JP6697764B2 - Air conditioner control method, terminal device, and operation control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner control method, a terminal device, and an operation control system.

  Conventionally, the performance of an air conditioner deteriorates due to various factors such as frequency of use, condition of use, and years of use. For example, as the air conditioner changes over time, the cooling capacity or heating capacity may decrease due to minute leakage of refrigerant from the piping, or the air volume may become insufficient due to deterioration of parts such as the fan motor. Power consumption may increase.

  For example, in the monitoring system in Patent Document 1, it is determined whether the cause of failure of the air conditioner is aged deterioration, depending on whether the rate of change of the refrigerating capacity of the air conditioner with respect to time exceeds an abnormal value. is doing.

International Publication No. 2014/064792

  However, with the conventional monitoring system in Patent Document 1, it is possible to determine whether or not the cause of failure of the air conditioner is aged deterioration, but to what extent the performance of the air conditioner is deteriorated during aged deterioration. Cannot be confirmed.

  The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an air conditioner control method capable of presenting a user with a range of selectable operation modes according to the performance of the air conditioner after deterioration, It is an object to provide a terminal device and an operation control system.

  An image display method according to an aspect of the present disclosure receives a selection of an operation mode of an air conditioner that a user can select stepwise, and controls an operation of the air conditioner according to the received operation mode. An image display method in an operation control system for determining a control parameter and controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the determined control parameter, wherein the air conditioner fluctuates within a changeable range of the control parameter. A range of performance after deterioration of, the calculated range of performance is converted into a selection range after deterioration of the operation mode, the operation mode selection image showing the converted selection range after deterioration of the converted operation mode Is displayed.

  According to the present disclosure, the range of performance after deterioration of the air conditioner is converted into the selection range after deterioration of the operation mode, and the operation mode selection image indicating the converted selection range of the operation mode after deterioration is displayed. The range of operation modes selectable according to the deteriorated performance of the air conditioner can be presented to the user, and the air conditioner can be operated within the selected range of the deteriorated operation mode.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the driving control system in Embodiment 1 of this indication. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control parameter change support device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the air conditioner in Embodiment 1 of this indication. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a flow chart for explaining the data collection processing which collects data from an air conditioner. It is a figure which shows an example of the operating state, control parameter, and performance memorize|stored in a memory|storage part. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control parameter changing process according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a figure which shows an example of a menu image. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the performance range calculation process in step S105 of FIG. 7. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a performance range at the time of purchase and a performance range after deterioration in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a control parameter according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st combination of the control parameter and performance before a change, and the 2nd combination of the control parameter and performance after a change. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed at the beginning of purchase in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed after deterioration in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the driving mode change notification image. 9 is a first flowchart for explaining a control parameter changing process in the first modified example of the first embodiment. 9 is a second flowchart for explaining a control parameter changing process in the first modified example of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a deterioration notification image. 9 is a first flowchart for explaining a control parameter changing process in the second modified example of the first embodiment. 9 is a second flowchart for explaining a control parameter changing process in the second modified example of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a time progress notification image. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed at the beginning of purchase in the third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed after deterioration in the third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed at the beginning of purchase in the fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed after deterioration in the fourth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed at the beginning of purchase in the fifth modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed after deterioration in the fifth modified example of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control parameter change support apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this indication. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a control parameter changing process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. 30 is a flowchart for explaining the performance range calculation process in step S405 of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the test drive confirmation image displayed on a terminal device. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a control parameter changing process in the first modified example of the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a control parameter changing process in a second modified example of the second embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the knowledge on which the present disclosure is based will be described.

  As described above, in the conventional monitoring system, it is possible to determine whether or not the cause of failure of the air conditioner is deterioration over time. Cannot be confirmed.

  In order to solve the above problems, a control method for an air conditioner according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for controlling an air conditioner, and whether or not to change an operation mode of the air conditioner. A first image including a selectable first interface is displayed on the user's terminal device, and the operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode that is a conflict with the first mode, and the user operates the When the first information indicating that the mode is changed is selected and is received from the terminal device, the second image is displayed on the terminal device, and the second image is (i) the time of purchase of the air conditioner. A first range indicating a range of strength with respect to the first mode, and (ii) a second range included in the first range and representing a range of strength of the air conditioner with respect to the current first mode. , (Iii) a third range indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and (iv) the current second of the air conditioner included in the third range. And a fourth range indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the mode, and the relationship between the size of the first range and the size of the second range is that Corresponding to the deterioration of performance, the relationship between the size of the third range and the size of the fourth range corresponds to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time. The two images include a second interface capable of selecting one point on the second range or the fourth range, and the current operation mode and the current operation mode corresponding to the one point selected by the user by the second interface. The second information indicating the strength of the current operation mode is received from the terminal device, and the command for controlling the air conditioner with the current operation mode and the strength of the current operation mode is used as the air conditioner. Send to the machine.

  According to this configuration, the first image including the first interface capable of selecting whether to change the operation mode of the air conditioner is displayed on the user's terminal device. The operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode that is the opposite of the first mode. When the first information indicating that the user has selected to change the operation mode has been received from the terminal device, the second image is displayed on the terminal device. The second image is (i) a first range indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and (ii) a current first mode of the air conditioner included in the first range. To (ii) a third range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and (iv) an air conditioner included in the third range. And a fourth range indicating a range of strength with respect to the current second mode of the aircraft. The relationship between the size of the first range and the size of the second range corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time. The relationship between the size of the third range and the size of the fourth range corresponds to deterioration in the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present. The second image includes a second interface capable of selecting any one point on the second range and the fourth range. Second information corresponding to one point selected by the user through the second interface and indicating the current driving mode and the strength of the current driving mode is received from the terminal device. A command that causes the air conditioner to be controlled according to the current operation mode and the strength of the current operation mode is transmitted to the air conditioner.

  Therefore, a first range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the first mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and a second range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the current first mode of the air conditioner included in the first range. A range, a third range showing a range of strength and weakness with respect to the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and a range showing a range of strength and weakness with respect to the current second mode of the air conditioner included in the third range. 4 ranges are displayed, so that it is possible to present the user with a range of operation modes that can be selected according to the performance of the air conditioner after deterioration, and to select the operation mode after deterioration. The air conditioner can be operated within the range.

  In the above control method, the first mode may indicate a high power mode, and the second mode may indicate a power saving mode.

  If the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioner is enhanced, the power consumption of the air conditioner will increase, and if the power consumption of the air conditioner is suppressed, the cooling or heating capacity of the air conditioner will decrease. The cooling capacity or heating capacity of the air conditioner and the power consumption of the air conditioner have a correlation. Therefore, it is possible to select stepwise between the two operation modes having a correlation between the high power mode and the power saving mode.

  Further, in the above control method, further, third information indicating that the power of the air conditioner is turned on is received from the air conditioner, and the third information is received from the time when the operation mode was changed last time. It is determined whether or not the elapsed time up to the time of receiving the information exceeds a predetermined period, and when the elapsed time is determined to exceed the predetermined period, the first image is displayed on the terminal device. May be.

  According to this configuration, the third information indicating that the power of the air conditioner has been turned on is received from the air conditioner. It is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the time when the operation mode was last changed to the time when the third information was received exceeds a predetermined period. When it is determined that the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period, the first image is displayed on the terminal device.

  Therefore, the operation mode is changed according to the elapsed time from the time when the operation mode was last changed to the time when the third information indicating that the power of the air conditioner has been turned on is received from the air conditioner. It is possible to judge whether or not to do it.

  Further, in the above-mentioned control method, the second image may further indicate a strength level with respect to the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode and the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode. Good.

  According to this configuration, the second image further shows the strength level with respect to the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode and the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode. The operation mode can be changed while confirming the strength and weakness with respect to the operation mode before being changed to the operation mode and the operation mode before being changed to the current operation mode.

  Further, in the above control method, the second image has a rod shape, and the first reference point between one end and the other end of the second image to the one end corresponds to the first range, and From one reference point to the other end corresponds to the third range, from the first reference point to a second reference point within the first range corresponds to the second range, and from the first reference point to the above A third reference point within the third range may correspond to the fourth range, and the second interface may be slidable by the user between the second reference point and the third reference point. ..

  According to this configuration, the second image is rod-shaped. The first reference point between the one end and the other end of the second image to the one end corresponds to the first range, the first reference point to the other end corresponds to the third range, and the first reference point to the first end. The range up to the second reference point corresponds to the second range, and the range from the first reference point to the third reference point within the third range corresponds to the fourth range. The second interface is slidable by the user between the second reference point and the third reference point.

  Therefore, the user's selection of a desired position in the rod-shaped second image is accepted, and the driving mode and the degree of strength with respect to the driving mode corresponding to the received position are determined. You can select the mode.

  Further, in the above control method, the second image has an arc shape, and the first reference point between one end and the other end of the second image corresponds to the first range, and the second range corresponds to the first range. From the first reference point to the other end corresponds to the third range, from the first reference point to a second reference point within the first range corresponds to the second range, and from the first reference point A third reference point in the third range corresponds to the fourth range, and the second interface may be slidable by the user between the second reference point and the third reference point. Good.

  According to this configuration, the second image has an arc shape. The first reference point between the one end and the other end of the second image to the one end corresponds to the first range, the first reference point to the other end corresponds to the third range, and the first reference point to the first end. The range up to the second reference point corresponds to the second range, and the range from the first reference point to the third reference point within the third range corresponds to the fourth range. The second interface is slidable by the user between the second reference point and the third reference point.

  Therefore, the user's selection of a desired position in the arc-shaped second image is accepted, and the driving mode and the strength of the driving mode corresponding to the accepted position are determined. The operating mode can be selected.

  Further, in the above control method, the second image includes a plurality of numbers symmetrically arranged with 0 as a center, and among the plurality of numbers, the numbers from the 0 to the left end increase by 1 in order. , The numbers from 0 to the right end are sequentially increased by 1, and the numbers from 0 to the left end correspond to the first range, from the first number arranged from the left end to the 0 side to the 0. The numbers correspond to the second range, the numbers from the 0 to the right end correspond to the third range, and the numbers from the second number to the 0 arranged from the right end to the 0 side are the fourth range. Corresponding to a range, the second interface may allow the user to select a number between the first number and the second number.

  According to this configuration, the second image includes a plurality of numbers that are arranged symmetrically about 0. Among the plurality of numbers, the numbers from 0 to the left end sequentially increase by 1, and the numbers from 0 to the right end increase by 1 in order. The numbers from 0 to the left end correspond to the first range, the numbers 1 to 0 arranged on the 0 side from the left end correspond to the second range, and the numbers from 0 to the right end correspond to the third range. The numbers from the second number to 0 arranged on the 0 side from the right end correspond to the fourth range. The second interface allows the user to select a number between the first number and the second number.

  Therefore, the user's selection of a desired number in the second image including a plurality of numbers symmetrically arranged centering on 0 is accepted, and the driving mode corresponding to the accepted number and the strength of the driving mode with respect to the driving mode. Is determined, the user can intuitively select the driving mode.

  In addition, in the above control method, further, in order to operate the air conditioner with each point in the second range and a parameter set for operating the air conditioner, and the corresponding point in the fourth range. Acquiring fourth information indicating a correspondence relationship with the parameter set, and selecting a parameter set for operating the air conditioner based on the second information and the fourth information, and the command, It may include a command for operating the air conditioner with the selected parameter set.

  According to this configuration, the correspondence relationship between each point in the second range and the parameter set for operating the air conditioner and the correspondence relationship between each point in the fourth range and the parameter set for operating the air conditioner are shown. The 4th information shown is acquired. A parameter set for operating the air conditioner is selected based on the second information and the fourth information. The command includes a command for operating the air conditioner with the selected parameter set.

  Therefore, the parameter set for operating the air conditioner, which corresponds to one point in the second range selected by the user, can be determined, and the air conditioner can be operated according to the parameter set.

In the above control method, the air conditioner includes a compressor and a fan motor,
The parameter set may include a target rotation speed of the compressor and a target rotation speed of the fan motor.

  According to this configuration, the air conditioner includes the compressor and the fan motor. Since the parameter set includes the target rotation speed of the compressor and the target rotation speed of the fan motor, the target rotation speed of the compressor and the target rotation speed of the fan motor corresponding to one point in the second range selected by the user. The number can be determined, and the air conditioner can be operated according to the target rotation speed of the compressor and the target rotation speed of the fan motor.

  A terminal device according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal device that receives selection of an operation mode of an air conditioner, the processor including a processor, a monitor, and a communication unit, and the processor is configured to operate the air conditioner. A first image including a first interface that can be selected whether to change the mode is displayed on the monitor, and the operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode that is opposite to the first mode. If the user selects to change the operation mode, a second image is displayed on the monitor, and the second image is (i) a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner. And (ii) a second range that is included in the first range and indicates a range of the strength of the air conditioner with respect to the current first mode, and (iii) the air conditioner. A third range indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the second mode at the time of purchase, and (iv) a range indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the current second mode of the air conditioner included in the third range. 4 range, and the relationship between the size of the first range and the size of the second range corresponds to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time. The relationship between the size of the three ranges and the size of the fourth range corresponds to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present, and the second image is on the second range. And a second interface capable of selecting any one point on the fourth range, wherein the communication unit corresponds to one point selected by the user through the second interface, the current operation mode and the current operation. Information indicating the strength of the mode is transmitted.

  According to this configuration, the first image including the first interface capable of selecting whether to change the operation mode of the air conditioner is displayed on the monitor. The operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode that is the opposite of the first mode. If the user selects to change the driving mode, the second image is displayed on the monitor. The second image is (i) a first range indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and (ii) a current first mode of the air conditioner included in the first range. To (ii) a third range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and (iv) an air conditioner included in the third range. And a fourth range indicating a range of strength with respect to the current second mode of the aircraft. The relationship between the size of the first range and the size of the second range corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time. The relationship between the size of the third range and the size of the fourth range corresponds to deterioration in the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present. The second image includes a second interface capable of selecting any one point on the second range and the fourth range. Information indicating the current driving mode and the strength of the current driving mode, which corresponds to one point selected by the user through the second interface, is transmitted.

  Therefore, a first range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the first mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and a second range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the current first mode of the air conditioner included in the first range. A range, a third range showing a range of strength and weakness with respect to the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and a range showing a range of strength and weakness with respect to the current second mode of the air conditioner included in the third range. 4 ranges are displayed, so that it is possible to present the user with a range of operation modes that can be selected according to the performance of the air conditioner after deterioration, and to select the operation mode after deterioration. The air conditioner can be operated within the range.

  An operation control system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an air conditioner, a terminal device that receives a selection of an operation mode of the air conditioner, and the air conditioner according to the operation mode received by the terminal device. A control parameter for controlling the operation of controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the determined control parameter, the operation control system, wherein the operation control device is a processor And a communication unit, and the processor causes the user's terminal device to display a first image including a first interface capable of selecting whether or not to change the operation mode of the air conditioner, and the operation mode. Includes a first mode and a second mode contradictory to the first mode, and if the user receives first information indicating that the user has selected to change the operation mode from the terminal device, the second image Is displayed on the terminal device, and the second image is included in (i) a first range indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and (ii) included in the first range. A second range indicating a range of strength of the air conditioner with respect to the current first mode, and (iii) a third range indicating a range of strength of the air conditioner with respect to the second mode at the time of purchase. A range and (iv) a fourth range included in the third range, the fourth range indicating a range of strength of the air conditioner with respect to the current second mode, and the size of the first range and the first range. The relationship between the size of the two ranges corresponds to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time, and the relationship between the size of the third range and the size of the fourth range is Corresponding to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present, the second image can select either one of the second range and the fourth range. An interface is included, and the communication unit receives, from the terminal device, second information corresponding to one point selected by the user through the second interface, the second information indicating the current operation mode and the strength of the current operation mode. However, the current operation mode and a command for controlling the air conditioner depending on the strength of the current operation mode are transmitted to the air conditioner, and the terminal device includes a processor, a monitor, and a communication unit. And the processor displays the first image on the monitor and, if the user selects to change the operation mode, displays the second image on the monitor. The communication unit transmits the second information to the operation control device, the air conditioner includes a processor and a communication unit, and the communication unit transmits the second information to the operation control device. Upon receiving a command, the processor operates the air conditioner in response to the command.

  According to this configuration, in the operation control device, the first image including the first interface capable of selecting whether to change the operation mode of the air conditioner is displayed on the user's terminal device. The operation mode includes a first mode and a second mode that is the opposite of the first mode. When the user receives the first information indicating that the user has selected to change the operation mode from the terminal device, the second image is displayed on the terminal device. The second image is (i) a first range indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and (ii) a current first mode of the air conditioner included in the first range. To (ii) a third range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and (iv) an air conditioner included in the third range. And a fourth range indicating a range of strength with respect to the current second mode of the aircraft. The relationship between the size of the first range and the size of the second range corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time. The relationship between the size of the third range and the size of the fourth range corresponds to deterioration in the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present. The second image includes a second interface capable of selecting any one point on the second range and the fourth range. Second information corresponding to one point selected by the user through the second interface and indicating the current driving mode and the strength of the current driving mode is received from the terminal device. A command that causes the air conditioner to be controlled according to the current operation mode and the strength of the current operation mode is transmitted to the air conditioner. In the terminal device, the first image is displayed on the monitor. If the user selects to change the driving mode, the second image is displayed on the monitor. The second information is transmitted to the operation control device. In the air conditioner, the command transmitted by the operation control device is received. The air conditioner is operated according to the command.

  Therefore, a first range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the first mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and a second range indicating a range of strength and weakness for the current first mode of the air conditioner included in the first range. A range, a third range showing a range of strength and weakness with respect to the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, and a range showing a range of strength and weakness with respect to the current second mode of the air conditioner included in the third range. 4 ranges are displayed, so that it is possible to present the user with a range of operation modes that can be selected according to the performance of the air conditioner after deterioration, and to select the operation mode after deterioration. The air conditioner can be operated within the range.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an operation control system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation control system shown in FIG. 1 includes a control parameter change support device 1, an air conditioner 2, a remote controller 3, an adapter 4, and a terminal device 5.

  The air conditioner 2 is communicably connected to the remote controller 3 by infrared communication, for example. The adapter 4 is connected to the air conditioner 2 by wire, for example, and has a function of connecting the network 6 and the air conditioner 2. The adapter 4 may be mounted inside the air conditioner 2 or may be wirelessly connected to the air conditioner 2. Further, the adapter 4 has a protocol conversion function and a packet transmission/reception function like a gateway, and has a function of connecting different transmission line media like a modem. The adapter 4 may be composed of one device, or may be composed of a plurality of devices having the above-mentioned functions, which are connected by wire or wirelessly.

  The air conditioner 2 is connected to the network 6 via the adapter 4. The network 6 is, for example, the Internet, which is a general public line. The remote controller 3 may be connected to the network 6 via the air conditioner 2 and the adapter 4. The air conditioner 2 has, for example, at least one of a cooling function, a heating function, a dehumidifying function, a humidifying function, and an air cleaning function.

  The terminal device 5 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a personal computer, is connected to the network 6, and confirms the operation status of the air conditioner 2 and controls the operation of the air conditioner 2. The terminal device 5 receives the selection of the operation mode of the air conditioner 2 that the user can select stepwise.

  In the present embodiment, the operation modes include a first operation mode in which priority is given to enhancing the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the air conditioner 2 and a second operation mode in which priority is given to suppressing power consumption of the air conditioner 2. And operating modes. The first operation mode shows a high power mode, and the second operation mode shows a power saving mode. When the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 is minimized, the cooling capacity or the heating capacity of the air conditioner 2 becomes the smallest. On the other hand, when the cooling capacity or the heating capacity of the air conditioner 2 is strengthened most, the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 becomes the largest.

  The control parameter change support device 1 is composed of, for example, a Web server. The control parameter change support device 1 is communicably connected to the air conditioner 2 via the network 6 and the adapter 4, and monitors and collects sensor information or operating conditions of the air conditioner 2. Further, the control parameter change support device 1 is communicatively connected to the terminal device 5 via the network 6. Further, the control parameter change support device 1 is communicatively connected to the remote controller 3 via the network 6, the adapter 4, and the air conditioner 2. Since the network 6 is, for example, a general public line, other air conditioners or other connection devices not shown in FIG. 1 are also connected. Therefore, the control parameter change support device 1 can communicate with a plurality of air conditioners and also can communicate with a plurality of terminal devices.

  The control parameter change support device 1 determines a control parameter for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 2 according to the operation mode accepted by the terminal device 5, and operates the air conditioner 2 according to the determined control parameter. To control.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the control parameter change support device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

  The control parameter change support device 1 shown in FIG. 2 includes a communication unit 11, a data collection unit 12, a performance calculation unit 13, a storage unit 14, a performance range calculation unit 15, an operation mode range determination unit 16, and a control parameter determination unit 17. ..

  The communication unit 11 has a function for the control parameter change support device 1 to connect to the network 6.

  The data collection unit 12 acquires, from the air conditioner 2, the operating state of the air conditioner 2 when the air conditioner 2 is operated with predetermined control parameters and the predetermined control parameters. At this time, the operating state is information indicating whether the air conditioner 2 is in cooling operation, heating operation, or stopped, information indicating the set temperature of the air conditioner 2, and sensors acquired by various sensors of the air conditioner 2. Contains data. The information acquired by the sensor is, for example, the indoor temperature, the rotation speed of the compressor, the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor, the pipe temperature, and the power consumption. The operating state and the control parameter may be periodically acquired, or may be acquired each time the operating state changes.

  The performance calculation unit 13 calculates the performance of the air conditioner 2 based on the operating state acquired by the data collection unit 12. The performance is represented by a combination of the cooling capacity or the heating capacity of the air conditioner 2 and the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. When the information acquired from the air conditioner 2 includes power consumption, the performance calculation unit 13 uses the power consumption acquired by the data collection unit 12. When the information acquired from the air conditioner 2 does not include power consumption, the performance calculation unit 13 uses a predetermined arithmetic expression or conversion from sensor data such as the rotation speed of the compressor and the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor. Power consumption is calculated using a table. Further, the performance calculation unit 13 calculates the cooling capacity or the heating capacity from the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor and the pipe temperature using a predetermined arithmetic expression or a conversion table.

  The storage unit 14 stores the operation state and the control parameter acquired by the data collection unit 12 and the performance calculated by the performance calculation unit 13. At this time, the storage unit 14 stores the time when the operating condition, the control parameter and the performance are collected and the information for identifying the air conditioner 2 such as the product number and the manufacturing number together with the operating condition, the control parameter and the performance.

  The performance range calculation unit 15 calculates a range of performance after deterioration of the air conditioner 2 that varies within a changeable range of control parameters.

  The operation mode range determination unit 16 converts the performance range calculated by the performance range calculation unit 15 into a selected range after deterioration of the operation mode. The communication unit 11 transmits, to the terminal device 5, the operation mode selection image indicating the selection range after deterioration of the operation mode converted by the operation mode range determination unit 16. Note that the communication unit 11 may not transmit the operation mode selection image to the terminal device 5, but may transmit the selection range after deterioration of the operation mode to the terminal device 5. In this case, the terminal device 5 generates and displays an operation mode selection image from the received selection range after deterioration of the operation mode.

  The communication unit 11 receives the operation mode transmitted by the terminal device 5. The control parameter determination unit 17 determines the control parameter according to the operation mode received by the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 transmits to the air conditioner 2 a control signal for controlling the air conditioner 2 according to the control parameter determined by the control parameter determination unit 17.

  3: is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the air conditioner in Embodiment 1 of this indication. The air conditioner 2 shown in FIG. 3 includes an indoor unit 21 and an outdoor unit 22. During the cooling operation, the indoor unit 21 absorbs heat in the room and sends out cold air, and the outdoor unit 22 releases the heat absorbed by the indoor unit 21. During the heating operation, the outdoor unit 22 absorbs outdoor heat and sends it to the indoor unit 21, and the indoor unit 21 releases the heat absorbed by the outdoor unit 22 and sends out hot air.

  The indoor unit 21 includes an operation instruction receiving unit 211, an operation control unit 212, a memory 213, a first communication unit 214, a temperature sensor 215, an indoor fan motor 216, and a second communication unit 217.

  The operation instruction receiving unit 211 receives the operation instruction transmitted by the remote controller 3. The first communication unit 214 communicates with the control parameter change support device 1 and the terminal device 5 via the adapter 4 and the network 6. The temperature sensor 215 detects the temperature inside the room and the temperature inside the refrigerant pipe. The operation control unit 212 controls the operation of the air conditioner 2 according to the control signal received from the control parameter change support device 1. The memory 213 stores various information such as sensor data acquired by various sensors and a control signal received from the control parameter change support device 1.

  The indoor fan motor 216 takes in indoor air and rotates a fan for discharging the air cooled by a heat exchanger (not shown) into the room. The indoor fan motor 216 includes a rotation speed measurement unit 2161 that measures the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 216 per unit time. The second communication unit 217 communicates with the outdoor unit 22. The second communication unit 217 receives the sensor data transmitted by the outdoor unit 22.

  The control signal includes control parameters. The operation control unit 212 calculates the rotation speed of the indoor fan motor 216 corresponding to the set temperature input by the remote controller 3 and the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor 215 from the control parameter.

  The indoor unit 21 may include a power consumption measuring unit that measures the power consumption of the air conditioner 2.

  The outdoor unit 22 includes a third communication unit 221, a temperature sensor 222, a compressor 223, and an outdoor fan motor 224.

  The third communication unit 221 communicates with the indoor unit 21. The third communication unit 221 transmits the sensor data to the indoor unit 21. The temperature sensor 222 detects the outside air temperature. The compressor 223 sucks the gas flowing in the refrigerant pipe, compresses the sucked gas, and discharges the compressed gas. The compressor 223 includes a rotation speed measurement unit 2231 that measures the rotation speed of the compressor 223 per unit time.

  The outdoor fan motor 224 takes in outside air and rotates a fan for cooling the gas discharged from the compressor 223 by a heat exchanger (not shown). The outdoor fan motor 224 includes a rotation speed measurement unit 2241 that measures the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 224 per unit time.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal device 5 shown in FIG. 4 includes a communication unit 51, a control unit 52, a memory 53, a display unit 54, and an input unit 55.

  The communication unit 51 communicates with the control parameter change support device 1 via the network 6. The communication unit 51 receives the operation mode selection image transmitted by the control parameter change support device 1. The control unit 52 controls the terminal device 5. The memory 53 stores various information. The display unit 54 displays the operation mode selection image received by the communication unit 51. The input unit 55 receives the selection by the user of the driving mode in the driving mode selection image displayed by the display unit 54. The communication unit 51 transmits the operation mode accepted by the input unit 55 to the control parameter change support device 1.

  Next, a data collection process in which the control parameter change support device 1 collects data from the air conditioner 2 will be described.

  FIG. 5: is a flowchart for demonstrating the data collection process which collects data from an air conditioner.

  First, in step S1, the data collection unit 12 acquires the operating state of the air conditioner 2 and the control parameters from the air conditioner 2. As described above, the operating state is acquired by the information indicating whether the air conditioner 2 is in the cooling operation, the heating operation, or stopped, the information indicating the set temperature of the air conditioner 2, and various sensors of the air conditioner 2. Including sensor data.

  Next, in step S2, the performance calculation unit 13 calculates the performance of the air conditioner 2 based on the operation state acquired by the data collection unit 12. As described above, the performance is represented by the combination of the cooling capacity or the heating capacity of the air conditioner 2 and the power consumption of the air conditioner 2.

  Next, in step S3, the performance calculation unit 13 stores the operation state and the control parameter acquired by the data collection unit 12 and the performance calculated by the performance calculation unit 13 in the storage unit 14.

  Here, the operating state, control parameters, and performance stored in the storage unit 14 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of operation states, control parameters, and performances stored in the storage unit. The air conditioner 2 transmits the product number and manufacturing number of the air conditioner 2 that is the transmission source together with the operating state and the control parameters. In the storage unit 14, the time when the data is acquired, the product number and the manufacturing number of the air conditioner 2, the operating state (operating state and sensor data), the control parameter, and the performance are stored in association with each other.

  The control parameter number is a number for identifying the control parameter used by the air conditioner 2, and for example, there are 40 types of control parameters from 1 to 40 according to the performance of the air conditioner 2. To do. Further, each control parameter includes a plurality of parameter tables corresponding to the items of the control parameter. For example, the compressor target rotation speed and the indoor fan motor target rotation speed are determined according to the set temperature and the room temperature.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the performance is represented by a combination of the cooling capacity or the heating capacity of the air conditioner 2 and the power consumption of the air conditioner 2, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this. It may be represented by a combination of two values that are correlated with each other. For example, the performance may be represented by a combination of the dehumidifying capacity, the humidifying capacity or the air cleaning capacity of the air conditioner 2 and the power consumption of the air conditioner 2.

  Next, the control parameter changing process for changing the control parameter in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the control parameter changing process in the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

  First, in step S101, the control unit 52 of the terminal device 5 displays the menu image on the display unit 54. The menu image is displayed, for example, by starting an application installed in the terminal device 5.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the menu image. As shown in FIG. 8, the menu image 160 has various buttons for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 2. The menu image 160 has an operation mode change button 161 for changing the operation mode. The control unit 52 causes the menu image 160 (first image) including the operation mode change button 161 (first interface) capable of selecting whether or not to change the operation mode of the air conditioner 2 to be displayed.

  Next, in step S102, the control unit 52 determines whether or not the operation mode change button 161 has been pressed. Here, when it is determined that the operation mode change button 161 is not pressed (NO in step S102), the control unit 52 waits until the operation mode change button 161 is pressed. In addition, when a button other than the operation mode change button 161 is pressed, the control unit 52 controls the operation of the air conditioner 2 according to the pressed button.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation mode change button 161 has been pressed (YES in step S102), in step S103, the communication unit 51 issues the operation mode change request for requesting the operation mode change to the control parameter change support device. Send to 1.

  Next, in step S104, the communication unit 11 of the control parameter change support device 1 receives the operation mode change request transmitted by the terminal device 5.

  Next, in step S105, the performance range calculation unit 15 of the control parameter change support device 1 calculates a range of post-deterioration performance of the air conditioner 2 that varies within the control parameter changeable range. I do. The performance range calculation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the performance range calculation process in step S105 of FIG.

  First, in step S31, the performance range calculation unit 15 calculates the average of the performances in a predetermined period as the current performance. That is, the performance range calculation unit 15 calculates the average of the performances calculated in the past several hours from the current time, and calculates the calculated average of the performances as the current performance.

  Next, in step S32, the performance range calculation unit 15 identifies another air conditioner having the same product number and associated with the same combination as the first combination of the current performance and the current control parameter. Then, a second combination of another control parameter and another performance calculated when another air conditioner is operated with another control parameter different from the current control parameter is acquired from the storage unit 14. That is, the storage unit 14 stores the first control parameter among the control parameters and the first combination of the first performance obtained when operating with the first control parameter, and the first control parameter. A second combination of a different second control parameter and a second performance obtained when operating with the second control parameter is stored in association with the product number and production number of the air conditioner. Therefore, the performance range calculation unit 15 calculates the range of performance of the air conditioner 2 by using a combination of control parameters and performance of another air conditioner connected via the network 6.

  Next, in step S33, the performance range calculation unit 15 calculates the performance range based on the calculated two combinations.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a range of performance at the time of purchase and a range of performance after deterioration in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 describes control parameters in the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram for illustrating an example of a first combination of control parameters and performance before change and a second combination of control parameters and performance after change.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the performance of the air conditioner 2 is represented by a combination of the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2 and the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. The performance range is the first operation mode in the coordinate system in which the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 is one coordinate axis (horizontal axis) and the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2 is the other coordinate axis (vertical axis). It is represented by a straight line connecting the coordinate points representing the power consumption and the cooling capacity acquired when the vehicle is driven in the, and the coordinate points representing the power consumption and the cooling capacity acquired when the vehicle is driven in the second operation mode. It 10 shows the relationship between the cooling capacity and the power consumption, the same applies to the relationship between the heating capacity and the power consumption.

  In FIG. 10, the range of performance of the air conditioner 2 at the initial purchase (initial stage) is shown by a broken line, and the range of performance of the air conditioner 2 after deterioration is shown by a solid line.

  The point P1 indicates the performance obtained when the air conditioner 2 is operated using the control parameter corresponding to the first operation mode that prioritizes strengthening the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2 at the initial purchase. There is. A point P2 indicates the performance obtained when the air conditioner 2 is operated using the control parameter corresponding to the second operation mode in which the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 is prioritized at the time of purchase. ..

  The maximum cooling capacity specified for the air conditioner 2 is 2.2 kW, and the maximum power consumption specified for the air conditioner 2 is 2000 W. The cooling capacity at the point P1 is 2.2 kW, and the cooling capacity at the origin is 0 kW. The power consumption at the point P2 is 200 W, and the power consumption at the origin is 2000 W. Note that the maximum cooling capacity and the maximum power consumption of the air conditioner 2 according to Embodiment 1 are examples. The maximum cooling capacity and the maximum power consumption of the air conditioner 2 may be specified for each product number of the air conditioner 2.

  In addition, the point P3 indicates the performance obtained when the air conditioner 2 is operated using the control parameter corresponding to the first operation mode that prioritizes strengthening the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2 after deterioration. Shows. A point P2 indicates the performance obtained when the air conditioner 2 is operated using the control parameter corresponding to the second operation mode that prioritizes suppressing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 after deterioration. ..

  The operation mode can be selected stepwise between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. For example, when the first operation mode is selected, the control parameter determination unit 17 determines the control parameter as the first control parameter CP1 shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to the first operation mode. In addition, for example, when the second operation mode is selected, the control parameter determination unit 17 determines the control parameter as the 40th control parameter CP40 shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to the second operation mode. As shown in FIG. 11, the control parameters include, for example, a first control parameter CP1 to a 40th control parameter CP40. Further, each control parameter has a plurality of tables corresponding to control items, and the value of the control item is determined based on the set temperature and the current room temperature. For example, when the set temperature is 18 degrees and the current room temperature is 30 degrees in the first control parameter CP1, the compressor target rotation speed is determined to be 50.

  The performance when operating with the first control parameter CP1 is represented by point C1 in FIG. 11, and the performance when operating with the 40th control parameter CP40 is represented by point C2 in FIG. Then, the performance when operating with the twentieth control parameter CP20 intermediate between the first control parameter CP1 and the 40th control parameter CP40 is represented by point C3 in FIG. 11.

  Note that in the present embodiment, 40 control parameters of the first control parameter CP1 to the 40th control parameter CP40 are used, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and more than 40 control parameters are used. Alternatively, less than 40 control parameters may be used.

  Here, the performance range calculation process will be described.

  First, the performance range calculation unit 15 calculates the average of the performances calculated in the past several hours from the current time, and calculates the calculated average of the performances as the current performance. For example, a point P5 shown in FIG. 10 indicates the current performance calculated by the performance range calculation unit 15.

  Next, the performance range calculation unit 15 identifies another air conditioner that has the same product number and is associated with the same combination as the first combination of the current performance and the current control parameter. A second combination of another performance and another control parameter calculated when another air conditioner is operated with another control parameter different from the control parameter is acquired from the storage unit 14. For example, a point P6 shown in FIG. 10 indicates that another air conditioner associated with the same combination as the first combination of the current performance and the current control parameter is different from the current control parameter. Fig. 6 shows another performance calculated when the vehicle is driven at.

  The product numbers of other air conditioners do not have to be the same as the product numbers of the air conditioners to be controlled. The performance range calculation unit 15 identifies another air conditioner associated with the same combination as the first combination of the current performance and the current control parameter, and uses another control parameter different from the current control parameter. A second combination of another performance and another control parameter calculated when another air conditioner is operated may be acquired from the storage unit 14.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the storage unit 14 stores the first combination of the number for identifying the first control parameter and the first performance obtained when the vehicle is operated with the first control parameter, and the first combination. The number for identifying the second control parameter different from the control parameter and the second combination of the second performance obtained when operating with the second control parameter are used as the product number and manufacturing number of the air conditioner. It is associated and stored.

  For example, the control parameter change time is 12:05 on June 5, 2015, the product number is "AC-001", and the manufacturing number is "3456". Is “4”, the cooling capacity is “2.0”, the power consumption is “190”, the control parameter identification number is “9”, and the cooling capacity is “1. 7”, which is associated with the second combination whose power consumption is “130”.

  Next, the performance range calculation unit 15 calculates the performance range based on a straight line connecting a point P5 corresponding to the current performance and a point P6 corresponding to another performance. The performance range calculator 15 calculates a straight line that passes through the point P5 corresponding to the current performance and the point P6 corresponding to another performance, and calculates the range of performance by calculating the points at both ends of the straight line. .. The point P3, which is one end of the straight line, and the point P4, which is the other end of the straight line, can be calculated from the control parameter identification number of the point P5 and the control parameter identification number of the point P6. That is, the control parameter at the time of purchase is the same as the control parameter after deterioration, the control parameter at the point P1 is the same as the control parameter at the point P3, and the control parameter at the point P2 is the same as the control parameter at the point P4. Is. The number of control parameters is predetermined, and the control parameters are associated with equal intervals within the selected range after the deterioration of the operation mode. Therefore, if the control parameter identification number at the point P5, the control parameter identification number at the point P6, and the interval between the points P5 and P6 are known, the position of the point P3 and the position of the point P4 can be calculated. it can.

  When the calculated performance range after deterioration exceeds the upper limit value or the lower limit value, the performance range after deterioration may be corrected so that the performance becomes the upper limit value or less or the lower limit value or more. For example, in FIG. 10, when the lower limit value of the cooling capacity is 0.2 kW, the cooling capacity at the point P4 is 0.16 kW, which exceeds the lower limit value. In this case, the performance range calculation unit 15 corrects the range of performance after deterioration so that the cooling capacity becomes equal to or higher than the lower limit value of 0.2 kW.

  As described above, the range of performance of the air conditioner 2 is calculated.

  Returning to FIG. 7, next, in step S106, the operation mode range determination unit 16 converts the range of performance calculated by the performance range calculation unit 15 into a selected range after deterioration of the operation mode. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the cooling capacity when operating in the first operation mode after deterioration has dropped to 90% of the cooling capacity when operating in the first operation mode at the beginning of purchase. Therefore, the length on the first operation mode side of the selection range after deterioration of the operation mode is shortened by 90%. Further, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the power consumption when operating in the second operation mode after deterioration is reduced to 80% of the power consumption when operating in the second operation mode at the beginning of purchase. Therefore, the length on the second operation mode side of the selection range after deterioration of the operation mode is shortened by 80%.

  Next, in step S107, the operation mode range determination unit 16 reads the initial performance range stored in the storage unit 14, and converts the read initial performance range into the initial selection range of the operation mode. The storage unit 14 stores, for example, an initial (initial purchase) performance range represented by a straight line connecting the points P1 and P2 in FIG. The initial performance range may be stored in the storage unit 14 in advance at the time of manufacturing, or may be calculated when the air conditioner 2 is first operated. The initial performance range may be acquired from another air conditioner via the network 6 or may be acquired from another server via the network 6.

  Next, in step S108, the operation mode range determination unit 16 generates an operation mode selection image indicating the post-deterioration selection range of the converted operation mode. The operation mode selection image includes an initial selection range of the converted operation mode and a post-deterioration selection range of the converted operation mode.

  Next, in step S109, the communication unit 11 transmits, to the terminal device 5, an operation mode selection image indicating the post-deterioration selection range of the operation mode determined by the operation mode range determination unit 16.

  Next, in step S110, the communication unit 51 of the terminal device 5 receives the operation mode selection image transmitted by the control parameter change support device 1.

  Next, in step S111, the display unit 54 displays the operation mode selection image received by the communication unit 51.

  Next, in step S112, the input unit 55 receives the selection of the driving mode in the driving mode selection image displayed by the display unit 54 by the user. The input unit 55 receives a selection made by the user for a desired position in the operation mode selection image.

  Here, the operation mode selection image will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation mode selection image displayed at the beginning of purchase in the first embodiment, and FIG. 14 is a view showing the operation mode selection image displayed after deterioration in the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a driving mode selection image 111 is displayed on the screen 100 of the display unit 54. The operation mode selection image 111 has a bar shape whose one end is at a position where the first operation mode is selected and whose other end is at a position where the second operation mode is selected. The left end of the operation mode selection image 111 corresponds to the first operation mode in which priority is given to enhancing the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2, and the right end of the operation mode selection image 111 suppresses the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. It corresponds to the second operation mode that prioritizes that. The user selects a desired driving mode by moving the adjustment knob image 112 displayed on the driving mode selection image 111 in the horizontal direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the operation mode selection image 113 includes (i) a first selection range 1141 indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first operation mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2, and (ii) A second selection range 1151 which is included in the first selection range 1141 and indicates a range of strength and weakness with respect to the current first operation mode of the air conditioner 2, and (iii) the second operation at the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2. A third selection range 1142 indicating a range of strength to mode, and (iv) a fourth selection included in the third selection range 1142 indicating a range of strength to the current second operation mode of the air conditioner 2. A range 1152 is shown.

  The operation mode selection image 113 displayed after the deterioration of the air conditioner 2 includes the first selection range 1141 and the third selection range 1142 converted from the initial performance range, and the first selection range 1141 converted from the deteriorated performance range. It includes a second selection range 1151 and a fourth selection range 1152. The second selection range 1151 and the fourth selection range 1152 are shorter than the first selection range 1141 and the third selection range 1142 because the range of the performance after deterioration is reflected. The second selection range 1151 and the fourth selection range 1152 are displayed so as to be superimposed on the first selection range 1141 and the third selection range 1142, and are displayed so as to be distinguishable from the first selection range 1141 and the third selection range 1142. It For example, the second selection range 1151 and the fourth selection range 1152, and the first selection range 1141 and the third selection range 1142 may be displayed in different colors.

  The relationship between the size of the first selection range 1141 and the size of the second selection range 1151 corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2 from the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 to the present time. The relationship between the size of the third selection range 1142 and the size of the fourth selection range 1152 corresponds to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2 from the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 to the present time. The driving mode selection image 113 includes an adjustment knob image 112 (second interface) capable of selecting any one point on the second selection range 1151 and the fourth selection range 1152.

  The driving mode selection image 113 is rod-shaped. The first reference point 1161 between the one end 1162 and the other end 1163 of the operation mode selection image 113 to the one end 1162 correspond to the first selection range 1141, and the first reference point 1161 to the other end 1163 corresponds to the third selection range. 1142, the first reference point 1161 to the second reference point 1164 in the first selection range 1141 correspond to the second selection range 1151, and the first reference point 1161 to the third reference point in the third selection range 1142. Up to the point 1165 corresponds to the fourth selection range 1152.

  The adjustment knob image 112 (second interface) can be slid by the user between the second reference point 1164 and the third reference point 1165.

  In addition, the driving mode selection image 113 may include a mark 117 indicating the strength of the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode and the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode.

  Further, in the first embodiment, the shape of the operation mode selection image 113 is not limited to the bar shape. For example, the shape of the driving mode selection image 113 may be semicircular or circular. One end on the circumference of the semicircle corresponds to the first operation mode that prioritizes the cooling capacity, and the other end on the circumference of the semicircle corresponds to the second operation mode that prioritizes power consumption. In this case, the user may select the operation mode by moving the position of the arrow extending in the radial direction from the center of the semicircle or the circle along the circumference.

  Returning to FIG. 7, next, in step S113, the input unit 55 determines whether or not the driving mode has been input by the user. Here, when it is determined that the operation mode is not input (NO in step S113), the input unit 55 waits until the operation mode is input by the user. When the operation mode is not input and the cancel button is selected, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation mode is input (YES in step S113), the communication unit 51 transmits information indicating the input operation mode to the control parameter change support device 1 in step S114. Note that the information indicating the driving mode may be, for example, a user selected position in the driving mode selection range image.

  Next, in step S115, the communication unit 11 of the control parameter change support device 1 receives the information indicating the operation mode transmitted by the terminal device 5. The communication unit 11 provides, from the terminal device 5, information (second information) indicating the current driving mode and the strength of the current driving mode, which corresponds to one point selected by the user with the adjustment knob image 112 (second interface). To receive.

  Next, in step S116, the control parameter determination unit 17 determines the control parameter based on the information indicating the operation mode received by the communication unit 11. For example, the control parameter determination unit 17 determines the control parameter corresponding to the user selected position in the operation mode selection range image. The control parameter determination unit 17 determines the control parameter according to the position of the operation mode selection image that is selected by the user. The control parameter determination unit 17 includes a correspondence relationship between each point in the second selection range and a parameter set for operating the air conditioner 2, and a parameter set for operating each point in the fourth selection range and the air conditioner 2. The information (4th information) which shows the corresponding relationship with is acquired. The control parameter determination unit 17 selects a parameter set for operating the air conditioner 2 based on the second information and the fourth information. Note that, for example, the parameter set includes the target rotation speed of the compressor included in the air conditioner 2 and the target rotation speed of the fan motor included in the air conditioner 2.

  Next, in step S117, the communication unit 11 transmits the control parameter determined by the control parameter determination unit 17 to the air conditioner 2. The communication unit 11 transmits to the air conditioner 2 a current operation mode and a command (control parameter) for controlling the air conditioner 2 depending on the strength of the current operation mode. The first communication unit 214 of the air conditioner 2 receives the control parameter transmitted by the control parameter change support device 1. The operation control unit 212 controls the operation of the air conditioner 2 using the control parameter received by the first communication unit 214.

  Next, in step S118, the communication unit 11 transmits an operation mode change notification for notifying the operation mode change to the terminal device 5.

  Next, in step S119, the communication unit 51 of the terminal device 5 receives the operation mode change notification transmitted by the control parameter change support device 1.

  Next, in step S120, the control unit 52 displays on the display unit 54 a driving mode change notification image for notifying the user of the driving mode change.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a driving mode change notification image. As shown in FIG. 15, the display unit 54 displays a driving mode change notification image 190. This allows the user to recognize that the operation mode change has been completed.

  Returning to FIG. 7, in step S121, the performance calculation unit 13 calculates the average of performances in a predetermined period after the operation mode is changed as the performance of the air conditioner 2 after the operation mode is changed. That is, the performance calculation unit 13 calculates the average of the performances calculated in the predetermined period from the change of the operation mode to the current time, and the calculated average of the performances is set as the performance after the operation mode is changed. calculate. The data collecting unit 12 determines whether the control parameter of the air conditioner 2 is changed from the first control parameter to the second control parameter, or when the air conditioner 2 is operated with the second control parameter. And the second control parameter. The performance calculation unit 13 calculates the second performance of the air conditioner 2 based on the acquired operating state.

  Next, in step S122, the performance calculation unit 13 determines the first combination of the first control parameter and the first performance before changing the operation mode, and the second control parameter after changing the operation mode. The second combination of the second performance and the second performance is stored in the storage unit 14 in association with the air conditioner 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the storage unit 14 associates the time when the operation mode is changed, the information for identifying the air conditioner 2, the first combination, and the second combination. To remember.

  As described above, the operation mode selection image showing the operation modes selectable by the user becomes shorter according to the performance of the air conditioner 2 after deterioration, so that the user visually recognizes the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2. Can be confirmed.

(First modification)
In the first embodiment, the process of changing the control parameter is performed by using the pressing of the operation mode change button 161 displayed in the menu image 160 as a trigger, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. The process of changing the control parameter may be performed by using the fact that the performance of the air conditioner has deteriorated below a predetermined value as a trigger.

  16 is a first flowchart for explaining the control parameter changing process in the first modified example of the first embodiment, and FIG. 17 is a control parameter in the first modified example of the first embodiment. It is the 2nd flow chart for explaining change processing.

  First, in step S201, the performance calculation unit 13 of the control parameter change support device 1 determines whether the performance of the air conditioner 2 stored in the storage unit 14 has deteriorated below a predetermined value. At this time, the performance calculation unit 13 determines whether the cooling capacity or the heating capacity of the air conditioner 2 has deteriorated below a predetermined value, and whether the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 has deteriorated below a predetermined value. To judge. When it is determined that at least one of the cooling capacity or the heating capacity and the power consumption has deteriorated below the predetermined value, the performance calculation unit 13 determines that the performance has deteriorated below the predetermined value. If it is determined that the performance has not deteriorated below the predetermined value (NO in step S201), the control parameter changing process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the performance has deteriorated below the predetermined value (YES in step S201), the communication unit 11 deteriorates in step S202 to notify that the performance of the air conditioner 2 has deteriorated. The notification is transmitted to the terminal device 5.

  Next, in step S203, the communication unit 51 of the terminal device 5 receives the deterioration notification transmitted by the control parameter change support device 1.

  Next, in step S204, the control unit 52 notifies the display unit 54 of a deterioration notification image for notifying that the performance of the air conditioner 2 is deteriorated and accepting whether or not to change the operation mode.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the deterioration notification image. As shown in FIG. 18, the deterioration notification image 170 displays a sentence for notifying that the performance of the air conditioner 2 is deteriorated. Further, the deterioration notification image 170 has a driving mode change button 171 for changing the driving mode and a cancel button 172 for canceling the change of the driving mode. The control unit 52 displays the deterioration notification image 170 (first image) including the operation mode change button 171 (first interface) capable of selecting whether or not to change the operation mode of the air conditioner 2.

  Next, in step S205, the control unit 52 determines whether or not the operation mode change button 171 has been pressed. If it is determined that the operation mode change button 171 has not been pressed, that is, if the cancel button 172 has been pressed (NO in step S205), the control parameter change process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation mode change button 171 is pressed (YES in step S205), the communication unit 51 issues an operation mode change request for requesting the change of the operation mode to the control parameter change support device in step S206. Send to 1.

  Next, in step S207, the communication unit 11 of the control parameter change support device 1 receives the operation mode change request transmitted by the terminal device 5.

  Note that the processing of steps S208 to S225 is the same as the processing of steps S105 to S122 shown in FIG.

(Second modified example)
In the first embodiment, the process of changing the control parameter is performed by using the operation mode change button 161 displayed in the menu image 160 as a trigger, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. The process of changing the control parameter may be performed by using the lapse of a predetermined time since the last change of the operation mode as a trigger.

  FIG. 19 is a first flowchart for explaining the control parameter changing process in the second modified example of the first embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a control parameter in the second modified example of the first embodiment. It is the 2nd flow chart for explaining change processing.

  First, in step S301, the performance calculation unit 13 of the control parameter change support device 1 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the last change of the operation mode. At this time, the storage unit 14 stores the date and time when the operation mode was changed. The communication unit 11 also receives, from the air conditioner 2, information (third information) indicating that the power of the air conditioner 2 has been turned on. The performance calculation unit 13 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the time when the operation mode was last changed to the time when the third information was received exceeds a predetermined period. The performance calculation unit 13 determines whether or not, for example, one year has passed since the last change in the operation mode.

  When the driving mode has not been changed, that is, when the driving mode is changed for the first time, the menu image 160 may be displayed as shown in FIG. 7 to accept the change of the driving mode, As shown in FIG. 16, it may be possible to judge whether the performance is deteriorated and accept the change of the operation mode. In addition, when changing the operation mode for the first time, it may be determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation of the air conditioner was started.

  Here, when it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the last change of the operation mode (NO in step S301), the control parameter change process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the last change of the operation mode (YES in step S301), the communication unit 11 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the last change of the operation mode in step S302. A time lapse notification for notifying is transmitted to the terminal device 5.

  Next, in step S303, the communication unit 51 of the terminal device 5 receives the time lapse notification transmitted by the control parameter change support device 1.

  Next, in step S304, the control unit 52 notifies the display unit 54 of a time lapse notification image for notifying that a predetermined time has elapsed since the last change of the driving mode and accepting whether or not to change the driving mode. indicate. In this way, when the control parameter change support device 1 determines that the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period, the control parameter change support device 1 causes the terminal device 5 to display the elapsed time notification image (first image).

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a time lapse notification image. As shown in FIG. 21, the time passage notification image 180 displays a sentence for notifying that a predetermined time has passed since the last change of the operation mode. Further, the elapsed time notification image 180 has a driving mode change button 181 for changing the driving mode and a cancel button 182 for canceling the change of the driving mode. The control unit 52 causes the time lapse notification image 180 (first image) including the operation mode change button 181 (first interface) capable of selecting whether or not to change the operation mode of the air conditioner 2 to be displayed.

  Next, in step S305, the control unit 52 determines whether or not the operation mode change button 181 has been pressed. If it is determined that the operation mode change button 181 has not been pressed, that is, if the cancel button 182 has been pressed (NO in step S305), the control parameter change process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation mode change button 181 has been pressed (YES in step S305), in step S306, the communication unit 51 issues the operation mode change request for requesting the operation mode change to the control parameter change support device. Send to 1.

  Next, in step S307, the communication unit 11 of the control parameter change support device 1 receives the operation mode change request transmitted by the terminal device 5.

  The processes of steps S308 to S325 are the same as the processes of steps S105 to S122 shown in FIG.

(Third Modification)
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the operation mode selection image is rod-shaped, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and the operation mode selection image may be arc-shaped. ..

  22: is a figure which shows an example of the driving mode selection image displayed at the time of purchase in the 3rd modification of this Embodiment 1, and FIG. 23 is the 3rd modification of this Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed after deterioration.

  As shown in FIG. 22, a driving mode selection image 131 is displayed on the screen 130 of the display unit 54. The operation mode selection image 131 has an arc shape whose one end is a position where the first operation mode is selected and whose other end is a position where the second operation mode is selected. One end of the operation mode selection image 131 corresponds to the first operation mode that prioritizes enhancing the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2, and the other end of the operation mode selection image 131 indicates the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. It corresponds to the second operation mode that prioritizes suppression. The user selects a desired driving mode by moving the adjustment knob image 132 displayed on the driving mode selection image 131 in the horizontal direction.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the operation mode selection image 133 includes (i) a first selection range 1341 indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first operation mode when the air conditioner 2 is purchased, and (ii) a first selection range 1341. A second selection range 1351 indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the current first operation mode of the air conditioner 2 included in the first selection range 1341, and (iii) second operation at the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2. A third selection range 1342 indicating a range of strength to mode, and (iv) a fourth selection included in the third selection range 1342, indicating a range of strength to the current second operation mode of the air conditioner 2. A range 1352 is shown.

  The relationship between the size of the first selection range 1341 and the size of the second selection range 1351 corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2 from the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 to the present time. The relationship between the size of the third selection range 1342 and the size of the fourth selection range 1352 corresponds to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2 from the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 to the present time. The driving mode selection image 133 includes an adjustment knob image 132 (second interface) capable of selecting any one point on the second selection range 1351 and the fourth selection range 1352.

  The operation mode selection image 133 has an arc shape. The first reference point 1361 to the one end 1362 between the one end 1362 and the other end 1363 of the operation mode selection image 133 corresponds to the first selection range 1341, and the first reference point 1361 to the other end 1363 is the third selection range. 1342 to the second reference point 1364 in the first selection range 1341 corresponds to the second selection range 1351, and the first reference point 1361 to the third reference point in the third selection range 1342. Up to the point 1365 corresponds to the fourth selection range 1352.

  The adjustment knob image 132 (second interface) can be slid by the user between the second reference point 1364 and the third reference point 1365.

  In addition, the driving mode selection image 133 may include a mark 137 indicating the degree of strength with respect to the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode and the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode.

(Fourth Modification)
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the operation mode selection image is rod-shaped, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and the operation mode selection image is symmetrical about 0. It may include a plurality of numbers arranged.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed at the beginning of purchase in the fourth modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 25 is a fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed after deterioration.

  As shown in FIG. 24, a driving mode selection image 141 is displayed on the screen 140 of the display unit 54. The driving mode selection image 141 includes a plurality of numbers symmetrically arranged with 0 as the center. In the operation mode selection image 141, the position at which the first operation mode is selected is the leftmost number, and the position at which the second operation mode is selected is the rightmost number. The numbers to the left of 0 in the operation mode selection image 141 correspond to the first operation mode that gives priority to enhancing the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2, and the numbers to the right of 0 in the operation mode selection image 141 are set. It corresponds to the second operation mode which gives priority to suppressing the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. The user selects a desired operation mode by selecting the number displayed on the operation mode selection image 141. The number 142 selected by the user is displayed thicker than other numbers.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 25, the operation mode selection image 143 includes (i) a first selection range 1441 indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first operation mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2, and (ii) a first selection range 1441. A second selection range 1451, which is included in the first selection range 1441 and indicates a range of strength and weakness with respect to the current first operation mode of the air conditioner 2, and (iii) a second operation at the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2. A third selection range 1442 indicating a range of strength to mode, and (iv) a fourth selection included in the third selection range 1442 indicating a range of strength to the current second operation mode of the air conditioner 2. A range 1452 is shown.

  The relationship between the size of the first selection range 1441 and the size of the second selection range 1451 corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2 from the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 to the present time. The relationship between the size of the third selection range 1442 and the size of the fourth selection range 1452 corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2 from the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 to the present time. The operation mode selection image 143 includes a touch panel (second interface) capable of selecting any number on the second selection range 1451 and the fourth selection range 1452. The number 142 selected by the user is displayed thicker than other numbers.

  The driving mode selection image 143 includes a plurality of numbers symmetrically arranged with 0 as the center. Among the plurality of numbers, the numbers from 0 to the left end sequentially increase by 1, and the numbers from 0 to the right end increase by 1 in order. In FIG. 25, for example, the leftmost number is 5, and the rightmost number is 5. The numbers from 0 to the left end 1462 correspond to the first selection range 1441, the first numbers 1464 to 0 arranged on the 0 side from the left end 1462 correspond to the second selection range 1451, and the numbers from 0 to the right end 1463. Corresponds to the third selection range 1442, and the numbers from the second number 1465 to 0 arranged on the 0 side from the right end 1463 correspond to the fourth selection range 1452.

  The touch panel (second interface) allows the user to select a number between the first number 1464 and the second number 1465.

  In addition, the driving mode selection image 143 may include a mark 147 indicating the degree of strength with respect to the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode and the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode.

(Fifth Modification)
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the operation mode selection image is rod-shaped, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited to this, and the operation mode selection image shows the strength of the first operation mode. It may include a first operation mode selection image showing a range of degree and a second operation mode selection image showing a range of degree of strength with respect to the second operation mode.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the operation mode selection image displayed at the time of purchase in the fifth modification of the first embodiment, and FIG. 27 is a fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation mode selection image displayed after deterioration.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the screen 150 of the display unit 54 displays a first driving mode selection image 151a and a second driving mode selection image 151b. The first driving mode selection image 151a shows the range in which the first driving mode is selected, and the second driving mode selection image 151b shows the range in which the second driving mode is selected. The first operation mode selection image 151a corresponds to the first operation mode in which priority is given to enhancing the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2, and the second operation mode selection image 151b is the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. It corresponds to the second operation mode which gives priority to suppressing

  The user horizontally moves the first adjustment knob image 152a displayed on the first operation mode selection image 151a or the second adjustment knob image 152b displayed on the second operation mode selection image 151b. Thus, the desired operation mode is selected. The cooling capacity is prioritized by moving the first adjustment knob image 152a toward the right end of the first operation mode selection image 151a. Further, the second adjustment knob image 152b is moved toward the right end of the second operation mode selection image 151b, so that the power consumption performance is prioritized.

  The first adjustment knob image 152a and the second adjustment knob image 152b move in conjunction with each other. That is, when only one of the first adjustment knob image 152a and the second adjustment knob image 152b is moved, the other image is also moved according to the movement of the one image. When the first adjustment knob image 152a moves to the right on the first operation mode selection image 151a, the second adjustment knob image 152b moves to the left on the second operation mode selection image 151b. Moving. When the first adjustment knob image 152a moves leftward on the first driving mode selection image 151a, the second adjustment knob image 152b moves rightward on the second driving mode selection image 151b. Moving.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 27, the first operation mode selection image 153a includes a first selection range 154a and a first selection range 154a showing a range of strength and weakness with respect to the first operation mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2. 15 shows a second selection range 155a included in 154a, which indicates a range of strength and weakness with respect to the current first operation mode of the air conditioner 2. In addition, the second operation mode selection image 153b includes a third selection range 154b indicating a range of strength and weakness with respect to the second operation mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 and air included in the third selection range 154b. The 4th selection range 155b which shows the range of the strength level with respect to the present 2nd operation mode of the harmony machine 2 is shown.

  The relationship between the size of the first selection range 154a and the size of the second selection range 155a corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2 from the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 to the present time. The relationship between the size of the third selection range 154b and the size of the fourth selection range 155b corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner 2 from the time of purchase of the air conditioner 2 to the present time. The first operation mode selection image 153a includes an adjustment knob image 152a (second interface) capable of selecting any one point on the second selection range 155a. The second operation mode selection image 153b includes an adjustment knob image 152b (second interface) capable of selecting any one point on the fourth selection range 155b.

  The first driving mode selection image 153a and the second driving mode selection image 153b have a triangular shape. One end 1562 to the other end 1563 of the first operation mode selection image 153a corresponds to the first selection range 154a, and the first reference point 1564 to the second reference point 1565 in the first selection range 154a are the second selection range. It corresponds to 155a. One end 1572 to the other end 1573 of the second operation mode selection image 153b corresponds to the third selection range 154b, and the third reference point 1574 to the fourth reference point 1575 in the third selection range 154b are the fourth selection range. It corresponds to 155b.

  The first adjustment knob image 152a (second interface) can be slid by the user between the first reference point 1564 and the second reference point 1565. The second adjustment knob image 152b (second interface) can be slid by the user between the third reference point 1574 and the fourth reference point 1575.

  Note that the first operation mode selection image 153a may include a mark 157a indicating the degree of strength of the operation mode before being changed to the current operation mode and the operation mode before being changed to the current operation mode. The second driving mode selection image 153b may include a mark 157b indicating the strength level of the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode and the driving mode before being changed to the current driving mode.

  Further, in the fifth modified example of the first embodiment, the first reference point 1564 to the second reference point 1565 of the first operation mode selection image 153a is set as the second selection range 155a, but the present disclosure is particularly The invention is not limited to this, and the one end 1562 of the first operation mode selection image 153a to the second reference point 1565 may be the second selection range 155a.

  Similarly, in the fifth modified example of the first embodiment, the third reference point 1574 to the fourth reference point 1575 of the second operation mode selection image 153b are set as the fourth selection range 155b, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The present invention is not limited to this, and the one end 1572 of the second operation mode selection image 153b to the fourth reference point 1575 may be the fourth selection range 155b.

(Embodiment 2)
In the above-described first embodiment, when the performance range is calculated, another performance of another air conditioner that has been operated using another control parameter is acquired. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, not another performance of another air conditioner is acquired, but another performance is acquired by performing a test operation of the air conditioner using another control parameter.

  FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control parameter change support device in the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Since the configuration of the operation control system in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the operation control system in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, description thereof will be omitted. Further, the configurations of the air conditioner and the terminal device according to the second embodiment are the same as the configurations of the air conditioner 2 and the terminal device 5 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The control parameter change support device 1′ shown in FIG. 28 includes a communication unit 11, a data collection unit 12, a performance calculation unit 13, a storage unit 14, a performance range calculation unit 151, an operation mode range determination unit 16, and a control parameter determination unit 17. Prepare The configuration other than the performance range calculation unit 151 in the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the control parameter change support device 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The performance range calculation unit 151 calculates a range of performance after deterioration of the air conditioner 2 that varies within a changeable range of control parameters.

  The performance range calculation unit 151 calculates the average of the performances in a predetermined period as the current performance. The data collection unit 12 acquires the first operating state of the air conditioner 2 when the air conditioner 2 is operated with the first control parameter of the control parameters. The performance calculation unit 13 calculates the performance of the air conditioner 2 based on the acquired first operating state and stores it in the storage unit 14. The performance range calculation unit 151 calculates the average of the performances during the predetermined period obtained when the air conditioner 2 is operated with the first control parameter, as the first performance that represents the current performance.

  The performance range calculation unit 151 transmits a test operation instruction for performing a test operation of the air conditioner 2 with the second control parameter different from the first control parameter to the air conditioner 2 via the communication unit 11. The data collection unit 12 acquires the second operating state of the air conditioner 2 when the air conditioner 2 is operated with the second control parameter. The performance calculation unit 13 calculates the performance of the air conditioner 2 based on the acquired second operating state and stores it in the storage unit 14. The performance range calculation unit 151 calculates the average of the performances during the predetermined period obtained when the air conditioner 2 is operated with the second control parameter, as the second performance that represents the performance during the test operation.

  The performance range calculation unit 151 calculates the performance range based on a straight line connecting the calculated second performance and the calculated first performance.

  Subsequently, a control parameter changing process for changing the control parameter in the second embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining the control parameter changing process according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

  The processing of steps S401 to S404 is the same as the processing of steps S101 to S104 shown in FIG.

  Next, in step S405, the performance range calculation unit 151 of the control parameter change support device 1′ calculates the performance range after deterioration of the air conditioner 2 that varies within the control parameter changeable range. Perform processing. The performance range calculation process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart for explaining the performance range calculation process in step S405 of FIG.

  First, in step S61, the performance range calculation unit 151 calculates the average of the performances in a predetermined period as the current performance. That is, the performance range calculation unit 151 calculates the average of the performances calculated in the past several hours from the current time, and calculates the calculated average of the performances as the current performance.

  Next, in step S62, the performance range calculation unit 151 issues to the air conditioner 2 via the communication unit 11 a test operation instruction for performing a test operation of the air conditioner 2 with another control parameter different from the current control parameter. Send. The different control parameter is a control parameter having an identification number different from that of the current control parameter. If the identification number of the current control parameter is, for example, "4", the identification number of another control parameter is, for example, "14".

  The first communication unit 214 of the air conditioner 2 receives the test operation instruction. The operation control unit 212 performs a test operation of the air conditioner 2 with another control parameter according to the test operation instruction. Then, the first communication unit 214 transmits the operation state including the sensor data acquired by the various sensors of the air conditioner 2 to the control parameter change support device 1'. The data collection unit 12 of the control parameter change support device 1 ′ acquires the operating state of the air conditioner 2 and the control parameter from the air conditioner 2. The performance calculation unit 13 calculates the performance of the air conditioner 2 based on the operating state acquired by the data collection unit 12. The performance calculation unit 13 stores the operation state and the control parameter acquired by the data collection unit 12 and the performance calculated by the performance calculation unit 13 in the storage unit 14.

  Next, in step S63, the performance range calculation unit 151 calculates the average of the performances in the predetermined period after the test operation as another performance. That is, the performance range calculation unit 151 calculates an average of the performances calculated in a predetermined period from the start of the test operation to the current time, and calculates the calculated average of the performances as another performance.

  Next, in step S64, the performance range calculation unit 151 determines the performance based on the first combination of the current control parameter and the current performance and the second combination of the other control parameter and the other performance. Calculate the range. The method of calculating the range of performance based on the first combination and the second combination is the same as the calculation method in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

  Returning to FIG. 29, next, in step S406, the operation mode range determination unit 16 converts the range of performance calculated by the performance range calculation unit 15 into a selected range after deterioration of the operation mode.

  Note that the processes of steps S406 to S420 are the same as the processes of steps S106 to S120 shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, it is not necessary to acquire a combination of another control parameter and another performance from another air conditioner. Therefore, the control parameter change support device 1′ of the second embodiment does not require the processes of step S121 and step S122 of FIG. 7, does not need to calculate the performance after changing the operation mode, and controls before and after the change. No need to remember parameters and performance.

  When performing a test operation of the air conditioner 2, it is necessary to interrupt the current operation of the air conditioner 2. Therefore, before transmitting the test drive instruction to the air conditioner 2, the control parameter change support device 1 ′ may transmit a test drive confirmation image for confirming whether to start the test drive to the terminal device 5.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a test drive confirmation image displayed on the terminal device.

  Before transmitting the test drive instruction to the air conditioner 2, the communication unit 11 transmits a test drive confirmation image 120 for confirming whether or not to start the test drive to the terminal device 5. The communication unit 51 of the terminal device 5 receives the test drive confirmation image 120 transmitted by the control parameter change support device 1 ′. The display unit 54 displays the test drive confirmation image 120 received by the communication unit 51.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the test drive confirmation image 120 includes a button 121 that permits the test drive and a button 122 that does not permit the test drive. The input unit 55 receives the selection by the user as to whether or not to allow the trial run. Then, when the input unit 55 accepts the selection by the user as to whether or not to permit the test drive, the communication unit 51 transmits information indicating whether or not to permit the test drive to the control parameter change support device 1 ′. The communication unit 11 of the control parameter change support device 1'receives information indicating whether or not to allow the trial run. Here, when the information permitting the test operation is received, the performance range calculation unit 151 transmits the test operation instruction to the air conditioner 2 via the communication unit 11. On the other hand, when the information that does not permit the test operation is received, the performance range calculation unit 151 ends the performance range calculation process and the control parameter change process.

(First modification)
In the second embodiment, the process of changing the control parameter is performed by using the depression of the operation mode change button 161 displayed in the menu image 160 as a trigger, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. The process of changing the control parameter may be performed by using the fact that the performance of the air conditioner has deteriorated below a predetermined value as a trigger.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart for explaining the control parameter changing process in the first modified example of the second embodiment.

  The processing of steps S501 to S507 is the same as the processing of steps S201 to S207 shown in FIG. Further, the processing of steps S508 to S523 is the same as the processing of steps S405 to S420 shown in FIG.

(Second modified example)
In the second embodiment, the process of changing the control parameter is performed by using the operation mode change button 161 displayed in the menu image 160 as a trigger, but the present disclosure is not particularly limited thereto. The process of changing the control parameter may be performed by using the lapse of a predetermined time since the last change of the operation mode as a trigger.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart for explaining the control parameter changing process in the second modified example of the second embodiment.

  The processing of steps S601 to S607 is the same as the processing of steps S301 to S307 shown in FIG. 19, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Further, the processing of steps S608 to S623 is the same as the processing of steps S405 to S420 shown in FIG.

  Note that the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined. That is, in the performance range calculation process of the first embodiment, when a combination of another control parameter and another performance of another air conditioner cannot be acquired, a trial run is performed to perform another control parameter and another performance. You may perform the performance range calculation process of Embodiment 2 which acquires the combination with.

  In the present disclosure, all or part of a unit, a device, a member, or a portion, or all or part of a functional block in a block diagram includes a semiconductor device, a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC), or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). It may be performed by one or more electronic circuits. The LSI or IC may be integrated on one chip, or may be configured by combining a plurality of chips. For example, the functional blocks other than the memory element may be integrated in one chip. Although referred to as LSI and IC here, they may be called system LSI, VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) depending on the degree of integration. A Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which is programmed after manufacturing the LSI, or a Reconfigurable Logic Device capable of reconfiguring the bonding relation inside the LSI or setting up a circuit section inside the LSI can be used for the same purpose.

  Furthermore, all or some of the functions or operations of the units, devices, members or parts can be executed by software processing. In this case, the software is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as one or more ROMs, optical disks, hard disk drives, etc., and is specified by the software when the software is executed by the processing device (Processor). These functions are executed by a processor and peripheral devices. The system or apparatus may include one or more non-transitory recording media on which software is recorded, a processor, and required hardware devices such as interfaces.

  The air conditioner control method, the terminal device, and the operation control system according to the present disclosure can present the user with a range of operation modes that can be selected according to the performance of the air conditioner after deterioration, and The air conditioner can be operated within the selection range of the operation mode, and it is useful for the control method of the air conditioner, the terminal device, and the operation control system.

1 Control Parameter Change Support Device 2 Air Conditioner 3 Remote Controller 4 Adapter 5 Terminal Device 6 Network 11 Communication Section 12 Data Collection Section 13 Performance Calculation Section 14 Storage Section 15 Performance Range Calculation Section 16 Operating Mode Range Determination Section 17 Control Parameter Determination Section 21 indoor unit 22 outdoor unit 51 communication unit 52 control unit 53 memory 54 display unit 55 input unit 151 performance range calculation unit 211 operation instruction receiving unit 212 operation control unit 213 memory 214 first communication unit 215 temperature sensor 216 indoor fan motor 217 2nd communication part 221 3rd communication part 222 Temperature sensor 223 Compressor 224 Outdoor fan motor 2161 Rotation speed measurement part 2231 Rotation speed measurement part 2241 Rotation speed measurement part

Claims (11)

A control method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising:
A first image including a first interface capable of selecting whether or not to change the operation mode of the air conditioner is displayed on the terminal device of the user, and the operation mode conflicts with the first mode and the first mode. Including a second mode to
When the user receives the first information indicating that the user has selected to change the operation mode, the second image is displayed on the terminal device, and the second image is (i) the air conditioner. a first range indicating a range of definitive performance to the first mode at the time of purchase of the machine, the (ii) the included in the first range, the range of definitive performance to the current of the first mode of the air conditioner a second range shown, (iii) a third range indicating a range of definitive performance to the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, contained in (iv) the third range, the air conditioner indicates a fourth range indicating a range of definitive performance to the current of the second mode, the relationship between the size of the size and the second range of the first range, to date from the time of purchase of the air conditioner Corresponding to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner, the relationship between the size of the third range and the size of the fourth range is the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time. Correspondingly, the second image includes a second interface capable of selecting any one point on the second range and the fourth range,
The second information corresponding to a point selected by the user by the second interface receives from the terminal device, the second information indicates the definitive performance before Kiun rolling mode and before Kiun rolling mode,
A command to control the air conditioner in definitive before Kiun rolling mode and before Kiun rolling mode performance, and transmits to the air conditioner,
Control method. The first mode is a high power mode,
The second mode is a power saving mode,
The control method according to claim 1. further,
Receiving third information indicating that the power of the air conditioner is turned on from the air conditioner,
It is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the time when the operation mode was last changed to the time when the third information was received exceeds a predetermined period,
When it is determined that the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period, the first image is displayed on the terminal device,
The control method according to claim 1. The second image further shows a definitive performance operating mode before being selected by the operation mode and the second interface before being selected by said second interface,
The control method according to claim 1. The second image is rod-shaped,
The first reference point between the one end and the other end of the second image to the one end corresponds to the first range, the first reference point to the other end corresponds to the third range, and From the first reference point to the second reference point within the first range corresponds to the second range, and from the first reference point to the third reference point within the third range corresponds to the fourth range. ,
The second interface is slidable by the user between the second reference point and the third reference point.
The control method according to claim 1. The second image has an arc shape,
The first reference point between the one end and the other end of the second image to the one end corresponds to the first range, the first reference point to the other end corresponds to the third range, and From the first reference point to the second reference point within the first range corresponds to the second range, and from the first reference point to the third reference point within the third range corresponds to the fourth range. ,
The second interface is slidable by the user between the second reference point and the third reference point.
The control method according to claim 1. The second image includes a plurality of numbers symmetrically arranged about 0,
Among the plurality of numbers, the numbers from 0 to the left end are sequentially increased by 1, and the numbers from 0 to the right end are sequentially increased by 1,
The numbers from 0 to the left end correspond to the first range, the numbers 1 to 0 arranged on the 0 side from the left end correspond to the second range, and the 0 to the right end Numbers correspond to the third range, numbers from the second number arranged to the 0 side from the right end to the 0 correspond to the fourth range,
The second interface is selectable by the user between the first number and the second number.
The control method according to claim 1. further,
The correspondence between each point in the second range and the parameter set for operating the air conditioner and the correspondence between each point in the fourth range and the parameter set for operating the air conditioner are shown. Get the fourth information,
Selecting a parameter set for operating the air conditioner based on the second information and the fourth information,
The command includes a command for operating the air conditioner with the selected parameter set,
The control method according to claim 1. The air conditioner includes a compressor and a fan motor,
The parameter set includes a target rotation speed of the compressor and a target rotation speed of the fan motor,
The control method according to claim 8. A terminal device that receives selection of an operation mode of an air conditioner,
A processor,
Monitor,
Equipped with a communication unit,
The processor is
A first image including a first interface capable of selecting whether or not to change the operation mode of the air conditioner is displayed on the monitor, and the operation mode includes a first mode and a first mode that is a conflict with the first mode. Including two modes,
If the user has selected to change the operation mode, the second image displayed on the monitor, the second image, the range of performance definitive in the first mode of the time of purchase of (i) the air conditioner a first range indicating a, (ii) included in the first range, a second range indicating the current range of definitive performance to the first mode of the air conditioner, the (iii) the air conditioner the shown a third range indicating a range of definitive performance to the second mode at the time of purchase, the (iv) the third contained the range, the current range of definitive performance to the second mode of the air conditioner 4 range, and the relationship between the size of the first range and the size of the second range corresponds to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time. The relationship between the size of the three ranges and the size of the fourth range corresponds to deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time, and the second image is on the second range. And a second interface capable of selecting any one point on the fourth range,
The communication unit is
The user transmits the information corresponding to a point selected by the second interface, wherein the information, shows the definitive performance before Kiun rolling mode and before Kiun rolling mode,
Terminal device. An air conditioner, a terminal device that accepts a selection of an operation mode of the air conditioner, and determines a control parameter for controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the operation mode accepted by the terminal device, An operation control system comprising an operation control device for controlling the operation of the air conditioner according to the determined control parameter,
The operation control device,
A processor,
Equipped with a communication unit,
The processor is
A first image including a first interface capable of selecting whether or not to change the operation mode of the air conditioner is displayed on the user's terminal device, and the operation mode conflicts with the first mode and the first mode. Including a second mode to
When the user receives the first information indicating that the user has selected to change the operation mode, the second image is displayed on the terminal device, and the second image is (i) the air conditioner. a first range indicating a range of definitive performance to the first mode at the time of purchase of the machine, the (ii) the included in the first range, the range of definitive performance to the current of the first mode of the air conditioner a second range shown, (iii) a third range indicating a range of definitive performance to the second mode at the time of purchase of the air conditioner, contained in (iv) the third range, the air conditioner indicates a fourth range indicating a range of definitive performance to the current of the second mode, the relationship between the size of the size and the second range of the first range, to date from the time of purchase of the air conditioner Corresponding to the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner, the relationship between the size of the third range and the size of the fourth range is the deterioration of the performance of the air conditioner from the time of purchase of the air conditioner to the present time. Correspondingly, the second image includes a second interface capable of selecting any one point on the second range and the fourth range,
The communication unit is
The second information corresponding to a point selected by the user by the second interface receives from the terminal device, the second information indicates the definitive performance before Kiun rolling mode and before Kiun rolling mode,
A command to control the air conditioner in definitive before Kiun rolling mode and before Kiun rolling mode performance, and transmitted to the air conditioner,
The terminal device,
A processor,
Monitor,
Equipped with a communication unit,
The processor is
Displaying the first image on the monitor,
If the user selects to change the operation mode, the second image is displayed on the monitor,
The communication unit is
Transmitting the second information to the operation control device,
The air conditioner,
A processor,
Equipped with a communication unit,
The communication unit is
Receiving the command transmitted by the operation control device,
The processor is
Operating the air conditioner in response to the command,
Operation control system.

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