WO2010041413A1 - Air-conditioning control system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an air-conditioning control system that can control air-conditioning devices from personal computers via a network and can quickly and flexibly edit information concerning control of the air-conditioning devices that are controllable from the personal computers. The air-conditioning control system (10) is provided with air-conditioning devices (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), general purpose terminals (30a, 30b, 30c) that display user interfaces (31a, 31b, 31c) for controlling the air-conditioning devices (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), a management terminal (40) that has a definition file (41) that defines the air-conditioning devices (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) that can be controlled from the user interfaces (31a, 31b, 31c) of the general purpose terminals (30a, 30b, 30c), and a communication network (60).

Description

Air conditioning control system

This invention relates to an air conditioning control system for controlling an air conditioning apparatus using a general-purpose terminal.

Currently, a technique for controlling the operation of an air conditioner from a general-purpose terminal such as a personal computer via a network has been proposed.
For example, in a centralized control system for home appliances disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-083596), the system administrator uses a centralized control device having a control program to adjust a plurality of air conditioners. The device can be controlled collectively. In this case, the system administrator can construct a centralized control system that meets various user needs by appropriately creating a control program.
Further, in the browser-based air conditioning control system disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-071198), the system administrator controls a plurality of air conditioners collectively from a browser on a personal computer. Can do.

By the way, when trying to build a system that controls multiple air conditioners from multiple computers via a network, you can set the association between the personal computer and the air conditioner, It is cumbersome and time-consuming to set up the functions for each personal computer and air conditioner. In particular, in a system constituted by a large number of personal computers and a large number of air conditioners, or in a system in which the rearrangement of personal computers and the change of users of the personal computers frequently occur, the time required for the setting change greatly increases.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is an air conditioning control system capable of controlling an air conditioner from a personal computer via a network, and quickly and flexibly changes information related to control of the air conditioner that can be controlled from the personal computer. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning control system.

The air conditioning control system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an air conditioning apparatus, a general-purpose terminal, and a manager terminal. The general-purpose terminal is connected to the air conditioner via a communication network and has a user interface (hereinafter referred to as a virtual remote controller) that can control the air conditioner. The manager terminal is connected to a general-purpose terminal via a communication network, and a definition file in which information (hereinafter referred to as air-conditioning control information) relating to control of the air conditioner that can be controlled from the virtual remote controller of the general-purpose terminal is described. Have.
According to the present invention, the air conditioning control information is collectively described in the definition file held by the manager terminal instead of being managed by each general-purpose terminal. Therefore, the administrator of the air conditioning control system can collectively change the air conditioning control information using the administrator terminal. Moreover, the administrator of an air conditioning control system can conceal the air conditioning control information from the user of the general-purpose terminal by using the manager terminal and manage it centrally.

An air conditioning control system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning control system according to the first aspect of the present invention, and the definition file describes information relating to an air conditioning apparatus that can be controlled from a virtual remote controller of a general-purpose terminal.
According to the present invention, information on whether or not each general-purpose terminal user can control an arbitrary air conditioner using a virtual remote controller is collectively described in the definition file. Therefore, an air conditioning control system that permits control of any plurality of air conditioners from a virtual remote controller of a general-purpose terminal, and permits control of only one arbitrary air-conditioning apparatus from a virtual remote controller of another general-purpose terminal. Can be built.

An air conditioning control system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning control system according to the first aspect of the present invention or the second aspect of the invention, wherein the definition file contains information on the functions of the air conditioning apparatus that can be used from the virtual remote controller of the general-purpose terminal. is described.
According to the present invention, information on whether or not each general-purpose terminal user can use any function of any air-conditioning apparatus using the virtual remote controller is collectively described in the definition file. Therefore, air conditioning control that permits the use of all functions of an arbitrary air conditioner from a virtual remote controller of a general-purpose terminal and prohibits the use of all functions of the air-conditioning apparatus from a virtual remote controller of another general-purpose terminal. A system can be constructed.

An air conditioning control system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning control system according to any of the first through third aspects of the present invention, and the definition file is specific to an air conditioning apparatus that can be used from a virtual remote controller of a general-purpose terminal. Information related to the functions of the control device is described. Here, the control device unique to the air conditioner refers to a remote controller attached to the air conditioner.
According to the present invention, information on whether or not the user of each general-purpose terminal can use the function of the remote control attached to any air conditioner using the virtual remote control is collectively described in the definition file. . Therefore, the user of the general-purpose terminal can use the virtual remote control of the general-purpose terminal in the same procedure as the remote control attached to the air conditioner.

An air conditioning control system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning control system according to any of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, wherein the definition file is transmitted from a plurality of general-purpose terminals to one air conditioning apparatus. Priorities for a plurality of control information are described.
According to the present invention, priorities among a plurality of general-purpose terminals for a plurality of control information transmitted from a plurality of general-purpose terminals to the same air conditioner are collectively described in the definition file. . Therefore, an air-conditioning control system that preferentially processes control information transmitted from a general-purpose terminal arranged at a position closest to a certain air-conditioning apparatus over control information transmitted from another general-purpose terminal is constructed. be able to.

An air conditioning control system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning control system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, wherein the manager terminal defines the definition file according to the schedule information input to the manager terminal Change the contents of.
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an air conditioning control system provided with the terminal for managers which changes automatically the contents of a definition file at the designated time according to schedule information can be constructed. Therefore, it is possible to construct an air conditioning control system that makes it impossible to control the air conditioning apparatus from a general-purpose terminal outside working hours.

An air conditioning control system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning control system according to any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a centralized control device. The central control device is connected to the air conditioner via a communication line and is connected to a general-purpose terminal via a communication network. The centralized control device transmits and receives control information transmitted from the air conditioner or the general-purpose terminal bidirectionally with the air conditioner or the general-purpose terminal.
According to the present invention, when a general-purpose terminal transmits control information to a central control device, the central control device constructs an air conditioning control system that automatically transmits control information to an appropriate air conditioning apparatus. be able to. Therefore, the efficiency of processing of control information transmitted from the general-purpose terminal is improved.

An air conditioning control system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning control system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention, the function of interpreting the definition file and controlling the air conditioning apparatus with the virtual remote controller of the general-purpose terminal. The terminal for managers which has a program (henceforth an air harmony control program) which allocates is provided.
According to the present invention, the basic function for operating the air conditioning control system is realized by the air conditioning control program of the manager terminal, so that the maintainability of the air conditioning control system is improved.

In the air conditioning control system according to the first aspect of the invention, the administrator of the air conditioning control system uses the manager terminal to collectively change information related to the control of the air conditioning apparatus that can be controlled from the virtual remote controller of the general-purpose terminal. It is possible to construct an air conditioning control system that can
In the air conditioning control system according to the second aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning control system is constructed in which information related to an air conditioning apparatus that can be controlled from a virtual remote controller of a general-purpose terminal is collectively described in the definition file of the manager terminal. Can do.
In the air conditioning control system according to the third aspect of the invention, an air conditioning control system is constructed in which information related to the functions of the air conditioning apparatus that can be used from the virtual remote controller of the general-purpose terminal is collectively described in the definition file of the manager terminal can do.
In the air conditioning control system according to the fourth aspect of the invention, information related to the functions of the control device unique to the air conditioning apparatus that can be used from the virtual remote controller of the general-purpose terminal is collectively described in the definition file of the manager terminal. An air conditioning control system can be constructed.

In the air conditioning control system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, priorities for a plurality of control information transmitted from a plurality of general-purpose terminals to the same air conditioning apparatus are collectively described in the definition file of the manager terminal. Air conditioning control system that can be built.
In the air conditioning control system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning control system including an administrator terminal that changes the contents of the definition file at a specified time according to schedule information input to the administrator terminal can be constructed. it can.
In the air conditioning control system according to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to construct an air conditioning control system including a centralized control device that automatically transmits control information transmitted from a general-purpose terminal to an appropriate air conditioning apparatus.
In the air conditioning control system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the manager terminal has an air conditioning control program, whereby an air conditioning control system having high maintainability can be constructed.

The conceptual diagram of the air conditioning control system which concerns on 1st Embodiment in this invention. The conceptual diagram of the air conditioning control system provided with the centralized control apparatus which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the definition file used with the air conditioning control system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the definition file used with the air conditioning control system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the definition file used with the air conditioning control system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the definition file used with the air conditioning control system which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram of the weekly schedule information used with the air conditioning control system which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention.

= First embodiment =
<Configuration>
The conceptual diagram of the air conditioning control system 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. In the air conditioning control system 10, the first air conditioner 20a, the second air conditioner 20b, the third air conditioner 20c, the fourth air conditioner 20d, the first general-purpose terminal 30a, the second general-purpose terminal 30b, and the third general-purpose terminal. The terminal 30 c and the manager terminal 40 are connected via the communication network 60. In FIG. 1, the 1st air conditioning apparatus 20a, the 2nd air conditioning apparatus 20b, the 3rd air conditioning apparatus 20c, the 4th air conditioning apparatus 20d, the 1st general purpose terminal 30a, the 2nd general purpose terminal 30b, and the 3rd general purpose terminal 30c are It is assumed that they are respectively arranged at the illustrated positions in the same room. Hereinafter, each element which comprises the air conditioning control system 10 is demonstrated.

(1) Air conditioning apparatus The first air conditioning apparatus 20a has air conditioning functions such as a start / stop function, a temperature control function, and an air volume control function. The second air conditioner 20b, the third air conditioner 20c, and the fourth air conditioner 20d are the same as the first air conditioner 20a.
(2) General-purpose terminal The first general-purpose terminal 30a has a function of displaying a user interface (hereinafter referred to as a first virtual remote controller) 31a for controlling the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. Similar to the first general-purpose terminal 30a, the second general-purpose terminal 30b has a function of displaying the second virtual remote control 31b, and the third general-purpose terminal 30c has a function of displaying the third virtual remote control 31c. Here, the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be controlled from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c are defined by a definition file 41 described later. As the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c, general client personal computers are used.

(3) Administrator Terminal The administrator terminal 40 includes a definition file 41 that defines the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be controlled from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. A conceptual diagram of the definition file 41 is shown in FIG.
In the table of FIG. 3, circles are described in the cells indicating the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that the users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c can control from the respective virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. Yes. That is, the user of the first general-purpose terminal 30a can control the first air conditioner 20a and the third air conditioner 20c from the first virtual remote controller 31a, and the user of the second general-purpose terminal 30b can control the first air from the second virtual remote controller 31b. The air conditioner 20a, the second air conditioner 20b, the third air conditioner 20c, and the fourth air conditioner 20d can be controlled, and the user of the third general-purpose terminal 30c controls the fourth air conditioner 20d from the third virtual remote controller 31c. can do.

The administrator terminal 40 has information referred to by the definition file 41. The information referred to by the definition file 41 is information such as model / management number / function information of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d and network addresses of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c. The manager terminal 40 registers the general- purpose terminals 30 a, 30 b, and 30 c in the air conditioning control system 10. As the administrator terminal 40, a general server personal computer is used.

(4) Communication Network As the communication network 60, a LAN generally used in homes and companies is used.
<Features>
(1) The user of the manager terminal 40 updates the definition file 41 to collectively change the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be controlled from the respective virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. be able to.
(2) The users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c can control only the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d previously defined in the definition file 41 by using the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. it can.
<Modification>
(1) In the air conditioning control system 10 according to the previous embodiment, four air conditioning apparatuses 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are connected via the communication network 60, but any number of air conditioning apparatuses can be used. It may be connected.
(2) In the air conditioning control system 10 according to the previous embodiment, three general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c are connected via the communication network 60, but an arbitrary number of general-purpose terminals are connected. Also good.

(3) In the air conditioning control system 10 according to the previous embodiment, a general client personal computer is used as the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c, but a workstation or a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone or PDA) is used. It may be used.
(4) Although not particularly mentioned in the air conditioning control system 10 according to the previous embodiment, the administrator has a function of setting a password for the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c registered in the air conditioning control system 10. The terminal 40 may be provided. Thereby, the user of the manager terminal 40 can restrict the users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c.
(5) Although not specifically mentioned in the air conditioning control system 10 according to the previous embodiment, the users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c are defined in advance in the definition file 41 using the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. The air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that have been performed may be controlled collectively.

(6) In the air conditioning control system 10 according to the previous embodiment, a general server personal computer is used as the manager terminal 40, but in a larger air conditioning control system, a main frame is used. May be.
(7) Although not particularly mentioned in the air conditioning control system 10 according to the previous embodiment, the administrator terminal 40 may store the definition file 41 in a format suitable for computer processing, such as XML or a database. In addition, the user of the manager terminal 40 may manage the definition file 41 in a format that can be easily edited manually, such as the table shown in FIG.
(8) In the air conditioning control system 10 according to the previous embodiment, a LAN is used as the communication network 60, but it may be a network composed of lines capable of bidirectionally communicating information regardless of wired or wireless. For example, WAN or VPN may be used.

= Second Embodiment =
<Configuration>
As a second embodiment, an air conditioning control system in which the definition file 41 shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is replaced with the definition file shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In this embodiment, the components other than the definition file are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
In the definition file shown in FIG. 4 in the present embodiment, functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be used from the respective virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c are defined. Here, the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d indicate a start / stop function, a temperature adjustment function, and an air volume adjustment function.
In the table of FIG. 4, circles are described in the cells indicating the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be used by the users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c from the respective virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. Has been. That is, the user of the first general-purpose terminal 30a can start / stop the first air conditioner 20a, adjust the temperature and adjust the air volume, adjust the temperature of the second air conditioner 20b, and start / stop the third air conditioner 20c. The temperature adjustment function, the air volume adjustment function, and the temperature adjustment function of the fourth air conditioner 20d can be used from the first virtual remote controller 31a. Similarly, the user of the second general-purpose terminal 30b performs the start / stop function and the temperature adjustment function of each of the first air conditioner 20a, the second air conditioner 20b, the third air conditioner 20c, and the fourth air conditioner 20d. It can be used from the virtual remote controller 31b, and the user of the third general-purpose terminal 30c can adjust the temperature adjustment function of each of the first air conditioner 20a, the second air conditioner 20b, and the third air conditioner 20c and start / stop the fourth air conditioner 20d. The function, the temperature adjustment function, and the air volume adjustment function can be used from the third virtual remote controller 31c.

<Features>
(1) The user of the manager terminal 40 collectively changes the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be used from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c by updating the definition file. can do.
(2) The users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c use only the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d defined in advance in the definition file by using the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. Can do.
<Modification>
In the air conditioning control system according to the previous embodiment, the definition file shown in FIG. 4 defines the functions of the air conditioning apparatuses 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be used from the respective virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. However, the function which the control apparatus (remote control etc.) intrinsic | native to the air conditioning apparatus 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d which can be used from each virtual remote control 31a, 31b, 31c may define.

= Third embodiment =
<Configuration>
As the third embodiment, an air conditioning control system in which the definition file 41 shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is replaced with the definition file shown in FIG. 5 will be described. In this embodiment, the components other than the definition file are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
In the definition file shown in FIG. 5 in the present embodiment, priority between the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c with respect to the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be used from the respective virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. A ranking is defined. Here, the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d indicate a start / stop function, a temperature adjustment function, and an air volume adjustment function.

In the table of FIG. 5, numerical values are described in the cells indicating the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that the users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c can use from the respective virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. ing. The numerical value represents the priority order between the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c for the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. The lower the numerical value, the higher the priority order. For the functions of the same air conditioner 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, the contents set from one virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, 31c with a higher priority are the other virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, It cannot be changed from 31c. If there are a plurality of virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, 31c having the same priority order for the functions of the same air conditioner 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31a, The settings from 31b and 31c are preferentially applied.

In the table of FIG. 5, priority is set for all the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c in the temperature control function of each of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. For example, the set temperature of the first air conditioner 20a changed by the user of the second general-purpose terminal 30b from the second virtual remote controller 31b can be changed by the user of the first general-purpose terminal 30a from the first virtual remote control 31a. The set temperature of the first air conditioner 20a changed by the user of the first general-purpose terminal 30a from the first virtual remote controller 31a cannot be changed by the user of the second general-purpose terminal 30b from the second virtual remote control 31b. The set temperature of the second air conditioner 20b changed by the user of the first general-purpose terminal 30a from the first virtual remote control 31a can be changed by the user of the third general-purpose terminal 30c from the third virtual remote control 31c. The set temperature of the second air conditioner 20b changed by the user of the general-purpose terminal 30c from the third virtual remote controller 31c can be changed by the user of the first general-purpose terminal 30a also from the first virtual remote control 31a. The user of the first general-purpose terminal 30a can use the air volume adjustment function of the first air conditioner 20a from the first virtual remote controller 31a, but the user of the second general-purpose terminal 30b or the user of the third general-purpose terminal 30c The air volume adjustment function of the first air conditioner 20a cannot be used from the second virtual remote controller 31b or the third virtual remote controller 31c, respectively.

<Features>
(1) The user of the manager terminal 40 updates the definition file so that the virtual remote controllers 31a, 20b, 20c, 20d can be used from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, 31c. The priority order between 31b and 31c can be changed collectively.
(2) The users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c use virtual remote controllers according to the priority order between the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c for the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, which are defined in advance in the definition file. The functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d that can be used from 31a, 31b, 31c are limited.

= Fourth Embodiment =
<Configuration>
As the fourth embodiment, an air conditioning control system in which the definition file 41 shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment is replaced with the definition file shown in FIG. 6 will be described. In this embodiment, the components other than the definition file are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Here, the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user ID described in FIG. 6 are information for identifying the users of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c.
The definition file shown in FIG. 6 in the present embodiment is an air conditioner 20a that can be used from any virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, 31c by a user who has logged in with the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user ID. , 20b, 20c, and 20d are defined. Here, the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d indicate a start / stop function, a temperature adjustment function, and an air volume adjustment function.
In the table of FIG. 6, circles are described in the cells indicating the functions of the air conditioners 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, and 20 d that can be used by the user who has logged in with the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user ID. ing. That is, the user who has logged in with the first user ID can start and stop the first air conditioner 20a, the temperature adjustment function and the air volume adjustment function, and the temperature adjustment function of the second air conditioner 20b from any virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, 31c. The start / stop function of the third air conditioner 20c, the temperature adjustment function and the air volume adjustment function, and the temperature adjustment function of the fourth air conditioner 20d can be used. Similarly, the user who has logged in with the second user ID is able to use the first air conditioner 20a, the second air conditioner 20b, the third air conditioner 20c, and the fourth air conditioner 20d from any virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, 31c. The user who logs in with the third user ID can use the first air conditioner 20a, the second air conditioner 20b, and the third air conditioner from any virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, 31c. The temperature control function of each of 20c and the start / stop function, temperature control function, and air volume control function of the fourth air conditioner 20d can be used.

<Features>
The user of the administrator terminal 40 uses the definition file shown in FIG. 6 so that the user who logs in with the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user ID can use any virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, 31c. The functions of the usable air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d can be collectively changed. Thereby, even when a user who has logged in with the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user ID uses any of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c, the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user The functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be used by the user who has logged in with the ID are not changed.

<Modification>
(1) In the air conditioning control system according to the previous embodiment, an air conditioning apparatus that can be used by a user who has logged in with the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user ID from any virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, 31c. Although the functions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are defined in the definition file, the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user according to the definition file 41 shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. Air conditioning apparatuses 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be controlled from any virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, or 31c by a user who has logged in with an ID may be defined in the definition file.
(2) In the air conditioning control system according to the previous embodiment, an air conditioning apparatus that can be used by a user who has logged in with the first user ID, the second user ID, and the third user ID from any virtual remote controller 31a, 31b, 31c. Although the functions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d are defined in the definition file, the functions for the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d according to the definition file shown in FIG. The priority order among the one user ID, the second user ID, and the third user ID may be defined in the definition file.

= Fifth embodiment =
<Configuration>
As a fifth embodiment, an air conditioning control system including a manager terminal 40 that automatically changes a definition file based on schedule information is given. When the definition file 41 specified in the specified time zone is adapted to the air conditioning control system 10, in the air conditioning control system according to the first to fourth embodiments, the user of the manager terminal 40 uses the definition file as the time. It is necessary to correct and change manually according to the belt. In the present embodiment, the manager terminal 40 has weekly schedule information shown in FIG. The manager terminal 40 automatically adapts the definition file specified in the specified time zone to the air conditioning control system according to the weekly schedule information.
In the table of FIG. 7, definition files are set for the four time zones of each day of the week. The four time zones are the first non-working hours from 0:00 to 8:00, the working hours from 8:00 to 17:00, the overtime hours from 17:00 to 21:00, and the hours from 21:00 to 24:00 It is the second non-working time zone. The administrator terminal 40 has a definition file A for weekday working hours, a definition file B for weekday overtime hours, and a definition file for weekday first non-working hours and second non-working hours and holidays. Adapt C to the air conditioning control system. Here, the definition file A, the definition file B, and the definition file C are definition files for realizing an air conditioning control system suitable for each time zone. For example, in the definition file C, the functions of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be used from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c are limited as compared with the definition file A and the definition file B.

<Features>
By using the weekly schedule information, it is possible to construct an air conditioning control system in which control of the air conditioning devices 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d by the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c is restricted during overtime hours and holidays. . Thereby, an air conditioning control system capable of thoroughly implementing energy saving operation can be constructed.
<Modification>
In the air conditioning control system according to the previous embodiment, the manager terminal 40 has weekly schedule information shown in FIG. 7, but may have annual schedule information. Thereby, the user of the manager terminal 40 automatically changes the settable temperature ranges of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d that can be controlled from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c according to the season. An air conditioning control system can be constructed.

= Sixth embodiment =
As a sixth embodiment, an air conditioning control system including a manager terminal 40 that automatically changes a definition file due to an external factor will be described. Examples of external factors include environmental factors such as the amount of change in outside air temperature, external triggers such as turning on / off indoor lighting switches, demand control, and the like. Hereinafter, an air conditioning control system using an example of an external factor will be described.
First, consider an air conditioning control system including an administrator terminal 40 that changes a definition file according to a measured value of an outside air temperature acquired from an outside air temperature measuring device installed outdoors. In the summer, when the outside air temperature measured by the outside temperature measuring instrument is lower than the preset temperature, the manager terminal 40 uses the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. Automatically adapts definition files that prohibit the use of temperature control functions. Thereby, the air conditioning control system which implement | achieves automatically the energy saving operation by an outside air cooling effect can be constructed | assembled.

Next, consider an air conditioning control system including an administrator terminal 40 that changes a definition file in conjunction with opening and closing of a lighting switch. The administrator terminal 40 detects an area where the lighting switch is turned off, and automatically creates a definition file that prohibits the use of the temperature control function of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d existing in the area. To adapt. Thereby, the air conditioning control system which implement | achieves automatically the energy saving operation of the air conditioning apparatus 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d which exists in an unattended area can be constructed | assembled.
Furthermore, consider an air-conditioning control system linked to a demand control system. The demand control system, for example, operates the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d for a predetermined time when the predicted value of the power consumption of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d exceeds the set power amount. Restrict. When the administrator terminal 40 receives a notification that restricts the operation of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d from the demand control system, the air conditioner 20a, 20b, 20c, and the like from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c. A definition file that restricts the control of 20d is automatically applied. Thereby, the air conditioning control system which can implement | achieve stable demand control can be constructed | assembled.

= Seventh Embodiment =
<Configuration>
The conceptual diagram of the air conditioning control system 110 which concerns on 7th Embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. 2, elements having the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are the same as elements having the same reference numerals in FIG. In the air conditioning control system 110, the first general-purpose terminal 30 a, the second general-purpose terminal 30 b, the third general-purpose terminal 30 c, the manager terminal 40, and the central control device 50 are connected via the communication network 60. The central control device 50 is connected to the first air conditioner 20a, the second air conditioner 20b, the third air conditioner 20c, and the fourth air conditioner 20d via the communication line 61.
In FIG. 2, the first air conditioner 20a, the second air conditioner 20b, the third air conditioner 20c, the fourth air conditioner 20d, the first general terminal 30a, the second general terminal 30b, and the third general terminal 30c are Assume that they are arranged at the positions shown in the same room. Hereinafter, components newly provided will be described.

(1) Centralized control device The centralized control device 50 automatically communicates information such as the model / management number / function information of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d and the network address of the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, 30c. Hold by input by work. The central control device 50 receives control information of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d transmitted from the virtual remote controllers 31a, 31b, and 31c, and sends the control information to the appropriate air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. Control information is automatically transmitted. Further, the central control device 50 has a function of monitoring the states of the air conditioners 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d and notifying the general- purpose terminals 30a, 30b, and 30c. When a new air conditioning apparatus is added to the air conditioning control system 110 or when an existing air conditioning apparatus is removed, the central control apparatus 50 automatically selects the air conditioning apparatus that the air conditioning control system 110 currently has. To recognize.

(2) Communication line As the communication line 61, a dedicated line is used.
<Features>
In the air conditioning control system 110 in which the addition and removal of the air conditioning apparatus frequently occur, the administrator of the air conditioning control system 110 can efficiently manage the air conditioning apparatus by using the central control device 50.
<Modification>
In the air conditioning control system 110 according to the previous embodiment, a dedicated line is used as the communication line 61. However, a LAN cable, an optical cable, or the like may be used as long as the line can communicate information bidirectionally regardless of wired or wireless. It may be used.

In the air conditioning control system according to the present invention, the administrator of the air conditioning control system can collectively change the air conditioning control information using the manager terminal. Therefore, the air conditioning control system according to the present invention can be used as an efficient air conditioning control system for a large-scale space where a large number of air conditioning apparatuses are installed.

10, 110 Air conditioning control system 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d Air conditioning apparatus 30a, 30b, 30c General- purpose terminals 31a, 31b, 31c User interface (virtual remote control) for controlling the air conditioning apparatus
40 administrator terminal 41 definition file 50 centralized control device 60 communication network 61 communication line

JP 2003-083596 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-071198

Claims (8)

1. An air conditioner (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d);
   User interfaces (31a, 31b, 31b) connected to the air conditioners (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) via the communication network (60) and capable of controlling the air conditioners (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). 31c) general-purpose terminals (30a, 30b, 30c);
   A definition file describing information related to control of the air conditioner (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) that can be controlled from the user interface (31a, 31b, 31c) of the general-purpose terminal (30a, 30b, 30c). 41) and an administrator terminal (40) connected to the general-purpose terminals (30a, 30b, 30c) via the communication network (60).
2. The definition file (41) includes information on the air conditioners (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) that can be controlled from the user interfaces (31a, 31b, 31c) of the general-purpose terminals (30a, 30b, 30c). The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, which is described.
3. The definition file (41) relates to the function of the air conditioner (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) that can be used from the user interface (31a, 31b, 31c) of the general-purpose terminal (30a, 30b, 30c). The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein information is described.
4. The definition file (41) is specific to the air conditioner (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) usable from the user interface (31a, 31b, 31c) of the general-purpose terminal (30a, 30b, 30c). The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information related to a function of the control device is described.
5. In the definition file (41), priorities for a plurality of control information transmitted from the plurality of general-purpose terminals (30a, 30b, 30c) to one air conditioner (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). The air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein:
6. The air conditioning according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the manager terminal (40) changes the contents of the definition file (41) according to schedule information input to the manager terminal (40). Control system.
7. Connected to the air conditioner (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) via a communication line (61) and connected to the general-purpose terminals (30a, 30b, 30c) via the communication network (60), Control information transmitted from the air conditioner (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) or the general-purpose terminal (30a, 30b, 30c) is transmitted to the air conditioner (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) or the general-purpose terminal (30a). , 30b, 30c), the air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a centralized control device (50) that transmits and receives bidirectionally.
8. The manager terminal (40) interprets the definition file (41), and the air conditioner (20a, 20b) is added to the user interface (31a, 31b, 31c) of the general-purpose terminal (30a, 30b, 30c). , 20c, 20d), the air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a program for assigning a function for controlling.

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