AU2018452878B2

AU2018452878B2 - Air-conditioning control system

Info

Publication number: AU2018452878B2
Application number: AU2018452878A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Yasuto ARAKAKI; Makoto Hirano
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2018-12-11
Filing date: 2018-12-11
Publication date: 2022-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-11
Also published as: WO2020121423A1; CN113168381A; AU2018452878A1; JP7031016B2; DE112018008198T5; CN113168381B; JPWO2020121423A1

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning control system including an air conditioner, a server, and an information terminal.

Background

[0002] In recent years, an air-conditioning control system is commonly known in which it is possible to bring the room environment at the time when a user comes back home from outside into a condition suitable for the user. The air-conditioning control system includes an air conditioner, and a server having a function of communicating with the air conditioner. The air conditioner transmits information related to the air conditioner to the server. The server transmits the information transmitted from the air conditioner to an information terminal. The information related to the air conditioner is, for example, information indicating a target temperature.

[0003] Through the information terminal, a user recognizes the information transmitted from the server to the information terminal, and then notifies the server of user's desired settings information on the air conditioner by using the information terminal. The server transmits the information notified from the user to the air conditioner. The air conditioner receives the information transmitted from the server, and operates in accordance with the settings in response to the received information. A user uses the information terminal in the manner as described above to bring the room environment into a condition suitable for the user.

[0004] In general, management costs on a server depend on the volume of communications traffic. Thus, as the number of air conditioners having a function of communicating with the server increases, the volume of communications traffic increases, and accordingly the management costs on the server increase. There is thus a need for a technique to prevent or minimize an increase in the volume of communications traffic, and to hold the latest information as possible on the air conditioners in the server.

[0005] Patent Literature 1 disclose a technique to specify a time interval at which a server obtains data from a sensor of an electronic device. As this time interval is increased, the volume of communications traffic can be reduced.

Citation List Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2018-13460

[0007] Patent Literature 1 discloses the technique for communication to synchronize the time between the server and the sensor. However, Patent Literature 1 does not disclose a technique for a system including an air conditioner, a server, and an information terminal to prevent or minimize an increase in the volume of communications traffic and to hold the latest information as possible on the air conditioner in the server.

[0008] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[0009] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an air-conditioning control system includes an air conditioner, a server having a function of communicating with the air conditioner through the Internet, and an information terminal having a function of communicating with the server through the Internet. The air conditioner includes a first communication unit having a function of communicating with the server. The server includes a second communication unit having a function of communicating with the air conditioner, a third communication unit having a function of communicating with the information terminal, and a determination unit to determine whether a time, during which the third communication unit does not receive a signal from the information terminal, has reached a first time determined in advance. When the determination unit determines that a time, during which the third communication unit does not receive a signal from the information terminal, has reached the first time, the second communication unit transmits to the air conditioner a first stop signal for the air conditioner to stop transmission of a signal. When the first communication unit receives the first stop signal, the first communication unit stops transmission of a signal to the server.

[0010] The air-conditioning control system according to at least some embodiments of the present invention has an effect where it is possible to reduce an increase in the volume of communications traffic and hold the latest information as possible on an air conditioner in a server.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air-conditioning control system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operating procedure for an air conditioner included in the air-conditioning control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operating procedure for a server included in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operating procedure for an information terminal included in the air-conditioning control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a processor in a case where some or all of the functions of a first communication unit, a conversion unit, an internal communication unit, a collection unit, a first control unit, and a detection unit are implemented by the processor, where these units are included in the air conditioner included in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing circuitry in a case where some or all of the first communication unit, the conversion unit, the internal communication unit, the collection unit, the first control unit, and the detection unit are implemented by the processing circuitry, where these units are included in the air conditioner included in the air-conditioning control system according to the embodiment.

Detailed Description

[0012] An air-conditioning control system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0013] Embodiment. First, a configuration of an air-conditioning control system 1 according to an embodiment is described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment. The air-conditioning control system 1 includes an air conditioner 2, a server 3, and an information terminal 4. The air conditioner 2 is connected to the server 3 through the Internet, and has a function of communicating with the server 3. The server 3 is also connected to the information terminal 4 through the Internet, and has a function of communicating with the air conditioner 2 and the information terminal 4. The information terminal 4 has a function of communicating with the server 3. The air conditioner 2 does not communicate with the information terminal 4.

[0014] The air conditioner 2 includes a first communication unit 21 having a function of communicating with the server 3. For example, the first communication unit 21 receives from the server 3 a signal that specifies a running state, a target temperature, and an air direction of the air conditioner 2. The air conditioner 2 further includes a conversion unit 22 and an internal communication unit 23. The conversion unit 22 converts a signal received

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

6 by the first communication unit 21 to a signal that can be

interpreted in the air conditioner 2. The internal

communication unit 23 communicates with the conversion unit

22.

[0015] The air conditioner 2 further includes a

collection unit 24 to collect information related to the

air conditioner 2. An example of the information related

to the air conditioner 2 includes information indicating a

running state of the air conditioner 2, a temperature in a

room where the air conditioner 2 is installed, a target

temperature, and an air direction. The internal

communication unit 23 also has a function of transmitting

to the collection unit 24 a signal after having been

converted by the conversion unit 22 from the signal

received by the first communication unit 21.

[0016] The internal communication unit 23 also has a

function of transmitting information collected by the

collection unit 24 to the conversion unit 22. The

conversion unit 22 also has a function of converting

information transmitted from the internal communication

unit 23 to a signal that can be interpreted by the server 3.

The first communication unit 21 also has a function of

transmitting to the server 3 a signal after having been

converted by the conversion unit 22 from the information

collected by the collection unit 24. It is allowable that

the first communication unit 21 transmits a signal to the

server 3 in a fixed cycle or in a variable cycle.

[0017] The air conditioner 2 further includes a first

control unit 25 to determine whether a signal received by

the first communication unit 21 from the server 3 indicates

start or stop of communication. When the first control

unit 25 determines that the signal received by the first

communication unit 21 from the server 3 indicates start of

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

7 communication, the first control unit 25 causes the first

communication unit 21 to start an operation to transmit a

signal to the server 3. For example, the signal

transmitted from the first communication unit 21 to the

server 3 is a signal after having been converted by the

conversion unit 22 from the information collected by the

collection unit 24. When the first control unit 25

determines that the signal received by the first

communication unit 21 from the server 3 indicates stop of

communication, the first control unit 25 causes the first

communication unit 21 to stop operation to transmit a

signal to the server 3.

[0018] The air conditioner 2 further includes a

detection unit 26 to detect a fault when the fault has

occurred in the air conditioner 2. While the first

communication unit 21 stops transmission of a signal to the

server 3, when the detection unit 26 detects the fault, the

first control unit 25 causes the first communication unit

21 to start communicating with the server 3. That is,

while the first communication unit 21 stops transmission of

a signal to the server 3, when the detection unit 26

detects the fault, the first communication unit 21 starts

communicating with the server 3. For example, while the

first communication unit 21 stops transmission of a signal

to the server 3, when the detection unit 26 detects the

fault, the first communication unit 21 transmits to the

server 3 a signal indicating that a fault has occurred in

the air conditioner 2. It is also allowable that while the

first communication unit 21 transmits a signal to the

server 3, when the detection unit 26 detects the fault, the

first communication unit 21 transmits to the server 3 a

signal indicating that a fault has occurred in the air

conditioner 2.

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

8

[0019] The server 3 includes a second communication unit

31 having a function of communicating with the air

conditioner 2, a storage unit 32 to store therein a signal

received by the second communication unit 31, and a third

communication unit 33 having a function of communicating

with the information terminal 4. For example, the storage

unit 32 is a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 32

also has a function of storing therein a signal received by

the third communication unit 33 from the information

terminal 4. When the third communication unit 33 is

requested from the information terminal 4 to transmit a

signal stored in the storage unit 32, the third

communication unit 33 transmits the signal stored in the

storage unit 32 to the information terminal 4.

[0020] When the third communication unit 33 receives

from the information terminal 4 a signal with an

instruction to change a part or all of a running state, a

target temperature, and an air direction of the air

conditioner 2, the storage unit 32 stores therein the

signal received by the third communication unit 33. When

the third communication unit 33 receives from the

information terminal 4 a signal for starting transmission

of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the

storage unit 32 stores therein the signal for starting

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3, while the second communication unit 31 transmits

to the air conditioner 2 the signal for starting

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3.

[0021] When the first communication unit 21 included in

the air conditioner 2 receives the signal for starting

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3, the first communication unit 21 starts

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

9 transmission of a signal to the server 3. An example of

the signal to be transmitted to the server 3 is a signal

after having been converted by the conversion unit 22 from

the information collected by the collection unit 24.

[0022] The server 3 further includes a determination

unit 34 to determine whether a time, during which the third

communication unit 33 does not receive a signal from the

information terminal 4, has reached a first time determined

in advance. When the determination unit 34 determines that

the time, during which the third communication unit 33 does

not receive a signal from the information terminal 4, has

reached the first time described above, the second

communication unit 31 transmits to the air conditioner 2 a

first stop signal for the air conditioner 2 to stop

transmission of a signal. When the first communication

unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the

first stop signal, the first communication unit 21 stops

transmission of a signal to the server 3.

[0023] The determination unit 34 also has a function of

determining whether a second time determined in advance has

elapsed since the time, during which the third

communication unit 33 does not receive a signal from the

information terminal 4, is determined to have reached the

first time described above. When the determination unit 34

determines that the second time has elapsed since the time,

during which the third communication unit 33 does not

receive a signal from the information terminal 4, is

determined to have reached the first time, the second

communication unit 31 transmits to the air conditioner 2 a

signal for starting transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3. When the first

communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2

receives a signal for starting transmission of a signal

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

10 from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, the first

communication unit 21 starts transmission of a signal to

the server 3. An example of the signal to be transmitted

to the server 3 is a signal after having been converted by

the conversion unit 22 from the information collected by

the collection unit 24.

[0024] The information terminal 4 includes a reception

unit 41 to receive a user's instruction, and a fourth

communication unit 42 having a function of communicating

with the server 3. The reception unit 41 also has a

function of displaying information. For example, the

reception unit 41 is implemented by a touch panel. The

reception unit 41 displays information on the basis of a

signal received by the fourth communication unit 42 from

the server 3. The fourth communication unit 42 transmits

to the server 3 a signal on the basis of the instruction

received by the reception unit 41. The information

terminal 4 further includes a second control unit 43 to

cause the fourth communication unit 42 to transmit to the

server 3 a signal on the basis of the instruction received

by the reception unit 41. An example of the instruction

received by the reception unit 41 is an instruction to

start transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2

to the server 3, or an instruction to stop transmission of

a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3.

[0025] While communication between the air conditioner 2

and the server 3 is stopped, when the reception unit 41

receives an instruction other than the instruction to stop

communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server

3, the fourth communication unit 42 transmits to the server

3 a first start signal for starting communication between

the air conditioner 2 and the server 3. In the server 3,

when the third communication unit 33 receives the first

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

11 start signal, the second communication unit 31 transmits to

the air conditioner 2 a second start signal for the air

conditioner 2 to start communicating with the server 3.

When the first communication unit 21 included in the air

conditioner 2 receives the second start signal, the first

communication unit 21 starts communicating with the server

3.

[0026] While a signal is transmitted from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3, when the reception unit 41

receives an instruction to stop communication between the

air conditioner 2 and the server 3, the fourth

communication unit 42 transmits to the server 3 a second

stop signal for stopping communication between the air

conditioner 2 and the server 3. In the server 3, when the

third communication unit 33 receives the second stop signal,

the second communication unit 31 transmits to the air

conditioner 2 the first stop signal for the air conditioner

2 to stop transmission of a signal. When the first

communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2

receives the first stop signal, the first communication

unit 21 stops transmission of a signal to the server 3.

[0027] Some of constituent elements included in the air

conditioner 2, the server 3, and the information terminal 4

have functions other than their respective functions

described above. The functions of some of the constituent

elements, other than their respective functions described

above, are explained later at the time of describing an

operation of the air-conditioning control system 1.

[0028] Next, the operation of the air-conditioning

control system 1 according to the embodiment is described.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an

operating procedure for the air conditioner 2 included in

the air-conditioning control system 1 according to the

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

12 embodiment. The first control unit 25 determines whether

the first communication unit 21 has received a signal from

the server 3 (Si).

[0029] When the first control unit 25 determines that

the first communication unit 21 has received a signal from

the server 3 (YES at Sl), the first control unit 25

determines whether the signal received by the first

communication unit 21 indicates stop of transmission of a

signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (S2). At

Step S2 in FIG. 2, determining whether the signal received

by the first communication unit 21 indicates stop of

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3 is described as "DOES RECEIVED SIGNAL INDICATE

STOP OF TRANSMISSION?".

[0030] When the first control unit 25 determines that

the signal received by the first communication unit 21

indicates stop of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (YES at S2), the first

communication unit 21 stops transmission of a signal to the

server 3 (S3). When the first control unit 25 determines

that the signal received by the first communication unit 21

does not indicate stop of transmission of a signal from the

air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (NO at S2), the first

control unit 25 determines whether the signal received by

the first communication unit 21 indicates start of

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3 (S4). At Step S4 in FIG. 2, determining whether

the signal received by the first communication unit 21

indicates start of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 is described as "DOES

RECEIVED SIGNAL INDICATE START OF TRANSMISSION?".

[0031] When the first control unit 25 determines that

the signal received by the first communication unit 21

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

13 indicates start of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (YES at S4), the first

communication unit 21 starts transmission of a signal to

the server 3 (S5). When the first control unit 25

determines that the first communication unit 21 has not

received a signal from the server 3 (NO at Sl), the first

control unit 25 determines whether the detection unit 26

has detected a fault (S6). When the first control unit 25

determines that the detection unit 26 has detected a fault

(YES at S6), the first control unit 25 causes the first

communication unit 21 to start communicating with the

server 3. That is, while the first communication unit 21

stops transmission of a signal to the server 3, when the

detection unit 26 detects a fault, the first communication

unit 21 starts transmission of a signal to the server 3

(S5).

[0032] A series of operations of the air conditioner 2

ends when the operation at Step S3 is performed, when the

first control unit 25 determines that the signal received

by the first communication unit 21 does not indicate start

of transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to

the server 3 (NO at Step S4), when the operation at Step S5

is performed, and when the first control unit 25 determines

that the detection unit 26 has not detected a fault (NO at

S6). It is allowable that after having ended the series of

operations, the air conditioner 2 performs another series

of operations from Steps S1 to S6.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of

an operating procedure for the server 3 included in the

air-conditioning control system 1 according to the

embodiment. The determination unit 34 determines whether

the third communication unit 33 has received a signal from

the information terminal 4 (Sl). When the determination

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

14 unit 34 determines that the third communication unit 33 has

received a signal from the information terminal 4 (YES at

Sl), the determination unit 34 determines whether the

signal received by the third communication unit 33

indicates start of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (S12). At Step S12 in FIG. 3,

determining whether the signal received by the third

communication unit 33 indicates start of transmission of a

signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is

described as "DOES RECEIVED SIGNAL INDICATE START OF

TRANSMISSION?".

[0034] When the determination unit 34 determines that

the signal received by the third communication unit 33

indicates start of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (YES at S12), the second

communication unit 31 transmits to the air conditioner 2 a

signal for starting transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (S13). At Step S13 in FIG. 3,

transmitting to the air conditioner 2 a signal for starting

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3 is described as "TRANSMIT START-OF-TRANSMISSION TO

AIR CONDITIONER".

[0035] When the first communication unit 21 included in

the air conditioner 2 receives a signal for starting

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3, the first communication unit 21 starts

transmission of a signal to the server 3. Due to this

operation, even when transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 is stopped, a user can still

start transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2

to the server 3 by operating the information terminal 4.

An example of the signal to be transmitted from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 is a signal after having been

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

15 converted by the conversion unit 22 from the information

collected by the collection unit 24 in the air conditioner

2.

[00361 When the determination unit 34 determines that

the signal received by the third communication unit 33 does

not indicate start of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (NO at S12), the

determination unit 34 determines whether the signal

received by the third communication unit 33 indicates stop

of transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to

the server 3 (S14). At Step S14 in FIG. 3, determining

whether the signal received by the third communication unit

33 indicates stop of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 is described as "DOES

RECEIVED SIGNAL INDICATE STOP OF TRANSMISSION?".

[0037] When the determination unit 34 determines that

the signal received by the third communication unit 33

indicates stop of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (YES at S14), the second

communication unit 31 transmits to the air conditioner 2

the first stop signal for the air conditioner 2 to stop

transmission of a signal (S15). At Step S15 in FIG. 3,

transmitting to the air conditioner 2 the first stop signal

for the air conditioner 2 to stop transmission of a signal

is described as "TRANSMIT STOP-OF-TRANSMISSION TO AIR

CONDITIONER".

[00381 When the determination unit 34 determines that

the third communication unit 33 has not received a signal

from the information terminal 4 (NO at Sl), the

determination unit 34 determines whether the time, during

which the third communication unit 33 does not receive a

signal from the information terminal 4, has reached the

first time described above (S16). At Step S16 in FIG. 3,

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

16 determining whether the time, during which the third

communication unit 33 does not receive a signal from the

information terminal 4, has reached the first time

described above is described as "HAS PERIOD DURING WHICH

SIGNAL IS NOT RECEIVED REACHED GIVEN TIME?".

[00391 When the determination unit 34 determines that

the time, during which the third communication unit 33 does

not receive a signal from the information terminal 4, has

reached the first time described above (YES at S16), the

operation of the server 3 proceeds to Step S15. A series

of operations of the server 3 ends when the operation at

Step S13 is performed, when the determination unit 34

determines that the signal received by the third

communication unit 33 does not indicate stop of

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3 (NO at S14), when the operation at Step S15 is

performed, and when the determination unit 34 determines

that the time, during which the third communication unit 33

does not receive a signal from the information terminal 4,

has not reached the first time described above (NO at S16).

It is allowable that after having ended the series of

operations, the server 3 performs another series of

operations from Steps Sl to S16.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of

an operating procedure for the information terminal 4

included in the air-conditioning control system 1 according

to the embodiment. The second control unit 43 determines

whether the reception unit 41 has received a user's

instruction (S21). When the second control unit 43

determines that the reception unit 41 has received a user's

instruction (YES at S21), the second control unit 43

determines whether the instruction received by the

reception unit 41 indicates stop of transmission of a

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

17 signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 (S22).

At Step S22 in FIG. 4, determining whether the instruction

received by the reception unit 41 indicates stop of

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3 is described as "DOES INSTRUCTION INDICATE STOP OF

TRANSMISSION?".

[0041] When the second control unit 43 determines that

the instruction received by the reception unit 41 does not

indicate stop of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (NO at S22), the fourth

communication unit 42 transmits to the server 3 a signal

indicating start of transmission of a signal from the air

conditioner 2 to the server 3 (S23). At Step S23 in FIG. 4,

transmitting to the server 3 a signal indicating start of

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3 is described as "TRANSMIT START-OF-TRANSMISSION TO

SERVER".

[0042] When the second control unit 43 determines that

the instruction received by the reception unit 41 indicates

stop of transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2

to the server 3 (YES at S22), the fourth communication unit

42 transmits to the server 3 a signal indicating stop of

transmission of a signal from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3 (S24). At Step S24 in FIG. 4, transmitting to the

server 3 a signal indicating stop of transmission of a

signal from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3 is

described as "TRANSMIT STOP-OF-TRANSMISSION TO SERVER".

[0043] A series of operations of the information

terminal 4 ends when the second control unit 43 determines

that the reception unit 41 has not received a user's

instruction (NO at S21), when the operation at Step S23

ends, and when the operation at Step S24 ends. It is

allowable that after having ended the series of operations,

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

18 the information terminal 4 performs another series of

operations from Steps S21 to S24.

[0044] As described above, in the server 3, when the

determination unit 34 determines that the time, during

which the third communication unit 33 does not receive a

signal from the information terminal 4, has reached a first

time determined in advance, the second communication unit

31 transmits to the air conditioner 2 the first stop signal

for the air conditioner 2 to stop transmission of a signal.

When the first communication unit 21 included in the air

conditioner 2 receives the first stop signal, the first

communication unit 21 stops transmission of a signal to the

server 3. Furthermore, even when a user does not instruct

the information terminal 4 to stop transmission of a signal

from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, when the first

communication unit 21 receives the first stop signal, the

first communication unit 21 still stops transmission of a

signal to the server 3. Due to this operation, there is a

time during which the first communication unit 21 stops an

operation to transmit a signal to the server 3. As a

result, the air-conditioning control system 1 can reduce an

increase in the volume of communications traffic.

[0045] As described above, when the first communication

unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2 receives the

first stop signal, the first communication unit 21 stops

transmission of a signal to the server 3. For example,

when a user does not use the air conditioner 2, the user

does not remotely operate the air conditioner 2 through the

information terminal 4. That is, when the air conditioner

2 is not used, the third communication unit 33 included in

the server 3 does not receive a signal from the information

terminal 4. In that case, the first communication unit 21

included in the air conditioner 2 stops transmission of a

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

19 signal to the server 3. Due to this operation, the air

conditioning control system 1 can reduce unnecessary

communication. Accordingly, the air-conditioning control

system 1 can reduce an increase in the volume of

communications traffic, and consequently can reduce the

management costs on the server 3, which depend on the

volume of communications traffic.

[0046] The first communication unit 21 transmits a

signal to the server 3 continuously up until the first

communication unit 21 receives the first stop signal. Due

to this operation, the air-conditioning control system 1

can hold the latest information as possible on the air

conditioner 2 in the server 3.

[0047] In the air conditioner 2, while the first

communication unit 21 stops transmission of a signal to the

server 3, when the detection unit 26 detects a fault, the

first communication unit 21 starts communicating with the

server 3. A signal transmitted to the server 3 is then

transmitted to the information terminal 4 and displayed on

the information terminal 4. Due to this display, even when

communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server

3 is stopped, when a fault has occurred in the air

conditioner 2, a user of the information terminal 4 can

still recognize the occurrence of a fault in the air

conditioner 2.

[0048] In the air-conditioning control system 1, while

communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server

3 is stopped, when the reception unit 41 included in the

information terminal 4 receives an instruction other than

the instruction to stop communication between the air

conditioner 2 and the server 3, the fourth communication

unit 42 included in the information terminal 4 transmits to

the server 3 the first start signal for starting

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

20 communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server

3. In the server 3, when the third communication unit 33

receives the first start signal, the second communication

unit 31 transmits to the air conditioner 2 a second start

signal for the air conditioner 2 to start communicating

with the server 3. When the first communication unit 21

included in the air conditioner 2 receives the second start

signal, the first communication unit 21 starts

communicating with the server 3. Due to this operation,

even when communication between the air conditioner 2 and

the server 3 is stopped, when a user inputs an instruction

to the information terminal 4 other than the instruction to

stop communication between the air conditioner 2 and the

server 3, the air-conditioning control system 1 can still

cause the air conditioner 2 to start communicating with the

server 3.

[0049] In the air-conditioning control system 1, while a

signal is transmitted from the air conditioner 2 to the

server 3, when the reception unit 41 included in the

information terminal 4 receives an instruction to stop

communication between the air conditioner 2 and the server

3, the fourth communication unit 42 included in the

information terminal 4 transmits to the server 3 the second

stop signal for stopping communication between the air

conditioner 2 and the server 3. In the server 3, when the

third communication unit 33 receives the second stop signal,

the second communication unit 31 transmits to the air

conditioner 2 the first stop signal for the air conditioner

2 to stop transmission of a signal. When the first

communication unit 21 included in the air conditioner 2

receives the first stop signal, the first communication

unit 21 stops transmission of a signal to the server 3.

Due to this operation, even when a signal is transmitted

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

21 from the air conditioner 2 to the server 3, when a user

inputs an instruction to stop communication between the air

conditioner 2 and the server 3 to the information terminal

4, the air-conditioning control system 1 can still cause

the air conditioner 2 to stop transmission of a signal to

the server 3. As a result of this, the air-conditioning

control system 1 can reduce an increase in the volume of

communications traffic.

[00501 FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a processor 51

in a case where some or all of the functions of the first

communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal

communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first

control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are implemented

by the processor 51, where these units are included in the

air conditioner 2 included in the air-conditioning control

system 1 according to the embodiment. That is, it is

allowable that some or all of the functions of the first

communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal

communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first

control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are implemented

by the processor 51 that executes programs stored in a

memory 52. The processor 51 is a Central Processing Unit

(CPU), a processing device, a computation device, a

microprocessor, or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). FIG.

5 also illustrates the memory 52.

[0051] In a case where some or all of the functions of

the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22,

the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24,

the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are

implemented by the processor 51, the some or all of the

functions are implemented by the processor 51 and by

software, firmware, or a combination of the software and

the firmware. The software or the firmware is described as

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

22 programs and stored in the memory 52. The processor 51

reads and executes the programs stored in the memory 52 to

implement some or all of the functions of the first

communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal

communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first

control unit 25, and the detection unit 26.

[0052] In a case where some or all of the functions of

the first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22,

the internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24,

the first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are

implemented by the processor 51, the air conditioner 2

includes the memory 52 that stores therein programs with

which steps to be performed by some or all of the first

communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal

communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first

control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are executed as

a result. The programs stored in the memory 52 are also

regarded as causing a computer to execute a procedure or a

method performed by some or all of the first communication

unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal communication

unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first control unit 25,

and the detection unit 26.

[0053] The memory 52 is, for example, a nonvolatile or

volatile semiconductor memory such as a Random Access

Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, an

Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and an

Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory

(EEPROM) (registered trademark); a magnetic disk; a

flexible disk; an optical disk; a compact disk; a MiniDisk;

a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD); or the like.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing

circuitry 61 in a case where some or all of the first

communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal

Docket No. PMDA-20243-DE,AU,CN, Status: FINAL

23 communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first

control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are implemented

by the processing circuitry 61, where these units are

included in the air conditioner 2 included in the air

conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment.

That is, it is allowable that some or all of the first

communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the internal

communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the first

control unit 25, and the detection unit 26 are implemented

by the processing circuitry 61.

[00551 The processing circuitry 61 is dedicated hardware.

The processing circuitry 61 is, for example, a single

circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a

parallel-programmed processor, an Application Specific

Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an Field-Programmable Gate Array

(FPGA), or a combination of these elements.

[00561 While there are a plurality of functions of the

first communication unit 21, the conversion unit 22, the

internal communication unit 23, the collection unit 24, the

first control unit 25, and the detection unit 26, it is

allowable that some of the functions are implemented in

software or firmware and the other functions are

implemented in dedicated hardware. In this manner, the

functions of the first communication unit 21, the

conversion unit 22, the internal communication unit 23, the

collection unit 24, the first control unit 25, and the

detection unit 26 can be implemented in hardware, software,

firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0057] It is allowable that some or all of the functions

of the second communication unit 31, the third

communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34 are

implemented by a processor that executes programs stored in

a memory, where these units are included in the server 3 included in the air-conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment. The memory is configured to store therein programs with which some or all of steps to be performed by the second communication unit 31, the third communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34 are executed as a result. Some or all of the functions of the second communication unit 31, the third communication unit 33, and the determination unit 34 may be implemented by a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is similar to the processing circuitry 61.

[0058] It is allowable that some or all of the functions of the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 are implemented by a processor that executes programs stored in a memory, where these units are included in the information terminal 4 included in the air-conditioning control system 1 according to the embodiment. The memory is configured to store therein programs with which some or all of steps to be performed by the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 are executed as a result. Some or all of the functions of the reception unit 41, the fourth communication unit 42, and the second control unit 43 may be implemented by a processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is similar to the processing circuitry 61.

[0059] The configurations described in the above embodiment are only examples of the content of the present invention. The configurations can be combined with other well-known techniques, and part of each of the configurations can be omitted or modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0059a] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0059b] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Reference Signs List

[0060] 1 air-conditioning control system, 2 air conditioner, 3 server, 4 information terminal, 21 first communication unit, 22 conversion unit, 23 internal communication unit, 24 collection unit, 25 first control unit, 26 detection unit, 31 second communication unit, 32 storage unit, 33 third communication unit, 34 determination unit, 41 reception unit, 42 fourth communication unit, 43 second control unit, 51 processor, 52 memory, 61 processing circuitry.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. An air-conditioning control system comprising: an air conditioner; a server having a function of communicating with the air conditioner through the Internet; and an information terminal having a function of communicating with the server through the Internet, wherein the air conditioner includes a first communication unit having a function of communicating with the server, the server includes a second communication unit having a function of communicating with the air conditioner, a third communication unit having a function of communicating with the information terminal, and a determination unit to determine whether a time, during which the third communication unit does not receive a signal from the information terminal, has reached a first time determined in advance, when the determination unit determines that a time, during which the third communication unit does not receive a signal from the information terminal, has reached the first time, the second communication unit transmits to the air conditioner a first stop signal for the air conditioner to stop transmission of a signal, and when the first communication unit receives the first stop signal, the first communication unit stops transmission of a signal to the server.

2. The air-conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner further includes a detection unit to detect a fault when the fault has occurred in the air conditioner, and while the first communication unit stops transmission of a signal to the server, when the detection unit detects the fault, the first communication unit starts communicating with the server.

3. The air-conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal includes a reception unit to receive a user's instruction, and a fourth communication unit having a function of communicating with the server, while communication between the air conditioner and the server is stopped, when the reception unit receives an instruction other than an instruction to stop communication between the air conditioner and the server, the fourth communication unit transmits to the server a first start signal for starting communication between the air conditioner and the server, when the third communication unit receives the first start signal, the second communication unit transmits to the air conditioner a second start signal for the air conditioner to start communicating with the server, and when the first communication unit receives the second start signal, the first communication unit starts communicating with the server.

4. The air-conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal includes a reception unit to receive a user's instruction, and a fourth communication unit having a function of communicating with the server, while a signal is transmitted from the air conditioner to the server, when the reception unit receives an instruction to stop communication between the air conditioner and the server, the fourth communication unit transmits to the server a second stop signal for stopping communication between the air conditioner and the server, and when the third communication unit receives the second stop signal, the second communication unit transmits the first stop signal to the air conditioner.

PMDA-20243-PCT

1/4

1

4

INFORMATION TERMINAL 41

RECEPTION UNIT 43 SECOND 42 CONTROL UNIT FOURTH COM- MUNICATION UNIT

3

SERVER 33 THIRD COM- MUNICATION UNIT

32 34

STORAGE UNIT DETERMINATION UNIT

31 SECOND COM- MUNICATION UNIT

2

AIR CONDITIONER 21 FIRST COM- MUNICATION UNIT

22 25 CONVERSION FIRST CONTROL UNIT UNIT

23 26 INTERNAL COM- MUNICATION UNIT DETECTION UNIT

24

COLLECTION UNIT

PMDA-20243-PCT

2/4

START

S1 IS SIGNAL NO RECEIVED FROM SERVER? S6 YES NO IS FAULT DETECTED? DOES S2 RECEIVED NO YES SIGNAL INDICATE STOP OF TRANSMIS- SION?

YES S3 STOP TRANSMISSION OF SIGNAL TO SERVER

DOES S4 NO RECEIVED SIGNAL INDICATE START OF TRANSMIS- SION?

YES S5 START TRANSMISSION OF SIGNAL TO SERVER

END

PMDA-20243-PCT

3/4

START

IS SIGNAL S11 RECEIVED FROM NO INFORMATION TERMINAL? HAS S16 YES PERIOD DURING WHICH SIGNAL IS NOT NO DOES S12 RECEIVED REACHED RECEIVED NO GIVEN TIME? SIGNAL INDICATE START OF TRANSMIS- SION? YES

YES S13 TRANSMIT START-OF- TRANSMISSION TO AIR CONDITIONER

DOES S14 NO RECEIVED SIGNAL INDICATE STOP OF TRANSMIS- SION?

YES S15 TRANSMIT STOP-OF- TRANSMISSION TO AIR CONDITIONER

END

PMDA-20243-PCT

4/4

START

S21 IS INSTRUCTION NO RECEIVED?

YES

DOES S22 INSTRUCTION YES INDICATE STOP OF TRANSMIS- SION?

NO S23 S24 TRANSMIT START-OF- TRANSMIT STOP-OF- TRANSMISSION TO SERVER TRANSMISSION TO SERVER

END

51 52

PROCESSOR MEMORY

61 PROCESSING CIRCUITRY