IL310070B2

IL310070B2 - Air conditioning control system

Info

Publication number: IL310070B2
Application number: IL310070A
Authority: IL
Inventors: Naveh Nathanel
Original assignee: Control Applications C A Ltd; Naveh Nathanel
Priority date: 2024-01-10
Filing date: 2024-01-10
Publication date: 2026-02-01
Also published as: IL310070B1; WO2025150037A1; IL310070A

Description

AIR-CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates substantially to the field of air-conditioning systems.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Technological development has brought on a significant increase in the number of office towers in the world's largest cities. Particularly, in the world's largest cities, the urban landscape has been "taken over" by office towers designed to serve high-tech industries, advanced pharmaceuticals, communications, government buildings, and more.

[0003] In a typical office building, every room is equipped with an independent air conditioning unit, and the independent air conditioning unit is controlled by a computerized controller and thermostat. The air conditioning units are the biggest energy consumers in the building and any technological advancement that energetically improves the operation of the air conditioners will lead to a greener and friendlier environment.

SUMMARY

[0004] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of prior art systems and methods. This is provided in one embodiment by an air-conditioning control system comprising: a server; a plurality of unit controllers, each associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers has a first unique identifier; and a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes, each associated with a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers.

[0005] In some examples, each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising an address or identifier of the server and a second section comprising the first unique identifier of the unit controller associated with the respective QR code.

[0006] In some examples, responsive to a request from a user device being received at the server, where the request contains the first unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers, the server allows communication between the user device and the respective unit controller.

[0007] In some examples, each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit.

[0008] In some examples, the first unique identifier of each unit controller is not associated with a network address.

[0009] In some examples, the first unique identifier of each unit controller is a random identifier.

[0010] In some examples, the first unique identifier of each unit controller is a production identifier thereof.

[0011] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description.

[0012] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, governs. As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" mean "at least one" or "one or more" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/or y” means “x, y or both of x and y”. As some examples, “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}.

[0013] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0014] In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of embodiments of the instant inventive concepts. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts, and “a” and “an” are intended to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0015] As used herein, the term "about", when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10%, more preferably +/-5%, even more preferably +/-1%, and still more preferably +/-0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed devices and/or methods.

[0016] The term "fine-tuning", as used herein, means a method where weights of a pre-trained model are trained on new data, as known to those skilled in the art. In some examples, as known to those skilled in the art, fine-tuning comprises inputting data into the LLM and the LLM is prompted to fine-tune a predetermined sub-set of weights thereof based on a loss-function. In some examples, the output of the LLM is input into a second LLM which generates an input for the loss-function, as known to those skilled in the art. It is noted that this is merely one method for performing fine-tuning, and is not meant to be limiting in any way.

[0017] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, but not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other advantages or improvements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding sections or elements throughout.

[0019] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of a first air-conditioning control system, in accordance with some examples;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a high-level block diagram of a first more detailed example of the air-conditioning control system of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a high-level block diagram of a second more detailed example of the air-conditioning control system of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a high-level flow chart of an air-conditioning control method, in accordance with some examples; and

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level block diagram of a second air-conditioning control system, in accordance with some examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLES

[0025] In the following description, various aspects of the disclosure will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the different aspects of the disclosure. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosure may be practiced without specific details being presented herein. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the disclosure. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. In order to avoid undue clutter from having too many reference numbers and lead lines on a particular drawing, some components will be introduced via one or more drawings and not explicitly identified in every subsequent drawing that contains that component.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a high-level block diagram of an air-conditioning control system 10. In some examples, system 10 comprises: a server 20; a plurality of unit controllers 30; and a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes 40. In some examples, server 20 is located within a building 50 comprising a plurality of rooms 60. In some examples, building 50 is an office building and each room 60 is a respective office within the office building.

[0027] In some examples, each room 60 has therein a respective air conditioner (AC) unit 70. Each AC unit 70 may be any of a variety of AC units, such as a wall mounted AC unit, a window AC unit, or cassette AC unit, without limitation. Although the below is described in relation to examples where each room 60 has its own AC unit 70, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In some examples, a respective central AC unit 70 can be provided for each of a plurality of groups of rooms 60.

[0028] In some examples, server 20 comprises one or more processors and a memory, the memory having stored therein instructions, that when read by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors of server 20 to perform various steps, as described below. In some examples, a portion of the computing capability of server 20 is located at a remote location, such as in a cloud server. Thus, in some examples, one or more of the steps of server 20 are performed outside of building 50.

[0029] In some examples, each unit controller 30 comprises one or more processors and a memory, the memory having stored therein instructions, that when read by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors of the respective unit controller 30 to perform various steps, as described below. In some examples, each unit controller 30 comprises a unique identifier. The term "unique", as used herein, means that it is different than the identifiers of all the rest of the unit controllers 30. In some examples, the unique identifier is a random identifier. It is noted that the term "random", as used herein, is not meant to be limited to an identifier that is completely random. Particularly the identifier may be assigned in accordance with predefined rules such that random numbers/letters are assigned within predefined boundaries. Additionally, the identifier may comprise a portion that is random (optionally within predefined boundaries) and a portion that is not random. In some examples, the unique identifier is a production identifier of the respective unit controller 30, comprising a plurality of numbers and/or letters. The term "production identifier", as used herein, means an identifier assigned during production to identify the respective unit controller 30.

[0030] In some examples, the unique identifier is not associated with a network address, i.e., the unique identifier does not comprise a network address (such as an IP address) of the respective unit controller 30, nor does it comprise an identifier of such a network address. As will be described below, it is not required for unit controller 30 to be assigned a network address.

[0031] In some examples, the unique identifier is stored in the memory of the respective unit controller 30. In some examples, the unique identifier is stored in the memory of the respective unit controller 30 during manufacturing thereof. In some examples, each unit controller 30 comprises a memory 31, and the respective unique identifier is stored within memory 31. It is noted that unit controllers 30 of FIG. 1 are illustrated as comprising memory 31, while in FIGs. 2 and 3 unit controllers 30 are illustrated without memory 31, however this is not limiting in any way. Memory 31 can be provided for any example of unit controller 30, and the unique identifier can be stored therein. In some examples, memory 31 comprises a read-only memory, and the unique identifier is burned into memory 31.

[0032] In some examples, each QR code 40 is provided within a respective room 60. In some examples each QR code 40 is printed on a respective card, or on another object within the room. In some examples, the card with the QR code 40 can be mounted on the wall of the room 60.

[0033] In some examples, each QR code 40 is associated with the unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers 30. Thus, each QR code 40 is associated with a different unit controller 30. In some examples, each QR code 40 comprises: a first section; and a second section. In some examples, the first section comprises an address for communication with server 20. In some examples, the address comprises an Internet protocol (IP) address. In some examples, the first section comprises an identifier of an address of server 20. In some examples, the identifier of the address comprises a respective dynamic domain name system (DDNS) identifier of server 20. In some examples, the second section comprises the unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller 30.

[0034] In some examples, each unit controller 30 is in communication with server 20. In some examples, each unit controller 30 is connected to server 20 via a wired communication line 75 (e.g., an RS-485 communication cable), such that commands from server 20 are received at each unit controller 30 via the wired communication line 75. In some examples, each unit controller 30 is wirelessly connected to server 20.

[0035] In some examples, each unit controller 30 is in communication with server 20 via one or more intermediate units. Particularly, FIGs. 2 and 3 each illustrate a high-level block diagram of more detailed examples of system 10, further comprising a plurality of regional controllers 80. For simplicity, FIGs. 2 and 3 do not show building 50 with rooms 60.

[0036] In some examples, each regional controller 80 comprises one or more processors and a memory, the memory having stored therein instructions, that when read by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors of the respective regional controller 80 to perform various steps, as described below.

[0037] In some examples, each regional controller 80 is in communication with a respective subset of unit controllers 30. In some examples, each regional controller 80 is connected to the respective subset of unit controllers 30 via a wired communication line 75, such that commands from regional controller 80 are received at each unit controller 30 via the wired communication line 75. In some examples, each unit controller 30 is wirelessly connected to the respective regional controller 80. In some examples, the subset of unit controllers 30 for each regional controller 80 is associated with one or more floors of building 50.

[0038] In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 2, regional controllers 80 are each implemented by a respective hardware unit in communication with server 20. In some examples, regional controllers 80 are connected to server 20 via a local area network (LAN) 85, and server 20 communicates with regional controllers 80 via LAN 85.

[0039] In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 3, regional controllers 80 are each incorporated within server 20, i.e. each regional controller 80 is implemented by a dedicated portion of software within server 20. For clarity, in FIG. 3 server 20 is denoted as server 20'.

[0040] In some examples, upon an initial connection of unit controller 30 to a respective regional controller 80, a predetermined dialogue takes place therebetween. In some examples, the predetermined dialogue is performed automatically. In some examples, the regional controller 80 generates an alternative unique identifier for the respective unit controller 30. In some examples, the alternative unique identifier is shorter than the original unique identifier. In some examples, the alternative unique identifier is an abbreviated version of the original unique identifier.

[0041] In some examples, each regional controller 80 maps the alternative unique identifiers to the respective original unique identifiers. In some examples, each regional controller 80 generates a data table that includes all of the original unique identifier (e.g., production numbers) of each of the unit controller 30 connected thereto and the respective alternative unique identifiers mapped thereto. In some examples, the alternative unique identifiers, and the respective mappings (e.g., the respective data tables), are stored in server 20.

[0042] In some examples, whenever a new unit controller 30 is added in building 50, and connected to a respective regional controller 80, the respective regional controller 80 generates an alternative unique identifier, as described above.

[0043] In operation, a user scans a QR code 40 using a QR code scanner, such as a scanner in a user device, such as a smartphone. Upon scanning the QR code, the address of server is identified, and the user device issues a request to server 20 to receive data from the unit controller 30 whose unique identifier is in the second section of the QR code 40. The request includes the unique identifier that is in the second section of the QR code 40. For example, the combination of the address identifier of server 20 and the unique identifier of the respective unit controller 30 will access a page in server 20 that is associated with the respective unit controller 30. In some examples, where an alternative unique identifier is generated for each unit controller 30, server 20 provides access to the respective unit controller 30 based on the mapping from the original unique identifier to the alternative unique identifier.

[0044] Server 20 allows access to the respective unit controller 30, thus allowing the user to control various functions on the user device. In some examples, the functions controlled by the user can include, without limitation, turning the respective AC unit 70 on and off, adjusting the thermostat and changing the fan speed. In some examples, based on a respective user input, a timer can be set for a desired time for the respective AC unit 70 to be shut off by the respective unit controller 30 and/or to set a weekly plan of on/off times for AC unit 70.

[0045] In some examples, where regional controllers 80 are provided, communication between the user device and the respective unit controller 30 is performed via server 20 and the respective regional controller 80.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a high-level flow chart of an air-conditioning control method, in accordance with some examples. The method of FIG. 4 is described herein in relation to system 10, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way, and the method of FIG. 4 can be implemented by other appropriate systems without exceeding the scope of the disclosure.

[0047] In some examples, stage 1000 is implemented. Particularly, during a first initiation, each of a plurality of regional controllers generates an alternative unique identifier for each of a subset of respective unit controllers, such as unit controllers 30. In some examples, for each of the unit controllers, the alternative unique identifier is shorter than an original unique identifier assigned to the unit controller. In some examples, as described above, the original unique identifier is a randomly assigned identifier, stored in a memory of the unit controller. In some examples, each of the plurality of unit controllers is associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, and configured to control the associated air conditioner unit.

[0048] In some examples, each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the respective subset of unit controllers via a respective one of a plurality of wired communication lines. In some examples, the server is in communication with the plurality of regional controllers, optionally via a LAN. Alternatively, the plurality of regional controllers are incorporated within the server. For example, each regional controller is implemented as a dedicated portion of software within server 20.

[0049] In some examples, stage 1010 is implemented. Particularly, each of the plurality of regional controllers of stage 1000 maps the second unique identifier generated thereby to the respective original unique identifier.

[0050] In stage 1020, one of a plurality of QR codes is scanned, such as a QR code 40. In some examples, each QR code is associated with the original unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers of stage 1000.

[0051] In some examples, each of the plurality of QR codes comprises: a first section; and a second section. In some examples, the first section comprises an address of a server, such as server 20. In some examples, the first section comprises an identifier of an address of a server, such as server 20. In some examples, the identifier of the address is a DDNS identifier of the server. In some examples, the second section comprises the original unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller.

[0052] In stage 1030, responsive to a request from a user device being received at the server of stage 1020, where the request contains the original unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers, communication is allowed between the user device and the respective unit controller.

[0053] In some examples, allowing access to the unit controllers 30 via server 20 avoids the need for having a fixed LAN network address for each unit controller 30. This is advantageous since air conditioner controllers are typically not provided with Internet communication ports, due to excessive costs. This is particularly true in office buildings, which can have hundreds, or even thousands, of offices. Moreover, in some examples, system allows communication between user devices and unit controllers 30 utilizing simple communication ports, such as via RS-485 communication.

[0054] In some examples, during installation of a new AC unit 70, it is not required for the installer to assign a specific address to the respective unit controller 30 since the unit controller comes with a unique and random identifier, optionally stored on a memory thereof, and the identifier is used for communication with a user device via server 20.

[0055] In some examples, system 10 eliminates the need for a conventional thermostat/panel for an office air conditioner, which provides considerable financial saving, improves the visibility of the office, and allows control of the AC unit 70 through the user's smartphone.

[0056] In some examples, as opposed to a conventional thermostat, system 10 provides numerous possibilities for the user to control the AC unit 70, including providing an efficient interface for selecting a weekly operating plan on the user's smartphone, thus saving energy.

[0057] Although the above has been described in relation to examples where communication with unit controllers is accomplished via a server, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In some examples, each QR code comprises, in a first section thereof, a web address to download an application, and, in a second section thereof, a wireless address of the respective unit controller. As described above, in some examples, the wireless address is a random and unique address. The downloaded application is configured for controlling a unit controllers based on a scanned address.

[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level block diagram of an air-conditioning control system 100. In some examples, system 100 comprises: a plurality of unit controllers 130 and a plurality of QR codes 140. In some examples, unit controllers 130 are located within a building comprising a plurality of rooms 60. In some examples, as described above, each room 60 has therein a respective air conditioner (AC) unit 70. As further described above, although each room 60 is described as having its own AC unit 70, this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In some examples, a respective central AC unit 70 can be provided for each of a plurality of groups of rooms 60. In some examples, each unit controller 130 is located within a respective room 60.

[0059] In some examples, each unit controller 130 comprises one or more processors and a memory, the memory having stored therein instructions, that when read by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors of the respective unit controller 130 to perform various steps, as described below. In some examples, each unit controller 130 further comprises a wireless communication device 135 comprising an antenna and a controller configured to perform wireless communication via the antenna, utilizing one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth and Zigbee.

[0060] In some examples, each unit controller 130 comprises a unique wireless address. In some examples, the unique wireless address is a random address. In some examples, the unique identifier is an address of the wireless device 135 of the respective unit controller 130, assigned by the manufacturer thereof, such as the Bluetooth or Zigbee address.

[0061] In some examples, each QR code 140 is provided within a respective room 60. In some examples each QR code 140 is printed on a respective card, or on another object within the room. In some examples, the card with the QR code 140 can be mounted on the wall of the room 60.

[0062] In some examples, each QR code 140 is associated with the unique wireless address of the wireless device 135 of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers 130. Thus, each QR code 140 is associated with a different unit controller 130. In some examples, each QR code 140 comprises: a first section; and a second section. In some examples, the first section comprises a web address for a predetermined website, the website comprising an application 150 to be downloaded. In some examples, the second section comprises the unique wireless address associated with the wireless device 135 of the respective unit controller 130.

[0063] In operation, when QR code 140 is scanned by a user device 160, the web address on the QR code 140 enables user device 160 to access the website and download application 150. In some examples, user device 160 is any device that provides for both scanning QR codes and performing wireless communication, such as a smartphone or tablet. In some examples, user device 160 runs application 150, which controls user device 160 to wirelessly connect to the wireless address in the second section of QR code 140, thereby connecting to wireless device 135 of the respective unit controller 130. In some examples, the wireless address is read by scanning QR code 140 via the downloaded application 150.

[0064] In some examples, the processor of the respective unit controller 130 allows application 150 to control the respective unit controller 130. In some examples, application 1displays appropriate data of the respective unit controller 130 on user device 160.

Some Examples of the Disclosed Technology

[0065]Some examples of above-described technology are enumerated below. It should be noted that one feature of an example in isolation or more than one feature of the example taken in combination and, optionally, in combination with one or more features of one or more examples below are examples also falling within the disclosure of this application.

[0066] Example 1. An air-conditioning control system comprising: a server; a plurality of unit controllers, each associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers has a first unique identifier; and a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes, each associated with the first unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers, wherein each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising an address or identifier of the server and a second section comprising the first unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller, wherein responsive to a request from a user device being received at the server, where the request contains the first unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers, the server allows communication between the user device and the respective unit controller, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit, and wherein the first unique identifier of each unit controller is not associated with a network address.

[0067] Example 2. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 1, wherein the first unique identifier of each unit controller is a random identifier.

[0068] Example 3. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 1 or 2, wherein the first unique identifier of each unit controller is a production identifier thereof.

[0069] Example 4. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly any of examples 1 - 3, wherein commands are received at each of the plurality of unit controllers via a wired communication line.

[0070] Example 5. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1 - 4, wherein the address identifier of the server is a dynamic domain name system (DDNS) identifier.

[0071] Example 6. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 1 - 3, further comprising a plurality of regional controllers, each in communication with a respective one of a plurality of subsets of the unit controllers.

[0072] Example 7. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 6, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the respective subset of unit controllers via a respective one of a plurality of wired communication lines.

[0073] Example 8. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 6 or 7, wherein, during an initiation stage, each of the plurality of regional controllers generates a second unique identifier for each of the respective unit controllers.

[0074] Example 9. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 8, wherein for each of the unit controllers, the second unique identifier is shorter than the first unique identifier.

[0075] Example 10. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 8 or 9, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers maps the second unique identifiers generated thereby to the respective first unique identifiers.

[0076] Example 11. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 6 – 10, wherein the server is in communication with the plurality of regional controllers.

[0077] Example 12. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 11, wherein the server is in communication with the plurality of regional controllers via a local area network (LAN).

[0078] Example 13. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly any one of examples 6 – 10, wherein the plurality of regional controllers are incorporated within the server.

[0079] Example 14. An air-conditioning control method, the method comprising scanning one of a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes, each associated with a first unique identifier of a respective one of a plurality of unit controllers, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising an address or identifier of a server and a second section comprising the first unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller, wherein the method further comprises, responsive to a request from a user device being received at the server, where the request contains the first unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers, allowing communication between the user device and the respective unit controller, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit, and wherein the first unique identifier of each unit controller is not associated with a network address.

[0080] Example 15. The method of any example herein, particularly example 14, wherein the first unique identifier or each unit controller is a random identifier.

[0081] Example 16. The method of any example herein, particularly example 14 or 15, wherein the first unique identifier of each unit controller is a production identifier thereof.

[0082] Example 17. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples - 16, wherein commands are received at each of the plurality of unit controllers via a wired communication line.

[0083] Example 18. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples – 17, wherein the address identifier of the server is a dynamic domain name system (DDNS) identifier.

[0084] Example 19. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples – 16, wherein each of a plurality of regional controllers is in communication with a respective one of a plurality of subsets of the unit controllers.

[0085] Example 20. The method of any example herein, particularly example 19, each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the respective subset of unit controllers via a respective one of a plurality of wired communication lines.

[0086] Example 21. The method of any example herein, particularly example 19 or 20, wherein, during an initiation stage, the method further comprises generating, by each of the plurality of regional controllers, a second unique identifier for each of the respective unit controllers.

[0087] Example 22. The method of any example herein, particularly example 21, wherein for each of the unit controllers, the second unique identifier is shorter than the first unique identifier.

[0088] Example 23. The method of any example herein, particularly example 21 or 22, wherein the method further comprises mapping, by each of the plurality of regional controllers, the second unique identifiers generated thereby to the respective first unique identifiers.

[0089] Example 24. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples - 23, wherein the server is in communication with the plurality of regional controllers.

[0090] Example 25. The method of any example herein, particularly example 24, wherein the server is in communication with the plurality of regional controllers via a local area network (LAN).

[0091] Example 26. The method of any example herein, particularly any one of examples - 23, wherein the plurality of regional controllers are incorporated within the server.

[0092] Example 27. An air-conditioning control system comprising: a plurality of unit controllers, each associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers comprises a respective wireless device having a unique wireless address; and a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes, each associated with the unique wireless address of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers, wherein each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising a web address of a web site and a second section comprising the unique wireless address associated with the respective unit controller, wherein the website comprises an application to be downloaded, wherein responsive the QR code being scanned by a user device having the application downloaded thereon, the application causes the user device to communicate with the wireless device of the respective unit controller associated with the scanned QR code, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit.

[0093] Example 28. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 27, wherein the unique wireless address of each unit controller is a random address.

[0094] Example 29. The air-conditioning control system of any example herein, particularly example 27 or 28, wherein the unique wireless address of each unit controller is assigned by a manufacturer thereof.

[0095] Example 30. An air-conditioning control method, the method comprising scanning one of a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes, each associated with a unique wireless address of a wireless device of respective one of a plurality of unit controllers, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising a web address of a website and a second section comprising the unique wireless address associated with the respective unit controller, wherein the website comprises an application to be downloaded, wherein the method further comprises, responsive the QR code being scanned by a user device having the application downloaded thereon, utilizing the application to cause the user device to communicate with the wireless device of the respective unit controller associated with the scanned QR code, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit.

[0096] Example 31. The method of any example herein, particularly example 30, wherein the unique wireless address of each unit controller is a random address.

[0097] 32. The method of any example herein, particularly example 30 or 31, wherein the unique wireless address of each unit controller is assigned by a manufacturer thereof.

[0098] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0099] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein.

[00100] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[00101] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

Claims

310070/ CLAIMS 1. An air-conditioning control system comprising: a plurality of unit controllers, each associated with a respective one of a plurality of air conditioner units, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers has a random unique identifier; a plurality of quick-response (QR) codes, each associated with the random unique identifier of a respective one of the plurality of unit controllers; a plurality of regional controllers, each in communication with a respective one of a plurality of subsets of the unit controllers via a respective communication channel; and a server, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers initiates a dialogue on the respective communication channel with the respective subset of unit controllers to: determine which of the subset of unit controllers has not been assigned a respective communication address for communication on the respective communication channel; and for each of the subset of unit controllers that has not been assigned a respective communication address, assign a respective communication address for communication on the respective communication channel, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers generates a mapping of the assigned communication addresses to the random unique identifiers of the respective subset of unit controllers, the generated mapping stored on the server, wherein each of the plurality of QR codes comprises a first section comprising an address or identifier of the server and a second section comprising the random unique identifier associated with the respective unit controller, wherein, for each of the plurality of QR codes, responsive to scanning of the respective QR code by a user device, a request is sent from the user device to the server to communicate with the unit controller associated with the respective QR code, the request containing the random unique identifier of the respective unit controller, wherein responsive to the request from the user device being received at the server, the server initiates communication between the user device and the respective unit controller via the respective regional controller, based at least in part on the respective random unique identifier and the assigned communication address of the respective unit controller, 310070/ wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers is configured to control and monitor one or more functions of the respective air conditioner unit.
2. The air-conditioning control system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of unit controllers does not have a TCP/IP network address assigned thereto.
3. The air-conditioning control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the server via a TCP/IP network, each of the plurality of regional controllers assigned a respective IP address.
4. The air-conditioning control system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of regional controllers is in communication with the server via a wireless network.
5. The air-conditioning control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of regional controllers are incorporated within the server.
6. The air-conditioning control system of any one of claims 1 – 4, wherein, for each of the plurality of subsets of unit controllers, the respective communication addresses are serially assigned by the respective regional controller.
7. The air-conditioning control system of any one of claims 1 – 5, wherein, for each of the plurality of unit controllers, the respective assigned communication address is stored by the respective unit controller. Webb+Co . Patent Attorneys