JP7821041B2 - air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an air conditioner.

Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner. The air conditioner has an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The indoor unit's storage unit stores a control program and update programs downloaded from a server to the indoor unit. The indoor unit's stop unit stops operation of the air conditioner and then fully opens the electronic expansion valve. The indoor unit's update unit updates the software of the indoor unit whose operation has been stopped by the stop unit. The update unit updates the indoor unit's software by replacing the control program with the update program and installing it. The indoor unit's start unit restarts the compressor after the update unit updates the software. If the compressor restart fails, the start unit repeats the compressor start process until the compressor restart is successful. This minimizes the time from stopping operation to restarting (paragraphs 0010, 0021, and 0025-0028).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-178810

The air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1 may stop operation at undesirable times due to software updates.

The present disclosure has been made in light of this problem. One aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide an air conditioner that can prevent operation from being stopped at undesirable times in order to update firmware.

An air conditioner according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an air conditioning mechanism that conditions air, a storage unit that stores firmware, a communication unit, and a control unit that executes the firmware to control the air conditioning mechanism, determines whether a hold condition is met when the communication unit receives an instruction notification indicating that an operation to update the firmware has been performed on a terminal, and holds off updating the firmware when it determines that the hold condition is met.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioner provided in an air conditioning system of a first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a server provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a terminal provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update performed by the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update performed by the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the processing performed by the air conditioner and the terminal when firmware update is suspended in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of firmware update performed by an air conditioner provided in an air conditioning system of a second embodiment. 10 is a graph showing the change over time in room temperature when firmware is updated while an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment is performing cooling. 10 is a graph showing the change over time in room temperature when firmware is updated while an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment is performing heating.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the drawings, identical or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

1 First Embodiment 1.1 Air Conditioning System FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment includes an air conditioner 11, a server 12, and a terminal 13.

The air conditioner 11, server 12, and terminal 13 are communicatively connected to a network 14 and communicate with each other via the network 14.

The air conditioner 11 conditions the air and supplies the conditioned air to the room 21. The air conditioner 11 performs cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, ventilation, air purification, etc. The air conditioner 11 executes firmware 31 and operates in accordance with the firmware 31.

The air conditioner 11 receives update data 41 for updating the firmware 31 to be executed from the server 12, and after completing reception of the update data 41, sends an update available notification 42 to the terminal 13. The update available notification 42 is a notification that notifies the terminal 13 that the firmware 31 can be updated. The air conditioner 11 may send the update available notification 42 to the terminal 13 via the server 12, or may send the update available notification 42 directly to the terminal 13.

The air conditioner 11 receives a forced update instruction notification 43 from the terminal 13, and in conjunction with receiving the forced update instruction notification 43, immediately updates the firmware 31 in accordance with the received update data 41. The forced update instruction notification 43 is a notification indicating that a forced update instruction operation has been performed on the terminal 13. The forced update instruction operation is an operation instructing the firmware 31 to be forcibly updated. The air conditioner 11 receives an update instruction notification 44 from the terminal 13, and in conjunction with receiving the update instruction notification 44, updates the firmware 31 in a timely manner in accordance with the received update data 41. The update instruction notification 44 is a notification indicating that an update instruction operation has been performed on the terminal 13. The update instruction operation is an operation instructing the firmware 31 to be updated. If the air conditioner 11 receives an update postponement instruction notification 45 from the terminal 13, it postpones updating the firmware 31. The update postponement instruction notification 45 is a notification indicating that an update postponement instruction operation has been performed on the terminal 13. The update suspension instruction operation is an operation to instruct to suspend updating the firmware 31. The air conditioner 11 may receive the forced update instruction notification 43, update instruction notification 44, and update suspension instruction notification 45 from the terminal 13 via the server 12, or may receive the forced update instruction notification 43, update instruction notification 44, and update suspension instruction notification 45 directly from the terminal 13.

In conjunction with starting to update the firmware 31, the air conditioner 11 transmits an update start notification 46 to the terminal 13. The update start notification 46 is a notification that notifies the terminal 13 that updating the firmware 31 has started. If the air conditioner 11 puts updating the firmware 31 on hold, it transmits an update hold notification 47 to the terminal 13. The update hold notification 47 is a notification that notifies the terminal 13 that updating the firmware 31 is on hold. The air conditioner 11 may transmit the update start notification 46 and the update hold notification 47 to the terminal 13 via the server 12, or may transmit the update start notification 46 and the update hold notification 47 directly to the terminal 13.

The server 12 transmits the update data 41 to the air conditioner 11.

The terminal 13 receives the update available notification 42 from the air conditioner 11, and in conjunction with receiving the update available notification 42, notifies the terminal 13 that the firmware 31 can be updated.

The terminal 13 accepts the forced update instruction operation and, in conjunction with accepting the forced update instruction operation, sends a forced update instruction notification 43 to the air conditioner 11. The terminal 13 accepts the update instruction operation and, in conjunction with accepting the update instruction operation, sends an update instruction notification 44 to the air conditioner 11. The terminal 13 accepts the update defer instruction operation and, in conjunction with accepting the update defer instruction operation, sends an update defer instruction notification 45 to the air conditioner 11.

The terminal 13 receives the update start notification 46 from the air conditioner 11 and, in conjunction with receiving the update start notification 46, notifies that updating of the firmware 31 has begun. The terminal 13 receives the update postponement notification 47 from the air conditioner 11 and, in conjunction with receiving the update postponement notification 47, notifies that updating of the firmware 31 is on hold.

Network 14 includes the Internet, and server 12 is a cloud server.

1.2 Air Conditioner FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 11 includes an air conditioning mechanism 51, a memory unit 52, a communication unit 53, a human detection sensor 54, a temperature sensor 55, a humidity sensor 56, and a control unit 57.

The air conditioning mechanism 51 conditions the air and supplies the conditioned air into the room 21.

As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning mechanism 51 includes a blower 61, a wind direction adjustment unit 62, and a refrigeration cycle 63.

The blower 61 blows air into the room 21. The blower 61 includes a fan, a fan motor that rotates the fan to generate the air that is blown to the fan, and the like.

The wind direction adjustment unit 62 adjusts the direction of the wind being blown. The wind direction adjustment unit 62 includes a louver, a louver motor that adjusts the position of the louver to adjust the direction of the wind being blown to the louver, and the like.

The refrigeration cycle 63 adjusts the temperature of the air being blown in by the blown wind. The refrigeration cycle 63 adjusts the temperature of the air being blown in by performing heat exchange between the air being blown in and the refrigerant.

As a result, the air conditioning mechanism 51 can cool and warm the air in the room 21.

The memory unit 52 stores the firmware 31 and, when the firmware 31 is updated, stores the update data 41 used to update the firmware 31. The memory unit 52 includes memory, storage, etc. The memory is random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc. The storage is flash storage, etc.

The communication unit 53 is connected to the network 14 and communicates with the server 12 and the terminal 13 via the network 14. The communication unit 53 includes a wireless adapter or the like that connects to the network 14 via wireless communication. The wireless communication may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

The human detection sensor 54 detects whether or not a person is present in the room 21. The human detection sensor 54 detects infrared rays emitted by a person using an infrared sensor, and detects whether or not a person is present in the room 21 based on the detected infrared rays. The human detection sensor 54 may also detect whether or not a person is present in the room 21 based on other principles. For example, the human detection sensor 54 may acquire an image of the inside of the room 21 using a camera, recognize the image of a person included in the acquired image, and detect whether or not a person is present in the room 21 based on the recognized image of the person.

The temperature sensor 55 detects the temperature inside the room 21.

The humidity sensor 56 detects the humidity within the room 21.

The control unit 57 executes firmware 31 to control the air conditioning mechanism 51. For example, the control unit 57 controls the air blower 61 to change the volume of air sent into the room 21. The control unit 57 also controls the air direction adjustment unit 62 to change the direction of the air. The control unit 57 also controls the refrigeration cycle 63 to change the temperature of the air blown by the air. The control unit 57 controls the air conditioning mechanism 51 to bring the detected temperature in the room closer to the set temperature. The control unit 57 is composed of a processor. The processor is a central processing unit (CPU) or the like. Part of the control unit 57 may be composed of a dedicated circuit.

The control unit 57 updates the firmware 31 in accordance with the update data 41. The control unit 57 updates the firmware 31, for example, by erasing the firmware 31 stored in the memory unit 52 and writing new firmware 31 to the memory unit 52. While the control unit 57 is updating the firmware 31, it cannot execute the firmware 31 to control the air conditioning mechanism 51. Therefore, the air conditioner 11 cannot be operated while the control unit 57 is updating the firmware 31.

The control unit 57 can determine whether the hold conditions are met. The hold conditions define the timing at which the operation of the air conditioner 11 is not stopped, i.e., the timing at which the update of the firmware 31 is put on hold. Examples of hold conditions are described below.

When a forced update instruction notification 43 is received by the communication unit 53, the control unit 57 updates the firmware 31 regardless of whether the hold conditions are met.

Furthermore, when the communication unit 53 receives the update instruction notification 44, the control unit 57 determines whether the hold conditions are met. If the control unit 57 determines that the hold conditions are met, it suspends updating the firmware 31 and causes the communication unit 53 to send an update hold notification 47 to the terminal 13. This makes it possible to prevent the operation of the air conditioner 11 from being stopped at an undesirable time for updating the firmware 31. On the other hand, if the control unit 57 determines that the hold conditions are not met, it causes the communication unit 53 to send an update start notification 46 to the terminal 13 and updates the firmware 31. As described above, the update hold notification 47 is a notification that notifies the terminal 13 that updating the firmware 31 is suspended, but it may also be a notification that notifies the terminal 13 of the timing to update the firmware 31. The timing to update the firmware 31 is the timing when the hold on updating the firmware 31 is released, which is the timing when the hold conditions are no longer met.

Furthermore, if an update suspension instruction notification 45 is received by the communication unit 53, the control unit 57 suspends updating the firmware 31.

1.3 Server FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a server provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

The server 12 is a computer or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the server 12 includes a processor 71, a memory 72, a storage 73, and a communication unit 74. The storage 73 stores a program 81 and can store update data 41.

The processor 71 is a CPU, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The memory 72 is a RAM, a ROM, etc. The storage 73 is a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), etc. The processor 71 executes a program 81 loaded into the memory 72, causing a computer, etc. to operate as a server 12 that constitutes the air conditioning system 1. Some of the processing performed by the processor 71 may be performed by a dedicated circuit.

The communication unit 74 communicates with the air conditioner 11 and the terminal 13.

1.4 Terminal FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a terminal provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

The terminal 13 may be a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, feature phone, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal 13 includes a processor 91, a memory 92, a storage 93, a communication unit 94, a notification unit 95, and an operation unit 96. The storage 93 stores a program 101.

The processor 91 is a CPU, GPU, etc. The memory 92 is a RAM, ROM, etc. The storage 93 is an SSD, HDD, etc. The processor 91 executes the program 101 loaded into the memory 92 to operate a smartphone, tablet terminal, personal computer, feature phone, etc. as the terminal 13 that constitutes the air conditioning system 1. Some of the processing performed by the processor 91 may be performed by a dedicated circuit.

The communication unit 53 communicates with the air conditioner 11 and the server 12.

The notification unit 95 issues notifications. The notification unit 95 may be a display, lamp, speaker, buzzer, vibrator, etc.

The operation unit 96 accepts operations. The operation unit 96 may be a touch panel, button, dial, slider, keyboard, mouse, trackpad, etc.

1.5 Firmware Update Flow FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the firmware update flow performed by the air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

The air conditioner 11 executes steps S101 to S114 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

In step S101, the control unit 57 determines whether the update data 41 is available. In this case, the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 53 to send a usage availability notification request to the server 12. The sent usage availability notification request is a notification requesting notification of whether the update data 41 is available. Furthermore, in response to reception of the usage availability notification request by the communication unit 74 of the server 12, the processor 71 of the server 12 determines whether the update data 41 is available and causes the communication unit 74 of the server 12 to send a usage availability notification to the air conditioner 11. The sent usage availability notification is a notification informing whether the update data 41 is available. If the update data 41 is stored in the storage 73 of the server 12, the processor 71 of the server 12 determines that the update data 41 is available, and if the update data 41 is not stored in the storage 73 of the server 12, the processor 71 determines that the update data 41 is unavailable. The control unit 57 also determines whether the update data 41 is available for use based on the availability notification received by the communication unit 53. If it is determined that the update data 41 is available for use, step S102 is executed. If it is determined that the update data 41 is not available, step S101 is executed again.

In step S102, the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 53 to download the update data 41 from the server 12 and stores the downloaded update data 41 in the memory unit 52.

In steps S101 and S102, the control unit 57 waits without downloading the update data 41 until the update data 41 becomes available, and then downloads the update data 41 after the update data 41 becomes available.

In the following step S103, the control unit 57 determines whether the current time falls within the update time period. If it is determined that the current time falls within the update time period, step S104 is executed. If it is determined that the current time does not fall within the update time period, step S103 is executed again. The update time period is a time period suitable for updating. Examples of update time periods are described below.

In step S104, the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 53 to send an update available notification 42 to the terminal 13.

In steps S103 and S104, the control unit 57 waits without causing the communication unit 53 to send the update available notification 42 until the current time falls within the update time period, and then causes the communication unit 53 to send the update available notification 42 after the current time falls within the update time period. This allows the control unit 57 to cause the communication unit 53 to send the update available notification 42 during the update time period.

In response to the update availability notification 42 being received by the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 causes the notification unit 95 of the terminal 13 to notify that the firmware 31 can be updated. The notification is made by displaying a message, icon, etc. on the display, emitting light from a lamp, emitting sound from a speaker or buzzer, vibrating a vibrator, etc.

Furthermore, when a forced update instruction operation is accepted by the operation unit 96 of the terminal 13 after the notification unit 95 of the terminal 13 has notified that the firmware 31 can be updated, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 causes the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13 to send a forced update instruction notification 43 to the air conditioner 11. When an update instruction operation is accepted by the operation unit 96 of the terminal 13 after the notification unit 95 of the terminal 13 has notified that the firmware 31 can be updated, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 causes the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13 to send an update instruction notification 44 to the air conditioner 11. When an update suspension instruction operation is accepted by the operation unit 96 of the terminal 13 after the notification unit 95 of the terminal 13 has notified that the firmware 31 can be updated, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 causes the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13 to send an update suspension instruction notification 45 to the air conditioner 11.

In the following step S105, the control unit 57 determines whether or not a forced update instruction notification 43 has been received by the communication unit 53. If it is determined that a forced update instruction notification 43 has been received, step S106 is executed. If it is determined that a forced update instruction notification 43 has not been received, step S108 is executed.

In step S106, the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 53 to send an update start notification 46 to the terminal 13.

In the following step S107, the control unit 57 temporarily suspends control of the air conditioning mechanism 51, temporarily suspends operation of the air conditioner 11, and updates the firmware 31 in accordance with the stored update data 41.

When the communication unit 53 receives the forced update instruction notification 43 through steps S105 to S107, the control unit 57 immediately causes the communication unit 53 to send an update start notification 46 and updates the firmware 31, regardless of whether the hold conditions are met. This allows the firmware 31 to be updated in accordance with the user's wishes, regardless of whether the hold conditions are met.

In step S108, the control unit 57 determines whether the update instruction notification 44 has been received by the communication unit 53. If it is determined that the update instruction notification 44 has been received, step S109 is executed. If it is determined that the update instruction notification 44 has not been received, step S113 is executed.

In step S109, the control unit 57 determines whether the hold condition is met. If it is determined that the hold condition is met, step S110 is executed. If it is determined that the hold condition is not met, step S106 is executed.

In step S110, the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 53 to send an update pending notification 47 to the terminal 13.

In response to the update pending notification 47 being received by the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 causes the notification unit 95 of the terminal 13 to notify that updating the firmware 31 is on hold. The notification is made by displaying a message, icon, etc. on the display, emitting light from a lamp, emitting sound from a speaker or buzzer, vibrating a vibrator, etc.

In the following step S111, the control unit 57 determines whether the hold condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the hold condition is satisfied, step S112 is executed. If it is determined that the hold condition is not satisfied, step S106 is executed.

In step S112, the control unit 57 determines whether or not a forced update instruction notification 43 has been received by the communication unit 53. If it is determined that a forced update instruction notification 43 has been received, step S106 is executed. If it is determined that a forced update instruction notification 43 has not been received, step S111 is executed.

In steps S108 to S112, if the control unit 57 determines that the update instruction notification 44 has been received by the communication unit 53 and that the hold conditions are met, the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 53 to send an update hold notification 47, and repeatedly determines whether the hold conditions are met until it determines that the hold conditions are no longer met or until the communication unit 53 receives a forced update instruction notification 43. During this time, the control unit 57 suspends updating the firmware 31. Furthermore, if the control unit 57 determines that the hold conditions are no longer met while updating the firmware 31 is suspended, or if the communication unit 53 receives a forced update instruction notification 43, the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 53 to send an update start notification 46 and updates the firmware 31.

In step S113, the control unit 57 determines whether the update hold instruction notification 45 has been received by the communication unit 53. If it is determined that the update hold instruction notification 45 has been received, step S114 is executed. If it is determined that the update hold instruction notification 45 has not been received, step S105 is executed.

In step S114, the control unit 57 determines whether the current time falls within the next update time period. If it is determined that the current time falls within the next update time period, step S104 is executed. If it is determined that the current time does not fall within the next update time period, step S114 is executed again.

In step S114, the control unit 57 waits without causing the communication unit 53 to send the update available notification 42 until the current time falls within the next update time period, and then causes the communication unit 53 to send the update available notification 42 after the current time falls within the next update time period. This allows the communication unit 53 to again send the update available notification 42 during the next update time period, even if the communication unit 53 receives an update postponement instruction notification 45 and the control unit 57 postpones updating the firmware 31, giving the terminal 13 an opportunity to send a forced update instruction notification 43, an update instruction notification 44, or an update postponement instruction notification 45.

In steps S105, S108, and S113, the control unit 57 waits until the communication unit 53 receives a forced update instruction notification 43, an update instruction notification 44, or an update deferral instruction notification 45, and performs processing according to the notification received after the forced update instruction notification 43, the update instruction notification 44, or the update deferral instruction notification 45 is received.

1.6 Examples of Suspension Conditions As described above, the suspension conditions define the timing at which the operation of the air conditioner 11 is not stopped, that is, the timing at which the update of the firmware 31 is suspended.

A first example of a hold condition is a condition in which the human detection sensor 54 detects that a person is present in the room 21. This prevents the firmware 31 from being updated and the operation of the air conditioner 11 from being stopped when a person is present in the room 21. This prevents the operation of the air conditioner 11 from being stopped when a person is present in the room 21, creating an uncomfortable situation in the room 21.

A second example of a hold condition is a condition in which the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 55 is higher than a standard, a condition in which the room humidity detected by the humidity sensor 56 is higher than a standard, a condition in which the room temperature is lower than a standard, a condition in which the room humidity is lower than a standard, etc. This prevents the operation of the air conditioner 11 from being stopped when the room 21 is in an uncomfortable state, and the room 21 from remaining in an uncomfortable state.

A third example of a hold condition is that the difference between the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 55 and the set temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature. This prevents the air conditioner 11 from stopping operation when the room 21 is in an uncomfortable state, causing the room 21 to remain in an uncomfortable state.

A fourth example of a hold condition is that the difference between the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor 55 and the outdoor temperature outside the room 21 is equal to or greater than a reference value. This prevents the room 21 from becoming uncomfortable if the air conditioner 11 is stopped and the room 21 becomes uncomfortable. The outdoor temperature may be detected by a temperature sensor installed outside the room 21, or may be obtained via the network 14.

A fifth example of a hold condition is that the compressor provided in the refrigeration cycle 63 is in operation. This can prevent the compressor from breaking down when the air conditioner 11 resumes operation.

A sixth example of a hold condition is a condition in which the communication unit 53 is downloading update data other than update data 41. This prevents the update of firmware 31 with update data 41 and the update of firmware 31 with update data other than update data 41 from occurring at different times, thereby preventing the air conditioner 11 from being stopped for an extended period of time.

1.7 Update Time Zone As described above, the control unit 57 causes the communication unit 53 to transmit the update available notification 42 and updates the firmware 31 after the current time falls within the update time zone.

A first example of an updated time period is a time period during which no one is present in the room 21 or a time period during which it is estimated that no one is present in the room 21. The former time period is, for example, a time period during which the human detection sensor 54 detects that no one is present in the room 21. The latter time period is estimated from, for example, past time periods during which the human detection sensor 54 detected that no one is present in the room 21, which are stored in the memory unit 52 or the server 12.

A second example of an update time period is a time period corresponding to the room 21. This time period varies depending on the room 21, and is, for example, a time period during which the air conditioner 11 is estimated not to be operating. For example, if the room 21 is a bedroom, the time period during which the air conditioner 11 is estimated not to be operating is a daytime time period. If the room 21 is a living room, the time period during which the air conditioner 11 is estimated not to be operating is a daytime time period on weekdays. When the update time period is a time period corresponding to the room 21, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 sets the type of the room 21, such as a bedroom or living room, in accordance with an operation received by the operation unit 96 of the terminal 13, and causes the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13 to transmit the set type of the room 21 to the air conditioner 11. The control unit 57 determines the update time period according to the type of the room 21 received by the communication unit 53, and stores the determined time period in the memory unit 52.

A third example of an updated time period is a time period during which the air conditioner 11 is estimated not to be operating. This time period is estimated, for example, from past time periods during which the air conditioner 11 was not operated, which are stored in the memory unit 52 or the server 12.

1.8 Update Pending Notification As described above, in response to the update pending notification 47 being received by the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 causes the notification unit 95 of the terminal 13 to notify that updating of the firmware 31 is on hold. This allows the user to recognize the reason why updating of the firmware 31 has not started despite the update instruction operation being performed on the terminal 13. This makes it possible to prevent the user from being confused.

The notification is made by displaying a message on the display informing the user that an update to firmware 31 is pending. Messages that are displayed include "Update pending," "Waiting for update," "Update is not currently possible," and "Update will begin at the discretion of the air conditioner."

The displayed message may convey the reason for suspending the firmware 31 update, i.e., the suspending conditions that have been met. For example, the displayed message may be, "Update is not possible at present because someone is in the room," "Update is not possible at present because the temperature inside the room is high," "Update is not possible at present because there is a large difference between the temperature inside the room and the set temperature," or "Update is not possible at present because there is a large difference between the temperature inside the room and the temperature outside the room."

The message displayed may provide recommendations to the user. For example, the message displayed may be something like, "Updates cannot be made at this time as someone is in the room. Please check back in 10 minutes."

The displayed message may indicate the timing when the firmware 31 will be updated. For example, the displayed message may be something like, "Currently, updating is not possible because someone is in the room. The update will be performed after the room is no longer occupied.", "Currently, updating is not possible because the room temperature is high. The update will be performed after the room temperature drops.", "Currently, updating is not possible because there is a large difference between the room temperature and the set temperature. The update will be performed after the difference becomes smaller.", or "Currently, updating is not possible because there is a large difference between the room temperature and the outside temperature. The update will be performed after the difference becomes smaller." This allows the user to recognize the timing when the firmware 31 update will begin. This can prevent the user from becoming confused.

The displayed message may ask whether to update the firmware 31 after the hold condition is no longer satisfied. For example, the displayed message may be, "Currently, updating is not possible because someone is in the room. Would you like to update after the room is no longer occupied?", "Currently, updating is not possible because the room temperature is high. Would you like to update after the room temperature drops?", "Currently, updating is not possible because the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is large. Would you like to update after the difference becomes smaller?", or "Currently, updating is not possible because the difference between the room temperature and the outdoor temperature is large. Would you like to update after the difference becomes smaller?". When an operation instructing to update the firmware 31 after the hold condition is no longer satisfied is received by the operation unit 96 of the terminal 13, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 causes the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13 to send a notification indicating that the operation has been performed to the air conditioner 11. When the notification is received by the communication unit 53, the control unit 57 updates the firmware 31 after the hold condition is no longer satisfied. On the other hand, if the operation is not accepted by the operation unit 96 of the terminal 13, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 displays a message on the display informing the user when the notification will be sent again. The displayed message may be, for example, "We will notify you again in 10 minutes."

The displayed message may ask whether to immediately update the firmware 31 even if the hold condition is satisfied. For example, the displayed message may be, "Someone is currently in the room. Do you want to update immediately?", "The room temperature is currently high. Do you want to update immediately?", "The difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is currently large. Do you want to update immediately?", "The difference between the room temperature and the outdoor temperature is currently large. Do you want to update immediately?", or "The air conditioner is currently operating. Do you want to stop operation and update immediately?". When a forced update instruction operation is accepted by the operation unit 96 of the terminal 13 even if the hold condition is satisfied, the processor 91 of the terminal 13 causes the communication unit 94 of the terminal 13 to send a forced update instruction notice 43 to the air conditioner 11. When the communication unit 53 receives the forced update instruction notice 43, the control unit 57 immediately updates the firmware 31. On the other hand, when the communication unit 53 does not receive the forced update instruction notice 43, the control unit 57 updates the firmware 31 after the hold condition is satisfied.

1.9 Processing performed by air conditioners and terminals when firmware updates are postponed FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing processing performed by air conditioners and terminals when firmware updates are postponed in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, if the current time falls within the update time period after downloading update data 41, the air conditioner 11 sends an update available notification 42 to the terminal 13.

If the terminal 13 receives an update instruction operation after receiving the update available notification 42, it sends an update instruction notification 44 to the air conditioner 11.

When the air conditioner 11 receives the update instruction notification 44, it repeatedly determines whether the hold conditions are met until it can determine that the hold conditions are not met. The terminal 13 displays a message such as "Update pending" while it repeatedly determines whether the hold conditions are met.

After the air conditioner 11 determines that the hold conditions are not met, it sends an update start notification 46 to the terminal 13 and updates the firmware 31. While the firmware 31 is being updated, the terminal 13 displays a message such as "Updating."

1.10 Modification If the control unit 57 determines in step S103 that the current time does not fall within the update time period, the control unit 57 may cause the communication unit 53 to transmit a notification to the terminal 13 suggesting that the firmware 31 be updated during the update time period. For example, if the update time period is a time period corresponding to the room 21 and the room 21 is a bedroom, the control unit 57 may cause the communication unit 53 to transmit a notification to display a message such as "The firmware will be updated at 12 noon. Is this OK?" on the terminal 13. Furthermore, if the update time period is a time period corresponding to the room 21 and the room 21 is a living room, the control unit 57 may cause the communication unit 53 to transmit a notification to display a message such as "The firmware will be updated at 12 noon on Wednesday. Is this OK?" on the terminal 13.

In step S103, the control unit 57 determines whether the current date falls within the update period. If the current date falls within the update period, step S104 is executed. If the current date does not fall within the update period, step S103 may be executed again. The update period is a period suitable for updating. An example of an update period is a period during which the air conditioner 11 is estimated not to be operated for an extended period of time. This period is estimated, for example, from past periods during which the air conditioner 11 was not operated, which are stored in the memory unit 52 or the server 12.

When the importance of updating the firmware 31 is low and delaying the update is acceptable, the control unit 57 may cause the communication unit 53 to send a notification to the terminal 13 suggesting that the firmware 31 be updated during the off-season when there are fewer opportunities to operate the air conditioner 11, and to notify the terminal 13 that a reservation for updating the firmware 31 during the off-season has been accepted. For example, the control unit 57 may cause the communication unit 53 to send a notification to the terminal 13 suggesting that the firmware 31 be updated during the season when the outdoor temperature gradually drops after summer ends and falls within a set temperature range, and to notify the terminal 13 that a reservation for updating the firmware 31 during that season has been accepted.

Instead of causing the control unit 57 to send the update start notification 46 to the communication unit 53 in step S106 before updating the firmware 31 in step S107, the control unit 57 may cause the communication unit 53 to send an update completion notification after updating the firmware 31 in step S107. The update completion notification is a notification that notifies the terminal 13 that the update of the firmware 31 has been completed.

The control unit 57 may change the method of notification that the firmware 31 can be updated depending on the importance of the firmware 31 update. For example, the notification method when the firmware 31 update is an update to improve security, the notification method when the firmware 31 update is an update to correct a defect, and the notification method when the firmware 31 update is an update to add a new function may be different from one another. If the firmware 31 update is highly important, a window containing a message may pop up on the display, whereas if the firmware 31 update is not highly important, the user may not be able to check whether an update is available unless they actively check for it.

If the control unit 57 determines that new update data with a higher importance level than the downloaded update data 41 has become available after the update data 41 has been downloaded by the communication unit 53, the control unit 57 may erase the downloaded update data 41 and cause the communication unit 53 to download the new update data.

The control unit 57 may change the method of notification that firmware 31 can be updated depending on the firmware to be updated. For example, if firmware 31 includes firmware for the indoor unit, firmware for the outdoor unit, and firmware for the wireless adapter, the notification method when the indoor unit firmware is updated, the notification method when the outdoor unit firmware is updated, and the notification method when the wireless adapter firmware is updated may be different from one another. The content of the message included in the window that pops up on the display when the indoor unit firmware is updated, the content of the message included in the window that pops up on the display when the outdoor unit firmware is updated, and the content of the message included in the window that pops up on the display when the wireless adapter firmware is updated may also be different from one another. A window containing a message may pop up on the display when the indoor unit firmware or the outdoor unit firmware is updated, but no window containing a message may pop up on the display when the wireless adapter firmware is updated. This allows for notifications appropriate to circumstances in which operation of the air conditioner 11 must be stopped when the indoor unit firmware or the outdoor unit firmware is updated, but operation of the air conditioner does not need to be stopped when the wireless adapter firmware is updated.

If an existing update that must be performed prior to an update to add a new function has not been completed, the control unit 57 may cause the communication unit 53 to send a notification to the terminal 13 prompting the terminal 13 to perform the existing update.

If program 101 is a native application, an interface for updates to add new functions may be implemented in program 101, and when the update is performed, an update that changes the user interface of the web application may be performed. This reduces the load on the provider of the native application.

2 Second Embodiment The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the second embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the firmware update process performed by an air conditioner included in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the air conditioner 11 executes steps S201 and S202 shown in FIG. 8.

In step S201 following step S106, the control unit 57 changes the set temperature from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2.

In the following step S107, the control unit 57 temporarily suspends control of the air conditioning mechanism 51, temporarily suspends operation of the air conditioner 11, and updates the firmware 31 in accordance with the update data 41.

In the following step S202, the control unit 57 returns the set temperature from the second temperature T2 to the first temperature T1.

When the air conditioning mechanism 51 cools the air by performing cooling, the second temperature T2 is a temperature lower than the first temperature T1. In this case, the control unit 57 updates the firmware 31 after lowering the set temperature from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, and then returns the set temperature from the second temperature T2 to the first temperature T1 after updating the firmware 31. This pre-cools the room 21 before the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily stopped. This prevents the temperature in the room from rising above the original set temperature, the first temperature T1, while the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily stopped. This prevents the room 21 from becoming uncomfortable when the firmware 31 is updated.

Figure 9 is a graph showing the change in room temperature over time when firmware is updated while an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment is performing cooling.

As shown in FIG. 9, during a first period P1 before the set temperature is changed from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, the control unit 57 controls the air conditioning mechanism 51 so that the temperature in the room approaches the first temperature T1. As a result, the temperature in the room is maintained near the first temperature T1. During the first period P1, the air conditioner 11 is operating.

During a second period P2 after the set temperature is changed from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2 and before the operation of the air conditioner 11 is stopped, the control unit 57 controls the air conditioning mechanism 51 so that the temperature in the room approaches the second temperature T2, which is lower than the first temperature T1. As a result, the temperature in the room drops from around the first temperature T1. During the second period P2, the air conditioner 11 is operating. The operation of the air conditioner 11 is stopped when the temperature in the room reaches a third temperature T3, which is a predetermined temperature lower than the first temperature T1.

During a third period P3 after the operation of the air conditioner 11 is stopped and before the operation of the air conditioner 11 is restarted, the operation of the air conditioning mechanism 51 is stopped. As a result, the temperature in the room rises from the third temperature T3. The length of the third period P3 is, for example, 3 minutes.

During the fourth period P4 after operation of the air conditioner 11 is resumed, the control unit 57 controls the air conditioning mechanism 51 so that the temperature in the room approaches the first temperature T1. As a result, the temperature in the room is maintained near the first temperature T1. During the fourth period P4, the air conditioner 11 is operating.

The second temperature T2 is set so that the room temperature during the third period P3 is maintained at or below the first temperature T1. To this end, the memory unit 52 stores the operating status of the air conditioner 11 and the amount of rise in room temperature during a period having the same length as the third period P3, in association with each other. The operating status includes the outdoor temperature, the operating mode before the air conditioner 11 was stopped, the room temperature, the number of people present in the room 21, etc. The control unit 57 sets the second temperature T2 to a temperature that is lower than the first temperature T1 by the amount of rise in room temperature associated with the current operating status of the air conditioner 11. For example, if the amount of rise in room temperature associated with the current operating status of the air conditioner 11 is 1°C, the control unit 57 sets the second temperature T2 to a temperature that is 1°C lower than the first temperature T1.

When the air conditioning mechanism 51 performs heating to warm the air, the second temperature T2 is higher than the first temperature T1. In this case, the control unit 57 updates the firmware 31 after raising the set temperature from the first temperature T1 to the second temperature T2, and then returns the set temperature from the second temperature T2 to the first temperature T1 after updating the firmware 31. This preheats the room 21 before the operation of the air conditioner 11 is temporarily stopped. This prevents the temperature in the room from falling below the original set temperature, the first temperature T1, while the operation of the air conditioner 11 is stopped. This prevents the room 21 from becoming uncomfortable when the firmware 31 is updated.

Figure 10 is a graph showing the change in room temperature over time when firmware is updated while an air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment is performing heating.

To explain only the differences from when the air conditioner 11 performs cooling, as shown in FIG. 10, during the second period P2, the control unit 57 controls the air conditioning mechanism 51 so that the room temperature approaches a second temperature T2 that is higher than the first temperature T1. As a result, the room temperature rises from around the first temperature T1. The air conditioner 11 stops operating when the room temperature reaches a third temperature T3 that is a predetermined temperature higher than the first temperature T1.

During a third period P3 after the operation of the air conditioner 11 is stopped and before the operation of the air conditioner 11 is restarted, the temperature in the room drops from the third temperature T3.

The second temperature T2 is set so that the room temperature is maintained at or above the first temperature T1 during the third period P3. To this end, the memory unit 52 stores the operating status of the air conditioner 11 and the amount of decrease in room temperature over a period having the same length as the third period P3, in association with each other. The control unit 57 sets the second temperature T2 to a temperature that is higher than the first temperature T1 by the amount of decrease in room temperature associated with the current operating status of the air conditioner 11. For example, if the amount of decrease in room temperature associated with the current operating status of the air conditioner 11 is 1°C, the control unit 57 sets the second temperature T2 to a temperature that is 1°C higher than the first temperature T1.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that provides the same effects, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose.

1 Air conditioning system, 11 Air conditioner, 12 Server, 13 Terminal, 14 Network, 21 Room, 31 Firmware, 41 Update data, 42 Update available notification, 43 Forced update instruction notification, 44 Update instruction notification, 45 Update hold instruction notification, 46 Update start notification, 47 Update hold notification, 51 Air conditioning mechanism, 52 Memory unit, 53 Communication unit, 54 Human detection sensor, 55 Temperature sensor, 56 Humidity sensor, 57 Control unit, 61 Air blower unit, 62 Air direction adjustment unit, 63 Refrigeration cycle, 71 Processor, 72 Memory, 73 Storage, 74 Communication unit, 81 Program, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, 93 Storage, 94 Communication unit, 95 Notification unit, 96 Operation unit, 101 Program.

Claims (10)

an air conditioning mechanism that conditions air;
a storage unit that stores firmware;
The Communications Department and
a control unit that executes the firmware to control the air conditioning mechanism, determines whether a hold condition is satisfied when the communication unit receives an instruction notification indicating that a user has performed an operation on a terminal to instruct updating the firmware, and suspends updating the firmware when it determines that the hold condition is satisfied;
Equipped with
When the control unit determines that the hold condition is satisfied, the control unit causes the communication unit to transmit a hold notification that notifies the terminal that updating of the firmware is on hold and whether or not to instruct the terminal to update the firmware, and when the communication unit receives the instruction notification again after causing the communication unit to transmit the hold notification, the control unit updates the firmware regardless of whether or not the hold condition is satisfied.
Air conditioner. The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the suspension notice further includes a reason why the firmware update is suspended . The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit updates the firmware when it determines that the suspension condition is no longer satisfied while updating the firmware is suspended. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit, when determining that the hold condition is satisfied, causes the communication unit to transmit a notification informing the terminal of the timing to update the firmware. The air conditioning mechanism cools the air,
The air conditioner of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the air conditioning mechanism to bring the room temperature in the room to which the air is supplied closer to the set temperature, and when the communication unit receives the instruction notification, the set temperature is lowered from a first temperature to a second temperature and then the firmware is updated. The air conditioning mechanism heats the air,
The air conditioner of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit controls the air conditioning mechanism to bring the room temperature in the room to which the air is supplied closer to the set temperature, and when the communication unit receives the instruction notification, the set temperature is raised from a first temperature to a second temperature and then the firmware is updated. The air conditioner according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit returns the set temperature to the first temperature after updating the firmware. The air conditioner of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit causes the communication unit to send a notification informing the terminal that the firmware can be updated during a time period when no one is present in the room to which the air is supplied or during a time period when it is estimated that no one is present in the room. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit causes the communication unit to send a notification informing the terminal that the firmware can be updated during a time period corresponding to the room to which the air is supplied. receiving a notification indicating that a user has performed an operation instructing that firmware executed to control an air conditioning mechanism that conditions air be updated;
determining whether a hold condition is met;
If the suspension condition is satisfied when the instruction notification is received, suspending the firmware update and notifying the user of a suspension notification including the fact that the firmware update is suspended and whether or not to instruct the firmware update;
a step of notifying the user of the hold notification and then receiving the instruction notification again;
updating the firmware when the instruction notification is received again, regardless of whether the hold condition is satisfied;
A method for updating firmware for an air conditioner, comprising: