WO2022234677A1

WO2022234677A1 - Communication device, communication system, and communication method

Info

Publication number: WO2022234677A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/017577
Authority: WO
Inventors: 健太郎澤; 諭司花井; 貴光山田
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2021-05-07
Filing date: 2021-05-07
Publication date: 2022-11-10
Also published as: JPWO2022234677A1

Abstract

In the present invention, an air conditioner (3) comprises: a first communication means for direct long-distance wireless communication with a server; a second communication means for short-distance wireless communication; and a communication control unit (300). If an abnormality is detected in a communication line between the server and the first communication means, the communication control unit (300) searches for a relay device which can communicate via the second communication means and which can establish direct long-distance wireless communication with the server, and subsequently exchanges data with the server via the relay device.

Description

Communication equipment, communication system and communication method

The present disclosure relates to communication equipment, communication systems, and communication methods.

In recent years, with the enhancement of the connection environment to public networks such as the Internet, there has been progress in technology that allows air conditioners and other devices to be directly connected to the public network and remotely monitored and controlled by a server. (For example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2020-008261 A

In a communication system such as that described in Patent Document 1 above, when a communication failure occurs in a communication line between an air conditioner and a server, control of the air conditioner by the server is interrupted until the communication line is restored. There is a problem that it is not possible to receive continuous services.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and is a communication device that can continue to receive services from a server even when an abnormality occurs in the communication line between the communication device and the server. , to provide a communication system and communication method.

In order to achieve the above object, the communication device according to the present disclosure is
a first communication means for direct long-range wireless communication with a server;
a second communication means for short-range wireless communication;
When an abnormality is detected in the communication line between the server and the first communication means, a device capable of communicating via the second communication means and directly communicating with the server. a communication control means for searching for a relay device that is a device capable of long-distance wireless communication, and thereafter exchanging data with the server via the relay device.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to continue receiving services from the server even when an abnormality occurs in the communication line between the communication device and the server.

1 shows the overall configuration of a remote control system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of a server according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of a mobile terminal according to Embodiment 1; 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of communication line switching processing according to the first embodiment; The figure which shows the whole structure of the remote control system in Embodiment 2. A diagram showing a functional configuration of a server according to Embodiment 2 Diagram showing the functional configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 Flowchart showing the procedure of the degeneracy control switching process in the second embodiment A diagram showing an example of a function list according to the second embodiment

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a remote control system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. Remote control system 1 is an example of a communication system according to the present disclosure. The remote control system 1 is, for example, a system that air-conditions buildings such as buildings and stores, and includes a server 2 , a plurality of air conditioners 3 , and one or a plurality of mobile terminals 4 .

<Server 2>
The server 2 is an example of a server according to the present disclosure. The server 2 is a server computer installed and operated by the manufacturer, sales company, etc. of the air conditioner 3, and is connected to a network N such as the Internet. The server 2 provides a service for remotely controlling each air conditioner 3 .

As shown in FIG. 2, the server 2 includes a communication interface 20, a control circuit 21, and an auxiliary storage device 22 as a hardware configuration. The communication interface 20 is an interface for connecting to the network N and communicating with other devices such as the air conditioners 3, and is based on Ethernet (registered trademark), for example.

The control circuit 21 comprehensively controls the server 2. The control circuit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), which are not shown. Details of the functions of the server 2 realized by the control circuit 21 will be described later.

The auxiliary storage device 22 is composed of a readable/writable non-volatile semiconductor memory, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory is, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), flash memory, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 22 stores a remote control program, which is a program for realizing remote control of each air conditioner 3, and data used when executing the remote control program.

The above remote control program can be downloaded to the server 2 via the network N from devices such as other servers. In addition, the remote control program can be used for CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), magneto-optical disc, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, HDD, SSD (Solid State Drive), memory card, etc. It can also be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to itself, the server 2 can also read and import the remote control program from the recording medium.

<Air conditioner 3>
The air conditioner 3 is an outdoor unit or an indoor unit, and is an example of communication equipment according to the present disclosure. The air conditioner 3 includes a first communication interface 30, a second communication interface 31, a third communication interface 32, a main unit 33, a control circuit 34, and an auxiliary storage device 35, as shown in FIG. .

The first communication interface 30 is an example of first communication means according to the present disclosure. The first communication interface 30 is an interface for communicating with other devices using a predetermined long-distance wireless communication method. During normal operation, the air conditioner 3 communicates with the server 2 using the first communication interface 30 . In this embodiment, the first communication interface 30 is an interface for performing LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication.

The second communication interface 31 is an example of second communication means according to the present disclosure. The second communication interface 31 is an interface for wirelessly communicating with another device using a predetermined short-range wireless communication method. In this embodiment, the second communication interface 31 is an interface for wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication.

The third communication interface 32 is an example of second communication means according to the present disclosure. The third communication interface 32 is an interface for wirelessly communicating with other devices using a predetermined short-range wireless communication method. In the present embodiment, the third communication interface 32 is an interface for performing BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication.

The main unit 33 is a component for realizing the essential functions of a general air conditioner. When the air conditioner 3 is an outdoor unit, the main unit 33 includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, an expansion valve , four-way valves, fans, and various sensors. Also, when the air conditioner 3 is an indoor unit, the main unit 33 includes a fan, a heat exchanger, a louver, various sensors, and the like.

The control circuit 34 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a readable/writable non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. (none of which are shown), and controls the air conditioner 3 in an integrated manner. The details of the functions of the air conditioner 3 realized by the control circuit 34 will be described later.

The auxiliary storage device 35 is composed of a readable and writable non-volatile semiconductor memory such as EEPROM and flash memory, for example. The auxiliary storage device 35 stores firmware, which is a software program for realizing functions related to air conditioning, and data used when executing the firmware. Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 35 stores a communication control program, which is a program for controlling communication with the server 2, and data used when executing the communication control program.

The above communication control program can be downloaded to the air conditioner 3 via the network N from another device such as the server 2. Also, the air conditioner 3 can receive a communication control program from the mobile terminal 4 . Also, the communication control program can be distributed by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, memory card, or the like. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to the air conditioner 3, the air conditioner 3 can also read and import the communication control program from the recording medium.

<Mobile terminal 4>
The mobile terminal 4 is a portable electronic device such as a smart phone or a tablet terminal possessed by a person in charge of maintenance of the remote control system 1 . As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile terminal 4 has a hardware configuration including a first communication interface 40, a second communication interface 41, an operation reception unit 42, a display 43, a control circuit 44, and an auxiliary storage device 45. and

The first communication interface 40 is an interface for mobile data communication. For example, the first communication interface 40 is an interface for performing communication based on 4G (fourth generation mobile communication system), 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system) or the like.

The second communication interface 41 is an interface for wirelessly communicating with other devices using a predetermined short-range wireless communication method. In this embodiment, the second communication interface 41 is an interface for performing BLE communication.

The operation reception unit 42 includes one or more input devices such as a push button, a touch panel, and a touch pad, receives operation input from the user, and outputs a signal related to the received operation to the control circuit 44.

The display 43 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. Under the control of the control circuit 44, the display 43 displays various screens and the like according to the user's operation.

The control circuit 44 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and controls the mobile terminal 4 in an integrated manner. Details of the functions of the mobile terminal 4 realized by the control circuit 44 will be described later.

The auxiliary storage device 45 is composed of a readable and writable non-volatile semiconductor memory such as EEPROM and flash memory, for example. The auxiliary storage device 45 stores programs executed during maintenance of the remote control system 1 and data used during execution of the programs. The auxiliary storage device 45 also stores a data relay program, which is a program for realizing a function of relaying data transfer between the air conditioner 3 and the server 2 in response to a request from the air conditioner 3, and a data relay program. Data used during program execution are stored.

The above data relay program can be downloaded from other devices such as the server 2 to the mobile terminal 4 via the network N. The data relay program can also be stored and distributed in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, memory card, and the like. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to the mobile terminal 4, the mobile terminal 4 can read and import the data relay program from the recording medium.

<Functions of Server 2>
Next, functions of the server 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the server 2 includes an air conditioner control section 200 and a line management section 201 as functional configurations. These functional units are realized by the control circuit 21 executing the above-described remote control program stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 .

The air conditioner control unit 200 controls each air conditioner 3 . Specifically, the air conditioner control unit 200 collects operation data (hereinafter referred to as operation data) from each air conditioner 3 and controls the operation of each air conditioner 3 based on the collected operation data. The air conditioner control unit 200 also performs firmware update control for transmitting update firmware to air conditioners 3 whose firmware needs to be updated.

The line management unit 201 manages the state of the communication line with each air conditioner 3 . Specifically, when the line management unit 201 receives a line switching notification from the air conditioning equipment 3 via another device different from the air conditioning equipment 3, or receives a line restoration notification from the air conditioning equipment 3, The line information corresponding to the air conditioner 3 registered in the line information DB 220 is updated. The line information DB 220 is a database stored in the auxiliary storage device 22, and line information corresponding to each air conditioner 3 is registered. The line information includes the device ID (identification) of the air conditioner 3 and the line type of the air conditioner 3 . The line type means a communication method (for example, LPWA or the like) when the air conditioner 3 communicates with the server 2 using the first communication interface 30 .

When the air conditioner 3 communicates with the server 2 using the communication line of another device (other air conditioner 3 or mobile terminal 4), the line information further includes the device ID of the other device. and the line type of the device. Hereinafter, the communication line between the air conditioner 3 and the server 2 in direct long-distance wireless communication with the server 2 using the first communication interface 30 will be referred to as a first communication line. A communication line between the air conditioner 3 and the server 2 in the case of indirectly communicating with the server 2 using another device is called a second communication line.

The above line switching notification is a notification indicating that the communication line has been switched from the first communication line to the second communication line. The line switching notification includes the device ID of the air conditioner 3 that switched the communication line to the second communication line, the device ID of the device corresponding to the second communication line, that is, the device that relayed the line switching notification, and the line type. and are included. Upon receiving the line switching notification, the line management unit 201 adds information about the second communication line to the line information corresponding to the air conditioner 3 whose communication line has been switched. Further, the line restoration notification is a notification indicating that the first communication line has been restored. When the line management unit 201 receives the line restoration notification from the air conditioner 3, Delete the information about the second communication line from the line information corresponding to the device 3 .

<Functions of air conditioner 3>
Next, functions of the air conditioner 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioner 3 includes a communication control unit 300 and an air conditioning control unit 301 as functional configurations. Communication control section 300 also includes line failure detection section 310 , line search section 311 , line switching section 312 , response request notification handling section 313 , and data relay section 314 . These functional units are implemented by the control circuit 34 executing the above-described firmware and communication control program stored in the auxiliary storage device 35 .

The communication control unit 300 is an example of communication control means according to the present disclosure. The communication control unit 300 comprehensively controls communication. The air-conditioning control unit 301 performs overall control related to air-conditioning. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 301 periodically (for example, at intervals of one minute) transmits the operation data to the server 2 via the communication control unit 300 . The operation data includes operation mode (cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, etc.), set temperature, wind direction, air volume, measurement results of various sensors (air temperature, humidity, etc.), and the like. In addition, the air conditioning control unit 301 controls operations related to air conditioning according to control commands from the server 2 .

In the communication control unit 300, the line abnormality detection unit 310 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the first communication line. Specifically, the line abnormality detection unit 310 monitors communication with the server 2 on the first communication line, determines whether communication is possible, and acquires communication quality (data arrival rate, transmission delay, etc.). If communication is not possible or if the communication quality is lower than a predetermined standard, the line abnormality detection unit 310 detects an abnormality in the first communication line and notifies the line search unit 311 to that effect.

The line search unit 311 searches for an alternative communication line, that is, the second communication line. Specifically, when line search unit 311 receives notification from line error detection unit 310 that an error has been detected in the first communication line, line search unit 311 sends a notification requesting a response from another device capable of relaying data. is broadcasted from each of the second communication interface 31 and the third communication interface 32 .

When a response notification is returned from one of the devices in response to the response request notification, the line search unit 311 obtains the device ID of the device that responded, the line type, the communication quality, and the allowable Extract the amount of data. The line type means a communication method (for example, LPWA, 4G, 5G, etc.) when the device directly communicates with the server 2 . Communication quality means communication quality between the device and the server 2 . In addition, the allowable data volume means the upper limit of the data communication volume per day that is permissible when accepting data relay.

Upon receiving the response notification, the line search unit 311 determines whether or not the device that sent the response notification is included in a predetermined connection destination list. The connection destination list is a list of devices whose safety has been confirmed as connection destinations of the air conditioner 3 and which can access the server 2 . For example, the connection destination list includes information indicating all air conditioners 3 and all mobile terminals 4 that constitute the remote control system 1 . Data relating to the connection destination list is stored in the auxiliary storage device 35 in advance.

　If the device is included in the connection destination list, the line search unit 311 determines whether or not the daily data communication volume of the device itself is equal to or less than the allowable data volume included in the response notification. The line search unit 311 may acquire the daily data communication volume of its own device from the air conditioning control unit 301, or monitor the data exchanged with the server 2 during normal operation to obtain the data communication volume of its own device. Data traffic per day may be derived.

If the daily data communication volume of the device itself is less than the allowable data volume, the device is determined as the device to be used for relay (hereinafter referred to as relay device). If there are multiple devices that meet the above conditions, the line search unit 311 selects a device with lower communication cost and better communication quality as the relay device. Communication cost is determined based on the line type. After determining the relay device, the line search unit 311 notifies the line switching unit 312 of information indicating the communication interface used for communication with the relay device, the device ID of the relay device, and the line type.

Upon receiving the above notification from the line search unit 311, the line switching unit 312 notifies the relay device that the relay device has been selected. Also, it generates a line switching notification containing the device ID of its own device, the device ID of the relay device, and the line type, and transmits the generated line switching notification to the server 2 via the relay device. Thereafter, the communication control unit 300 exchanges data with the server 2 via the relay device. For example, the communication control unit 300 transmits operation data to the server 2 via the relay device, and receives control commands from the server 2 via the relay device. Further, when the first communication line is restored, the line switching unit 312 transmits a line restoration notification to the server 2 using the first communication line, that is, the first communication interface 30, and also to the relay device. notifies that the role of the relay device has been released.

When the response request notification handling unit 313 receives the above-described response request notification from another air conditioner 3 via the second communication interface 31, if the response request notification handling unit 313 is currently communicating with the server 2 via the first communication line, that is, the first 1 When communicating with the server 2 using the communication interface 30, a response notification containing the device ID of the own device, the line type, the communication quality, and the allowable data amount is sent to the air conditioning device 3 as the transmission source. Send to On the other hand, when currently communicating with the server 2 through the second communication line, that is, when communicating with the server 2 via another device using the second communication interface 31 or the third communication interface 32 , the response request notification handling unit 313 discards the response request notification without responding even if it receives the response request notification.

When the data relay unit 314 receives a notification from another air conditioner 3 indicating that the relay device has been selected, the data relay unit 314 receives a notification indicating that the role of the relay device has been canceled. and the server 2 to exchange data.

<Functions of mobile terminal 4>
Next, functions of the mobile terminal 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the mobile terminal 4 includes a response request notification handling unit 400 and a data relay unit 401 as characteristic functional configurations according to the present disclosure. These functional units are implemented by the control circuit 44 executing the above-described data relay program stored in the auxiliary storage device 45 .

Upon receiving the response request notification from the air conditioner 3 via the second communication interface 41, the response request notification handling unit 400 notifies the user of the reception of the response request notification, and sends a response to the air conditioner 3. The display 43 displays an operation screen (not shown) for receiving an instruction from the user as to whether or not to permit When receiving an instruction to allow a response from the user via such an operation screen, the response request notification handling unit 400 stores the device ID of its own device, the line type, the communication quality, and the allowable data amount. A response notification is transmitted to the air conditioner 3 as the transmission source. Note that the response request notification handling unit 400 may also accept the allowable data amount from the user.

On the other hand, when receiving an instruction not to permit the response from the user, the response request notification handling unit 400 discards the received response request notification without responding to the air conditioner 3 .

When the data relay unit 401 receives a notification from the air conditioner 3 indicating that the relay device has been selected, the data relay unit 401 continues to communicate with the air conditioner 3 and the server 2 until it receives a notification indicating that the role of the relay device has been released. It relays the transfer of data between

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of communication line switching processing executed by the communication control unit 300 of the air conditioner 3. FIG. The communication control unit 300 starts communication line switching processing when communication with the server 2 is started through the first communication line.

(Step S101)
The communication control unit 300 detects whether or not there is an abnormality in the first communication line. After that, the processing of the communication control unit 300 transitions to step S102.

(Step S102)
The communication control unit 300 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the first communication line (step S102). When it is determined that there is an abnormality in the first communication line (step S102; YES), the processing of the communication control unit 300 transitions to step S103. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no abnormality in the first communication line (step S102; NO), the processing of the communication control unit 300 returns to step S101.

(Step S103)
The communication control unit 300 broadcasts from each of the second communication interface 31 and the third communication interface 32 response request notifications for requesting responses from other devices capable of relaying data. After that, the processing of the communication control unit 300 transitions to step S104.

(Step S104)
The communication control unit 300 determines whether or not it has received a response notification from any device. If a response notification has been received (step S104; YES), the processing of the communication control unit 300 transitions to step S105. On the other hand, if the response notification has not been received (step S104; NO), the communication control unit 300 continues the process of step S104.

(Step S105)
The communication control unit 300 determines whether the device that sent the response notification is a device included in the connection list. If the device is included in the connection list (step S105; YES), the processing of the communication control unit 300 transitions to step S106. On the other hand, if the device is not included in the connection list (step S105; NO), the processing of the communication control unit 300 returns to step S104.

(Step S106)
The communication control unit 300 determines whether or not the daily data communication volume of its own device is equal to or less than the allowable data volume indicated by the response notification. If the amount of data communication per day is equal to or less than the allowable amount of data (step S106; YES), the processing of communication control unit 300 transitions to step S107. On the other hand, when the data communication amount per day exceeds the allowable data amount (step S106; NO), the processing of the communication control unit 300 returns to step S104.

(Step S107)
The communication control unit 300 determines the device as the relay device and notifies the relay device of the determination as the relay device. After that, the processing of the communication control unit 300 transitions to step S108.

(Step S108)
The communication control unit 300 transmits a line switching notification indicating that the communication line has been switched to the second communication line to the server 2 via the relay device, and ends the communication line switching process. After that, the communication control unit 300 transmits, for example, operation data to the server 2 via the relay device, and receives control commands from the server 2 via the relay device.

It should be noted that if there are multiple devices for which the determination in step S106 is YES, as described above, the communication control unit 300 determines the device with the lower communication cost and the better communication quality as the relay device. Further, when a predetermined time-out period has elapsed since the transmission of the response request notification, the communication control unit 300 executes the process of step S103 again.

As described above, according to the remote control system 1 of Embodiment 1, the air conditioner 3 can communicate with the second communication interface 31 or the third communication interface 32 when an abnormality is detected in the first communication line. It searches for a relay device, switches to a communication line (second communication line) via the searched relay device, and exchanges data with the server 2 . Therefore, it is possible to continuously receive necessary services without interruption of control by the server 2 .

Further, when there are a plurality of devices capable of relaying data, the air conditioner 3 selects a device with a lower communication cost and a higher communication quality as a relay device. It is possible to select.

(Modification 1)
The air conditioner 3 may have two communication interfaces with different communication methods, or may have four or more communication interfaces with different communication methods.

(Modification 2)
The air conditioner 3 is connected to a communication adapter having functions equivalent to those of the communication control unit 300 via a serial communication device such as a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter), and other devices including the server 2 are connected via the communication adapter. It may be configured to communicate with a device. In this case, the air conditioner 3 does not need to include the first communication interface 30 , the second communication interface 31 , the third communication interface 32 , and the communication control section 300 . Therefore, existing air conditioners can be used, and the remote control system 1 can be realized at low cost. Note that, in this case, the communication adapter is an example of the communication device according to the present disclosure.

(Modification 3)
All or part of the functional units of the server 2 (see FIG. 5) may be realized by dedicated hardware, and all or part of the functional units of the air conditioner 3 (see FIG. 6) may be It may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or all or part of the functional units of the mobile terminal 4 (see FIG. 7) may be implemented by dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

The technical ideas related to each of the modifications above may be realized independently, or may be realized in combination as appropriate.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In addition, in the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the components and the like that are common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the remote control system 1a according to the second embodiment. The remote management system 1a is an example of a communication system according to the present disclosure. The remote management system 1a is, for example, a system for air conditioning a building such as a building, a store, etc., similar to the remote control system 1 of Embodiment 1, and includes a server 2a, a plurality of air conditioners 3a, and one or a plurality of and a mobile terminal 4 .

<Server 2a>
The server 2a is an example of a server according to the present disclosure. The server 2a is a server computer installed and operated by the manufacturer, sales company, etc. of the air conditioner 3a, and is connected to a network N such as the Internet. The server 2a provides a service for remotely controlling each air conditioner 3a.

The hardware configuration of the server 2a is the same as the server 2 of Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 10, the server 2a includes an air conditioner control section 200a and a line management section 201 as functional configurations. These functional units are realized by the control circuit 21 of the server 2a executing a remote control program stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 for realizing remote control of each air conditioner 3a.

The air conditioner control unit 200a controls each air conditioner 3a, like the air conditioner control unit 200 of the first embodiment. Specifically, the air conditioner control unit 200a collects operation data from each air conditioner 3a and controls the operation of each air conditioner 3a based on the collected operation data. The air conditioner control unit 200a also performs firmware update control for transmitting update firmware to air conditioners 3 whose firmware needs to be updated.

Furthermore, when the air conditioner control unit 200a receives a degradation control switching notification from the air conditioner 3a via another device (that is, via the second communication line), the air conditioning device control unit 200a receives the degradation control switching notification based on the received degeneration control switching notification. , degeneracy control for limiting the control function for the air conditioner 3a is started. For example, in degeneration control, the air conditioner control unit 200a stops the function of collecting operation data from the air conditioner 3a, or stops the firmware update function for the air conditioner 3a.

When the air conditioner control unit 200a receives the line restoration notification from the air conditioner 3a under degeneration control, it cancels the degeneration control for the air conditioner 3a.

<Air conditioner 3a>
The air conditioner 3a is an outdoor unit or an indoor unit, and is an example of a communication device according to the present disclosure. The hardware configuration of the air conditioner 3a is the same as that of the air conditioner 3 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 11, the air conditioner 3a includes a communication control unit 300a, an air conditioning control unit 301a, and a degeneracy control switching unit 302 as functional configurations. The communication control unit 300 a also includes a line abnormality detection unit 310 , a line search unit 311 a , a line switching unit 312 , a response request notification handling unit 313 , and a data relay unit 314 .

The control circuit 34 of the air conditioning equipment 3a is stored in the auxiliary storage device 35, and these functional units are firmware, which is a software program for realizing functions related to air conditioning, and a program for controlling communication with the server 2a. and a degeneracy control program for implementing degeneracy control.

The degeneracy control program described above can be downloaded to the air conditioner 3a via the network N from another device such as the server 2a. Also, the air conditioner 3 a can receive the degeneracy control program from the mobile terminal 4 . Also, the degeneracy control program can be distributed by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, DVD, magneto-optical disk, USB memory, HDD, SSD, memory card, or the like. When such a recording medium is directly or indirectly attached to the air conditioner 3a, the air conditioner 3a can also read and take in the degeneracy control program from the recording medium.

In the communication control unit 300a, the line search unit 311a searches for an alternative communication line, that is, the second communication line, similarly to the line search unit 311 of the first embodiment. However, the line search unit 311a determines that the allowable data amount does not satisfy the condition within the timeout period after the transmission of the first response request notification, that is, the allowable data amount is less than the daily data communication amount of its own device. If only the device can be found, the device is determined as the relay device. At that time, the line search unit 311a notifies the line switching unit 312 of information indicating the communication interface used for communication with the relay device, the device ID and the line type of the relay device, and performs degeneration control. The allowable data amount of the relay device is notified to the switching unit 302 .

The degeneracy control switching unit 302 is an example of degeneracy control switching means according to the present disclosure. Upon receiving the above notification from the line search unit 311a of the communication control unit 300a, the degeneration control switching unit 302 degenerates the control of the server 2a for its own device so that the amount of data communication per day is equal to or less than the allowable amount of data. Degenerate control switching processing for switching to control is executed.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure of degeneration control switching processing. The degeneration control switching unit 302 starts the degeneration control switching processing after the communication line switching processing (see FIG. 8) by the communication control unit 300a ends.

(Step S201)
The degeneracy control switching unit 302 creates data representing the function list. The function list, as shown in FIG. 13, is a table showing the relationship between the control functions of the server 2a for its own device, the priority, and the amount of data communication. The priority indicates that the lower the numerical value, the higher the priority of the control function, and an important control function is set to a low priority numerical value. Also, the amount of data communication is represented by the frame size of one transmission and the frequency of communication. Data indicating the relationship between control functions and priorities is created in advance and stored in the auxiliary storage device 35 .

The degenerate control switching unit 302 creates a function list based on the data indicating the relationship between the control functions and the priority created in advance and the data regarding the data communication amount for each control function acquired from the air conditioning control unit 301a. do. After that, the process of the degeneracy control switching unit 302 transitions to step S202.

In addition, the communication control unit 300a monitors the data exchanged with the server 2a during normal operation to acquire data related to the amount of data communication for each control function. Data regarding the amount of data communication for each control function may be obtained from the unit 300a.

(Step S202)
The degeneracy control switching unit 302 refers to the created function list and determines a control function to be restricted within the allowable data amount of the relay device. For example, when the allowable data amount is 100 bytes/day, referring to the function list illustrated in FIG. ' can be continued, but the control functions with priority levels '3' and '4' are restricted, ie, stopped. After determining the control function to be restricted, the process of the degeneration control switching unit 302 transitions to step S203.

(Step S203)
The degeneracy control switching unit 302 notifies the determined content to the air conditioning control unit 301a. After that, the process of the degeneracy control switching unit 302 transitions to step S204. For example, if the control function to be restricted includes "abnormality notification", the air conditioning control unit 301a detects an abnormality related to the air conditioning operation until the first communication line is restored. Do not notify. Further, if the restricted control functions include "operation data notification", the air conditioning control unit 301a will not notify the server 2a of the operation data until the first communication line is restored.

(Step S204)
The degeneration control switching unit 302 transmits a degeneration control switching notification indicating the determined content to the server 2a via the relay device. After that, the degeneration control switching unit 302 ends the degeneration control switching process.

As described above, according to the remote control system 1a of the second embodiment, the air conditioner 3a can communicate with the second communication interface 31 or the third communication interface 32 when an abnormality is detected in the first communication line. It searches for a relay device, switches to a communication line (second communication line) via the searched relay device, and exchanges data with the server 2a. Therefore, it is possible to continuously receive necessary services without interruption of control by the server 2a.

Further, when there are a plurality of devices capable of relaying data, the air conditioner 3a selects a device with a lower communication cost and a higher communication quality as a relay device. can be secured.

Furthermore, since the air conditioning equipment 3a can switch the control of its own equipment by the server 2a to degenerate control, even if only equipment with a small allowable data amount can be searched as a candidate for the relay equipment, the required data By reducing the amount of communication, the device can be used as a relay device. Therefore, it becomes possible to secure the second communication line more reliably.

(Modification 1)
The air conditioner 3a may have two communication interfaces with different communication methods, or may have four or more communication interfaces with different communication methods.

(Modification 2)
The air conditioner 3a is connected to a communication adapter having functions equivalent to those of the communication control unit 300a via a serial communication device such as UART, and communicates with other devices including the server 2a via the communication adapter. may In this case, the air conditioner 3a does not need to include the first communication interface 30, the second communication interface 31, the third communication interface 32, and the communication control section 300a. Therefore, the remote control system 1a can be realized at low cost. Note that, in this case, the communication adapter is an example of the communication device according to the present disclosure.

Furthermore, the communication adapter may have a function equivalent to that of the degeneracy control switching unit 302, and the degeneracy control switching unit 302 may be removed from the air conditioner 3a. In this case, the communication adapter does not notify the air conditioner 3a of the restricted function, but receives an instruction from the air conditioner 3a to send data (for example, operation data) related to the restricted control function to the server 2a. In this case, the data may be discarded without being transmitted to the server 2a.

(Modification 3)
All or part of the functional units of the server 2a (see FIG. 10) may be realized by dedicated hardware, or all or part of the functional units of the air conditioner 3a (see FIG. 11) may be It may be realized by dedicated hardware. Dedicated hardware may be, for example, single circuits, multiple circuits, programmed processors, ASICs, FPGAs, or combinations thereof.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, and various modifications are of course possible without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, the communication device according to the present disclosure may be not only an air conditioner but also other equipment such as security equipment and lighting equipment, or a communication adapter connected to the other equipment. It may be a home appliance or a communication adapter connected to the home appliance.

Various embodiments and modifications are possible for the present disclosure without departing from its broad spirit and scope. In addition, the embodiments described above are for explaining the present disclosure, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, the scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the scope of equivalent disclosure are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure can be preferably applied to a system in which equipment such as facility equipment or home appliances is remotely controlled by a server.

1, 1a -- remote control system, 2, 2a -- server, 3, 3a -- air conditioner, 4 -- mobile terminal, 20 -- communication interface, 21, 34, 44 -- control circuit, 22, 35, 45 -- auxiliary storage device, 30, 40 -- first communication interface , 31, 41 second communication interface, 32 third communication interface, 33 main unit, 42 operation reception unit, 43 display, 200, 200a air conditioner control unit, 201 line management unit, 220 line information DB, 300, 300a communication control Units, 301, 301a Air conditioning control unit, 302 Degeneration control switching unit, 310 Line error detection unit, 311, 311a Line search unit, 312 Line switching unit, 313, 400 Response request notification corresponding unit, 314, 401 Data relay unit, N network

Claims

a first communication means for direct long-range wireless communication with a server;
a second communication means for short-range wireless communication;
When an abnormality is detected in the communication line between the server and the first communication means, a device capable of communicating via the second communication means and directly communicating with the server. A communication device comprising: communication control means for searching for a relay device that is a device capable of long-distance wireless communication, and thereafter exchanging data with the server via the relay device.
When the upper limit of the amount of data communication that can be relayed by the relay device is equal to or less than the required amount of data communication, degeneration control for reducing the required amount of data communication by switching the control of the server's own device to degeneration control. The communication device according to claim 1, further comprising switching means.
The communication control means is a device capable of communicating via the second communication means, and when there are a plurality of devices capable of direct long-distance wireless communication with the server, each 3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the relay device is determined based on the communication quality between the device and the server and the method of the long-distance wireless communication.
A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
A communication system comprising: a server;
a first communication means for direct long-range wireless communication with a server;
A communication device comprising a second communication means for short-range wireless communication,
A device capable of communicating via the second communication means when an abnormality is detected in the communication line between the server and the first communication means, and having a long distance directly with the server. A communication method for searching for a relay device that is a device capable of wireless communication, and thereafter exchanging data with the server via the relay device.