WO2023248402A1 - Air-conditioning system and abnormality diagnosis method - Google Patents

Abstract

A sensor (16) outputs sensor data constituted of sound data or image data pertaining to an outdoor unit (100). A sensor (26) outputs sensor data constituted of sound data or image data pertaining to an indoor unit (200). An abnormality diagnosis unit (301) diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit (100) on the basis of the sensor data acquired from the sensor (16) via an air-conditioning network capable of performing high speed communication. The abnormality diagnosis unit (301) diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit (200) on the basis of the sensor data acquired from the sensor (26) via the air-conditioning network.

Description

Air conditioning system and abnormality diagnosis method

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system and an abnormality diagnosis method.

In order to properly operate an air conditioning system, it is important to diagnose whether there is an abnormality such as failure or deterioration in the air conditioning equipment, and to take appropriate measures if there is an abnormality. In order to accurately diagnose an abnormality in an air conditioner, it is preferable to diagnose the abnormality using a huge amount of data such as image data and audio data.

Incidentally, in air conditioning systems, a plurality of air conditioners are often interconnected using a relatively low-speed communication network. Therefore, in order to accurately diagnose abnormalities in air conditioners, for example, all air conditioners included in an air conditioning system are connected to the Internet, and a server connected to the Internet diagnoses abnormalities in the air conditioners. had been adopted. Such a technique is described in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-77063

However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to connect all the air conditioners included in the air conditioning system to the Internet, which requires a great deal of cost. On the other hand, in recent years, in order to cope with the increase in communication traffic due to the sophistication of control content and improvements in analysis technology using sensing data, the communication method between air conditioners has been changed to a communication method that allows high-speed communication. is being considered. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can accurately diagnose abnormalities in air conditioners at low cost by using a high-speed communication network that interconnects a plurality of air conditioners.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system and an abnormality diagnosis method that accurately diagnose abnormalities in an air conditioner at low cost.

In order to achieve the above object, the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes:
An air conditioning system comprising a plurality of air conditioners interconnected via an air conditioning network capable of high-speed communication,
a sensor that outputs sensor data that is image data or audio data regarding a first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners;
An abnormality diagnosis means for diagnosing an abnormality in the first air conditioner based on the sensor data acquired from the sensor via the air conditioning network.

In the present disclosure, an abnormality in a first air conditioner among a plurality of air conditioners interconnected via an air conditioning network is determined based on sensor data acquired from a sensor via an air conditioning network capable of high-speed communication. is diagnosed. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to diagnose an abnormality in an air conditioner at low cost and with high accuracy.

Configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 Functional configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 Flowchart showing data transmission processing executed by the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 1 Flowchart showing abnormality notification processing executed by the system controller according to Embodiment 1 Configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 Functional configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 Configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 3 Functional configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 3 Flowchart showing data transmission processing executed by the indoor unit according to Embodiment 3 Flowchart showing abnormality notification processing executed by the server according to Embodiment 3 Functional configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 4 Configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 5 Functional configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 5 Flowchart showing parameter transmission processing executed by the outdoor unit according to Embodiment 5 Flowchart showing parameter transmission processing executed by the indoor unit according to Embodiment 5 Flowchart showing abnormality notification processing executed by the system controller according to Embodiment 5

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same or equivalent parts in the figures are given the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system for conditioning the air inside a building, condominium, apartment, factory, or the like. The air conditioning system 1000 includes an outdoor unit 100, an indoor unit 200, a system controller 300, and an air conditioning network 910. The outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, and the system controller 300 are interconnected by an air conditioning network 910.

The air conditioning network 910 is a communication network that interconnects multiple air conditioners. The air conditioner is a device that performs processing related to air conditioning, and is a device connected to the air conditioning network 910. In this embodiment, outdoor unit 100, indoor unit 200, and system controller 300 constitute an air conditioner. The air conditioning network 910 is, for example, a communication network capable of transmitting data using a multicarrier transmission method. The air conditioning network 910 is configured by, for example, shielded cables such as MVVS cables and CVVS cables that interconnect each air conditioner.

A multicarrier transmission method is a transmission method in which signals are superimposed on subcarriers having multiple frequency spectra that do not interfere with each other. A typical multicarrier transmission method is an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) method. It is preferable that the frequency of the high frequency signal used for communication is 1 MHz or more. In this embodiment, the frequency of the high frequency signal is from several MHz to several tens of MHz. Since the air conditioning network 910 allows high-speed communication, it is possible to transmit a large amount of data in a short time using the air conditioning network 910.

The outdoor unit 100 is equipment that is installed outdoors among the equipment that conditions indoor air. Conditioning indoor air means adjusting the temperature, humidity, air cleanliness, etc. of indoor air. The outdoor unit 100 circulates refrigerant between the indoor unit 200 and the indoor unit 200 via refrigerant piping (not shown). Outdoor unit 100 communicates with indoor unit 200 and system controller 300 via air conditioning network 910. The outdoor unit 100 has a function of transmitting sensor data for diagnosing an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 to the system controller 300.

The outdoor unit 100 includes a control section 11 , a storage section 12 , a display section 13 , an operation reception section 14 , a first communication section 15 , and a sensor 16 . Note that in the description of the configurations of the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200, the configurations related to information processing, communication processing, etc. will be mainly explained, and descriptions of the compressor, condenser, refrigerant piping, expansion valve, evaporator, etc. will be omitted. . The outdoor unit 100 is an example of an air conditioner, and is an example of a first air conditioner.

The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an RTC (Real Time Clock), and the like. The CPU is also called a central processing unit, central processing unit, processor, microprocessor, microcomputer, DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., and functions as a central processing unit that executes processing and calculations related to the control of the outdoor unit 100. In the control unit 11, the CPU reads out programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to centrally control the outdoor unit 100. The RTC is, for example, an integrated circuit having a timekeeping function. Note that the CPU can identify the current date and time from the time information read from the RTC.

The storage unit 12 includes nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and plays a role as a so-called auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 12 stores programs and data used by the control unit 11 to execute various processes. Furthermore, the storage unit 12 stores data generated or acquired by the control unit 11 executing various processes.

The display unit 13 displays various images under the control of the control unit 11. For example, the display unit 13 displays a screen for accepting various operations from the user. The display unit 13 includes a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, and the like. The operation reception unit 14 accepts various operations from the user, and supplies information indicating the content of the received operation to the control unit 11. The operation reception unit 14 includes a touch screen, buttons, levers, and the like.

The first communication unit 15 communicates with the indoor unit 200 and the system controller 300 via the air conditioning network 910 under the control of the control unit 11. The first communication unit 15 communicates with the indoor unit 200 and the system controller 300 via the air conditioning network 910 using a communication method using high frequency signals. In this embodiment, the frequency of the high frequency signal is from several MHz to several tens of MHz. The first communication unit 15 includes a communication interface for connecting to the air conditioning network 910.

The sensor 16 is a sensor that acquires information used to determine the state of the outdoor unit 100, that is, information used to diagnose an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100. The sensor 16 is an image sensor that outputs image data obtained by imaging the inside or outside of the outdoor unit 100, a microphone that outputs audio data obtained by collecting sound inside or outside the outdoor unit 100, or the like. . Hereinafter, the image data output by the sensor 16 and the audio data output by the sensor 16 will be referred to as sensor data.

The image sensor outputs image data for determining whether vibration, oil leakage, refrigerant gas leakage, adhesion of frost, etc. are occurring inside or outside the outdoor unit 100, for example. The image data may be moving image data or still image data. The microphone outputs audio data for determining whether abnormal noise, vibration, refrigerant gas leakage, etc. are occurring inside or outside the outdoor unit 100, for example. Note that abnormal noises, vibrations, etc. may be generated from compressors, outdoor fans, etc. Furthermore, oil leakage, refrigerant gas leakage, frost deposition, etc. may occur in various types of piping. The sensor 16 may be installed inside the outdoor unit 100 or outside the outdoor unit 100. Further, the number of sensors 16 installed in the outdoor unit 100 may be one or two or more.

The indoor unit 200 is equipment installed indoors among the equipment for conditioning indoor air. The indoor unit 200 blows air indoors for purposes such as heating, cooling, dehumidification, and ventilation. Indoor unit 200 communicates with outdoor unit 100 and system controller 300 via air conditioning network 910. Indoor unit 200 has a function of transmitting sensor data for diagnosing abnormalities in indoor unit 200 to system controller 300.

The indoor unit 200 includes a control section 21 , a storage section 22 , a display section 23 , an operation reception section 24 , a first communication section 25 , and a sensor 26 . The configurations of the control unit 21, storage unit 22, display unit 23, operation reception unit 24, and first communication unit 25 are basically the control unit 11, storage unit 12, display unit 13, operation reception unit 14, and first communication unit 25, respectively. The configuration is similar to that of the communication unit 15. Indoor unit 200 is an example of an air conditioner, and is an example of a first air conditioner.

The sensor 26 is a sensor that acquires information used to determine the state of the indoor unit 200, that is, information used to diagnose an abnormality in the indoor unit 200. The sensor 26 is an image sensor that outputs image data obtained by imaging the inside or outside of the indoor unit 200, a microphone that outputs audio data obtained by collecting sound inside or outside the indoor unit 200, or the like. . Hereinafter, the image data output by the sensor 26 and the audio data output by the sensor 26 will be referred to as sensor data.

The image sensor outputs image data for determining whether vibration, oil leakage, refrigerant gas leakage, dust accumulation, etc. are occurring inside or outside the indoor unit 200, for example. The image data may be moving image data or still image data. The microphone outputs audio data for determining whether abnormal noise, vibration, refrigerant gas leakage, etc. are occurring inside or outside the indoor unit 200, for example. Note that abnormal noises, vibrations, etc. may be generated from indoor fans. Additionally, oil leaks, refrigerant gas leaks, etc. may occur in various types of piping. Dust accumulation can occur, for example, in indoor fans, filters, and the like. The sensor 26 may be installed inside the indoor unit 200 or outside the indoor unit 200. Further, the number of sensors 26 installed in the indoor unit 200 may be one or two or more.

The system controller 300 controls the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200, and controls the operation of the entire air conditioning system 1000. System controller 300 communicates with outdoor unit 100 and indoor unit 200 via air conditioning network 910. The system controller 300 has a function of diagnosing abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. The system controller 300 is a device with higher information processing ability than the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. The system controller 300 includes a control section 31 , a storage section 32 , a display section 33 , an operation reception section 34 , and a first communication section 35 . The configurations of the control unit 31, storage unit 32, display unit 33, operation reception unit 34, and first communication unit 35 are basically the control unit 11, storage unit 12, display unit 13, operation reception unit 14, and first communication unit 35, respectively. The configuration is similar to that of the communication unit 15. System controller 300 is an example of an air conditioner.

Next, the functions of the air conditioning system 1000 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Functionally, the outdoor unit 100 includes a data recording section 101 and a data transmitting section 102. Indoor unit 200 functionally includes a data recording section 201 and a data transmitting section 202. Functionally, the system controller 300 includes an abnormality diagnosis section 301 and an abnormality notification section 302.

Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in ROM or storage units 12, 22, and 32. Each of these functions is realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM or the storage units 12, 22, and 32.

The data recording unit 101 records sensor data output by the sensor 16 in the storage unit 12. The timing at which the data recording unit 101 starts recording sensor data, the length of time that the data recording unit 101 records sensor data, etc. can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the data recording unit 101 may record sensor data all the time, or may periodically record sensor data for a predetermined period of time.

Furthermore, the data recording unit 101 may start recording sensor data when an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 is suspected. For example, the data recording unit 101 may start recording sensor data when the air conditioning capacity of the outdoor unit 100 decreases. Further, the data recording unit 101 may start recording sensor data when the sensor value of a sensor other than the sensor 16 installed in the outdoor unit 100 deviates from a reference value. Note that the output of sensor data by the sensor 16 may or may not be controlled by the data recording section 101.

The data transmission unit 102 transmits sensor data output by the sensor 16 to the system controller 300. Specifically, the data transmission unit 102 controls the first communication unit 15 to transmit the image data or audio data stored in the storage unit 12 to the system controller 300 via the air conditioning network 910.

The data recording unit 201 records sensor data output by the sensor 26 in the storage unit 22. The functions of the data recording section 201 are basically the same as those of the data recording section 101. Therefore, the timing at which the data recording section 201 starts recording sensor data, the length of time during which the data recording section 201 records sensor data, etc. can be adjusted as appropriate. Further, the output of sensor data by the sensor 26 may be controlled by the data recording section 201 or may not be controlled by the data recording section 201.

The data transmission unit 202 transmits sensor data output by the sensor 26 to the system controller 300. Specifically, the data transmission section 202 controls the first communication section 25 to transmit the image data or audio data stored in the storage section 22 to the system controller 300 via the air conditioning network 910.

The abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 based on sensor data acquired from the sensor 16 via the air conditioning network 910. Diagnosing an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 means, for example, determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100, and determining the degree of abnormality in the outdoor unit 100. Abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 include failure of each part of the outdoor unit 100, functional decline of each part of the outdoor unit 100, and the like. Specifically, abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 include malfunction of the compressor due to aging, insufficient rotation of the outdoor fan due to foreign matter around the outdoor fan, and temperature of the compressor due to obstacles around the outdoor unit 100. There is an abnormality, a shortage of refrigerant gas due to a refrigerant gas leak, etc. The method by which the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 can be adjusted as appropriate.

For example, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 may diagnose abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 from image data or audio data using a learned model obtained by machine learning. This trained model is obtained, for example, by supervised learning using a neural network. For example, this trained model is obtained by supplying teacher data including image data or audio data of the outdoor unit 100 and data indicating the presence or absence of an abnormality to the learning device.

Alternatively, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 compares the image data of the normal state, the image data of the abnormal state, and the image data acquired by the sensor 16, and divides the image data acquired by the sensor 16 into the image data of the normal state and the image of the abnormal state. It may be classified into either data. In comparing image data, for example, it is preferable to compare feature amounts extracted from the image data.

Furthermore, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses abnormalities in the indoor unit 200 based on sensor data acquired from the sensor 26 via the air conditioning network 910. Diagnosing an abnormality in the indoor unit 200 means, for example, determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the indoor unit 200, and determining the degree of abnormality in the indoor unit 200. Abnormalities in the indoor unit 200 include failure of each part of the indoor unit 200, functional decline of each part of the indoor unit 200, and the like.

Specifically, abnormalities in the indoor unit 200 include water leakage due to a clogged drain hose, insufficient air volume due to a clogged filter, and shortage of refrigerant gas due to leakage of refrigerant gas. The method by which the abnormality diagnosis section 301 diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit 200 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 may diagnose abnormalities in the indoor unit 200 from image data or audio data using a learned model obtained by machine learning.

Further, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 may determine that the outdoor unit 100 is abnormal if there is a sign of failure or functional decline in the outdoor unit 100. For example, if the sensor data acquired from the sensor 16 is similar to the sensor data acquired from the outdoor unit 100 immediately before the failure, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 assumes that there is a sign of failure in the outdoor unit 100, and 100 may be determined to be abnormal. Similarly, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 may determine that the indoor unit 200 is abnormal if there is a sign of a failure or functional decline in the indoor unit 200.

Note that diagnosing an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 or the indoor unit 200 requires a large processing load. For this reason, it is preferable that the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 that diagnoses abnormalities is executed by a device including a CPU with high processing capacity. In the present embodiment, a system controller 300 equipped with a CPU having a higher processing capacity than the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 includes an abnormality diagnosis section 301 that diagnoses abnormalities. The abnormality diagnosis section 301 is an example of an abnormality diagnosis means.

When the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 detects an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100, the abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the user of the abnormality in the outdoor unit 100. Furthermore, when the abnormality diagnosis section 301 detects an abnormality in the indoor unit 200, the abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the user of the abnormality in the indoor unit 200. The method by which the abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the user of an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 or the indoor unit 200 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the abnormality notification unit 302 can notify the user of the abnormality through screen display, audio output, or the like.

Specifically, for example, the abnormality notification unit 302 can cause the display unit 33 to display an abnormality notification screen that reports abnormality-related information that is information related to an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 or the indoor unit 200. The abnormality related information is, for example, information indicating the location where the abnormality has occurred, the details of the abnormality, countermeasures for the abnormality, and the like. The location where the abnormality has occurred is, for example, a compressor, an outdoor fan, a filter, or the like. Examples of the abnormality include heat generation, abnormal noise, vibration, refrigerant gas leak, and clogging. Countermeasures against abnormalities include, for example, contacting a customer center, removing obstacles, replenishing refrigerant gas, and cleaning filters.

Furthermore, the abnormality notification section 302 may display the abnormality notification screen on the display section 13 of the outdoor unit 100 or the display section 23 of the indoor unit 200, instead of the display section 33. In this case, the abnormality notification unit 302 transmits abnormality related information to the outdoor unit 100 or the indoor unit 200 via the first communication unit 35. Further, the abnormality notification unit 302 may notify the user of the abnormality by audio output instead of displaying the screen. For example, the abnormality notification unit 302 causes a speaker included in the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, or the system controller 300 to output abnormality-related information as a sound. The abnormality notification unit 302 is an example of an abnormality notification means.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the data transmission process executed by the outdoor unit 100 will be described. The data transmission process is started, for example, in response to powering on the outdoor unit 100.

First, the control unit 11 included in the outdoor unit 100 determines whether a data recording trigger has occurred (step S101). The data recording trigger can be adjusted as appropriate. The data recording trigger may occur all the time, periodically, or when an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 is suspected.

When the control unit 11 determines that a trigger for data recording has occurred (step S101: YES), it records sensor data for a specified time (step S102). For example, the control unit 11 turns on the power of the sensor 16 for a specified period of time, and records sensor data output by the sensor 16 for the specified period in the storage unit 12 . For example, when the sensor 16 is an image sensor, the control unit 11 records video data for a specified time in the storage unit 12.

After completing the process of step S102, the control unit 11 transmits the sensor data to the system controller 300 (step S103). Specifically, the control unit 11 transmits sensor data for a specified period of time stored in the storage unit 12 to the system controller 300 via the first communication unit 15. If the control unit 11 determines that a data recording trigger has not occurred (step S101: NO), or if the process of step S103 is completed, the process returns to step S101.

Note that the data transmission process executed by the indoor unit 200 is basically the same as the data transmission process executed by the outdoor unit 100. That is, the control unit 21 included in the indoor unit 200 transmits sensor data output by the sensor 26 to the system controller 300 via the first communication unit 25.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the abnormality notification process executed by the system controller 300 will be described. The abnormality notification process is started, for example, in response to the system controller 300 being powered on.

First, the control unit 31 included in the system controller 300 determines whether sensor data has been received from the outdoor unit 100 (step S201). When the control unit 31 determines that sensor data has been received from the outdoor unit 100 (step S201: YES), it diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 (step S202). For example, the control unit 31 inputs the received sensor data to a trained model stored in the storage unit 32, and diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 from the output of the trained model.

After completing the process of step S202, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the outdoor unit 100 is abnormal (step S203). When the control unit 31 determines that the outdoor unit 100 is abnormal (step S203: YES), it notifies the outdoor unit 100 of the abnormality (step S204). For example, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 33 to display an abnormality notification screen that notifies information related to an abnormality of the outdoor unit 100.

When the control unit 31 determines that sensor data is not received from the outdoor unit 100 (step S201: NO), when it determines that the outdoor unit 100 is not abnormal (step S203: NO), or when the control unit 31 performs the processing in step S204. If completed, it is determined whether sensor data has been received from the indoor unit 200 (step S205). When the control unit 31 determines that sensor data has been received from the indoor unit 200 (step S205: YES), it diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit 200 (step S206).

After completing the process of step S206, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the indoor unit 200 is abnormal (step S207). When the control unit 31 determines that the indoor unit 200 is abnormal (step S207: YES), it notifies the indoor unit 200 of the abnormality (step S208). For example, the control unit 31 causes the display unit 33 to display an abnormality notification screen that notifies abnormality related information of the indoor unit 200. When the control unit 31 determines that sensor data is not received from the indoor unit 200 (step S205: NO), when it determines that the indoor unit 200 is not abnormal (step S207: NO), or when the control unit 31 performs the processing in step S208. If completed, the process returns to step S201.

In this embodiment, an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 is diagnosed based on sensor data acquired from the sensor 16 and the sensor 26 via the air conditioning network 910 capable of high-speed communication with a communication speed of 1 Mbps or more. be done. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, abnormalities in the air conditioner can be diagnosed accurately at low cost.

That is, in this embodiment, since the communication speed of the air conditioning network 910 is fast, a large amount of sensor data can be quickly transmitted. For example, video data, still image data, audio data, etc. can be transmitted in real time. Therefore, highly accurate abnormality diagnosis based on a large amount of sensor data can be realized.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the system controller 300 connected to the air conditioning network 910 executes abnormality diagnosis. Therefore, the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200 do not need to have the processing capacity to perform the abnormality diagnosis, and the abnormality diagnosis can be realized only by the air conditioner connected to the air conditioning network 910. For example, in the present embodiment, there is no need to connect to a server provided on the Internet that executes abnormality diagnosis, and no cost is required for connecting outdoor unit 100 and indoor unit 200 to the Internet.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sensor 16 transmits sensor data to the abnormality diagnosis section 301 via the outdoor unit 100, and the sensor 26 transmits sensor data to the abnormality diagnosis section 301 via the indoor unit 200. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the sensor 16 and the sensor 26 with a function of connecting to the air conditioning network 910, and the degree of freedom in selecting the sensor 16 and the sensor 26 is high, and the cost of the sensor 16 and the sensor 26 is high. is low.

Further, in the present embodiment, the abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the abnormality of the outdoor unit 100 when an abnormality of the outdoor unit 100 is detected, and when the abnormality of the indoor unit 200 is detected, the abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the abnormality of the indoor unit 200 Notify. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in outdoor unit 100 or indoor unit 200, the user can be promptly notified of the abnormality.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the sensor 16 is connected to the air conditioning network 910 via the outdoor unit 100. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the sensor 16 is connected to the air conditioning network 910 without going through the outdoor unit 110. Hereinafter, descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1100 according to the second embodiment. The air conditioning system 1100 includes an outdoor unit 110, an indoor unit 200, a system controller 300, a sensor device 400, and an air conditioning network 910. The outdoor unit 110, the indoor unit 200, the system controller 300, and the sensor device 400 are interconnected by an air conditioning network 910. The configuration of outdoor unit 110 is similar to the configuration of outdoor unit 100 except that sensor 16 is not included.

The sensor device 400 is a device that acquires information used to determine the state of the outdoor unit 110. Sensor device 400 has a function of connecting to air conditioning network 910. The sensor device 400 includes a control section 41, a storage section 42, a first communication section 45, and a sensor 46. The configurations of the control unit 41, storage unit 42, and first communication unit 45 are basically the same as those of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, and first communication unit 15, respectively.

The sensor 46 is a sensor that acquires information used to determine the state of the outdoor unit 110. The configuration of sensor 46 is basically similar to the configuration of sensor 16. In other words, the sensor 46 is an image sensor that outputs image data obtained by imaging the inside or outside of the outdoor unit 110, a microphone that outputs audio data obtained by collecting sound inside or outside the outdoor unit 110, etc. It is.

Next, the functions of the air conditioning system 1100 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Outdoor unit 110 does not have a function related to recording and transmitting sensor data. Therefore, a description of the functions of the outdoor unit 110 will be omitted. Further, as described in the first embodiment, the indoor unit 200 functionally includes the data recording section 201 and the data transmitting section 202, and the system controller 300 functionally includes the abnormality diagnosis section 301. and an abnormality notification section 302. Functionally, the sensor device 400 includes a data recording section 401 and a data transmitting section 402.

Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in ROM or storage units 12, 22, 32, and 42. Each of these functions is realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM or the storage units 12, 22, 32, and 42.

The data recording unit 401 records sensor data output by the sensor 46 in the storage unit 42. The timing at which the data recording unit 401 starts recording sensor data, the length of time that the data recording unit 401 records sensor data, etc. can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the data recording unit 401 may record sensor data all the time, or may periodically record sensor data for a predetermined period of time.

The data transmission unit 402 transmits sensor data output by the sensor 46 to the system controller 300. Specifically, the data transmission section 402 controls the first communication section 45 to transmit the image data or audio data stored in the storage section 42 to the system controller 300 via the air conditioning network 910.

The abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 110 based on sensor data acquired from the sensor 46 via the air conditioning network 910. Further, the abnormality diagnosis section 301 diagnoses abnormality in the indoor unit 200 based on sensor data acquired from the sensor 26 via the air conditioning network 910. The abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the outdoor unit 110 of an abnormality when the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 detects an abnormality of the outdoor unit 110. Moreover, the abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the abnormality of the indoor unit 200 when the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 detects an abnormality of the indoor unit 200.

In the present embodiment, sensor device 400 has a function of connecting to air conditioning network 910, and sensor 46 can transmit sensor data to abnormality diagnosis section 301 without going through outdoor unit 110. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a communication interface for electrically connecting sensor 46 and outdoor unit 110 is not required.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the system controller 300 connected to the air conditioning network 910 diagnoses abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a device that is not connected to the air conditioning network 910 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. Hereinafter, descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those in Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1200 according to Embodiment 3. The air conditioning system 1200 includes an outdoor unit 100, an indoor unit 220, a server 500, a terminal device 600, and an air conditioning network 910. The outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 220 are interconnected by an air conditioning network 910. Moreover, the indoor unit 220, the server 500, and the terminal device 600 are interconnected by a wide area network 920. The wide area network 920 is a communication network that covers a wide area and is capable of high-speed communication. Wide area network 920 is, for example, the Internet.

The indoor unit 220 includes a control section 21 , a storage section 22 , a display section 23 , an operation reception section 24 , a first communication section 25 , a sensor 26 , and a second communication section 27 . The second communication unit 27 has a function of connecting to the wide area network 920. The second communication unit 27 communicates with the server 500 and the terminal device 600 via the wide area network 920 under the control of the control unit 21 . The second communication unit 27 includes a communication interface for connecting to the wide area network 920. Indoor unit 220 is an example of an air conditioner.

The server 500 is a cloud server that provides services related to abnormality diagnosis processing. A cloud server is a server that provides resources in cloud computing. The server 500 diagnoses abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 and indoor unit 220 based on sensor data. The server 500 includes a control section 51, a storage section 52, and a second communication section 57. The configurations of the control unit 51, storage unit 52, and second communication unit 57 are basically the same as those of the control unit 21, storage unit 22, and second communication unit 27, respectively. Server 500 is an example of a server.

The terminal device 600 is a terminal device used by a user who uses the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 220. Terminal device 600 has a function of connecting to wide area network 920. The terminal device 600 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook computer, or the like. The terminal device 600 includes a control section 61 , a storage section 62 , a display section 63 , an operation reception section 64 , and a second communication section 67 . The configurations of the control unit 61, storage unit 62, display unit 63, operation reception unit 64, and second communication unit 67 are basically the control unit 21, storage unit 22, display unit 23, operation reception unit 24, and second communication unit 67, respectively. The configuration is similar to that of the second communication section 27.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the functions of the air conditioning system 1200 will be described. Functionally, the outdoor unit 100 includes a data recording section 101 and a data transmitting section 102. Indoor unit 220 functionally includes a data recording section 201 and a data transmitting section 202. Functionally, the server 500 includes an abnormality diagnosis section 501 and an abnormality notification section 502. Functionally, the terminal device 600 includes an abnormality notification section 602.

Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in ROM or storage units 12, 22, 52, and 62. Each of these functions is realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM or the storage units 12, 22, 52, and 62.

The data recording unit 101 records sensor data output by the sensor 16 in the storage unit 12. The data transmitter 102 transmits sensor data output by the sensor 16 to the indoor unit 220. The data recording unit 201 records sensor data output by the sensor 26 in the storage unit 22. The data transmitter 202 transmits sensor data output by the sensor 26 to the server 500. Further, the data transmitting unit 202 transmits sensor data received from the outdoor unit 100 to the server 500. That is, the data transmitter 202 controls the second communication unit 27 to transmit sensor data regarding the outdoor unit 100 and sensor data regarding the indoor unit 220 to the server 500 via the wide area network 920. In this way, the indoor unit 220 transmits the sensor data output by the sensor 16 to the server 500 instead of the outdoor unit 100. Indoor unit 220 is an example of a relay device.

The abnormality diagnosis unit 501 diagnoses abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 and indoor unit 220 based on sensor data acquired from the indoor unit 220 via the wide area network 920. The configuration of the abnormality diagnosis section 501 is basically the same as the configuration of the abnormality diagnosis section 301. The abnormality diagnosis unit 501 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 and an abnormality in the indoor unit 220 from sensor data using, for example, a learned model obtained by machine learning. The abnormality diagnosis unit 501 is an example of an abnormality diagnosis means.

The abnormality notification unit 502 notifies the outdoor unit 100 of an abnormality when the abnormality diagnosis unit 501 detects an abnormality of the outdoor unit 100. Moreover, the abnormality notification unit 502 notifies the abnormality of the indoor unit 220 when the abnormality diagnosis unit 501 detects an abnormality of the indoor unit 220. The method by which the abnormality notification unit 502 notifies the abnormality of the outdoor unit 100 or the indoor unit 220 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the abnormality notification unit 502 can notify the user of the abnormality through screen display, audio output, or the like.

Specifically, for example, the abnormality notification unit 502 can cause the terminal device 600 to display an abnormality notification screen that is a screen for notifying abnormality-related information. In this case, the abnormality notification unit 502 transmits abnormality related information to the terminal device 600 via the second communication unit 57. Meanwhile, the terminal device 600 displays an abnormality notification screen on the display unit 63 that notifies the abnormality-related information received from the server 500. The abnormality notification unit 502 may notify the user of the abnormality through audio output rather than screen display. For example, the abnormality notification unit 502 may cause a speaker included in the terminal device 600 to output information related to the abnormality in audio. The abnormality notification unit 502 is an example of an abnormality notification means.

The abnormality notification unit 602 notifies the user of the abnormality of the outdoor unit 100 or the indoor unit 220 when the second communication unit 67 receives abnormality related information from the server 500. The method by which the abnormality notification unit 602 notifies the user of an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 or the indoor unit 220 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the abnormality notification unit 602 can notify the user of the abnormality through screen display, audio output, or the like. For example, the abnormality notification unit 602 causes the display unit 63 to display an abnormality notification screen that notifies the abnormality-related information received from the server 500. Alternatively, the abnormality notification unit 602 may cause the speaker to output a voice notifying the abnormality-related information received from the server 500. The abnormality notification unit 602 is an example of an abnormality notification means.

Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the data transmission process executed by the indoor unit 220 will be described. The data transmission process is started, for example, in response to the indoor unit 220 being powered on. Note that the data transmission process executed by outdoor unit 100 in this embodiment is similar to the data transmission process described in Embodiment 1, except that the destination of sensor data is indoor unit 220 instead of system controller 300. It is.

First, the control unit 21 included in the indoor unit 220 determines whether a trigger for data recording has occurred (step S301). When the control unit 21 determines that a trigger for data recording has occurred (step S301: YES), it records sensor data for a specified time (step S302). After completing the process of step S302, the control unit 21 transmits sensor data of the indoor unit 220 to the server 500 (step S303). Specifically, the control unit 21 transmits sensor data for a specified time stored in the storage unit 22 to the server 500 via the second communication unit 27.

If the control unit 21 determines that a data recording trigger has not occurred (step S301: NO), or if the process of step S303 is completed, the control unit 21 determines whether sensor data has been received from the outdoor unit 100. (Step S304). When the control unit 21 determines that sensor data has been received from the outdoor unit 100 (step S304: YES), it transmits the sensor data of the outdoor unit 100 to the server 500 (step S305). Specifically, the control unit 21 transmits sensor data for a specified period of time received from the outdoor unit 100 to the server 500 via the second communication unit 27.

If the control unit 21 determines that sensor data has not been received from the outdoor unit 100 (step S304: NO), or if the process of step S305 is completed, the process returns to step S301.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the abnormality notification process executed by the server 500 will be described. The abnormality notification process is started, for example, in response to the server 500 being powered on.

First, the control unit 51 included in the server 500 determines whether sensor data has been received from the indoor unit 220 (step S401). When the control unit 51 determines that sensor data has been received from the indoor unit 220 (step S401: YES), the control unit 51 determines whether the received sensor data is sensor data of the outdoor unit 100 (step S402).

When the control unit 51 determines that the received sensor data is sensor data of the outdoor unit 100 (step S402: YES), it diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 (step S403). For example, the control unit 51 inputs the received sensor data to a trained model stored in the storage unit 52, and diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 from the output of the trained model.

After completing the process in step S403, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the outdoor unit 100 is abnormal (step S404). When the control unit 51 determines that the outdoor unit 100 is abnormal (step S404: YES), it notifies the outdoor unit 100 of the abnormality (step S405). For example, the control unit 51 transmits abnormality related information of the outdoor unit 100 to the terminal device 600 via the second communication unit 57. When the terminal device 600 receives the abnormality related information of the outdoor unit 100 from the server 500, it displays an abnormality notification screen on the display unit 63 that notifies the abnormality of the outdoor unit 100.

When the control unit 51 determines that the received sensor data is not sensor data of the outdoor unit 100 (step S402: NO), it diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit 220 (step S406). For example, the control unit 51 inputs the received sensor data to a trained model stored in the storage unit 52, and diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit 220 from the output of the trained model.

After completing the process of step S406, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the indoor unit 220 is abnormal (step S407). When the control unit 51 determines that the indoor unit 220 is abnormal (step S407: YES), it notifies the indoor unit 220 of the abnormality (step S408). For example, the control unit 51 transmits abnormality related information about the indoor unit 220 to the terminal device 600 via the second communication unit 57. When the terminal device 600 receives the abnormality related information of the indoor unit 220 from the server 500, it displays an abnormality notification screen on the display unit 63 that notifies the abnormality of the indoor unit 220.

If the control unit 51 determines that sensor data has not been received from the indoor unit 220 (step S401: NO), or if it determines that the outdoor unit 100 is not abnormal (step S404: NO), it completes the process of step S405. In this case, if it is determined that the indoor unit 220 is not abnormal (step S407: NO), or if the process in step S408 is completed, the process returns to step S401.

In this embodiment, a server 500 connected to a wide area network 920 capable of high-speed communication is equipped with an abnormality diagnosis unit 501, and an indoor unit 220 receives sensor data received from a sensor 16 via an air conditioning network 910 in a wide area network. It is sent to server 500 via network 920. In this embodiment, the server 500 with high processing capacity executes the abnormality diagnosis processing, and there is no need for an air conditioner that requires high processing capacity to be connected to the air conditioning network 910. Therefore, it is possible to increase the accuracy of abnormality diagnosis while suppressing the cost of preparing an air conditioner that requires high processing capacity.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, all the air conditioners connected to the air conditioning network 910 are not connected to the wide area network 920, but only some of the air conditioners connected to the air conditioning network 910 are connected to the wide area network 920. Only harmonizers are connected to wide area network 920. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the cost for connecting the air conditioner to the wide area network 920 can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 4)
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the system controller 300 diagnoses abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 and the indoor unit 200. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which indoor unit 230 diagnoses an abnormality in outdoor unit 100 and indoor unit 230. Hereinafter, descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those in Embodiment 1-3 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

With reference to FIG. 11, the functions of the air conditioning system 1300 will be described. Air conditioning system 1300 includes an outdoor unit 100 and an indoor unit 230. Functionally, the outdoor unit 100 includes a data recording section 101 and a data transmitting section 102. Indoor unit 230 functionally includes a data recording section 201, an abnormality diagnosis section 203, and an abnormality notification section 204.

Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in ROM or storage units 12 and 22. Each of these functions is realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM or the storage units 12 and 22.

The data recording unit 101 records sensor data output by the sensor 16 in the storage unit 12. The data transmitter 102 transmits sensor data output by the sensor 16 to the indoor unit 230. The data recording unit 201 records sensor data output by the sensor 26 in the storage unit 22.

The abnormality diagnosis unit 203 diagnoses abnormalities in the outdoor unit 100 based on sensor data acquired from the outdoor unit 100 via the air conditioning network 910. Further, the abnormality diagnosis unit 203 diagnoses abnormality in the indoor unit 230 based on the sensor data recorded in the storage unit 22 by the data recording unit 201. The configuration of the abnormality diagnosis section 203 is basically the same as the configuration of the abnormality diagnosis section 301. The abnormality diagnosis unit 203 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 and an abnormality in the indoor unit 230 from sensor data using, for example, a learned model obtained by machine learning. The abnormality diagnosis section 203 is an example of an abnormality diagnosis means.

The abnormality notification unit 204 notifies the outdoor unit 100 of an abnormality when the abnormality diagnosis unit 203 detects an abnormality of the outdoor unit 100. Moreover, the abnormality notification unit 204 notifies the abnormality of the indoor unit 230 when the abnormality diagnosis unit 203 detects an abnormality of the indoor unit 230. The method by which the abnormality notification unit 204 notifies the abnormality of the outdoor unit 100 or the indoor unit 230 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the abnormality notification unit 204 can notify the user of the abnormality through screen display, audio output, or the like.

Specifically, for example, the abnormality notification unit 204 can cause the display unit 23 to display an abnormality notification screen that is a screen for notifying abnormality-related information. The abnormality notification unit 204 may notify the user of the abnormality through audio output rather than screen display. For example, the abnormality notification unit 204 may cause a speaker included in the indoor unit 230 to output information related to the abnormality in audio. The abnormality notification unit 204 is an example of an abnormality notification means.

In this embodiment, the indoor unit 230 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 100 and an abnormality in the indoor unit 230 based on sensor data. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, for example, when the indoor unit 230 has a high processing capacity, it is possible to suppress the cost of preparing another device that executes the abnormality diagnosis process.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which one device executes processing related to abnormality diagnosis. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a plurality of devices execute processing related to abnormality diagnosis. When a plurality of devices execute processing related to abnormality diagnosis, for example, an air conditioner divides sensor data acquired from a sensor and distributes the divided sensor data to each air conditioner according to a predetermined rule. Each air conditioner performs image processing, audio processing, etc. on the assigned sensor data within the processing capacity of its own CPU. The air conditioner that executes the final diagnosis collects processing results from each air conditioner, and executes the final diagnosis based on the collected processing results. In the present embodiment, a specific example of a distributed processing method for processing related to abnormality diagnosis will be described below. Hereinafter, descriptions of configurations and functions similar to those in Embodiments 1-4 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1400 according to the fifth embodiment. Air conditioning system 1400 includes an outdoor unit 140, an indoor unit 240, a system controller 340, and an air conditioning network 910. The outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 220, and the air conditioning network 910 are interconnected by the air conditioning network 910.

The outdoor unit 140 includes a control section 11, a storage section 12, a display section 13, an operation reception section 14, a first communication section 15, a sensor 16A, and a sensor 16B. The indoor unit 240 includes a control section 21, a storage section 22, a display section 23, an operation reception section 24, a first communication section 25, a sensor 26C, and a sensor 26D. The system controller 340 includes a control section 31 , a storage section 32 , a display section 33 , an operation reception section 34 , and a first communication section 35 . The outdoor unit 140 and the indoor unit 240 are an example of an air conditioner, and are an example of a first air conditioner.

The sensor 16A and the sensor 16B are sensors that acquire information used to determine the state of the outdoor unit 140. The sensor 26C and the sensor 26D are sensors that acquire information used to determine the state of the indoor unit 240. The sensor 16A, the sensor 16B, the sensor 26C, and the sensor 26D are image sensors, microphones, and the like. Hereinafter, as appropriate, the sensor data output by the sensor 16A is sensor data A, the sensor data output by the sensor 16B is sensor data B, the sensor data output by the sensor 26C is sensor data C, and the sensor data output by the sensor 26D is sensor data. Let it be D.

Next, the functions of the air conditioning system 1400 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The outdoor unit 140 functionally includes a data recording section 101, a data transmitting section 102, and a parameter generating section 105. Functionally, the indoor unit 240 includes a data recording section 201, a data transmitting section 202, and a parameter generating section 205. Functionally, the system controller 340 includes an abnormality diagnosis section 301 and an abnormality notification section 302.

Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software and firmware are written as programs and stored in ROM or storage units 12, 22, and 32. Each of these functions is realized by the CPU executing programs stored in the ROM or the storage units 12, 22, and 32.

The data recording unit 101 records sensor data A output by the sensor 16A and sensor data B output by the sensor 16B in the storage unit 12. The data recording unit 201 records sensor data C output by the sensor 26C and sensor data D output by the sensor 26D in the storage unit 22.

The parameter generation unit 105 and the parameter generation unit 205 generate parameters, which are diagnostic data for diagnosing abnormalities in the air conditioner, based on the sensor data. Specifically, the parameter generation unit 105 generates a parameter A for diagnosing an abnormality in the outdoor unit 140 based on the sensor data A stored in the storage unit 12. Further, the parameter generation unit 105 generates a parameter D for diagnosing an abnormality in the indoor unit 240 based on the sensor data D received from the indoor unit 240. Further, the parameter generation unit 205 generates a parameter C for diagnosing an abnormality in the indoor unit 240 based on the sensor data C stored in the storage unit 22. Further, the parameter generation unit 205 generates a parameter B for diagnosing an abnormality in the outdoor unit 140 based on the sensor data B received from the outdoor unit 140.

As a method of diagnosing an abnormality based on sensor data, there is a first method of diagnosing an abnormality directly from the sensor data, and a second method of generating parameters for diagnosing an abnormality from the sensor data and diagnosing the abnormality from the parameters. There is a method. Here, the processing load when diagnosing an abnormality from parameters is often smaller than the processing load when diagnosing an abnormality directly from sensor data. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processing load on the system controller 340 is reduced by adopting the second method. That is, in this embodiment, outdoor unit 140 and indoor unit 240 generate parameters from sensor data, and system controller 340 diagnoses abnormalities from the parameters.

The parameters to be adopted can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the parameters include parameters indicating the shape, color, size, etc. of a specific part identified from still image data, parameters indicating the amount of rotation, movement, vibration, etc. of a specific part identified from video data, etc. It may be. Further, for example, the parameter may be the magnitude of a specific frequency component included in the audio data.

The parameter generation unit 105 and the parameter generation unit 205 are an example of diagnostic data generation means. Further, when the outdoor unit 140 is a first air conditioner, the parameter generation section 105 is an example of a first diagnostic data generation means, the parameter generation section 205 is an example of a second diagnostic data generation means, and the parameter generation section 205 is an example of a second diagnostic data generation means. 16A is an example of a first sensor, sensor 16B is an example of a second sensor, sensor data A is an example of first sensor data, sensor data B is an example of second sensor data, and parameter A is This is an example of the first diagnostic data, and the parameter B is an example of the second diagnostic data.

Further, when the indoor unit 240 is the first air conditioner, the parameter generation section 105 is an example of the second diagnostic data generation means, the parameter generation section 205 is an example of the first diagnostic data generation means, and the parameter generation section 205 is an example of the first diagnostic data generation means. 26C is an example of the first sensor, sensor 26D is an example of the second sensor, sensor data C is an example of the first sensor data, sensor data D is an example of the second sensor data, and the parameter C is This is an example of the first diagnostic data, and the parameter D is an example of the second diagnostic data.

The data transmitter 102 and the data transmitter 202 transmit sensor data and parameters to other devices. Specifically, the data transmitter 102 transmits parameters A and D generated by the parameter generator 105 to the system controller 340. Further, the data transmitting unit 102 transmits the sensor data B recorded in the storage unit 12 by the data recording unit 101 to the indoor unit 240. The data transmitter 202 transmits the parameters B and C generated by the parameter generator 205 to the system controller 340. Further, the data transmitting unit 202 transmits the sensor data D recorded in the storage unit 22 by the data recording unit 201 to the outdoor unit 140.

The abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 140 and an abnormality in the indoor unit 240 based on parameters acquired from the outdoor unit 140 and the indoor unit 240 via the air conditioning network 910. Specifically, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses the abnormality of the outdoor unit 140 based on the parameter A acquired from the outdoor unit 140 and the parameter B acquired from the indoor unit 240.

For example, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 140 from parameters A and B using the learned model stored in the storage unit 32. This trained model includes, for example, training data including parameters A and B obtained when the outdoor unit 140 is normal, and parameters A and B obtained when the outdoor unit 140 is abnormal. This is a learning model obtained by machine learning using training data.

Further, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit 240 based on the parameter D acquired from the outdoor unit 140 and the parameter C acquired from the indoor unit 240. For example, the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit 240 from the parameters C and D using the trained model stored in the storage unit 32. Note that the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 may diagnose an abnormality by comprehensively determining a plurality of parameters without using a trained model.

The abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the outdoor unit 140 of an abnormality when the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 detects an abnormality of the outdoor unit 140. Moreover, the abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the abnormality of the indoor unit 240 when the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 detects an abnormality of the indoor unit 240. The method by which the abnormality notification unit 302 notifies the abnormality of the outdoor unit 140 or the indoor unit 240 can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the abnormality notification unit 302 can notify the user of the abnormality through screen display, audio output, or the like.

Next, the parameter transmission process executed by the outdoor unit 140 will be described with reference to FIG. 14. The parameter transmission process is started, for example, in response to powering on the outdoor unit 140.

First, the control unit 11 included in the outdoor unit 140 determines whether a data recording trigger has occurred (step S501). When the control unit 11 determines that a trigger for data recording has occurred (step S501: YES), it records sensor data for a specified time (step S502). Note that the control unit 11 records sensor data A output by the sensor 16A and sensor data B output by the sensor 16B in the storage unit 12.

After completing the process of step S502, the control unit 11 calculates the parameter A based on the sensor data A (step S503). After completing the process of step S503, the control unit 11 transmits parameter A to the system controller 340 (step S504). After completing the process of step S504, the control unit 11 transmits the sensor data B to the indoor unit 240 (step S505).

If the control unit 11 determines that a data recording trigger has not occurred (step S501: NO), or if the process of step S505 is completed, the control unit 11 determines whether sensor data D has been received from the indoor unit 240. It is determined (step S506). When the control unit 11 determines that the sensor data D has been received from the indoor unit 240 (step S506: YES), it calculates the parameter D based on the sensor data D (step S507).

After completing the process in step S507, the control unit 11 transmits the parameter D to the system controller 340 (step S508). When the control unit 11 determines that the sensor data D has not been received from the indoor unit 240 (step S506: NO), or when the process of step S508 is completed, the process returns to step S501.

Next, the parameter transmission process executed by the indoor unit 240 will be described with reference to FIG. 15. The parameter transmission process is started, for example, in response to the indoor unit 240 being powered on.

First, the control unit 21 included in the indoor unit 240 determines whether a data recording trigger has occurred (step S601). When the control unit 21 determines that a trigger for data recording has occurred (step S601: YES), it records sensor data for a specified time (step S602). Note that the control unit 21 records the sensor data C output by the sensor 26C and the sensor data D output by the sensor 26D in the storage unit 22.

After completing the process of step S602, the control unit 21 calculates the parameter C based on the sensor data C (step S603). After completing the process of step S603, the control unit 21 transmits the parameter C to the system controller 340 (step S604). After completing the process of step S604, the control unit 21 transmits the sensor data D to the outdoor unit 140 (step S605).

If the control unit 21 determines that a data recording trigger has not occurred (step S601: NO), or if the process of step S605 is completed, the control unit 21 determines whether sensor data B has been received from the outdoor unit 140. It is determined (step S606). When the control unit 21 determines that the sensor data B has been received from the outdoor unit 140 (step S606: YES), the control unit 21 calculates the parameter B based on the sensor data B (step S607).

After completing the process of step S607, the control unit 21 transmits parameter B to the system controller 340 (step S608). If the control unit 21 determines that sensor data B has not been received from the outdoor unit 140 (step S606: NO), or if the process of step S608 is completed, the process returns to step S601.

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the abnormality notification process executed by the system controller 340 will be described. The abnormality notification process is started, for example, in response to the system controller 340 being powered on.

First, the control unit 31 included in the system controller 340 determines whether parameter A and parameter B have been received (step S701). Specifically, the control unit 31 receives parameter A from the outdoor unit 140 and determines whether or not it has received the parameter B from the indoor unit 240. When the control unit 31 determines that parameter A and parameter B have been received (step S701: YES), it diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 140 (step S702). For example, the control unit 31 diagnoses an abnormality in the outdoor unit 140 from parameters A and B using the learned model.

After completing the process of step S702, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the outdoor unit 140 is abnormal (step S703). If the control unit 31 determines that the outdoor unit 140 is abnormal (step S703: YES), it notifies the outdoor unit 140 of the abnormality (step S704). When the control unit 31 determines that parameter A and parameter B have not been received (step S701: NO), when determining that the outdoor unit 140 is not abnormal (step S703: NO), or when the control unit 31 performs the processing in step S704. If it has been completed, it is determined whether or not parameter C and parameter D have been received (step S705).

Specifically, the control unit 31 receives the parameter D from the outdoor unit 140 and determines whether it has received the parameter C from the indoor unit 240. When the control unit 31 determines that the parameter C and the parameter D have been received (step S705: YES), it diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit 240 (step S706). For example, the control unit 31 diagnoses an abnormality in the indoor unit 240 from the parameters C and D using the learned model.

After completing the process of step S706, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the indoor unit 240 is abnormal (step S707). When the control unit 31 determines that the indoor unit 240 is abnormal (step S707: YES), it notifies the indoor unit 240 of the abnormality (step S708). When the control unit 31 determines that the parameter C and the parameter D have not been received (step S705: NO), when it determines that the indoor unit 240 is not abnormal (step S707: NO), or when the control unit 31 performs the processing in step S708. If completed, the process returns to step S701.

In this embodiment, the outdoor unit 140 including the parameter generation unit 105, the indoor unit 240 including the parameter generation unit 205, and the system controller 340 including the abnormality diagnosis unit 301 are separate devices. Therefore, the processing load associated with abnormality diagnosis is distributed, and the processing load on each air conditioner is reduced. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even if an air conditioner with high processing capacity is not connected to the air conditioning network 910, abnormality diagnosis can be realized only by the air conditioner connected to the air conditioning network 910. It is possible.

(Modified example)
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible in implementing the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, it is arbitrary to adopt which part of the configuration, function, and operation described in the above embodiments. Further, in the present disclosure, in addition to the configurations, functions, and operations described above, further configurations, functions, and operations may be employed. Furthermore, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, and the system controller 300 are connected to the air conditioning network 910. The air conditioner connected to the air conditioning network 910 is not limited to this example. For example, a remote controller for performing operations on the indoor unit 200 may be connected to the air conditioning network 910. Further, a plurality of outdoor units 100, a plurality of indoor units 200, and a plurality of system controllers 300 may be connected to the air conditioning network 910.

In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the system controller 300 is the device that diagnoses the abnormality and the device that notifies the user of the abnormality. The device for diagnosing an abnormality and the device for notifying a user of an abnormality are not limited to this example. For example, the device for diagnosing an abnormality may be the outdoor unit 100 or a remote controller. Note that it is preferable that the device for diagnosing the abnormality be a device with high processing capacity. Further, the device that notifies the user of the abnormality may be the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, or a remote controller.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example was described in which the system controller 300 is not a target device for abnormality diagnosis. Sensor data regarding the system controller 300 may be acquired, and the system controller 300 may be a target device for abnormality diagnosis. In other words, any air conditioning device connected to the air conditioning network 910 can serve as any of a device to be subjected to abnormality diagnosis, a device that diagnoses abnormality, and a device that notifies the user of abnormality.

In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the number of sensors 16 installed in the outdoor unit 100 is one, and the number of sensors 26 installed in the indoor unit 200 is one. The number of sensors 16 installed in the outdoor unit 100 may be two or more. Similarly, the number of sensors 26 installed in the indoor unit 200 may be two or more.

In Embodiment 5, an example was described in which the processing related to abnormality diagnosis is shared among three devices: the outdoor unit 140, the indoor unit 240, and the system controller 340. Processing related to abnormality diagnosis may be distributed between the two devices. For example, the outdoor unit 140 may execute a process of generating parameters A and B, and the system controller 340 may execute a process of diagnosing an abnormality in the outdoor unit 140 from the parameters A and B. Furthermore, three or more parameters may be generated from three or more sensor data, and an abnormality may be diagnosed from the three or more parameters. In this case, it is preferable that the process of generating each parameter and the process of diagnosing an abnormality from each parameter are assigned to each air conditioner according to the processing capacity of each air conditioner.

Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, processing related to abnormality diagnosis is divided into two stages: processing for generating parameters from sensor data and processing for diagnosing abnormalities from parameters, and the processing divided into two stages is performed by multiple devices. An example of how it is executed has been explained. The method of dividing processes related to abnormality diagnosis is not limited to this example. For example, processing related to abnormality diagnosis may be divided into three or more stages, and the processing divided into three or more stages may be executed by a plurality of devices. Further, processing related to abnormality diagnosis may be divided into a plurality of processes at the same level by load distribution, and the plurality of processes at the same level may be executed by a plurality of devices. For example, when diagnosing an abnormality in a certain part, sensor data may be acquired for each part of the part, and a plurality of devices may diagnose the abnormality in the corresponding part from the corresponding sensor data.

In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which sensor data output by the sensor 16 is recorded in the storage unit 12 by the data recording unit 101, and sensor data output by the sensor 26 is recorded in the storage unit 22 by the data recording unit 201. . The sensor data output by the sensor 16 may be transmitted to the system controller 300 without being recorded in the storage unit 12. Similarly, the sensor data output by the sensor 26 may be transmitted to the system controller 300 without being recorded in the storage unit 22.

In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, and the system controller 300 communicate via the air conditioning network 910 using high frequency signals compatible with a multicarrier transmission method. The outdoor unit 100, the indoor unit 200, and the system controller 300 may communicate via the air conditioning network 910 using high-frequency signals that correspond to a transmission method different from the multicarrier transmission method.

The present disclosure is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the embodiments described above are for explaining this disclosure, and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. That is, 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 the meaning of the disclosure equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

The present disclosure is applicable to an air conditioning system that includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit.

11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61 Control unit, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 Storage unit, 13, 23, 33, 63 Display unit, 14, 24, 34, 64 Operation reception unit, 15 , 25, 35, 45 First communication section, 16, 16A, 16B, 26, 26C, 26D, 46 Sensor, 27, 57, 67 Second communication section, 100, 110, 140 Outdoor unit, 101, 201, 401 Data Recording unit, 102, 202, 402 Data transmission unit, 105, 205 Parameter generation unit, 200, 220, 230, 240 Indoor unit, 203, 301, 501 Abnormality diagnosis unit, 204, 302, 502, 602 Abnormality notification unit, 300 , 340 system controller, 400 sensor device, 910 air conditioning network, 500 server, 600 terminal device, 920 wide area network, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400 air conditioning system

Claims (8)

1. An air conditioning system comprising a plurality of air conditioners interconnected via an air conditioning network capable of high-speed communication,
   a sensor that outputs sensor data that is image data or audio data regarding a first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners;
   an abnormality diagnosis means for diagnosing an abnormality in the first air conditioner based on the sensor data acquired from the sensor via the air conditioning network;
   air conditioning system.
2. The sensor is connected to the air conditioning network via the first air conditioner,
   the sensor transmits the sensor data to the abnormality diagnosis means via the first air conditioner;
   The air conditioning system according to claim 1.
3. A server connected to a wide area network capable of high-speed communication is equipped with the abnormality diagnosis means,
   A relay device connected to the air conditioning network and the wide area network among the plurality of air conditioners transmits the sensor data received from the sensor via the air conditioning network to the server via the wide area network. send to,
   The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.
4. comprising a diagnostic data generation means for generating diagnostic data for diagnosing an abnormality in the first air conditioner based on the sensor data;
   The abnormality diagnosis means diagnoses an abnormality in the first air conditioner based on the diagnostic data generated by the diagnostic data generation means,
   Among the plurality of air conditioners, an air conditioner different from the air conditioner including the abnormality diagnosis means includes the diagnostic data generation means;
   The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The sensors include a first sensor that outputs first sensor data that is image data or audio data regarding the first air conditioner, and a second sensor that outputs second sensor data that is image data or audio data regarding the first air conditioner. and a second sensor to
   a first diagnostic data generation unit that generates first diagnostic data for diagnosing an abnormality in the first air conditioner based on the first sensor data;
   a second diagnostic data generating means for generating second diagnostic data for diagnosing an abnormality in the first air conditioner based on the second sensor data,
   The abnormality diagnosing means is configured to detect the first air based on the first diagnostic data generated by the first diagnostic data generating means and the second diagnostic data generated by the second diagnostic data generating means. Diagnose abnormalities in the harmonizing device,
   Among the plurality of air conditioners, an air conditioner different from the air conditioner including the abnormality diagnosis means includes at least one of the first diagnostic data generation means and the second diagnostic data generation means. ,
   The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
6. comprising an abnormality notification means for notifying an abnormality of the first air conditioner when the abnormality diagnosis means detects an abnormality of the first air conditioner;
   The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. The communication speed of the air conditioning network is 1 Mbps or more,
   The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. An abnormality diagnosis method for diagnosing an abnormality in a first air conditioner among a plurality of air conditioners interconnected via an air conditioning network capable of high-speed communication, the method comprising:
   The sensor outputs sensor data that is image data or audio data regarding the first air conditioner,
   An abnormality diagnosis means diagnoses an abnormality in the first air conditioner based on the sensor data acquired from the sensor via the air conditioning network.
   Abnormal diagnosis method.

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