WO2020121423A1 - Air-conditioning control system - Google Patents

Air-conditioning control system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020121423A1
WO2020121423A1 PCT/JP2018/045578 JP2018045578W WO2020121423A1 WO 2020121423 A1 WO2020121423 A1 WO 2020121423A1 JP 2018045578 W JP2018045578 W JP 2018045578W WO 2020121423 A1 WO2020121423 A1 WO 2020121423A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
server
signal
air conditioner
communication unit
unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2018/045578
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
泰仁 新垣
平野　誠
Original Assignee
三菱電機株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 三菱電機株式会社 filed Critical 三菱電機株式会社
Priority to JP2020558849A priority Critical patent/JP7031016B2/en
Priority to CN201880099976.5A priority patent/CN113168381B/en
Priority to AU2018452878A priority patent/AU2018452878B2/en
Priority to PCT/JP2018/045578 priority patent/WO2020121423A1/en
Priority to DE112018008198.2T priority patent/DE112018008198T5/en
Publication of WO2020121423A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020121423A1/en

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
    • G05B19/0428—Safety, monitoring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20—Pc systems
    • G05B2219/26—Pc applications
    • G05B2219/2614—HVAC, heating, ventillation, climate control

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an air conditioning control system having an air conditioner, a server and an information terminal.
  • the air conditioning control system includes an air conditioner and a server having a function of communicating with the air conditioner.
  • the air conditioner sends information related to the air conditioner to the server.
  • the server transmits the information transmitted from the air conditioner to the information terminal.
  • An example of information related to the air conditioner is information indicating the target temperature.
  • the user uses the information terminal to recognize the information sent from the server to the information terminal, and notifies the server of the information that the user wants to set in the air conditioner using the information terminal.
  • the server transmits the notified information to the air conditioner.
  • the air conditioner receives the information transmitted from the server and operates with the settings corresponding to the received information. As described above, the user uses the information terminal to bring the indoor environment into an appropriate state for the user.
  • the cost of managing a server depends on the amount of communication. Therefore, when the number of air conditioners having a function of communicating with the server increases, the communication amount increases, and the cost for managing the server also increases. There is a demand to provide a technology that suppresses an increase in communication traffic and that allows a server to retain the latest information about an air conditioner.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for specifying a time interval when a server acquires data from a sensor of an electronic device.
  • the communication amount can be reduced by increasing the time interval.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a technique regarding communication for synchronizing the time of the server and the time of the sensor, in a system having an air conditioner, a server and an information terminal, an increase in communication volume is suppressed. In addition, it does not disclose a technique for keeping the server as up-to-date as possible about the air conditioner.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an air conditioning control system that suppresses an increase in communication volume and causes a server to retain the latest information about an air conditioning apparatus.
  • an air conditioning control system has an air conditioner, a server having a function of communicating with the air conditioner, and a function of communicating with the server. And an information terminal.
  • the air conditioner has a first communication unit that has a function of communicating with the server.
  • the server has a second communication unit having a function of communicating with the air conditioner, a third communication unit having a function of communicating with the information terminal, and a time when the third communication unit does not receive a signal from the information terminal.
  • a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined first time has been reached.
  • the second communication unit causes the air conditioner to stop transmitting the signal.
  • the first stop signal is transmitted to the air conditioner.
  • the first communication unit stops transmitting the signal to the server.
  • the air conditioning control system has the effect of suppressing an increase in communication volume and allowing the server to retain the latest information about the air conditioning apparatus.
  • a processor implements some or all of the functions of the first communication unit, the conversion unit, the internal communication unit, the collection unit, the first control unit, and the detection unit included in the air conditioner included in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. Showing the processor when Part or all of the first communication unit, the conversion unit, the internal communication unit, the collection unit, the first control unit and the detection unit included in the air conditioner included in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment are realized by the processing circuit. Diagram showing the processing circuit
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning control system 1 according to an embodiment.
  • the air conditioning control system 1 includes an air conditioner 2, a server 3, and an information terminal 4.
  • the air conditioner 2 is connected to the server 3 via the Internet and has a function of communicating with the server 3.
  • the server 3 is also connected to the information terminal 4 via the Internet and has a function of communicating with the air conditioner 2 and the information terminal 4.
  • the information terminal 4 has a function of communicating with the server 3.
  • the air conditioner 2 does not communicate with the information terminal 4.
  • the air conditioner 2 has a first communication unit 21 having a function of communicating with the server 3.
  • the first communication unit 21 receives from the server 3 a signal that specifies the operating state of the air conditioner 2, the target temperature, and the wind direction.
  • the air conditioner 2 includes a conversion unit 22 that converts a signal received by the first communication unit 21 into a signal that can be interpreted inside the air conditioner 2, and an internal communication unit 23 that communicates with the conversion unit 22. Further has.
  • the air conditioner 2 further includes a collection unit 24 that collects information related to the air conditioner 2.
  • information related to the air conditioner 2 are information indicating the operating state of the air conditioner 2, the temperature inside the room in which the air conditioner 2 is installed, the target temperature, and the wind direction.
  • the internal communication unit 23 also has a function of transmitting the signal, which is obtained by converting the signal received by the first communication unit 21 by the conversion unit 22, to the collection unit 24.
  • the internal communication unit 23 also has a function of transmitting the information collected by the collection unit 24 to the conversion unit 22.
  • the conversion unit 22 also has a function of converting the information transmitted from the internal communication unit 23 into a signal that can be interpreted by the server 3.
  • the first communication unit 21 also has a function of transmitting to the server 3 a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 is converted by the conversion unit 22.
  • the cycle in which the first communication unit 21 transmits a signal to the server 3 may be fixed or changeable.
  • the air conditioner 2 further includes a first control unit 25 that determines whether the signal received by the first communication unit 21 from the server 3 indicates the start or stop of communication.
  • the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received from the server 3 by the first communication unit 21 indicates the start of communication, the first control unit 25 starts an operation of transmitting a signal to the server 3 to the first communication unit 21.
  • the signal transmitted by the first communication unit 21 to the server 3 is a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 is converted by the conversion unit 22.
  • the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received from the server 3 by the first communication unit 21 indicates that the communication is stopped, the first control unit 25 stops the operation of transmitting the signal to the server 3 to the first communication unit 21.
  • the air conditioner 2 further includes a detection unit 26 that detects a failure in the air conditioner 2.
  • the detection unit 26 detects a failure when the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting signals to the server 3
  • the first control unit 25 communicates with the server 3 by the first communication unit 21.
  • the first communication unit 21 starts communication with the server 3 when the detection unit 26 detects a failure when the signal transmission to the server 3 is stopped.
  • the first communication unit 21 sends a signal indicating that the air conditioner 2 has a failure when the detection unit 26 detects the failure. Send to.
  • the first communication unit 21 is transmitting a signal to the server 3
  • the detection unit 26 detects a failure
  • the first communication unit 21 notifies the server 3 of a signal indicating that the air conditioner 2 has a failure. You may send it.
  • the server 3 has a second communication unit 31 having a function of communicating with the air conditioner 2, a storage unit 32 storing a signal received by the second communication unit 31, and a function of communicating with the information terminal 4.
  • 3 communication unit 33 is a semiconductor memory.
  • the storage unit 32 also has a function of storing a signal received by the third communication unit 33 from the information terminal 4.
  • the third communication unit 33 transmits the signal stored in the storage unit 32 to the information terminal 4.
  • the storage unit 32 stores the third communication unit 33. Store the received signal.
  • the third communication unit 33 receives a signal from the information terminal 4 for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3
  • the storage unit 32 transmits the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3.
  • the signal for starting is stored, and the second communication unit 31 transmits a signal for starting transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the air conditioner 2.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the signal for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the first communication unit 21 starts transmitting the signal to the server 3.
  • An example of the signal transmitted to the server 3 is a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 is converted by the conversion unit 22.
  • the server 3 further includes a determination unit 34 that determines whether or not the time during which the third communication unit 33 has not received a signal from the information terminal 4 has reached a predetermined first time.
  • the determination unit 34 determines that the time during which the third communication unit 33 does not receive the signal from the information terminal 4 has reached the first time
  • the second communication unit 31 notifies the air conditioner 2 of the signal.
  • the first stop signal for stopping the transmission of the air conditioner 2 is transmitted to the air conditioner 2.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3.
  • the determination unit 34 determines whether or not a predetermined second time has elapsed from the time when the third communication unit 33 determines that the time during which no signal is received from the information terminal 4 has reached the above first time. It also has a function to judge whether or not. When the determination unit 34 determines that the second time has elapsed from the time when the third communication unit 33 determines that the time during which no signal is received from the information terminal 4 has reached the first time.
  • the second communication unit 31 transmits a signal for starting transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the air conditioner 2.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the signal for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the first communication unit 21 starts the transmission of the signal to the server 3.
  • An example of the signal transmitted to the server 3 is a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 is converted by the conversion unit 22.
  • the information terminal 4 includes a reception unit 41 that receives a user instruction and a fourth communication unit 42 that has a function of communicating with the server 3.
  • the reception unit 41 also has a function of displaying information.
  • the reception unit 41 is realized by a touch panel.
  • the reception unit 41 displays information based on the signal received by the fourth communication unit 42 from the server 3.
  • the fourth communication unit 42 transmits a signal based on the instruction received by the reception unit 41 to the server 3.
  • the information terminal 4 further includes a second control unit 43 that causes the fourth communication unit 42 to transmit a signal based on the instruction received by the reception unit 41 to the server 3.
  • An example of the instruction received by the reception unit 41 is an instruction for starting the transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, or an instruction for stopping the transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. is there.
  • the fourth communication unit 42 A first start signal for starting communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 is transmitted to the server 3.
  • the second communication unit 31 outputs a second start signal for causing the air conditioner 2 to start communication with the server 3 when the third communication unit 33 receives the first start signal. Send to.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the second start signal, the first communication unit 21 starts communication with the server 3.
  • the fourth communication unit 42 causes the air A second stop signal for stopping the communication between the harmony machine 2 and the server 3 is transmitted to the server 3.
  • the second communication unit 31 transmits the first stop signal for stopping the signal transmission to the air conditioner 2 to the air conditioner 2. To do.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3.
  • FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the air conditioner 2 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment.
  • the first control unit 25 determines whether the first communication unit 21 receives a signal from the server 3 (S1).
  • the first control unit 25 determines that the first communication unit 21 receives the signal from the server 3 (Yes in S1), the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. It is determined whether the signal is a signal indicating that the transmission of the signal is stopped (S2). In step S2 of FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped. Is the content of the signal transmission stopped?"
  • the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is a signal indicating to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (Yes in S2), the first The communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3 (S3).
  • the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is not a signal indicating to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (No in S2), the first communication It is determined whether or not the signal received by the unit 21 is a signal indicating that transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started (S4). In step S4 of FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started. Is the content of the signal started to be transmitted?"
  • the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is a signal indicating to start transmitting a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (Yes in S4), the first The communication unit 21 starts transmitting a signal to the server 3 (S5).
  • the first control unit 25 determines whether the detection unit 26 has detected a failure (S6).
  • the first control unit 25 causes the first communication unit 21 to start communication with the server 3. That is, when the transmission of the signal to the server 3 is stopped, the first communication unit 21 starts transmitting the signal to the server 3 when the detection unit 26 detects a failure (S5).
  • step S3 When the operation of step S3 is performed, the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is not a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started. In the case (No in S4), when the operation of step S5 is performed, and when the first control unit 25 determines that the detection unit 26 has not detected a failure (No in S6), the air conditioner 2 The series of operations of is ended. After finishing the series of operations, the air conditioner 2 may perform a new series of operations from Step S1 to Step S6.
  • FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the server 3 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment.
  • the determination unit 34 determines whether the third communication unit 33 receives a signal from the information terminal 4 (S11). When the determination unit 34 determines that the third communication unit 33 receives the signal from the information terminal 4 (Yes in S11), the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. It is determined whether or not the signal is a signal indicating to start signal transmission (S12). In step S12 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started. Is the content of the signal started to be transmitted?"
  • the second communication unit 31 transmits the signal for starting transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the air conditioner 2 (S13).
  • step S13 of FIG. 3 transmitting the signal for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the air conditioner 2 is described as “send the transmission start to the air conditioner”. There is.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the signal for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the first communication unit 21 starts transmitting the signal to the server 3. Thereby, even if the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped, the user operates the information terminal 4 to start the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3.
  • You can An example of the signal transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 in the air conditioner 2 is converted by the conversion unit 22.
  • the third communication unit 33 determines that the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is not a signal indicating that transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started (No in S12), the third communication unit 33. It is determined whether or not the received signal is a signal indicating to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (S14). In step S14 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped. Is the content of the signal transmission stopped?"
  • the second communication unit 31 transmits the 1st stop signal for stopping transmission of a signal to air harmony machine 2 to air harmony machine 2 (S15).
  • transmitting the first stop signal for stopping the signal transmission to the air conditioner 2 to the air conditioner 2 is described as "transmit stop transmission to the air conditioner”. .
  • the determination unit 34 determines that the third communication unit 33 has not received the signal from the information terminal 4 (No in S11)
  • the time during which the third communication unit 33 has not received the signal from the information terminal 4 is set to the above. It is determined whether the first time has been reached (S16). In step S16 of FIG. 3, it is necessary to determine whether the time period during which the third communication unit 33 does not receive the signal from the information terminal 4 has reached the above-described first time period. Has it reached a certain time?"
  • Step S15 Transition.
  • the operation of step S13 when the determination unit 34 determines that the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is not a signal indicating to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 ( No in S14), when the operation of step S15 is performed, and when the third communication unit 33 does not receive the signal from the information terminal 4 by the determination unit 34, it does not reach the first time. If determined (No in S16), the series of operations of the server 3 ends. After completing the series of operations, the server 3 may perform a new series of operations from step S11 to step S16.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the information terminal 4 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment.
  • the second control unit 43 determines whether the reception unit 41 has received the user's instruction (S21). When the second control unit 43 determines that the reception unit 41 has received the user's instruction (Yes in S21), the instruction received by the reception unit 41 stops the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. It is determined whether or not the instruction indicates that (S22). In step S22 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the instruction accepted by the acceptance unit 41 is an instruction indicating that the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped. Stop sending?"
  • the fourth communication unit 42 transmits the signal which shows starting transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the server 3 (S23).
  • step S23 of FIG. 4 transmitting a signal indicating to start transmitting a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the server 3 is described as “send transmission to server”.
  • the fourth communication The unit 42 transmits a signal indicating that the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped, to the server 3 (S24).
  • step S24 of FIG. 4 transmitting a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped to the server 3 is described as “transmit stop transmission to server”.
  • step S23 ends, and the operation of step S24 ends, the information terminal The series of operations of No. 4 is completed.
  • the information terminal 4 may perform a new series of operations from step S21 to step S24 after finishing the series of operations.
  • the second communication is performed.
  • the unit 31 transmits to the air conditioner 2 a first stop signal for stopping the signal transmission to the air conditioner 2.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal
  • the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3.
  • Stop transmitting signals to the server 3. Therefore, there is a time when the first communication unit 21 stops the operation of transmitting the signal to the server 3.
  • the air conditioning control system 1 can suppress an increase in communication traffic.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 when the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, it stops transmitting the signal to the server 3.
  • the user when the user does not use the air conditioner 2, the user does not remotely operate the air conditioner 2 using the information terminal 4. That is, when the air conditioner 2 is not used, the third communication unit 33 included in the server 3 does not receive a signal from the information terminal 4. In that case, the first communication unit 21 of the air conditioner 2 stops transmitting signals to the server 3. Therefore, the air conditioning control system 1 can suppress the occurrence of useless communication. As a result, the air conditioning control system 1 can suppress an increase in communication volume, and as a result, can reduce the cost for managing the server 3 that depends on the communication volume.
  • the first communication unit 21 transmits a signal to the server 3 until it receives the first stop signal. Therefore, the air conditioning control system 1 can cause the server 3 to hold the latest information about the air conditioner 2 as much as possible.
  • the first communication unit 21 starts communication with the server 3 when the detection unit 26 detects a failure when the signal transmission to the server 3 is stopped.
  • the signal transmitted to the server 3 is transmitted to the information terminal 4 and displayed on the information terminal 4. Therefore, even if communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 is stopped, if the air conditioner 2 fails, the user of the information terminal 4 recognizes that the air conditioner 2 has failed. be able to.
  • the reception unit 41 included in the information terminal 4 gives an instruction other than an instruction to stop communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3.
  • the fourth communication unit 42 included in the information terminal 4 transmits a first start signal for starting communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 to the server 3.
  • the second communication unit 31 issues the second start signal for causing the air conditioner 2 to start communication with the server 3 to the air conditioner 2. Send to.
  • the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the second start signal
  • the first communication unit 21 starts communication with the server 3.
  • the harmony control system 1 can cause the air conditioner 2 to start communication with the server 3.
  • the reception unit 41 included in the information terminal 4 gives an instruction to stop the communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3.
  • the fourth communication unit 42 included in the information terminal 4 transmits to the server 3 a second stop signal for stopping communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3.
  • the second communication unit 31 transmits the first stop signal for stopping the signal transmission to the air conditioner 2 to the air conditioner 2.
  • the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3.
  • the air conditioner The control system 1 can stop the air conditioner 2 from transmitting a signal to the server 3. As a result, the air conditioning control system 1 can suppress an increase in communication traffic.
  • FIG. 5 is a first communication unit 21, a conversion unit 22, an internal communication unit 23, a collection unit 24, a first control unit 25, and a detection unit included in the air conditioner 2 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment.
  • 26 is a diagram showing the processor 51 when some or all of the functions of 26 are realized by the processor 51.
  • the processor 51 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, a computing device, a microprocessor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).
  • the memory 52 is also shown in FIG.
  • the processor 51 When a part or all of the functions of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are realized by the processor 51, some or all of the functions are realized.
  • the function is realized by the processor 51 and software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.
  • the software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 52.
  • the processor 51 reads a program stored in the memory 52 and executes the program to execute a part of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26. Or realize all functions.
  • the air conditioner 2 is A program that results in the steps executed by part or all of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26. It has a memory 52 for storing.
  • the program stored in the memory 52 is a computer that executes a procedure or method executed by a part or all of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26. It can be said to be something that is executed by.
  • the memory 52 is a non-volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).
  • a volatile semiconductor memory a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like.
  • FIG. 6 is a first communication unit 21, a conversion unit 22, an internal communication unit 23, a collection unit 24, a first control unit 25, and a detection unit included in the air conditioner 2 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment.
  • 26 is a diagram showing a processing circuit 61 in the case where part or all of 26 is realized by the processing circuit 61. FIG. That is, part or all of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 may be realized by the processing circuit 61.
  • the processing circuit 61 is dedicated hardware.
  • the processing circuit 61 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Is.
  • the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 some of the plurality of functions are realized by software or firmware, The rest of the plurality of functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.
  • the plurality of functions of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Can be realized by.
  • Some or all of the functions of the second communication unit 31, the third communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34 included in the server 3 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment execute a program stored in the memory. It may be realized by a processor.
  • the memory is a memory for storing a program that results in some or all of the steps executed by the second communication unit 31, the third communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34.
  • Some or all of the functions of the second communication unit 31, the third communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34 may be realized by a processing circuit.
  • the processing circuit is a processing circuit similar to the processing circuit 61.
  • Some or all of the functions of the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 included in the information terminal 4 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment execute the program stored in the memory. It may be realized by a processor.
  • the memory is a memory for storing a program in which some or all of the steps executed by the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 will be executed as a result.
  • a part or all of the functions of the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 may be realized by a processing circuit.
  • the processing circuit is a processing circuit similar to the processing circuit 61.
  • 1 air conditioning control system 2 air conditioner, 3 server, 4 information terminal, 21 first communication section, 22 conversion section, 23 internal communication section, 24 collection section, 25 first control section, 26 detection section, 31 second Communication unit, 32 storage unit, 33 third communication unit, 34 determination unit, 41 reception unit, 42 fourth communication unit, 43 second control unit, 51 processor, 52 memory, 61 processing circuit.

Abstract

This air-conditioning control system (1) includes an air conditioner (2), a server (3), and an information terminal (4). The air conditioner (2) includes a first communication unit (21) having a function of communicating with the server (3). The server (3) includes: a second communication unit (31) having a function of communicating with the air conditioner (2); a third communication unit (33) having a function of communicating with the information terminal (4); and a determination unit (34) which determines whether a time during which the third communication unit (33) does not receive a signal from the information terminal (4) reaches a predetermined first time. When the determination unit (34) determines that the time during which the third communication unit (33) does not receive a signal from the information terminal (4) has reached the predetermined first time, the second communication unit (31) transmits, to the air conditioner (2), a first stop signal for stopping the transmission of a signal to the air conditioner (2). The first communication unit (21) stops the transmission of a signal to the server (3), when the first stop signal is received.

Description

空気調和制御システムAir conditioning control system
　本発明は、空気調和機、サーバ及び情報端末を有する空気調和制御システムに関する。 The present invention relates to an air conditioning control system having an air conditioner, a server and an information terminal.
　近年、外出中のユーザが帰宅した時の室内の環境を当該ユーザにとって適切な状態にすることを可能とする空気調和制御システムが知られている。空気調和制御システムは、空気調和機と、空気調和機と通信を行う機能を有するサーバとを有する。空気調和機は、空気調和機に関連する情報をサーバに送信する。サーバは、空気調和機から送信された情報を情報端末に送信する。空気調和機に関連する情報の例は、目標温度を示す情報である。 In recent years, an air conditioning control system is known that enables an indoor environment when a user who is out goes home to an appropriate state for the user. The air conditioning control system includes an air conditioner and a server having a function of communicating with the air conditioner. The air conditioner sends information related to the air conditioner to the server. The server transmits the information transmitted from the air conditioner to the information terminal. An example of information related to the air conditioner is information indicating the target temperature.
　ユーザは、サーバから情報端末に送信された情報を情報端末を用いて認識し、空気調和機に設定したい情報を情報端末を用いてサーバに通知する。サーバは、通知された情報を空気調和機に送信する。空気調和機は、サーバから送信された情報を受信し、受信した情報に対応する設定で動作する。このように、ユーザは情報端末を用いることによって室内の環境を当該ユーザにとって適切な状態にする。 The user uses the information terminal to recognize the information sent from the server to the information terminal, and notifies the server of the information that the user wants to set in the air conditioner using the information terminal. The server transmits the notified information to the air conditioner. The air conditioner receives the information transmitted from the server and operates with the settings corresponding to the received information. As described above, the user uses the information terminal to bring the indoor environment into an appropriate state for the user.
　一般に、サーバを管理するための費用は通信量に依存する。そのため、サーバと通信する機能を有する空気調和機の台数が増加すると通信量が増加し、ひいてはサーバを管理するための費用は増加する。通信量の増加を抑制すると共に、空気調和機についてのできるだけ最新の情報をサーバに保持させる技術が提供されることが要求されている。 Generally, the cost of managing a server depends on the amount of communication. Therefore, when the number of air conditioners having a function of communicating with the server increases, the communication amount increases, and the cost for managing the server also increases. There is a demand to provide a technology that suppresses an increase in communication traffic and that allows a server to retain the latest information about an air conditioner.
　特許文献１は、サーバが電子機器のセンサからデータを取得する際の時間間隔を指定する技術を開示している。当該時間間隔を大きくすると、通信量を削減することができる。 Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for specifying a time interval when a server acquires data from a sensor of an electronic device. The communication amount can be reduced by increasing the time interval.
特開２０１８－１３４６０号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-13460
　しかしながら、特許文献１は、サーバの時刻とセンサの時刻とを同期させるための通信についての技術を開示しているものの、空気調和機、サーバ及び情報端末を有するシステムにおいて、通信量の増加を抑制すると共に空気調和機についてのできるだけ最新の情報をサーバに保持させるための技術を開示していない。 However, although Patent Document 1 discloses a technique regarding communication for synchronizing the time of the server and the time of the sensor, in a system having an air conditioner, a server and an information terminal, an increase in communication volume is suppressed. In addition, it does not disclose a technique for keeping the server as up-to-date as possible about the air conditioner.
　本発明は、上記に鑑みてなされたものであって、通信量の増加を抑制すると共に、空気調和機についてのできるだけ最新の情報をサーバに保持させる空気調和制御システムを得ることを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an air conditioning control system that suppresses an increase in communication volume and causes a server to retain the latest information about an air conditioning apparatus.
　上述した課題を解決し、目的を達成するために、本発明に係る空気調和制御システムは、空気調和機と、空気調和機と通信を行う機能を有するサーバと、サーバと通信を行う機能を有する情報端末とを有する。空気調和機は、サーバと通信を行う機能を有する第１通信部を有する。サーバは、空気調和機と通信を行う機能を有する第２通信部と、情報端末と通信を行う機能を有する第３通信部と、第３通信部が情報端末から信号を受信していない時間があらかじめ決められた第１の時間に達したか否かを判断する判断部とを有する。第３通信部が情報端末から信号を受信していない時間が第１の時間に達したと判断部によって判断された場合、第２通信部は、空気調和機に信号の送信を停止させるための第１停止信号を空気調和機に送信する。第１通信部は、第１停止信号を受信した場合、サーバへの信号の送信を停止する。 In order to solve the problems described above and achieve the object, an air conditioning control system according to the present invention has an air conditioner, a server having a function of communicating with the air conditioner, and a function of communicating with the server. And an information terminal. The air conditioner has a first communication unit that has a function of communicating with the server. The server has a second communication unit having a function of communicating with the air conditioner, a third communication unit having a function of communicating with the information terminal, and a time when the third communication unit does not receive a signal from the information terminal. And a determination unit that determines whether or not a predetermined first time has been reached. When the determination unit determines that the time when the third communication unit has not received the signal from the information terminal has reached the first time, the second communication unit causes the air conditioner to stop transmitting the signal. The first stop signal is transmitted to the air conditioner. When receiving the first stop signal, the first communication unit stops transmitting the signal to the server.
　本発明に係る空気調和制御システムは、通信量の増加を抑制すると共に、空気調和機についてのできるだけ最新の情報をサーバに保持させることができるという効果を奏する。 The air conditioning control system according to the present invention has the effect of suppressing an increase in communication volume and allowing the server to retain the latest information about the air conditioning apparatus.
実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システムの構成を示す図The figure which shows the structure of the air conditioning control system which concerns on embodiment. 実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システムが有する空気調和機の動作の手順の一例を示すフローチャートThe flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of operation|movement of the air conditioner which the air conditioning control system which concerns on embodiment has. 実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システムが有するサーバの動作の手順の一例を示すフローチャートThe flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of the operation|movement of the server which the air conditioning control system which concerns on embodiment has. 実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システムが有する情報端末の動作の手順の一例を示すフローチャートThe flowchart which shows an example of the procedure of operation|movement of the information terminal which the air conditioning control system which concerns on embodiment has. 実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システムが有する空気調和機に含まれる第１通信部、変換部、内部通信部、収集部、第１制御部及び検知部の一部又は全部の機能がプロセッサによって実現される場合のプロセッサを示す図A processor implements some or all of the functions of the first communication unit, the conversion unit, the internal communication unit, the collection unit, the first control unit, and the detection unit included in the air conditioner included in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. Showing the processor when 実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システムが有する空気調和機に含まれる第１通信部、変換部、内部通信部、収集部、第１制御部及び検知部の一部又は全部が処理回路によって実現される場合の処理回路を示す図Part or all of the first communication unit, the conversion unit, the internal communication unit, the collection unit, the first control unit and the detection unit included in the air conditioner included in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment are realized by the processing circuit. Diagram showing the processing circuit
　以下に、本発明の実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システムを図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。なお、この実施の形態によりこの発明が限定されるものではない。 The air conditioning control system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
実施の形態．
　まず、実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１の構成を説明する。図１は、実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１の構成を示す図である。空気調和制御システム１は、空気調和機２と、サーバ３と、情報端末４とを有する。空気調和機２は、インターネットを通じてサーバ３と接続され、サーバ３と通信を行う機能を有する。サーバ３は、インターネットを通じて情報端末４とも接続され、空気調和機２及び情報端末４と通信を行う機能を有する。情報端末４は、サーバ３と通信を行う機能を有する。空気調和機２は、情報端末４と通信を行わない。 Embodiment.
First, the configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning control system 1 according to an embodiment. The air conditioning control system 1 includes an air conditioner 2, a server 3, and an information terminal 4. The air conditioner 2 is connected to the server 3 via the Internet and has a function of communicating with the server 3. The server 3 is also connected to the information terminal 4 via the Internet and has a function of communicating with the air conditioner 2 and the information terminal 4. The information terminal 4 has a function of communicating with the server 3. The air conditioner 2 does not communicate with the information terminal 4.
　空気調和機２は、サーバ３と通信を行う機能を有する第１通信部２１を有する。例えば、第１通信部２１は、空気調和機２の運転の状態、目標温度及び風向を指定する信号をサーバ３から受信する。空気調和機２は、第１通信部２１によって受信された信号を空気調和機２の内部で解釈することができる信号に変換する変換部２２と、変換部２２と通信を行う内部通信部２３とを更に有する。 The air conditioner 2 has a first communication unit 21 having a function of communicating with the server 3. For example, the first communication unit 21 receives from the server 3 a signal that specifies the operating state of the air conditioner 2, the target temperature, and the wind direction. The air conditioner 2 includes a conversion unit 22 that converts a signal received by the first communication unit 21 into a signal that can be interpreted inside the air conditioner 2, and an internal communication unit 23 that communicates with the conversion unit 22. Further has.
　空気調和機２は、空気調和機２に関連する情報を収集する収集部２４を更に有する。空気調和機２に関連する情報の例は、空気調和機２の運転の状態、空気調和機２が設けられている部屋の内部の温度、目標温度及び風向を示す情報である。内部通信部２３は、第１通信部２１によって受信された信号が変換部２２によって変換された後の信号を収集部２４に送信する機能も有する。 The air conditioner 2 further includes a collection unit 24 that collects information related to the air conditioner 2. Examples of information related to the air conditioner 2 are information indicating the operating state of the air conditioner 2, the temperature inside the room in which the air conditioner 2 is installed, the target temperature, and the wind direction. The internal communication unit 23 also has a function of transmitting the signal, which is obtained by converting the signal received by the first communication unit 21 by the conversion unit 22, to the collection unit 24.
　内部通信部２３は、収集部２４によって収集された情報を変換部２２に送信する機能も有する。変換部２２は、内部通信部２３から送信された情報をサーバ３が解釈することができる信号に変換する機能も有する。第１通信部２１は、収集部２４によって収集された情報が変換部２２によって変換された後の信号をサーバ３に送信する機能も有する。第１通信部２１がサーバ３に信号を送信する周期は、固定されたものであってもよいし、変更可能なものであってもよい。 The internal communication unit 23 also has a function of transmitting the information collected by the collection unit 24 to the conversion unit 22. The conversion unit 22 also has a function of converting the information transmitted from the internal communication unit 23 into a signal that can be interpreted by the server 3. The first communication unit 21 also has a function of transmitting to the server 3 a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 is converted by the conversion unit 22. The cycle in which the first communication unit 21 transmits a signal to the server 3 may be fixed or changeable.
　空気調和機２は、第１通信部２１がサーバ３から受信した信号が通信の開始又は停止を示しているかどうか判断する第１制御部２５を更に有する。第１制御部２５は、第１通信部２１がサーバ３から受信した信号が通信の開始を示していると判断した場合、第１通信部２１に対し、信号をサーバ３に送信する動作を開始させる。例えば、第１通信部２１がサーバ３に送信する信号は、収集部２４によって収集された情報が変換部２２によって変換された後の信号である。第１制御部２５は、第１通信部２１がサーバ３から受信した信号が通信の停止を示していると判断した場合、第１通信部２１に対し、信号をサーバ３に送信する動作を停止させる。 The air conditioner 2 further includes a first control unit 25 that determines whether the signal received by the first communication unit 21 from the server 3 indicates the start or stop of communication. When the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received from the server 3 by the first communication unit 21 indicates the start of communication, the first control unit 25 starts an operation of transmitting a signal to the server 3 to the first communication unit 21. Let For example, the signal transmitted by the first communication unit 21 to the server 3 is a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 is converted by the conversion unit 22. When the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received from the server 3 by the first communication unit 21 indicates that the communication is stopped, the first control unit 25 stops the operation of transmitting the signal to the server 3 to the first communication unit 21. Let
　空気調和機２は、空気調和機２に故障が生じた場合の当該故障を検知する検知部２６を更に有する。第１制御部２５は、第１通信部２１がサーバ３への信号の送信を停止している場合、検知部２６が故障を検知したとき、第１通信部２１に対し、サーバ３との通信を開始させる。つまり、第１通信部２１は、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止している場合、検知部２６が故障を検知したとき、サーバ３との通信を開始する。例えば、第１通信部２１は、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止している場合、検知部２６が故障を検知したとき、空気調和機２に故障が生じていることを示す信号をサーバ３に送信する。第１通信部２１は、サーバ３への信号の送信を行っている場合においても、検知部２６が故障を検知したとき、空気調和機２に故障が生じていることを示す信号をサーバ３に送信してもよい。 The air conditioner 2 further includes a detection unit 26 that detects a failure in the air conditioner 2. When the detection unit 26 detects a failure when the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting signals to the server 3, the first control unit 25 communicates with the server 3 by the first communication unit 21. To start. That is, the first communication unit 21 starts communication with the server 3 when the detection unit 26 detects a failure when the signal transmission to the server 3 is stopped. For example, when the transmission of the signal to the server 3 is stopped, the first communication unit 21 sends a signal indicating that the air conditioner 2 has a failure when the detection unit 26 detects the failure. Send to. Even when the first communication unit 21 is transmitting a signal to the server 3, when the detection unit 26 detects a failure, the first communication unit 21 notifies the server 3 of a signal indicating that the air conditioner 2 has a failure. You may send it.
　サーバ３は、空気調和機２と通信を行う機能を有する第２通信部３１と、第２通信部３１が受信した信号を記憶する記憶部３２と、情報端末４と通信を行う機能を有する第３通信部３３とを有する。例えば、記憶部３２は半導体メモリである。記憶部３２は、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から受信した信号を記憶する機能も有する。第３通信部３３は、記憶部３２に記憶されている信号を送信することを情報端末４から要求された場合、記憶部３２に記憶されている信号を情報端末４に送信する。 The server 3 has a second communication unit 31 having a function of communicating with the air conditioner 2, a storage unit 32 storing a signal received by the second communication unit 31, and a function of communicating with the information terminal 4. 3 communication unit 33. For example, the storage unit 32 is a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 32 also has a function of storing a signal received by the third communication unit 33 from the information terminal 4. When the third communication unit 33 is requested by the information terminal 4 to transmit the signal stored in the storage unit 32, the third communication unit 33 transmits the signal stored in the storage unit 32 to the information terminal 4.
　第３通信部３３が空気調和機２の運転の状態、目標温度及び風向の一部又は全部の変更を指定する信号を情報端末４から受信した場合、記憶部３２は、第３通信部３３が受信した信号を記憶する。第３通信部３３が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を情報端末４から受信した場合、記憶部３２は空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を記憶し、第２通信部３１は空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を空気調和機２に送信する。 When the third communication unit 33 receives from the information terminal 4 a signal designating a part or all of the operating state of the air conditioner 2, the target temperature, and the wind direction, the storage unit 32 stores the third communication unit 33. Store the received signal. When the third communication unit 33 receives a signal from the information terminal 4 for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the storage unit 32 transmits the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. The signal for starting is stored, and the second communication unit 31 transmits a signal for starting transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the air conditioner 2.
　空気調和機２に含まれる第１通信部２１は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を受信すると、サーバ３への信号の送信を開始する。サーバ３に送信される信号の例は、収集部２４によって収集された情報が変換部２２によって変換された後の信号である。 When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the signal for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the first communication unit 21 starts transmitting the signal to the server 3. An example of the signal transmitted to the server 3 is a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 is converted by the conversion unit 22.
　サーバ３は、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間があらかじめ決められた第１の時間に達したか否かを判断する判断部３４を更に有する。第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間が上記の第１の時間に達したと判断部３４によって判断された場合、第２通信部３１は、空気調和機２に信号の送信を停止させるための第１停止信号を空気調和機２に送信する。空気調和機２が有する第１通信部２１は、第１停止信号を受信した場合、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止する。 The server 3 further includes a determination unit 34 that determines whether or not the time during which the third communication unit 33 has not received a signal from the information terminal 4 has reached a predetermined first time. When the determination unit 34 determines that the time during which the third communication unit 33 does not receive the signal from the information terminal 4 has reached the first time, the second communication unit 31 notifies the air conditioner 2 of the signal. The first stop signal for stopping the transmission of the air conditioner 2 is transmitted to the air conditioner 2. When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3.
　判断部３４は、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間が上記の第１の時間に達したと判断した時からあらかじめ決められた第２の時間が経過したか否かを判断する機能も有する。第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間が上記の第１の時間に達したと判断した時から上記の第２の時間が経過したと判断部３４によって判断された場合、第２通信部３１は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を空気調和機２に送信する。空気調和機２に含まれる第１通信部２１は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を受信すると、サーバ３への信号の送信を開始する。サーバ３に送信される信号の例は、収集部２４によって収集された情報が変換部２２によって変換された後の信号である。 The determination unit 34 determines whether or not a predetermined second time has elapsed from the time when the third communication unit 33 determines that the time during which no signal is received from the information terminal 4 has reached the above first time. It also has a function to judge whether or not. When the determination unit 34 determines that the second time has elapsed from the time when the third communication unit 33 determines that the time during which no signal is received from the information terminal 4 has reached the first time. The second communication unit 31 transmits a signal for starting transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the air conditioner 2. When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the signal for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the first communication unit 21 starts the transmission of the signal to the server 3. An example of the signal transmitted to the server 3 is a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 is converted by the conversion unit 22.
　情報端末４は、ユーザの指示を受け付ける受付部４１と、サーバ３と通信を行う機能を有する第４通信部４２とを有する。受付部４１は、情報を表示する機能も有する。例えば、受付部４１はタッチパネルによって実現される。受付部４１は、第４通信部４２がサーバ３から受信した信号をもとにした情報を表示する。第４通信部４２は、受付部４１が受け付けた指示をもとにした信号をサーバ３に送信する。情報端末４は、第４通信部４２に対し、受付部４１が受け付けた指示をもとにした信号をサーバ３に送信させる第２制御部４３を更に有する。受付部４１が受け付ける指示の例は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための指示、又は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させるための指示である。 The information terminal 4 includes a reception unit 41 that receives a user instruction and a fourth communication unit 42 that has a function of communicating with the server 3. The reception unit 41 also has a function of displaying information. For example, the reception unit 41 is realized by a touch panel. The reception unit 41 displays information based on the signal received by the fourth communication unit 42 from the server 3. The fourth communication unit 42 transmits a signal based on the instruction received by the reception unit 41 to the server 3. The information terminal 4 further includes a second control unit 43 that causes the fourth communication unit 42 to transmit a signal based on the instruction received by the reception unit 41 to the server 3. An example of the instruction received by the reception unit 41 is an instruction for starting the transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, or an instruction for stopping the transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. is there.
　空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信が停止している場合、受付部４１が空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を停止させる指示以外の指示を受け付けたとき、第４通信部４２は、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を開始させるための第１開始信号をサーバ３に送信する。サーバ３では、第２通信部３１は、第３通信部３３が第１開始信号を受信した場合、空気調和機２にサーバ３との通信を開始させるための第２開始信号を空気調和機２に送信する。空気調和機２が有する第１通信部２１は、第２開始信号を受信した場合、サーバ３との通信を開始する。 When the communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 is stopped, when the reception unit 41 receives an instruction other than an instruction to stop the communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3, the fourth communication unit 42 A first start signal for starting communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 is transmitted to the server 3. In the server 3, the second communication unit 31 outputs a second start signal for causing the air conditioner 2 to start communication with the server 3 when the third communication unit 33 receives the first start signal. Send to. When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the second start signal, the first communication unit 21 starts communication with the server 3.
　空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信が行われている場合、受付部４１が空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を停止させる指示を受け付けたとき、第４通信部４２は、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を停止させるための第２停止信号をサーバ３に送信する。サーバ３では、第３通信部３３が第２停止信号を受信した場合、第２通信部３１は、空気調和機２に信号の送信を停止させるための第１停止信号を空気調和機２に送信する。空気調和機２が有する第１通信部２１は、第１停止信号を受信した場合、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止する。 When a signal is being transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, when the reception unit 41 receives an instruction to stop the communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3, the fourth communication unit 42 causes the air A second stop signal for stopping the communication between the harmony machine 2 and the server 3 is transmitted to the server 3. In the server 3, when the third communication unit 33 receives the second stop signal, the second communication unit 31 transmits the first stop signal for stopping the signal transmission to the air conditioner 2 to the air conditioner 2. To do. When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3.
　なお、空気調和機２、サーバ３及び情報端末４が有する複数の構成要素の一部は、上述した機能以外の機能も有する。当該複数の構成要素の一部が有する上述した機能以外の機能については、空気調和制御システム１の動作を説明する際に説明する。 Note that some of the plurality of constituent elements of the air conditioner 2, the server 3, and the information terminal 4 also have functions other than the functions described above. Functions other than the above-described functions of some of the plurality of constituent elements will be described when the operation of the air conditioning control system 1 is described.
　次に、実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１の動作を説明する。図２は、実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１が有する空気調和機２の動作の手順の一例を示すフローチャートである。第１制御部２５は、第１通信部２１がサーバ３から信号を受信しているか否かを判断する（Ｓ１）。 Next, the operation of the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the air conditioner 2 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment. The first control unit 25 determines whether the first communication unit 21 receives a signal from the server 3 (S1).
　第１制御部２５は、第１通信部２１がサーバ３から信号を受信していると判断した場合（Ｓ１でＹｅｓ）、第１通信部２１が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ２）。図２のステップＳ２では、第１通信部２１が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号であるか否かを判断することは、「受信した信号の内容が送信停止？」と記載されている。 When the first control unit 25 determines that the first communication unit 21 receives the signal from the server 3 (Yes in S1), the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. It is determined whether the signal is a signal indicating that the transmission of the signal is stopped (S2). In step S2 of FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped. Is the content of the signal transmission stopped?"
　第１通信部２１が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号であると第１制御部２５によって判断された場合（Ｓ２でＹｅｓ）、第１通信部２１はサーバ３への信号の送信を停止する（Ｓ３）。第１制御部２５は、第１通信部２１が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号でないと判断した場合（Ｓ２でＮｏ）、第１通信部２１が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ４）。図２のステップＳ４では、第１通信部２１が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号であるか否かを判断することは、「受信した信号の内容が送信開始？」と記載されている。 If the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is a signal indicating to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (Yes in S2), the first The communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3 (S3). When the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is not a signal indicating to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (No in S2), the first communication It is determined whether or not the signal received by the unit 21 is a signal indicating that transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started (S4). In step S4 of FIG. 2, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started. Is the content of the signal started to be transmitted?"
　第１通信部２１が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号であると第１制御部２５によって判断された場合（Ｓ４でＹｅｓ）、第１通信部２１はサーバ３への信号の送信を開始する（Ｓ５）。第１制御部２５は、第１通信部２１がサーバ３から信号を受信していないと判断した場合（Ｓ１でＮｏ）、検知部２６が故障を検知したか否かを判断する（Ｓ６）。検知部２６が故障を検知したと第１制御部２５によって判断された場合（Ｓ６でＹｅｓ）、第１制御部２５は、第１通信部２１に対し、サーバ３との通信を開始させる。つまり、第１通信部２１は、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止している場合、検知部２６が故障を検知したとき、サーバ３への信号の送信を開始する（Ｓ５）。 If the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is a signal indicating to start transmitting a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (Yes in S4), the first The communication unit 21 starts transmitting a signal to the server 3 (S5). When the first control unit 25 determines that the first communication unit 21 has not received the signal from the server 3 (No in S1), the first control unit 25 determines whether the detection unit 26 has detected a failure (S6). When the first control unit 25 determines that the detection unit 26 has detected a failure (Yes in S6), the first control unit 25 causes the first communication unit 21 to start communication with the server 3. That is, when the transmission of the signal to the server 3 is stopped, the first communication unit 21 starts transmitting the signal to the server 3 when the detection unit 26 detects a failure (S5).
　ステップＳ３の動作が行われた場合、第１通信部２１が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号でないと第１制御部２５によって判断された場合（Ｓ４でＮｏ）、ステップＳ５の動作が行われた場合、及び、検知部２６が故障を検知していないと第１制御部２５によって判断された場合（Ｓ６でＮｏ）、空気調和機２の一連の動作は終了する。空気調和機２は、一連の動作を終了すると、ステップＳ１からステップＳ６までの新たな一連の動作を行ってもよい。 When the operation of step S3 is performed, the first control unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first communication unit 21 is not a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started. In the case (No in S4), when the operation of step S5 is performed, and when the first control unit 25 determines that the detection unit 26 has not detected a failure (No in S6), the air conditioner 2 The series of operations of is ended. After finishing the series of operations, the air conditioner 2 may perform a new series of operations from Step S1 to Step S6.
　図３は、実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１が有するサーバ３の動作の手順の一例を示すフローチャートである。判断部３４は、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信しているか否かを判断する（Ｓ１１）。判断部３４は、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していると判断した場合（Ｓ１１でＹｅｓ）、第３通信部３３が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ１２）。図３のステップＳ１２では、第３通信部３３が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号であるか否かを判断することは、「受信した信号の内容が送信開始？」と記載されている。 FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the server 3 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment. The determination unit 34 determines whether the third communication unit 33 receives a signal from the information terminal 4 (S11). When the determination unit 34 determines that the third communication unit 33 receives the signal from the information terminal 4 (Yes in S11), the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. It is determined whether or not the signal is a signal indicating to start signal transmission (S12). In step S12 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started. Is the content of the signal started to be transmitted?"
　第３通信部３３が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号であると判断部３４によって判断された場合（Ｓ１２でＹｅｓ）、第２通信部３１は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を空気調和機２に送信する（Ｓ１３）。図３のステップＳ１３では、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を空気調和機２に送信することは、「空気調和機へ送信開始を送信」と記載されている。 When the determination unit 34 determines that the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is a signal indicating that transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started (Yes in S12), the second communication unit 31 transmits the signal for starting transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the air conditioner 2 (S13). In step S13 of FIG. 3, transmitting the signal for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the air conditioner 2 is described as “send the transmission start to the air conditioner”. There is.
　空気調和機２に含まれる第１通信部２１は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させるための信号を受信すると、サーバ３への信号の送信を開始する。これにより、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信が停止していても、ユーザは、情報端末４を操作することにより、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることができる。空気調和機２からサーバ３に送信される信号の例は、空気調和機２において収集部２４によって収集された情報が変換部２２によって変換された後の信号である。 When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the signal for starting the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the first communication unit 21 starts transmitting the signal to the server 3. Thereby, even if the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped, the user operates the information terminal 4 to start the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. You can An example of the signal transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is a signal after the information collected by the collection unit 24 in the air conditioner 2 is converted by the conversion unit 22.
　判断部３４は、第３通信部３３が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号でないと判断した場合（Ｓ１２でＮｏ）、第３通信部３３が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ１４）。図３のステップＳ１４では、第３通信部３３が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号であるか否かを判断することは、「受信した信号の内容が送信停止？」と記載されている。 When the determination unit 34 determines that the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is not a signal indicating that transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is started (No in S12), the third communication unit 33. It is determined whether or not the received signal is a signal indicating to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (S14). In step S14 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped. Is the content of the signal transmission stopped?"
　判断部３４は、第３通信部３３が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号であると判断した場合（Ｓ１４でＹｅｓ）、第２通信部３１は、空気調和機２に信号の送信を停止させるための第１停止信号を空気調和機２に送信する（Ｓ１５）。図３のステップＳ１５では、空気調和機２に信号の送信を停止させるための第１停止信号を空気調和機２に送信することは、「空気調和機へ送信停止を送信」と記載されている。 When the determination unit 34 determines that the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped (Yes in S14), the second communication unit 31 transmits the 1st stop signal for stopping transmission of a signal to air harmony machine 2 to air harmony machine 2 (S15). In step S15 of FIG. 3, transmitting the first stop signal for stopping the signal transmission to the air conditioner 2 to the air conditioner 2 is described as "transmit stop transmission to the air conditioner". .
　判断部３４は、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していないと判断した場合（Ｓ１１でＮｏ）、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間が上記の第１の時間に達したか否かを判断する（Ｓ１６）。図３のステップＳ１６では、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間が上記の第１の時間に達したか否かを判断することは、「信号の不受信期間が一定の時間に達したか？」と記載されている。 When the determination unit 34 determines that the third communication unit 33 has not received the signal from the information terminal 4 (No in S11), the time during which the third communication unit 33 has not received the signal from the information terminal 4 is set to the above. It is determined whether the first time has been reached (S16). In step S16 of FIG. 3, it is necessary to determine whether the time period during which the third communication unit 33 does not receive the signal from the information terminal 4 has reached the above-described first time period. Has it reached a certain time?"
　第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間が上記の第１の時間に達したと判断部３４によって判断された場合（Ｓ１６でＹｅｓ）、サーバ３の動作はステップＳ１５に移行する。ステップＳ１３の動作が行われた場合、第３通信部３３が受信した信号が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号でないと判断部３４によって判断された場合（Ｓ１４でＮｏ）、ステップＳ１５の動作が行われた場合、及び、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間が上記の第１の時間に達していないと判断部３４によって判断された場合（Ｓ１６でＮｏ）、サーバ３の一連の動作は終了する。サーバ３は、一連の動作を終了すると、ステップＳ１１からステップＳ１６までの新たな一連の動作を行ってもよい。 When the determination unit 34 determines that the time during which the third communication unit 33 has not received the signal from the information terminal 4 has reached the above-described first time (Yes in S16), the operation of the server 3 proceeds to Step S15. Transition. When the operation of step S13 is performed, when the determination unit 34 determines that the signal received by the third communication unit 33 is not a signal indicating to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 ( No in S14), when the operation of step S15 is performed, and when the third communication unit 33 does not receive the signal from the information terminal 4 by the determination unit 34, it does not reach the first time. If determined (No in S16), the series of operations of the server 3 ends. After completing the series of operations, the server 3 may perform a new series of operations from step S11 to step S16.
　図４は、実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１が有する情報端末４の動作の手順の一例を示すフローチャートである。第２制御部４３は、受付部４１がユーザの指示を受け付けたか否かを判断する（Ｓ２１）。第２制御部４３は、受付部４１がユーザの指示を受け付けたと判断した場合（Ｓ２１でＹｅｓ）、受付部４１によって受け付けられた指示が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す指示であるか否かを判断する（Ｓ２２）。図４のステップＳ２２では、受付部４１によって受け付けられた指示が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す指示であるか否かを判断することは、「指示の内容が送信停止？」と記載されている。 FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of the information terminal 4 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment. The second control unit 43 determines whether the reception unit 41 has received the user's instruction (S21). When the second control unit 43 determines that the reception unit 41 has received the user's instruction (Yes in S21), the instruction received by the reception unit 41 stops the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3. It is determined whether or not the instruction indicates that (S22). In step S22 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not the instruction accepted by the acceptance unit 41 is an instruction indicating that the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped. Stop sending?"
　受付部４１によって受け付けられた指示が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す指示でないと第２制御部４３によって判断された場合（Ｓ２２でＮｏ）、第４通信部４２は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号をサーバ３に送信する（Ｓ２３）。図４のステップＳ２３では、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を開始させることを示す信号をサーバ３に送信することは、「サーバへ送信開始を送信」と記載されている。 If the second control unit 43 determines that the instruction received by the reception unit 41 is not an instruction to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (No in S22), the fourth communication unit 42 transmits the signal which shows starting transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the server 3 (S23). In step S23 of FIG. 4, transmitting a signal indicating to start transmitting a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 to the server 3 is described as “send transmission to server”.
　受付部４１によって受け付けられた指示が空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す指示であると第２制御部４３によって判断された場合（Ｓ２２でＹｅｓ）、第４通信部４２は、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号をサーバ３に送信する（Ｓ２４）。図４のステップＳ２４では、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを示す信号をサーバ３に送信することは、「サーバへ送信停止を送信」と記載されている。 If the second control unit 43 determines that the instruction received by the receiving unit 41 is an instruction to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (Yes in S22), the fourth communication The unit 42 transmits a signal indicating that the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped, to the server 3 (S24). In step S24 of FIG. 4, transmitting a signal indicating that the signal transmission from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped to the server 3 is described as “transmit stop transmission to server”.
　受付部４１がユーザの指示を受け付けていないと第２制御部４３によって判断された場合（Ｓ２１でＮｏ）、ステップＳ２３の動作が終了した場合、及び、ステップＳ２４の動作が終了した場合、情報端末４の一連の動作は終了する。情報端末４は、一連の動作を終了すると、ステップＳ２１からステップＳ２４までの新たな一連の動作を行ってもよい。 If the second control unit 43 determines that the reception unit 41 has not received the instruction of the user (No in S21), the operation of step S23 ends, and the operation of step S24 ends, the information terminal The series of operations of No. 4 is completed. The information terminal 4 may perform a new series of operations from step S21 to step S24 after finishing the series of operations.
　上述の通り、サーバ３では、第３通信部３３が情報端末４から信号を受信していない時間があらかじめ決められた第１の時間に達したと判断部３４によって判断された場合、第２通信部３１は、空気調和機２に信号の送信を停止させるための第１停止信号を空気調和機２に送信する。空気調和機２が有する第１通信部２１は、第１停止信号を受信した場合、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止する。更に言うと、ユーザが空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることを情報端末４に指示しない場合であっても、第１通信部２１は、第１停止信号を受信した場合、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止する。そのため、第１通信部２１が信号をサーバ３へ送信する動作を停止する時間が生じる。その結果、空気調和制御システム１は、通信量の増加を抑制することができる。 As described above, in the server 3, when the determination unit 34 determines that the time during which the third communication unit 33 does not receive the signal from the information terminal 4 has reached the predetermined first time, the second communication is performed. The unit 31 transmits to the air conditioner 2 a first stop signal for stopping the signal transmission to the air conditioner 2. When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3. Furthermore, even if the user does not instruct the information terminal 4 to stop the transmission of the signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the first communication unit 21 receives the first stop signal. , Stop transmitting signals to the server 3. Therefore, there is a time when the first communication unit 21 stops the operation of transmitting the signal to the server 3. As a result, the air conditioning control system 1 can suppress an increase in communication traffic.
　上述の通り、空気調和機２が有する第１通信部２１は、第１停止信号を受信した場合、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止する。例えば、ユーザは、空気調和機２を使用しない場合、情報端末４を用いて空気調和機２を遠隔操作しない。すなわち、空気調和機２が使用されていない場合、サーバ３が有する第３通信部３３は情報端末４から信号を受信しない。その場合、空気調和機２が有する第１通信部２１はサーバ３への信号の送信を停止する。そのため、空気調和制御システム１は、無駄な通信が生じすることを抑制することができる。ひいては、空気調和制御システム１は、通信量の増加を抑制することができ、その結果、通信量に依存するサーバ３を管理するための費用を抑制することができる。 As described above, when the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, it stops transmitting the signal to the server 3. For example, when the user does not use the air conditioner 2, the user does not remotely operate the air conditioner 2 using the information terminal 4. That is, when the air conditioner 2 is not used, the third communication unit 33 included in the server 3 does not receive a signal from the information terminal 4. In that case, the first communication unit 21 of the air conditioner 2 stops transmitting signals to the server 3. Therefore, the air conditioning control system 1 can suppress the occurrence of useless communication. As a result, the air conditioning control system 1 can suppress an increase in communication volume, and as a result, can reduce the cost for managing the server 3 that depends on the communication volume.
　第１通信部２１は、第１停止信号を受信するまでは信号をサーバ３へ送信する。そのため、空気調和制御システム１は、空気調和機２についてのできるだけ最新の情報をサーバ３に保持させることができる。 The first communication unit 21 transmits a signal to the server 3 until it receives the first stop signal. Therefore, the air conditioning control system 1 can cause the server 3 to hold the latest information about the air conditioner 2 as much as possible.
　空気調和機２において、第１通信部２１は、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止している場合、検知部２６が故障を検知したとき、サーバ３との通信を開始する。サーバ３へ送信された信号は、情報端末４に送信され、情報端末４において表示される。そのため、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信が停止していても、空気調和機２に故障が生じた場合、情報端末４のユーザは、空気調和機２に故障が生じたことを認識することができる。 In the air conditioner 2, the first communication unit 21 starts communication with the server 3 when the detection unit 26 detects a failure when the signal transmission to the server 3 is stopped. The signal transmitted to the server 3 is transmitted to the information terminal 4 and displayed on the information terminal 4. Therefore, even if communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 is stopped, if the air conditioner 2 fails, the user of the information terminal 4 recognizes that the air conditioner 2 has failed. be able to.
　空気調和制御システム１では、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信が停止している場合、情報端末４が有する受付部４１が空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を停止させる指示以外の指示を受け付けたとき、情報端末４が有する第４通信部４２は、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を開始させるための第１開始信号をサーバ３に送信する。サーバ３では、第３通信部３３が第１開始信号を受信した場合、第２通信部３１は、空気調和機２にサーバ３との通信を開始させるための第２開始信号を空気調和機２に送信する。空気調和機２が有する第１通信部２１は、第２開始信号を受信した場合、サーバ３との通信を開始する。これにより、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信が停止していても、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を停止させる指示以外の指示がユーザによって情報端末４に入力された場合、空気調和制御システム１は、空気調和機２にサーバ３との通信を開始させることができる。 In the air conditioning control system 1, when communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 is stopped, the reception unit 41 included in the information terminal 4 gives an instruction other than an instruction to stop communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3. When accepting, the fourth communication unit 42 included in the information terminal 4 transmits a first start signal for starting communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 to the server 3. In the server 3, when the third communication unit 33 receives the first start signal, the second communication unit 31 issues the second start signal for causing the air conditioner 2 to start communication with the server 3 to the air conditioner 2. Send to. When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the second start signal, the first communication unit 21 starts communication with the server 3. Thereby, even if the communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 is stopped, if an instruction other than an instruction to stop the communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 is input to the information terminal 4 by the user, The harmony control system 1 can cause the air conditioner 2 to start communication with the server 3.
　空気調和制御システム１では、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信が行われている場合、情報端末４が有する受付部４１が空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を停止させる指示を受け付けたとき、情報端末４が有する第４通信部４２は、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を停止させるための第２停止信号をサーバ３に送信する。サーバ３では、第３通信部３３が第２停止信号を受信した場合、第２通信部３１は、空気調和機２に信号の送信を停止させるための第１停止信号を空気調和機２に送信する。空気調和機２が有する第１通信部２１は、第１停止信号を受信した場合、サーバ３への信号の送信を停止する。これにより、空気調和機２からサーバ３への信号の送信が行われていても、空気調和機２とサーバ３との通信を停止させる指示がユーザによって情報端末４に入力された場合、空気調和制御システム１は、空気調和機２にサーバ３への信号の送信を停止させることができる。その結果、空気調和制御システム１は、通信量の増加を抑制することができる。 In the air conditioning control system 1, when the signal is being transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the reception unit 41 included in the information terminal 4 gives an instruction to stop the communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3. When accepted, the fourth communication unit 42 included in the information terminal 4 transmits to the server 3 a second stop signal for stopping communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3. In the server 3, when the third communication unit 33 receives the second stop signal, the second communication unit 31 transmits the first stop signal for stopping the signal transmission to the air conditioner 2 to the air conditioner 2. To do. When the first communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, the first communication unit 21 stops transmitting the signal to the server 3. Thereby, even if the signal is transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, if the user inputs an instruction to stop the communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server 3 to the information terminal 4, the air conditioner The control system 1 can stop the air conditioner 2 from transmitting a signal to the server 3. As a result, the air conditioning control system 1 can suppress an increase in communication traffic.
　図５は、実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１が有する空気調和機２に含まれる第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部の機能がプロセッサ５１によって実現される場合のプロセッサ５１を示す図である。つまり、第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部の機能は、メモリ５２に格納されるプログラムを実行するプロセッサ５１によって実現されてもよい。プロセッサ５１は、ＣＰＵ（Central　Processing　Unit）、処理装置、演算装置、マイクロプロセッサ、又はＤＳＰ（Digital　Signal　Processor）である。図５には、メモリ５２も示されている。 FIG. 5 is a first communication unit 21, a conversion unit 22, an internal communication unit 23, a collection unit 24, a first control unit 25, and a detection unit included in the air conditioner 2 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment. 26 is a diagram showing the processor 51 when some or all of the functions of 26 are realized by the processor 51. FIG. That is, some or all of the functions of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are processors that execute the programs stored in the memory 52. It may be realized by 51. The processor 51 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, a computing device, a microprocessor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 52 is also shown in FIG.
　第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部の機能がプロセッサ５１によって実現される場合、当該一部又は全部の機能は、プロセッサ５１と、ソフトウェア、ファームウェア、又は、ソフトウェア及びファームウェアとの組み合わせにより実現される。ソフトウェア又はファームウェアは、プログラムとして記述され、メモリ５２に格納される。プロセッサ５１は、メモリ５２に記憶されたプログラムを読み出して実行することにより、第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部の機能を実現する。 When a part or all of the functions of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are realized by the processor 51, some or all of the functions are realized. The function is realized by the processor 51 and software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 52. The processor 51 reads a program stored in the memory 52 and executes the program to execute a part of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26. Or realize all functions.
　第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部の機能がプロセッサ５１によって実現される場合、空気調和機２は、第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部によって実行されるステップが結果的に実行されることになるプログラムを格納するためのメモリ５２を有する。メモリ５２に格納されるプログラムは、第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部が実行する手順又は方法をコンピュータに実行させるものであるともいえる。 When some or all of the functions of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are realized by the processor 51, the air conditioner 2 is A program that results in the steps executed by part or all of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26. It has a memory 52 for storing. The program stored in the memory 52 is a computer that executes a procedure or method executed by a part or all of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26. It can be said to be something that is executed by.
　メモリ５２は、例えば、ＲＡＭ（Random　Access　Memory）、ＲＯＭ（Read　Only　Memory）、フラッシュメモリ、ＥＰＲＯＭ（Erasable　Programmable　Read　Only　Memory）、ＥＥＰＲＯＭ（登録商標）（Electrically　Erasable　Programmable　Read-Only　Memory）等の不揮発性もしくは揮発性の半導体メモリ、磁気ディスク、フレキシブルディスク、光ディスク、コンパクトディスク、ミニディスク又はＤＶＤ（Digital　Versatile　Disk）等である。 The memory 52 is a non-volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Alternatively, it is a volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like.
　図６は、実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１が有する空気調和機２に含まれる第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部が処理回路６１によって実現される場合の処理回路６１を示す図である。つまり、第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６の一部又は全部は、処理回路６１によって実現されてもよい。 FIG. 6 is a first communication unit 21, a conversion unit 22, an internal communication unit 23, a collection unit 24, a first control unit 25, and a detection unit included in the air conditioner 2 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment. 26 is a diagram showing a processing circuit 61 in the case where part or all of 26 is realized by the processing circuit 61. FIG. That is, part or all of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 may be realized by the processing circuit 61.
　処理回路６１は、専用のハードウェアである。処理回路６１は、例えば、単一回路、複合回路、プログラム化されたプロセッサ、並列プログラム化されたプロセッサ、ＡＳＩＣ(Application　Specific　Integrated　Circuit)、ＦＰＧＡ（Field-Programmable　Gate　Array）、又はこれらを組み合わせたものである。 The processing circuit 61 is dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 61 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Is.
　第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６が有する複数の機能について、当該複数の機能の一部がソフトウェア又はファームウェアで実現され、当該複数の機能の残部が専用のハードウェアで実現されてもよい。このように、第１通信部２１、変換部２２、内部通信部２３、収集部２４、第１制御部２５及び検知部２６が有する複数の機能は、ハードウェア、ソフトウェア、ファームウェア、又はこれらの組み合わせによって実現することができる。 Regarding the plurality of functions of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26, some of the plurality of functions are realized by software or firmware, The rest of the plurality of functions may be realized by dedicated hardware. As described above, the plurality of functions of the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Can be realized by.
　実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１が有するサーバ３に含まれる第２通信部３１、第３通信部３３及び判断部３４の一部又は全部の機能は、メモリに格納されるプログラムを実行するプロセッサによって実現されてもよい。当該メモリは、第２通信部３１、第３通信部３３及び判断部３４によって実行される一部又は全部のステップが結果的に実行されることになるプログラムを格納するためのメモリである。第２通信部３１、第３通信部３３及び判断部３４の一部又は全部の機能は、処理回路によって実現されてもよい。当該処理回路は、処理回路６１と同様の処理回路である。 Some or all of the functions of the second communication unit 31, the third communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34 included in the server 3 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment execute a program stored in the memory. It may be realized by a processor. The memory is a memory for storing a program that results in some or all of the steps executed by the second communication unit 31, the third communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34. Some or all of the functions of the second communication unit 31, the third communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is a processing circuit similar to the processing circuit 61.
　実施の形態に係る空気調和制御システム１が有する情報端末４に含まれる受付部４１、第４通信部４２及び第２制御部４３の一部又は全部の機能は、メモリに格納されるプログラムを実行するプロセッサによって実現されてもよい。当該メモリは、受付部４１、第４通信部４２及び第２制御部４３によって実行される一部又は全部のステップが結果的に実行されることになるプログラムを格納するためのメモリである。受付部４１、第４通信部４２及び第２制御部４３の一部又は全部の機能は、処理回路によって実現されてもよい。当該処理回路は、処理回路６１と同様の処理回路である。 Some or all of the functions of the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 included in the information terminal 4 included in the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment execute the program stored in the memory. It may be realized by a processor. The memory is a memory for storing a program in which some or all of the steps executed by the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 will be executed as a result. A part or all of the functions of the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is a processing circuit similar to the processing circuit 61.
　以上の実施の形態に示した構成は、本発明の内容の一例を示すものであり、別の公知の技術と組み合わせることも可能であるし、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で、構成の一部を省略又は変更することも可能である。 The configurations described in the above embodiments are examples of the content of the present invention, and can be combined with another known technique, and the configurations of the configurations are not departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also possible to omit or change parts.
　１　空気調和制御システム、２　空気調和機、３　サーバ、４　情報端末、２１　第１通信部、２２　変換部、２３　内部通信部、２４　収集部、２５　第１制御部、２６　検知部、３１　第２通信部、３２　記憶部、３３　第３通信部、３４　判断部、４１　受付部、４２　第４通信部、４３　第２制御部、５１　プロセッサ、５２　メモリ、６１　処理回路。 1 air conditioning control system, 2 air conditioner, 3 server, 4 information terminal, 21 first communication section, 22 conversion section, 23 internal communication section, 24 collection section, 25 first control section, 26 detection section, 31 second Communication unit, 32 storage unit, 33 third communication unit, 34 determination unit, 41 reception unit, 42 fourth communication unit, 43 second control unit, 51 processor, 52 memory, 61 processing circuit.

Claims (4)

  1. 　空気調和機と、
    　前記空気調和機と通信を行う機能を有するサーバと、
    　前記サーバと通信を行う機能を有する情報端末とを備え、
    　前記空気調和機は、前記サーバと通信を行う機能を有する第１通信部を有し、
    　前記サーバは、
    　　前記空気調和機と通信を行う機能を有する第２通信部と、
    　　前記情報端末と通信を行う機能を有する第３通信部と、
    　　前記第３通信部が前記情報端末から信号を受信していない時間があらかじめ決められた第１の時間に達したか否かを判断する判断部とを有し、
    　前記第３通信部が前記情報端末から信号を受信していない時間が前記第１の時間に達したと前記判断部によって判断された場合、前記第２通信部は、前記空気調和機に信号の送信を停止させるための第１停止信号を前記空気調和機に送信し、
    　前記第１通信部は、前記第１停止信号を受信した場合、前記サーバへの信号の送信を停止する
    　空気調和制御システム。     An air conditioner,
    A server having a function of communicating with the air conditioner,
    An information terminal having a function of communicating with the server,
    The air conditioner has a first communication unit having a function of communicating with the server,
    The server is
    A second communication unit having a function of communicating with the air conditioner;
    A third communication unit having a function of communicating with the information terminal;
    And a determination unit that determines whether or not the time during which the third communication unit has not received a signal from the information terminal has reached a predetermined first time.
    When the determination unit determines that the time during which the third communication unit has not received a signal from the information terminal has reached the first time, the second communication unit notifies the air conditioner of a signal. Transmitting a first stop signal for stopping the transmission to the air conditioner,
    The said 1st communication part is an air conditioning control system which stops transmission of the signal to the said server, when the said 1st stop signal is received.
  2. 　前記空気調和機は、前記空気調和機に故障が生じた場合の前記故障を検知する検知部を更に有し、
    　前記第１通信部は、前記サーバへの信号の送信を停止している場合、前記検知部が前記故障を検知したとき、前記サーバとの通信を開始する
    　請求項１に記載の空気調和制御システム。     The air conditioner further includes a detection unit that detects the failure when a failure occurs in the air conditioner,
    The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit starts communication with the server when the detection unit detects the failure when transmission of a signal to the server is stopped. ..
  3. 　前記情報端末は、ユーザの指示を受け付ける受付部と、前記サーバと通信を行う機能を有する第４通信部とを有し、
    　前記空気調和機と前記サーバとの通信が停止している場合、前記受付部が前記空気調和機と前記サーバとの通信を停止させる指示以外の指示を受け付けたとき、前記第４通信部は、前記空気調和機と前記サーバとの通信を開始させるための第１開始信号を前記サーバに送信し、
    　前記第２通信部は、前記第３通信部が前記第１開始信号を受信した場合、前記空気調和機に前記サーバとの通信を開始させるための第２開始信号を前記空気調和機に送信し、
    　前記第１通信部は、前記第２開始信号を受信した場合、前記サーバとの通信を開始する
    　請求項１に記載の空気調和制御システム。     The information terminal includes a reception unit that receives a user instruction, and a fourth communication unit that has a function of communicating with the server,
    When the communication between the air conditioner and the server is stopped, when the receiving unit receives an instruction other than an instruction to stop the communication between the air conditioner and the server, the fourth communication unit, Transmitting a first start signal to the server to start communication between the air conditioner and the server,
    When the third communication unit receives the first start signal, the second communication unit transmits a second start signal for causing the air conditioner to start communication with the server to the air conditioner. ,
    The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit starts communication with the server when the second start signal is received.
  4. 　前記情報端末は、ユーザの指示を受け付ける受付部と、前記サーバと通信を行う機能を有する第４通信部とを有し、
    　前記空気調和機から前記サーバへの信号の送信が行われている場合、前記受付部が前記空気調和機と前記サーバとの通信を停止させる指示を受け付けたとき、前記第４通信部は、前記空気調和機と前記サーバとの通信を停止させるための第２停止信号を前記サーバに送信し、
    　前記第３通信部が前記第２停止信号を受信した場合、前記第２通信部は、前記第１停止信号を前記空気調和機に送信する
    　請求項１に記載の空気調和制御システム。     The information terminal includes a reception unit that receives a user instruction, and a fourth communication unit that has a function of communicating with the server,
    When a signal is being transmitted from the air conditioner to the server, when the reception unit receives an instruction to stop communication between the air conditioner and the server, the fourth communication unit Sending a second stop signal to the server for stopping communication between the air conditioner and the server,
    The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein when the third communication unit receives the second stop signal, the second communication unit transmits the first stop signal to the air conditioner.
PCT/JP2018/045578 2018-12-11 2018-12-11 Air-conditioning control system WO2020121423A1 (en)

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AU2018452878A AU2018452878B2 (en) 2018-12-11 2018-12-11 Air-conditioning control system
PCT/JP2018/045578 WO2020121423A1 (en) 2018-12-11 2018-12-11 Air-conditioning control system
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JP2017219253A (en) * 2016-06-08 2017-12-14 日立ジョンソンコントロールズ空調株式会社 Air Conditioning System
JP2017135734A (en) * 2017-03-09 2017-08-03 三菱電機株式会社 Remote operation system and appliance management method

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