Control method and communication device

A first detection unit detects a horizontal air-blowing position inputted by a user using a plan view of a room included in an operation screen. A second detection unit detects a vertical air-blowing position inputted by the user using a profile view included in the operation screen. A generation unit determines an airflow direction of an air conditioner from the horizontal air-blowing position detected by the first detection unit and the vertical air-blowing position detected by the second detection unit, and generates control data that specifies the determined airflow direction.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to techniques for controlling an air-blowing apparatus by using a communication device provided with a display.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-141104 discloses a technique for controlling the flow of the air. According to this technique, a transmission position of a remote control is detected from an infrared signal transmitted by the remote control; a temperature distribution within a space that is to be air-conditioned is obtained; and the position of the transmitter is identified from the detected transmission position and the obtained temperature distribution. Then, a range limit is obtained from the identified position of the transmitter and an area that is to be air-conditioned; the position of a person present within the range limit is obtained, as range-limit positional information, on the basis of a latest temperature distribution; and the flow of the air is controlled on the basis of the range-limit positional information.

According to the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-141104, the flow of the air is controlled in the following manner. When a heat-sensitive-operation key is pressed, a strong, cooled air blows toward a person within the range limit; and when a cold-sensitive-operation key is pressed, a cooled air blows so as not to hit a person within the range limit.

Such a conventional technique, however, needs an improvement.

SUMMARY

One non-limiting and exemplary embodiment provides a technique that enables an airflow direction of an air-blowing apparatus to be configured through a simple operation.

In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a control method through which a communication device provided with a display controls an air-blowing apparatus. The communication device includes a memory that stores installation position information indicating a horizontal position of the air-blowing apparatus in a room in which the air-blowing apparatus is installed and a vertical position of the air-blowing apparatus from a floor of the room. The control method includes the step of detecting a horizontal air-blowing position and a vertical air-blowing position. The horizontal air-blowing position is inputted by a user using a plan view of the room displayed on the display, and the vertical air-blowing position is inputted by the user using a profile view of the room displayed on the display. The control method further includes the steps of determining an airflow direction of the air-blowing apparatus from the horizontal air-blowing position and the vertical air-blowing position detected in the step of detecting and the installation position information, and generating control data that specifies the airflow direction determined in the step of determining. The control method further includes the step of transmitting the control data generated in the step of generating to the air-blowing apparatus.

According to the above aspect, an improvement can be achieved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-141104, mentioned above, discloses an air conditioner that controls the flow of the air in such a manner that a cooled air blows toward a person within a range limit if that person is sensitive to heat and a cooled air blows so as not to hit a person within the range limit if that person is sensitive to cold.

However, according to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-141104, a user needs to specify an air-blowing position by moving a remote control, and such a technique disadvantageously requires an additional action by the user. In addition, when the positions of multiple people are to be detected, each person needs to have a remote control, and disadvantageously, the specification of the air-blowing positions depends on the number of remote controls.

The present disclosure provides a technique that enables an airflow direction of an air-blowing apparatus to be configured through a simple operation.

(1) A control method according to an aspect of the present disclosure for solving the above-described problem is a control method through which a communication device provided with a display controls an air-blowing apparatus. The communication device includes a memory that stores installation position information indicating a horizontal position of the air-blowing apparatus in a room which the air-blowing apparatus is installed and a vertical position of the air-blowing apparatus from a floor of the room. The control method includes the step of detecting a horizontal air-blowing position and a vertical air-blowing position, The horizontal air-blowing position is inputted by a user using a plan view of the room displayed on the display, and the vertical air-blowing position is inputted by the user using a profile view of the room displayed on the display. The control method further includes the steps of determining an airflow direction of the air-blowing apparatus from the horizontal air-blowing position and the vertical air-blowing position detected in the step of detecting and the installation position information, and generating control data that specifies the airflow direction determined in the step of determining. The control method further includes the step of transmitting the control data generated in the step of generating to the air-blowing apparatus.

In this case, the user can input the airflow direction of the air-blowing apparatus through a simple operation, namely, by inputting the vertical air-blowing position in the profile view and inputting the horizontal air-blowing position in the plan view.

(2) In the control method according to the above-described aspect, one or more users may input respective horizontal air-blowing positions and respective vertical air-blowing positions, and the control method may further include the step of storing the horizontal air-blowing positions and the vertical air-blowing positions inputted by the one or more users in the memory in such a manner that the horizontal air-blowing positions are associated with the corresponding vertical air-blowing positions for the respective users. In the step of generating, the control data may be generated from the horizontal air-blowing positions and the vertical air-blowing positions for the respective users stored in the memory.

In this case, the horizontal air-blowing positions are associated with the corresponding vertical air-blowing positions for the respective users, and the associated data is stored in the memory. The control data is then generated from the horizontal air-blowing positions and the vertical air-blowing positions for the respective users. Thus, air-blowing instructions can be accepted from multiple users.

(3) In the control method according to the above-described aspect, in the step of detecting, an in-plane instruction icon that indicates the horizontal air-blowing position detected in the step of detecting may be displayed on the plan view. In addition, in the step of generating, in a case in which a height-instruction icon with which the vertical air-blowing position detected in the step of detecting is associated is moved to fall within a predetermined effective range relative to the horizontal air-blowing position, it may be determined that an input of the user is valid.

In this case, as the height-instruction icon with which the vertical air-blowing position is associated is moved onto the in-plane instruction icon displayed on the plan view, the horizontal air-blowing position and the vertical air-blowing position are associated with each other. Therefore, the user can input the horizontal air-blowing position and the vertical air-blowing position through a simple operation of moving the height-instruction icon.

(4) In the control method according to the above-described aspect, the step of generating may include the steps of setting an air-blowing effective range corresponding to the vertical air-blowing position detected in the step of detecting on the plan view, and displaying on the display an invalid mark indicating that an input is invalid in a case in which the horizontal air-blowing position detected in the step of detecting is not located within the air-blowing effective range.

In this case, when the horizontal air-blowing position inputted by the user is outside the effective range corresponding to the vertical air-blowing position inputted by the user, the user is notified that the input is invalid. Therefore, even in a case in which the actual air-blowing position of the air-blowing apparatus differs from the air-blowing position inputted by the user, the user can have a sense of acceptance.

(5) The control method according to the above-described aspect may further include the steps of determining whether the air-blowing apparatus can blow the air to the horizontal air blowing position and the vertical air-blowing position inputted by the user, and displaying an actual horizontal air-blowing position of the air-blowing apparatus on the plan view in a case in which it is determined that the air-blowing apparatus cannot blow the air to the horizontal air-blowing position and the vertical air-blowing position inputted by the user.

In this case, the user can recognize the reason why the air is not blown to the air-blowing position inputted by the user, and can also recognize the actual air-blowing position of the air-blowing apparatus.

(6) The control method according to the above-described aspect may further include the step of detecting a movement of the user. In the step of generating, in a case in which the movement of the user is detected after the air-blowing apparatus has been controlled in accordance with the control data, control data for changing the airflow direction determined in the step of determining to a position to which the user has moved may be generated.

In this case, when the movement of the user is detected, the airflow direction of the air-blowing apparatus is changed so as to follow the movement. Therefore, the user can continue to receive a desirable air from the air-blowing apparatus.

(7) In the control method according to the above-described aspect, a plurality of air-blowing apparatuses are provided, and in the step of detecting, a selection of one of the air-blowing apparatuses by the user may be detected. In the step of generating, the control data may be transmitted to the one of the air-blowing apparatuses that is selected by the user.

In this case, even in a case in which multiple air-blowing apparatuses are installed in a room, the user can select an air-blowing apparatus that the user wants to blow the air.

(8) In the control method according to the above-described aspect, a plurality of height-instruction icons that are associated with mutually different vertical air-blowing positions may be displayed on the profile view, and in the step of detecting, the vertical air-blowing position may be detected by detecting a selection of one of the height-instruction icons by the user.

In this case, when a height-instruction icon among the multiple height-instruction icons is selected, the vertical air-blowing position defined by the selected height-instruction icon is inputted. Therefore, the user can input the vertical air-blowing position through a simple operation of selecting a height-instruction icon.

(9) In the control method according to the above-described aspect, in the step of detecting, the user may specify a position on the profile view, and a vertical air-blowing position corresponding to the position specified by the user may be detected as a vertical air-blowing position inputted by the user.

In this case, the user can input a vertical air-blowing position at a desired position.

Overall Configuration

FIG. 23illustrates an exemplary overall configuration of an air-conditioning system according to the present disclosure. The air-conditioning system includes a communication device100, an air conditioner600(an example of an air-blowing apparatus), and a server900. The communication device100may be, for example, a computer that a user can carry around, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, and a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the communication device100may be a dedicated remote control for the air conditioner600.

The air conditioner600is installed in the user's house, and operates in accordance with a user instruction inputted through the communication device100. The server900, for example, is a cloud server constituted by one or more computers. In the present disclosure, the server900may be, for example, a manufacturer's server through which the manufacturer of the air conditioner600provides users with various types of services related to the air conditioner600.

A network includes, for example, an outdoor network and an indoor network. The air conditioner600and the communication device100are interconnected through the indoor network; the air conditioner600and the server900are interconnected through the outdoor network; and the communication device100and the server900are interconnected through the outdoor network. The indoor network is installed inside the house in which the air conditioner600is installed, and includes a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, or a combination thereof. The outdoor network, for example, is the Internet. The communication device100, the air conditioner600, and the server900communicate there among via a communication protocol, such as a transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP).

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a communication device100according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device100includes a management unit101, a display unit102, a first detection unit103, a second detection unit104, a generation unit105, a buffer unit106, an output control unit107, and an output unit108.

The management unit101, for example, is constituted by a non-volatile rewritable memory and a processor that controls the memory. The management unit101stores installation position information in the memory and manages the installation position information. The installation position information indicates an installation position of the air conditioner600within a room in which the air conditioner600is installed. In the present disclosure, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the installation position information includes a horizontal installation position301and a vertical installation position303.

The horizontal installation position301indicates plane coordinates of the air conditioner600on a floor plan (plan view210) that overlooks the room in which the air conditioner600is installed, as illustrated inFIG. 2. The horizontal installation position301includes a coordinate Xa that indicates a position of the installed air conditioner600along the X-axis and a coordinate Ya that indicates the stated position along the Y-axis on the plan view210.

The vertical installation position303indicates the height of the position of the air conditioner600from the floor, which serves as a reference, in the room in which the air conditioner600is installed, as indicated in a profile view220illustrated inFIG. 2. In this manner, the horizontal installation position301and the vertical installation position303define the three-dimensional position of the air conditioner600in the room.

The management unit101manages information on the X-axis and the Y-axis defined in the plan view210and information on the Z-axis defined in the profile view220.

The management unit101also manages a vertical air-blowing position304illustrated inFIG. 3. The vertical air-blowing position304includes a first vertical air-blowing position and a second vertical air-blowing position. The first vertical air-blowing position indicates a coordinate along the Z-axis that is associated in advance with a first height-instruction Icon231provided in the profile view220illustrated inFIG. 2. Meanwhile, the second vertical air-blowing position indicates a coordinate along the Z-axis that is associated in advance with a second height-instruction icon232provided in the profile view220. The first vertical air-blowing position is higher than the second vertical air-blowing position,

The display unit102is constituted by a display and a processor that controls the display, and displays various types of screens. In the present disclosure, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the display unit102displays an operation screen201that allows the user to operate the air conditioner600by using the communication device100. The display that constitutes the display unit102may be, for example, a touch-panel liquid-crystal display. The processor in the display unit102, for example, generates image data of the operation screen201and detects user operations, such as tapping, swiping, and clicking.

The first detection unit103, for example, is constituted by a processor and detects a horizontal air-blowing position302(FIG. 3) inputted by the user using the plan view210of the room included in the operation screen201. The horizontal air-blowing position302defines a horizontal airflow-direction component (an X-Y component of the airflow direction). The horizontal air-blowing position302is thus expressed by two-dimensional data containing a coordinate Xb and a coordinate Yb.

The second detection unit104, for example, is constituted by a processor and detects a vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user using the profile view220included in the operation screen201. In the first embodiment, the user inputs the vertical air-blowing position304by selecting either the first height-instruction icon231or the second height-instruction icon232. Thus, when the second detection unit104detects a tap on the first height-instruction icon231, the second detection unit104determines that the vertical air-blowing position304associated with the first height-instruction icon231is the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user. Meanwhile, when the second detection unit104detects a tap on the second height-instruction icon232, the second detection unit104determines that the vertical air-blowing position304associated with the second height-instruction icon232is the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user.

The generation unit105, for example, is constituted by a processor. The generation unit105determines the airflow direction of the air conditioner600from the horizontal air-blowing position302detected by the first detection unit103and the vertical air-blowing position304detected by the second detection unit104, and generates control data that specifies the determined airflow direction.

The buffer unit106is constituted by a volatile storage device and temporarily stores the control data generated by the generation unit105.

The output control unit107appends header information and so on to the control data stored in the buffer unit106so as to enable the control data to be transmitted to the air conditioner600.

The output unit108, for example, is constituted by communication circuitry that connects the communication device100to the indoor network and the outdoor network, and outputs, to the networks, the control data to which the header information has been appended by the output control unit107. In the present disclosure, the control data may be transmitted directly from the communication device100to the air conditioner600, or may be transmitted from the communication device100to the air conditioner600via the server900. In the former case, the output unit108transmits the control data to the air conditioner600; whereas, in the latter case, the output unit108transmits the control data to the server900.

FIG. 2illustrates an example of the operation screen201according to the first embodiment. The operation screen201includes the plan view210and the profile view220. The plan view210is a floor plan that overlooks the room in which the air conditioner600is installed. The plan view210includes an air-conditioner icon250. The air-conditioner icon250is displayed at the horizontal installation position301that indicates the position of the air conditioner600on the plan view210. In the example illustrated inFIG. 2, the horizontal installation position301is set to the upper-left vertex of the air-conditioner icon250, but this is not a limiting example. For example, the horizontal installation position301may be set to a position on the plan view210that corresponds to a centroid position of the air conditioner600, or may be set to a position on the plan view210that corresponds to the center position of the air-blowing opening of the air conditioner600. For simplicity, in the example Illustrated inFIG. 2, the air-conditioner icon250displayed on the plan view210shows a front-view image of the air conditioner600. However, when overlooking the room, one sees the top view, instead of the front view, of the actual air conditioner600.

In the plan view210, the X-axis extends in the lateral direction, and the Y-axis extends in the longitudinal direction. The X-axis in a real space corresponds to one direction in the room as it is overlooked, and the Y-axis in the real space corresponds to another direction that is orthogonal to the one direction. The X-axis and the Y-axis, for example, are each given a scale that extends over several meters. In the example illustrated inFIG. 2, the X-axis is given in a coordinate in a range from 0 to 4000 (mm), and the Y-axis is given in a coordinate in a range from 0 to 3600 (mm).

The plan view210includes an in-plane instruction icon211that allows the user to determine the horizontal air-blowing position302. In the present disclosure, for example, the user inputs the horizontal air-blowing position302by tapping the plan view210on a desired position. Thus, the in-plane instruction icon211is displayed at a position on which the user has tapped the plan view210, When changing the horizontal air-blowing position302, the user, for example, may swipe on the plan view210to move the displayed in-plane instruction on211to a desired position. Alternatively, the in-plane instruction icon211may be displayed in advance in the plan view210, and the user may swipe to move the in-plane instruction icon211so as to input the horizontal air-blowing position302.

A horizontal airflow-direction component212is a projection of the airflow direction of the air conditioner600on a horizontal plane (floor surface). The horizontal airflow-direction component212is expressed by a two-dimensional vector that connects the horizontal installation position301and the horizontal air-blowing position302.

The profile view220is displayed, for example, to the left of the plan view210. The profile view220represents the room as viewed in the direction orthogonal to the normal of the floor surface. The profile view220also displays the air-conditioner icon250. The profile view220displays the air-conditioner icon250immediately underneath a ceiling position222.

In the profile view220, a floor position221, the ceiling position222, and the Z-axis are defined. The floor position221corresponds to the actual position of the floor in the room and the value of the floor position221on the Z-coordinate is 0. The ceiling position222corresponds to the actual position of the ceiling in the room. The Z-axis indicates the actual height from the floor in the room. In the profile view220, the vertical installation position303is defined at an intersection of the lower side of the air-conditioner icon250and the Z-axis.

The profile view220displays height-instruction icons230. The height-instruction icons230are used by the user to input the vertical air-blowing position304. The vertical air-blowing position304indicates the height of a given position from the floor in the room in which the user is present. The profile view220displays, as the height-instruction icons230, the first height-instruction icon231and the second height-instruction icon232that are aligned along the Z-axis. The first height-instruction icon231and the second height-instruction icon232are associated with different vertical blowing positions304. Therefore, the profile view220displays the first height-instruction icon231and the second height-instruction icon232at respective vertical positions with which the first height-instruction icon231and the second height-instruction icon232are associated in advance.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 2, the vertical air-blowing position304associated with the first height-instruction icon231is higher than the vertical air-blowing position304associated with the second height-instruction icon232. Thus, the profile view220displays the first height-instruction icon231above the second height-instruction icon232.

The first height-instruction icon231is to be selected by a user who does not want to be hit directly by the air from the air conditioner600, and the second height-instruction icon232is to be selected by a user who wants to be hit directly by the air from the air conditioner600. A user can determine the airflow direction by using the operation screen201illustrated inFIG. 2, for example, through the following operations.

First Exemplary Operation

In a first exemplary operation, the user taps the profile view220on either the first height-instruction icon231or the second height-instruction icon232so as to select either one of the icons. If the user does not want to be hit directly by the air, the user taps the first height-instruction icon231. Meanwhile, if the user wants to be hit directly by the air, the user taps the second height-instruction icon232.

The user then taps the plan view210on a desired position to specify the horizontal air-blowing position302. Through this operation, the in-plane instruction icon211is displayed, and the horizontal airflow-direction component212is determined. Then, the airflow direction is determined from the inputted horizontal air-blowing position302and vertical air-blowing position304.

Second Exemplary Operation

In a second exemplary operation, the user taps the plan view210on a desired position to input the horizontal air-blowing position302. The user then selects either the first height-instruction icon231or the second height-instruction icon232so as to input the vertical air-blowing position304. Then, the airflow direction is determined from the inputted horizontal air-blowing position302and vertical air-blowing position304.

FIG. 3illustrates exemplary data structures of various pieces of data to be used in the first embodiment. The horizontal installation position301indicates the plane coordinates of the air conditioner600on the plan view210. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the coordinate Xa and the coordinate Ya for the horizontal installation position301are both 0, Values inputted in advance by an operator or a user when the air-conditioning system is introduced are used to define the horizontal installation position301. The horizontal installation position301can be changed to any desired values. Thus, when the installation position of the air conditioner is changed, the operator or the user may input the values that define the changed horizontal installation position301.

The horizontal air-blowing position302defines the horizontal airflow-direction component212specified by the user using the plan view210. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the coordinate Xb and the coordinate Yb for the horizontal air-blowing position302are2200and2400, respectively.

The vertical installation position303indicates the height of the position of the air conditioner600from the floor serving as the reference. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the vertical installation position303is defined as 0-2000. This setting indicates that the vertical installation position303is set to 2000 with the floor position221serving as the reference. The vertical installation position303can be changed as desired so as to accord with a change in the installation position of the air conditioner600.

The vertical air-blowing position304includes the first vertical air-blowing position and the second vertical air-blowing position. The first vertical air-blowing position corresponds to the vertical air-blowing position304associated with the first height-instruction icon231. Meanwhile, the second vertical air-blowing position corresponds to the vertical air-blowing position304associated with the second height-instruction232. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the first vertical air-blowing position is defined as 1000-2000. This setting indicates that louvers of the air conditioner600are caused to swing such that the height component of the airflow direction falls within a range from 1000 (mm) to 2000 (mm) at the horizontal air-blowing position302. In addition, the second vertical air-blowing position is defined as 0-1000. This setting indicates that the louvers of the air conditioner600are caused to swing such that the height component of the airflow direction falls within a range from 0 (mm) to 1000 (mm) at the horizontal air-blowing position302. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, the first vertical air-blowing position is defined as 1000-2000. Therefore, the profile view220displays the first height-instruction icon231, for example, at a position corresponding to a given position (e.g., intermediate position) within a range from 1000 to 2000.

In addition, the second vertical air-blowing position is defined as 0-1000. Therefore, the profile view220displays the second height-instruction icon232, for example, at a position corresponding to a given position (e.g., intermediate position) within a range from 0 to 1000.

FIG. 4is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the communication device100according to the first embodiment. This flowchart illustrates a process to be carried out in a state in which the user has inputted the horizontal air-blowing position302and is to input the vertical air-blowing position304.

The first detection unit103first confirms the horizontal air-blowing position302that has been inputted by the user (S111).

Then, the second detection unit104determines whether the user has inputted the vertical air-blowing position304(S112). The user inputs the vertical air-blowing position304by selecting either the first height-instruction icon231or the second height-instruction icon232.

If the second detection unit104does not detect an input of the vertical air-blowing position304(NO in S112), the process returns to S111. Meanwhile, if the second detection unit104detects an input of the vertical air-blowing position304(YES in S112), the process proceeds to S113.

In S113, the generation unit105generates control data that specifies the airflow direction. The generation unit105obtains the horizontal airflow-direction component212from the horizontal installation position301and the horizontal air-blowing position302detected by the first detection unit103. The generation unit105then obtains a vertical airflow-direction component from the vertical air-blowing position304detected by the second detection nit104and the vertical Installation position303. The generation unit105associates the horizontal airflow-direction component212with the vertical airflow-direction component and generates the control data. The generated control data is stored in the buffer unit106, and the output control unit107appends header information to the control data. The output control unit108then outputs the resulting control data to the network. Upon receiving this control data, the air conditioner600controls the airflow direction in accordance with the received control data.

Hereinafter, generation of the control data will be described. In the example illustrated inFIG. 3, for example, the coordinates of the horizontal installation position301are (0,0), and the coordinates of the horizontal air-blowing position302are (2200,2400). Therefore, the horizontal airflow-direction component212, for example, is expressed by a two-dimensional vector of [(2200-0),(2400-0)]. In addition, the user may select the second vertical air-blowing position (0-1000) as the vertical air-blowing position304. In this case, the generation unit105obtains the vertical airflow-direction component that corresponds to 0, which is the lower limit of the second vertical air-blowing position, by subtracting the vertical installation position303(:2000) from the lower limit of 0. In the case of this example, the vertical airflow-direction component that corresponds to the lower limit is calculated to be 0−2000=−2000. In addition, the generation unit105obtains the vertical airflow-direction component that corresponds to 1000, which is the upper limit of the second vertical air-blowing position, by subtracting the vertical installation position303(:2000) from the upper limit of 1000. In the case of this example, the vertical airflow-direction component that corresponds to the upper limit is calculated to be 1000−2000=−1000.

The generation unit105then generates data in which the horizontal airflow-direction component212, the vertical airflow-direction component corresponding to the lower limit, and the vertical airflow-direction component corresponding to the upper limit are associated with one another, and this data serves as the control data.

Upon receiving this control data, the air conditioner600sets the Z-axis at the horizontal air-blowing position302in such a manner that the height of the air conditioner600corresponds to 0, and causes the longitudinal louvers to swing so as to blow the air, for example, in a range from −2000 (the vertical airflow-direction component corresponding to the lower limit) to −1000 (the vertical airflow-direction component corresponding to the upper limit) along the Z-axis. In addition, the air conditioner600causes the lateral louvers to swing within a predetermined angular range centered on the horizontal airflow-direction component212. The longitudinal louvers are members for adjusting the airflow direction in the vertical direction, and the lateral louvers are members for adjusting the airflow direction in the horizontal direction. The airflow direction is controlled in the above-described manner.

In the meantime, when the user selects the first height-instruction icon231, the longitudinal louvers may be controlled in the same manner as in the case in which the user selects the second height-instruction icon232. The user who selects the first height-instruction icon231is a user who does not want to be hit directly by the air. Therefore, the predetermined angular range that is centered on the horizontal airflow-direction component212in which the lateral louvers swing may be set greater than the angular range set when the second height-instruction icon232is selected.

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process of the communication device100according to the first embodiment. This flowchart indicates a process to be carried out in a state in which the user has inputted the vertical air-blowing position304and is to input the horizontal air-blowing position302.

The second detection unit104first confirms the vertical air-blowing position304that has been inputted by the user (S211).

Then, the first detection unit103determines whether the user has inputted the horizontal air-blowing position302(S212). The user inputs the horizontal air-blowing position302by tapping the plan view210on a desired position or by swiping on the plan view210to move the displayed in-plane instruction icon211.

If the first detection unit103does not detect an input of the horizontal air-blowing position302(NO in S212), the process returns to S211. Meanwhile, if the first detection unit103detects an input of the horizontal air-blowing position302(YES in S212), the process proceeds to S113. The process in S113is the same as the process indicated inFIG. 4,

FIG. 6is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which the user operates the air conditioner600installed in a room by using the communication device100. The display unit102of the communication device100displays the operation screen201. In the example illustrated inFIG. 6, a tablet terminal provided with a touch panel, a smartphone, or a dedicated remote control is used as the communication device100.

The user, holding the communication device100, selects one of the first height-instruction icon231and the second height-instruction icon232that are displayed on the profile view220and inputs the horizontal air-blowing position302by using the plan view210. The communication device100then generates control data and transmits the control data to the air conditioner600. The air conditioner600controls the airflow direction in accordance with the control data.

In this manner, with the communication device100according to the first embodiment, the user can input the airflow direction of the air conditioner600through a simple operation, namely, by selecting the first height-instruction icon231or the second height-instruction icon232on the profile view220and selecting the horizontal air-blowing position302on the plan view210.

In the first embodiment, the profile view220displays the two height-instruction icons230, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the profile view220may display three or more height-instruction icons230that are associated with mutually different vertical air-blowing positions304. In this case, the user can input the vertical air-blowing position304among three or more levels only by selecting one of the height-instruction icons230.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the user selects one of the height-instruction icons230that are displayed in advance on the profile view220and associated with the respective vertical air-blowing positions304. Alternatively, the user may input a desired vertical air-blowing position304on the profile view220. This mode will be described later.

In addition, in the vertical air-blowing position304illustrated inFIG. 3, the first vertical air-blowing position and the second vertical air-blowing position each have a predetermined range. Alternatively, a value representing a single point may be defined. In this case, the air conditioner600may set the longitudinal louvers at a fixed position so that the air is blown only to the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the single point. Alternatively, the air conditioner600may cause the longitudinal louvers to swing within a predetermined angular range with the aforementioned single point serving as the reference.

Second Embodiment

A communication device100according to a second embodiment accepts preferred airflow directions inputted simultaneously by multiple users. In the present embodiment, elements that are identical to those in the first embodiment are given identical reference characters, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the communication device100according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device100illustrated inFIG. 7includes a storage unit110, in addition to the elements in the communication device100illustrated inFIG. 1.

In the present embodiment, the second detection unit104detects the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by a user in association with the horizontal air-blowing position302detected by the first detection unit103, and stores the associated vertical air-blowing position304and horizontal air-blowing position302in the storage unit110. Through this operation, the storage unit110stores the associated horizontal air-blowing position302and vertical air-blowing position304for each user.

The storage unit110, for example, is constituted by a non-volatile or volatile storage device and stores the associated vertical blowing position304and horizontal air-blowing position302for each user.

The generation unit105generates control data from the associated vertical air-blowing position304and horizontal air-blowing position302for each user.

FIG. 8illustrates an example of the operation screen201according to the second embodiment. InFIG. 8, an in-plane instruction icon211A corresponds to an in-plane instruction icon211that indicates a horizontal air-blowing position302A inputted by a user A. Meanwhile, an in-plane instruction icon211B corresponds to an in-plane instruction icon211that indicates a horizontal air-blowing position302B inputted by a user B.

An association icon231X indicates that the first height-instruction icon231is associated with the in-plane instruction icon211. Meanwhile, an association icon232X indicates that the second height-instruction icon232is associated with the horizontal air-blowing position302. The association icon231X has a shape (pentagon in this example) that is identical to the shape of the first height-instruction icon231in order to indicate clearly that the first height-instruction icon231is associated with the corresponding horizontal air-blowing position302. In addition, the association icon232X has a shape (hexagon in this example) that is identical to the shape of the second height-instruction icon232in order to indicate clearly that the second height-instruction icon232is associated with the corresponding horizontal air-blowing position302. In other words, the association icon231X is a copy of the first height-instruction icon231, and the association icon232X is a copy of the second height-instruction icon232.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 8, the user A has associated the first height-instruction icon231with the horizontal air-blowing position302A, and thus the association icon231X is displayed so as to partially overlap the in-plane instruction icon211A. Meanwhile, the user B has associated the second height-instruction icon232with the horizontal air-blowing position302B, and thus the association icon232X is displayed so as to partially overlap the in-plane instruction icon211B.

First Exemplary Operation

A first exemplary operation according to the second embodiment will be described. The user A first taps the plan view210on a desired position to input the horizontal air-blowing position302A. Through this operation, the in-plane instruction icon211A is displayed with its center located at the horizontal air-blowing position302A. Then, the user B taps the plan view210on a desired position to input the horizontal air-blowing position302B. Through this operation, the in-plane instruction icon211B is displayed with its center located at the horizontal air-blowing position302B.

Subsequently, the user A swipes to move the first height-instruction icon231in the profile view220onto the in-plane instruction icon211A. Through this operation, the horizontal air-blowing position302A is associated with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231, and the associated horizontal air-blowing position302A and vertical air-blowing position304are stored in the storage unit110.

Then, the user B swipes to move the second height-instruction icon232ire the profile view220onto the in-plane instruction icon211B. Through this operation, the horizontal air-blowing position302B is associated with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the second height-instruction icon232, and the associated horizontal air-blowing position302B and vertical air-blowing position304are stored in the storage unit110.

An exemplary operation in which the users A and B input the respective horizontal air-blowing positions302A and302B and the users A and B then swipe to move the first height-instruction icon231and the second height-instruction icon232has been illustrated. However, the present embodiment is not limited to such an example. For example, the user A may successively input the horizontal air-blowing position302and swipe to move the first height-instruction icon231, and the user B may successively input the horizontal air-blowing position302and swipe to move the second height-instruction icon232.

In addition, although an example in which the user A swipes to move the first height-instruction icon231has been illustrated, in a case in which the user A wants to be hit directly by the air, the user A may swipe to move the second height-instruction icon232.

Furthermore, although an example in which the user B swipes to move the second height-instruction icon232has been illustrated, in a case in which the user B does not want to be hit directly by the air, the user B may swipe to move the first height-instruction icon231.

Second Exemplary Operation

In a second exemplary operation, the user A first inputs the horizontal air-blowing position302A, as in the first exemplary operation. The user A then taps the first height-instruction icon231. Thus, the association icon231X for the in-plane instruction icon211A is displayed. Through this operation, the horizontal air-blowing position302A is associated with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231.

Subsequently, the user B inputs the horizontal air-blowing position302B and then taps the second height-instruction on232, as in the operation by the user A. Through this operation, the horizontal air-blowing position302B is associated with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the second height-instruction icon232.

FIG. 9illustrates exemplary data structures of various pieces of data to be used in the second embodiment.FIG. 9differs fromFIG. 3in that the users A and B each input the horizontal air-blowing position302and thus the two horizontal air-blowing positions302, namely, the horizontal air-blowing position302A and the horizontal air-blowing position302B are present.

The horizontal air-blowing position302A corresponds to a horizontal air-blowing position302inputted by the user A. In the example illustrated inFIG. 9, the coordinates Xb and Yb for the horizontal air-blowing position302A are 1200 and 2400, respectively.

The horizontal air-blowing position302B corresponds to a horizontal air-blowing position302inputted by the user B. In the example illustrated inFIG. 9, the coordinate Xc and Yc for the horizontal air-blowing position302B are 3200 and 2400, respectively.

FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the communication device100according to the second embodiment.FIG. 10differs fromFIG. 4in that S311and S312follow S112.

In S311, the second detection unit104associates the horizontal air-blowing position302A inputted by the user A with the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user A, and stores the associated horizontal air-blowing position302A and vertical air-blowing position304in the storage unit110.

Then, the second detection unit104determines whether the user A has inputted an instruction indicating that the user A has agreed that the control data is to be transmitted to the air conditioner600(S312). If the second detection unit104detects an input of such an instruction (YES in S312), the process proceeds to S113. Meanwhile, if the second detection unit104does not detect an input of such an instruction (NO in S312), the process returns to S111. Upon the process returning to S111, the processes in S111through S311are carried out with respect to the user B. Thus, the horizontal air-blowing position302B is associated with the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user B, and the associated horizontal air-blowing position302B and vertical air-blowing position304are stored in the storage unit110.

Through these processes, the storage unit110stores the associated horizontal air-blowing position302and vertical air-blowing position304for the user A, and the associated horizontal air-blowing position302B and vertical air-blowing position304for the user B.

In S113, the generation unit105generates control data from the associated horizontal air-blowing position302and vertical air-blowing position304stored in the storage unit110for each user.

Hereinafter, generation of the control data will be described. In the example illustrated inFIG. 9, for example, the coordinates for the horizontal installation position301are (0,0), and the coordinates for the horizontal air-blowing position302A are (1200,2400). Therefore, a horizontal airflow-direction component212A is calculated to be [(1200-0),(2400-0)]. In addition, the coordinates for the horizontal air-blowing position302B are (3200,2400), and thus a horizontal airflow-direction component212B is calculated to be [(3200-0),(2400-0)].

The vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user A is the first vertical air-blowing position (1000-2000), and thus the generation unit105calculates a vertical airflow-direction component AU that corresponds to the upper limit of 2000 and a vertical airflow-direction component AD that corresponds to the lower limit of 1000, as in the first embodiment.

In addition, the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user B is the second vertical air-blowing position (0-1000), and thus the generation unit105calculates a vertical airflow-direction component BU that corresponds to the upper limit of 1000 and a vertical airflow-direction component BD that corresponds to the lower limit of 0, as in the first embodiment.

The generation unit105then generates a data group that includes data in which the horizontal airflow-direction component212A is associated with the vertical airflow-direction components AU and AD and data in which the horizontal airflow-direction component212B is associated with the vertical airflow-direction components BU and BD, and the generated data group serves as the control data.

Upon receiving the control data, the air conditioner600causes the lateral louvers to swing within a predetermined angular range that contains the horizontal airflow-direction components212A and212B. The air conditioner600causes the longitudinal louvers to swing within a fan-shaped range defined by the vertical airflow-direction components AU and AD, in a case in which the lateral louvers swing to blow the air within a predetermined angular range centered on the horizontal airflow-direction component212A. Meanwhile, the air conditioner600causes the longitudinal louvers to swing within a fan-shaped range defined by the vertical airflow-direction components BU and BD, in a case in which the lateral louvers swing to blow the air within a predetermined angular range centered on the horizontal airflow-direction component212B.

Through this operation, the air can be prevented from directly hitting the user A who does not want to be hit directly by the air, and the air can directly hit the user B who wants to be hit directly by the air. Accordingly, the requirements of both users A and B can be satisfied.

In the second embodiment, an example in which the two users A and B input the respective horizontal air-blowing positions302A and302B has been illustrated. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to such an example. For example, three or more users may input respective horizontal air-blowing positions302. In a case in which three users input the respective horizontal air-blowing positions302, for example, the processes in S111, S112, and S311ofFIG. 10loop three times.

In addition, the generation unit105may generate control data from the horizontal air-blowing positions302and the vertical air-blowing positions304input by the respective three users.

Third Embodiment

A communication device100according to a third embodiment sets an effective range700on the plan view210, as illustrated inFIG. 12.

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the communication device100according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device100according to the third embodiment includes an arrangement detection unit120, in addition to the elements in the communication device100according to the second embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the management unit101manages the effective range700as well. The effective range700will be described later.

The arrangement detection unit120detects the position of the height-instruction icon230on the plan view210, which has been moved by the user.

In the third embodiment, the storage unit110stores the horizontal air-blowing position302detected by the first detection unit103, the user-selected height-instruction icon230detected by the second detection unit104, and the moved position (hereinafter, referred to as an icon position710) of the height-instruction icon230detected by the arrangement detection unit120, which are associated with one another.

Upon the height-instruction icon230being dropped within the effective range700, the generation unit105determines that the input of the vertical air-blowing position304by the user is valid. Thus, the generation unit105reads out the horizontal air-blowing position302and the vertical air-blowing position304stored in the storage unit110and generates control data.

FIG. 12illustrates an example of the operation screen201according to the third embodiment.

The effective range700is a rectangular region that is somewhat larger than the in-plane instruction icon211that has its center located at the horizontal air-blowing position302. When the user swipes to move the in-plane instruction icon211, the effective range700moves so as to follow the swipe. The effective range700may or may not be displayed.

If a mode in which the user swipes to move the height-instruction icon230onto the horizontal air-blowing position302so as to input the vertical air-blowing position304is employed, there needs a criterion for determining how dose the height-instruction icon230needs to be moved to the horizontal air-blowing position302in order for the user input to be valid. If, for example, a mode in which the icon position710for the height-instruction icon230has to be strictly positioned onto the horizontal air-blowing position302in order for the user input to be valid is employed, such a rode makes it hard for the user to operate the communication device100. In the meantime, if a mode in which the user input is determined to be valid even when the height-instruction icon230is greatly spaced apart from the horizontal air-blowing position302is employed, when, for example, multiple users input the respective horizontal air-blowing positions302, it is difficult to determine with which one of the horizontal air-blowing positions302the height-instruction icon230has been associated. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the effective range700is provided, and the user operation is determined to be valid if the height-instruction icon230is dropped while the icon position710is located within the effective range700. Through this configuration, even when multiple horizontal air-blowing positions302are present, a process of determining with which one of the horizontal air-blowing positions302the height-instruction icon230has been associated becomes easy without making it hard for the user to operate the communication device100.

A starting coordinate701indicates the coordinate of the upper left vertex of the effective range700. An ending coordinate702indicates the coordinate of the lower right vertex of the effective range700.

An association icon230X is displayed when the user drops the height-instruction icon230within the effective range700on the plan view210, and is an icon for clearly indicating that the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user has been associated with the horizontal air-blowing position302inputted by the user. In the example illustrated inFIG. 12, the user has selected the first height-instruction icon231, and thus the shape (pentagon in this example) of the association icon230X is the same as the shape of the first height-instruction icon231. If the user selects the second height-Instruction icon232, the shape (hexagon in this example) of the association icon230X is the same as the shape of the second height-instruction icon232.

When the height-instruction icon230is dropped, if the icon position710is located within the effective range700, the user input is determined to be valid, and control data is generated from the horizontal air-blowing position302and the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the height-instruction icon230selected by the user.

FIG. 13illustrates exemplary data structures of various pieces of data to be used in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13differs fromFIG. 3in that the icon position710and the effective range700are added. Although the horizontal installation position301and the vertical installation position303are also used in the third embodiment, they are omitted inFIG. 13.

The icon position710indicates the position where the height-instruction icon230is dropped. The icon position710, for example, is indicated by the coordinates for the center position of the height-instruction icon230held when the height-instruction icon230is dropped. In the example illustrated inFIG. 13, the coordinate Xy and the coordinate Yy of the icon position710are, respectively, 2700 and 2400.

The effective range700is defined by the starting coordinate701and the ending coordinate702. In the example illustrated inFIG. 13, the starting coordinate701is defined by a value obtained by subtracting 500 from the coordinate Xb of the horizontal air-blowing position302and a value obtained by subtracting 500 from the coordinate Yb of the horizontal air-blowing position302. Meanwhile, the ending coordinate702is defined by a value obtained by adding 500 to the coordinate Xb of the horizontal air-blowing position302and a value obtained by adding 500 to the coordinate Yb of the horizontal air-blowing position302.

FIG. 14is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the communication device100according to the third embodiment. The flowchart illustrated inFIG. 14differs from the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 4in that S800, S801, and S802follow S112.

In S800, the second detection unit104associates the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the height-instruction icon230selected by the user with the horizontal air-blowing position302detected by the first detection unit103, and stores the associated vertical air-blowing position304and horizontal air-blowing position302in the storage unit110.

In S801, the arrangement detection unit120confirms he icon position710where the height-instruction icon230has been dropped.

In S802, the generation unit105determines whether the icon position710where the height-instruction icon230has been dropped is within the effective range700.

If the icon position710is within the effective range700(YES in S802), the process proceeds to S113. Meanwhile, if the icon position710is outside the effective range700(NO in S802), the generation unit105returns the process to S801and waits for the height-instruction icon230to be dropped within the effective range700.

Subsequently, a specific example of the process of the communication device100according to the third embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 13. The second detection unit104first associates the horizontal air-blowing position302[(Xb=2200),(Yb=2400)] detected by the first detection unit103with the vertical air-blowing position304detected by the second detection unit104, and stores the associated horizontal air-blowing position302and vertical air-blowing position304in the storage unit110. In this example, the user has selected the first height-instruction icon231. Thus, the vertical air-blowing position304is 1000-2000.

Then, the arrangement detection unit120detects the icon position710[(Xy=2700),(Yy=2400)] where the first height-instruction icon231has been dropped.

Thereafter, the generation unit105substitutes 2200 for Xb and 2400 for Yb in {starting coordinate701[(Xb−500),(Yb−500)]:ending coordinate702[(Xb+500),(Yb+500)]} so as to set the effective range700.

Through this operation, the effective range700is set to a rectangular region defined by [(2200−500),(2400−500)]:[(2200+500),(2400+500)].

In this case, the coordinates of the icon position710are [(Xy=2700),(Yy=2400)], which falls within the effective range700. Thus, the generation unit105determines that the user input is valid.

The generation unit105then generates control data from the horizontal installation position301[(Xa=0),(Ya=0)], the horizontal air-blowing position302[(Xb=2200),(Yb=2400)], the vertical installation position303, and the vertical air-blowing position304(1000-2000), as in the first embodiment.

An example in which a single horizontal air-blowing position302is inputted has been described in the third embodiment. Alternatively, two or more horizontal air-blowing positions302may be inputted. In this case, the generation unit105may set the effective range700for each horizontal air-blowing position302and determine whether an input is valid for each horizontal air-blowing position302.

Fourth Embodiment

In a fourth embodiment, on the plan view210, it is determined whether the air conditioner600can actually blow the air to the horizontal air-blowing position302and the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user, and if the air conditioner600cannot blow the air as inputted, the user is notified to that effect. In the present embodiment, elements that are identical to those in the first through third embodiments are given identical reference characters, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 15is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of the communication device100according to the fourth embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the management unit101manages an effective range1702that corresponds to the first height-instruction icon231and an effective range1703that corresponds to the second height-instruction icon232.

In the fourth embodiment, the second detection unit104detects the vertical air-blowing position304that the user has inputted in association with the horizontal air-blowing position302detected by the first detection unit103, and stores the associated vertical air-blowing position304and horizontal air-blowing position302in the storage unit110.

In the fourth embodiment, in a case in which the horizontal air-blowing position302is associated with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231, the generation unit105sets the effective range1702on the plan view210for determining whether the user input is valid. If the horizontal air-blowing position302is outside the effective range1702, the generation unit105displays, in the display unit102, an invalid mark950indicating that the user input is invalid.

Meanwhile, in a case in which the horizontal air-blowing position302is associated with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the second height-instruction icon232, the generation unit105sets the effective range1703on the plan view210for determining whether the user input is valid. If the horizontal air-blowing position302is outside the effective range1703, the generation unit105displays, in the display unit102, the invalid mark950indicating that the put of the vertical air-blowing position304is invalid.

FIG. 16illustrates an example of the operation screen201according to the fourth embodiment.

The effective range1702indicates a range on the plan view210in which the horizontal air-blowing position302can be specified in relation to the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231,

The effective range1703indicates a range on the plan view210in which the horizontal air-blowing position302can be specified in relation to the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the second height-instruction icon232.

The effective range1702is a rectangular region defined by the upper left vertex (Xe,Ye) and the lower right vertex (Xf Yf). Meanwhile, the effective range1703is a rectangular region defined by the upper left vertex (Xg,Yg) and the lower right vertex (Xh,Yh).

The length of the effective range1702in the X-axis direction is set somewhat smaller than the length of the effective range1703in the X-axis direction. In addition, the width of the effective range1702in the Y-axis direction is set somewhat greater than the width of the effective range1703in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the effective range1702as a whole is set closer to the air-conditioner icon250than the effective range1703.

The effective ranges1702and1703are set in this manner due to a limitation that the air conditioner600can blow the air to a position higher than its own position but cannot blow the air to a position lower than its own position in the vicinity of the air conditioner600and a limitation that the air conditioner600can blow the air to a position lower than its own position but cannot blow the air to a position higher than its own position in a location far from the air conditioner600. In other words, in a case in which the user has selected the second height-instruction icon232, the air conditioner600cannot blow the air to the horizontal air-blowing position302that is set outside the effective range1703. Meanwhile, in a case in which the user has selected the first height-instruction icon231, the air conditioner600cannot blow the air to the horizontal air-blowing position302that is set outside the effective range1702.

Accordingly, in the fourth embodiment, the effective range1702or1703that corresponds to the height-instruction icon230selected by the user is set on the plan view210, and if the horizontal air-blowing position302inputted by the user is outside the effective range1702or1703, the air conditioner600notifies the user that the air cannot be blown to the position that the user has requested. Through this configuration, even in a case in which the air conditioner600cannot blow the air to the position that the user has requested, the user can have a sense of acceptance. In addition, the air conditioner600can prompt the user to input an air-blowing position within a range in which the air conditioner600can blow the air.

The positions and the sizes of the effective ranges1702and1703can be set to the positions and the sizes that are set in advance in accordance with the range in which the air conditioner600can blow the air and the vertical air-blowing positions304defined by the first height-instruction icon231and the second height-instruction icon232. The effective ranges1702and1703may or may not be displayed.

The invalid mark950notifies the user that he input of the horizontal air-blowing position302is invalid, in a case in which the horizontal air-blowing position302inputted by the user is outside the effective range1702or1703on the plan view210. In the example illustrated inFIG. 16, the invalid mark950is represented, for example, by an X, but this is merely an example, and any mark that can notify the user that the input of the horizontal air-blowing position302is invalid can be employed. In addition, in the example illustrated inFIG. 16, the invalid mark950is displayed in the vicinity of the association icon231X.

FIG. 17illustrates exemplary data structures of various pieces of data to be used in the communication device100according to the fourth embodiment.FIG. 17differs fromFIG. 13in that, in place of the effective range700, the two effective ranges1702and1703are provided. Although the horizontal installation position301and the vertical installation position303are also used in the fourth embodiment, they are omitted inFIG. 17.

The effective range1702is a rectangular region defined by the upper left vertex [(Xe=400),(Ye=880)] and the lower right vertex [(Xf=3800),(Yf=2800)].

The effective range1703is a rectangular region defined by the upper left vertex [(Xg=200),(Yg=2000)] and the lower right vertex [(Xh=3900),(Yh=3500)].

Subsequently, a specific example of the process of the communication device100according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 17.

The first detection unit103first detests the horizontal air-blowing position [(Xb=2400),(Yb=3200)]. The user, for example, inputs the horizontal air-blowing position302[(Xb=2400),(Yb=3200)] by tapping the plan view210. At this point, the plan view210displays the in-plane instruction icon211with its center located at the horizontal air-blowing position302.

Subsequently, the second detection unit104determines whether the horizontal air-blowing position302is associated with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231or the second height-instruction icon232. If the user is to associate the horizontal air-blowing position302with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231, the user swipes to move the first height-instruction icon231onto the in-plane instruction icon211. Meanwhile, if the user is to associate the horizontal air-blowing position302with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the second height-instruction icon232, the user swipes to move the second height-instruction icon232onto the in-plane instruction icon211

The user may associate the horizontal air-blowing position302with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231. In this case, the vertical air-blowing position304is 1000-2000.

Subsequently, the generation unit105sets, on the plan view210, the effective range1702defined by the first height-instruction icon231. The effective range1702is a rectangular region defined by [(Xe=400),(Ye=880)]:[(Xf=3800),(Yf=2800)].

In this case, the coordinates of the horizontal air-blowing position302are [(Xy=2400),(Yy=3200)], which is outside the effective range1702. Thus, the generation unit105determines that the user input is invalid and displays the invalid mark950on the display unit102. The invalid mark950is displayed, for example, at a position [(Xy=2900),(Yy=3200)] in the vicinity of the icon position1701[(Xy=2700),(Yy=3200)] of the association icon231X.

The generation unit105then generates control data from the horizontal installation position301[(Xa=0),(Ya=0)], the vertical installation position303(2000), the horizontal air-blowing position 302 [(Xb=2400),(Yb=3200)], and the vertical air-blowing position304(1000-2000), as in the first embodiment.

FIG. 18is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the communication device100according to the fourth embodiment.

The generation unit105first confirms the horizontal air-blowing position302that has been inputted by the user (S111).

Subsequently, the generation unit105determines with which one of the first height-instruction icon231and the second height-instruction icon232the user has associated the horizontal air-blowing position302(S1020). If the first height-instruction icon231is associated with the horizontal air-blowing position302(“1” in S1020), the generation unit105sets the effective range1702on the plan view210. Then, if the horizontal air-blowing position302is within the effective range1702(YES in S1031), the generation unit105sets “valid” in a flag on the display unit102that indicates whether the user instruction is valid (S1041).

Meanwhile, if the horizontal air-blowing position302is outside the effective range1702(NO in S1031), the generation unit105sets “invalid” in the flag on the display unit102(S1042).

In S1020, if the second height-instruction icon232is associated with the horizontal air-blowing position302(“2” in S1020), the generation unit105sets the effective range1703on the plan view210. Then, if the horizontal air-blowing position302is within the effective range1703(YES in S1032), the generation unit105sets “valid” in the flag (S1041).

Meanwhile, if the horizontal air-blowing position302is outside the effective range1703(NO in S1032), the generation unit105sets “invalid” in the flag (S1042).

If “invalid” is set in the flag, the display unit102displays the invalid mark950in the vicinity of the association icon231X.

In this manner, with the communication device100according to the fourth embodiment, when the horizontal air-blowing position302inputted by the user is outside the effective range1702or1703corresponding to the height-instruction icon230selected by the user, the user is notified that the input is invalid. Therefore, even when the actual air-blowing position of the air conditioner600differs from the air-blowing position inputted by the user, the user can have a sense of acceptance.

Although an example in which the invalid mark950is displayed has been described in the fourth embodiment, a valid mark indicating that the user input is valid may be displayed in the display unit102when valid is set in the flag. Through this configuration, the user can be notified that the input is valid.

First Modification

FIG. 19illustrates an operation screen201according to a first modification of the present disclosure. In the first modification, when the air conditioner600cannot blow the air to the air-blowing position inputted by the user, the user is notified to that effect.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 19, the user has associated the horizontal air-blowing position302with the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the second height-instruction icon232. The air conditioner600may not be able to blow the air at the height indicated by the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the second height-instruction icon232at the horizontal air-blowing position302illustrated inFIG. 19.

In this case, the air conditioner600attempts to blow the air to an air-blowing position that is as close as possible to the air-blowing position inputted by the user. In the example illustrated inFIG. 19, a position1901may be closest to the horizontal air-blowing position302on the plan view210while the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user is retained. In this case, the generation unit105displays, at the position1901, an air-blowing position mark1901X that indicates the actual air-blowing position of the air conditioner600.

Through this configuration, the user can recognize the reason why the air is not blown to the air-blowing position inputted by the user, and can also recognize the actual air-blowing position of the air conditioner600.

In this case, the air conditioner600sets a plane perpendicular to the floor along the direction of the horizontal airflow-direction component212included in the control data, and sets, along the stated plane, a fan-shaped region defined by the vertical airflow-direction component. If the fan-shaped region does not overlap the region in which the air conditioner600can blow the air, the air conditioner600determines that the air cannot be blown to the air-blowing position inputted by the user.

The air conditioner600then obtains a position that is closest to the fan-shaped region within the region in which the air conditioner600can blow the air. The air conditioner600then transmits, to the communication device100, feedback information indicating that the obtained closest position is the actual air-blowing position.

The communication device100may display the air-blowing position mark1901X at the position1901on the plan view210indicating the actual air-blowing position defined by the feedback information. Although the air conditioner600has determined whether the air conditioner600can blow the air to the air-blowing position inputted by the user, this implementation is merely an example, and the server900or the communication device100may make such a determination,

Second Modification

FIG. 20illustrates an operation screen201according to a second modification of the present disclosure. In the second modification, the airflow direction of the air conditioner600is changed so as to follow the user's movement.

The air conditioner600includes a position sensor that detects the position of the user. The air conditioner600periodically transmits the detected position of the user to the communication device100. Upon receiving the position of the user from the air conditioner600, the communication device100causes the generation unit105to determine whether the received position is different from the previously received position by a prescribed value or r yore. If the detected position of the user is different from the previously detected position of the user by the prescribed value or more, the generation unit105determines that the user has moved.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 20, the user first specifies the horizontal air-blowing position302by using the plan view210, and the air conditioner600blows the air in the direction of the horizontal airflow-direction component212. Then, the user moves to a position302′, and the communication device100detects the user's movement. Therefore, the communication device100generates control data in which the position302′ corresponds to the horizontal air-blowing position, and transmits the generated control data to the air conditioner600. Through this operation, the air conditioner600changes the airflow direction from the direction of the horizontal airflow-direction component212to the direction of a horizontal airflow-direction component212′. Thus, the air conditioner600can blow the air toward the user even when the user moves,

Although the communication device100has detected the movement of the user in this example, the server900may detect the movement of the user. In this case, the server900may detect the movement of the user by communicating with the air conditioner600, and if the server900detects the movement of the user, the server900may notify the communication device100of the position to which the user has moved. The communication device100may then generate control data in which the position to which the user has moved corresponds to the horizontal air-blowing position, and transmit the generated control data to the air conditioner600.

Third Modification

FIG. 21illustrates an operation screen201according to a third modification of the present disclosure. In the third modification, the user can select, among multiple air conditioners600installed in a room, an air conditioner600that the user wants to blow the air.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 21, air-conditioner icons250are displayed at the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the plan view210, and two air conditioners600are installed in the room.

The air-conditioner icon250at the upper left is provided with a star-shaped identification mark M1, and the air-conditioner icon250at the lower right is provided with a cross-shaped identification mark M2.

For example, the user A inputs a horizontal air-blowing position302A as the horizontal air-blowing position302and inputs the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231as the vertical air-blowing position304. In addition, the user A selects the air-conditioner icon250located at the upper left as the air conditioner600that the user A wants to blow the air. Thus, the in-plane instruction icon211is displayed at the horizontal air-blowing position302A, and the association icon231X corresponding to the first height-instruction icon231and the identification mark M1are displayed in the vicinity of the in-plane instruction icon211. In this case, the user A may select the air-conditioner icon250by tapping one of the multiple air-conditioner icons250displayed on the plan view210that the user A wants to blow the air.

Similarly to the operation of the user A, the user B inputs a horizontal air-blowing position302B as the horizontal air-blowing position302and inputs the vertical air-blowing position304defined by the first height-instruction icon231as the vertical air-blowing position304. In addition, the user B taps the air-conditioner icon250located at the lower right. This, the in-plane instruction icon211is displayed at the horizontal air-blowing position302B and the association icon231X and the identification mark M2are displayed in the vicinity of the in-plane instruction icon211.

The communication device100then transmits the control data that is based on the air-blowing position inputted by the user A to the air conditioner600that corresponds to the air-conditioner icon250located at the upper left, and transmits the control data that is based on the air-blowing position Inputted by the user B to the air conditioner600that corresponds to the air-conditioner icon250located at the lower right.

Through this operation, even in a case in which multiple air conditioners600are installed in a room, the user can select an air conditioner600that the user wants to blow the air, and can immediately identify the air conditioner600that the user has selected by the identification mark M1or M2.

Fourth Modification

FIG. 22illustrates an operation screen201according to a fourth modification of the present disclosure. In the first through fourth embodiments, the user inputs the vertical air-blowing position304by selecting either the first height-instruction icon231or the second height-instruction icon232. In the fourth modification, the user inputs the vertical air-blowing position304by specifying any desired position on the profile view220.

The profile view220displays a height-instruction icon2203that allows the user to input the vertical air-blowing position304. The user swipes to move the height-instruction icon2203vertically along the Z-axis and stops the height-instruction icon2203at a desired position.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 22, the user A positions the height-instruction icon2203at a coordinate ZA, and a height specification mark MA for clearly indicating the vertical air-blowing position304specified by the user A is displayed in the vicinity of the coordinate ZA. In a similar manner, the user B positions the height-instruction icon2203at a coordinate ZB, and a height specification mark MB for clearly indicating the vertical air-blowing position304specified by the user B is displayed in the vicinity of the coordinate ZB.

Then, the user A inputs the horizontal air-blowing position302A as the horizontal air-blowing position302on the plan view210, and associates the horizontal air-blowing position302A with the vertical air-blowing position304indicated by the coordinate ZA. Thus, the in-plane instruction icon211is displayed at the horizontal air-blowing position302A, and the height specification mark MA is displayed in the vicinity of the in-plane instruction icon211.

The user B inputs the horizontal air-blowing position302B as the horizontal blowing position302on the plan view210, and associates the horizontal air-blowing position302B with the vertical air-blowing position304indicated by the coordinate ZB. Thus, the in-plane instruction icon211is displayed at the horizontal air-blowing position302B, and the height specification mark MB is displayed in the vicinity of the in-plane instruction icon211.

The user A first swipes to move the height-instruction icon2203so as to specify the vertical air-blowing position304. Thus, the height specification mark MA is displayed at the coordinate ZA. The user A then taps the plan view210on the horizontal air-blowing position302A. Thus, the in-plane instruction icon211is displayed. The user A then swipes to move the height specification mark MA onto the in-plane instruction icon211displayed at the horizontal air-blowing position302A. Through this operation, the vertical air-blowing position304indicated by the coordinate ZA is associated with the horizontal air-blowing position302indicated by the horizontal air-blowing position302A.

In a similar manner, the user B swipes to move the height specification mark MB onto the in-plane instruction icon211displayed at the horizontal air-blowing position302B. Through this operation, the vertical air-blowing position304indicated by the coordinate ZB is associated with the horizontal air-blowing position302indicated by the horizontal air-blowing position302B.

The generation unit105then generates control data from the vertical air-blowing positions304and the horizontal air-blowing positions302inputted by the users A and B, as in the second embodiment.

In this manner, in the fourth modification, the user can set the vertical air-blowing position304at a desired position by using the height-instruction icon2203.

In the fourth modification, the user inputs the vertical air-blowing position304by swiping to move the height-instruction icon2203. However, this implementation is merely an example, and, for example, the coordinate of a position along the Z-axis on the profile view220on which the user has tapped may be set as the vertical air-blowing position304inputted by the user.

Fifth Modification

In the foregoing descriptions, an example in which the air-blowing position of the air conditioner600is inputted has been illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the user may input, in addition to the air-blowing position of the air conditioner600, other parameters for the air conditioner600. Examples of the parameters include an airflow volume. For example, inFIG. 8, when the user A keeps the in-plane instruction icon211A pressed down, the display unit102displays an adjustment screen for adjusting the airflow volume so as to overlap the operation screen201. Then, the generation unit105may associate the airflow volume inputted by the user with the air-blowing position inputted by the user A and generate control data accordingly.

Sixth Modification

Although the plan view210and the profile view220are displayed simultaneously in the operation screen201in the forgoing descriptions, only one of the plan view210and the profile view220may be displayed. In this case, the plan view210may be displayed first, and the profile view220may be displayed after the horizontal air-blowing position302has been inputted. Alternatively, the profile view220may be displayed first, and the plan view210may be displayed after the vertical air-blowing position304has been inputted.

The present disclosure is beneficial in a technical field of controlling an air-blowing apparatus by using a communication device, such as a smartphone and a tablet terminal.