] Next, for example, a process by the remote control device 10 for the automatic start-stop function of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 will be described. At a stage prior to a process related to the start or stopping of the automatic operation that is achieved by the remote control device 10, settings related to the automatic start-stop function of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 are made by the user using the wireless communication device 20. For example, if the wireless communication device 20 is a smartphone, the smartphone is made to have a setting program as an app in advance, and the user can make settings by running the app.

[0029] The user selectively sets the automatic start-stop function via the wireless communication device 20 such that the automatic start-stop function is enabled or disabled. In the case of enabling the automatic start-stop function, the user sets an operation mode in the automatic operation. Furthermore, the user can set an indoor setting temperature in the automatic operation. However, if the user does not set an indoor setting temperature, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 automatically sets an indoor temperature on the basis of the state of the room and performs the operation. Furthermore, settings regarding, for example, the flow direction of air, and airing or wind guard can also be made.

[0030] The terminal-side processing control module 22 processes the settings set by the user to produce setting data. Subsequently, the terminal-side wireless communication module 21 transmits a signal including the setting data to the remote control device 10. In the setting data, data related to an identifier of the wireless communication device 20 is also included. The main control module 13 of the remote control device 10 stores the transmitted setting data in the storage module 13B.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an automatic operation start process up the start of the automatic operation, which is related to the automatic start-stop function and performed by the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1. In the following, it is assumed that the main control module 13, which includes the arithmetic processing module 13A, performs the process related to the automatic start-stop function (the same is true of the following).

[0032] The main control module 13 determines, based on a signal transmitted from the radio wave detection module 12C, whether a radio signal having a radio field strength greater than or equal to a reference strength is received or not (step S101). The radio field strength is, for example, a received signal strength indication (RSSI). When the main control module 13 determines that a radio signal having a radio field strength greater than or equal to the reference strength is not received, the main control module 13 repeats the determination at step 5101 and is also caused to be on standby.

[0033] When the main control module 13 determines that a radio signal having a radio field strength greater than or equal to the reference strength is received, the main control module 13 compares data on an identifier in a radio signal obtained by processing by the second transmission and reception module 12A with the setting data stored in the storage module 13B. Subsequently, the main control module 13 determines whether or not the automatic start-stop function is enabled by the setting by the wireless communication device 20 which has transmitted the radio signal (step S102). When the main control module 13 determines that the automatic start-stop function is not enabled by the setting by the wireless communication device 20 and is disabled by the setting by the wireless communication device 20, the processing by the main control module 13 returns to step 5101 and the main control module 13 repeats the determination thereat.

[0034] By contrast, when the main control module 13 determines that the automatic start-stop function is enabled by the setting by the wireless communication device 20, the main control module 13 acquires data on radio field strengths and the phases of the radio signal at the antennas of the antenna array 12D included by the second communication control module 12 (step 5103). Subsequently, the main control module 13 calculates, for example, the distance between the antenna array 12D and the wireless communication device 20 and the orientation of the wireless communication device 20 to determine the location of the wireless communication device 20 and acquire location data (step S104).

[0035] The main control module 13 determines, based on the acquired location data, whether or not the wireless communication device 20 is located within an in-room range, which is a setting range determined in advance (step S105). When the main control module 13 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is not located within the in-room range, the processing by the main control module 13 returns to step S101 and the main control module 13 repeats the determination thereat. Furthermore, when determining that the wireless communication device 20 is located within the in-room range, the main control module 13 determines, based on the time timed by the timing module 13C, whether an in-room determination time, which is a setting time determined in advance, elapses or not (step S106). In this case, it is assumed that the in-room determination time is, for example, five seconds. However, the time can be set to any time and is not limited to a specific time. When the main control module 13 determines that the in-room determination time does not elapse, the processing by the main control module 13 returns to step S103 and the main control module 13 repeats the acquisition of location data on the wireless communication device 20 based on the radio field strengths and the phase difference for the radio signal. Subsequently, the main control module 13 determines whether the wireless communication device 20 is located within the in-room range or not (steps S103 to S106).

[0036] When the main control module 13 determines that the in-room determination time elapses, the main control module 13 causes the first communication control module 11 to transmit, to the air-conditioning apparatus 100, an operation signal to cause the automatic operation to start (step S107). When receiving the operation signal transmitted from the first communication control module 11, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 performs the automatic operation whose contents are based on conditions, such as a setting temperature set in the settings. It should be noted that, for example, in the case where settings regarding energy savings are made for the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100, a set automatic operation may be performed within a setting range for energy savings.

[0037] Furthermore, the main control module 13 transmits a display signal to the remote-control display module 14 to cause the display device (not illustrated) to make a display to the effect that the automatic operation is being performed (step S108). Additionally, the main control module 13 causes the second communication control module 12 to transmit to the wireless communication device 20, a radio signal indicating that the air-conditioning apparatus 100 starts the automatic operation (step S109). Subsequently, the main control module 13 ends the automatic operation start process. When the main control module 13 ends the automatic operation start process, the processing by the main control module 13 proceeds to an automatic operation stop process, which will be described as follows.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the flow of the operation stop process up to the stopping of the automatic operation, which is performed by the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1. Next, a process related to the stopping of the automatic operation in the air-conditioning apparatus 100 that is in the automatic operation will be described. [0039] During the automatic operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100, the main control module 13 acquires data on the radio field strengths and the phases of the radio signal at the antennas of the antenna array 12D included by the second communication control module 12 (step S111). Subsequently, the main control module 13 calculates, for example, the distance between the antenna array 12D and the wireless communication device 20 and the orientation of the wireless communication device 20 to determine the location of the wireless communication device 20 and acquire location data (step S112).

[0040] Subsequently, the main control module 13 continuously checks whether or not the wireless communication device 20 is not present within the in-room range set in the remote control device 10 (step S113).

[0041] The main control module 13 determines whether no wireless communication devices 20 are located within the in-room range or not (step S114). When the main control module 13 determines that a wireless communication device 2 is located within the in-room range, the processing by the main control module 13 returns to step S111 and the main control module 13 continues the process.

[0042] By contrast, when the main control module 13 determines that no wireless communication devices 20 are located within the in-room range, the main control module 13 causes the first communication control module 11 to transmit to the air-conditioning apparatus 100, an operation signal to cause the automatic operation to stop (step 5115). Upon reception of the operation signal transmitted from the first communication control module 11, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 stops the automatic operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the main control module 13 transmits a display signal to the remote-control display module 14 to cause the display device (not illustrated) to make a display to the effect that the automatic operation is stopped (step S116). In addition, the main control module 13 causes the second communication control module 12 to transmit to the wireless communication device 20, a radio signal indicating that the air-conditioning apparatus 100 stops the automatic operation (step S117). Subsequently, the main control module 13 ends the automatic operation stop process. When the main control module 13 ends the automatic operation stop process, the processing by the main control module 13 proceeds to the above automatic operation start process.

[0044] As described above, in the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1, the main control module 13 determines whether a person is present or absent in the room, from location data based on reception strengths of a radio signal that is received from the wireless communication device 20 by the plurality of antennas included in the antenna array 12D and a direction in which the radio signal is transmitted. When determining that a person is present in the room, the main control module 13 causes the air-conditioning apparatus 100 to perform the automatic operation. When the main control module 13 determines that a person is absent in the room, the main control module 13 causes the air-conditioning apparatus 100 to stop the automatic operation. Therefore, the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1 does not need to detect whether a person is present or absent, for example, by capturing images. It is therefore possible to improve the detection accuracy without increasing the size of the human detection sensor, and the device is not made larger. Furthermore, the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1 does not need to physically detect a person, and it is therefore possible to perform detection even if an obstacle blocks the space between a person and the remote control device 10.

[0045] Embodiment 2 Fig. 5 illustrates the entire configuration of an air-conditioning system including remote control devices 10 according to Embodiment 2. Referring to Fig. 5, for example, components that are denoted by the same reference signs as those in Fig. 1 perform, for example, similar operations to those described regarding Embodiment 1. Each of the remote control devices 10 according to Embodiment 2 can communicate not only with the wireless communication device 20, but also with other remote control devices 10 installed within a predetermined range as an external device or devices.

Furthermore, the remote control device 10 determines the location of the wireless communication device 20, for example, based on data on the field strengths of a radio wave from the wireless communication device 20 that are received by the above other remote control devices 10, and acquires location data.

[0046] In the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1, the second wireless communication module 12B includes the antenna array 120 including the plurality of antennas. In Embodiment 2, as described below, the main control module 13 calculates location data, using not the phase difference between the phases of the radio signal at the plurality of antennas, but data on the radio field strengths of the radio signal detected by the above other remote control devices 10. Therefore, in the second wireless communication module 123 in Embodiment 2, antennas that communicate with an external device do not need to be arranged in an array; that is, it suffices that one or more antennas are provided at each remote control device 10. On the above points, the remote control devices 10 according to Embodiment 2 differ from the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 1.

[0047] For example, in a building, such as a multistory building or hotel, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 including a plurality of indoor units is installed. In such an environment, in many cases, a plurality of remote control devices 10 associated with the indoor units are installed. The remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 2 determines the location of the wireless communication device 20 in cooperation with the other remote control devices 10 to detect a person who is present within the in-room range.

[0048] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the flow of an automatic operation start process up to the start of the automatic operation, which is related to the automatic start-stop function, which is performed by the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 2. The main control module 13 determines, based on a signal transmitted from the radio wave detection module 12C, whether or not a radio signal having a radio field strength greater than or equal to a reference strength is received (step S201). When the main control module 13 determines that a radio signal having a radio field strength greater than or equal to the reference strength is not received, the main control module 13 repeats the determination at step S201 and is also caused to be on standby.

[0049] When determining that a radio signal having a radio field strength greater than or equal to the reference strength is received, the main control module 13 compares data on an identifier in a radio signal acquired by the processing by the second transmission and reception module 12A with the setting data stored in the storage module 13B. Subsequently, the main control module 13 determines whether or not the automatic start-stop function is enabled by the setting by the wireless communication device 20 that has transmitted the radio signal (step S202). When the main control module 13 determines that the automatic start-stop function is not enabled by the setting by the wireless communication device 20, that is, the automatic start-stop function is disabled by the setting, the processing by the main control module 13 returns to step S201 and the main control module 13 repeats the determination thereat.

[0050] By contrast, when the main control module 13 determines that the automatic start-stop function is enabled by the setting by the wireless communication device 20, the main control module 13 acquires data on a radio field strength of the radio signal received by the second communication control module 12 (step S203). The main control module 13 further communicates with at least three remote control devices 10 and acquires data on the radio field strengths of a radio signal acquired by the remote control devices 10 (step S204). It should be noted that the storage module 13B of the main control module 13 stores data regarding locations of the other remote control devices 10 in advance. Subsequently, the main control module 13 determines the location of the wireless communication device 20 based on data on a plurality of radio field strengths including the radio field strength at its remote control device 10 itself and the location data on the other remote control devices 10, and acquires location data (step S205). It should be noted that in Embodiment 2, the main control module 13 performs arithmetic using a position calculation technique, such as trilateration or triangulation, to produce and process location data. This is achieved, for example, using a Real Time Location System (RTLS) or Indoor Positioning System (IPS) using Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0051] The main control module 13 determines on the basis of the acquired location data, whether or not the wireless communication device 20 is located within the in-room range (step S206). When the main control module 13 determines that the wireless communication device 20 is not located within the in-room range, the processing by the main control module 13 returns to step 5201 and the main control module 13 repeats the determination. By contrast, when determining that the wireless communication device 20 is located within the in-room range, the main control module 13 determines on the basis of the time timed by the timing module 13C, whether or not the in-room determination time elapses (step 5207). When the main control module 13 determines that the in-room determination time does not elapse, the processing by the main control module 13 returns to step 5203 and the main control module 13 repeats acquisition of location data on the wireless communication device 20 based on a radio field strength and a phase difference of a radio signal. Subsequently, the main control module 13 determines whether or not the wireless communication device 20 is located within the in-room range (steps 5203 to 5207).

[0052] When determining that the in-room determination time elapses, the main control module 13 causes the first communication control module 11 to transmit, to the air-conditioning apparatus 100, an operation signal to cause the automatic operation to start (step 5208). When receiving the operation signal transmitted from the first communication control module 11, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 performs the automatic operation.

[0053] Furthermore, the main control module 13 transmits a display signal to the remote-control display module 14 to cause the display device (not illustrated) to make a display to the effect that the automatic operation is being performed (step S209). In addition, the main control module 13 causes the second communication control module 12 to transmit to the wireless communication device 20, a radio signal indicating that the air-conditioning apparatus 100 starts the automatic operation (step 5210). Subsequently, the main control module 13 ends the operation start process.

[0054] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of an operation stop process up to the stopping of the automatic operation, which is performed by the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 2. Next, a process related to the stopping of the automatic operation in the air-conditioning apparatus 100 that is in the automatic operation will be described.

[0055] While the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is in the automatic operation, the main control module 13 acquires data on a radio field strength of a radio signal at an antenna included by the second communication control module 12 (step S211). Subsequently, the main control module 13 further communicates with at least two or more remote control devices 10 and acquires data on radio field strengths of a radio signal acquired by the remote control devices 10 (step S212). Then, the main control module 13 determines the location of the wireless communication device 20 on the basis of data on a plurality of radio field strengths including the radio field strength at its remote control device 10, and acquires location data (step S213).

[0056] Subsequently, the main control module 13 continuously checks whether or not the wireless communication device 20 is not present within the in-room range set in advance in the remote control device 10 (step S214).

[0057] The main control module 13 determines whether no wireless communication devices 20 are located within the in-room range (step S215). When the main control module 13 determines that a wireless communication device 20 is located within the in-room range, the processing by the main control module 13 returns to step S211 and the main control module 13 continues the process.

[0058] On the other hand, when determining that no wireless communication devices 20 are located within the in-room range, the main control module 13 causes the first communication control module 11 to transmit to the air-conditioning apparatus 100, an operation signal to cause the automatic operation to stop (step S216). When receiving the operation signal transmitted from the first communication control module 11, the air-conditioning apparatus 100 stops the automatic operation.

[0059] Furthermore, the main control module 13 transmits a display signal to the remote-control display module 14 to cause the display device (not illustrated) to make a display to the effect that the automatic operation is stopped (step S217). In addition, the main control module 13 causes the second communication control module 12 to transmit to the wireless communication device 20, a radio signal indicating that the air-conditioning apparatus 100 stops the automatic operation (step 5218). Subsequently, the main control module 13 ends the automatic operation stop process. When the main control module 13 ends the automatic operation stop process, the processing by the main control module 13 proceeds to the above automatic operation start process. [0060] As described above, in the remote control device 10 according to Embodiment 2, the main control module 13 acquires data on radio field strengths of a radio signal transmitted by the wireless communication device 20 and received by other remote control devices 10. Subsequently, the main control module 13 acquires location data from the data on the radio field strengths, and determines whether a person is present or absent in the room. Sine location data can be acquired in cooperation with the plurality of remote control devices 10, it is not necessary to use the antenna array 12D, and it is possible to reduce the cost.

[0061] Although it is described above that the second communication control module 12 communicates with three or more remote control devices 10 to acquire data on radio field strengths, it is not limiting. The remote control device 10 may further use a communication device different from the second communication control module 12 to communicate with the other remote control devices 10.

[0062] Embodiment 3 Regarding Embodiment 2, although it is described above that the main control module 13 acquires location data on the wireless communication device 20 on the basis of data on radio field strengths of a radio signal from the wireless communication device 20 that are received by three or more remote control devices 10, it is not limiting. For example, the main control module 13 may use, as an external device, a locator, such as a beacon, which is provided in the room in place of a remote control device 10, and may apply data on the radio field strength of a radio signal received by the locator, to calculation of location data.

[0063] Although it is not particularly referred to in the above descriptions regarding Embodiments 1 and 2, a plurality of wireless communication devices 20 that are different in settings of conditions in the automatic operation can be present within the in-room range. In such a case, for example, a procedure of determining conditions in the automatic operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is not limited to a particular procedure. The main control module 13 or the air-conditioning controller 110 can determine conditions, for example, on the basis of settings in a wireless communication device 20 that enters the room earlier or later. Furthermore, the main control module 13 or the air-conditioning controller 110 may determine conditions in order of priority based on attributes of users who have respective wireless communication devices 20, for example, the ages or official positions of the users. In addition, in the case where data related to a body, such as a user's heart rate or temperature, can be obtained, for example, from a smartwatch, the main control module 13 or the air-conditioning controller 110 may determine conditions on the basis of the obtained data related to the body.

[0064] Regarding Embodiments 1 and 2, although it is described above that the second communication control module 12 and the main control module 13 in the remote control device 10 serve as a human detecting device to detect a person, it is not limiting. The air-conditioning controller 110 of the air-conditioning apparatus 100 may serve as a human detecting device to detect a person. In this case as well, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the detection and reduce an increase in the size of the human detecting device.

[0065] Regarding Embodiments 1 to 3, although it is described above that the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is a target apparatus to be operated, it is not limiting. For example, an illuminating device or some other home electric appliance may be a target apparatus to be operated. Furthermore, on the basis of the detection of a person by the human detecting device, an operation signal to cause the air-conditioning apparatus 100, the illuminating device, and the home electric appliance to be combined and to cooperate with each other may be transmitted.

Reference Signs List [0066] 10: remote control device, 11: first communication control module, 11A: first transmission and reception module, 11B: first communication module, 12: second communication control module, 12A: second transmission and reception module, 12B: second wireless communication module, 12C: radio wave detection module, 12D: antenna array, 13: main control module, 13A: arithmetic processing module, 13B: storage module, 13C: timing module, 14: remote-control display module, 15: remote-control operation module, 20: wireless communication device, 21: terminal-side wireless communication module, 22: terminal-side processing control module, 23: terminal-side display module, 24: terminal-side input module, 100: air-conditioning apparatus, 110: air-conditioning controller

Claims

CLAIMS[Claim 1] A remote control device comprising: an operation-device-side communication control module configured to communicate with a target apparatus to be operated; an external-device-side communication control module configured to communicate with an external wireless communication device; and a control processing module configured to control the operation-device-side communication control module and the external-device-side communication control module, wherein the control processing module is configured to cause the operationdevice-side communication control module to transmit an operation signal to the target apparatus, when the control processing module determines a location of the wireless communication device on the basis of a radio signal transmitted by the wireless communication device and determines that the wireless communication device is located within a setting range determined in advance.
[Claim 2] The remote control device of claim 1, wherein the target apparatus is an air-conditioning apparatus, and the control processing module is configured to cause an operation signal for the air-conditioning apparatus to be transmitted.
[Claim 3] The remote control device of claim 2, wherein the control processing module is configured to cause, when determining that the wireless communication device is located within the setting range, an operation signal to be transmitted to the air-conditioning apparatus, the operation signal being a signal to cause an automatic operation whose operation contents are determined in advance to start.
[Claim 4] The remote control device of claim 3, wherein the control processing module is configured to cause the operation-device-side communication control module to transmit an operation signal to cause the automatic operation of the air-conditioning apparatus to stop, when a plurality of wireless communication devices identical to the wireless communication device are present, and then when the control processing module determines that none of the plurality of wireless communication devices are located within the setting range.
[Claim 5] The remote control device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the control processing module is configured to determine the location of the wireless communication device on the basis of the radio signal which is set to cause the automatic operation to be performed and which is transmitted by the wireless communication device.
[Claim 6] The remote control device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control processing module is configured to determine, when the wireless communication device is continuously located within the setting range for a setting time determined in advance, that the wireless communication device is located within the setting range.
[Claim 7] The remote control device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the external-device-side communication control module includes an antenna array having a plurality of antennas arranged in an array, and the control processing module is configured to acquire, as data, a location of the wireless communication device on the basis of radio field strengths of the radio signal received at the antennas of the antenna array and a direction in which the radio signal is transmitted.
[Claim 8] The remote control device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control processing module is configured to acquire, as data, a location of the wireless communication device on the basis of radio field strengths that are detected by respective external devices.
[Claim 9] The remote control device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the radio signal is a signal compliant with a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.
[Claim 10] An air-conditioning apparatus comprising: an external-device-side communication control module configured to communicate with an external wireless communication device; and a control processing module configured to control the external-device-side communication control module and an apparatus involved in air conditioning, wherein the control processing module is configured to start an automatic operation whose operation contents are set in advance, when the control processing module determines a location of the wireless communication device on the basis of a radio signal transmitted by the wireless communication device and determines that the wireless communication device is located within a setting range determined in advance.