JP7363039B2 - air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems.

Air conditioning systems that utilize AI (Artificial Intelligence) are known. By using AI in an air conditioning system, it is possible to create a comfortable air-conditioned space that matches the user's preferences and behavior patterns.

JP 2015-117933 Publication

By the way, one air conditioning system may have a plurality of operating means. The multiple operating means for an air conditioning system include, for example, an operation button provided on the indoor unit, an infrared (IR) remote control, a radio wave (RF) remote control that can be operated from other rooms, and an adapter connected to the indoor unit. Examples include a communication terminal that communicates with the indoor unit via a communication terminal, an AI, and the like. In this way, when one air conditioning system has a plurality of operating means, if two or more operating means are operated at the same time, the operation may be against the user's intention. For example, regarding the temperature setting of an air conditioner, if the user is instructed to raise the set temperature by manual operation using an infrared remote control, and then is immediately instructed to lower the set temperature by automatic operation by AI, the user's intention will be ignored. On the other hand, since the set temperature is lowered, the user may feel uncomfortable.

The present disclosure provides a technique that can prevent a user from feeling uncomfortable when operating an air conditioner even when there are multiple operating means.

In the disclosed aspect, an air conditioning system includes an air conditioner having an indoor unit, and a plurality of operating means that can operate the indoor unit. The plurality of operating means include a first operating means that receives user operations, and a second operating means that performs operations using AI. When both the first operation by the first operation means and the second operation by the second operation means are performed within a predetermined time, the indoor unit performs the first operation with priority over the second operation. Accept operations.

According to the disclosed aspect, even if there are a plurality of operating means, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable when operating the air conditioner.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the adapter of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of driving information data according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of driving information data used to generate or update the sensible temperature setting prediction model of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority order table according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a processing example of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a processing example of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

The technology of the present disclosure will be explained below based on the drawings. In the following, the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[Example 1]
<Configuration of air conditioning system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 1 includes an indoor unit 2, an adapter 3, routers 4A and 4B, a server device 5, a relay device 6, a communication terminal 7, and a communication network 8. The adapter 3 and the relay device 6 can communicate with each other via the router 4A and the communication network 8. Further, the communication terminal 7 and the relay device 6 can communicate with each other via the router 4B and the communication network 8.

The indoor unit 2 is part of an air conditioner that is placed indoors and heats or cools indoor air. The air conditioner mainly includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit (not shown) placed outdoors. A user of the air conditioner can remotely control the indoor unit 2 by operating the remote control 9. An example of the remote controller 9 is an infrared remote controller or a radio remote controller. The indoor unit 2 includes a main body 2A and a control section 2B that controls the main body 2A. The control unit 2B is realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit). The main body 2A is equipped with an indoor fan, an indoor heat exchanger, etc., and indoor air that has undergone heat exchange with a refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger is blown out from the main body 2A, thereby heating, cooling, and dehumidifying the room. . Further, the main body 2A is provided with an operation button that can directly operate the indoor unit 2. Further, the outdoor unit, which is another part of the air conditioner, includes an outdoor fan, an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, an expansion valve, and the like.

The adapter 3 has a communication function that connects the indoor unit 2 and the router 4A by wireless communication, and a control function that controls the indoor unit 2 using AI (Artificial Intelligence). The adapter 3 is installed for each indoor unit 2. The router 4A connects to the adapter 3 by wireless communication using, for example, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), and connects the adapter 3 to the communication network 8. An example of the communication network 8 is the Internet.

Examples of the communication terminal 7 include a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and the like used by a user. The router 4B connects to the communication terminal 7 by wireless communication using, for example, WLAN, and connects the communication terminal 7 and the communication network 8. A user can operate the indoor unit 2 by operating the communication terminal 7.

The server device 5 has a function of generating an AI learning model that controls the indoor unit 2, a database that stores operational information data of the air conditioner, and the like. The server device 5 is installed in a data center, for example. Relay device 6 is connected to communication network 8 and has a function of communicating with server device 5 . The relay device 6 receives driving information data used for generating or updating a learning model applied to the adapter 3 from the adapter 3, and transmits the received driving information data to the server device 5. Further, the relay device 6 receives the learning model generated or updated by the server device 5 from the server device 5, and transmits the received learning model to the adapter 3.

The relay device 6 includes a first relay section 6A, a second relay section 6B, and a third relay section 6C. The first relay unit 6A transmits various data related to AI control between the adapter 3 and the server device 5. For example, the first relay unit 6A transmits the driving information data received from the adapter 3 to the server device 5, and also transmits to the adapter 3 a learning model generated or updated by the server device 5 using the driving information data. The second relay unit 6B obtains the operating conditions of the indoor unit 2 (operating modes such as cooling/heating, set temperature, etc.) set by the user using the communication terminal 7, and transmits the obtained operating conditions via the adapter 3. Send to indoor unit 2. The third relay unit 6C acquires external data such as a weather forecast through the communication network 8, and transmits the acquired external data to the server device 5 and the adapter 3.

<Adapter configuration>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the adapter of the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the adapter 3 includes a first communication section 11, a second communication section 12, a storage section 13, and a processor 14.

The first communication unit 11 communicates with the control unit 2B of the indoor unit 2, and is realized by a communication IF (Interface) such as a UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter). The second communication unit 12 communicates with the router 4A, and is realized by, for example, a communication IF for WLAN. The storage unit 13 is realized by, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and stores various information such as data and programs. The processor 14 is realized by, for example, a CPU, MPU, MCU, or the like.

The storage unit 13 includes a driving information memory 13A, a model memory 13B, and an external memory 13C. The driving information memory 13A temporarily stores driving information data acquired from the indoor unit 2. The model memory 13B stores the learning model acquired from the server device 5. External memory 13C stores external data.

The processor 14 includes an acquisition section 14A, a transmission section 14B, a reception section 14C, a setting section 14D, and a prediction section 14E as functional blocks in the processor 14.

The acquisition unit 14A acquires operating information data such as set temperature and indoor temperature from the indoor unit 2 at a predetermined period (for example, every 5 minutes). The acquisition unit 14A stores the acquired driving information data in the driving information memory 13A. Note that, as will be explained later using FIG. 4, the driving information data includes a time stamp that is the date of acquisition of the driving information data.

The transmitter 14B acquires the driving information data stored in the driving information memory 13A from the driving information memory 13A, and transmits the acquired driving information data to the server device 5.

The receiving unit 14C receives the learning model from the server device 5, and stores the received learning model in the model memory 13B.

The setting unit 14D acquires the learning model stored in the model memory 13B from the model memory 13B, and sets the acquired learning model in the prediction unit 14E.

The prediction unit 14E controls the control unit 2B of the indoor unit 2 using the learning model set by the setting unit 14D. Note that the prediction unit 14E may directly control the main body 2A of the indoor unit 2 using the learning model. Further, the prediction unit 14E may indirectly control the main body 2A via the control unit 2B by transmitting a control mode based on the learning model to the control unit 2B.

<Configuration of server device>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the server device 5 includes a communication section 31, a storage section 32, and a processor 33. The communication unit 31 communicates with the relay device 6, and is realized by, for example, a communication IF. The storage unit 32 is realized by, for example, an HDD, ROM, RAM, etc., and stores various information such as data and programs. The processor 33 is implemented by, for example, a CPU, MPU, MCU, or the like.

The storage unit 32 includes a data memory 32A and a model memory 32B. The data memory 32A stores the driving information data received from the adapter 3. The model memory 32B stores learning models generated or updated by the server device 5.

The processor 33 includes a receiving section 33A, a learning section 33B, and a transmitting section 33C as functional blocks in the processor 33.

The receiving unit 33A receives operating information data from each adapter 3 connected to each of the plurality of indoor units 2, and stores the received operating information data in the data memory 32A.

The learning unit 33B performs machine learning using the driving information data stored in the data memory 32A, and generates or updates a learning model based on the learning results. The learning unit 33B stores the generated or updated learning model in the model memory 32B. An example of a learning model is a "sensible temperature setting prediction model" that predicts the user's sensible temperature based on the operating status of the air conditioner in each home and controls the air conditioner according to the predicted sensible temperature.

The transmitter 33C acquires the learning model stored in the model memory 32B from the model memory 32B, and transmits the acquired learning model to the adapter 3 via the relay device 6.

<Example of driving information data>
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of driving information data according to the first embodiment. The operating information data includes, for example, operating status, operating mode, set temperature, indoor temperature (room temperature), indoor humidity, air volume, wind direction, human sensor, radiation sensor, indoor heat exchanger temperature, outdoor temperature (outside air temperature), and compression. Machine rotation speed, outdoor air volume, operating current, outdoor heat exchanger temperature, discharge temperature, compressor temperature, expansion valve opening, radiator temperature, startup failure history, abnormal stop history, emergency operation history, time stamp, air conditioner ID , installation location, facility type, etc.

The operating state indicates the ON/OFF state of the operation of the indoor unit 2. The operation mode indicates an operation mode of the indoor unit 2 such as cooling or heating. The set temperature is a temperature set by the user, and indicates a target temperature in the room where the indoor unit 2 is used. The indoor temperature indicates the actual temperature in the room where the indoor unit 2 is used. The indoor humidity indicates the actual humidity in the room where the indoor unit 2 is used. The air volume indicates the volume of indoor air blown out from the indoor unit 2. The wind direction indicates the direction of indoor air blown out from the indoor unit 2. The human sensor indicates the presence or absence of people in the room and the amount of activity detected by the sensor. The radiation sensor indicates the detected temperature of the floor and walls in the room. The indoor heat exchanger temperature indicates the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger that forms a part of the main body 2A of the indoor unit 2. Outdoor temperature indicates the actual temperature outside. The compressor rotation speed indicates the operating rotation speed of a compressor provided in the outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit 2 through refrigerant piping. The outdoor air volume indicates the air volume generated by an outdoor fan provided in the outdoor unit. The operating current indicates, for example, the operating current of the entire air conditioner such as the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature indicates the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit. The discharge temperature indicates the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. Compressor temperature indicates the temperature at the bottom of the compressor. The expansion valve opening degree indicates the opening degree of an electronic expansion valve provided in the outdoor unit. The radiator temperature indicates the temperature of the power semiconductor that drives and controls the compressor. The startup failure history indicates a history of startup failures of the compressor. The abnormal stop history indicates the history of abnormal stop of the air conditioner. The emergency operation history indicates the history of implementation of emergency operations. The time stamp indicates the acquisition date and time of each driving information data in year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. The air conditioner ID indicates an ID given to the indoor unit 2 to identify the air conditioner. The installation location indicates the address of the location where the air conditioner is installed. The facility type indicates the type of facility (store, restaurant, factory, etc.) in which the air conditioner is installed.

Each of the operating information data shown in FIG. 4 is used depending on the purpose of the air conditioner, such as home use or business use. Examples of operating information data used for home air conditioners include operating status, operating mode, temperature setting, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, air volume, wind direction, human sensor, radiation sensor, time stamp, and air conditioner. There is an ID, installation location, etc. Air conditioners for home use use AI to operate and make suggestions in pursuit of comfort and energy savings, so for example, data necessary for home use such as set temperature, operating mode, room and surrounding environment, etc. becomes.

On the other hand, operating information data used for commercial air conditioners includes, for example, operating status, operating mode, set temperature, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, air volume, wind direction, human sensor, radiation sensor, indoor heat exchanger, etc. Temperature, outdoor temperature, compressor rotation speed, outdoor air volume, operating current, outdoor heat exchanger temperature, discharge temperature, compressor temperature, expansion valve opening, radiator temperature, startup failure history, abnormal stop history, emergency operation history, time There are stamps, air conditioner IDs, installation locations, facility types, etc. For commercial air conditioners, AI predicts failures and the need for maintenance of each device. For example, in a commercial air conditioner, the operating status and history of each component within the air conditioner is accumulated, and based on the accumulated operating status and history, AI predicts when each component will fail. Regarding the compressor and fan motor installed in the air conditioner, since no operating information data is generated while the air conditioner is stopped, for example, data on the compressor rotation speed, outdoor air volume, operating current, and outdoor heat exchanger temperature is not available. There is no need to obtain it while the air conditioner is stopped.

For example, when the learning model is a sensible temperature setting prediction model, time-series driving information data such as the set temperature, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, etc. is used to generate or update the sensible temperature setting prediction model. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of driving information data used to generate or update the sensible temperature setting prediction model of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the driving information data used in the sensible temperature setting prediction model differs depending on the season. For example, a winter sensible temperature setting prediction model uses set temperature, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, etc. On the other hand, in the summer sensible temperature setting prediction model, in addition to the driving information data used in the winter, for example, air volume and detection data from a human sensor (the presence or absence of a person and the amount of activity) are used.

As described above, the indoor unit 2 can be operated by AI (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "AI operation"). Further, the main body 2A of the indoor unit 2 is provided with an operation button (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "main body button") that can directly operate the indoor unit 2. Further, the indoor unit 2 can be operated by a remote control 9. The remote controller 9 is, for example, an infrared remote controller or a radio remote controller. Further, the indoor unit 2 can be operated by a communication terminal 7.

Here, the main body buttons, infrared remote controller, radio remote controller, and communication terminal 7 can be operated by the user's hands, so the operation means (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first operation means") that accepts user operations. ). On the other hand, since the adapter 3 can automatically operate the indoor unit 2 using AI, the adapter 3 is an operating means (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "second operating means") that performs AI operation. be. That is, the air conditioning system 1 has a plurality of operating means (first operating means and second operating means) that can operate the indoor unit 2.

The main body button is an operating means that is provided on the main body 2A of the indoor unit 2 and can be operated in the room where the indoor unit 2 is installed. Further, the infrared remote control is an operation means that can be operated in the room where the indoor unit 2 is installed by performing infrared communication with the indoor unit 2. That is, the main body button and the infrared remote control are operation means (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first sub-operation means") that can be operated in the room where the indoor unit 2 is installed.

Since the radio remote control operates the indoor unit 2 through radio communication, it can also be operated from a room other than the room in which the indoor unit 2 is installed. Therefore, the radio remote control is an operation means (hereinafter referred to as "second sub-operation means") that can be operated from a room other than the room in which the indoor unit 2 is installed by performing radio wave communication with the indoor unit 2. ).

The communication terminal 7 allows the user to operate the indoor unit 2 from outside. Therefore, the communication terminal 7 is an operation means (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "third sub-operation means") that can be operated from outdoors.

In this way, the first operating means includes the first sub-operating means, the second sub-operating means, and the third sub-operating means.

<Air conditioning system processing>
A priority table PT shown in FIG. 6 is set in advance in the control unit 2B of the indoor unit 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a priority order table according to the first embodiment. In the priority order table PT, each operating means, the priority order of each operating means, the operating subject of each operating means, and the operable range of each operating means are set in advance in correspondence with each other. In the "operable range" in the priority table PT, the "installation room" indicates that the corresponding operating means (body buttons and infrared remote control) are operating means that can be operated in the room where the indoor unit 2 is installed. shows. In addition, "separate room" indicates that the corresponding operating means (radio remote control) is an operating means that can be operated from a different room from the room where indoor unit 2 is installed in the same building. . Moreover, "outdoors" indicates that the corresponding operating means (communication terminal 7) is an operating means that can be operated from outdoors.

As set in the priority table PT, the priority order (1st place) of the main body button and infrared remote control is higher than the priority order (2nd place) of the radio remote control, and the priority order (2nd place) of the radio remote control is as follows. It is higher than the priority of the communication terminal 7 (third place), and the priority of the communication terminal 7 (third place) is higher than the priority of the adapter 3 (fourth place).

When operations by a plurality of operating means conflict, the control unit 2B accepts operations from each operating means according to the priority order set in the priority table PT. Processing example 1 and processing example 2 will be described below as examples of processing of the air conditioning system 1. 7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining processing examples of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

<Processing example 1 (Figure 7)>
In FIG. 7, in step S101, when the user performs an operation (user operation) on the indoor unit 2 using the first operation means (body button, infrared remote control, radio remote control, or communication terminal 7), the first operation The means transmits the operation signal to the indoor unit 2. The control unit 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the first operation means, and accepts the operation based on the operation signal. Furthermore, the control unit 2B sets an operation prohibition period P1 of a predetermined length starting from the time when the operation signal is received. The length of the operation prohibition period P1 is, for example, 10 seconds.

The control unit 2B, which has received the operation in step S101, transmits an acceptance response to the first operating means from which the operation signal was transmitted, in step S103. Thereby, the first operating means that transmitted the operation signal in step S101 recognizes that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S101 has been accepted by the indoor unit 2, and waits for the next operation by the user.

Here, during the operation prohibition period P1, in step S105, the second operation means (adapter 3) transmits an operation signal generated by AI to the indoor unit 2 as an AI operation. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the second operation means. However, the time when the control unit 2B receives the operation signal from the second operation means in step S105 is included in the operation prohibition period P1. Furthermore, according to the priority table PT, the priority of the second operating means (adapter 3) is lower than the priority of the first operating means (body buttons, infrared remote controller, radio remote controller, and communication terminal 7). Therefore, the control unit 2B does not accept (rejects) the operation from the second operation means.

The control unit 2B that rejected the operation in step S105 transmits a rejection response to the second operating means from which the operation signal was transmitted, in step S107. As a result, the second operating means that transmitted the operating signal in step S105 can recognize that the indoor unit 2 has rejected the operation based on the operating signal transmitted in step S105. It is sufficient to resend the same operation signal as the operation signal.

On the other hand, during the operation prohibition period P1, in step S109, if the user performs an operation (user operation) on the indoor unit 2 using the same first operating means as the first operating means used in step S101, The first operating means transmits an operating signal to the indoor unit 2. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the first operation means. Here, the time when the control unit 2B receives the operation signal from the first operation means in step S109 is included in the operation prohibition period P1. However, since the source of the operation signal in step S101 and the source of the operation signal in step S109 are the same first operation means, the priorities in the priority table PT are the same. Therefore, the control unit 2B accepts the operation based on the operation signal received in step S109.

The control unit 2B, which has received the operation in step S109, transmits an acceptance response to the first operation means from which the operation signal was transmitted, in step S111. Thereby, the first operating means that transmitted the operation signal in step S109 recognizes that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S109 has been accepted by the indoor unit 2, and waits for the next operation by the user.

Furthermore, after the operation prohibition period P1 ends, in step S113, the second operation means (adapter 3) transmits an operation signal generated by the AI to the indoor unit 2 as an AI operation. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the second operation means. Since the operation prohibition period P1 has ended when the control unit 2B receives the operation signal from the second operation means in step S113, the control unit 2B accepts the operation based on the operation signal received in step S113.

The control unit 2B, which has received the operation in step S113, transmits an acceptance response to the second operation means from which the operation signal was transmitted, in step S115. Thereby, the second operating means that transmitted the operation signal in step S113 recognizes that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S113 has been accepted by the indoor unit 2, and waits for the next operation by the AI.

As described above, in processing example 1, the indoor unit 2 is operated by the first operating means (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first operation") and the second operating means (hereinafter referred to as "second operation"). ) are performed within a predetermined period of time (within the operation prohibition period P1), the first operation is accepted with priority over the second operation.

Further, in processing example 1, the indoor unit 2 does not accept the second operation until a predetermined time (operation prohibition period P1) has elapsed after accepting the first operation.

By doing this, even if there are multiple operating means such as an operating means that accepts user operations (first operating means) and an operating means that performs AI operations (second operating means), the operation by the first operating means takes priority. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable when operating the air conditioner.

<Processing example 2 (Figure 8)>
In FIG. 8, in step S201, when the user operates the indoor unit 2 using the first sub-operation means (body button or infrared remote control), the first sub-operation means transmits an operation signal to the indoor unit 2. do. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the first sub-operation means, and accepts the operation based on the operation signal. Further, the control unit 2B sets an operation prohibition period P2 of a predetermined length (for example, 10 seconds) starting from the time when the operation signal is received.

The control unit 2B that has received the operation in step S201 transmits an acceptance response to the first sub-operation means that is the source of the operation signal, in step S203. Thereby, the first sub-operation means that transmitted the operation signal in step S201 recognizes that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S201 has been accepted by the indoor unit 2, and waits for the next operation by the user.

Here, during the operation prohibition period P2, when another user operates the indoor unit 2 using the second sub-operation means (radio remote control) in step S205, the second sub-operation means receives an operation signal. is sent to indoor unit 2. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the second sub-operation means. However, the time when the control unit 2B receives the operation signal from the second sub-operation means in step S205 is included in the operation prohibition period P2. Furthermore, according to the priority table PT, the priority of the second sub-operation means (radio remote control) is lower than the priority of the first sub-operation means (main body buttons and infrared remote control). Therefore, the control unit 2B does not accept (rejects) the operation from the second sub-operation means.

The control unit 2B that rejected the operation in step S205 transmits a rejection response to the second sub-operation means from which the operation signal was transmitted, in step S207. Thereby, the second sub-operation means that transmitted the operation signal in step S205 can recognize that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S205 has been rejected by the indoor unit 2, so that, for example, the second sub-operation means The user may be prompted by voice, screen display, etc. to re-operate the means.

Further, during the operation prohibition period P2, when another user performs an operation on the indoor unit 2 using the third sub-operation means (communication terminal 7) in step S209, the third sub-operation means transmits an operation signal. is sent to indoor unit 2. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the third sub-operation means. However, the time when the control unit 2B receives the operation signal from the third sub-operation means in step S209 is included in the operation prohibition period P2. Furthermore, according to the priority table PT, the priority of the third sub-operation means (communication terminal 7) is lower than the priority of the first sub-operation means (body buttons and infrared remote control). Therefore, the control unit 2B does not accept (rejects) the operation from the third sub-operation means.

The control unit 2B that rejected the operation in step S209 transmits a rejection response to the third sub-operation means from which the operation signal was transmitted, in step S211. Thereby, the third sub-operation means that transmitted the operation signal in step S209 can recognize that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S209 has been rejected by the indoor unit 2, so that, for example, the third sub-operation means The user may be prompted by voice, screen display, etc. to re-operate the means.

Further, after the operation prohibition period P2 ends, when another user operates the indoor unit 2 using the second sub-operation means (radio remote control) in step S213, the second sub-operation means Sends the signal to indoor unit 2. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the second sub-operation means, and accepts the operation based on the operation signal. Furthermore, the control unit 2B sets an operation prohibition period P3 of a predetermined length (for example, 10 seconds) starting from the time when the operation is received.

The control unit 2B that has received the operation in step S213 transmits an acceptance response to the second sub-operation means that is the source of the operation signal in step S215. Thereby, the second sub-operation means that transmitted the operation signal in step S213 recognizes that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S213 has been accepted by the indoor unit 2, and waits for the next operation by the user.

Here, during the operation prohibition period P3, when another user performs an operation on the indoor unit 2 using the third sub-operation means (communication terminal 7) in step S217, the third sub-operation means performs the operation. Sends the signal to indoor unit 2. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the third sub-operation means. However, the time when the control unit 2B receives the operation signal from the third sub-operation means in step S217 is included in the operation prohibition period P3. Furthermore, according to the priority table PT, the priority of the third sub-operation means (communication terminal 7) is lower than the priority of the second sub-operation means (radio remote control). Therefore, the control unit 2B does not accept (rejects) the operation from the third sub-operation means.

The control unit 2B that rejected the operation in step S217 transmits a rejection response to the third sub-operation means from which the operation signal was transmitted, in step S219. Thereby, the third sub-operation means that transmitted the operation signal in step S217 can recognize that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S217 has been rejected by the indoor unit 2, so that, for example, the third sub-operation means The user may be prompted by voice, screen display, etc. to re-operate the means.

Further, after the operation prohibition period P3 ends, when another user operates the indoor unit 2 using the third sub-operation means (communication terminal 7) in step S221, the third sub-operation means: Sends the operation signal to the indoor unit 2. The control section 2B of the indoor unit 2 receives the operation signal transmitted from the third sub-operation means. Since the operation prohibition period P3 has ended when the control unit 2B receives the operation signal from the third sub-operation means in step S221, the control unit 2B accepts the operation based on the operation signal received in step S221.

The control unit 2B that has received the operation in step S221 transmits an acceptance response to the third sub-operation means that is the source of the operation signal, in step S223. Thereby, the third sub-operation means that transmitted the operation signal in step S221 recognizes that the operation based on the operation signal transmitted in step S221 has been accepted by the indoor unit 2, and waits for the next operation by the user.

As described above, in processing example 2, the indoor unit 2 is operated by the first sub-operation means (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "third operation") and the second sub-operation means (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth operation"). If both the "operation" and "operation" are performed within a predetermined time period (within the operation prohibition period P2), the third operation is accepted with priority over the fourth operation. In addition, the indoor unit 2 is configured such that both the third operation and the operation by the third sub-operation means (hereinafter referred to as the "fifth operation") are performed within a predetermined time (within the operation prohibition period P2). If so, the third operation is accepted with priority over the fifth operation. Further, when both the fourth operation and the fifth operation are performed within a predetermined time period (within the operation prohibition period P3), the indoor unit 2 receives the fourth operation with priority over the fifth operation.

Further, in processing example 2, the indoor unit 2 does not accept the fourth operation and the fifth operation until a predetermined time (operation prohibition period P2) has elapsed after receiving the third operation.

Furthermore, in processing example 2, the indoor unit 2 does not accept the fifth operation until a predetermined time (operation prohibition period P3) has elapsed after accepting the fourth operation.

By doing this, the operation means (first operation means) that accepts user operations includes an operation means (first sub-operation means) that can be operated in the room where the indoor unit 2 is installed, and There are multiple operating means: an operating means that can be operated from a room other than the one in which it is installed (secondary auxiliary operating means), and an operating means that can be operated from outdoors (third auxiliary operating means). Even in such cases, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable when operating the air conditioner.

The first embodiment has been described above.

[Example 2]
In the first embodiment, the case where the adapter 3 transmits the operating information data of the indoor unit 2 to the server device 5 via the relay device 6 was explained as an example, but the adapter 3 transmits the operating information data via the relay device 6. Alternatively, the information may be directly transmitted to the server device 5.

Further, each illustrated component does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. The specific form of distribution and integration of each component is not limited to what is shown in the diagram, and all or part of each component can be functionally or physically divided into arbitrary units depending on various loads and usage conditions, etc. It is possible to configure the system in a distributed and integrated manner.

Further, all or a part of each process in the above description in the control unit 2B or the adapter 3 may be realized by causing a processor included in the control unit 2B or the adapter 3 to execute a program corresponding to each process. For example, a program corresponding to each process in the above description may be stored in a memory, and the program may be read from the memory and executed by a processor. Further, the program may be stored in a program server connected to the control unit 2B or the adapter 3 via an arbitrary network, and may be downloaded from the program server to the control unit 2B or the adapter 3 and executed.

The second embodiment has been described above.

1 Air conditioning system 2 Indoor unit 2B Control unit 3 Adapter 7 Communication terminal 9 Remote control

Claims (6)

An air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner having an indoor unit and a plurality of operating means capable of operating the indoor unit,
The plurality of operating means includes a first operating means that is operated by a user, and a second operating means that is operated by AI,
The indoor unit is configured such that both the first operation based on the first operation signal transmitted from the first operation means and the second operation according to the second operation signal transmitted from the second operation means are performed within a predetermined time. In this case, the first operation is accepted with priority over the second operation, and a rejection response to the second operation signal is transmitted to the second operation means, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the rejection response is received. receiving the second operation signal transmitted by the second operation means in response to;
air conditioning system. The first operation means includes at least two sub-operation means with different operable ranges,
When the indoor unit receives an operation from both of the two different sub-operation means, the indoor unit receives the operation by the sub-operation means having a narrower operable range with priority;
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 . The first operating means is a first sub-operating means that can be operated in a room where the indoor unit is installed by being provided on the main body of the indoor unit or by performing infrared communication with the indoor unit. a second sub-operation means that can be operated from a room other than the room in which the indoor unit is installed by performing radio wave communication with the indoor unit; and a third sub-operation means that can be operated from outdoors. including
The indoor unit is
If both the third operation by the first sub-operation means and the fourth operation by the second sub-operation means are performed within the predetermined time, the third operation is given priority over the fourth operation. Reception,
If both the third operation and the fifth operation by the third sub-operation means are performed within the predetermined time, the third operation is given priority over the fifth operation,
If both the fourth operation and the fifth operation are performed within the predetermined time, the fourth operation is given priority over the fifth operation;
The air conditioning system according to claim 2 . The indoor unit does not accept the fourth operation and the fifth operation until the predetermined time has elapsed after accepting the third operation.
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 . The indoor unit does not accept the fifth operation until the predetermined time has elapsed after accepting the fourth operation.
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 . If an operation is performed from both of the two different sub-operation means, the operation by the sub-operation means with a wider operable range is not accepted, and a notification to that effect is sent to the sub-operation means with a wider operable range. do,
An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 2 to 5 .

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