WO2023238182A1

WO2023238182A1 - Air-conditioning coordination system and application program

Info

Publication number: WO2023238182A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/022759
Authority: WO
Inventors: 広嗣友松; 晃行栗▲崎▼
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2022-06-06
Filing date: 2022-06-06
Publication date: 2023-12-14

Abstract

This air-conditioning coordination system is equipped with: an air-conditioning system having a plurality of indoor units which condition air and are provided in the rooms of a lodging facility, an outdoor unit for supplying a coolant to the plurality of indoor units, a system controller for integratedly controlling the plurality of indoor units and the outdoor unit, and a remote controller for controlling one of the plurality of indoor units; and a lodging facility system having a terminal device in which an application program is installed in order to execute a function for performing a lodging facility reservation by inputting reservation information, which includes the scheduled date/time at which and room in which the stay at the lodging facility will occur, and a function for inputting air-conditioning setting information which indicates the settings for the air-conditioning in the reserved room, and also having a lodging facility server for communicating with the terminal device and storing the reservation information and air-conditioning setting information therein. Therein, the system controller or the remote controller controls the indoor unit which is provided to the reserved room on the basis of the air-conditioning setting information.

Description

Air conditioning coordination system and application program

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning coordination system used in accommodation facilities and an application program for making reservations for accommodation facilities.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, in accommodation facilities such as hotels, air conditioning systems are known in which air conditioner settings are made using a tablet terminal installed in each room (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses such an air conditioning system that stores the operating state of an air conditioner as a history and utilizes it for the next control.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-128208

Application programs installed on tablet terminals used in conventional air conditioning systems, including Patent Document 1, are application programs dedicated to air conditioning that can only configure air conditioning settings. Some application programs dedicated to air conditioning can also be used on terminal devices owned by guests using the accommodation facility. However, such application programs dedicated to air conditioning are not widely used because the situations in which they can be used by guests are limited, and the work of installing them on terminal devices can be a hassle. hard. Therefore, there is room for conventional air conditioning systems to improve the convenience of air conditioning functions in accommodation facilities.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning coordination system and an application program that improve the convenience of air conditioning functions in accommodation facilities.

The air conditioning coordination system according to the present disclosure is installed in a room of an accommodation facility, and integrates multiple indoor units that perform air conditioning, an outdoor unit that supplies refrigerant to the multiple indoor units, and multiple indoor units and outdoor units. A system controller that controls one of the indoor units, and a remote controller that controls one of a plurality of indoor units. A terminal device installed with an application program for executing the function to input air conditioning setting information indicating air conditioning settings for the room to be reserved communicates with the terminal device and inputs reservation information and air conditioning settings. an accommodation facility server that stores information; and a system controller or remote controller that controls an indoor unit installed in a reserved room based on air conditioning setting information.

The application program according to the present disclosure has a function for making a reservation for an accommodation facility by inputting reservation information including the date and time of the planned stay at the accommodation facility and the room into a computer, and air conditioning settings that indicate air conditioning settings for the room to be reserved. This function is for inputting information and for executing the function.

According to the present disclosure, air conditioning settings for a room to be reserved can be performed using an application program for making a reservation for an accommodation facility. Thereby, the air conditioning coordination system can improve the convenience of the air conditioning function in accommodation facilities.

1 is a functional block diagram showing an air conditioning coordination system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an air conditioning coordination system according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram showing a central server according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a hotel application according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the hotel application according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an air conditioning coordination system according to a second embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning cooperation system according to the second embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning cooperation system according to the second embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning cooperation system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a comparison result between a hotel application-remote control communication system and a management device-syscon communication system.

Embodiment 1.
Hereinafter, an air conditioning coordination system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an air conditioning coordination system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the air conditioning coordination system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning coordination system 1 includes an accommodation facility system 2 for conducting operations at accommodation facilities such as hotels, and an air conditioning system for managing and controlling air conditioners installed in accommodation facilities. This is a combination of 3 and 3. First, an overview of each of the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 will be explained using FIGS. 1 and 2, and then the cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 will be explained.

First, the accommodation facility system 2 will be explained. The accommodation facility system 2 is used, for example, by a hotel group that operates a chain of hotels A, B, and C. As shown in FIG. 1, the accommodation facility system 2 includes a central server 21, a store server 22, a management device 23, and a terminal device 24. The control server 21 is a server device that controls Hotel A, Hotel B, and Hotel C and is managed by a hotel control department. Information such as personal information, reservation information, and payment information of guests using all hotels managed by the hotel management department is collectively recorded in the central server 21. Note that in FIGS. 1 and 2, the configurations applied to Hotel B and Hotel C of the accommodation facility system 2 are the same as that of Hotel A, so illustration and description are omitted.

The store server 22 is a server device installed in a server room of hotel A, for example. The store server 22 is connected to the central server 21 via an Internet line or the like, and records information such as personal information, reservation information, and payment information of guests using the hotel. The management device 23 is, for example, a PC terminal installed in the management room of the hotel A and installed with software for managing the hotel. Hereinafter, software that allows the management device 23, which is a computer, to implement functions for performing hotel management tasks, may be referred to as management software. The management device 23 is operated by the hotel manager and employees, accesses the store server 22, and updates information stored in the store server 22.

The terminal device 24 is a PC terminal, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like owned by a user of the accommodation facility. An application program for making reservations for accommodation facilities is installed on the terminal device 24. Hereinafter, this application program may be referred to as a hotel application 50. A description of the hotel application 50 will be given later. The terminal device 24 on which the hotel application 50 is installed is connected to the central server 21 and the store server 22 via an Internet line or the like.

Next, the air conditioning system 3 will be explained. The air conditioning system 3 includes a system controller 31, an outdoor unit 32,

indoor units

33a and 33b, a ventilation system 34,

remote controllers

35a and 35b, and

cabin sensors

36a and 36b. The system controller 31 is connected to the outdoor unit 32 and the plurality of

indoor units

33a and 33b by wired communication according to the standard for air conditioners, and integrally controls the outdoor unit 32 and the plurality of

indoor units

33a and 33b.

The outdoor unit 32 is installed outside a building of an accommodation facility, and transmits hot or cold heat by supplying refrigerant to the

indoor units

33a and 33b. The indoor unit 33a is installed in a guest room A, for example, and performs air conditioning in the guest room A. The indoor unit 33b is installed in the guest room B, for example, and performs air conditioning in the guest room B. The ventilation device 34 is installed in the guest room A, for example, and ventilates the inside of the guest room A.

The remote controller 35a is connected to the indoor unit 33a by wire, and controls the indoor unit 33a by communicating with the indoor unit 33a. In addition to wired communication with the indoor unit 33a, the remote controller 35a also performs wireless communication with the guest room sensor 36a and the terminal device 24 within the communicable range including the guest room A. The remote controller 35b is connected to the indoor unit 33b by wire, and controls the indoor unit 33b by communicating with the indoor unit 33b. In addition to wired communication with the indoor unit 33b, the remote controller 35b also performs wireless communication with the guest room sensor 36b and the terminal device 24 within the communicable range including the guest room B.

The guest room sensor 36a acquires the temperature, humidity, _CO2 concentration, etc. of the guest room A, and transmits the information to the remote controller 35a. The guest room sensor 36b acquires the temperature, humidity, _CO2 concentration, etc. of the guest room B, and transmits the information to the remote controller 35b. The

indoor units

33a and 33b, the

remote controllers

35a and 35b, and the

guest room sensors

36a and 36b have unique identification numbers or symbols attached to the end, for example, to enable identification of the guest room in which they are installed. A code is assigned. When communicating within the air conditioning system 3, each device is identified by this identification code.

Here, an example of the hardware of the central server 21 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing the central server 21 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the central server 21 is composed of a computer including a processor 41 such as a CPU and a memory 42. Each function of the central server 21 is realized by a processor 41 and a memory 42. FIG. 3 shows that processor 41 and memory 42 are communicatively connected to each other via bus 43.

The functions of the central server 21 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in memory 42. The processor 41 realizes the functions of each means by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 42.

Examples of the memory 42 include ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable and Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM). A nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a programmable ROM (ROM) is used. Further, as the memory 42, a volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) may be used. Further, as the memory 42, a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a CD (Compact Disc), an MD (Mini Disc), and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) may be used. Note that the store server 22, management device 23, terminal device 24, and system controller 31 are also composed of computers, similar to the central server 21, and therefore their explanations will be omitted.

The hotel application 50 will be explained. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the hotel application 50 according to the first embodiment. The hotel application 50 is stored in the memory of the terminal device 24 and read from the memory by the processor of the terminal device 24 to cause the processor to perform various functions. The hotel application 50 includes, for example, a GUI program 51, a room key program 52, a payment program 53, a communication program 54, an air conditioning operation program 55, and an air conditioning operation API (Application Programming Interface) 56. The GUI program 51 executes a function that causes the processor of the terminal device 24 to display an input screen for inputting the guest's personal information, reservation information, and air conditioning setting information on the display (not shown) of the terminal device 24. It is for the purpose of The personal information includes, for example, the guest's name, contact information, and terminal identification information for identifying the terminal device. The reservation information includes the scheduled date and time of staying at the accommodation facility and the room. The air conditioning setting information includes, for example, information indicating the operating mode of the air conditioner, the set temperature, the air volume, the operating time of the air conditioner, and the like.

The room key program 52 is for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute a function of operating the terminal device 24 itself as a room key for the reserved room. The payment program 53 is for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute the function of making payment for accommodation facilities. The communication program 54 is for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute a function of communicating with the central server 21 and the store server 22. The terminal device 24 communicates various information such as the guest's personal information, reservation information, and information indicating payment results with the central server 21 and the store server 22, thereby performing the function of reserving an accommodation facility and functioning as a room key. , and payment functions. Note that the communication method and communication content for realizing the function of reserving an accommodation facility, function as a room key, and payment function are not particularly limited. A portion of the GUI program 51 that executes a function of displaying an input screen for inputting the guest's personal information other than air conditioning setting information and reservation information, a room key program 52, a payment program 53, and a communication program 54. is a program included in the existing hotel application 50. These existing programs are collectively referred to as hotel programs 60.

The air conditioning operation program 55 is for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to transmit air conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a. The air conditioning operation program 55 is, for example, one in which only the air conditioning setting function is extracted from an existing air conditioning application program that only performs air conditioning settings. Although the air conditioning operation program 55 is disclosed to the operator of the accommodation facility by the manufacturer that provides the air conditioning system 3, detailed specifications and the like are not disclosed. Furthermore, the air conditioning operation program 55 differs depending on the manufacturer or model of the air conditioning system 3. For example, when there is an air conditioning system manufacturer AAA and an air conditioning system manufacturer BBB, the air conditioning operation program 55 of the air conditioning system manufacturer AAA is different from the air conditioning operation program 55 of the air conditioning system manufacturer BBB. When the air conditioning system 3 that air-conditions each room of the accommodation facility is manufactured by the air conditioning system manufacturer AAA, the air conditioning operation program 55 of the air conditioning system manufacturer AAA is incorporated into the hotel application 50 of the accommodation facility. In this way, for the accommodation facility operator, the air conditioning operation program 55 is in a so-called black box state.

The air conditioning operation API 56 is an interface for causing the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute a function of passing input air conditioning setting information to the air conditioning operation program 55, and for using the air conditioning operation program 55. By incorporating the air conditioning operation API 56 into the hotel application 50 together with the air conditioning operation program 55, the air conditioning operation program 55, which is originally a black box, requires various information to be communicated in a specific format, but it can be changed from the input screen. The air conditioning operation program 55 can be used depending on the input air conditioning setting information. Specifically, when the hotel application 50 includes the air conditioning operation program 55 of the air conditioning system manufacturer AAA, the air conditioning operation API 56 includes an instruction to use the air conditioning operation program 55 such as "Air conditioning system manufacturer AAA Mode ()". is included, and by inputting the air conditioning setting information (for example, cooling 25°C) in parentheses, the air conditioning operation program 55 performs internal processing to operate the

indoor unit

33a or 33b at 25°C cooling. A signal containing air conditioning setting information is transmitted to the

remote controller

35a or 35b. In this way, the air conditioning operation program 55 causes the processor of the terminal device 24 to execute the function of controlling the

indoor unit

33a or 33b based on the air conditioning setting information acquired via the air conditioning operation API 56.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the hotel application according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the terminal device 24 displays an air conditioning setting screen, which is one of the input screens displayed by the GUI program 51, and into which air conditioning setting information is input. The guest enters the desired settings for "driving mode," "temperature," "air volume," and "driving time" from the air conditioning setting screen of the hotel app, and presses the "start driving" button. As a result, a signal including the air conditioning setting information input by the guest is transmitted from the terminal device 24 to the

remote controller

35a or 35b. Note that "operating mode", "temperature", "air volume", and "operating time" are forms for inputting air conditioning setting information indicating the air conditioner's operating mode, set temperature, air volume, operating time of the air conditioner, and the like.

When attempting to implement an air conditioning function in the hotel application 50 without using the air conditioning operation program 55 and air conditioning operation API 56, the developer of the hotel application 50 needs to understand the unique communication specifications for the air conditioner. In the first embodiment, by using the air conditioning operation API 56, it is not necessary to understand unique communication specifications for air conditioners. In the first embodiment, the developer of the hotel application 50 also modified the conventional hotel program 60 to change the screen for setting air conditioning setting information, and the actual state of the air conditioning operation program 55 and the air conditioning operation API 56. That is, it is only necessary to incorporate the air conditioning operation program 55 and the air conditioning operation API 56 into the hotel program 60. Therefore, a function for setting air conditioning can be added to the hotel application 50 at a lower cost than building an application program that can independently set air conditioning without using these.

The hotel application 50 is provided to guests in various ways. For example, the hotel application 50 may be provided to guests via a recording medium on which it is recorded. Alternatively, the hotel application 50 may be stored in the central server 21 or another server for providing the hotel application 50, and may be installed on the terminal device 24 via a communication line such as the Internet.

The cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 of the first embodiment will be explained. The remote controller 35a performs wireless communication with the terminal device 24 owned by the guest. Thereby, air conditioning setting information can be communicated from the terminal device 24 to the air conditioning system 3. Thereby, various functions in which the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 are linked are realized. In the following, specific functions resulting from cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 will be explained. In addition, in the following explanation, the case where guest room A is reserved by a guest and the terminal device 24 and the remote controller 35a provided in guest room A of hotel A communicate with each other is taken as an example. The same applies to guest rooms other than guest room B or hotel A.

First, the reservation function in the air conditioning coordination system 1 of the first embodiment will be explained. An input screen is displayed on the terminal device 24 by the hotel application 50, and the guest inputs the guest's personal information and reservation information including the scheduled date and time of staying at the accommodation facility and the room from the input screen. Furthermore, air conditioning setting information indicating the guest's preferred settings for the air conditioning of the room to be reserved is input. Note that information such as terminal identification information for identifying a terminal device is automatically numbered, for example, when an app is installed, regardless of the guest's operation. The terminal device 24 transmits the input personal information, reservation information, and air conditioning setting information to the central server 21. The central server 21 associates and stores the received personal information, reservation information, and air conditioning setting information, thereby completing the reservation of the accommodation facility.

Next, a function of starting air conditioning when the guest room is unlocked in the air conditioning coordination system 1 of the first embodiment will be explained. As described above, the terminal device 24 functions as a room key for the reserved room. When the terminal device 24 is held over the lock of the reserved room, the terminal device 24 communicates the terminal identification information to the central server 21 and sends the air conditioning setting information linked to the terminal identification information stored in the central server 21 at the time of reservation. get. The terminal device 24 transmits the acquired air conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a of the reserved room. As a result, when the guest unlocks the reserved guest room, air conditioning with the desired settings is automatically started. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the hassle for the guest of installing an application dedicated to air conditioning on the terminal device 24 and performing operations for setting the air conditioning after entering the room. Note that the remote controller that transmits the air conditioning setting information may be determined by communicating the identification code of the remote controller of the room to the terminal device 24 from the lock of the room. In addition, by storing information that associates each room with the remote controller installed in each room in the central server 21, when acquiring air conditioning setting information, the reserved room can be checked from the reservation information linked to the terminal identification information. The identification code of the remote controller may also be obtained.

Next, a function for setting air conditioning in the air conditioning cooperation system 1 of the first embodiment will be explained. An air conditioning setting screen is displayed on the terminal device 24 by the hotel application 50, and air conditioning setting information is input. When the air conditioning setting information is input, the terminal device 24 transmits the air conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a of the reserved room. In response to a command from the terminal device 24, the remote controller 35a starts air conditioning or changes the operating state based on the air conditioning setting information.

Finally, the function of switching the stop or start of air conditioning and ventilation according to the user's presence in the room in the air conditioning cooperation system 1 of the first embodiment will be explained. The remote controller 35a periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device 24. When the communication between the remote controller 35a in room A and the terminal device 24 on which the hotel application is installed is interrupted, such as when the terminal device 24 is outside the area where wireless communication of the remote controller 35a is possible, the guest It is assumed that you are out. At this time, the remote controller 35a instructs the indoor unit 33a to stop its operation, and instructs the ventilation device 34 to start its operation. If the indoor unit 33a and the ventilation device 34 are already in the commanded state, the indoor unit 33a and the ventilation device 34 continue in the state at the time of receiving the command. On the other hand, when communication is established between the remote controller 35a in room A and the terminal device 24 on which the hotel application is installed, such as when the terminal device 24 is in an area where wireless communication of the remote controller 35a is possible, a guest is present. It is determined that the person is in a room. At this time, the remote controller 35a instructs the indoor unit 33a to start its operation, and instructs the ventilation device 34 to stop its operation. The operating state of the indoor unit 33a when restarting the operation after once stopping the operation is determined by the air conditioning setting information input at the time of reservation or the operating state immediately before the indoor unit 33a is stopped. In this way, it is possible to determine whether a guest is present in the room and improve comfort for the guest. Note that commands from the remote controller 35a to the ventilation device 34 are communicated via the outdoor unit 32.

Here, the operation of the air conditioning coordination system 1 when performing each of the above-mentioned functions will be explained using a flowchart. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system 1 according to the first embodiment. A method for making a reservation for an accommodation facility in the air conditioning cooperation system 1 will be explained using FIG. 6. First, when personal information, reservation information, and air conditioning setting information are input from the input screen, the terminal device 24 transmits the input personal information, reservation information, and air conditioning setting information to the central server 21 (step S1). When the central server 21 receives the reservation information and air conditioning setting information from the terminal device 24, it stores the received personal information, reservation information, and air conditioning setting information in association with each other (step S2). This completes the reservation of the accommodation facility.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system 1 according to the first embodiment. A method for starting air conditioning when the door is unlocked in the air conditioning coordination system 1 will be described using FIG. 7. First, when the terminal device 24 unlocks the reserved room using the room key, it inquires of the central server 21 about air conditioning setting information (step S11). The central server 21 transmits air conditioning setting information to the terminal device 24 in response to the inquiry from the terminal device 24 (step S12). Upon receiving the air conditioning setting information from the central server 21, the terminal device 24 transmits the received air conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a (step S13). Upon receiving the air conditioning setting information from the terminal device 24, the remote controller 35a instructs the indoor unit 33a to start air conditioning based on this air conditioning setting information (step S14).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system 1 according to the first embodiment. A method for setting air conditioning in the air conditioning cooperation system 1 will be explained using FIG. 8. First, when the air conditioning setting information is input, the terminal device 24 transmits the input air conditioning setting information to the remote controller 35a of the reserved room (step S21). In response to a command from the terminal device 24, the remote controller 35a instructs the indoor unit 33a to start air conditioning or change the operating state of the air conditioner based on the air conditioning setting information (step S22).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system 1 according to the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 9, a method for switching between stopping and starting air conditioning and ventilation in the air conditioning coordination system 1 according to the user's presence in the room will be described. First, the remote controller 35a transmits a regular communication signal to the terminal device 24 for checking the communication status with the terminal device 24 (step S31). When the terminal device 24 receives the scheduled communication signal, it returns the scheduled communication signal to the remote controller 35a (step S32).

Subsequently, the remote controller 35a determines whether or not there is a reply from the scheduled communication signal (step S33). If the regular communication signal is returned (step S33: YES), the remote controller 35a instructs the indoor unit 33a to start operating, and instructs the ventilation device 34 to stop operating (step S34). If there is no reply to the regular communication signal (step S33: NO), the remote controller 35a instructs the indoor unit 33a to stop its operation, and instructs the ventilation device 34 to start its operation (step S35).

As described above, the hotel application 50 of the first embodiment has the function of making a reservation for an accommodation facility by inputting reservation information including the date and time of the planned stay and the room, and settings for the air conditioning of the room to be reserved. This is an application program for executing the function of inputting air conditioning setting information indicating the . Therefore, according to the first embodiment, air conditioning settings for a room to be reserved can be made using an application program for making a reservation for an accommodation facility. Thereby, the air conditioning coordination system can improve the convenience of the air conditioning function in accommodation facilities.

As described above, the remote controller 35a of the first embodiment is configured to control air conditioning settings installed in a reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information input when making a reservation for an accommodation facility using an application program for making a reservation for an accommodation facility. Controls the indoor unit 33a. Therefore, the indoor unit 33a starts air conditioning even if the user of the accommodation facility does not set the air conditioning of the room to be used using an application program dedicated to air conditioning. Thereby, the air conditioning cooperation system 1 can improve the convenience of the air conditioning function in accommodation facilities.

Furthermore, the terminal device 24 is owned by the guest. Therefore, an unspecified number of users do not touch the terminal device 24, and the stress on hygiene for guests can be reduced. Additionally, since there is no need to equip each guest room with a terminal, costs can be reduced.

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an air conditioning coordination system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method of cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3. In Embodiment 2, the same parts as Embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals and explanations are omitted, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly explained.

The accommodation facility system 2 includes a wireless communication device 25. The wireless communication device 25 is provided in an accommodation facility and communicates with a terminal device 24 within the accommodation facility. The wireless communication device 25 is, for example, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark, hereinafter abbreviated) router. The terminal device 24 communicates with the central server 21 through Internet communication or Wi-Fi communication provided by the wireless communication device 25. Further, the

remote controllers

35a and 35b do not need to have a wireless communication function with the

cabin sensors

36a and 36b and the terminal device 24.

The cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 of Embodiment 2 will be explained. The system controller 31 communicates by wire or wirelessly with a management device 23 provided in an accommodation facility. Communication between the management device 23 and the system controller 31 is achieved by applying an interface to the management software installed in the management device 23 that can transmit and receive air conditioning setting information and the like to the system controller 31. This interface is made available to the operator of the accommodation facility by the manufacturer that provides the air conditioning system 3. Thereby, air conditioning setting information can be communicated from the management device 23 to the air conditioning system 3, and various functions in which the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 cooperate are realized. Furthermore, the management device 23 automatically transmits information and signals communicated from the central server 21 via the store server 22 to the system controller 31 without any operation by the hotel manager or employee. The management software enables the computer to implement a function of automatically transmitting information and signals communicated from the central server 21 via the store server 22 to the system controller 31. In the following, specific functions resulting from cooperation between the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 will be explained. The reservation function in the air conditioning coordination system 1A of the second embodiment is the same as that of the air conditioning coordination system 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

First, the function of starting air conditioning before entering a room in the air conditioning coordination system 1A of the second embodiment will be explained. First, the central server 21 transmits reservation information and air conditioning setting information to the management device 23 via the store server 22. In response to this, the management device 23 transmits the reservation information and air conditioning setting information to the system controller 31. Based on the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information, the system controller 31 determines whether the reservation has been made before the scheduled date and time of the stay, specifically, before the first time before the check-in time on the scheduled stay. Start air conditioning in the room you are in. The first time is the time from when air conditioning is started until the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature, and is, for example, 30 minutes. As a result, before the guest enters the room, pre-cooling and pre-warming at the set temperature desired by the guest is automatically started. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the hassle for the guest of installing an application dedicated to air conditioning on the terminal device 24 and performing operations for setting the air conditioning after entering the room. Furthermore, by starting the air conditioning a first time before the check-in time, the temperature in the room is at the set temperature when the guest enters the room, thereby improving comfort for the guest. Note that the system controller 31 identifies the identification code of the indoor unit of the reserved room from information indicating the reserved room included in the reservation information.

Next, a function for setting air conditioning in the air conditioning cooperation system 1A of the second embodiment will be explained. An air conditioning setting screen displayed by the hotel application 50 is displayed on the terminal device 24, and air conditioning setting information is input. When the air conditioning setting information is input, the terminal device 24 transmits the terminal identification information and the air conditioning setting information to the central server 21 . In response to this, the central server 21 generates room information indicating the reserved room based on the terminal identification information and the reservation information stored at the time of reservation. Then, the central server 21 transmits the air conditioning setting information and room information to the management device 23 via the store server 22. The management device 23 transmits air conditioning setting information and room information to the system controller 31. The system controller 31 starts air conditioning or changes the operating state of the air conditioner based on the air conditioning setting information and room information transmitted from the management device 23.

Finally, the function of switching the stop or start of air conditioning and ventilation according to the user's presence in the room in the air conditioning coordination system 1A of the second embodiment will be explained. The central server 21 periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device 24 via the wireless communication device 25. When communication with the terminal device 24 is not established, such as when the terminal device 24 is outside the area where wireless communication with the wireless communication device 25 is possible, it is determined that the guest is out. At this time, the central server 21 transmits a signal to the system controller 31 via the store server 22 and the management device 23 to stop the indoor unit 33a and operate the ventilation device 34. Thereby, the central server 21 instructs the indoor unit 33a to stop its operation, and instructs the ventilation device 34 to start its operation. On the other hand, when communication with the terminal device 24 is established, such as when the terminal device 24 is within an area where wireless communication by the wireless communication device 25 is possible, it is determined that a guest is present in the room. At this time, the central server 21 transmits a signal to the system controller 31 via the store server 22 and the management device 23 to operate the indoor unit 33a and stop the ventilation device 34. Thereby, the system controller 31 instructs the indoor unit 33a to start its operation, and instructs the ventilation device 34 to stop its operation. In this way, it is possible to determine whether a guest is present in the room and improve comfort for the guest.

Here, the operation of the air conditioning cooperation system 1A when performing each of the above-mentioned functions will be explained using a flowchart. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system 1A according to the second embodiment. A method for starting air conditioning before entering a room in the air conditioning coordination system 1A will be described using FIG. 11. First, the central server 21 transmits reservation information and air conditioning setting information to the store server 22 (step S41). Upon receiving the reservation information and air conditioning setting information from the central server 21, the store server 22 transmits the received reservation information and air conditioning setting information to the management device 23 (step S42). Upon receiving the reservation information and air conditioning setting information from the store server 22, the management device 23 transmits the received reservation information and air conditioning setting information to the system controller 31 (step S43). Then, upon receiving the reservation information and air conditioning setting information from the management device 23, the system controller 31 instructs the indoor unit 33a to start air conditioning based on the received reservation information and air conditioning setting information (step S44).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system 1A according to the second embodiment. A method for setting air conditioning in the air conditioning cooperation system 1A will be described using FIG. 12. First, when the air conditioning setting information is input, the terminal device 24 transmits the air conditioning setting information and terminal identification information to the central server 21 (step S51). When the central server 21 receives the air conditioning setting information and terminal identification information from the terminal device 24, it generates room information and transmits the received air conditioning setting information and the generated room information to the store server 22 (step S52). Upon receiving the air conditioning setting information and room information from the central server 21, the store server 22 transmits the received air conditioning setting information and room information to the management device 23 (step S53). When the management device 23 receives the air conditioning setting information and room information from the store server 22, it transmits the received air conditioning setting information and room information to the system controller 31 (step S54). Then, upon receiving the air conditioning setting information and room information from the management device 23, the system controller 31 starts air conditioning or changes the operating state of the air conditioning based on the air conditioning setting information and room information transmitted from the management device 23. The indoor unit 33a of the room specified by the room information is instructed to do so (step S55).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning coordination system 1A according to the second embodiment. With reference to FIG. 13, a method for switching between stopping and starting air conditioning and ventilation in the air conditioning cooperation system 1A according to the user's presence in the room will be described. First, the central server 21 transmits a regular communication signal to the terminal device 24 to check the communication status with the terminal device 24 via the wireless communication device 25 (step S61). When the terminal device 24 receives the scheduled communication signal, it returns the scheduled communication signal to the central server 21 via the wireless communication device 25 (step S62).

Subsequently, the central server 21 determines whether or not there is a reply to the scheduled communication signal (step S63). If the regular communication signal is returned (step S63: YES), the central server 21 sends a control signal to the store server 22 to instruct the indoor unit 33a to start operating and to instruct the ventilation device 34 to stop operating. Transmit (step S64). If there is no reply to the scheduled communication signal (step S63: NO), the central server 21 sends a control signal to the store server 22 to instruct the indoor unit 33a to stop operating, and to instruct the ventilation device 34 to start operating. Transmit (step S65).

Upon receiving the control signal from the central server 21, the store server 22 transmits the received control signal to the management device 23 (step S66). Upon receiving the control signal from the store server 22, the management device 23 transmits the received control signal to the system controller 31 (step S67). Upon receiving the control signal from the management device 23, the system controller 31 instructs the indoor unit 33a and the ventilation device 34 to change their operating states based on the received control signal (step S68).

As described above, the system controller 31 of the second embodiment uses an application program for making a reservation for an accommodation facility based on the air conditioning setting information input when making a reservation for an accommodation facility. Controls the indoor unit 33a. Therefore, the indoor unit 33a starts air conditioning even if the user of the accommodation facility does not set the air conditioning of the room to be used using an application program dedicated to air conditioning. Thereby, the air conditioning coordination system 1A can improve the convenience of the air conditioning function in accommodation facilities.

Note that it is desirable that the optimal form of the air conditioning coordination system of the present disclosure be selected in consideration of the cost of introducing it into an accommodation facility. Here, as described in Embodiment 1, by communicating between the terminal device 24 and the remote controller 35a, an air conditioning cooperation system in which the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 cooperate is established using the hotel application 50 and the remote controller. It is called a communication system. In addition, as described in the second embodiment, the management device 23 and the system controller 31 communicate with each other, thereby creating an air conditioning cooperation system in which the accommodation facility system 2 and the air conditioning system 3 cooperate. It is called. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a comparison result between the hotel application 50-remote control communication system and the management device-syscon communication system. The cost of introducing the hotel application 50-remote control communication system and the management device-syscon communication system will be compared and explained using FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the case of the hotel application 50-remote control communication system, each guest room requires a remote control capable of wireless communication, so it is necessary to consider the cost of purchasing these remote controls. Furthermore, when sharing air conditioning setting information and the like among the central server 21, store server 22, and management device 23, small-scale development of each device is required. Therefore, the hotel application 50-remote control communication system is suitable for small-scale hotels that are about to be constructed. On the other hand, Hotel App 50 - Remote Control Communication System is not suitable for large hotels that already use remote controllers that can only communicate by wire with other indoor units, as the cost of replacing the remote controller increases. .

In the case of a management device-syscon communication system, although development of the management software and hotel application 50 installed on the management device 23 requires costs, a wirelessly connectable remote controller 35a is not required. Further, since the central server 21 and the store server 22 transmit air conditioning setting information and the like to the management device 23 via the central server 21 and the store server 22, small-scale development is required. For this reason, the management device-syscon communication system is suitable for large-scale hotels that are already using other remote controllers because they can start operating the hotel without replacing the remote controller. As described above, the optimal form of the air conditioning coordination system is selected from the viewpoint of the cost required depending on the scale and equipment of the hotel.

The above is a description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and various modifications or combinations are possible within the scope of the technical idea. . For example, the central server 21 may be omitted depending on the scale of the accommodation facility. The entirety of the central server 21 and the store server 22, or the store server 22 alone corresponds to the "accommodation facility server" of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the remote controller 35a may cause the terminal device 24 to display information acquired from the cabin sensor 36a.

Furthermore, in

Embodiments

1 and 2, the air conditioning setting information input when using the accommodation facility for the first time may be linked to personal information and applied when using the accommodation facility from the next time onwards. In this case, for example, the air conditioning setting information stored in the central server 21 and set when the accommodation facility was used last time may be displayed as the initial value of the air conditioning setting information input on the air conditioning setting screen. . Further, when using the accommodation facility for the second time or later, the input of the air conditioning setting information by the guest may be omitted, and the air conditioning setting information input at the first use may be reapplied. At this time, air conditioning setting information may be shared between different hotels managed by the same hotel management department. Furthermore, at this time, appropriate air conditioning settings may be presented based on the outside air temperature and the indoor temperature.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the remote controller 35a periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device 24. However, the remote controller 35a may be configured to be able to obtain the communication status between the terminal device 24 and a wireless communication device such as a Wi-Fi router that can be used in the room A of the accommodation facility. In this case, when the communication between the wireless communication device in room A and the terminal device 24 on which the hotel application is installed is interrupted, such as when the terminal device 24 is outside the area where wireless communication with the wireless communication device is possible. Then, the remote controller 35a determines that the guest is out. At this time, the remote controller 35a instructs the indoor unit 33a to stop its operation, and instructs the ventilation device 34 to start its operation. On the other hand, when communication is established between the wireless communication device in room A and the terminal device 24 on which the hotel application is installed, such as when the terminal device 24 is in an area where wireless communication with the wireless communication device is possible, the remote controller 35a determines that the guest has returned from going out. At this time, the remote controller 35a instructs the indoor unit 33a to start its operation, and instructs the ventilation device 34 to stop its operation.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, it has been explained that air conditioning is started the first time before the check-in time. The first time is not a fixed value and may be varied depending on the air conditioning load. For example, the system controller 31 adjusts the first time based on the difference between the indoor temperature acquired from the guest room sensor 36a and the set temperature indicated by the air conditioning setting information. Specifically, the larger the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is than the reference value, the longer the first time is set than the initial value, and the smaller the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is, the longer the first time is set. Make it shorter than the initial value.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, air conditioning may be started when the terminal device 24 enters the communication range of the wireless communication device 25. Furthermore, in this case, the central server 21 calculates the position of the terminal device 24 or the distance between the terminal device 24 and the reserved room based on the strength of communication with the terminal device 24 via the wireless communication device 25, and calculates the distance between the terminal device 24 and the reserved room. It may also be transmitted to the controller 31. At this time, the system controller 31 controls the operating state of the outdoor unit 32 and the indoor unit 33a so that the temperature in the room reaches the set temperature indicated by the air conditioning setting information and the pre-cooling and pre-warming is completed by the time the guest enters the room. Determine.

In addition, in the second embodiment, by enabling the central server 21 to acquire GPS position information of the terminal device 24, when the terminal device 24 approaches the accommodation facility, such as within the grounds of the accommodation facility, air conditioning can be started. You may also do so. Furthermore, in this case, the central server 21 transmits the GPS position information of the terminal device 24 to the system controller 31, calculates the distance between the terminal device 24 and the reserved room, and connects the calculated terminal device 24 with the reserved room. Alternatively, the distance from the selected room may be transmitted to the system controller 31. At this time, the system controller 31 controls the operating state of the outdoor unit 32 and the indoor unit 33a so that the temperature in the room reaches the set temperature indicated by the air conditioning setting information and the pre-cooling and pre-warming is completed by the time the guest enters the room. Determine.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the terminal device 24 may transmit the scheduled check-out time of the accommodation facility to the central server 21 at the time of reservation. In this case, the system controller 31 can stop the air conditioning of the reserved room when the check-out time comes.

1, 1A Air conditioning coordination system, 2 Accommodation facility system, 3 Air conditioning system, 21 General server, 22 Store server, 23 Management device, 24 Terminal device, 25 Wireless communication device, 31 System controller, 32 Outdoor unit, 33a, 33b Indoor unit , 34 Ventilation system, 35a, 35b remote controller, 36a, 36b guest room sensor, 41 processor, 42 memory, 43 bus, 50 hotel application, 51 GUI program, 52 room key program, 53 payment program, 54 communication program, 55 air conditioning operation Program, 56 Air conditioning operation API, 60 Hotel program.

Claims

Multiple indoor units installed in accommodation rooms to perform air conditioning,
an outdoor unit that supplies refrigerant to the plurality of indoor units;
a system controller that integrally controls the plurality of indoor units and the outdoor unit;
an air conditioning system having a remote controller that controls one of the plurality of indoor units;
A function for making a reservation for the accommodation facility by inputting reservation information including the date and time of the scheduled stay at the accommodation facility and the room; and a function for inputting air conditioning setting information indicating air conditioning settings for the room to be reserved. A terminal device installed with an application program for execution,
an accommodation facility system having an accommodation facility server that communicates with the terminal device and stores the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information,
The system controller or the remote controller controls an indoor unit installed in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information.
The air conditioning cooperation according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller wirelessly communicates with the terminal device and controls the indoor unit installed in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information transmitted from the terminal device. system.
The application program installed on the terminal device is further configured to execute a function of operating as a room key for the reserved room,
The terminal device is
According to claim 2, when the reserved room is unlocked, the remote controller is instructed to start air conditioning the indoor unit installed in the reserved room based on the air conditioning setting information. Air conditioning coordination system.
The air conditioning system includes:
Further comprising a ventilation device installed in the room of the accommodation facility to perform ventilation,
The air conditioning coordination system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the remote controller periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device, and operates the ventilation device if communication with the terminal device is not established.
The accommodation facility system includes:
further comprising a management device that manages information stored in the accommodation facility server,
The system controller communicates with the management device and controls the indoor unit installed in the reserved room based on the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information stored in the accommodation facility server. The air conditioning coordination system described.
The system controller includes:
The air conditioning cooperation system according to claim 5, wherein the indoor unit installed in the room reserved before the scheduled date and time of the stay starts air conditioning based on the reservation information and the air conditioning setting information.
The air conditioning system includes:
Further comprising a ventilation device installed in the room of the accommodation facility to perform ventilation,
The accommodation facility system includes:
further comprising a wireless communication device installed in the accommodation facility that communicates with the terminal device,
The accommodation facility server periodically checks the communication status with the terminal device via the wireless communication device,
The air conditioning coordination system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the system controller operates the ventilation device when communication between the accommodation facility server and the terminal device via the wireless communication device is not established.
The air conditioning coordination system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the terminal device is owned by a user of the accommodation facility.
A function for making a reservation for the accommodation facility by inputting reservation information including the date and time of the planned stay at the accommodation facility and the room into a computer, and a function for inputting air conditioning setting information indicating air conditioning settings for the room to be reserved. An application program for executing .
A hotel program for causing the computer to perform a function of making a reservation for the accommodation facility;
an air conditioning operation program for causing the computer to execute a function of transmitting the air conditioning setting information to a remote controller that controls an indoor unit of the air conditioner;
The application program according to claim 9, further comprising an air conditioning operation API for causing the computer to execute a function of passing the inputted air conditioning setting information to the air conditioning operation program.
The air conditioning operation program includes:
The application program according to claim 10, which causes the computer to execute a function of controlling the indoor unit based on the air conditioning setting information acquired via the air conditioning operation API.