JP2021007248A - Control method of terminal device for remotely controlling plurality of devices, program executed by terminal device, and recommendation method executed by terminal device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology that enables easy remote control of a plurality of devices.SOLUTION: There is provided a control method of a terminal device used in a device control system for remotely operating a plurality of devices. A memory of the terminal device stores setting information in which a plurality of operation target devices that receive at least one predetermined operation are set. The control method includes a first determination step of determining whether the setting information includes a plurality of operation target devices, a first display step of displaying an image including an instruction area for giving an instruction of the predetermined operation collectively to all of the plurality of operation target devices on a display of the terminal device, and an output step of outputting control data for giving instructions of the predetermined operation to the plurality of operation target devices when the instruction area is operated on the image and it is determined that the setting information includes a plurality of operation target devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for remotely controlling an air conditioner installed in a building from a vehicle.

Recent advances in communication technology have made it possible to remotely control home appliances installed in buildings from a car (see Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, the user in the vehicle operates a communication terminal and calls a home server arranged in the user's house. After that, the user makes a reservation setting regarding the operation of the home electric appliance in the house by using the called home server. As a result, the user can remotely control the home electric appliance.

JP-A-2002-64881

In general, many users own multiple air conditioners. Although the technique of Patent Document 1 enables a user to remotely control an air conditioner, the user is required to perform various operations in order to remotely control one air conditioner. If the user tries to operate a plurality of air conditioners, the amount of operation required for the user becomes enormous.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables easy remote control of a plurality of air conditioners.

The method for controlling a terminal device according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a device control system for remotely controlling a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building via a network. As for the control method of the terminal device, the memory of the terminal device stores setting information in which a plurality of operation target devices that receive the same operation among the plurality of air conditioning devices are set. The control method includes a first determination step of causing the computer of the terminal device to determine whether or not the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices, and the computer performing the plurality of operations on the display of the terminal device. The first display step of displaying an image including an instruction area that collectively gives instructions for the same operation to all of the target devices, the instruction area is operated on the image, and the computer sets the settings. If it is determined that the information includes the plurality of operation target devices, the output step of causing the computer to output the first control data for giving the same operation instruction to the plurality of operation target devices to the network. To be equipped.

The program according to another aspect of the present invention is executed by a terminal device used in a device control system for remotely controlling a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building via a network. In the memory of the terminal device, setting information for setting a plurality of operation target devices that receive the same operation among the plurality of air conditioning devices is stored. The program causes the computer of the terminal device to determine whether or not the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices. The computer causes the display of the terminal device to display an image including an instruction area for collectively giving instructions for the same operation to all of the plurality of operation target devices. If the program determines that the instruction area is operated on the image and the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices, the computer can perform the same operation on the plurality of operation target devices. The first control data that gives an instruction is output to the network.

The recommendation method according to still another aspect of the present invention is executed by a device control system that remotely controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building via a network. The recommendation method uses a memory in which setting information for setting a plurality of operation target devices that receive the same operation among the plurality of air conditioning devices is used, and whether the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices. A step of determining whether or not the device is used, a step of displaying an image including an instruction area for collectively giving instructions for the same operation to all of the plurality of operation target devices, and a step of displaying the instruction area on the image. Further, if it is determined that the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices, the step of outputting the first control data for giving the same operation instruction to the plurality of operation target devices to the network. , Equipped with.

The present invention allows a user to easily remotely control a plurality of devices.

It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process performed by the control system which remotely controls a plurality of air-conditioning devices installed in a building from a car through a network (first embodiment). It is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S110 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment). It is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S120 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S120 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment). It is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S130 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 (first embodiment). It is a conceptual diagram which shows the communication between a communication terminal and an air conditioner (1st Embodiment). It is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S150 of the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 5 (second embodiment). It is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions for remote control (third embodiment). It is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions for remote control (third embodiment). It is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions for remote control (third embodiment). It is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions for remote control (third embodiment). It is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions for remote control (third embodiment). It is an exemplary image used by a user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions for remote control (third embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process of the touch panel display when the image shown in FIG. 8E is displayed (third embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process of the touch panel display when the image shown in FIG. 8F is displayed (third embodiment). It is a table showing the setting data stored in the memory of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 (third embodiment). It is an exemplary image used by the user to set the position of the building (fourth embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process of the touch panel display when the image shown in FIG. 12 is displayed (fourth embodiment). It is a conceptual diagram of the control system including a communication terminal (fifth embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (fifth embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (fifth embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (fifth embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (fifth embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (sixth embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (sixth embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process of a communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 8C is displayed (the sixth embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process of a communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 8D is displayed (the sixth embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process of a communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 16A is displayed (the sixth embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process of the communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 16B is displayed (the sixth embodiment). It is a flowchart which shows the schematic process of a communication terminal when the image shown in FIG. 15D is displayed (the sixth embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed on the display when the user uses the application program (7th embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed on the display when the user uses the application program (7th embodiment). 8 is an exemplary image displayed on the display when the user uses the application program (8th embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed on the display when the user uses the application program (9th embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed on the display when the user uses the application program (10th embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (11th embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (11th embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (11th embodiment). The communication terminal shown in FIG. 7 is an exemplary image presented to the user (11th embodiment). It is a schematic block diagram which shows the exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal of the twelfth embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the exemplary functional configuration of the server apparatus of 13th Embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the air conditioner of the 14th embodiment. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the exemplary functional structure of the communication terminal of 15th Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of the vehicle VC traveling near the boundary of the control area. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the process executed by the communication terminal shown in FIG. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the exemplary operation of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (16th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the on-recommendation determination process (17th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the process in step S1340 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 34 (17th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the process in step S1360 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 34 (17th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the process in step S1380 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 34 (17th Embodiment). It is a table which shows the data of the air-conditioning apparatus stored in the 1st storage part of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (18th Embodiment). It is a table which shows the air-conditioning apparatus which was determined as the operation target apparatus by the image display determination process (18th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart of an image display determination process (18th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart of the process executed in step S1240 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 33 (19th embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the on-recommendation determination process (20th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the on-recommendation determination process (21st Embodiment). It is a schematic block diagram which shows the exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal of 22nd Embodiment. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the procedure for determining an operation mode (the 23rd embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the other procedure for determining an operation mode (the 23rd embodiment). It is a table which shows the data stored in the 1st storage part of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (24th Embodiment). FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart showing a method of determining a display order of images from a difference between a temperature set by a user and a measured temperature (25th embodiment). It is a schematic block diagram which shows the exemplary functional configuration of the server apparatus of 26th Embodiment. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the on-recommendation determination process (27th Embodiment). 9 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1850 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 49 (27th embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the on-recommendation determination process (28th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the exemplary operation of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (29th Embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed by the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (30th embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed by the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (30th embodiment). It is a table which shows the exemplary data generated by the operation on the image shown in FIG. 53A and FIG. 53B (30th embodiment). It is a table which represents the data of the operation target device which is the transmission destination of the control data for stopping an operation (30th Embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed by the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (30th embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed by the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (30th embodiment). It is an exemplary image displayed by the display unit of the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (30th embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the setting process for setting an operation candidate device (the 31st embodiment). It is an exemplary image presented to the user by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (32nd embodiment). It is an exemplary image presented to the user by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (32nd embodiment). It is an exemplary image presented to the user by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (32nd embodiment). It is an exemplary image presented to the user by the communication terminal shown in FIG. 30 (32nd embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the start process of the off-the-comment process (the 33rd embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows step S2140 (off-recommendation processing) of the flowchart shown in FIG. 60 (the 33rd embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the off-the-recording determination process (34th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the process in step S2330 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 62 (the 34th embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart of an image display determination process (35th Embodiment). FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of the process executed in step S2240 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 61 (36th embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the off-the-recording determination process (37th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the off-the-recording determination process (38th Embodiment). It is a schematic flowchart which shows the process in step S2340 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 67 (38th Embodiment).

With reference to the accompanying drawings, various embodiments relating to techniques for remotely controlling an air conditioner installed in a building from a vehicle are described below. The technology for remotely controlling the air conditioner installed in the building from the car can be clearly understood by the following explanation.

<Problems found by the present inventors>
The present inventors have studied the techniques disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, and have found problems included in the disclosed techniques of Patent Document 1. The issues included in the disclosure technology of Patent Document 1 will be described below.

According to Patent Document 1, a user (for example, a driver) operates a communication terminal in a car to access a home server. After that, the user sets a reservation for the home electric appliance through the home server.

When the reserved time approaches, the home server sends confirmation image data to the communication terminal for confirming whether or not the target home electric appliance may execute the operation specified by the reserved setting. .. If the user approves the execution of the operation, a permission signal permitting the operation of the target home electric appliance is transmitted from the communication terminal to the home server. The home server generates a control signal for executing the reserved operation according to the permission signal. The control signal is transmitted from the home server to the target air conditioner.

When the home appliance properly receives the control signal, the home appliance generates a notification signal for notifying that the home appliance is operating properly according to the control signal. The notification signal is transmitted from the home appliance to the home server. The home server transfers the notification signal to the communication terminal.

The disclosed technology of Patent Document 1 can also be used for remote control of a plurality of air conditioners. For example, the user can remotely control the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of a room other than the room where the first air conditioner adjusts the temperature.

The user can set the first time as the reserved time for the first air conditioner. The user can set a second time different from the first time as the reserved time for the second air conditioner.

When the first time approaches, the home server transmits confirmation image data for confirming whether or not the first air conditioner may execute the operation specified by the reservation setting to the communication terminal. When the second time approaches, the home server transmits confirmation image data for confirming whether or not the second air conditioner may execute the operation specified by the reservation setting to the communication terminal. Therefore, each time the confirmation image data is transmitted, the user needs to operate the communication terminal.

Many users do not want frequent operation of the communication terminal in the car. The user may want to finish the operation on the communication terminal in a short period of time when the vehicle is stopped by the signal. The disclosure technique of Patent Document 1 does not meet the needs of such users.

<First Embodiment>
As described above, the disclosure technique of Patent Document 1 requires the user to perform frequent operations. In the first embodiment, a technique for allowing a user to easily perform remote control on a plurality of air conditioners will be described.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a schematic process executed by a control system that remotely controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building from a car via a network. The schematic processing performed by the control system will be described with reference to FIG.

The flowchart of FIG. 1 is suitably available for activating a plurality of air conditioners. In the following description, the process according to the flowchart of FIG. 1 is referred to as "on-recommendation process".

(Step S110)
In step S110, the control system identifies a plurality of operation target devices to be remotely operated. After that, step S120 is executed.

(Step S120)
In step S120, the control system locates the vehicle. If the position of the vehicle satisfies a predetermined condition, step S130 is executed.

(Step S130)
In step S130, the control system presents the operation image to the user. When the user executes a predetermined operation on the operation image, step S140 is executed.

(Step S140)
In step S140, the control system generates control data in response to a user operation. The control data is output from the communication terminal to the network. In the following embodiments, the terminal device is exemplified by a communication terminal. The communication terminal may be an on-board unit (for example, a car navigation system) attached to the vehicle. Alternatively, the communication terminal may be a mobile terminal (eg, a smart phone) carried by the user. Further alternative, the communication terminal may be another device capable of outputting control data from the car to the network. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific communication terminal. After outputting the control data from the communication terminal to the network, step S150 is executed.

(Step S150)
In step S150, the control data is output from the network to a plurality of operation target devices. Each of the plurality of operation target devices generates a notification signal indicating that the control data has been received. The notification signal is output from each of the plurality of operation target devices to the communication terminal via the network. The communication terminal generates a notification image indicating that the control data has been sent to each of the plurality of operation target devices in response to the notification signal. The user can see the notification image to check whether the remote control has been properly executed.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S110. The process in step S110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The memory of the communication terminal stores information about a plurality of air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4 owned by the user in advance. The user presets an operation candidate device to be a target of remote control using the control system in the memory. If the user defines a plurality of air conditioning devices as operation candidate devices, the process of step S110 is continued. FIG. 2 shows that the user has set the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3 as operation candidate devices. The operation candidate device may be set according to the needs of the user. Therefore, the principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific setting of the operation candidate device.

The memory stores not only information on the operation candidate device but also information on the temperature conditions defined for each of the air conditioner devices AC1, AC2, and AC3 set as the operation candidate device. The temperature condition determines the start condition for starting the air conditioner AC1, AC2, AC3. For example, the user may set a lower limit temperature of 20 ° C. and an upper limit temperature of 30 ° C. as temperature conditions for the air conditioner AC1. The user may set a lower limit temperature of 22 ° C. and an upper limit temperature of 33 ° C. as temperature conditions for the air conditioner AC2. The user may set a lower limit temperature of 18 ° C. and an upper limit temperature of 35 ° C. as temperature conditions for the air conditioner AC3.

The computer of the communication terminal (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) compares the outside air temperature with the temperature condition. The outside air temperature may mean the temperature outside the vehicle. Alternatively, the outside air temperature may be plural. It may mean the temperature of the room in which the air conditioner AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4 is installed. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific position where the outside air temperature is measured.

FIG. 2 shows that the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 are selected as the operation target devices by the computer. If the information about the outside air temperature acquired by the computer indicates 34 ° C., the computer selects the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 as the operation target devices. The air conditioners AC1 and AC2 are operated in the cooling mode under the control of the control system. That is, the above-mentioned setting of the upper limit temperature is used as a start condition for starting the operation in the cooling mode.

If the information about the outside air temperature acquired by the computer indicates 18 ° C., the computer selects the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 as the operation target devices. The air conditioners AC1 and AC2 are operated in the heating mode under the control of the control system. That is, the above-mentioned setting of the lower limit temperature is used as a start condition for starting the operation in the heating mode. The upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature may be determined according to the user's preference. Therefore, the principle of this embodiment is not limited to specific values of the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature.

3A and 3B are conceptual diagrams of the process in step S120. The process in step S120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3B.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the computer of the communication terminal selects a plurality of air-conditioning devices (air-conditioning devices AC1 and AC2) as the operation target devices, step S120 is executed.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the control system presets a control area CR surrounding the building HM in which the air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4 are installed. The size and shape of the control area CR may be determined by the user. Alternatively, the size and shape of the control region CR may be determined by the control system. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to a specific size or a specific shape of the control region CR.

The computer of the communication terminal acquires the position information regarding the position of the vehicle VC. Acquisition of location information may depend on GPS technology used in general car navigation systems. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a specific technique for acquiring position information. In the following embodiments, the vehicle is exemplified by vehicle VC.

FIG. 3A shows that the vehicle VC is in the control region CR. FIG. 3B shows that the vehicle VC is in a region outside the control region CR. The computer of the communication terminal determines whether or not the vehicle VC exists in the control area CR based on the position information.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S130. The process in step S130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 4.

As shown in FIG. 3A, when the computer of the communication terminal determines that the vehicle VC exists in the control area CR, step S130 is executed.

In step S130, the touch panel display of the communication terminal displays an operation image OIM for giving an instruction to start remote control to the air conditioning devices AC1 and AC2 selected as the operation target devices. The operation image OIM includes an operation area ORG operated by the user. The operation area ORG may be a general icon button. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to a particular image design displayed as the operating area OP.

If the user operates the operation area ORG, the user can give an instruction to start remote control to both the air conditioners AC1 and AC2. Therefore, as compared with the prior art, the user can give an instruction to start remote control to the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 with a small amount of operation.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing communication between the communication terminal 100 and the air conditioners AC1 and AC2. The process in step S140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.

When the user operates the operation area ORG, the computer of the communication terminal 100 on the vehicle VC generates control data for starting remote control of the air conditioning devices AC1 and AC2 selected as the operation target devices. The control data is output from the communication terminal 100 to the network NTW. The control data may undergo predetermined signal processing on the network NTW. Alternatively, the control data may be transmitted directly to the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 via the network NTW. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to specific signal processing for control data on the network NTW.

The network NTW transmits control data to each of the air conditioners AC1 and AC2. When the air conditioner AC1 receives the control data, the air conditioner AC1 generates notification data indicating the receipt of the control data. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner AC1 to the network NTW. When the air conditioner AC2 receives the control data, the air conditioner AC2 generates notification data indicating the receipt of the control data. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner AC2 to the network NTW. The notification data transmitted from the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 is transferred from the network NTW to the communication terminal 100.

If the network NTW does not receive the notification data from the air conditioner AC1, the network NTW may generate notification data indicating that the transmission of the control data to the air conditioner AC1 has failed. If the network NTW does not receive the notification data from the air conditioner AC2, the network NTW may generate notification data indicating that the transmission of the control data to the air conditioner AC2 has failed. In these cases, the notification data indicating the failure of the transmission of the control data is transmitted from the network NTW to the communication terminal 100. Therefore, the communication terminal 100 can grasp the result of transmitting the control data.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the process in step S150. The process in step S150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6.

The computer of the communication terminal 100 generates notification images NI1 and NI2 according to the notification data transmitted from the network NTW. The computer of the communication terminal 100 generates a notification image NI1 showing a transmission result of control data to the air conditioning device AC1 according to the notification data corresponding to the air conditioning device AC1. The computer of the communication terminal 100 generates a notification image NI2 showing a transmission result of control data to the air conditioning device AC2 according to the notification data corresponding to the air conditioning device AC2. Therefore, unlike the operation image, the communication terminal 100 displays a plurality of notification images NI1 and NI2.

<Second Embodiment>
The processes described in relation to the first embodiment can be performed by various communication terminals. In the second embodiment, an exemplary communication terminal will be described.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal 100 described in connection with the first embodiment. An exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1-7.

The communication terminal 100 includes a CPU 110, a bus 120, a data communication device 130, a memory 140, an information acquisition device 150, and a touch panel display 160. The CPU 110 is connected to the data communication device 130, the memory 140, the information acquisition device 150, and the touch panel display 160 via the bus 120. The CPU 110 executes a program that controls a data communication device 130, a memory 140, an information acquisition device 150, and a touch panel display 160. In the following embodiments, the computer is exemplified by the CPU 110.

The data communication device 130 is used for transmitting control data and receiving notification data described with reference to FIG. In addition, the data communication device 130 may receive information representing the temperature inside the building HM from the air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, AC4. The data communication device 130 may be designed on the basis of common communication techniques for transmitting and receiving data. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to the specific structure of the data communication device 130.

The memory 140 includes a first storage area 141 and a second storage area 142. The first storage area 141 is used to store information that identifies the air conditioner AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4 described with reference to FIG. In addition, the first storage area 141 is used to store information about the settings of the operation candidate device described with reference to FIG. The second storage area 142 is used to store information about the temperature conditions described with reference to FIG. The second storage area 142 may be reserved in a memory element different from that of the first storage area 141. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to the specific structure of the memory 140.

The memory 140 may store other information in addition to the above information. For example, memory 140 may store information about the location of the building HM.

The information acquisition device 150 may be a GPS device that acquires position information regarding the position of the vehicle VC. In addition, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature outside the vehicle VC may be used as the information acquisition device 150.

The touch panel display 160 includes a display 161 and an operation detection sensor 162. The display 161 displays the operation image OIM described with reference to FIG. In addition, the display 161 displays a plurality of notification images NI1 and NI2 described with reference to FIG. The operation detection sensor 162 detects the user's operation with respect to the operation area ORG described with reference to FIG.

Instead of the touch panel display 160, a display device exclusively used for displaying the operation image OIM and the plurality of notification images NI1 and NI2 and an input device exclusively used for accepting the user's operation may be used.

The CPU 110 executes a program for performing the process described with reference to FIG. The program may be stored in the memory 140 in advance. Alternatively, the program may be called by the CPU 110 from another storage medium.

In step S110 described with reference to FIG. 1, the program causes the CPU 110 to read the information in the first storage area 141 and the information in the second storage area 142. In addition, the program causes the CPU 110 to acquire information about the outside air temperature. The CPU 110 may acquire information on the outside air temperature through the data communication device 130. Alternatively, the CPU 110 may acquire information about the outside air temperature from the information acquisition device 150.

From the information read from the first storage area 141, the CPU 110 can find out that the user has set the air conditioning devices AC1, AC2, and AC3 as operation candidate devices to be remotely controlled (see FIG. 2). .. From the information read from the second storage area 142, the CPU 110 can find information on the temperature set as a start condition for starting the remote operation for the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3.

The program causes the CPU 110 to compare the information about the outside air temperature with the information about the temperature set as the start condition. As a result, the CPU 110 can decide to handle the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 as operation target devices.

In step S120 described with reference to FIG. 1, the program causes the CPU 110 to acquire information about the position of the vehicle VC from the information acquisition device 150. The program causes the CPU 110 to read information about the location of the building HM from the memory 140. The program then causes the CPU 110 to compare information about the location of the vehicle VC with information about the location of the building HM. As a result, the CPU 110 can determine whether or not the vehicle VC exists in the control area CR (see FIGS. 3A and 3B).

If the CPU 110 determines that the vehicle VC is in the control area CR, the program causes the CPU 110 to generate image data representing the operational image OIM described with reference to FIG. 4 (see FIG. 1). Step S130) described above. The image data is output from the CPU 110 to the touch panel display 160. The touch panel display 160 displays the operation image OIM on the display 161 according to the image data.

When the user operates the operation area ORG in the operation image OIM, the operation detection sensor 162 generates a detection signal indicating that the user has operated the operation area ORG. The detection signal is output from the operation detection sensor 162 to the CPU 110.

When the CPU 110 receives the detection signal, the program causes the CPU 110 to generate control data (step S140 described with reference to FIG. 1). The control data is output from the CPU 110 to the data communication device 130. After that, as described with reference to FIG. 5, the control data is transmitted to the air conditioners AC1 and AC2 through the network NTW.

As described with reference to FIG. 5, the network NTW transmits notification data. The data communication device 130 receives the notification data. The notification data is output from the data communication device 130 to the CPU 110.

When the CPU 110 receives the notification data, the program causes the CPU 110 to generate image data representing the notification images NI1 and NI2. The image data is output from the CPU 110 to the touch panel display 160. The touch panel display 160 displays the notification images NI1 and NI2 on the display 161 (step S150 described with reference to FIG. 1).

<Third Embodiment>
As described in connection with the first embodiment, the user sets a plurality of operation candidate devices in order to specify the operation target device. In addition, the user sets a temperature that defines a remote control start condition for each of the plurality of operation candidate devices. In the third embodiment, an exemplary method for setting a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions will be described.

8A-8F show exemplary images used by the user to set a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions for remote control. With reference to FIGS. 7 to 8F, an exemplary method for setting a plurality of operation candidate devices and start conditions will be described.

When the application program is installed on the communication terminal 100, the icon ICN shown in FIG. 8A is displayed on the display 161. When the user double-clicks the icon ICN, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8B.

The image shown in FIG. 8B includes two input windows WD01, WD02 and two icon buttons IB01, IB02. The image shown in FIG. 8B is used to authenticate the user. A unique identification number is assigned to the user in advance. In addition, the user presets a password for using the application program. Therefore, a third party cannot use the application program without permission.

The user inputs the identification number into the input window WD01. In addition, the user enters the password in the input window WD02. After that, when the user presses the icon button IB01, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8C. If the user presses the icon button IB02, the display 161 redisplays the image shown in FIG. 8A.

The image shown in FIG. 8C includes seven icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, IB07, IB08, IB09. Each of the five icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, and IB07 indicates a plurality of air conditioners owned by the user. FIG. 8C shows that the user has five air conditioners.

One of the five air conditioners is installed in the living room. The other of the five air conditioners is installed in the kitchen room. The other of the five air conditioners is installed in the bedroom. The other of the five air conditioners is installed in one of the two children's rooms. The remaining one of the five air conditioners is installed in the other children's room. The user can operate each of the five icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, and IB07 to give various settings to each of the five air conditioners. When the user presses the icon button IB03, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8D. As a result, the user can set the operation of the air conditioner installed in the living room.

The image shown in FIG. 8D includes four icon buttons IB10, IB11, IB12, IB13. When the user presses the icon button IB11, the display 161 displays an image (see FIG. 8E) for the user to select one of the settings related to the on-recommendation process and the setting related to the off-recommendation process. In the following description, the term "off-recommendation processing" means a processing for stopping the air conditioning equipment by remote control from the communication terminal 100.

The image shown in FIG. 8E includes three icon buttons IB14, IB15, IB16. When the user presses the icon button IB14, a plurality of operation candidate devices and images for setting start conditions (see FIG. 8F) are displayed.

The image shown in FIG. 8F includes two display windows WD03, WD04 and six icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, IB20, IB21, IB22. The display window WD03 displays the above-mentioned lower limit temperature. When the user presses the icon button IB17, the value of the lower limit temperature increases. When the user presses the icon button IB18, the lower limit temperature value decreases. The display window WD04 displays the above-mentioned upper limit temperature. When the user presses the icon button IB19, the value of the upper limit temperature increases. When the user presses the icon button IB20, the upper limit temperature value decreases. Therefore, the user can operate the icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, and IB20 to set the start condition. FIG. 8F shows that when the outside air temperature becomes 15 ° C. or lower, or when the outside air temperature becomes 25 ° C. or higher, the air conditioning device in the living room is activated according to the remote operation from the communication terminal 100.

The user can determine not only the start condition but also the operation candidate device by using the image shown in FIG. 8F. If the user presses the icon button IB21, the air conditioner in the living room is registered as an operation candidate device. If the user does not press the icon button IB21, the air conditioner in the living room is not treated as an operation candidate device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the touch panel display 160 when the image shown in FIG. 8E is displayed. A schematic process of the touch panel display 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8D to 9.

(Step S210)
In step S210, display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8E. As a result, the user is required to make settings related to on-recommendation processing or off-recommendation. After that, step S220 is executed.

(Step S220)
In step S220, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested the display of the previously displayed image (ie, the image shown in FIG. 8D). If the user presses the icon button IB16, step S230 is executed. In other cases, step S240 is executed.

(Step S230)
In step S230, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8D. The user then performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in FIG. 8D.

(Step S240)
In step S240, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user requests the setting related to the on-recommendation process. If the user presses the icon button IB14, step S250 is executed. In other cases, step S260 is executed.

(Step S250)
In step S250, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8F. After that, the user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in FIG. 8F.

(Step S260)
In step S260, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user requests a setting related to the off-recommendation process. If the user presses the icon button IB15, step S270 is executed. In other cases, step S210 is executed.

(Step S270)
In step S270, the display 161 displays an image for making settings related to off-recommendation processing. The user makes a predetermined setting on the image for setting the off-recommendation process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the touch panel display 160 when the image shown in FIG. 8F is displayed. A schematic process of the touch panel display 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8E to 10.

(Step S310)
Step S310 is performed after step S250 described with reference to FIG. In step S310, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8F. After that, step S320 is executed.

(Step S320)
In step S320, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested the display of the previously displayed image (ie, the image shown in FIG. 8E). If the user presses the icon button IB22, step S330 is executed. In other cases, step S340 is executed.

(Step S330)
In step S330, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8E. After that, the user executes a predetermined operation according to the flowchart described with reference to FIG.

(Step S340)
In step S340, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user intends to adjust the upper limit temperature. If the user wants to adjust the upper temperature limit, the user presses the icon button IB19 or the icon button IB20. After that, step S350 is executed. In other cases, step S360 is executed.

(Step S350)
In step S350, the display 161 updates the numerical value in the display window WD04 in response to the pressing of the icon button IB19 or the icon button IB20. After that, step S360 is executed.

(Step S360)
In step S360, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user intends to adjust the lower limit temperature. If the user wants to adjust the lower limit temperature, the user presses the icon button IB17 or the icon button IB18. After that, step S370 is executed. In other cases, step S380 is executed.

(Step S370)
In step S370, the display 161 updates the numerical value in the display window WD03 in response to the pressing of the icon button IB17 or the icon button IB18. After that, step S380 is executed.

(Step S380)
In step S380, it is determined whether or not the user intends to register the target air conditioning device as an operation candidate device. If the user registers the target air-conditioning device as an operation candidate device, the user presses the icon button IB21. After that, step S390 is executed. In other cases, step S310 is executed.

(Step S390)
In step S390, the display 161 displays an image for making settings related to off-recommendation processing. The user makes a predetermined setting on the image for setting the off-recommendation process.

FIG. 11 is a table showing the setting data stored in the memory 140. The setting data stored in the memory 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 10 and 11.

As a result of the processing described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the memory 140 can store the setting data shown in FIG. In FIG. 11, the user sets the air-conditioning devices installed in the living room, kitchen room, bedroom, and children's room (2) as operation candidate devices in step S380 described with reference to FIG. Indicates that the air-conditioning device installed in the room (1) is not set as an operation candidate device. Therefore, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, bedroom and children's room (2) can be the subject of remote control described in connection with the first embodiment, while in the children's room (2). The installed air conditioner is excluded from the remote control described in connection with the first embodiment.

In FIG. 11, the user has set the upper limit temperature to 25 ° C. for the air conditioners installed in the living room, the kitchen room, and the children's room (2) in step S340 described with reference to FIG. This indicates that the upper limit temperature is set to 30 ° C. for the air conditioner installed in the bedroom. Therefore, if the outside air temperature exceeds 25 ° C., the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room and children's room (2) are cooled under the remote control described in connection with the first embodiment. Operates in mode. If the outside air temperature exceeds 30 ° C., all air conditioners set as operation candidate devices operate in cooling mode under the remote control described in connection with the first embodiment.

In FIG. 11, the user has set the lower limit temperature to 10 ° C. for the air conditioners installed in the living room, the kitchen room, and the children's room (2) in step S360 described with reference to FIG. This indicates that the upper limit temperature is set to 5 ° C. for the air conditioner installed in the bedroom. Therefore, if the outside air temperature is below 10 ° C., the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room and children's room (2) are heated under the remote control described in connection with the first embodiment. Operates in mode. If the outside air temperature is below 5 ° C., all air conditioning equipment set as operation candidate equipment operates in heating mode under the remote control described in connection with the first embodiment.

<Fourth Embodiment>
As described in connection with the first embodiment, the user sets the position of the target building in order to determine whether the vehicle is in the control area. In a fourth embodiment, an exemplary method for setting the location of a building will be described.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary image used by the user to set the location of the building HM. An exemplary method for setting the position of the building HM is described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 7, 8C and 12.

The user can display the image shown in FIG. 8C on the display 161 using the method described in connection with the third embodiment. When the user presses the icon button IB08, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG.

The image shown in FIG. 12 includes three icon buttons IB23, IB24, IB25. The user can press the icon button IB23 to set the position of the building HM. When the user presses the icon button IB23, the touch panel display 160 interlocks with the GPS device used as the information acquisition device 150, and determines the position of the communication terminal 100 when the icon button IB23 is pressed as the position of the building HM. You may.

The user can press the icon button IB24 to cancel the setting related to the position of the building HM set as described above. If the user presses the icon button IB25, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8C.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the touch panel display 160 when the image shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. A schematic process of the touch panel display 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 7, 8C, 12 and 13.

(Step S410)
In step S410, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. After that, step S420 is executed.

(Step S420)
In step S420, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has requested the display of the previously displayed image (ie, the image shown in FIG. 8C). If the user presses the icon button IB25, step S430 is executed. In other cases, step S440 is executed.

(Step S430)
In step S430, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8C. The user then performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in FIG. 8C.

(Step S440)
In step S440, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user is requesting to set the position of the building HM. If the user wants to set the position of the building HM, the user presses the icon button IB23. After that, step S450 is executed. In other cases, step S460 is executed.

(Step S450)
In step S450, the touch panel display 160 may register the position of the communication terminal 100 when the icon button IB23 is pressed as the position of the building HM. Information regarding the position of the building HM is output from the touch panel display 160 to the memory 140. After that, step S460 is executed.

(Step S460)
In step S460, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has requested to cancel the setting regarding the position of the building HM. If the user wants to set the position of the building HM, the user presses the icon button IB24. After that, step S470 is executed. In other cases, step S410 is executed.

(Step S470)
In step S470, the CPU 110 erases information about the location of the building HM from the memory 140. As a result, the setting of the position of the building HM is appropriately released. After that, step S410 is executed.

<Fifth Embodiment>
As described in connection with the first embodiment, the communication terminal receives notification data from the air conditioner. If the communication terminal acquires, in addition to the notification data, operation data representing the operation status of the air conditioner after receiving the control data, the user can see that the air conditioner operates properly under the remote control described above. You can check if you are doing it. In the fifth embodiment, a control system capable of transmitting operation data representing the operation status of the air conditioner to the communication terminal as notification data will be described.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a control system 200 in which a user includes a communication terminal 100. The control system 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

The control system 200 includes a server device 300 in addition to the communication terminal 100 described in connection with the first embodiment. The server device 300 is communicably connected to the communication terminal 100 through the Internet communication network ITN. The control data described in relation to the first embodiment is transmitted from the communication terminal 100 to the server device 300 through the Internet communication network ITN.

The control data is then transmitted from the server device 300 to the air conditioning equipment group ACG through the Internet communication network ITN. The air conditioner group ACG includes a plurality of air conditioners installed in the building HM. Each of the plurality of air conditioners that have received the control data operates according to the control data.

Each of the plurality of air conditioners operating according to the control data generates notification data indicating that the control data has been received. The notification data indicating that the control data has been received is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the server device 300 through the Internet communication network ITN. The server device 300 then transmits the notification data to the communication terminal 100.

15A to 15D show exemplary images presented to the user by the communication terminal 100. An image presented to the user by the communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 14 to 15D.

In step S130 described with reference to FIG. 1, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 15A. The image shown in FIG. 15A corresponds to the operational image OIM described with reference to FIG.

The image shown in FIG. 15A includes two icon buttons IB26, IB27. The icon buttons IB26 and IB27 correspond to the operation area ORG described with reference to FIG.

If the user presses the icon button IB26, the communication terminal 100 may interrupt the process shown in FIG. When the user presses the icon button IB27, the CPU 110 generates control data. As described with reference to FIG. 14, the control data is transmitted to the air conditioner group ACG through the server device 300 (step S140 in FIG. 1).

The control data is received by the plurality of air conditioners specified as the operation target devices in step S110 described with reference to FIG. Each of the plurality of air conditioners specified as the operation target device then generates notification data. As described with reference to FIG. 14, the notification data is transmitted to the communication terminal 100 through the server device 300.

When the communication terminal 100 receives the notification data from each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices specified as the operation target devices, the display 161 sequentially displays the images shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C. FIG. 15B shows an image corresponding to an air conditioner installed in a living room. FIG. 15C shows an image corresponding to the air conditioner installed in the kitchen room.

The image shown in FIG. 15B includes icon buttons IB28, IB29. When the user presses the icon button IB28, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 15C. When the user presses the icon button IB29, the communication terminal 100 requests the air conditioner installed in the living room to notify the operating status. The air conditioner installed in the living room generates operation data showing the operation status. The operation data is then sent from the air conditioner installed in the living room to the communication terminal 100. As a result, the display 161 displays detailed information regarding the operation of the air conditioner installed in the living room (see FIG. 15D).

The image shown in FIG. 15C includes icon buttons IB30, IB31. When the user presses the icon button IB30, the communication terminal 100 ends the process shown in FIG. When the user presses the icon button IB31, the display 161 displays detailed information regarding the operation of the air conditioner installed in the kitchen room.

The image shown in FIG. 15D shows detailed information about the operation of the air conditioner installed in the living room. The image shown in FIG. 15D shows that the air conditioner in the living room is operating in cooling mode. The image shown in FIG. 15D includes information such as a set temperature, a set air volume, a set wind direction, a current temperature in the living room and a current humidity in the living room. Therefore, the user can visually confirm that the air conditioner operating in the living room is operating properly.

The image shown in FIG. 15D includes the icon button IB32. When the user presses the icon button IB32, the display 161 redisplays the image shown in FIG. 15B.

<Sixth Embodiment>
A general air conditioner can be operated in various operating modes (eg, cooling mode, heating mode, automatic mode and dehumidifying mode). If the user can change the setting of each driving mode from the vehicle, the user can enjoy a comfortable environment from the time the user enters the building. In the sixth embodiment, a communication terminal that allows a user in a vehicle to change the setting of an operation mode of an air conditioner is described.

16A and 16B show images presented to the user by the communication terminal 100. A communication terminal 100 that allows the setting of the operation mode of the air conditioner to be changed will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8C, 8D, 14, 15D, 16A, and 16B.

The user can display the image shown in FIG. 8C on the display 161 using the method described in connection with the third embodiment. When the user presses the icon button IB03, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8D. If the user subsequently presses the icon button IB10, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 16A.

The image shown in FIG. 16A includes a setting area SR and three icon buttons IB33, IB34, IB35. The setting area SR includes a first icon string FIC, a second icon string SIC, and a display window WD05. Each of the first icon row FIC and the second icon row SIC includes a plurality of icon buttons for changing the operation mode setting. The user can operate these icon buttons to change the operation mode setting. Information regarding the setting of the operation mode is displayed on the display window WD05. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the operation mode setting. The data related to the setting of the operation mode is stored in the memory 140.

When the user presses the icon button IB33, the information regarding the operation mode setting is transmitted from the communication terminal 100 to the air conditioner group ACG through the server device 300. As a result, the target air conditioner changes the operation mode setting.

When the user presses the icon button IB34, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 15D. When the user presses the icon button IB35, the display 161 redisplays the image shown in FIG. 8D.

When the target air conditioner receives the information regarding the setting of the operation mode, it generates notification data indicating that the data transmission from the communication terminal 100 has been properly performed. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner group ACG to the communication terminal 100 through the server device 300. As a result, the data communication device 130 receives the notification data.

When the data communication device 130 receives the notification data, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display the image shown in FIG. 16B. As a result, the user can confirm that the information regarding the operation mode setting has been properly communicated.

The image shown in FIG. 16B includes two icon buttons IB36, IB37. When the user presses the icon button IB36, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 15D. When the user presses the icon button IB37, the display 161 redisplays the image shown in FIG. 16A.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the communication terminal 100 when the image shown in FIG. 8C is displayed. A schematic process of the communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8B, 8C, 11, 13, and 17.

(Step S505)
When the user inputs the identification number and the password on the image shown in FIG. 8B, step S505 is started. In step S505, the CPU 110 executes a process for reading the data described with reference to FIG. 11 from the memory 140. After that, step S510 is executed.

(Step S510)
In step S510, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the data described with reference to FIG. 11 has been properly read. If the CPU 110 fails to read the data, step S515 is executed. In other cases, step S520 is executed.

(Step S515)
In step S515, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display an error image indicating that the data has not been properly read. After that, step S505 is executed.

(Step S520)
In step S520, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display the image described with reference to FIG. 8C. After that, step S525 is executed.

(Step S525)
In step S525, the user presses one of the icon buttons IB03-IB09 on the image described with reference to FIG. 8C. After that, step S530 is executed.

(Step S530)
In step S530, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the icon button IB09 has been pressed. If the user is pressing the icon button IB09, step S535 is executed. In other cases, step S540 is executed.

(Step S535)
In step S535, the touch panel display 160 generates a notification signal indicating that the icon button IB09 has been pressed. The notification signal is output from the touch panel display 160 to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 executes a predetermined background operation in response to the notification signal, and ends the process.

(Step S540)
In step S540, the touch panel display 160 determines whether any one of the icon button IB03 to the icon button IB07 is pressed or the icon button IB08 is pressed. If the user presses any one of the icon buttons IB03 to IB07, step S545 is executed. In other cases, step S550 is executed.

(Step S545)
In step S545, the display 161 displays an operation selection screen for the air conditioner corresponding to the pressed icon button (one of the icon button IB03 to the icon button IB07). FIG. 8D shows an image displayed by the display 161 when the icon button IB03 is pressed.

(Step S550)
In step S550, the process described with reference to FIG. 13 is executed.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the communication terminal 100 when the image shown in FIG. 8D is displayed. A schematic process of the communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8C to 8E, 14, 15, D, 16A, 17 and 18.

(Step S605)
When step S545 described with reference to FIG. 17 is started, step S605 is executed. In step S605, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed the icon button IB13 (see FIG. 8D). If the user is pressing the icon button IB13, step S610 is executed. In other cases, step S615 is executed.

(Step S610)
In step S610, display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8C. The user then performs a predetermined operation according to the flowchart described with reference to FIG.

(Step S615)
In step S615, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed the icon button IB10 (see FIG. 8D). If the user wants to change the operation mode setting described with reference to FIG. 16A, the user presses the icon button IB10. After that, step S620 is executed. In other cases, step S625 is executed.

(Step S620)
In step S620, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 16A. The user then changes the operation mode setting on the image shown in FIG. 16A.

(Step S625)
In step S625, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed the icon button IB11 (see FIG. 8D). If the user wants to perform a process such as registration of the operation target device described in relation to the third embodiment, the user presses the icon button IB11. After that, step S630 is executed. In other cases, step S635 is executed.

(Step S630)
In step S630, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8E. If the user presses the icon button IB14, the user can register the operation target device described in connection with the third embodiment for the on-recommendation process. If the user presses the icon button IB15, the user can execute the registration process for the off-recommendation process.

(Step S635)
In step S635, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed the icon button IB12 (see FIG. 8D). If the user wants to check the operating status of the air conditioner, the user presses the icon button IB12. After that, step S640 is executed. In other cases, step S605 is executed.

(Step S640)
In step S640, the touch panel display 160 generates a notification signal indicating that the user has pressed the icon button IB12. The notification signal is output from the touch panel display 160 to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 generates a request signal for requesting notification of the operating status in response to the notification signal. The request signal is output from the CPU 110 to the data communication device 130. After that, the request signal is transmitted from the data communication device 130 to the air conditioning equipment group ACG through the server device 300. After that, step S645 is executed.

(Step S645)
If the air conditioner properly receives the request signal, the air conditioner produces operation data. After that, as described with reference to FIG. 14, the operation data is transmitted to the communication terminal 100 through the server device 300. In this case, the data communication device 130 notifies the CPU 110 of the reception of the operation data. After that, step S650 is executed. If the air conditioner does not properly receive the request signal, or if the operation data is not properly transmitted, step S655 is executed.

(Step S650)
In step S650, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display the image shown in FIG. 15D. As a result, the user can visually confirm the operating status of the air conditioner.

(Step S655)
In step S655, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display an error image indicating that the communication of the operation data has failed. After that, step S605 is executed.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the communication terminal 100 when the image shown in FIG. 16A is displayed. A schematic process of the communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8D, 14, 15D, 16A, 16B, 18 and 19.

(Step S705)
When step S620 described with reference to FIG. 18 is started, step S705 is executed. In step S705, the CPU 110 requests the memory 140 for the information previously set for the operation mode. After that, step S710 is executed.

(Step S710)
If the memory 140 does not store the information previously set for the operation mode, step S715 is executed. If the memory 140 stores the information previously set for the operation mode, the CPU 110 can acquire the information previously set for the operation mode. After that, step S720 is executed.

(Step S715)
In step S715, the CPU 110 sets a default value. The CPU 110 generates image data using default values. The image data is output from the CPU 110 to the touch panel display 160. The touch panel display 160 displays the image shown in FIG. 16A on the display 161. In this case, the image represented by the default value is displayed in the display window WD05. After that, step S720 is executed.

(Step S720)
In step S720, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display the image shown in FIG. 16A. In this case, the image created based on the information previously set for the operation mode is displayed in the display window WD05.

(Step S725)
In step S725, the user operates the first icon string FIC and / or the second icon string SIC to change the setting for the exercise mode. After that, step S730 is executed.

(Step S730)
In step S730, the display 161 displays the updated setting of the operation mode. After that, step S735 is executed.

(Step S735)
In step S735, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB35. If the user is pressing the icon button IB35, step S740 is executed. In other cases, step S745 is executed.

(Step S740)
In step S740, display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8D. The user then performs a predetermined operation according to the flowchart described with reference to FIG.

(Step S745)
In step S745, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB33. If the user is pressing the icon button IB33, step S750 is executed. In other cases, step S770 is executed.

(Step S750)
In step S750, the CPU 110 transmits information set by the user using the touch panel display 160 from the data communication device 130. After that, step S755 is executed.

(Step S755)
In step S755, if the air conditioner receives information set by the user using the touch panel display 160 from the data communication device 130, the air conditioner generates notification data indicating that the information has been properly transmitted. .. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner group ACG to the communication terminal 100 through the server device 300. If the data communication device 130 receives the notification data, the CPU 110 determines that the communication of the information set by the user using the touch panel display 160 is successful. In this case, step S760 is executed. In other cases, step S765 is executed.

(Step S760)
In step S760, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display the image shown in FIG. 16B. The user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in FIG. 16B.

(Step S765)
In step S765, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display an error image indicating that the communication of the information set by the user using the touch panel display 160 has failed. After that, step S705 is executed.

(Step S770)
In step S770, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed the icon button IB34 (see FIG. 16A). If the user is pressing the icon button IB34, step S775 is executed. In other cases, step S705 is executed.

(Step S775)
In step S775, the CPU 110 generates a request signal requesting operation information. The request signal is output from the CPU 110 to the data communication device 130. The data communication device 130 transmits a request signal. After that, step S780 is executed.

(Step S780)
If the air conditioner receives the request signal from the data communication device 130, the air conditioner generates operation data representing the operation status. As described with reference to FIG. 14, the operation data is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the communication terminal 100 through the server device 300. If the data communication device 130 receives the operation data, the CPU 110 determines that the communication of the request signal is successful. In this case, step S785 is executed. In other cases, step S790 is executed.

(Step S785)
In step S785, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display the image shown in FIG. 15D. The user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in FIG. 15D.

(Step S790)
In step S790, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display an error image indicating that the request processing of the operating status has failed. After that, step S705 is executed.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the communication terminal 100 when the image shown in FIG. 16B is displayed. A schematic process of the communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 14, 15D, 16A, 16B, 19 and 20.

(Step S810)
When step S760 described with reference to FIG. 19 is started, step S810 is executed. In step S810, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 16B. After that, step S820 is executed.

(Step S820)
In step S820, the touch panel display 160 determines whether the user has pressed the icon button IB37 (see FIG. 16B). If the user is pressing the icon button IB37, step S830 is executed. In other cases, step S840 is executed.

(Step S830)
In step S830, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 16A. The user then performs a predetermined operation according to the flowchart described with reference to FIG.

(Step S840)
In step S840, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB36. If the user is pressing the icon button IB36, step S850 is executed. In other cases, step S810 is executed.

(Step S850)
In step S850, the CPU 110 generates a request signal requesting operation information. The request signal is output from the CPU 110 to the data communication device 130. The data communication device 130 transmits a request signal. After that, step S860 is executed.

(Step S860)
If the air conditioner receives the request signal from the data communication device 130, the air conditioner generates operation data representing the operation status. As described with reference to FIG. 14, the operation data is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the communication terminal 100 through the server device 300. If the data communication device 130 receives the operation data, the CPU 110 determines that the communication of the request signal is successful. In this case, step S870 is executed. In other cases, step S880 is executed.

(Step S870)
In step S870, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display the image shown in FIG. 15D. The user performs a predetermined operation on the image shown in FIG. 15D.

(Step S880)
In step S880, the CPU 110 causes the display 161 to display an error image indicating that the request processing of the operating status has failed. After that, step S810 is executed.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a schematic process of the communication terminal 100 when the image shown in FIG. 15D is displayed. A schematic process of the communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8D, 15B to 16B, and 21.

(Step S910)
When the user presses the icon button IB12 shown in FIG. 8D, the icon button IB29 shown in FIG. 15B, the icon button IB31 shown in FIG. 15C, the icon button IB34 shown in FIG. 16A, or the icon button IB36 shown in FIG. 16B. , Step S910 is executed. In step S910, display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 15D. After that, step S920 is executed.

(Step S920)
In step S920, the touch panel display 160 determines whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB37. If the user has pressed the icon button IB37, step S930 is executed. In other cases, step S910 is executed.

(Step S930)
In step S930, display 161 displays one of the images shown in FIGS. 8D, 15B, 15C, 16A or 16B. The user then performs a predetermined operation on the displayed image.

<7th Embodiment>
The application program described in connection with the third embodiment requires a process for authenticating the user each time the user launches the application program. The user may find the input work for the authentication process cumbersome. In the seventh embodiment, an application program that allows the user to omit the input work for the authentication process is described.

22A and 22B show exemplary images displayed on display 161 when the user uses the application program. The application program will be described with reference to FIGS. 7-8C, 22A and 22B.

When the user double-clicks the icon ICN in the image shown in FIG. 8A, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 22A. Similar to the image shown in FIG. 8B, the image shown in FIG. 22A includes input windows WD01, WD02 and icon buttons IB01, IB02.

The image shown in FIG. 22A includes an icon button IB38 and a check box CBX. When the user presses the icon button IB38, the display 161 displays a description of the operation on the image shown in FIG. 22A. Therefore, the user can easily use the application program. When the user checks the check box CBX, the user can display the image shown in FIG. 22B on the display 161 without displaying the image shown in FIG. 22A in the subsequent use. That is, the display 161 can directly change the display image from the image shown in FIG. 8A to the image shown in FIG. 22B.

In addition to the icon buttons in the image shown in FIG. 8C, the image shown in FIG. 22B includes a scroll bar SRB and an icon button IB39 for instructing the user to log out. If the user owns a large number of air conditioners, the user can operate the scroll bar SRB to display an icon button representing the target air conditioner on the display 161. The user can press the icon button IB39 to terminate the application program.

<8th Embodiment>
Unlike changing the settings for the operation mode of the air conditioner and checking the operating status of the air conditioner, the air conditioner settings (settings for identifying operation candidate devices) described in relation to the third embodiment are frequently made. Not done. Therefore, the icon button used for the setting for specifying the operation candidate device belongs to a different category from the icon button used for changing the setting for the operation mode of the air conditioner and the icon button used for checking the operation status. The application program may be designed so that the user can visually recognize it. In the eighth embodiment, the icon buttons used for the setting for specifying the operation candidate device are the icon button used for changing the setting for the operation mode of the air conditioning device and the icon button used for checking the operation status. An application program that can be visually recognized by the user as belonging to a different category is described.

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary image displayed on display 161 when the user uses the application program. The application program will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8D, 8E and 23.

Similar to the image shown in FIG. 8D, the image shown in FIG. 23 includes icon buttons IB10, IB12, IB13. The image shown in FIG. 23 includes an icon button IB40 in place of the icon button IB11 in the image shown in FIG. 8D. The icon button IB40 is displayed below the icon buttons IB10 and IB12. In addition, the icon button IB40 differs from the icon buttons IB10 and IB12 in shape and size. Since the word "initial setting" is attached on the icon button IB40, the user can visually recognize that the icon button IB40 does not need to be used frequently. When the user presses the icon button IB40, the display 161 displays the image shown in FIG. 8E.

<9th embodiment>
The application program may be designed so that the user can set and cancel the operation candidate device on one screen. In the ninth embodiment, an application program that allows a user to set and cancel an operation candidate device on one screen is described.

FIG. 24 shows an exemplary image displayed on display 161 when the user uses the application program. The application program will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 8F, 11 and 24.

Similar to the image shown in FIG. 8F, the image shown in FIG. 24 includes display windows WD03, WD04 and icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, IB20, IB22. The image shown in FIG. 24 includes icon buttons IB41 and IB42 in place of the icon button IB21 in the image shown in FIG. 8F. When the user presses the icon button IB41, the target air-conditioning device is registered as an operation candidate device. The fact that the target air-conditioning device is registered as an operation candidate device is stored in the memory 140. When the user presses the icon button IB42, the registration of the target air conditioner as an operation candidate device is canceled. In this case, the data (see FIG. 11) stored in the memory 140 is updated so that the registration of the target air conditioner as an operation candidate device is deleted.

<10th Embodiment>
As described in connection with the fourth embodiment, the user can register the position of the target building using an application program. The application program may allow the user to set not only the location of the target building but also the control range surrounding the location of the target building. In a tenth embodiment, an application program that allows a user to set a control range as well as a position of a target building is described.

FIG. 25 shows an exemplary image displayed on display 161 when the user uses the application program. The application program will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 7, 12, and 25.

Similar to the image shown in FIG. 12, the image shown in FIG. 25 includes icon buttons IB23, IB24, IB25. The image shown in FIG. 25 further includes icon buttons IB43, IB44 and a display window WD06.

The user can operate the icon buttons IB43 and IB44 to set a circular control area CR centered on the position of the building HM. The radius of the control area CR is displayed in the display window WD06.

When the user subsequently presses the icon button IB23, the information indicating the position of the building HM and the information of the circular control area CR centered on the building HM are stored in the memory 140. When the user presses the icon button IB24, the information indicating the position of the building HM and the information of the circular control area CR centered on the building HM are deleted from the memory 140.

<11th Embodiment>
The communication terminal described in relation to the fifth embodiment displays an image to the user only once to confirm whether or not to execute the remote control. If the communication terminal requires the user to confirm multiple times as to whether or not to execute the remote control, the remote control against the user's will is unlikely to occur. In the eleventh embodiment, a communication terminal that requires a user to confirm a plurality of times as to whether or not to execute a remote control is described.

26A to 26D show exemplary images presented to the user by the communication terminal 100. The communication terminal 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 14, 15B, 26A to 26D.

Similar to the fifth embodiment, the communication terminal 100 presents the image shown in FIG. 26A to the user. When the user presses the icon button IB26, the communication terminal 100 presents the image shown in FIG. 26B to the user.

The image shown in FIG. 26B includes two icon buttons IB45, IB46. When the user presses the icon button IB45, the communication terminal 100 transmits control data. When the user presses the icon button IB46, the communication terminal 100 interrupts the process. Control data is transmitted only when the user presses the icon button IB26 in the image shown in FIG. 26A and then the icon button IB45 in the image shown in FIG. 26B. Therefore, remote control against the will of the user is less likely to occur.

When the communication terminal 100 receives the notification data indicating the receipt of the control data of the air conditioner, the communication terminal 100 presents the image shown in FIG. 26C to the user. Similar to the image shown in FIG. 15B, the image shown in FIG. 26C includes the icon button IB29. Unlike the image shown in FIG. 15B, the icon button IB28 is excluded from the image shown in FIG. 26B.

When the user presses the icon button IB29, the communication terminal 100 presents the image shown in FIG. 26D to the user. Even if the user does not press the icon button IB29, the communication terminal 100 presents the image shown in FIG. 26D to the user after a lapse of a predetermined period from the display of the image shown in FIG. 26C. Therefore, the user can confirm the operating status of the target air conditioner.

<12th Embodiment>
The designer can design a communication terminal having various functions based on the design principle of the communication terminal described in relation to the second embodiment. In the twelfth embodiment, an exemplary communication terminal will be described.

FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100A of the twelfth embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100A will be described with reference to FIGS. 7, 11, 14, and 27.

The communication terminal 100A includes a control unit 111, a determination unit 112, a first acquisition unit 113, a communication unit 131, a first storage unit 143, a second storage unit 144, a second acquisition unit 151, and a display unit. A 163 and an input unit 164 are provided. The control unit 111 controls the operation of the communication terminal 100A as a whole. Therefore, the determination unit 112, the first acquisition unit 113, the communication unit 131, the first storage unit 143, the second storage unit 144, the second acquisition unit 151, the display unit 163, and the input unit 164 are under the control of the control unit 111. Performs a predetermined operation.

The control unit 111, the determination unit 112, and the first acquisition unit 113 correspond to the CPU 110 described with reference to FIG. 7. The determination unit 112 executes a determination process executed by the CPU 110. The first acquisition unit 113 generates a request signal for requesting the operating status of the air conditioner.

The communication unit 131 corresponds to the data communication device 130 described with reference to FIG. The communication unit 131 transmits various signals (for example, a request signal generated by the first acquisition unit 113) to the server device 300 described with reference to FIG. In addition, the communication unit 131 receives various signals (for example, operation data generated in response to the request signal) from the server device 300.

The first storage unit 143 and the second storage unit 144 correspond to the memory 140 described with reference to FIG. 7. The first storage unit 143 stores the data described with reference to FIG. The second storage unit 144 stores information regarding the position of the building HM set by the user by using the method described in relation to the fourth embodiment.

The second acquisition unit 151 corresponds to the information acquisition device 150 described with reference to FIG. 7. The second acquisition unit 151 acquires information regarding the position of the vehicle. The second acquisition unit 151 may be a GPS device of a car navigation system generally mounted on a vehicle. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to the specific device used as the second acquisition unit 151.

The display unit 163 and the input unit 164 correspond to the touch panel display 160 described with reference to FIG. 7. The display unit 163 corresponds to the display 161 described with reference to FIG. The display unit 163 may be a display of a car navigation system. Alternatively, the display unit 163 may be the display of a smartphone or other mobile terminal. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to the specific device used as the display unit 163.

The input unit 164 may be formed integrally with the display unit 163. In this case, the input unit 164 corresponds to the operation detection sensor 162. Alternatively, the input unit 164 may be a device different from the display unit 163. Therefore, the input unit 164 may be a keyboard, a mouse device, or another input device. The principle of this embodiment is not limited to the specific device used as the input unit 164.

<13th Embodiment>
As described in connection with the fifth embodiment, the communication terminal communicates various signals with the server device. In the thirteenth embodiment, an exemplary server device will be described.

FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the server device 300A of the thirteenth embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the server device 300A will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3A, 3B, 14, 15A, 27 and 28.

The server device 300A can be used as the server device 300 described with reference to FIG. The server device 300A is designed to communicate various signals with the communication terminal 100A described with reference to FIG.

The server device 300A includes a control unit 310, a communication unit 320, a notification unit 330, and an estimation unit 340. The control unit 310 controls the operation of the server device 300A as a whole. Therefore, the communication unit 320, the notification unit 330, and the estimation unit 340 perform a predetermined operation under the control of the control unit 310.

The communication unit 320 of the server device 300A receives control data from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A. The communication unit 320 transmits control data to the air conditioner group ACG. Air-conditioning equipment group that received the control data The air-conditioning equipment of ACG generates notification data indicating the reception of the control data. The notification data indicating the reception of the control data is transmitted from the air conditioning equipment of the air conditioning equipment group ACG to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The communication unit 320 of the server device 300A transmits notification data indicating reception of control data to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A.

If the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A does not receive the notification data indicating the reception of the control data for a predetermined period after the control data is transmitted to the air conditioner group ACG, the control unit 310 sends the notification data to the notification unit 330. To generate. The notification data generated by the control unit 310 indicates that the communication of the control data has failed. The notification data is output from the notification unit 330 of the server device 300A to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The communication unit 320 of the server device 300A transmits notification data to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A.

The control unit 111 of the communication terminal 100A reads out the information regarding the position of the building HM from the second storage unit 144. Information regarding the position of the building HM is output from the control unit 111 of the communication terminal 100A to the communication unit 131. The information regarding the position of the building HM is then transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. Information regarding the position of the building HM is output from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A to the estimation unit 340. Therefore, the estimation unit 340 can acquire information regarding the position of the building HM.

The second acquisition unit 151 of the communication terminal 100A generates position data representing the position of the vehicle VC. The position data is output from the second acquisition unit 151 to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A. The communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A transmits the position data to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The position data is then output from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A to the estimation unit 340. Therefore, the estimation unit 340 can acquire not only the information regarding the position of the building HM and the information regarding the control area CR, but also the information regarding the position of the vehicle VC.

The estimation unit 340 can grasp whether the vehicle VC is moving away from or approaching the building HM by using the information regarding the position of the building HM and the information regarding the position of the vehicle VC. If the vehicle VC moves away from the building HM, the estimation unit 340 can estimate that the destination of the vehicle VC is not the building HM. If the vehicle VC approaches from the building HM, it can be estimated that the destination of the vehicle VC is the building HM. The trigger signal is output from the estimation unit 340 to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A.

The communication unit 320 of the server device 300A transmits a trigger signal to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A. After the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100A receives the trigger signal, the control unit 111 of the communication terminal 100A causes the display unit 163 to display the image shown in FIG. 15A. That is, the communication terminal 100A switches the process described with reference to FIG. 1 from step S120 to step S130 according to the trigger signal.

<14th Embodiment>
As described in connection with the fifth embodiment, the air conditioner communicates various signals with the server device. In the fourteenth embodiment, exemplary air conditioning equipment will be described.

FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the air conditioner 400A of the 14th embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the air conditioner 400A will be described with reference to FIGS. 14, 28 and 29.

The air conditioner 400A can be used as the air conditioner of the air conditioner group ACG described with reference to FIG. The air conditioner 400A is designed to communicate various signals with the server device 300A described with reference to FIG.

The air conditioner 400A includes a control unit 410, a communication unit 420, a temperature data generation unit 430, an operation unit 440, an operation data generation unit 450, and a notification unit 460. The control unit 410 controls the operation of the air conditioner 400A as a whole. Therefore, the communication unit 420, the temperature data generation unit 430, the operation unit 440, the operation data generation unit 450, and the notification unit 460 perform a predetermined operation under the control of the control unit 410.

The communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A receives control data from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. The control unit 410 causes the operation unit 440 to execute the operation defined by the control data. The operation data generation unit 450 generates operation data representing the operation status of the operation unit 440. The operation data is output from the operation data generation unit 450 to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A. The communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A transmits the operation data to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A.

The temperature data generation unit 430 measures the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 400A. The temperature data generation unit 430 generates temperature data representing the measured temperature. The temperature data is also transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A.

The notification unit 460 generates notification data for notifying that the control data has been received by the air conditioner 400A. The notification data is output from the notification unit 460 of the air conditioner 400A to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A. The communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A transmits the notification data to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A.

<15th Embodiment>
The control area described in connection with the first embodiment does not have to be defined along the traveling path of the vehicle. Therefore, the vehicle may travel along the boundaries of the control area. In this case, the vehicle may enter the control area multiple times. If the communication terminal inquires whether remote control is necessary for each multiple entry into the control area, the user may find frequent inquiries from the communication terminal annoying. In a fifteenth embodiment, a communication terminal that does not overly frequently make inquiries about whether remote control is necessary is described.

FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100B of the fifteenth embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100B will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7, 15A, 15D, 28 and 30. The reference numerals commonly used between the twelfth embodiment and the fifteenth embodiment mean that the elements with the common reference numerals have the same functions as those of the twelfth embodiment. Therefore, the description of the twelfth embodiment is incorporated into these elements.

Similar to the twelfth embodiment, the communication terminal 100B includes the first acquisition unit 113, the communication unit 131, the first storage unit 143, the second storage unit 144, the second acquisition unit 151, and the display unit 163. , And an input unit 164. The description of the twelfth embodiment applies to these elements.

The communication terminal 100B further includes a control unit 111B, a determination unit 112B, and a timing unit 114. The control unit 111B and the timekeeping unit 114 correspond to the CPU 110 described with reference to FIG. 7.

The control unit 111B controls the operation of the communication terminal 100B as a whole. Therefore, the determination unit 112B, the first acquisition unit 113, the timing unit 114, the communication unit 131, the first storage unit 143, the second storage unit 144, the second acquisition unit 151, the display unit 163, and the input unit 164 are controlled units 111B. Performs a predetermined operation under the control of.

The control unit 111B activates the time counting unit 114 from the time when the display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 15A. The timing unit 114 may be a timer that operates for a predetermined period of time by TP.

If the timer is operating when the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B receives the trigger generated by the estimation unit 340 of the server device 300A, the determination unit 112B displays the image shown in FIG. 15A. It may be determined that it is not necessary. Therefore, step S130 described with reference to FIG. 1 is not executed, and the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

FIG. 31 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle VC traveling near the boundary of the control region CR. The communication terminal 100B will be further described with reference to FIGS. 15A, 30 and 31.

The vehicle VC shown in FIG. 31 has entered the control region CR at time t0. After that, the vehicle VC escapes from the control area CR and reenters the control area CR at time t1. If the difference between time t1 and time t0 is less than the threshold period defined by the timekeeping unit 114, then at time t1, display unit 163 does not display the image shown in FIG. 15A. If the difference between time t1 and time t0 exceeds the threshold period defined by timekeeping unit 114, display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 32 is a schematic flowchart showing the processing executed by the communication terminal 100B. The operation of the communication terminal 100B will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 30 and 32.

(Step S1110)
In step S1110, the communication terminal 100B executes a series of processes (on-recommendation process) described with reference to FIG. After that, step S1120 is executed.

(Step S1120)
In step S1120, the communication terminal 100B waits for a certain period of time. After that, step S1110 is executed.

<16th Embodiment>
The communication terminal described in connection with the fifteenth embodiment can operate according to the operating principle described in relation to the first embodiment. In the 16th embodiment, the operation of the communication terminal will be described.

FIG. 33 is a schematic flowchart showing an exemplary operation of the communication terminal 100B. An exemplary operation of the communication terminal 100B will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 15A, 30 and 33.

(Step S1210)
In step S1210, the communication terminal 100B executes the on-recommendation determination process. The on-recommendation determination process corresponds to step S110 and step S120 described with reference to FIG. After the on-recommendation determination process, step S1220 is executed.

(Step S1220)
In step S1220, the communication terminal 100B executes the image display determination process. The image display determination process is used to determine whether or not the image shown in FIG. 15A is displayed. After the image display determination process, step S1230 is executed.

(Step S1230)
If the image shown in FIG. 15A is displayed in step S1230, step S1240 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1240)
In step S1240, the user decides whether or not to perform remote control. If the user presses the icon button IB26 shown in FIG. 15A, the on-recommendation process ends. If the user presses the icon button IB27 shown in FIG. 15A, the remote control process is executed. The remote control process corresponds to steps S130 to 150 described with reference to FIG.

<17th Embodiment>
In the on-recommendation determination process described in relation to the 16th embodiment, the communication device executes various processes in cooperation with the server device. In the 17th embodiment, the on-recommendation determination process will be described.

FIG. 34 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process. The on-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 28, 30, 31 and 34.

(Step S1310)
In step S1310, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not it is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control area CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control area CR has been set, step S1320 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1330 is executed.

(Step S1320)
In step S1320, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process, step S1330 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1330)
In step S1330, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) representing the air conditioning equipment owned by the user from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1340 is executed.

(Step S1340)
In step S1340, the communication terminal 100B performs a predetermined determination process for the air conditioner. After the determination process for the air conditioner, step S1350 is executed.

(Step S1350)
In step S1350, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the result of the determination process in step S1340 indicates the existence of the first candidate device. The term "first candidate equipment" means an air conditioner that meets the starting conditions. If the result of the determination process indicates the existence of the first candidate device, step S1360 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1360)
In step S1360, the estimation unit 340 of the server device 300A performs estimation processing regarding the destination of the vehicle VC. After the estimation process, step S1370 is executed.

(Step S1370)
In step S1370, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building. If the determination unit 112B determines that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building, step S1380 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1380)
In step S1380, a process for determining the position of the vehicle VC with respect to the control area CR is executed.

FIG. 35 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1340 described with reference to FIG. 34. The on-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to FIGS. 11, 28 to 31, 34 and 35.

(Step S1341)
In step S1341, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting temperature data. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B then causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit a request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A receives the request signal, the control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the temperature data generation unit 430 to generate temperature data representing the temperature of the space in which the air conditioner 400A is arranged. The temperature data generation unit 430 outputs the temperature data to the communication unit 420. The temperature data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B receives the temperature data, step S1342 is executed.

(Step S1342)
In step S1342, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads out the data related to the start condition from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1343 is executed.

(Step S1343)
In step S1343, the determination unit 112B compares the temperature data with the data relating to the start condition. If the temperature data meets the start condition, step S1344 is executed. In other cases, step S1345 is executed. For example, if the temperature of the living room is 30 ° C., step S1344 is executed in the process for the air conditioner installed in the living room shown in FIG. If the temperature of the living room is 22 ° C., step S1345 is executed in the process for the air conditioner installed in the living room shown in FIG.

(Step S1344)
In step S1344, the air conditioner to be processed is selected as the first candidate device. Information about the air-conditioning device selected as the first candidate device is temporarily stored in the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1345 is executed.

(Step S1345)
In step S1345, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the processing for all the air conditioning equipment owned by the user is completed. If the processing for all the air conditioners owned by the user is not completed, step S1342 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process in step S1340 described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 36 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1360 described with reference to FIG. 34. The on-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to FIGS. 28, 30, 34 and 36.

(Step S1361)
In step S1361, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B requests the second acquisition unit 151 of the communication terminal 100B to generate position information regarding the position of the vehicle. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads out the position information regarding the position of the target building from the second storage unit 144 of the communication terminal 100B. After that, step S1362 is executed.

(Step S1362)
In step S1362, the position information of the vehicle and the building is output from the second acquisition unit 151 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B. The position information of the vehicle and the building is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A. After that, step S1363 is executed.

(Step S1363)
In step S1363, when the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A receives the position information of the vehicle and the building, the control unit 310 of the server device 300A causes the estimation unit 340 to estimate the destination of the vehicle. If the position information indicates that the vehicle is moving away from the building, the estimation unit 340 may determine that the destination of the vehicle is not the building. If the position information indicates that the vehicle is approaching the building, the estimation unit 340 may determine that the destination of the vehicle is the building. The data representing the determination result is transmitted from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B. The estimation unit 340 may estimate the destination of the vehicle by using another method. The principles of this embodiment are not limited to a particular method for estimating the destination of a vehicle.

FIG. 37 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1380 described with reference to FIG. 34. The on-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to FIGS. 25, 30, 33, 34, and 37.

(Step S1381)
In step S1381, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads out the position information regarding the position of the target building and the radius of the control area from the second storage unit 144. In FIG. 37, the position of the building is represented by the symbol “P0”. In FIG. 37, the radius of the control area is represented by the symbol “R”. Under the settings shown in FIG. 25, "R" is "5 km". After reading the position information, step S1382 is executed.

(Step S1382)
In step S1382, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B requests the second acquisition unit 151 to generate position information regarding the position of the vehicle. The communication terminal 100B handles the position of the vehicle represented by the position information acquired in step S1382 as a reference position. In FIG. 37, the reference position is represented by the symbol “P1”. After the position information regarding the position of the vehicle is generated, step S1383 is executed.

(Step S1383)
In step S1383, the communication terminal 100B executes the standby process. The waiting time may be constant. Alternatively, the waiting time may be changed depending on the speed of the vehicle. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by the waiting time. After the waiting time has elapsed, step S1384 is executed.

(Step S1384)
In step S1384, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B requests the second acquisition unit 151 to generate the position information regarding the position of the vehicle again. The communication terminal 100B handles the position of the vehicle represented by the position information acquired in step S1384 as the determination position. In FIG. 37, the determination position is represented by the symbol “P2”. After the position information regarding the position of the vehicle is generated, step S1385 is executed.

(Step S1385)
In step S1385, the difference between the vehicle position "P1" and the building position "P0" is larger than the radius "R" of the control area, and the vehicle position "P2" and the building position "P0". If the difference between and is less than the radius "R" of the control area, step S1386 is performed. In other cases, step S1387 is executed.

(Step S1386)
In step S1386, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B decides to continue the process. Therefore, after step S1386, step S1220 described with reference to FIG. 33 is performed.

(Step S1387)
In step S1387, the determination unit 112B determines to treat the determination position P2 as the reference position P1. After that, step S1383 is executed.

<18th Embodiment>
In the image display determination process described in connection with the 16th embodiment, it is determined whether or not an image that prompts the user to determine the execution of the remote control is displayed. In the eighteenth embodiment, the image display determination process will be described.

FIG. 38A is a table showing data of the air conditioner stored in the first storage unit 143 in step S1344 described with reference to FIG. 35. FIG. 38B is a table showing an air conditioner device determined as an operation target device by the image display determination process. The image determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 30, 33, 35, 38A and 38B.

If the temperature data represents a temperature of 26 ° C., then the air conditioning installed in the living room, kitchen room and children's room (2) as a result of the processing in step S1344 performed under the settings shown in FIG. The device is selected as the first candidate device.

If the air conditioner installed in the children's room (2) is in operation, step S1240 described with reference to FIG. 33 does not need to be performed. Therefore, the determination unit 112B excludes the air-conditioning equipment installed in the child room (2) from the operation target equipment.

FIG. 39 is a schematic flowchart of the image display determination process. The image display determination process is executed with reference to FIGS. 11, 15A, 28 to 30, 33, and 38A to 39.

(Step S1221)
In step S1221, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads the data of the first candidate device from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1222 is executed.

(Step S1222)
In step S1222, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting operation data. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B outputs the request signal to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A receives the request signal, the control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the operation data generation unit 450 to generate operation data. The control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to transmit operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. After that, step S1223 is executed.

(Step S1223)
In step S1223, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to determine whether or not the air conditioning device 400A to be processed is in operation based on the operation data. If the determination unit 112B determines that the air conditioning device 400A to be processed is in operation, step S1224 is executed. In other cases, step S1225 is executed.

(Step S1224)
In step S1224, the determination unit 112B determines to handle the air conditioning device 400A to be processed as the second candidate device. After that, step S1225 is executed.

(Step S1225)
In step S1225, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the above-mentioned processing has been completed for all the first candidate devices. If the above processing has been completed for all the first candidate devices, step S1226 is executed. In other cases, step S1222 is executed. If the air-conditioning equipment shown in FIG. 38A is selected as the first candidate equipment, the above-mentioned processing has been completed for the air-conditioning equipment installed in the living room, kitchen room and children's room (2). If so, step S1225 is executed.

(Step S1226)
In step S1226, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the air-conditioning device selected as the second candidate device includes the air-conditioning device set by the user as the operation candidate device. If the air conditioning device selected as the second candidate device includes the air conditioning device set by the user as the operation candidate device, the determination unit 112B is selected as the second candidate device and operated by the user. The air conditioning device set as the candidate device is temporarily stored in the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1227 is executed. In other cases, the control unit 111B interrupts the process. Comparing the data shown in FIG. 38A with the data shown in FIG. 11, since the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room and children's room (2) are set as operation candidate devices by the user, step S1227 Will be executed.

(Step S1227)
In step S1227, the control unit 111B causes the display unit 163 to display the image shown in FIG. 15A. After that, step S1230 described with reference to FIG. 33 is executed.

<19th Embodiment>
In the image display determination process described in relation to the eighteenth embodiment, if the communication terminal can determine the operation target device, the process for remotely controlling the operation target device is executed. In the nineteenth embodiment, a process for remotely controlling the operation target device will be described.

FIG. 40 is a schematic flowchart of the process executed in step S1240 described with reference to FIG. 33. The process executed in step S1240 is executed with reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C, FIGS. 28 to 30, 33, 38B, 39 and 40.

(Step S1241)
In step S1241, if the user presses the icon button IB27 (see FIG. 15A), the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B first selects all the data of the air conditioning equipment (see FIG. 38B) selected as the operation target device. Read from the storage unit 143. The data read from the first storage unit 143 may include setting data that defines the operation of the air conditioning device selected as the operation target device. Step S1242 is executed after the control unit 111B reads out the data of all the air conditioning equipment selected as the operation target equipment.

(Step S1242)
In step S1242, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the read setting data as control data. The control data is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A receives the control data, the operation unit 440 of the air conditioner 400A executes the operation defined by the control data. The notification unit 460 of the air conditioner 400A generates notification data indicating that the control data has been received. The control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to transmit notification data. The notification data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. After that, step S1243 is executed.

(Step S1243)
In step S1243, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B causes the display unit 163 to display an image (see FIGS. 15B and 15C) showing the communication result of the control data according to the notification data. After that, step S1244 is executed.

(Step S1244)
In step S1244, the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not the user is requesting operation data. If the user requests operation data (if the user presses the icon buttons IB29, IB31 (see FIGS. 15B and 15C)), step S1245 is executed. In other cases, step S1247 is executed.

(Step S1245)
In step S1245, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting operation data. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B transmits the request signal to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning device 400A via the server device 300A. The control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the operation data generation unit 450 to generate operation data in response to the request signal. The control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A transmits the operation data to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning device 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. After that, step S1246 is executed.

(Step S1246)
In step S1246, the control unit 111B causes the display unit 163 to display the operation status represented by the operation data. After that, step S1247 is executed.

(Step S1247)
The determination unit 112B of the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not the above-mentioned processing has been applied to all the operation target devices.

<20th Embodiment>
In the on-recommendation determination process described in relation to the 17th embodiment, the determination process for the air conditioner is performed before the determination process for the position of the vehicle. Alternatively, the determination process for the air conditioner may be performed after the determination process for the position of the vehicle. In the twentieth embodiment, another on-recommendation determination process will be described.

FIG. 41 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process. The on-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 28, 30, 31, 35 to 37, and 41.

(Step S1410)
In step S1410, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not it is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control area CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control area CR has been set, step S1420 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1430 is executed.

(Step S1420)
In step S1420, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process, step S1430 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1430)
In step S1430, the estimation unit 340 of the server device 300A performs the estimation process described with reference to FIG. After the estimation process, step S1440 is executed.

(Step S1440)
In step S1440, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building. If the determination unit 112B determines that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building, step S1450 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1450)
In step S1450, the process described with reference to FIG. 37 is executed to determine whether the vehicle VC has entered the control area CR. After that, step S1460 is executed.

(Step S1460)
In step S1460, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) representing the air conditioning equipment owned by the user from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1470 is executed.

(Step S1470)
In step S1470, the communication terminal 100B performs the determination process described with reference to FIG. 35.

<21st Embodiment>
In the various embodiments described above, determination processing for the position of the vehicle is performed. Therefore, if the user has not set the position of the target building in advance, it is preferable that the on-recommendation determination process is interrupted before the communication terminal executes various processes. In addition, if the determination process for the position of the vehicle is executed, the estimation process for the destination of the vehicle is not necessarily required. Therefore, the on-recommendation determination process may be greatly simplified. In the 21st embodiment, a simplified on-recommendation determination process will be described.

FIG. 42 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process. The on-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 25, 30, 31, 31, 35, 37, and 42.

(Step S1510)
In step S1510, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not it is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control area CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control area CR has been set, step S1520 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1530 is executed.

(Step S1520)
In step S1520, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process, step S1530 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1530)
In step S1530, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads the data related to the building HM from the second storage unit 144. If the user has not made the settings described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 25, the control unit 111B cannot read the data related to the building HM, and thus interrupts the on-recommendation determination process. If the control unit 111B reads the data related to the building HM from the second storage unit 144, step S1540 is executed.

(Step S1540)
In step S1540, the process described with reference to FIG. 37 is executed to determine whether or not the vehicle VC has entered the control region CR. After that, step S1550 is executed.

(Step S1550)
In step S1550, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) representing the air conditioning equipment owned by the user from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1560 is executed.

(Step S1560)
In step S1560, the communication terminal 100B performs the determination process described with reference to FIG. 35.

<22nd Embodiment>
The communication terminal may acquire information on the outside air temperature without communicating with the air conditioner. In this case, the air temperature outside the vehicle and the building is acquired by the communication terminal. In the 22nd embodiment, a communication terminal capable of acquiring information on the outside air temperature without communicating with the air conditioner is described.

FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100C of the 22nd embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal 100C will be described with reference to FIGS. 35 and 43. The reference numerals commonly used between the fifteenth embodiment and the twenty-second embodiment mean that the elements with the common reference numerals have the same functions as those of the fifteenth embodiment. Therefore, the description of the fifteenth embodiment is incorporated into these elements.

Similar to the fifteenth embodiment, the communication terminal 100C includes a first acquisition unit 113, a determination unit 112B, a timekeeping unit 114, a communication unit 131, a first storage unit 143, a second storage unit 144, and a second. 2 The acquisition unit 151, the display unit 163, and the input unit 164 are provided. The description of the fifteenth embodiment applies to these elements.

The communication terminal 100C further includes a control unit 111C and a third acquisition unit 152. The control unit 111C corresponds to the CPU 110 described with reference to FIG. The third acquisition unit 152 corresponds to the information acquisition device 150 described with reference to FIG. 7. The third acquisition unit 152 may be a temperature measuring element that measures the temperature outside the vehicle.

The control unit 111C controls the operation of the communication terminal 100C as a whole. Therefore, the determination unit 112B, the first acquisition unit 113, the timing unit 114, the communication unit 131, the first storage unit 143, the second storage unit 144, the second acquisition unit 151, the third acquisition unit 152, the display unit 163, and the input unit. The 164 performs a predetermined operation under the control of the control unit 111C.

The communication terminal 100C executes an operation similar to the operation described in connection with the fifteenth embodiment, except for step S1341 described with reference to FIG. 35. In step S1341, the control unit 111C causes the third acquisition unit 152 to acquire information on the temperature outside the vehicle. After that, the communication terminal 100C executes steps S1342 to S1345 using the information acquired by the third acquisition unit 152. Therefore, in step S1341, the communication terminal 100C does not have to communicate with the home electric appliance.

<23rd Embodiment>
The communication terminal may determine the operation mode based on the acquired information on the outside air temperature. In the 23rd embodiment, a communication terminal that determines an operation mode according to the outside air temperature will be described.

FIG. 44 is a schematic flowchart showing a procedure for determining an operation mode. A method for determining the operation mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 29, 30, 35, 40 and 44.

(Step S1610)
When step S1343 described with reference to FIG. 35 is started, step S1610 is executed. In FIG. 44, the upper limit temperature set by the user is represented by the symbol "UTH". In FIG. 44, the outside air temperature represented by the temperature data acquired in step S1341 described with reference to FIG. 35 is represented by the symbol “THD”. In step S1610, the determination unit 112B compares the outside air temperature THD with the upper limit temperature UTH. If the outside air temperature THD exceeds the upper limit temperature, step S1620 is executed. In other cases, step S1630 is executed.

(Step S1620)
In step S1620, the communication terminal 100B selects the cooling mode. In this case, in step S1242 described with reference to FIG. 40, the communication terminal 100B transmits control data for the cooling mode. The operating unit 440 of the air conditioner 400A operates so as to adjust the indoor temperature toward a target temperature set lower than the upper limit temperature according to the control data.

(Step S1630)
In FIG. 44, the lower limit temperature set by the user is represented by the symbol "LTH". In step S1610, the determination unit 112B compares the outside air temperature THD with the lower limit temperature LTH. If the outside air temperature THD is below the lower limit temperature, step S1640 is executed. In other cases, since the start condition is not satisfied, step S1345 shown in FIG. 35 will be executed.

(Step S1640)
In step S1640, the communication terminal 100B selects the heating mode. In this case, in step S1242 described with reference to FIG. 40, the communication terminal 100B transmits control data for the heating mode. The operating unit 440 of the air conditioner 400A operates so as to adjust the indoor temperature toward a target temperature set higher than the lower limit temperature according to the control data.

FIG. 45 is a schematic flowchart showing another procedure for determining the operating mode. A method for determining the operation mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 29, 30, 35, 40 and 45.

(Step S1650)
In step S1650, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the outside air temperature THD is between the upper limit temperature UTH and the lower limit temperature LTH. If the outside air temperature THD is between the upper limit temperature UTH and the lower limit temperature LTH, the start condition is not satisfied, and step S1345 shown in FIG. 35 is executed. In other cases, step S1660 is executed.

(Step S1660)
In step S1660, the communication terminal 100B selects the automatic mode. In this case, in step S1242 described with reference to FIG. 40, the communication terminal 100B transmits control data for the automatic mode. The operating unit 440 of the air conditioner 400A operates so as to adjust the indoor temperature toward the target temperature set between the lower limit temperature and the upper limit temperature according to the control data.

<24th Embodiment>
After the control data is transmitted, a plurality of images showing the control data transmission status are displayed. The display order of the plurality of images may be predetermined. In the 24th embodiment, a method for determining the display order of a plurality of images will be described.

FIG. 46 is a table showing the data stored in the first storage unit 143. A method for determining the display order of a plurality of images will be described with reference to FIGS. 15B, 15C, 30, 38B, 40 and 46.

FIG. 46 shows that priorities are set for a plurality of air conditioners owned by the user. The control unit 111B refers to the priority data and executes the various processes described above according to the priority. The priority may be set by the user. Alternatively, the priority may be set automatically by the application program. The principles of this embodiment are not limited to specific methods for determining priorities.

FIG. 38B shows that the air conditioning equipment installed in the living room and the air conditioning equipment installed in the kitchen room are selected as the operation target devices. As shown in FIG. 46, the air conditioner installed in the living room is assigned a higher priority than the air conditioner installed in the kitchen room. Therefore, the processing loop of steps S1243 to S1248 described with reference to FIG. 40 is executed for the air conditioner installed in the living room and then for the air conditioner installed in the kitchen room. .. As a result, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 15C next to the image shown in FIG. 15B.

<25th Embodiment>
The display order of the images may depend on the difference between the temperature set by the user and the measured temperature. In the 25th embodiment, a method of determining the display order of images from the difference between the temperature set by the user and the measured temperature will be described.

FIG. 47 is a schematic flowchart showing a method of determining the display order of images from the difference between the temperature set by the user and the measured temperature. A method for determining the display order of a plurality of images will be described with reference to FIGS. 35, 40, 43, and 47.

(Step S1710)
In step S1710, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the communication unit 131 has transmitted the control data for the cooling mode. The technique for selecting between the cooling mode and the heating mode may be based on the principle of the 23rd embodiment. If the determination unit 112B determines that the communication unit 131 has transmitted the control data for the cooling mode, step S1720 is executed. In other cases, step S1760 is executed.

(Step S1720)
In step S1720, the control unit 111B sets a processing group of the upper limit temperature set for the operation target device from the data of the operation target device read in step S1241 described with reference to FIG. 40. After that, step S1730 is executed.

(Step S1730)
In step S1730, the control unit 111B has a difference between the temperature THD represented by the temperature data acquired in step S1341 described with reference to FIG. 35 and the upper limit temperature set for the operation target device. Find the largest air conditioner. After that, step S1740 is executed.

(Step S1740)
In step S1740, the control unit 111B sets the processing order for the processing loop of steps S1243 to S1248 shown in FIG. 40. The data of the air conditioner for which the processing order is set is removed from the processing group. After that, step S1750 is executed.

(Step S1750)
In step S1750, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the above-mentioned processing has been applied to all the operation target devices. If the above processing is applied to all the operation target devices, the processing is terminated. In other cases, step S1720 is executed.

(Step S1760)
In step S1760, the control unit 111B sets a processing group of the lower limit temperature set for the operation target device from the data of the operation target device read in step S1241 described with reference to FIG. 40. After that, step S1770 is executed.

(Step S1770)
In step S1770, the control unit 111B has a difference between the temperature THD represented by the temperature data acquired in step S1341 described with reference to FIG. 35 and the lower limit temperature set for the operation target device. Find the largest air conditioner. After that, step S1780 is executed.

(Step S1780)
In step S1780, the control unit 111B sets the processing order for the processing loop of steps S1243 to S1248 shown in FIG. 40. The data of the air conditioner for which the processing order is set is removed from the processing group. After that, step S1790 is executed.

(Step S1790)
In step S1790, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the above-mentioned processing has been applied to all the operation target devices. If the above processing is applied to all the operation target devices, the processing is terminated. In other cases, step S1760 is executed.

As a result of the above processing, the display unit 163 preferentially displays the transmission result of the air conditioner in which a large temperature difference is found.

<26th Embodiment>
If the user has not set information about the location of the target building, the communication terminal described in connection with the 21st embodiment interrupts the process. If the communication terminal is used together with a server device having a function of estimating the position of the building, the process can be continued. In this case, the communication terminal can execute various processes using the position of the building estimated by the server device. In the 26th embodiment, an exemplary server device will be described.

FIG. 48 is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the server device 300B of the 26th embodiment. An exemplary functional configuration of the server device 300B will be described with reference to FIGS. 36 and 48. The reference numerals commonly used between the thirteenth embodiment and the twenty-sixth embodiment mean that the elements with the common reference numerals have the same functions as those of the thirteenth embodiment. Therefore, the description of the thirteenth embodiment is incorporated into these elements.

The server device 300B includes a communication unit 320 and a notification unit 330. The description of the thirteenth embodiment is incorporated into these elements.

The server device 300B further includes a control unit 310B and an estimation unit 340B. The control unit 310B controls the operation of the server device 300B as a whole. Therefore, the communication unit 320, the notification unit 330, and the estimation unit 340B perform a predetermined operation under the control of the control unit 310B.

The estimation unit 340B includes a first estimation unit 341 and a second estimation unit 342. The first estimation unit 341 executes the process of step S1363 described with reference to FIG. 36.

The server device 300B may periodically receive information regarding the position of the vehicle generated by the second acquisition unit 151 of the communication terminal 100B. In this case, the server device 300B can roughly grasp the movement pattern of the vehicle. The second estimation unit 342 can estimate the position of the target building based on the movement pattern of the vehicle.

If the target building is the user's home, the second estimation unit 342 can presume that the user's home is near the position of the vehicle, which is often stopped for a long time. The principle of the present embodiment is not limited to the specific estimation method used by the second estimation unit 342.

<27th Embodiment>
In the on-recommendation determination process, the location information of the building estimated by the server device may be used. In the 27th embodiment, the on-recommendation determination process using the position information of the building estimated by the server device will be described.

FIG. 49 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process. The on-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 25, 30, 31, 35 to 37, 48, and 49.

(Step S1805)
In step S1805, the determination unit 112B of the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not it is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control area CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control area CR has been set, step S1810 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1815 is executed.

(Step S1810)
In step S1810, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process, step S1815 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1815)
In step S1815, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) representing the air conditioning equipment owned by the user from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1820 is executed.

(Step S1820)
In step S1820, the communication terminal 100B performs the determination process described with reference to FIG. 35. After that, step S1825 is executed.

(Step S1825)
In step S1825, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the result of the determination process in step S1820 indicates the existence of the first candidate device. If the result of the determination process indicates the existence of the first candidate device, step S1830 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1830)
In step S1830, the server device 300B performs the estimation process described with reference to FIG. After the estimation process, step S1835 is executed.

(Step S1835)
In step S1835, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building HM. If the determination unit 112B determines that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building HM, step S1840 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1840)
In step S1840, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads the data related to the building HM from the second storage unit 144. Step S1845 is performed if the user has made the settings described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 25. In other cases, step S1850 is executed.

(Step S1845)
In step S1845, a series of processes described with reference to FIG. 37 is executed.

(Step S1850)
In step S1850, the communication terminal 100B cooperates with the server device 300B to perform estimation processing regarding the position of the vehicle VC.

FIG. 50 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S1850 described with reference to FIG. 49. The process in step S1850 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 30, 33, 48 to 50.

(Step S1851)
In step S1851, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B requests the second acquisition unit 151 to generate position information regarding the position of the vehicle. The communication terminal 100B handles the position of the vehicle represented by the position information acquired in step S1851 as a reference position. In FIG. 50, the reference position is represented by the symbol “P1”. After the position information regarding the position of the vehicle is generated, step S1852 is executed.

(Step S1852)
In step S1852, the control unit 310B of the communication terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the position information regarding the position of the vehicle. The position information regarding the position of the vehicle is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300B. After that, step S1853 is executed.

(Step S1853)
In step S1853, the communication terminal 100B executes the standby process. The waiting time may be constant. Alternatively, the waiting time may be changed depending on the speed of the vehicle. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by the waiting time. After the waiting time has elapsed, step S1854 is executed.

(Step S1854)
In step S1854, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B requests the second acquisition unit 151 to generate position information regarding the position of the vehicle again. The communication terminal 100B handles the position of the vehicle represented by the position information acquired in step S1854 as the determination position. In FIG. 50, the determination position is represented by the symbol “P2”. After the position information regarding the position of the vehicle is generated, step S1855 is executed.

(Step S1855)
In step S1855, the control unit 310B of the communication terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the position information regarding the position of the vehicle. The position information regarding the position of the vehicle is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300B. After that, step S1856 is executed.

(Step S1856)
In step S1856, the control unit 310B of the server device 300B requests the second estimation unit 342 for the estimated position "PE" of the building. The difference between the vehicle position "P1" and the estimated building position "PE" is larger than the radius "R" of the control area, and the difference between the vehicle position "P2" and the estimated building position "PE" If the difference between them is less than the radius "R" of the control area, step S1857 is performed. In other cases, step S1858 is executed.

(Step S1857)
In step S1857, the control unit 310B of the server device 300B causes the notification unit 330 to generate a notification signal notifying that the vehicle has entered the control area. The notification signal is transmitted from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300B to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B decides to continue the process in response to the notification signal. Therefore, after step S1857, step S1220 described with reference to FIG. 33 is performed.

(Step S1858)
In step S1858, the determination unit 112B determines to treat the determination position P2 as the reference position P1. After that, step S1853 is executed.

<28th Embodiment>
In the on-recommendation determination process described in relation to the 27th embodiment, the determination process for the air conditioner is performed before the determination process for the position of the vehicle. Alternatively, the determination process for the air conditioner may be performed after the determination process for the position of the vehicle. In the 28th embodiment, another on-recommendation determination process will be described.

FIG. 51 is a schematic flowchart showing the on-recommendation determination process. The on-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 25, 30, 31, 35 to 37, and 49 to 51.

(Step S1910)
In step S1910, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not it is the first on-recommendation determination process after the control area CR is set. If the on-recommendation determination process has already been executed after the control area CR has been set, step S1920 is executed. If the first on-recommendation determination process has been executed, step S1930 is executed.

(Step S1920)
In step S1920, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process. If a certain period of time has passed since the previous execution of the on-recommendation process, step S1930 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1930)
In step S1930, the server device 300B performs the estimation process described with reference to FIG. After the estimation process, step S1940 is executed.

(Step S1940)
In step S1940, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building HM. If the determination unit 112B determines that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building HM, step S1950 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S1950)
In step S1950, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads the data related to the building HM from the second storage unit 144. Step S1960 is performed if the user has made the settings described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 25. In other cases, step S1970 is executed.

(Step S1960)
In step S1960, a series of processes described with reference to FIG. 37 is executed. After that, step S1980 is executed.

(Step S1970)
In step S1970, the communication terminal 100B cooperates with the server device 300B to perform the estimation process described with reference to FIG. 50. After that, step S1980 is executed.

(Step S1980)
In step S1980, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 11) representing the air conditioning equipment owned by the user from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S1990 is executed.

(Step S1990)
In step S1990, the communication terminal 100B performs the determination process described with reference to FIG. 35.

<29th Embodiment>
As a result of the on-recommendation determination process described in relation to the 17th embodiment, an air conditioner device treated as the first candidate device is found. As a result of the on-recommendation determination process, if there is no air conditioner device to be treated as the first candidate device, the subsequent process is not required. In the 29th embodiment, the on-recommendation process for determining the necessity of the image display determination process is described according to the result of the on-recommendation determination process.

FIG. 52 is a schematic flowchart showing an exemplary operation of the communication terminal 100B. An exemplary operation of the communication terminal 100B will be described with reference to FIG. The step number commonly used between the 16th embodiment and the 29th embodiment means that the process with the common step number is the same as that of the 16th embodiment. Therefore, the description of the 16th embodiment is incorporated into these steps.

(Step S1210)
In step S1210, the communication terminal 100B executes the on-recommendation determination process. As described in relation to the 17th embodiment, as a result of the on-recommendation determination process, the communication terminal 100B can find the air-conditioning device treated as the first candidate device. After the on-recommendation determination process, step S1215 is executed.

(Step S1215)
In step S1215, the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not there is an air conditioner device to be treated as the first candidate device. If there is no air-conditioning device to be treated as the first candidate device, the communication terminal 100B ends the on-recommendation process. In other cases, step S1220 is executed. The processing after step S1220 is the same as that of the 16th embodiment.

<30th Embodiment>
The principles of the various embodiments described above allow the user to activate the air conditioner in the building to make the environment in the building comfortable for the user before arriving at the desired building. The user may also notice that the air conditioner in the building remains in operation after leaving the desired building. Remote control technology described in the various embodiments described above (device control system for remotely controlling a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building from a vehicle via a network, terminal device used for the device control system, terminal device). The program and recommendation method executed by the user) can also be applied to stop the air conditioner in the building after the user leaves the target building. In the thirtieth embodiment, the user's operation in the off-recommendation process for stopping the air conditioner in the building after leaving the target building is described.

53A and 53B show exemplary images displayed by the display unit 163 of the communication terminal 100B. The user's operation in the off-recommendation process will be described with reference to FIGS. 8E, 30, 53A and 53B.

When the user performs a predetermined operation on the image projected on the display unit 163 according to the operation method described in connection with the third embodiment, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 8E. Can be done. After that, when the user presses the icon button IB15, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 53A or FIG. 53B.

The image shown in FIG. 53A includes two icon buttons IB47, IB48. When the user presses the icon button IB47, the target air conditioning device can be set as an operation candidate device to be subjected to off-recommendation processing. When the user presses the icon button IB48, the display unit 163 redisplays the image shown in FIG. 8E.

The image shown in FIG. 53B includes three icon buttons IB49, IB50, IB51. When the user presses the icon button IB49, the target air-conditioning device can be set as an operation candidate device that receives off-recommendation processing. When the user presses the icon button IB50, the setting as an operation candidate device can be canceled. When the user presses the icon button IB51, the display unit 163 redisplays the image shown in FIG. 8E.

FIG. 54 is a table showing exemplary data generated by the manipulations on the images shown in FIGS. 53A and 53B. With reference to FIGS. 30, 53A to 54, the data generated by the manipulation on the images shown in FIGS. 53A and 53B will be described.

As a result of the operation on the image shown in FIGS. 53A and 53B, the data shown in FIG. 54 is stored in the first storage unit 143. When the user presses the icon buttons IB47 and IB49, the setting as the operation candidate device becomes effective. When the user presses the icon button IB50, the setting as an operation candidate device becomes invalid. FIG. 54 shows that the setting as an operation candidate device for the air conditioning device installed in the living room, the kitchen room, the child room (1) and the child room (2) is effective. FIG. 54 shows that the setting of the air conditioner installed in the bedroom as an operation candidate device is invalid. In this embodiment, the setting information is exemplified by the data shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 55 is a table showing data of the operation target device to which the control data for stopping the operation is transmitted. The off-recommendation process will be described with reference to FIGS. 30, 54 and 55.

The communication terminal 100B performs off-recommendation processing and selects an operation target device from a plurality of air conditioning devices set as operation candidate devices. In FIG. 55, as a result of the off-recommendation process, the air conditioning equipment installed in the living room, the kitchen room, the child room (1) and the child room (2) is changed to the air conditioning equipment installed in the living room and the child room (1). , Indicates that the device has been selected as the operation target device.

FIG. 56 is an exemplary image displayed by the display unit 163 of the communication terminal 100B performing the off-recommendation processing. The off-recommendation process will be further described with reference to FIGS. 30, 55 and 56.

After determining the operation target device, the communication terminal 100B causes the display unit 163 to display the image shown in FIG. 56. The image shown in FIG. 56 includes two icon buttons IB52, IB53. When the user presses the icon button IB52, the communication terminal 100B ends the off-recommendation process without transmitting control data. When the user presses the icon button IB53, control data is transmitted to the air conditioners installed in the living room and the children's room (1), respectively. As a result, the air conditioners installed in the living room and the children's room (1) can be stopped. In this embodiment, the start instruction image is illustrated by the image shown in FIG. The indicated image area is exemplified by the icon button IB53.

57A and 57B are exemplary images displayed by the display unit 163 after transmission of control data. The off-recommendation process will be further described with reference to FIGS. 30, 54, 57A and 57B.

The setting of the display order of the images after the transmission of the control data may depend on the principle described in connection with the 24th embodiment. FIG. 54 shows the priority assigned to a plurality of air conditioners in the off-recommendation process. The air conditioner installed in the living room is assigned a higher priority than the air conditioner installed in the children's room (1). Therefore, the display unit 163 displays the transmission result of the control data to the air conditioner installed in the child room (1) next to the transmission result of the control data to the air conditioner installed in the living room. The priority may be set by the user. Alternatively, the priority may be set automatically by the application program. The principles of this embodiment are not limited to specific methods for determining priorities. In the present embodiment, the first target device is exemplified by an air conditioner installed in a living room. The second target device is exemplified by an air conditioner installed in the children's room (1). The first notification image is illustrated by the image shown in FIG. 57A. The second notification image is illustrated by the image shown in FIG. 57B.

The image shown in FIG. 57A includes two icon buttons IB54, IB55. When the user presses the icon button IB54, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 57B. When the user presses the icon button IB55, the display unit 163 displays the detailed operating status of the air conditioner installed in the living room.

The image shown in FIG. 57B includes two icon buttons IB56, IB57. When the user presses the icon button IB56, the user's operation in the off-recommendation process ends. When the user presses the icon button IB57, the display unit 163 displays the detailed operating status of the air conditioner installed in the child room (1).

<31st Embodiment>
Similar to the on-recommendation process, the user performs a setting process for setting an operation candidate device for each of the plurality of air-conditioning devices for the off-recommendation process. In the 31st embodiment, the setting process for setting the operation candidate device will be described.

FIG. 58 is a schematic flowchart showing a setting process for setting an operation candidate device. The setting process for setting the operation candidate device will be described with reference to FIGS. 8E, 9, 30, 53A to 54, and 58.

(Step S2010)
When step S270 described with reference to FIG. 9 is executed, the process of step S2010 is started. In step S2010, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 53A or FIG. 53B. After that, step S2020 is executed.

(Step S2020)
In step S2020, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the user operates the input unit 164 and presses the icon button IB48. If the determination unit 112B determines that the user has operated the input unit 164 and pressed the icon button IB48, step S2030 is executed. In other cases, step S2040 is executed.

(Step S2030)
In step S2030, the display unit 163 displays the image shown in FIG. 8E. After that, the process described with reference to FIG. 9 is executed.

(Step S2040)
In step S2040, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the user operates the input unit 164 and presses one of the icon buttons IB47, IB49, and IB50. If the determination unit 112B determines that the user operates the input unit 164 and presses one of the icon buttons IB47, IB49, and IB50, step S2050 is executed. In other cases, step S2010 is executed.

(Step S2050)
In step S2050, the control unit 111B updates the data (see FIG. 54) stored in the first storage unit 143 according to the operation of the user. After that, step S2010 is executed.

<32nd Embodiment>
The communication terminal described in connection with the thirtieth embodiment displays an image to the user only once to confirm whether or not to execute the remote control. If the communication terminal requires the user to confirm multiple times as to whether or not to execute the remote control, the remote control against the user's will is unlikely to occur. In the 32nd embodiment, a communication terminal that requires a user to confirm a plurality of times as to whether or not to execute a remote control is described.

59A to 59D show exemplary images presented to the user by the communication terminal 100B. The communication terminal 100B will be described with reference to FIGS. 30, 57A, 57B, 59A to 59D.

Similar to the thirtieth embodiment, the communication terminal 100B presents the image shown in FIG. 59A to the user. When the user presses the icon button IB53, the communication terminal 100B presents the image shown in FIG. 59B to the user.

The image shown in FIG. 59B includes two icon buttons IB58, IB59. When the user presses the icon button IB58, the communication terminal 100B transmits control data. When the user presses the icon button IB59, the communication terminal 100B interrupts the process. Control data is transmitted only when the user presses the icon button IB53 in the image shown in FIG. 59A and then the icon button IB58 in the image shown in FIG. 59B. Therefore, remote control against the will of the user is less likely to occur. In this embodiment, the start instruction image is exemplified by the images shown in FIGS. 59A and 59B. The instruction image area is exemplified by the icon buttons IB53 and IB58.

When the communication terminal 100B receives the notification data indicating the receipt of the control data from the air conditioner, the communication terminal 100B presents the image shown in FIG. 59C to the user. FIG. 59C includes the icon button IB60. The icon button IB60 corresponds to the icon button IB55 with reference to FIG. 57A and the icon button IB57 described with reference to FIG. 57B, respectively.

When the user presses the icon button IB60, the communication terminal 100B presents the image shown in FIG. 59D to the user. Even if the user does not press the icon button IB60, the communication terminal 100B presents the image shown in FIG. 59D to the user after a lapse of a predetermined period from the display of the image shown in FIG. 59C. Therefore, the user can confirm the operating status of the target air conditioner.

<33rd Embodiment>
As described in connection with the thirtieth embodiment, the off-recommendation process is performed to stop the air conditioner in the building. Therefore, the off-recommendation process is preferably performed early. In the 33rd embodiment, the off-recommendation process to be executed early will be described.

FIG. 60 is a schematic flowchart showing the start processing of the off-recommendation processing. The start processing of the off-recommendation processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 30, 56, 59A and 60.

(Step S2110)
Step S2110 is executed until the communication terminal 100B receives power from the vehicle. When the communication terminal 100B receives power from the vehicle, step S2120 is executed.

(Step S2120)
In step S2120, the timekeeping unit 114 starts timing. In FIG. 60, the time length measured by the timekeeping unit 114 is represented by the symbol “TC”. Information about the time length TC is output from the time measuring unit 114 to the determination unit 112B. After outputting the information regarding the time length TC from the time measuring unit 114 to the determination unit 112B, step S2130 is executed.

(Step S2130)
In step S2130, the determination unit 112B compares the time length TC represented by the information received from the timekeeping unit 114 with the threshold period TP of a predetermined length. The comparison result is output from the determination unit 112B to the control unit 11B. If the comparison result indicates that the time length TC is below the threshold period TP, step S2140 is executed. In other cases, the process ends.

(Step S2140)
In step S2140, the comparison result indicating that the time length TC is less than the threshold period TP is output from the determination unit 112B to the control unit 111B. The control unit 111B that receives the comparison result decides to execute the off-recommendation process. As a result of the off-recording process, the user can stop the operation of the air conditioner installed in the building from the vehicle. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is exemplified by the threshold period TP. The state information is exemplified by the comparison result.

In the off-recording process, the image shown in FIG. 56 or FIG. 59A is displayed. If the user does not press the icon button IB53 for the first predetermined period, step S2140 may be terminated. In this case, the image shown in FIG. 56 or 59A may be erased from the display unit 163. The display unit 163 may display a map showing the traveling position of the vehicle instead of the image shown in FIG. 56 or FIG. 59A. In this case, based on the control principle described in connection with the fifteenth embodiment, the application program prevents the off-recommendation processing from being executed from the display time of the image shown in FIG. 56 or 59A to the second predetermined period. Is preferably designed. In the present embodiment, the first elapsed period is exemplified by the first predetermined period. The second elapsed period is exemplified by the second predetermined period.

FIG. 61 is a schematic flowchart showing step S2140 (off-recommendation processing) described with reference to FIG. 60. An exemplary operation of the off-recommendation process will be described with reference to FIGS. 30, 54, 56, 59A, 60 and 61.

(Step S2210)
In step S2210, the communication terminal 100B executes the off-recommendation determination process. In the off-commendation determination process, the operation candidate device setting and the vehicle position confirmation process described with reference to FIG. 54 are executed. After the off-commendation determination process, step S2220 is executed.

(Step S2220)
In step S2220, the communication terminal 100B executes the image display determination process. The image display determination process is used to determine whether or not the image shown in FIG. 56 or FIG. 59A is displayed. After the image display determination process, step S2230 is executed.

(Step S2230)
If the image shown in FIG. 56 or 59A is displayed in step S2230, step S2240 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process.

(Step S2240)
In step S2240, the communication terminal 100B starts the remote control process. As a result, the user can stop the operation of the air conditioner from the car.

<34th Embodiment>
In the off-recommendation determination process described in relation to the 33rd embodiment, the communication device executes various processes in cooperation with the server device. In the 34th embodiment, the off-recommendation determination process will be described.

FIG. 62 is a schematic flowchart showing the off-recommendation determination process. The off-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIGS. 52A to 54 and 62.

(Step S2310)
In step S2310, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to read data (see FIG. 54) representing the air conditioning equipment owned by the user from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S2320 is executed.

(Step S2320)
In step S2320, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the operation candidate device exists. Using the image described by the user with reference to FIG. 53A or FIG. 53B in any of the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, bedroom, children's room (1) and children's room (2). If the operation candidate device is not set, the determination unit 112B determines that the operation candidate device does not exist. Alternatively, the user presses the icon button IB50 described with reference to FIG. 53B for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen room, bedroom, children's room (1) and children's room (2). If the setting of the operation candidate device is canceled, the determination unit 112B determines that the operation candidate device does not exist. In these cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the process. In other cases, step S2330 is executed. In this embodiment, the first determination step is exemplified by step S2320.

(Step S2380)
In step S2380, a process for determining the position of the vehicle VC with respect to the position of the building is executed.

FIG. 63 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S2330 described with reference to FIG. 62. The off-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to FIGS. 30, 62 and 63.

(Step S2331)
In step S2331, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads out the position information regarding the position of the target building from the second storage unit 144. In FIG. 63, the location of the building is represented by the symbol "PB". After the position information regarding the position of the target building is read out, step S2332 is executed. In this embodiment, the second determination step is exemplified by step S2231. The second location information is exemplified by the location information regarding the location of the building.

(Step S2332)
In step S2332, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B requests the second acquisition unit 151 to generate position information regarding the position of the vehicle. In FIG. 63, the position of the vehicle is represented by the symbol "PC". After the position information regarding the position of the vehicle is generated, step S2333 is executed. In this embodiment, the second determination step is exemplified by step S2232. The first position information is exemplified by the position information regarding the position of the vehicle.

(Step S2333)
In step S2333, the determination unit 112B of the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not the distance between the vehicle position "PC" and the building position "PB" is below a predetermined distance threshold. If the distance threshold is greater than the distance between the vehicle position "PC" and the building position "PB", step S2334 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the off-recommendation process. In this embodiment, the control region is exemplified by a region defined by a distance threshold. The second determination step is exemplified by step S2333.

(Step S2334)
In step S2334, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B decides to continue the process. Therefore, after step S2334, step S2220 described with reference to FIG. 33 is performed.

<35th Embodiment>
In the image display determination process described in connection with the 33rd embodiment, it is determined whether or not an image that prompts the user to determine the execution of the remote control is displayed. In the 35th embodiment, the image display determination process will be described.

FIG. 64 is a schematic flowchart of the image display determination process. The image display determination process is executed with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30, 54, 56, 59A, 61, and 64.

(Step S2221)
In step S2221, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads out the data shown in FIG. 54 from the first storage unit 143. After that, step S2222 is executed.

(Step S2222)
In step S2222, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting operation data. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B outputs the request signal to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A receives the request signal, the control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the operation data generation unit 450 to generate operation data. The control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to transmit operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. After that, step S2223 is executed.

(Step S2223)
In step S2223, the control unit 111B causes the determination unit 112B to determine whether or not the air conditioning device 400A to be processed is in operation based on the operation data. If the determination unit 112B determines that the air conditioner 400A to be processed is in operation, step S2224 is executed. In other cases, step S2225 is executed. In this embodiment, the first determination step is exemplified by step S2223.

(Step S2224)
In step S2224, the determination unit 112B determines to handle the air conditioning device 400A to be processed as a processing candidate device to be further processed. After that, step S2225 is executed. In this embodiment, the first determination step is exemplified by step S2224.

(Step S2225)
In step S2225, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the above-mentioned processing has been completed for all the air conditioner devices 400A in the data shown in FIG. 54. If the above-mentioned processing is completed for all the air-conditioning equipment 400A in the data shown in FIG. 54, step S2226 is executed. In other cases, step S2222 is executed. If the air-conditioning equipment shown in FIG. 38A is selected as the first candidate equipment, the above-mentioned processing has been completed for the air-conditioning equipment installed in the living room, kitchen room and children's room (2). If so, step S2226 is executed.

(Step S2226)
In step S2226, the determination unit 112B determines whether or not the air conditioning device selected as the processing candidate device includes the air conditioning device set by the user as the operation candidate device. If the air-conditioning device selected as the processing candidate device includes the air-conditioning device 400A set by the user as the operation candidate device, the determination unit 112B is selected as the processing candidate device and the user is the operation candidate. The air-conditioning device set as the device is temporarily stored in the first storage unit 143. After that, step S2227 is executed. In other cases, the control unit 111B interrupts the process.

(Step S2227)
In step S2227, the control unit 111B causes the display unit 163 to display the image shown in FIG. 56 or 59A. After that, step S2230 described with reference to FIG. 61 is executed. In this embodiment, the first display step is illustrated by step S2227.

<36th Embodiment>
In the image display determination process described in connection with the 35th embodiment, if the communication terminal can determine the operation target device, the process for remotely controlling the operation target device is executed. In the 36th embodiment, a process for remotely controlling the operation target device will be described.

FIG. 65 is a schematic flowchart of the process executed in step S2240 described with reference to FIG. The process executed in step S2240 is executed with reference to FIGS. 28 to 30, FIGS. 56 to 57B, 59A, 61, and 65.

(Step S2241)
If the user presses the icon button IB53 in step S2241, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads all the data of the air conditioning equipment 400A selected as the operation target device from the first storage unit 143. The data read from the first storage unit 143 may include setting data that defines the operation of the air conditioning device 400A selected as the operation target device. After the control unit 111B reads out the data of all the air conditioning equipment 400A selected as the operation target equipment, step S2242 is executed.

(Step S2242)
In step S2242, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the read setting data as control data. The control data is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A via the server device 300A. When the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A receives the control data, the operation unit 440 of the air conditioner 400A stops according to the control data. The notification unit 460 of the air conditioner 400A generates notification data indicating that the control data has been received. The control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to transmit notification data. The notification data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. After that, step S2243 is executed. In this embodiment, the output step is exemplified by step S2242.

(Step S2243)
In step S2243, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B causes the display unit 163 to display an image (see FIGS. 57A and 57B) showing the communication result of the control data according to the notification data. After that, step S2244 is executed. In this embodiment, the second display step is exemplified by step S2243. The plurality of notification images are exemplified by the images shown in FIGS. 57A and 57B.

(Step S2244)
In step S2244, the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not the user is requesting operation data. If the user requests operation data (if the user presses the icon buttons IB55, IB57 (see FIGS. 57A and 57B)), step S2245 is executed. In other cases, step S2247 is executed.

(Step S2245)
In step S2245, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B generates a request signal requesting operation data. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning device 400A via the server device 300A. The control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A causes the operation data generation unit 450 to generate operation data in response to the request signal. The control unit 410 of the air conditioner 400A transmits the operation data to the communication unit 420 of the air conditioner 400A. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit 420 of the air conditioning device 400A to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B via the server device 300A. After that, step S2246 is executed. In this embodiment, the acquisition step is exemplified by step S2245.

(Step S2246)
In step S2246, the control unit 111B causes the display unit 163 to display the operation status represented by the operation data. After that, step S2247 is executed. In this embodiment, the second display step is exemplified by step S2246.

(Step S2247)
The determination unit 112B of the communication terminal 100B determines whether or not the above-mentioned processing has been applied to all the operation target devices.

<37th Embodiment>
If the user has not set the location of the building, the communication terminal may end the off-recommendation process. In the 37th embodiment, the off-recommendation determination process that is terminated if the user has not set the position of the building will be described.

FIG. 66 is a schematic flowchart showing the off-recommendation determination process. The off-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIG. The step number commonly used between the 34th embodiment and the 37th embodiment means that the process with the common step number is the same as that of the 34th embodiment. Therefore, the description of the 34th embodiment is incorporated into these steps.

Similar to the 34th embodiment, the off-recommendation determination process includes step S2310, step S2320, and step S2330. Incorporated in these steps.

(Step S2325)
Step S2325 is executed between step S2320 and step S2330. In step S2320, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B reads out the position information regarding the position of the target building from the second storage unit 144. If the control unit 111B fails to read the position information, the off-recommendation process ends. In other cases, step S2330 is executed.

<38th Embodiment>
If the user has not set the location of the building, the off-recommendation process may be continued using the estimated location of the building using the server device described in connection with the 26th embodiment. In the 38th embodiment, the off-recommendation determination process using the estimated position of the building will be described.

FIG. 67 is a schematic flowchart showing the off-recommendation determination process. The off-recommendation determination process will be described with reference to FIG. 67. The step number commonly used between the 37th embodiment and the 38th embodiment means that the process with the common step number is the same as that of the 37th embodiment. Therefore, the description of the 37th embodiment is incorporated into these steps.

Similar to the 37th embodiment, the off-recommendation determination process includes step S2310, step S2320, step S2330, and step S2325. Incorporated in these steps.

(Step S2340)
If the control unit 111B fails to read the position information in step S2325, step S2340 is executed. In step S2340, an estimation process for estimating the position of the building is executed.

FIG. 68 is a schematic flowchart showing the process in step S2340 described with reference to FIG. 67. The off-recommendation determination process will be further described with reference to FIGS. 30, 48, 61, 67 and 68.

(Step S2341)
In step S2341, the control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B requests the second acquisition unit 151 to generate position information regarding the position of the vehicle. In FIG. 68, the position of the vehicle is represented by the symbol "PC". After the position information regarding the position of the vehicle is generated, step S2342 is executed.

(Step S2342)
In step S2342, the control unit 310B of the communication terminal 100B causes the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to transmit the position information regarding the position of the vehicle. The position information regarding the position of the vehicle is transmitted from the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B to the communication unit 320 of the server device 300B. After that, step S2343 is executed.

(Step S2343)
In step S2343, the control unit 310B of the server device 300B requests the second estimation unit 342 for the estimated position "PE" of the building. If the predetermined distance threshold exceeds the distance between the vehicle position "PC" and the estimated building position "PE", step S2343 is executed. In other cases, the communication terminal 100B ends the off-recommendation process.

(Step S2344)
In step S2344, the control unit 310B of the server device 300B notifies the notification unit 330 of a notification signal notifying that the distance threshold value exceeds the distance between the vehicle position "PC" and the estimated building position "PE". To generate. The notification signal is transmitted from the communication unit 320 of the server device 300B to the communication unit 131 of the communication terminal 100B. The control unit 111B of the communication terminal 100B decides to continue the process in response to the notification signal. Therefore, after step S2344, step S2220 described with reference to FIG. 61 is executed.

The method for controlling a terminal device according to one aspect of the above-described embodiment is applied to a terminal device used in a device control system for remotely controlling a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building from a car via a network. .. In the control method, when state information indicating that a predetermined period has not elapsed from the time when the power supply to the terminal device is started is input to the computer of the terminal device, the computer receives the terminal device. The first determination step of determining whether or not the setting information stored in the memory of the computer includes a plurality of operation target devices to which the plurality of air conditioning devices are remotely operated, and the computer, the plurality of air conditioning devices If it is determined that the plurality of operation target devices are included, the computer is made to determine whether or not the vehicle is within a control area of a predetermined size defined around the building. A first display in which the determination step and, if the computer determines that the vehicle is in the control area, display a start instruction image for giving an instruction to start the remote operation on the display of the terminal device. If the step and the instruction image area commonly used for the plurality of operation target devices to instruct the start of the remote operation are operated on the start instruction image, the computer is informed. An output step for outputting control data for starting the remote operation to the plurality of operation target devices to the network, and a plurality of notifications indicating that the control data has been sent to the plurality of operation target devices on the display. It includes a second display step of displaying an image.

According to the above configuration, the user can operate the instruction image area on the start instruction image and easily instruct a plurality of operation target devices to start the remote operation. After that, since the display displays a plurality of notification images, the user can visually confirm whether or not the instruction to start the remote control is properly transmitted to the operation target device.

In the above configuration, the second determination step may include having the computer acquire first position information regarding the current position of the vehicle and second position information indicating the position of the building.

According to the above configuration, the computer can appropriately determine whether or not the vehicle is in the control area based on the first position information and the second position information. Therefore, the user does not require remote control of the plurality of operation target devices from a position excessively far from the building. Therefore, unnecessary operation of the operation target device is less likely to occur.

In the above configuration, the first display step causes the timer of the terminal device to measure the first elapsed period from the execution time when the first display step is executed, and in the first elapsed period, the instruction. If the image area is not manipulated, it may include having the timer measure a second elapsed period. During the second elapsed period, the first display step may not be performed again.

According to the above configuration, the display does not frequently display the start instruction image. Therefore, the user does not unnecessarily request remote control of the plurality of operation target devices.

In the above configuration, the control method may further include an acquisition step of causing the computer to acquire information representing an operating state of each of the plurality of operation target devices after receiving the control data. The second display step may include displaying the information representing the operating state of each of the plurality of operation target devices after receiving the control data.

According to the above configuration, the user can visually confirm whether or not the plurality of operation target devices are operating properly.

In the above configuration, the plurality of operation target devices may include a first target device and a second target device. The plurality of notification images may include a first notification image created for the first target device and a second notification image created for the second target device. The setting information may predetermine that the first notification image is displayed before the second notification image. In the second display step, the first notification image may be displayed on the display before the second notification image.

According to the above configuration, the display can first give the user information about the operation target device in a predetermined order.

The program according to another aspect of the above-described embodiment is executed by a terminal device used in a device control system that remotely controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building from a car via a network. When the state information indicating that a predetermined period has not elapsed from the time when the power supply to the terminal device is started is input to the computer of the terminal device, the program sends the computer to the terminal device. It is determined whether or not the setting information stored in the memory includes a plurality of operation target devices to which the plurality of air conditioning devices are remotely operated. If the computer determines that the plurality of air conditioners include the plurality of operation target devices, the computer controls the vehicle to a predetermined size defined around the building. Lets determine whether or not it exists in the area. If the computer determines that the vehicle is in the control area, the program causes the display of the terminal device to display a start instruction image for giving an instruction to start the remote control. If the instruction image area commonly used for the plurality of operation target devices for instructing the start of the remote operation is operated on the start instruction image, the program may notify the computer. The control data for starting the remote control for the plurality of operation target devices is output to the network, and a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been sent to the plurality of operation target devices are displayed on the display. Let me.

According to the above configuration, the user can operate the instruction image area on the start instruction image and easily instruct a plurality of operation target devices to start the remote operation. After that, since the display displays a plurality of notification images, the user can visually confirm whether or not the instruction to start the remote control is properly transmitted to each of the operation target devices.

The recommendation method according to still another aspect of the above-described embodiment is executed by a device control system that remotely controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in the building from a car via a network. The recommendation method includes a step of determining whether or not the plurality of air-conditioning devices include a plurality of operation target devices to be remotely controlled by using a memory for storing setting information for identifying the plurality of air-conditioning devices, and the plurality of steps. If it is determined that the air conditioner of the air conditioner includes a plurality of operation target devices to be remotely controlled, whether or not the vehicle is within a control area of a predetermined size defined around the building. A step of determining, a step of displaying a start instruction image for giving an instruction to start the remote control if it is determined that the vehicle is in the control area, and an instruction to start the remote control. Therefore, if the instruction image area commonly used for the plurality of operation target devices is operated on the start instruction image, the control data for starting the remote operation for the plurality of operation target devices is performed. Is included in the network, and a step of displaying a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been sent to the plurality of operation target devices.

According to the above configuration, the user can operate the instruction image area on the start instruction image and easily instruct a plurality of operation target devices to start the remote operation. After that, since the display displays a plurality of notification images, the user can visually confirm whether or not the instruction to start the remote control is properly transmitted to the operation target device.

The principles of the various embodiments described above may be combined to meet the requirements for control of multiple devices.

The principle of the above-described embodiment is suitably used for controlling an air conditioner.

100-100C ... Communication terminal 110 ...・ CPU
111, 111B, 111C ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Control unit 112, 112B ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Judgment unit 113 ・ ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ First acquisition unit 114 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・··················································・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 1st storage 144 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ 2nd Storage unit 160 ..................... Touch panel display 161 ..... ..... Display 200 ..................... Control system 400A .....................................・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Air conditioner AC1 to AC4 ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Air conditioner CR ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Control area HM ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Building NI1, NI2 ・ ・ ・ ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Notification image NTW ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Network OIM ・・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Operation image OPR ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・・ ・ Operation area VC ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ ・ Vehicle

Claims (10)

It is a control method of a terminal device used in a device control system that remotely controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building via a network.
In the memory of the terminal device, setting information for setting a plurality of operation target devices that receive the same operation among the plurality of air conditioning devices is stored.
(I) A first determination step of causing the computer of the terminal device to determine whether or not the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices.
(Ii) The computer causes the display of the terminal device to display an image including one instruction area that gives an instruction of the same operation to all of the plurality of operation target devices in a single operation. 1 display step and
(Iii) If the instruction area is operated on the image and the computer determines that the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices, the computer may use the operation target device for the plurality of operation target devices. A control method comprising an output step of outputting a first control data giving an instruction of the same operation to the network. The control method according to claim 1, wherein the instruction of the predetermined operation is an operation of stopping the operation of the plurality of operation target devices. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the instruction of the predetermined operation is an operation of starting the operation of the plurality of operation target devices. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second display step of displaying a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been sent to the plurality of operation target devices on the display. .. The computer further comprises a second determination step of causing the computer to determine whether or not the terminal device is within a control area of a predetermined size defined around the building.
The control method according to claim 4, wherein in the first display step, if the computer determines that the terminal device exists in the control area, the image is displayed on the display of the terminal device. In the second display step
The fact that the control data has been sent to the plurality of operation target devices is individually displayed for each of the plurality of operation target devices.
The fourth aspect of claim 4, wherein when there is an operation target device to which the control data has not been sent among the plurality of operation target devices, an error image is displayed on the notification image of the corresponding operation target device among the plurality of notification images. Control method. Further, the computer is further provided with an acquisition step of causing the computer to acquire information representing the operating state of each of the plurality of operation target devices after receiving the control data.
The control according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the second display step displays the information representing the operating state of each of the plurality of operation target devices after receiving the control data. Method. The plurality of operation target devices include a first target device and a second target device.
The plurality of notification images include a first notification image created for the first target device and a second notification image created for the second target device.
The setting information predetermines that the first notification image is displayed before the second notification image.
The control method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein in the second display step, the first notification image is displayed on the display before the second notification image. A program executed by a terminal device used in a device control system that remotely controls multiple air conditioners installed in a building via a network.
In the memory of the terminal device, setting information for setting a plurality of operation target devices that receive the same operation among the plurality of air conditioning devices is stored.
(I) Let the computer of the terminal device determine whether or not the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices.
(Ii) The computer causes the display of the terminal device to display an image including one instruction area that collectively gives instructions for the same operation to all of the plurality of operation target devices in one operation.
(Iii) If it is determined that the instruction area is operated on the image and the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices, the computer can perform the same operation on the plurality of operation target devices. A program that outputs the first control data that gives an instruction to the network. It is a recommendation method performed by a device control system that remotely controls multiple air conditioners installed in a building via a network.
Among the plurality of air conditioners, it is determined whether or not the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices by using the memory in which the setting information for setting the plurality of operation target devices that receive the same operation is stored. Steps to do and
A step of displaying an image including one instruction area that gives an instruction of the same operation to all of the plurality of operation target devices in a single operation.
If the instruction area is operated on the image and it is determined that the setting information includes the plurality of operation target devices, a first instruction for giving the same operation instruction to the plurality of operation target devices is given. A recommendation method comprising a step of outputting control data to the network.

Images