Method for controlling terminal apparatus that remotely controls air conditioner, non-transitory recording medium storing program executed by terminal apparatus, recommend method executed by terminal apparatus, and terminal apparatus

The present application discloses a method for controlling a terminal apparatus that is used for an appliance control system for executing a remote operation on a plurality of air conditioners from a car. The method includes a first judgment step of causing a computer of the terminal apparatus to judge whether or not a start condition of the remote operation is satisfied; a second judgment step of causing the computer to judge whether or not the car exists in a control region defined around a building; a first display step of causing a display of the terminal apparatus to display a start instruction image for providing an instruction to start the remote operation; an output step of causing the computer to, if an instruction image region used in common to a plurality of target appliances to be operated is operated on the start instruction image, output control data to a network; and a second display step of causing the display to display a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been transmitted to the plurality of target appliances to be operated.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a technique of remotely operating an air conditioner installed in a building from a car.

2. Description of the Related Art

The recent advances of communication technologies have enabled a user to remotely operate a home appliance installed in a building from a car (see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881). According to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881, a user in a car operates a communication terminal to call a home server installed in a user's home. The user then makes a reservation setting for an operation of a home appliance in the home by using the called home server. As a result, the user is able to remotely control the home appliance.

SUMMARY

In general, many users each own a plurality of air conditioners. The technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881 enables a user to remotely control an air conditioner, but the user is requested to perform various operations to remotely control a single air conditioner. If the user wants to operate a plurality of air conditioners, the user is requested to perform a large amount of operations.

Thus, a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a technique that enables a user to easily and remotely operate a plurality of air conditioners.

In one general aspect, the techniques disclosed here feature a method for controlling a terminal apparatus that includes a display and that is used for an appliance control system for executing, from a car via a network, remote control on an air conditioner installed in a building. The terminal apparatus includes a memory storing setting information specifying a plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control and storing, for each of the plurality of air conditioners, condition information representing a set temperature at which a remote operation is started. The method includes causing a computer of the terminal apparatus to, in a case where it is judged by using the setting information that there exist the plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control, judge, for each of the designated plurality of air conditioners, by using the set temperature represented by the condition information and an outside temperature, whether or not a condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied; causing the computer to, in a case where there exist at least two or more air conditioners for which the condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied, obtain first position information indicating a current position of the car and second position information indicating a position of the building, and judge whether or not the position indicated by the first position information is within a certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information; causing the computer to, in a case where the position indicated by the first position information is within the certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information, output, via the display of the terminal apparatus, one common piece of display data prompting a certain remote operation for the at least two or more air conditioners, the one common piece of display data including one common instruction portion for starting the certain remote operation; and causing the computer to, in a case where selection of the one common instruction portion is detected, output control data for executing the certain remote operation on the at least two or more air conditioners to the network, and individually output, via an output unit of the terminal apparatus, for the at least two or more air conditioners, pieces of notification data indicating that the control data has been output for each of the at least two or more air conditioners.

The present disclosure enables a user to easily and remotely operate a plurality of air conditioners.

Additional benefits and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent from the specification and Figures. The benefits and/or advantages may be individually provided by the various embodiments and features of the specification and Figures, and need not all be provided in order to obtain one or more of the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a description will be given of various embodiments regarding a technique of remotely operating an air conditioner installed in a building from a car, with reference to the attached drawings. The technique of remotely operating an air conditioner installed in a building from a car is clearly understandable from the following description.

Issues Found Out by Inventors

The inventors have studied the technique disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881, and found out issues involved in the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881. The issues involved in the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881 will be described below.

According to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881, a user (for example, a driver) operates a communication terminal in a car to access a home server. The user then makes a reservation setting for a home appliance via the home server.

When a time specified by the reservation setting approaches, the home server transmits confirmation image data to the communication terminal. The confirmation image data is used to determine whether or not the user allows the target home appliance to execute an operation specified by the reservation setting. If the user approves the execution of the operation, a permission signal of permitting the operation of the target home appliance is transmitted from the communication terminal to the home server. In response to the permission signal, the home server generates a control signal for executing the operation specified by the reservation setting. The control signal is transmitted from the home server to the target home appliance.

When the home appliance appropriately receives the control signal, the home appliance generates a notification signal indicating that the home appliance is appropriately operating in accordance with the control signal. The notification signal is transmitted from the home appliance to the home server. The home server transfers the notification signal to the communication terminal.

The technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881 is also available for remotely operating a plurality of air conditioners. For example, a user is able to remotely operate a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner, which adjusts the temperature of a room different from a room where the temperature is adjusted by the first air conditioner.

The user is able to set a first time as a preset time for the first air conditioner. The user is able to set a second time, which is different from the first time, as a preset time for the second air conditioner.

When the first time approaches, the home server transmits confirmation image data to the communication terminal. The confirmation image data is used to determine whether or not the user allows the first air conditioner to execute an operation specified by a reservation setting. When the second time approaches, the home server transmits confirmation image data to the communication terminal. The confirmation image data is used to determine whether or not the user allows the second air conditioner to execute an operation specified by a reservation setting. Thus, the user needs to operate the communication terminal every time confirmation image data is transmitted.

Many users do not want to frequently operate a communication terminal in a car. The users may want to finish an operation on the communication terminal in a short time while the car is stopped at a red light. The technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881 does not satisfy such users' needs.

On the basis of the above-described considerations, the inventors have conceived of individual aspects of the present disclosure.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a method for controlling a terminal apparatus that includes a display and that is used for an appliance control system for executing, from a car via a network, remote control on an air conditioner installed in a building.

The terminal apparatus includes a memory storing setting information specifying a plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control and storing, for each of the plurality of air conditioners, condition information representing a set temperature at which a remote operation is started.

The method includes causing a computer of the terminal apparatus to, in a case where it is judged by using the setting information that there exist the plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control, judge, for each of the designated plurality of air conditioners, by using the set temperature represented by the condition information and an outside temperature, whether or not a condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied; causing the computer to, in a case where there exist at least two or more air conditioners for which the condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied, obtain first position information indicating a current position of the car and second position information indicating a position of the building, and judge whether or not the position indicated by the first position information is within a certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information; causing the computer to, in a case where the position indicated by the first position information is within the certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information, output, via the display of the terminal apparatus, one common piece of display data prompting a certain remote operation for the at least two or more air conditioners, the one common piece of display data including one common instruction portion for starting the certain remote operation; and causing the computer to, in a case where selection of the one common instruction portion is detected, output control data for executing the certain remote operation on the at least two or more air conditioners to the network, and individually output, via an output unit of the terminal apparatus, for the at least two or more air conditioners, pieces of notification data indicating that the control data has been output for each of the at least two or more air conditioners.

According to this aspect, even in the case of starting a remote operation for a plurality of air conditioners, only one common piece of display data is output to the display of the terminal apparatus. A user is able to provide an instruction to execute a remote operation on the plurality of air conditioners only by selecting the one common instruction portion included in the one common piece of display data. In other words, the user only has to perform one input operation and does not need to perform input operations many times while driving, and thus the degree of safety increases.

Further, after the instruction to execute a remote operation on the plurality of air conditioners has been provided, notifications are individually output for the plurality of air conditioners. That is, operations for the plurality of air conditioners are simultaneously executed, and thus the user is correctly notified which air conditioner normally operates and which air conditioner does not normally operate.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes causing the computer to, in a case where a destination of the car is estimated to be the position of the building, judge whether or not the position indicated by the first position information has been moved into the certain region from a region outside the certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information; and causing the computer to, in a case where the position indicated by the first position information has been moved into the certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information, output the one common piece of display data.

According to this aspect, processing is executed only in a case where the destination of the car is the building where the air conditioners as targets to be remotely operated are installed. Accordingly, activation of an air conditioner installed in a building that is not the destination is prevented. Thus, wasteful power consumption caused by unnecessary activation of an air conditioner is reduced, and efficient control can be executed.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes causing the computer to, in a case where selection of the one common instruction portion is not detected within a certain period from when the one common piece of display data is output, stop detecting selection of the one common instruction portion and start a re-notification timer, and prevent the one common piece of display data from being output again before a timeout of the re-notification timer occurs.

According to this aspect, in a case where the car is moving in a certain region, for example, sequential output of the same pieces of display data is prevented. Accordingly, output of common display data is appropriately controlled, and efficient control can be executed.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the outside temperature is an outside temperature of the car, and the method further includes causing the computer to judge, by using the set temperature represented by the condition information and the outside temperature of the car, whether or not the condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied.

According to this aspect, even in a case where the appliance control system does not have a function of obtaining an outside temperature of a building where an air conditioner is installed, appropriate control can be executed by using an outside temperature of a car.

Further, in a case where an outside temperature of a car is used, a communication delay is less likely to occur, and a processing period for judging whether or not a condition of starting a remote operation is satisfied can be shortened, compared to a case where an outside temperature of a building where an air conditioner is installed is obtained via a network. Also, communication resources to be used are reduced, and thereby the communication cost can be reduced.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the condition information includes, for each of the plurality of air conditioners, a first set temperature at which the remote operation is started in a heating mode and a second set temperature at which the remote operation is started in a cooling mode. The method further includes causing the computer to judge that a condition of starting the remote operation in the heating mode is satisfied in a case where the outside temperature is equal to or lower than the first set temperature, and judge that a condition of starting the remote operation in the cooling mode is satisfied in a case where the outside temperature is equal to or higher than the second set temperature.

According to this aspect, the set temperatures for the heating mode and the cooling mode can be preset as condition information, and appropriate control can be executed in accordance with seasons.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes causing the computer to output the pieces of notification data for the at least two or more air conditioners in order from a piece of notification data for an air conditioner for which a difference between the set temperature represented by the condition information and the outside temperature is large.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes causing the computer to obtain operation statuses from the at least two or more air conditioners after the control data for executing the certain remote operation on the at least two or more air conditioners has been output to the network, and individually output, via the output unit of the terminal apparatus, the operation statuses for the at least two or more air conditioners.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the setting information includes in advance a fixed order for the plurality of air conditioners, and the method further includes causing the computer to output the pieces of notification data for the at least two or more air conditioners in accordance with the fixed order.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a program executed by a terminal apparatus that includes a display and that is used for an appliance control system for executing, from a car via a network, remote control on an air conditioner installed in a building.

The terminal apparatus includes a memory storing setting information specifying a plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control and storing, for each of the plurality of air conditioners, condition information representing a set temperature at which a remote operation is started.

The program causes a computer of the terminal apparatus to, in a case where it is judged by using the setting information that there exist the plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control, judge, for each of the designated plurality of air conditioners, by using the set temperature represented by the condition information and an outside temperature, whether or not a condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied; in a case where there exist at least two or more air conditioners for which the condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied, obtain first position information indicating a current position of the car and second position information indicating a position of the building, and judge whether or not the position indicated by the first position information is within a certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information; in a case where the position indicated by the first position information is within the certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information, output, via the display of the terminal apparatus, one common piece of display data prompting a certain remote operation for the at least two or more air conditioners, the one common piece of display data including one common instruction portion for starting the certain remote operation; and in a case where selection of the one common instruction portion is detected, output control data for executing the certain remote operation on the at least two or more air conditioners to the network, and individually output, via an output unit of the terminal apparatus, for the at least two or more air conditioners, pieces of notification data indicating that the control data has been output for each of the at least two or more air conditioners.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a recommend method in an appliance control system for executing, from a car via a network, remote control on an air conditioner installed in a building. The recommend method includes judging, by using a first memory storing setting information specifying a plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control, whether or not there exist the plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control; in a case where it is judged that there exist the plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control, judging, for each of the designated plurality of air conditioners, by using a memory storing, for each of the plurality of air conditioners, condition information representing a set temperature at which a remote operation is started, whether or not a condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied in relation to an outside temperature; in a case where there exist at least two or more air conditioners for which the condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied, obtaining first position information indicating a current position of the car and second position information indicating a position of the building, and judging whether or not the position indicated by the first position information is within a certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information; in a case where the position indicated by the first position information is within the certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information, outputting, to the terminal apparatus, one common piece of display data prompting a certain remote operation for the at least two or more air conditioners, the one common piece of display data including one common instruction portion for starting the certain remote operation; and in a case where information representing selection of the one common instruction portion is input in the terminal apparatus, outputting control data for executing the certain remote operation on the at least two or more air conditioners to the network, and individually outputting, to the terminal apparatus, for the at least two or more air conditioners, pieces of notification data indicating that the control data has been output for each of the at least two or more air conditioners.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a terminal apparatus that is used for an appliance control system for executing, from a car via a network, remote control on an air conditioner installed in a building. It is judged, by using a first memory storing setting information specifying a plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control, whether or not there exist the plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control. In a case where it is judged that there exist the plurality of air conditioners designated as targets of the remote control, it is judged, for each of the designated plurality of air conditioners, by using a memory storing, for each of the plurality of air conditioners, condition information representing a set temperature at which a remote operation is started, whether or not a condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied in relation to an outside temperature. In a case where there exist at least two or more air conditioners for which the condition of starting the remote operation is satisfied, first position information indicating a current position of the car and second position information indicating a position of the building are obtained, and it is judged whether or not the position indicated by the first position information is within a certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information. In a case where the position indicated by the first position information is within the certain region relative to the position indicated by the second position information, one common piece of display data prompting a certain remote operation for the at least two or more air conditioners is output to the terminal apparatus, the one common piece of display data including one common instruction portion for starting the certain remote operation. In a case where information representing selection of the one common instruction portion is input in the terminal apparatus, control data for executing the certain remote operation on the at least two or more air conditioners is output to the network, and pieces of notification data indicating that the control data has been output for each of the at least two or more air conditioners are individually output to the terminal apparatus for the at least two or more air conditioners.

First Embodiment

As described above, according to the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-64881, a user is requested to perform frequent operations. In a first embodiment, a description will be given of a technique that allows a user to easily perform remote operations on a plurality of air conditioners.

FIG. 1is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing executed by a control system that remotely operates, from a car via a network, a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building. With reference toFIG. 1, a description will be given of the processing executed by the control system. In this embodiment, an appliance control system is exemplified by the control system that executes various processing operations in accordance with the flowchart inFIG. 1.

The flowchart inFIG. 1is preferably available for activating a plurality of air conditioners. In the following description, the processing according to the flowchart inFIG. 1is referred to as “on-recommend processing”. In this embodiment, a recommend method is exemplified by the on-recommend processing described below.

In step S110, the control system specifies a plurality of target appliances to be remotely operated. After that, step S120is executed.

In step S120, the control system specifies a position of a vehicle. If the position of the vehicle satisfies a certain condition, step S130is executed.

In step S130, the control system presents an operation image to a user. When the user performs a certain operation on the operation image, step S140is executed.

In step S140, the control system generates control data in response to the operation performed by the user. The control data is output from a communication terminal to a network. In this embodiment, a terminal apparatus is exemplified by the communication terminal. The communication terminal may be an in-vehicle apparatus installed in a vehicle (for example, a car navigation system). Alternatively, the communication terminal may be a mobile terminal carried by the user (for example, a smartphone). Alternatively, the communication terminal may be another apparatus capable of outputting control data from a vehicle to a network. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific communication terminal. After the control data has been output from the communication terminal to the network, step S150is executed.

In step S150, the control data is output from the network to the plurality of target appliances to be operated. The plurality of target appliances to be operated each generate a notification signal representing the receipt of the control data. The notification signals are output from the individual target appliances to be operated to the communication terminal via the network. In response to the notification signals, the communication terminal generates notification images indicating that the control data has been transmitted to each of the plurality of target appliances to be operated. Accordingly, the user is able to determine whether or not a remote operation has been appropriately executed by seeing the notification images.

FIG. 2is a conceptual diagram illustrating the processing in step S110. With reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, a description will be given of the processing in step S110. In this embodiment, a first judgment step is exemplified by step S110.

A memory of the communication terminal stores, in advance, information about a plurality of air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4owned by the user. The user presets, in the memory, one or more candidate appliances to be remotely operated using the control system. If the user designates a plurality of air conditioners as candidate appliances to be operated, the processing in step S110is continued.FIG. 2illustrates that the user has set the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3as candidate appliances to be operated. In this embodiment, setting information is exemplified by information representing the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3that are set as candidate appliances to be operated. The candidate appliances to be operated may be set in accordance with a user's need. Therefore, the principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific setting of candidate appliances to be operated.

The memory also stores information about temperature conditions that are defined for the individual air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3set as candidate appliances to be operated, as well as the information about the candidate appliances to be operated. The temperature conditions define start conditions under which the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3are activated. For example, the user may set a lower-limit temperature of 20° C. and an upper-limit temperature of 30° C. as a temperature condition for the air conditioner AC1. The user may set a lower-limit temperature of 22° C. and an upper-limit temperature of 33° C. as a temperature condition for the air conditioner AC2. The user may set a lower-limit temperature of 18° C. and an upper-limit temperature of 35° C. as a temperature condition for the air conditioner AC3. In this embodiment, condition information is exemplified by the information about temperature conditions.

A computer of the communication terminal (for example, a central processing unit (CPU)) compares an outside temperature with a temperature represented by a temperature condition. The outside temperature may be a temperature outside a vehicle. Alternatively, the outside temperature may be a temperature outside the rooms where the plurality of air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4are installed. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific position at which an outside temperature is measured.

FIG. 2illustrates that the air conditioners AC1and AC2are selected, by the computer, as target appliances to be operated. If information about an outside temperature obtained by the computer represents 34° C., the computer selects the air conditioners AC1and AC2as target appliances to be operated. The air conditioners AC1and AC2operate in a cooling mode under the control executed by the control system. That is, the above-described setting of an upper-limit temperature is used as a start condition of starting operation in the cooling mode.

If information about an outside temperature obtained by the computer represents 18° C., the computer selects the air conditioners AC1and AC2as target appliances to be operated. The air conditioners AC1and AC2operate in a heating mode under the control executed by the control system. That is, the above-described setting of a lower-limit temperature is used as a start condition of starting operation in the heating mode. In this embodiment, a set temperature is exemplified by the above-described upper-limit temperature and lower-limit temperature. The upper-limit temperature and lower-limit temperature may be determined according to user's preference. Thus, the principle of this embodiment is not limited by specific values of the upper-limit temperature and lower-limit temperature.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare conceptual diagrams illustrating the processing in step S120. With reference toFIGS. 1 to 3B, a description will be given of the processing in step S120. In this embodiment, a second judgment step is exemplified by step S120.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, when the computer of the communication terminal selects a plurality of air conditioners (the air conditioners AC1and AC2) as target appliances to be operated, step S120is executed.

As illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the control system presets a control region CR surrounding a building HM in which the air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4are installed. The area and shape of the control region CR may be determined by the user. Alternatively, the area and shape of the control region CR may be determined by the control system. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific area and a specific shape of the control region CR.

The computer of the communication terminal obtains position information about the position of a vehicle VC. The obtainment of the position information may depend on a global positioning system (GPS) technique that is used for a general car navigation system. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific technique for obtaining position information. In this embodiment, a car is exemplified by the vehicle VC.

FIG. 3Aillustrates that the vehicle VC exists in the control region CR.FIG. 3Billustrates that the vehicle VC exists in a region outside the control region CR. The computer of the communication terminal judges, on the basis of the position information, whether or not the vehicle VC exists in the control region CR.

FIG. 4is a conceptual diagram illustrating the processing in step S130. With reference toFIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 4, a description will be given of the processing in step S130. In this embodiment, a first display step is exemplified by step S130.

As illustrated inFIG. 3A, when the computer of the communication terminal judges that the vehicle VC exists in the control region CR, step S130is executed.

In step S130, a touch panel display of the communication terminal displays an operation image OIM for providing an instruction to start a remote operation for the air conditioners AC1and AC2selected as target appliances to be operated. The operation image OIM includes an operation region OPR, which is operated by the user. The operation region OPR may be a general icon button. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific design of the image displayed as the operation region OPR. In this embodiment, a display is exemplified by the touch panel display of the communication terminal. A start instruction image is exemplified by the operation image OIM.

The user is able to provide an instruction to start a remote operation to both the air conditioners AC1and AC2by operating the operation region OPR. Thus, the user is able to provide an instruction to start a remote operation to the air conditioners AC1and AC2with a smaller amount of operations than in the related art. In this embodiment, an instruction image region is exemplified by the operation region OPR.

FIG. 5is a conceptual diagram illustrating communications between a communication terminal100and the air conditioners AC1and AC2. With reference toFIGS. 1, 4, and 5, a description will be given of the processing in step S140. In this embodiment, an output step is exemplified by step S140.

When the user operates the operation region OPR, the computer of the communication terminal100in the vehicle VC generates control data for starting a remote operation for the air conditioners AC1and AC2selected as target appliances to be operated. The control data is output from the communication terminal100to a network NTW. The control data may be subjected to certain signal processing over the network NTW. Alternatively, the control data may be directly transmitted to the air conditioners AC1and AC2via the network NTW. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by specific signal processing executed on the control data over the network NTW.

The network NTW transmits the control data to each of the air conditioners AC1and AC2. When the air conditioner AC1receives the control data, the air conditioner AC1generates notification data representing the receipt of the control data. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner AC1to the network NTW. When the air conditioner AC2receives the control data, the air conditioner AC2generates notification data representing the receipt of the control data. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner AC2to the network NTW. The pieces of notification data transmitted from the air conditioners AC1and AC2are transferred from the network NTW to the communication terminal100.

If the network NTW does not receive notification data from the air conditioner AC1, the network NTW may generate notification data indicating that transmission of the control data to the air conditioner AC1has failed. If the network NTW does not receive notification data from the air conditioner AC2, the network NTW may generate notification data indicating that transmission of the control data to the air conditioner AC2has failed. In these cases, notification data indicating that transmission of the control data has failed is transmitted from the network NTW to the communication terminal100. Accordingly, the communication terminal100is able to grasp a result of the transmission of the control data.

FIG. 6is a conceptual diagram illustrating the processing in step S150. With reference toFIGS. 1, 5, and 6, a description will be given of the processing in step S150. In this embodiment, a second display step is exemplified by step S150.

The computer of the communication terminal100generates notification images NI1and NI2in accordance with the pieces of notification data transmitted from the network NTW. The computer of the communication terminal100generates the notification image NI1representing a result of transmission of the control data to the air conditioner AC1in accordance with the notification data corresponding to the air conditioner AC1. The computer of the communication terminal100generates the notification image NI2representing a result of transmission of the control data to the air conditioner AC2in accordance with the notification data corresponding to the air conditioner AC2. Thus, the communication terminal100displays the plurality of notification images NI1and NI2, unlike the operation image.

Second Embodiment

The processing described above in relation to the first embodiment can be executed by various communication terminals. In a second embodiment, a description will be given of an exemplary communication terminal.

FIG. 7is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal100described above in relation to the first embodiment. With reference toFIGS. 1 to 7, a description will be given of an exemplary hardware configuration of the communication terminal100.

The communication terminal100includes a CPU110, a bus120, a data communication device130, a memory140, an information obtaining device150, and a touch panel display160. The CPU110is connected to the data communication device130, the memory140, the information obtaining device150, and the touch panel display160via the bus120. The CPU110executes a program of controlling the data communication device130, the memory140, the information obtaining device150, and the touch panel display160. In this embodiment, a computer is exemplified by the CPU110.

The data communication device130is used to transmit control data and receive notification data described above with reference toFIG. 5. In addition, the data communication device130may receive information representing a temperature in the building HM from the air conditioner AC1, AC2, AC3, or AC4. The data communication device130may be designed on the basis of a general communication technique for transmitting and receiving data. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific structure of the data communication device130.

The memory140includes a first storage region141and a second storage region142. The first storage region141is used to store information specifying the air conditioners AC1, AC2, AC3, and AC4described above with reference toFIG. 2. In addition, the first storage region141is used to store information about the setting of candidate appliances to be operated described above with reference toFIG. 2. The second storage region142is used to store information about the temperature conditions described above with reference toFIG. 2. The second storage region142may be provided in a memory element different from the one provided with the first storage region141. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific structure of the memory140. In this embodiment, a first memory is exemplified by the first storage region141. A second memory is exemplified by the second storage region142.

The memory140may store other information in addition to the above-described information. For example, the memory140may store information about the position of the building HM.

The information obtaining device150may be a GPS device that obtains position information about the position of the vehicle VC. In addition, a temperature sensor that detects a temperature outside the vehicle VC may be used as the information obtaining device150.

The touch panel display160includes a display161and an operation detection sensor162. The display161displays the operation image OIM described above with reference toFIG. 4. In addition, the display161displays the plurality of notification images NI1and NI2described above with reference toFIG. 6. The operation detection sensor162detects a user operation performed in the operation region OPR described above with reference toFIG. 4.

Instead of the touch panel display160, a display device that is used exclusively for displaying the operation image OIM and the plurality of notification images NI1and NI2, and an input device that is used exclusively for accepting a user operation may be used.

The CPU110executes a program for carrying out the processing described above with reference toFIG. 1. The program may be stored in the memory140in advance. Alternatively, the program may be called by the CPU110from another storage medium.

In step S110described above with reference toFIG. 1, the program causes the CPU110to read information from the first storage region141and information from the second storage region142. In addition, the program causes the CPU110to obtain information about an outside temperature. The CPU110may obtain information about an outside temperature via the data communication device130. Alternatively, the CPU110may obtain information about an outside temperature from the information obtaining device150.

The CPU110is able to find out, from the information read from the first storage region141, that the user has set the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3as candidate appliances to be remotely operated (seeFIG. 2). The CPU110is able to find out, from the information read from the second storage region142, information about temperatures that are set as start conditions of starting a remote operation for the air conditioners AC1, AC2, and AC3.

The program causes the CPU110to compare the information about an outside temperature with the information about the temperatures that are set as start conditions. As a result, the CPU110is able to determine to handle the air conditioners AC1and AC2as target appliances to be operated.

In step S120described above with reference toFIG. 1, the program causes the CPU110to obtain, from the information obtaining device150, information about the position of the vehicle VC. The program causes the CPU110to read, from the memory140, information about the position of the building HM. The program then causes the CPU110to compare the information about the position of the vehicle VC with the information about the position of the building HM. As a result, the CPU110is able to judge whether or not the vehicle VC exists within the control region CR (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B).

If the CPU110judges that the vehicle VC exists within the control region CR, the program causes the CPU110to generate image data representing the operation image OIM described above with reference toFIG. 4(step S130described above with reference toFIG. 1). The image data is output from the CPU110to the touch panel display160. The touch panel display160displays the operation image OIM on the display161in accordance with the image data.

When the user operates the operation region OPR in the operation image OIM, the operation detection sensor162generates a detection signal indicating that the user has operated the operation region OPR. The detection signal is output from the operation detection sensor162to the CPU110.

When the CPU110receives the detection signal, the program causes the CPU110to generate control data (step S140described above with reference toFIG. 1). The control data is output from the CPU110to the data communication device130. After that, as described above with reference toFIG. 5, the control data is transmitted to the air conditioners AC1and AC2via the network NTW.

As described above with reference toFIG. 5, the network NTW transmits pieces of notification data. The data communication device130receives the pieces of notification data. The pieces of notification data are output from the data communication device130to the CPU110.

When the CPU110receives the pieces of notification data, the program causes the CPU110to generate pieces of image data representing the notification images NI1and NI2. The pieces of image data are output from the CPU110to the touch panel display160. The touch panel display160displays, on the display161, the notification images NI1and NI2(step S150described above with reference toFIG. 1).

Third Embodiment

As described above in relation to the first embodiment, the user sets a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated in order to specify a target appliance to be operated. In addition, the user sets a temperature defining a start condition of a remote operation for each of the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated. In a third embodiment, a description will be given of an exemplary method for setting a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated and a start condition.

FIGS. 8A to 8Fillustrate exemplary images used by the user to set a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated and a start condition of a remote operation. With reference toFIGS. 7 to 8F, a description will be given of an exemplary method for setting a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated and a start condition.

When an application program is installed in the communication terminal100, an icon ICN illustrated inFIG. 8Ais displayed on the display161. When the user double-clicks the icon ICN, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8B.

The image illustrated inFIG. 8Bincludes two input windows WD01and WD02and two icon buttons IB01and IB02. The image illustrated inFIG. 8Bis used to authenticate the user. A unique identification number is assigned to the user in advance. In addition, the user sets a password for using the application program in advance. Thus, a third party is not able to use the application program without permission.

The user inputs the identification number into the input window WD01. In addition, the user inputs the password into the input window WD02. After that, when the user presses the icon button IB01, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8C. When the user presses the icon button IB02, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8Aagain.

The image illustrated inFIG. 8Cincludes seven icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, IB07, IB08, and IB09. The five icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, and IB07respectively represents a plurality of air conditioners owned by the user.FIG. 8Cillustrates that the user owns five air conditioners.

One of the five air conditioners is installed in a living room. Another one of the five air conditioners is installed in a kitchen. Another one of the five air conditioners is installed in a bed room. Another one of the five air conditioners is installed in one of two child's rooms. The other one of the five air conditioners is installed in the other child's room. The user is able to make various settings for the five air conditioners by operating the five icon buttons IB03, IB04, IB05, IB06, and IB07. When the user presses the icon button IB03, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8D. As a result, the user is able to set an operation of the air conditioner installed in the living room.

The image illustrated inFIG. 8Dincludes four icon buttons IB10, IB11, IB12, and IB13. When the user presses the icon button IB11, the display161displays an image with which the user selects one of a setting about on-recommend processing and a setting about off-recommend processing (seeFIG. 8E). In the following description, the term “off-recommend processing” means the processing for turning off an air conditioner through a remote operation executed from the communication terminal100.

The image illustrated inFIG. 8Eincludes three icon buttons IB14, IB15, and IB16. When the user presses the icon button IB14, an image for setting a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated and a start condition (seeFIG. 8F) is displayed.

The image illustrated inFIG. 8Fincludes two display windows WD03and WD04and six icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, IB20, IB21, and IB22. The display window WD03displays the above-described lower-limit temperature. When the user presses the icon button IB17, the value of the lower-limit temperature increases. When the user presses the icon button IB18, the value of the lower-limit temperature decreases. The display window WD04displays the above-described upper-limit temperature. When the user presses the icon button IB19, the value of the upper-limit temperature increases. When the user presses the icon button IB20, the value of the upper-limit temperature decreases. Thus, the user is able to set a start condition by operating the icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, and IB20.FIG. 8Fillustrates that the air conditioner in the living room is activated in response to a remote operation from the communication terminal100when the outside temperature becomes 15° C. or less or when the outside temperature becomes 25° C. or more.

The user is able to determine a candidate appliance to be operated, as well as a start condition, by using the image illustrated inFIG. 8F. If the user presses the icon button IB21, the air conditioner in the living room is registered as a candidate appliance to be operated. If the user does not press the icon button IB21, the air conditioner in the living room is not handled as a candidate appliance to be operated.

FIG. 9is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of the touch panel display160that is executed when the image illustrated inFIG. 8Eis displayed. With reference toFIGS. 7 and 8D to 9, a description will be given of the processing of the touch panel display160.

In step S210, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8E. As a result, the user is requested to make a setting about on-recommend processing or a setting about off-recommend processing. After that, step S220is executed.

In step S220, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user requests display of the previously displayed image (that is, the image illustrated inFIG. 8D). If the user presses the icon button IB16, step S230is executed. Otherwise, step S240is executed.

In step S230, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8D. After that, the user performs a certain operation on the image illustrated inFIG. 8D.

In step S240, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user requests a setting about on-recommend processing. If the user presses the icon button IB14, step S250is executed. Otherwise, step S260is executed.

In step S250, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8F. After that, the user performs a certain operation on the image illustrated inFIG. 8F.

In step S260, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user requests a setting about off-recommend processing. If the user presses the icon button IB15, step S270is executed. Otherwise, step S210is executed.

In step S270, the display161displays an image for making a setting about off-recommend processing. The user makes a certain setting on the image for making a setting about off-recommend processing.

FIG. 10is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of the touch panel display160that is executed when the image illustrated inFIG. 8Fis displayed. With reference toFIGS. 7 and 8E to 10, a description will be given of the processing of the touch panel display160.

Step S310is executed after step S250described above with reference toFIG. 9. In step S310, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8F. After that, step S320is executed.

In step S320, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user requests display of the previously displayed image (that is, the image illustrated inFIG. 8E). If the user presses the icon button IB22, step S330is executed. Otherwise, step S340is executed.

In step S330, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8E. After that, the user performs a certain operation in accordance with the flowchart described above with reference toFIG. 9.

In step S340, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user is going to adjust the upper-limit temperature. If the user is going to adjust the upper-limit temperature, the user presses the icon button IB19or the icon button IB20. After that, step S350is executed. Otherwise, step S360is executed.

In step S350, the display161updates the value in the display window WD04in response to pressing of the icon button IB19or the icon button IB20. After that, step S360is executed.

In step S360, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user is going to adjust the lower-limit temperature. If the user is going to adjust the lower-limit temperature, the user presses the icon button IB17or the icon button IB18. After that, step S370is executed. Otherwise, step S380is executed.

In step S370, the display161updates the value in the display window WD03in response to pressing of the icon button IB17or the icon button IB18. After that, step S380is executed.

In step S380, it is judged whether or not the user is going to register the target air conditioner as a candidate appliance to be operated. If the user is going to register the target air conditioner as a candidate appliance to be operated, the user presses the icon button IB21. After that, step S390is executed. Otherwise, step S310is executed.

In step S390, the display161displays an image for making a setting about off-recommend processing. The user makes a certain setting on the image for making a setting about off-recommend processing.

FIG. 11is a table showing setting data stored in the memory140. With reference toFIGS. 7, 10, and 11, a description will be given of the setting data stored in the memory140.

As a result of the processing described above with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10, the memory140is able to store the setting data illustrated inFIG. 11.FIG. 11illustrates that the user sets the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, bed room, and child's room2as candidate appliances to be operated, whereas the user does not set the air conditioner installed in the child's room1as a candidate appliance to be operated, in step S380described above with reference toFIG. 10. Thus, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, bed room, and child's room2may be targets of the remote operation described above in relation to the first embodiment, whereas the air conditioner installed in the child's room1is excluded from the targets of the remote operation described above in relation to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11illustrates that the user sets an upper-limit temperature of 25° C. for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and the child's room2, whereas the user sets an upper-limit temperature of 30° C. for the air conditioner installed in the bed room in step S340described above with reference toFIG. 10. Thus, if the outside temperature exceeds 25° C., the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and child's room2operate in a cooling mode under the remote operation described above in relation to the first embodiment. If the outside temperature exceeds 30° C., all the air conditioners set as candidate appliances to be operated operate in the cooling mode under the remote operation described above in relation to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11illustrates that the user sets a lower-limit temperature of 10° C. for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and the child's room2, whereas the user sets a lower-limit temperature of 5° C. for the air conditioner installed in the bed room in step S360described above with reference toFIG. 10. Thus, if the outside temperature is under 10° C., the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and child's room2operate in a heating mode under the remote operation described above in relation to the first embodiment. If the outside temperature is under 5° C., all the air conditioners set as candidate appliances to be operated operate in the heating mode under the remote operation described above in relation to the first embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

As described above in relation to the first embodiment, the user sets the position of a target building in order to judge whether or not a vehicle exists in a control region. In a fourth embodiment, a description will be given of an exemplary method for setting the position of a building.

FIG. 12illustrates an exemplary image used by the user to set the position of the building HM. With reference toFIGS. 3A, 7, 8C, and 12, a description will be given of an exemplary method for setting the position of the building HM.

The user is able to display, on the display161, the image illustrated inFIG. 8Cby using the method described above in relation to the third embodiment. When the user presses the icon button IB08, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 12.

The image illustrated inFIG. 12includes three icon buttons IB23, IB24, and IB25. The user is able to set the position of the building HM by pressing the icon button IB23. When the user presses the icon button IB23, the touch panel display160may determine the position of the communication terminal100at the time when the icon button IB23is pressed to be the position of the building HM in conjunction with the GPS device used as the information obtaining device150.

The user is able to cancel the setting about the position of the building HM set in the above-described manner by pressing the icon button IB24. When the user presses the icon button IB25, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8C.

FIG. 13is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of the touch panel display160that is executed when the image illustrated inFIG. 12is displayed. With reference toFIGS. 3A, 7, 8C, 12, and 13, a description will be given of the processing of the touch panel display160.

In step S410, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 12. After that, step S420is executed.

In step S420, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user requests display of the previously displayed image (that is, the image illustrated inFIG. 8C). If the user presses the icon button IB25, step S430is executed. Otherwise, step S440is executed.

In step S430, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8C. After that, the user performs a certain operation on the image illustrated inFIG. 8C.

In step S440, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user requests setting of the position of the building HM. If the user wants to set the position of the building HM, the user presses the icon button IB23. After that, step S450is executed. Otherwise, step S460is executed.

In step S450, the touch panel display160may register, as the position of the building HM, the position of the communication terminal100at the time when the icon button IB23is pressed. Information about the position of the building HM is output from the touch panel display160to the memory140. After that, step S460is executed.

In step S460, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user requests cancellation of the setting about the position of the building HM. If the user wants to cancel the setting about the position of the building HM, the user presses the icon button IB24. After that, step S470is executed. Otherwise, step S410is executed.

In step S470, the CPU110erases information about the position of the building HM from the memory140. As a result, the setting of the position of the building HM is appropriately canceled. After that, step S410is executed.

Fifth Embodiment

As described above in relation to the first embodiment, the communication terminal receives notification data from an air conditioner. If the communication terminal obtains, in addition to the notification data, operation data representing the status of the operation of the air conditioner after control data is received, the user is able to determine whether or not the air conditioner is appropriately operating under the above-described remote operation. In a fifth embodiment, a description will be given of a control system capable of transmitting, as notification data, operation data representing a status of an operation of an air conditioner from the air conditioner to the communication terminal.

FIG. 14is a conceptual diagram of a control system200including the communication terminal100. With reference toFIG. 14, a description will be given of the control system200.

The control system200includes a server apparatus300in addition to the communication terminal100, which has been described above in relation to the first embodiment. The server apparatus300is connected to the communication terminal100so as to be able to communicate with the communication terminal100via an Internet communication network ITN. The control data described above in relation to the first embodiment is transmitted from the communication terminal100to the server apparatus300via the Internet communication network ITN.

After that, the control data is transmitted from the server apparatus300to an air conditioner group ACG via the Internet communication network ITN. The air conditioner group ACG includes a plurality of air conditioners installed in the building HM. Each of the plurality of air conditioners that has received the control data operates in accordance with the control data.

Each of the plurality of air conditioners that operates in accordance with the control data generates notification data representing the receipt of the control data. The pieces of notification data representing the receipt of the control data are transmitted from the air conditioner group ACG to the server apparatus300via the Internet communication network ITN. After that, the server apparatus300transmits the pieces of notification data to the communication terminal100.

FIGS. 15A to 15Dillustrate exemplary images that are presented to the user by the communication terminal100. With reference toFIGS. 1, 4, 7, and 14 to 15D, a description will be given of the images presented to the user by the communication terminal100.

In step S130described above with reference toFIG. 1, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15A. The image illustrated inFIG. 15Acorresponds to the operation image OIM described above with reference toFIG. 4.

The image illustrated inFIG. 15Aincludes two icon buttons IB26and IB27. The icon buttons IB26and IB27correspond to the operation region OPR described above with reference toFIG. 4.

If the user presses the icon button IB26, the communication terminal100may suspend the processing illustrated inFIG. 1. When the user presses the icon button IB27, the CPU110generates control data. As described above with reference toFIG. 14, the control data is transmitted to the air conditioner group ACG via the server apparatus300(step S140inFIG. 1).

The control data is received by a plurality of air conditioners specified as target appliances to be operated in step S110described above with reference toFIG. 1. Each of the plurality of air conditioners specified as target appliances to be operated then generates notification data. The pieces of notification data are transmitted to the communication terminal100via the server apparatus300, as described above with reference toFIG. 14.

When the communication terminal100receives the pieces of notification data from the individual air conditioners specified as target appliances to be operated, the display161sequentially displays the images illustrated inFIGS. 15Band15C.FIG. 15Billustrates an image corresponding to the air conditioner installed in the living room.FIG. 15Cillustrates an image corresponding to the air conditioner installed in the kitchen.

The image illustrated inFIG. 15Bincludes icon buttons IB28and IB29. When the user presses the icon button IB28, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15C. When the user presses the icon button IB29, the communication terminal100requests the air conditioner installed in the living room to make a notification about the operation status. The air conditioner installed in the living room generates operation data representing the operation status. The operation data is then transmitted from the air conditioner installed in the living room to the communication terminal100. As a result, the display161displays detailed information about the operation of the air conditioner installed in the living room (seeFIG. 15D).

The image illustrated inFIG. 15Cincludes icon buttons IB30and IB31. When the user presses the icon button IB30, the communication terminal100ends the processing illustrated inFIG. 1. When the user presses the icon button IB31, the display161displays detailed information about the operation of the air conditioner installed in the kitchen.

The image illustrated inFIG. 15Drepresents detailed information about the operation of the air conditioner installed in the living room. The image illustrated inFIG. 15Dindicates that the air conditioner in the living room is operating in the cooling mode. The image illustrated inFIG. 15Dincludes information representing a set temperature, a set airflow volume, a set airflow direction, a current temperature of the living room, and a current humidity of the living room. Thus, the user is able to visually determine that the air conditioner operating in the living room is appropriately operating.

The image illustrated inFIG. 15Dincludes an icon button IB32. When the user presses the icon button IB32, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15Bagain.

Sixth Embodiment

A general air conditioner is able to operate in various operation modes (for example, a cooling mode, a heating mode, an automatic mode, and a dry mode). If the user is allowed to change the setting of individual operation modes from a vehicle, the user is able to enjoy a comfortable environment upon entering a building. In a sixth embodiment, a description will be given of a communication terminal that allows the user in a vehicle to change the setting of an operation mode of an air conditioner.

FIGS. 16A and 16Billustrate images that are presented to the user by the communication terminal100. With reference toFIGS. 7, 8C, 8D, 14, 15D, 16A, and 16B, a description will be given of the communication terminal100that allows the user to change the operation mode of an air conditioner.

The user is able to display the image illustrated inFIG. 8Cby using the method described above in relation to the third embodiment. When the user presses the icon button IB03, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8D. After that, if the user presses the icon button IB10, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 16A.

The image illustrated inFIG. 16Aincludes a setting region SR and three icon buttons IB33, IB34, and IB35. The setting region SR includes a first icon column FIC, a second icon column SIC, and a display window WD05. The first icon column FIC and the second icon column SIC each include a plurality of icon buttons for changing the setting of the operation mode. The user is able to change the setting of the operation mode by operating these icon buttons. Information about the setting of the operation mode is displayed on the display window WD05. Thus, the user is able to visually check the setting of the operation mode. Data about the setting of the operation mode is stored in the memory140.

When the user presses the icon button IB33, the information about the setting of the operation mode is transmitted from the communication terminal100to the air conditioner group ACG via the server apparatus300. As a result, the target air conditioner changes the setting of the operation mode.

When the user presses the icon button IB34, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15D. When the user presses the icon button IB35, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8Dagain.

When receiving the information about the setting of the operation mode, the target air conditioner generates notification data indicating that data has been appropriately transmitted from the communication terminal100. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner group ACG to the communication terminal100via the server apparatus300. As a result, the data communication device130receives the notification data.

When the data communication device130receives the notification data, the CPU110causes the display161to display the image illustrated inFIG. 16B. As a result, the user is able to determine that communication of the information about the setting of the operation mode has been appropriately executed.

The image illustrated inFIG. 16Bincludes two icon buttons IB36and IB37. When the user presses the icon button IB36, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15D. When the user presses the icon button IB37, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 16Aagain.

FIG. 17is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of the communication terminal100that is executed when the image illustrated inFIG. 8Cis displayed. With reference toFIGS. 7, 8B, 8C, 11, 13, and 17, a description will be given of the processing of the communication terminal100.

When the user inputs the identification number and the password on the image illustrated inFIG. 8B, step S505is started. In step S505, the CPU110executes processing for reading the data described above with reference toFIG. 11from the memory140. After that, step S510is executed.

In step S510, the CPU110judges whether or not the data described above with reference toFIG. 11has been appropriately read. If the CPU110fails in reading the data, step S515is executed. Otherwise, step S520is executed.

In step S515, the CPU110causes the display161to display an error image indicating that the data has not appropriately been read. After that, step S505is executed.

In step S520, the CPU110causes the display161to display the image described above with reference toFIG. 8C. After that, step S525is executed.

In step S525, the user presses one of the icon buttons IB03to IB09on the image described above with reference toFIG. 8C. After that, step S530is executed.

In step S530, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the icon button IB09has been pressed. If the user has pressed the icon button IB09, step S535is executed. Otherwise, step S540is executed.

In step S535, the touch panel display160generates a notification signal indicating that the icon button IB09has bee pressed. The notification signal is output from the touch panel display160to the CPU110. The CPU110executes a certain background operation in response to the notification signal and ends the processing.

In step S540, the touch panel display160judges whether any one of the icon buttons IB03to IB07has been pressed or the icon button IB08has been pressed. If the user has pressed any one of the icon buttons IB03to IB07, step S545is executed. Otherwise, step S550is executed.

In step S545, the display161displays an operation selection image for the air conditioner corresponding to the pressed icon button (one of the icon buttons IB03to IB07).FIG. 8Dillustrates the image displayed on the display161upon pressing of the icon button IB03.

In step S550, the processing described above with reference toFIG. 13is executed.

FIG. 18is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of the communication terminal100that is executed when the image illustrated inFIG. 8Dis displayed. With reference toFIGS. 7, 8C to 8E, 14, 15D, 16A, 17, and 18, a description will be given of the processing of the communication terminal100.

Upon the start of step S545described above with reference toFIG. 17, step S605is executed. In step S605, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB13(seeFIG. 8D). If the user has pressed the icon button IB13, step S610is executed. Otherwise, step S615is executed.

In step S610, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8C. After that, the user executes a certain operation in accordance with the flowchart described above with reference toFIG. 17.

In step S615, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB10(seeFIG. 8D). If the user wants to change the setting of the operation mode described above with reference toFIG. 16A, the user presses the icon button IB10. After that, step S620is executed. Otherwise, step S625is executed.

In step S620, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 16A. After that, the user changes the setting of the operation mode on the image illustrated inFIG. 16A.

In step S625, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB11(seeFIG. 8D). If the user wants to perform the processing of registering a target appliance to be operated, which has been described above in relation to the third embodiment, the user presses the icon button IB11. After, that, step S630is executed. Otherwise, step S635is executed.

In step S630, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8E. If the user presses the icon button IB14, the user is able to perform the processing of registering a target appliance to be operated, which has been described above in relation to the third embodiment, in order to perform on-recommend processing. If the user presses the icon button IB15, the user is able to execute registration processing for off-recommend processing.

In step S635, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB12(seeFIG. 8D). If the user wants to check the operation status of the air conditioner, the user presses the icon button IB12. After that, step S640is executed. Otherwise, step S605is executed.

In step S640, the touch panel display160generates a notification signal indicating that the user has pressed the icon button IB12. The notification signal is output from the touch panel display160to the CPU110. In response to the notification signal, the CPU110generates a request signal for requesting notification of the operation status. The request signal is output from the CPU110to the data communication device130. After that, the request signal is transmitted from the data communication device130to the air conditioner group ACG via the server apparatus300. After that, step S645is executed.

In step S645, if the air conditioner appropriately receives the request signal, the air conditioner generates operation data. After that, as described above with reference toFIG. 14, the operation data is transmitted to the communication terminal100via the server apparatus300. In this case, the data communication device130notifies the CPU110of the receipt of the operation data. After that, step S650is executed. If the air conditioner does not appropriately receive the request signal, or if the operation data is not appropriately transmitted, step S655is executed.

In step S650, the CPU110causes the display161to display the image illustrated inFIG. 15D. As a result, the user is able to visually check the operation status of the air conditioner.

In step S655, the CPU110causes the display161to display an error image indicating that communication of the operation data has failed. After that, step S605is executed.

FIG. 19is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of the communication terminal100that is executed when the image illustrated inFIG. 16Ais displayed. With reference toFIGS. 7, 8D, 14, 15D, 16A, 16B, 18, and 19, a description will be given of the processing of the communication terminal100.

Upon the start of step S620described above with reference toFIG. 18, step S705is executed. In step S705, the CPU110requests, to the memory140, the information that is set the last time for the operation mode. After that, step S710is executed.

In step S710, if the memory140does not store the information that is set the last time for the operation mode, step S715is executed. If the memory140stores the information that is set the last time for the operation mode, the CPU110is able to obtain the information that is set the last time for the operation mode. After that, step S720is executed.

In step S715, the CPU110sets a default value. The CPU110generates image data using the default value. The image data is output from the CPU110to the touch panel display160. The touch panel display160displays the image illustrated inFIG. 16Aon the display161. In this case, the image expressed by the default value is displayed on the display window WD05. After that, step S720is executed.

In step S720, the CPU110causes the display161to display the image illustrated inFIG. 16A. In this case, the image generated based on the information that is set the last time for the operation mode is displayed on the display window WD05.

In step S725, the user operates the first icon column FIC and/or the second icon column SIC, so as to change the setting of the operation mode. After that, step S730is executed.

In step S730, the display161displays the updated setting of the operation mode. After that, step S735is executed.

In step S735, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB35. If the user has pressed the icon button IB35, step S740is executed. Otherwise, step S745is executed.

In step S740, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8D. After that, the user performs a certain operation in accordance with the flowchart described above with reference toFIG. 18.

In step S745, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB33. If the user has pressed the icon button IB33, step S750is executed. Otherwise, step S770is executed.

In step S750, the CPU110transmits, from the data communication device130, the information set by the user using the touch panel display160. After that, step S755is executed.

In step S755, if the air conditioner receives, from the data communication device130, the information set by the user using the touch panel display160, the air conditioner generates notification data indicating that the information has been appropriately transmitted. The notification data is transmitted from the air conditioner group ACG to the communication terminal100via the server apparatus300. If the data communication device130receives the notification data, the CPU110judges that the communication of the information set by the user using the touch panel display160has succeeded. In this case, step S760is executed. Otherwise, step S765is executed.

In step S760, the CPU110causes the display161to display the image illustrated inFIG. 16B. The user performs a certain operation on the image illustrated inFIG. 16B.

In step S765, the CPU110causes the display161to display an error image indicating that the communication of the information set by the user using the touch panel display160has failed. After that, step S705is executed.

In step S770, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB34(seeFIG. 16A). If the user has pressed the icon button IB34, step S775is executed. Otherwise, step S705is executed.

In step S775, the CPU110generates a request signal for requesting operation information. The request signal is output from the CPU110to the data communication device130. The data communication device130transmits the request signal. After that, step S780is executed.

In step S780, if the air conditioner receives the request signal from the data communication device130, the air conditioner generates operation data representing the operation status. As described above with reference toFIG. 14, the operation data is transmitted from the air conditioner group ACG to the communication terminal100via the server apparatus300. If the data communication device130receives the operation data, the CPU110judges that communication of the request signal has succeeded. In this case, step S785is executed. Otherwise, step S790is executed.

In step S785, the CPU110causes the display161to display the image illustrated inFIG. 15D. The user performs a certain operation on the image illustrated inFIG. 15D.

In step S790, the CPU110causes the display161to display an error image indicating that the operation status request processing has failed. After that, step S705is executed.

FIG. 20is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of the communication terminal100that is executed when the image illustrated inFIG. 16Bis displayed. With reference toFIGS. 7, 14, 15D, 16A, 16B, 19, and 20, a description will be given of the processing of the communication terminal100.

Upon the start of step S760described above with reference toFIG. 19, step S810is executed. In step S810, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 16B. After that, step S820is executed.

In step S820, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB37(seeFIG. 16B). If the user has pressed the icon button IB37, step S830is executed. Otherwise, step S840is executed.

In step S830, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 16A. After that, the user performs a certain operation in accordance with the flowchart described above with reference toFIG. 19.

In step S840, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB36. If the user has pressed the icon button IB36, step S850is executed. Otherwise, step S810is executed.

In step S850, the CPU110generates a request signal for requesting operation information. The request signal is output from the CPU110to the data communication device130. The data communication device130transmits the request signal. After that, step S860is executed.

In step S860, if the air conditioner receives the request signal from the data communication device130, the air conditioner generates operation data representing the operation status. As described above with reference toFIG. 14, the operation data is transmitted from the air conditioner group ACG to the communication terminal100via the server apparatus300. If the data communication device130receives the operation data, the CPU110judges that communication of the request signal has succeeded. In this case, step S870is executed. Otherwise, step S880is executed.

In step S870, the CPU110causes the display161to display the image illustrated inFIG. 15D. The user performs a certain operation on the image illustrated inFIG. 15D.

In step S880, the CPU110causes the display161to display an error image indicating that the operation status request processing has failed. After that, step S810is executed.

FIG. 21is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing of the communication terminal100that is executed when the image illustrated inFIG. 15Dis displayed. With reference toFIGS. 7, 8D, 15B to 16B, and 21, a description will be given of the processing of the communication terminal100.

When the icon button IB12illustrated inFIG. 8D, the icon button IB29illustrated inFIG. 15B, the icon button IB31illustrated inFIG. 15C, the icon button IB34illustrated inFIG. 16A, or the icon button IB36illustrated inFIG. 16Bis pressed by the user, step S910is executed. In step S910, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15D. After that, step S920is executed.

In step S920, the touch panel display160judges whether or not the user has pressed the icon button IB37. If the user has pressed the icon button IB37, step S930is executed. Otherwise, step S910is executed.

In step S930, the display161displays one of the images illustrated inFIGS. 8D, 15B, 15C, 16A, and 16B. After that, the user performs a certain operation on the displayed image.

Seventh Embodiment

The application program described above in relation to the third embodiment requires processing for authenticating the user every time the user starts the application program. The user may find it inconvenient to perform an input operation for authentication processing. In a seventh embodiment, a description will be given of an application program that allows the user to omit an input operation for authentication processing.

FIGS. 22A and 22Billustrate exemplary images that are displayed on the display161when the user uses the application program. With reference toFIGS. 7 to 8C, 22A, and 22B, a description will be given of the application program.

When the user double-clicks the icon ICN in the image illustrated inFIG. 8A, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 22A. Like the image illustrated inFIG. 8B, the image illustrated inFIG. 22Aincludes the input windows WD01and WD02and the icon buttons IB01and IB02.

The image illustrated inFIG. 22Aincludes an icon button IB38and a check box CBX. When the user presses the icon button IB38, the display161displays an explanation about an operation to be performed on the image illustrated inFIG. 22A. Thus, the user is able to easily use the application program. If the user checks the check box CBX, the user is able to display the image illustrated inFIG. 22Bon the display161without displaying the image illustrated inFIG. 22Ain the subsequent use. That is, the display161is able to directly change the image displayed thereon from the image illustrated inFIG. 8Ato the image illustrated inFIG. 22B.

The image illustrated inFIG. 22Bincludes, in addition to the icon buttons in the image illustrated inFIG. 8C, a scroll bar SRB and an icon button IB39used by the user to log out. If the user owns many air conditioners, the user is able to display icon buttons representing target air conditioners on the display161by operating the scroll bar SRB. The user is able to end the application program by pressing the icon button IB39.

Eighth Embodiment

Different from change of a setting for an operation mode of an air conditioner and checking of an operation status of an air conditioner, the setting of an air conditioner (the setting for specifying a candidate appliance to be operated) described above in relation to the third embodiment is not frequently performed. Thus, an application program may be designed so that the user visually recognizes that an icon button used for a setting to specify a candidate appliance to be operated belongs to a category that is different from a category including an icon button used to change the setting for an operation mode of an air conditioner and an icon button used to check an operation status. In an eighth embodiment, a description will be given of an application program that allows the user to visually recognize that an icon button used for a setting to specify a candidate appliance to be operated belongs to a category that is different from a category including an icon button used to change the setting for an operation mode of an air conditioner and an icon button used to check an operation status.

FIG. 23illustrates an exemplary image that is displayed on the display161when the user uses the application program. With reference toFIGS. 7, 8D, 8E, and 23, a description will be given of the application program.

Like the image illustrated inFIG. 8D, the image illustrated inFIG. 23includes the icon buttons IB10, IB12, and IB13. The image illustrated inFIG. 23includes an icon button IB40instead of the icon button IB11in the image illustrated inFIG. 8D. The icon button IB40is displayed below the icon buttons IB10and IB12. In addition, the icon button IB40is different from the icon buttons IB10and IB12in shape and size. The characters “initial setting” are written on the icon button IB40, and thus the user is able to visually recognize that the icon button IB40need not be frequently used. When the user presses the icon button IB40, the display161displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8E.

Ninth Embodiment

An application program may be designed so that the user is able to make a setting of a candidate appliance to be operated and to cancel the setting on one screen. In a ninth embodiment, a description will be given of an application program that allows the user to make a setting of a candidate appliance to be operated and to cancel the setting on one screen.

FIG. 24illustrates an exemplary image that is displayed on the display161when the user uses the application program. With reference toFIGS. 7, 8F, 11, and24, a description will be given of the application program.

Like the image illustrated inFIG. 8F, the image illustrated inFIG. 24includes the display windows WD03and WD04and the icon buttons IB17, IB18, IB19, IB20, and IB22. The image illustrated inFIG. 24includes icon buttons IB41and IB42instead of the icon button IB21in the image illustrated inFIG. 8F. When the user presses the icon button IB41, the target air conditioner is registered as a candidate appliance to be operated. Data indicating that the target air conditioner has been registered as a candidate appliance to be operated is stored in the memory140. When the user presses the icon button IB42, the registration of the target air conditioner as a candidate appliance to be operated is cancelled. In this case, the data stored in the memory140(seeFIG. 11) is updated so that the registration of the target air conditioner as a candidate appliance to be operated is erased.

Tenth Embodiment

As described above in relation to the fourth embodiment, the user is able to register the position of a target building by using the application program. The application program may allow the user to set a control region around the position of the target building, as well as the position of the target building. In a tenth embodiment, a description will be given of an application program that allows the user to set a control region, as well as the position of the target building.

FIG. 25illustrates an exemplary image that is displayed on the display161when the user uses the application program. With reference toFIGS. 3A, 7, 12, and 25, a description will be given of the application program.

Like the image illustrated inFIG. 12, the image illustrated inFIG. 25includes the icon buttons IB23, IB24, and IB25. The image illustrated inFIG. 25further includes icon buttons IB43and IB44and a display window WD06.

The user is able to set a circular control region CR around the position of the building HM by operating the icon buttons IB43and IB44. The radius of the control region CR is displayed on the display window WD06.

After that, when the user presses the icon button IB23, information representing the position of the building HM and information representing the circular control region CR around the building HM are stored in the memory140. When the user presses the icon button IB24, the information representing the position of the building HM and the information representing the circular control region CR around the building HM are erased from the memory140.

Eleventh Embodiment

The communication terminal described above in relation to the fifth embodiment displays only once an image for asking the user whether or not to execute a remote operation. If the communication terminal asks the user a plurality of times whether or not to execute a remote operation, a remote operation against user's intention is less likely to occur. In an eleventh embodiment, a description will be given of a communication terminal that asks the user a plurality of times whether or not to execute a remote operation.

FIGS. 26A to 26Dillustrate exemplary images that are presented to the user by the communication terminal100. With reference toFIGS. 1, 14, 15B, and 26A to 26D, a description will be given of the communication terminal100.

As in the fifth embodiment, the communication terminal100presents the image illustrated inFIG. 26Ato the user. When the user presses the icon button IB26, the communication terminal100presents the image illustrated inFIG. 26Bto the user.

The image illustrated inFIG. 26Bincludes two icon buttons IB45and IB46. When the user presses the icon button IB45, the communication terminal100transmits control data. When the user presses the icon button IB46, the communication terminal100suspends processing. The control data is transmitted only when the user presses the icon button IB26in the image illustrated inFIG. 26Aand then presses the icon button IB45in the image illustrated inFIG. 26B. Thus, a remote operation against user's intention is less likely to occur.

When the communication terminal100receives notification data representing the receipt of the control data for an air conditioner, the communication terminal100presents the image illustrated inFIG. 26Cto the user. Like the image illustrated inFIG. 15B, the image illustrated inFIG. 26Cincludes the icon button IB29. Unlike in the image illustrated inFIG. 15B, the icon button IB28is not provided in the image illustrated inFIG. 26B.

When the user presses the icon button IB29, the communication terminal100presents the image illustrated inFIG. 26Dto the user. Even if the user does not press the icon button IB29, the communication terminal100presents the image illustrated inFIG. 26Dto the user after a certain period has elapsed from the time when the image illustrated inFIG. 26Cis displayed. Thus, the user is able to check the operation status of the target air conditioner.

Twelfth Embodiment

A designer is able to design a communication terminal having various functions on the basis of the design principle of the communication terminal described above in relation to the second embodiment. In a twelfth embodiment, a description will be given of an exemplary communication terminal.

FIG. 27is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a communication terminal100A according to the twelfth embodiment. With reference toFIGS. 7, 11, 14, and 27, a description will be given of the exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal100A.

The communication terminal100A includes a control unit111, a judging unit112, a first obtaining unit113, a communication unit131, a first storage unit143, a second storage unit144, a second obtaining unit151, a display unit163, and an input unit164. The control unit111controls the overall operation of the communication terminal100A. Thus, the judging unit112, the first obtaining unit113, the communication unit131, the first storage unit143, the second storage unit144, the second obtaining unit151, the display unit163, and the input unit164execute certain operations under the control executed by the control unit111.

The control unit111, the judging unit112, and the first obtaining unit113correspond to the CPU110described above with reference toFIG. 7. The judging unit112executes judgment processing executed by the CPU110. The first obtaining unit113generates a request signal for requesting an operation status to an air conditioner.

The communication unit131corresponds to the data communication device130described above with reference toFIG. 7. The communication unit131transmits various signals (for example, the request signal generated by the first obtaining unit113) to the server apparatus300described above with reference toFIG. 14. In addition, the communication unit131receives various signals (for example, operation data generated in response to the request signal) from the server apparatus300.

The first storage unit143and the second storage unit144correspond to the memory140described above with reference toFIG. 7. The first storage unit143stores the data described above with reference toFIG. 11. The second storage unit144stores information about the position of the building HM set by the user by using the method described above in relation to the fourth embodiment.

The second obtaining unit151corresponds to the information obtaining device150described above with reference toFIG. 7. The second obtaining unit151obtains information about the position of a vehicle. The second obtaining unit151may be a GPS device of a car navigation system that is typically mounted in a vehicle. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific device used as the second obtaining unit151.

The display unit163and the input unit164correspond to the touch panel display160described above with reference toFIG. 7. The display unit163corresponds to the display161described above with reference toFIG. 7. The display unit163may be a display of a car navigation system. Alternatively, the display unit163may be a display of a smartphone or another mobile terminal. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific device used as the display unit163.

The input unit164may be integrated with the display unit163. In this case, the input unit164corresponds to the operation detection sensor162. Alternatively, the input unit164may be a device separated from the display unit163. Thus, the input unit164may be a keyboard, a mouse device, or another input device. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific device used as the input unit164.

Thirteenth Embodiment

As described above in relation to the fifth embodiment, the communication terminal transmits various signals to and receives various signals from the server apparatus. In a thirteenth embodiment, a description will be given of an exemplary server apparatus.

FIG. 28is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a server apparatus300A according to the thirteenth embodiment. With reference toFIGS. 1, 3A, 3B, 14, 15A, 27, and 28, a description will be given of the exemplary functional configuration of the server apparatus300A.

The server apparatus300A is available as the server apparatus300described above with reference toFIG. 14. The server apparatus300A is designed to transmit various signals to and receive various signals from the communication terminal100A described above with reference toFIG. 27.

The server apparatus300A includes a control unit310, a communication unit320, a notifying unit330, and an estimating unit340. The control unit310controls the overall operation of the server apparatus300A. Thus, the communication unit320, the notifying unit330, and the estimating unit340execute certain operations under the control executed by the control unit310.

The communication unit320of the server apparatus300A receives control data from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100A. The communication unit320transmits the control data to the air conditioner group ACG. The air conditioners in the air conditioner group ACG that have received the control data generate notification data representing the receipt of the control data. The notification data representing the receipt of the control data is transmitted from the air conditioners in the air conditioner group ACG to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A. The communication unit320of the server apparatus300A transmits the notification data representing the receipt of the control data to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100A.

After the control data has been transmitted to the air conditioner group ACG, if the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A does not receive notification data representing the receipt of the control data for a certain period, the control unit310causes the notifying unit330to generate notification data. The notification data generated by the control unit310indicates that communication of the control data has failed. The notification data is output from the notifying unit330of the server apparatus300A to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A. The communication unit320of the server apparatus300A transmits the notification data to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100A.

The control unit111of the communication terminal100A reads information about the position of the building HM from the second storage unit144. The information about the position of the building HM is output from the control unit111of the communication terminal100A to the communication unit131. The information about the position of the building HM is then transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100A to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A. The information about the position of the building HM is output from the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A to the estimating unit340. Accordingly, the estimating unit340is able to obtain the information about the position of the building HM.

The second obtaining unit151of the communication terminal100A generates position data representing the position of the vehicle VC. The position data is output from the second obtaining unit151to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100A. The communication unit131of the communication terminal100A transmits the position data to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A. The position data is then output from the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A to the estimating unit340. Accordingly, the estimating unit340is able to obtain the information about the position of the vehicle VC, as well as the information about the position of the building HM and the information about the control region CR.

The estimating unit340is able to determine, by using the information about the position of the building HM and the information about the position of the vehicle VC, whether the vehicle VC is running away from or approaching the building HM. If the vehicle VC is running away from the building HM, the estimating unit340is able to estimate that the destination of the vehicle VC is not the building HM. If the vehicle VC is approaching the building HM, the estimating unit340is able to estimate that the destination of the vehicle VC is the building HM. A trigger signal is output from the estimating unit340to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A.

The communication unit320of the server apparatus300A transmits the trigger signal to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100A. After the communication unit131of the communication terminal100A has received the trigger signal, the control unit111of the communication terminal100A causes the display unit163to display the image illustrated inFIG. 15A. That is, the communication terminal100A switches the processing described above with reference toFIG. 1from step S120to step S130in response to the trigger signal.

Fourteenth Embodiment

As described above in relation to the fifth embodiment, the air conditioners transmit various signals to and receive various signals from the server apparatus. In a fourteenth embodiment, a description will be given of an exemplary air conditioner.

FIG. 29is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of an air conditioner400A according to the fourteenth embodiment. With reference toFIGS. 14, 28, and 29, a description will be given of the exemplary functional configuration of the air conditioner400A.

The air conditioner400A is available as an air conditioner in the air conditioner group ACG described above with reference toFIG. 14. The air conditioner400A is designed to transmit various signals to and receive various signals from the server apparatus300A described above with reference toFIG. 29.

The air conditioner400A includes a control unit410, a communication unit420, a temperature data generating unit430, an operation unit440, an operation data generating unit450, and a notifying unit460. The control unit410controls the overall operation of the air conditioner400A. Thus, the communication unit420, the temperature data generating unit430, the operation unit440, the operation data generating unit450, and the notifying unit460execute certain operations under the control executed by the control unit410.

The communication unit420of the air conditioner400A receives control data from the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A. The control unit410causes the operation unit440to execute an operation defined by the control data. The operation data generating unit450generates operation data representing the operation status of the operation unit440. The operation data is output from the operation data generating unit450to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A. The communication unit420of the air conditioner400A transmits the operation data to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A.

The temperature data generating unit430measures a temperature around the air conditioner400A. The temperature data generating unit430generates temperature data representing the measured temperature. The temperature data is also transmitted from the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A.

The notifying unit460generates notification data for making a notification that the control data has been received by the air conditioner400A. The notification data is output from the notifying unit460of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A. The communication unit420of the air conditioner400A transmits the notification data to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A.

Fifteenth Embodiment

The control region described above in relation to the first embodiment is not necessarily defined along a driving path of the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle may run along a boundary of the control region. In this case, the vehicle may enter the control region a plurality of times. If the communication terminal asks, every time the vehicle enters the control region, whether or not a remote operation is necessary, the user may find such frequent inquiries from the communication terminal irksome. In a fifteenth embodiment, a description will be given of a communication terminal that does not ask extremely frequently whether or not a remote operation is necessary.

FIG. 30is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a communication terminal100B according to the fifteenth embodiment. With reference toFIGS. 1, 7, 15A, 15D, 28, and 30, a description will be given of the exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal100B. In the fifteenth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the twelfth embodiment indicate that the elements denoted by the same reference numerals have the same functions as those in the twelfth embodiment. Thus, the description of the twelfth embodiment is applied to these elements.

As in the twelfth embodiment, the communication terminal100B includes the first obtaining unit113, the communication unit131, the first storage unit143, the second storage unit144, the second obtaining unit151, the display unit163, and the input unit164. The description of the twelfth embodiment is applied to these elements.

The communication terminal100B further includes a control unit111B, a judging unit112B, and a timing unit114. The control unit111B and the timing unit114correspond to the CPU110described above with reference toFIG. 7.

The control unit111B controls the overall operation of the communication terminal100B. Thus, the judging unit112B, the first obtaining unit113, the timing unit114, the communication unit131, the first storage unit143, the second storage unit144, the second obtaining unit151, the display unit163, and the input unit164execute certain operations under the control executed by the control unit111B.

The control unit111B activates the timing unit114at the time when the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15A. The timing unit114may be a timer that operates only in a certain period TP. In this embodiment, the certain period is exemplified as a threshold period.

If the timer is operating when the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B receives a trigger generated by the estimating unit340of the server apparatus300A, the judging unit112B may judge that the image illustrated inFIG. 15Aneed not be displayed. Thus, the communication terminal100B ends the processing without step S130described above with reference toFIG. 1being executed.

FIG. 31is a conceptual diagram of the vehicle VC that runs near a boundary of the control region CR. With reference toFIGS. 15A, 30, and 31, a further description will be given of the communication terminal100B.

The vehicle VC illustrated inFIG. 31enters the control region CR at time t0. After that, the vehicle VC goes out of the control region CR, and enters the control region CR again at time t1. If the difference between time t1and time t0is under the threshold period defined by the timing unit114, the display unit163does not display the image illustrated inFIG. 15Aat time t1. If the difference between time t1and time t0exceeds the threshold period defined by the timing unit114, the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15A.

FIG. 32is a schematic flowchart illustrating processing executed by the communication terminal100B. With reference toFIGS. 1, 30, and 32, a description will be given of the operation of the communication terminal100B.

In step S1110, the communication terminal100B executes the series of processing operations described above with reference toFIG. 1(on-recommend processing). After that, step S1120is executed.

In step S1120, the communication terminal100B waits for a certain period. After that, step S1110is executed.

Sixteenth Embodiment

The communication terminal described above in relation to the fifteenth embodiment is able to operate in accordance with the operation principle described above in relation to the first embodiment. In a sixteenth embodiment, a description will be given of the operation of the communication terminal.

FIG. 33is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the communication terminal100B. With reference toFIGS. 1, 15A, 30, and 33, a description will be given of the exemplary operation of the communication terminal100B.

In step S1210, the communication terminal100B executes on-recommend judgment processing. The on-recommend judgment processing corresponds to steps S110and S120described above with reference toFIG. 1. After the on-recommend judgment processing, step S1220is executed.

In step S1220, the communication terminal100B executes image display judgment processing. The image display judgment processing is executed to determine whether or not the image illustrated inFIG. 15Ais to be displayed. After the image display judgment processing, step S1230is executed.

In step S1230, if the image illustrated inFIG. 15Ais displayed, step S1240is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1240, the user determines whether or not to perform a remote operation. If the user presses the icon button IB26illustrated inFIG. 15A, the on-recommend processing ends. If the user presses the icon button IB27illustrated inFIG. 15A, remote operation processing is executed. The remote operation processing corresponds to steps S130to S150described above with reference toFIG. 1.

Seventeenth Embodiment

In the on-recommend judgment processing described above in relation to the sixteenth embodiment, the communication terminal executes various processing operations in cooperation with the server apparatus. In a seventeenth embodiment, a description will be given of on-recommend judgment processing.

FIG. 34is a schematic flowchart illustrating the on-recommend judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 11, 28, 30, 31, and 34, a description will be given of the on-recommend judgment processing.

In step S1310, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing after the setting of the control region CR. If on-recommend judgment processing has already been executed after the setting of the control region CR, step S1320is executed. If the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing, step S1330is executed.

In step S1320, the judging unit112B judges whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing. If the certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing, step S1330is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1330, the control unit111B causes the judging unit112B to read data representing the air conditioners owned by the user (seeFIG. 11) from the first storage unit143. After that, step S1340is executed.

In step S1340, the communication terminal100B executes certain judgment processing for the air conditioners. After the judgment processing for the air conditioners, step S1350is executed.

In step S1350, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the result of the judgment processing in step S1340represents the existence of a first candidate appliance. The term “first candidate appliance” means an air conditioner that satisfies a start condition. If the result of the judgment processing represents the existence of a first candidate appliance, step S1360is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1360, the estimating unit340of the server apparatus300A executes estimation processing for the destination of the vehicle VC. After the estimation processing, step S1370is executed.

In step S1370, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building. If the judging unit112B judges that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building, step S1380is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1380, processing for judging the position of the vehicle VC relative to the control region CR is executed.

FIG. 35is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing in step S1340described above with reference toFIG. 34. With reference toFIGS. 11, 28 to 31, 34, and 35, a further description will be given of the on-recommend judgment processing.

In step S1341, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B generates a request signal for requesting temperature data. After that, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to transmit the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A via the server apparatus300A. When the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A receives the request signal, the control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the temperature data generating unit430to generate temperature data representing a temperature of the space where the air conditioner400A is placed. The temperature data generating unit430outputs the temperature data to the communication unit420. The temperature data is transmitted from the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B via the server apparatus300A. When the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B receives the temperature data, step S1342is executed.

In step S1342, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads data about a start condition from the first storage unit143. After that, step S1343is executed.

In step S1343, the judging unit112B compares the temperature data with the data about the start condition. If the temperature data satisfies the start condition, step S1344is executed. Otherwise, step S1345is executed. For example, if the temperature of the living room is 30° C., step S1344is executed in the processing for the air conditioner installed in the living room illustrated inFIG. 11. If the temperature of the living room is 22° C., step S1345is executed in the processing for the air conditioner installed in the living room illustrated inFIG. 11.

In step S1344, the air conditioner as the processing target is selected as a first candidate appliance. Information about the air conditioner selected as a first candidate appliance is temporarily stored in the first storage unit143. After that, step S1345is executed.

In step S1345, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the processing has been completed for all the air conditioners owned by the user. If the processing has not been completed for all the air conditioners owned by the user, step S1342is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing in step S1340described above with reference toFIG. 34.

FIG. 36is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing in step S1360described above with reference toFIG. 34. With reference toFIGS. 28, 30, 34, and 36, a further description will be given of the on-recommend judgment processing.

In step S1361, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B requests the second obtaining unit151of the communication terminal100B to generate position information about the position of the vehicle. The control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads position information about the position of the target building from the second storage unit144of the communication terminal100B. After that, step S1362is executed.

In step S1362, the position information about the vehicle and building is output from the second obtaining unit151of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B. The position information about the vehicle and building is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A. After that, step S1363is executed.

In step S1363, when the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A receives the position information about the vehicle and building, the control unit310of the server apparatus300A causes the estimating unit340to estimate the destination of the vehicle. If the position information indicates that the vehicle is going away from the building, the estimating unit340may judge that the destination of the vehicle is not the building. If the position information indicates that the vehicle is approaching the building, the estimating unit340may judge that the destination of the vehicle is the building. Data representing the judgment result is transmitted from the communication unit320of the server apparatus300A to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B. The estimating unit340may estimate the destination of the vehicle by using another method. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific method for estimating the destination of the vehicle.

FIG. 37is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing in step S1380described above with reference toFIG. 34. With reference toFIGS. 25, 30, 33, 34, and37, a further description will be given of the on-recommend judgment processing. In this embodiment, the second judgment step is exemplified by step S1380described above with reference toFIG. 34.

In step S1381, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads position information about the position of the target building and the radius of the control region from the second storage unit144. InFIG. 37, the position of the building is represented by a symbol “P0”. InFIG. 37, the radius of the control region is represented by a symbol “R”. Under the setting illustrated inFIG. 25, “R” is “5 km”. After the position information has been read, step S1382is executed. In this embodiment, second position information is exemplified by the position information about the position of the target building and the radius of the control region read from the second storage unit144.

In step S1382, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B requests the second obtaining unit151to generate position information about the position of the vehicle. The communication terminal100B handles the position of the vehicle represented by the position information obtained in step S1382as a reference position. InFIG. 37, the reference position is represented by a symbol “P1”. After the position information about the position of the vehicle has been generated, step S1383is executed. In this embodiment, first position information is exemplified by the position information about the position of the vehicle.

In step1383, the communication terminal100B executes wait processing. A waiting time may be constant. Alternatively, the waiting time may be changed in accordance with the velocity of the vehicle. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a waiting time. After the waiting time has elapsed, step S1384is executed.

In step S1384, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B requests again the second obtaining unit151to generate position information about the position of the vehicle. The communication terminal100B handles the position of the vehicle represented by the position information obtained in step S1384as a judged position. InFIG. 37, the judged position is represented by a symbol “P2”. After the position information about the position of the vehicle has been generated, step S1385is executed. In this embodiment, the first position information is exemplified by the position information about the position of the vehicle.

In step S1385, if the difference between the position of the vehicle “P1” and the position of the building “P0” is larger than the radius “R” of the control region and if the difference between the position of the vehicle “P2” and the position of the building “P0” is smaller than the radius “R” of the control region, step S1386is executed. Otherwise, step S1387is executed.

In step S1386, the control unit111B of the control terminal100B determines to continue the processing. Thus, after step S1386, step S1220described above with reference toFIG. 33is executed.

In step S1387, the judging unit112B determines to handle the judged position P2as the reference position P1. After that, step S1383is executed.

Eighteenth Embodiment

In the image display judgment processing described above in relation to the sixteenth embodiment, it is determined whether or not an image prompting the user to judge whether or not to execute a remote operation is to be displayed. In an eighteenth embodiment, a description will be given of the image display judgment processing.

FIG. 38Ais a table showing the data about air conditioners stored in the first storage unit143in step S1344described above with reference toFIG. 35.FIG. 38Bis a table showing the air conditioners that have been determined as target appliances to be operated through the image display judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 11, 30, 33, 35, 38A, and 38B, a description will be given of the image judgment processing.

If the temperature data represents a temperature of 26° C., as a result of the processing in step S1344executed under the settings illustrated inFIG. 11, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and child's room2are selected as first candidate appliances.

If the air conditioner installed in the child's room2is operating, it is not necessary to execute step S1240described above with reference toFIG. 33. Thus, the judging unit112B excludes the air conditioner installed in the child's room2from the target appliances to be operated.

FIG. 39is a schematic flowchart illustrating the image display judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 11, 15A, 28 to 30, 33, and 38A to 39, a description will be given of the image display judgment processing.

In step S1221, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads the data about the first candidate appliances from the first storage unit143. After that, step S1222is executed.

In step S1222, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B generates a request signal for requesting operation data. The control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to output the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A via the server apparatus300A. When the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A receives the request signal, the control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the operation data generating unit450to generate operation data. The control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to transmit the operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B via the server apparatus300A. After that, step S1223is executed.

In step S1223, the control unit111B causes the judging unit112B to judge, on the basis of the operation data, whether or not the air conditioner400A as the processing target is operating. If the judging unit112B judges that the air conditioner400A as the processing target is operating, step S1224is executed. Otherwise, step S1225is executed.

In step S1224, the judging unit112B determines to handle the air conditioner400A as the processing target as a second candidate appliance. After that, step S1225is executed.

In step S1225, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the above-described processing has been completed for all the first candidate appliances. If the above-described processing has been completed for all the first candidate appliances, step S1226is executed. Otherwise, step S1222is executed. If the air conditioners illustrated inFIG. 38Aare selected as first candidate appliances, and if the above-described processing has been completed for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and child's room2, step S1225is executed.

In step S1226, the judging unit112B judges whether or not an air conditioner selected as a second candidate appliance includes an air conditioner set by the user as a candidate appliance to be operated. If an air conditioner selected as a second candidate appliance includes an air conditioner set by the user as a candidate appliance to be operated, the judging unit112B temporarily stores information about the air conditioner selected as a second candidate appliance and set by the user as a candidate appliance to be operated in the first storage unit143. After that, step S1227is executed. Otherwise, the control unit111B suspends the processing. When the data illustrated inFIG. 38Ais compared with the data illustrated inFIG. 11, the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and child's room2are set by the user as candidate appliances to be operated, and thus step S1227is executed.

In step S1227, the control unit111B causes the display unit163to display the image illustrated inFIG. 15A. After that, step S1230described above with reference toFIG. 33is executed.

Nineteenth Embodiment

In the image display judgment processing described above in relation to the eighteenth embodiment, if the communication terminal is able to determine a target appliance to be operated, processing for remotely operating the target appliance to be operated is executed. In a nineteenth embodiment, a description will be given of the processing for remotely operating the target appliance to be operated.

FIG. 40is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing executed in step S1240described above with reference toFIG. 33. With reference toFIGS. 15A to 15C, 28 to 30, 33, 38B, 39, and 40, a description will be given of the processing executed in step S1240.

In step S1241, if the user presses the icon button IB27(seeFIG. 15A), the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads the data about all the air conditioners selected as target appliances to be operated (seeFIG. 38B) from the first storage unit143. The data read from the first storage unit143may include setting data defining the operations of the air conditioners selected as target appliances to be operated. After the control unit111B has read the data about all the air conditioners selected as target appliances to be operated, step S1242is executed.

In step S1242, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to transmit the read setting data as control data. The control data is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A via the server apparatus300A. When the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A receives the control data, the operation unit440of the air conditioner400A executes an operation defined by the control data. The notifying unit460of the air conditioner400A generates notification data indicating that the control data has been received. The control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to transmit the notification data. The notification data is transmitted from the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B via the server apparatus300A. After that, step S1243is executed.

In step S1243, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the display unit163to display images representing a communication result of the control data (seeFIGS. 15B and 15C) in accordance with the notification data. After that, step S1244is executed.

In step S1244, the communication terminal100B judges whether or not the user requests operation data. If the user requests operation data (if the user presses the icon buttons IB29and IB31(seeFIGS. 15B and 15C), step S1245is executed. Otherwise, step S1247is executed.

In step S1245, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B generates a request signal for requesting operation data. The control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to transmit the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A via the server apparatus300A. In response to the request signal, the control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the operation data generating unit450to generate operation data. The control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to transmit the operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B via the server apparatus300A. After that, step S1246is executed. In this embodiment, an obtaining step is exemplified by step S1245.

In step S1246, the control unit111B causes the display unit163to display the operation status represented by the operation data. After that, step S1247is executed.

In step S1247, the judging unit112B of the communication terminal100B judges whether or not the above-described processing has been executed on all the target appliances to be operated.

Twentieth Embodiment

In the on-recommend judgment processing described above in relation to the seventeenth embodiment, judgment processing for an air conditioner is executed before judgment processing for the position of the vehicle. Alternatively, judgment processing for an air conditioner may be executed after judgment processing for the position of the vehicle. In a twentieth embodiment, a description will be given of other on-recommend judgment processing.

FIG. 41is a schematic flowchart illustrating the on-recommend judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 11, 28, 30, 31, 35 to 37, and 41, a description will be given of the on-recommend judgment processing.

In step S1410, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing after the setting of the control region CR. If on-recommend judgment processing has already been executed after the setting of the control region CR, step S1420is executed. If the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing, step S1430is executed.

In step S1420, the judging unit112B judges whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing. If the certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing, step S1430is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1430, the estimating unit340of the server apparatus300A executes the estimation processing described above with reference toFIG. 36. After the estimation processing, step S1440is executed.

In step S1440, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building. If the judging unit112B judges that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building, step S1450is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1450, the processing described above with reference toFIG. 37is executed, and it is judged whether or not the vehicle VC has entered the control region CR. After that, step S1460is executed.

In step S1460, the control unit111B causes the judging unit112B to read the data representing the air conditioners owned by the user (seeFIG. 11) from the first storage unit143. After that, step S1470is executed.

In step S1470, the communication terminal100B executes the judgment processing described above with reference toFIG. 35.

In the above-described various embodiments, judgment processing for the position of the vehicle is executed. Thus, if the user does not make a setting in advance for the position of the target building, it is preferable to suspend on-recommend judgment processing before the communication terminal executes various processing operations. In addition, if judgment processing for the position of the vehicle is executed, estimation processing for the destination of the vehicle is not necessarily executed. Thus, the on-recommend judgment processing may be greatly simplified. In a twenty-first embodiment, a description will be given of simplified on-recommend judgment processing.

FIG. 42is a schematic flowchart illustrating the on-recommend judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 11, 12, 25, 30, 31, 35, 37, and 42, a description will be given of the on-recommend judgment processing.

In step S1510, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing after the setting of the control region CR. If on-recommend judgment processing has already been executed after the setting of the control region CR, step S1520is executed. If the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing, step S1530is executed.

In step S1520, the judging unit112B judges whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing. If the certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing, step S1530is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1530, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads the data about the building HM from the second storage unit144. If the user has not made the setting described above with reference toFIGS. 12 and 25, the control unit111B is not able to read the data about the building HM, and thus the on-recommend judgment processing is suspended. If the control unit111B reads the data about the building HM from the second storage unit144, step S1540is executed.

In step S1540, the processing described above with reference toFIG. 37is executed, and it is judged whether or not the vehicle VC has entered the control region CR. After that, step S1550is executed.

In step S1550, the control unit111B causes the judging unit112B to read the data representing the air conditioners owned by the user (seeFIG. 11) from the first storage unit143. After that, step S1560is executed.

In step S1560, the communication terminal100B executes the judgment processing described above with reference toFIG. 35.

A communication terminal may obtain information about an outside temperature without communicating with an air conditioner. In this case, a temperature outside a vehicle and a building is obtained by the communication terminal. In a twenty-second embodiment, a description will be given of a communication terminal capable of obtaining information about an outside temperature without communicating with an air conditioner.

FIG. 43is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a communication terminal100C according to the twenty-second embodiment. With reference toFIGS. 35 and 43, a description will be given of the exemplary functional configuration of the communication terminal100C. In the twenty-second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the fifteenth embodiment indicate that the elements denoted by the same reference numerals have the same functions as those in the fifteenth embodiment. Thus, the description of the fifteenth embodiment is applied to these elements.

As in the fifteenth embodiment, the communication terminal100C includes the first obtaining unit113, the judging unit112B, the timing unit114, the communication unit131, the first storage unit143, the second storage unit144, the second obtaining unit151, the display unit163, and the input unit164. The description of the fifteenth embodiment is applied to these elements.

The communication terminal100C further includes a control unit111C and a third obtaining unit152. The control unit111C corresponds to the CPU110described above with reference toFIG. 7. The third obtaining unit152corresponds to the information obtaining device150described above with reference toFIG. 7. The third obtaining unit152may be a temperature measuring element for measuring a temperature outside the vehicle.

The control unit111C controls the overall operation of the communication terminal100C. Thus, judging unit112B, the first obtaining unit113, the timing unit114, the communication unit131, the first storage unit143, the second storage unit144, the second obtaining unit151, the third obtaining unit152, the display unit163, and the input unit164execute certain operations under the control executed by the control unit111C.

The communication terminal100C executes the same operations as those described above in relation to the fifteenth embodiment, except step S1341described above with reference toFIG. 35. In step S1341, the control unit111C causes the third obtaining unit152to obtain information about a temperature outside the vehicle. After that, the communication terminal100C executes steps S1342to S1345by using the information obtained by the third obtaining unit152. Thus, in step S1341, the communication terminal100C does not need to communicate with a home appliance. In this embodiment, the first judgment step is exemplified by the series of processing operations illustrated inFIG. 35.

A communication terminal may determine an operation mode on the basis of obtained information about an outside temperature. In a twenty-third embodiment, a description will be given of a communication terminal that determines an operation mode in accordance with an outside temperature.

FIG. 44is schematic flowchart illustrating a procedure for determining an operation mode. With reference toFIGS. 29, 30, 35, 40, and 44, a description will be given of a method for determining an operation mode.

Upon the start of step S1343described above with reference toFIG. 35, step S1610is executed. InFIG. 44, an upper-limit temperature set by the user is represented by a symbol “UTH”. InFIG. 44, an outside temperature represented by the temperature data obtained in step S1341described above with reference toFIG. 35is represented by a symbol “THD”. In step S1610, the judging unit112B compares the outside temperature THD with the upper-limit temperature UTH. If the outside temperature THD is higher than the upper-limit temperature UTH, step S1620is executed. Otherwise, step S1630is executed. In this embodiment, a second set temperature is exemplified by the upper-limit temperature UTH.

In step S1620, the communication terminal100B selects a cooling mode. In this case, in step S1242described above with reference toFIG. 40, the communication terminal100B transmits control data for the cooling mode. The operation unit440of the air conditioner400A operates, in accordance with the control data, so that a room temperature is adjusted to become a target temperature that is set to be lower than the upper-limit temperature.

InFIG. 44, a lower-limit temperature set by the user is represented by a symbol “LTH”. In step S1630, the judging unit112B compares the outside temperature THD with the lower-limit temperature LTH. If the outside temperature THD is lower than the lower-limit temperature LTH, step S1640is executed. Otherwise, the start condition is not satisfied and thus step S1345illustrated inFIG. 35is executed.

In step S1640, the communication terminal100B selects a heating mode. In this case, in step S1242described above with reference toFIG. 40, the communication terminal100B transmits control data for the heating mode. The operation unit440of the air conditioner400A operates, in accordance with the control data, so that a room temperature is adjusted to become a target temperature that is set to be higher than the lower-limit temperature.

FIG. 45is a schematic flowchart illustrating another procedure for determining an operation mode. With reference toFIGS. 29, 30, 35, 40, and 45, a description will be given of a method for determining an operation mode.

In step S1650, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the outside temperature THD is between the upper-limit temperature UTH and the lower-limit temperature LTH. If the outside temperature THD is between the upper-limit temperature UTH and the lower-limit temperature LTH, the start condition is not satisfied, and thus step S1345illustrated inFIG. 35is executed. Otherwise, step S1660is executed.

In step S1660, the communication terminal100B selects an automatic mode. In this case, in step S1242described above with reference toFIG. 40, the communication terminal100B transmits control data for the automatic mode. The operation unit440of the air conditioner400A operates, in accordance with the control data, so that a room temperature is adjusted to become a target temperature that is set to be between the lower-limit temperature and the upper-limit temperature.

After control data has been transmitted, a plurality of images representing transmission statuses of the control data are displayed. The order in which the plurality of images are displayed may be predetermined. In a twenty-fourth embodiment, a description will be given of a method for determining a display order of a plurality of images.

FIG. 46is a table showing the data stored in the first storage unit143. With reference toFIGS. 15B, 15C, 30, 38B, 40, and 46, a description will be given of the method for determining a display order of a plurality of images.

FIG. 46illustrates that priorities are set for the plurality of air conditioners owned by the user. The control unit111B refers to the data about the priorities, and executes the above-described various processing operations in accordance with the priorities. The priorities may be set by the user. Alternatively, the priorities may be automatically set by an application program. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific method for determining priorities. In this embodiment, the setting information is exemplified by the data illustrated inFIG. 46.

FIG. 38Billustrates that the air conditioner installed in the living room and the air conditioner installed in the kitchen are selected as target appliances to be operated. As illustrated inFIG. 46, the air conditioner installed in the living room is given a higher priority over the air conditioner installed in the kitchen. Thus, the processing loop from step S1243to step S1248described above with reference toFIG. 40is executed on the air conditioner installed in the living room, and is then executed on the air conditioner installed in the kitchen. As a result, the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15Band then displays the image illustrated inFIG. 15C. In this embodiment, a first target appliance is exemplified by the air conditioner installed in the living room. In this embodiment, the first target appliance is exemplified by the air conditioner installed in the kitchen. A first notification image is exemplified by the image illustrated inFIG. 15B. A second notification image is exemplified by the image illustrated inFIG. 15C.

A display order of images may depend on the difference between a temperature set by the user and a measured temperature. In a twenty-fifth embodiment, a description will be given of a method for determining a display order of images on the basis of the difference between a temperature set by the user and a measured temperature.

FIG. 47is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for determining a display order of images on the basis of the difference between a temperature set by the user and a measured temperature. With reference toFIGS. 35, 40, 43, and 47, a description will be given of the method for determining a display order of a plurality of images.

In step S1710, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the communication unit131has transmitted control data for the cooling mode. A technique of selecting the cooling mode or the heating mode may be based on the principle of the twenty-third embodiment. If the judging unit112B judges that the communication unit131has transmitted the control data for the cooling mode, step S1720is executed. Otherwise, step S1760is executed.

In step S1720, the control unit111B sets, on the basis of the data about the target appliances to be operated that is read in step S1241described above with reference toFIG. 40, a processing group of the upper-limit temperatures set for the target appliances to be operated. After that, step S1730is executed.

In step S1730, the control unit111B finds an air conditioner for which the difference between the temperature THD represented by the temperature data obtained in step S1341described above with reference toFIG. 35and the upper-limit temperature set for the target appliance to be operated is the maximum. After that, step S1740is executed.

In step S1740, the control unit111B sets a processing order for the processing loop from step S1243to step S1248illustrated inFIG. 40. The data about the air conditioner for which the processing order has been set is removed from the processing group. After that, step S1750is executed.

In step S1750, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the above-described processing has been executed on all the target appliances to be operated. If the above-described processing has been executed on all the target appliances to be operated, the processing ends. Otherwise, step S1720is executed.

In step S1760, the control unit111B sets, on the basis of the data about the target appliances to be operated that is read in step S1241described above with reference toFIG. 40, a processing group of the lower-limit temperatures set for the target appliances to be operated. After that, step S1770is executed.

In step S1770, the control unit111B finds an air conditioner for which the difference between the temperature THD represented by the temperature data obtained in step S1341described above with reference toFIG. 35and the lower-limit temperature set for the target appliance to be operated is the maximum. After that, step S1780is executed.

In step S1780, the control unit111B sets a processing order for the processing loop from step S1243to step S1248illustrated inFIG. 40. The data about the air conditioner for which the processing order has been set is removed from the processing group. After that, step S1790is executed.

In step S1790, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the above-described processing has been executed on all the target appliances to be operated. If the above-described processing has been executed on all the target appliances to be operated, the processing ends. Otherwise, step S1760is executed.

As a result of the above-described processing, the display unit163preferentially displays a transmission result for the air conditioner for which a large temperature difference is seen.

If the user has not set information about the position of a target building, the communication terminal described above in relation to the twenty-first embodiment suspends processing. If the communication terminal is used together with a server apparatus having a function of estimating the position of the building, the processing can be continued. In this case, the communication terminal is able to execute various processing operations by using the position of the building estimated by the server apparatus. In a twenty-sixth embodiment, a description will be given of an exemplary server apparatus.

FIG. 48is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary functional configuration of a server apparatus300B according to the twenty-sixth embodiment. With reference toFIGS. 36 and 48, a description will be given of the exemplary functional configuration of the server apparatus300B. In the twenty-sixth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the thirteenth embodiment indicate that the elements denoted by the same reference numerals have the same functions as those in the thirteenth embodiment. Thus, the description of the thirteenth embodiment is applied to these elements.

The server apparatus300B includes the communication unit320and the notifying unit330. The description of the thirteenth embodiment is applied to these elements.

The server apparatus300B further includes a control unit310B and an estimating unit340B. The control unit310B controls the overall operation of the server apparatus300B. Thus, the communication unit320, the notifying unit330, and the estimating unit340B execute certain operations under the control executed by the control unit310B.

The estimating unit340B includes a first estimating unit341and a second estimating unit342. The first estimating unit341executes the processing in step S1363described above with reference toFIG. 36.

The server apparatus300B may regularly receive information about the position of the vehicle generated by the second obtaining unit151of the communication terminal100B. In this case, the server apparatus300B is able to roughly grasp the movement pattern of the vehicle. The second estimating unit342is able to estimate the position of the target building on the basis of the movement pattern of the vehicle.

If the target building is a user's home, the second estimating unit342is able to estimate that the user's home exists near the position where the vehicle is often parked for a long time. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific estimation method used by the second estimating unit342.

In on-recommend judgment processing, position information about the position of a building estimated by a server apparatus may be used. In a twenty-seventh embodiment, a description will be given of on-recommend judgment processing in which position information about the position of a building estimated by a server apparatus is used.

FIG. 49is a schematic flowchart illustrating the on-recommend judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 11, 12, 25, 30, 31, 35 to 37, 48, and 49, a description will be given of the on-recommend judgment processing.

In step S1805, the judging unit112B of the communication terminal100B judges whether or not the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing after the setting of the control region CR. If on-recommend judgment processing has already been executed after the setting of the control region CR, step S1810is executed. If the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing, step S1815is executed.

In step S1810, the judging unit112B judges whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing. If the certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing, step S1815is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1815, the control unit111B causes the judging unit112B to read data representing the air conditioners owned by the user (seeFIG. 11) from the first storage unit143. After that, step S1820is executed.

In step S1820, the communication terminal100B executes the judgment processing described above with reference toFIG. 35. After that, step S1825is executed.

In step S1825, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the result of the judgment processing in step S1820indicates the existence of a first candidate appliance. If the result of the judgment processing indicates the existence of a first candidate appliance, step S1830is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1830, the server apparatus300B executes the estimation processing described above with reference toFIG. 36. After the estimation processing, step S1835is executed.

In step S1835, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building HM. If the judging unit112B judges that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building HM, step S1840is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1840, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads the data about the building HM from the second storage unit144. If the user has made the setting described above with reference toFIGS. 12 and 25, step S1845is executed. Otherwise, step S1850is executed.

In step S1845, the series of processing operations described above with reference toFIG. 37is executed.

In step S1850, the communication terminal100B executes estimation processing for the position of the vehicle VC in cooperation with the server apparatus300B.

FIG. 50is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing in step S1850described above with reference toFIG. 49. With reference toFIGS. 30, 33, and 48 to 50, a further description will be given of the processing in step S1850.

In step S1851, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B requests the second obtaining unit151to generate position information about the position of the vehicle. The communication terminal100B handles the position of the vehicle represented by the position information obtained in step S1851as a reference position. InFIG. 50, the reference position is represented by a symbol “P1”. After the position information about the position of the vehicle has been generated, step S1852is executed.

In step S1852, the control unit310B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to transmit the position information about the position of the vehicle. The position information about the position of the vehicle is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300B. After that, step S1853is executed.

In step S1853, the communication terminal100B executes wait processing. A waiting time may be constant. Alternatively, the waiting time may be changed in accordance with the velocity of the vehicle. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by the waiting time. After the waiting time has elapsed, step S1854is executed.

In step S1854, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B requests again the second obtaining unit151to generate position information about the position of the vehicle. The communication terminal100B handles the position of the vehicle represented by the position information obtained in step S1854as a judged position. InFIG. 50, the judged position is represented by a symbol “P2”. After the position information about the position of the vehicle has been generated, step S1855is executed.

In step S1855, the control unit310B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to transmit the position information about the position of the vehicle. The position information about the position of the vehicle is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300B. After that, step S1856is executed.

In step S1856, the control unit310B of the server apparatus300B requests an estimated position of the building “PE” to the second estimating unit342. If the difference between the position of the vehicle “P1” and the estimated position of the building “PE” is larger than the radius “R” of the control region, and if the difference between the position of the vehicle “P2” and the estimated position of the building “PE” is smaller than the radius “R” of the control region, step S1857is executed. Otherwise, step S1858is executed.

In step S1857, the control unit310B of the server apparatus300B causes the notifying unit330to generate a notification signal for making a notification that the vehicle has entered the control region. The notification signal is transmitted from the communication unit320of the server apparatus300B to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B. In response to the notification signal, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B determines to continue the processing. Thus, after step S1857, step S1220described above with reference toFIG. 33is executed.

In step S1858, the judging unit112B determines to handle the judged position P2as the reference position P1. After that, step S1853is executed.

In the on-recommend judgment processing described above in relation to the twenty-seventh embodiment, judgment processing for an air conditioner is executed before judgment processing for the position of the vehicle. Alternatively, judgment processing for an air conditioner may be executed after judgment processing for the position of the vehicle. In a twenty-eighth embodiment, a description will be given of other on-recommend judgment processing.

FIG. 51is a schematic flowchart illustrating the on-recommend judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 11, 12, 25, 30, 31, 35 to 37, and 49 to 51, a description will be given of the on-recommend judgment processing.

In step S1910, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing after the setting of the control region CR. If on-recommend judgment processing has already been executed after the setting of the control region CR, step S1920is executed. If the current processing is the first on-recommend judgment processing, step S1930is executed.

In step S1920, the judging unit112B judges whether or not a certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing. If the certain period has elapsed since the execution of the previous on-recommend processing, step S1930is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1930, the server apparatus300B executes the estimation processing described above with reference toFIG. 36. After the estimation processing, step S1940is executed.

In step S1940, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building HM. If the judging unit112B judges that the destination of the vehicle VC is the target building HM, step S1950is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S1950, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads data about the building HM from the second storage unit144. If the user has made the setting described above with reference toFIGS. 12 and 25, step S1960is executed. Otherwise, step S1970is executed.

In step S1960, the series of processing operations described above with reference toFIG. 37is executed. After that, step S1980is executed.

In step S1970, the communication terminal100B executes the estimation processing described above with reference toFIG. 50in cooperation with the server apparatus300B. After that, step S1980is executed.

In step S1980, the control unit111B causes the judging unit112B to read the data representing the air conditioners owned by the user (seeFIG. 11) from the first storage unit143. After that, step S1990is executed.

In step S1990, the communication terminal100B executes the judgment processing described above with reference toFIG. 35.

As a result of the on-recommend judgment processing described above with reference to the seventeenth embodiment, an air conditioner handled as a first candidate appliance is found. As a result of the on-recommend judgment processing, if an air conditioner handled as a first candidate appliance does not exist, the subsequent processing is not required. In a twenty-ninth embodiment, a description will be given of on-recommend processing for determining, in accordance with a result of on-recommend judgment processing, whether or not image display judgment processing is required.

FIG. 52is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the communication terminal100B. With reference toFIG. 52, a description will be given of an exemplary operation of the communication terminal100B. In the twenty-ninth embodiment, the same step numbers as those in the sixteenth embodiment indicate that the processing operations denoted by the same step numbers are the same as those in the sixteenth embodiment. Thus, the description of the sixteenth embodiment is applied to these steps.

In step S1210, the communication terminal100B executes on-recommend judgment processing. As described above in relation to the seventeenth embodiment, as a result of the on-recommend judgment processing, the communication terminal100B is able to find an air conditioner handled as a first candidate appliance. After the on-recommend judgment processing, step S1215is executed.

In step S1215, the communication terminal100B judges whether or not an air conditioner handled as a first candidate appliance exists. If an air conditioner handled as a first candidate appliance does not exist, the communication terminal100B ends the on-recommend processing. Otherwise, step S1220is executed. The processing from step S1220is the same as that in the sixteenth embodiment.

Thirtieth Embodiment

The principles of the above-described various embodiments enable an air conditioner in a target building to be operated before the user arrives at the building and also enable the environment in the building to be comfortable for the user. There is a probability that the user notices, after the user has gone out of the target building, that the air conditioner in the building is left operating. In a thirtieth embodiment, a description will be given of a user operation in off-recommend processing for turning off an air conditioner in a target building after the user has gone out of the building.

FIGS. 53A and 53Billustrate exemplary images displayed on the display unit163of the communication terminal100B. With reference toFIGS. 8E, 30, 53A, and53B, a description will be given of a user operation in off-recommend processing.

When the user performs a certain operation on an image displayed on the display unit163in accordance with the operation method described above in relation to the third embodiment, the display unit163is able to display the image illustrated inFIG. 8E. After that, when the user presses the icon button IB15, the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 53A or 53B.

The image illustrated inFIG. 53Aincludes two icon buttons IB47and IB48. When the user presses the icon button IB47, the target air conditioner can be set as a candidate appliance to be operated that is subjected to off-recommend processing. When the user presses the icon button IB48, the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8Eagain.

The image illustrated inFIG. 53Bincludes three icon buttons IB49, IB50, and IB51. When the user presses the icon button IB49, the target air conditioner can be set as a candidate appliance to be operated that is subjected to off-recommend processing. When the user presses the icon button IB50, the setting as a candidate appliance to be operated can be canceled. When the user presses the icon button IB51, the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8Eagain.

FIG. 54is a table showing exemplary data generated through operations performed on the images illustrated inFIGS. 53A and 53B. With reference toFIGS. 30 and 53A to 54, a description will be given of data generated through operations performed on the images illustrated inFIGS. 53A and 53B.

When the user presses the icon buttons IB47and IB49, the setting as a candidate appliance to be operated is validated. When the user presses the icon button IB50, the setting as a candidate appliance to be operated is invalidated.FIG. 54illustrates that the settings as candidate appliances to be operated are valid for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, child's room1, and child's room2.FIG. 54illustrates that the setting as a candidate appliance to be operated is invalid for the air conditioner installed in the bed room.

FIG. 55is a table showing data about target appliances to be operated that serve as a destination of control data for stopping operation. With reference toFIGS. 30, 54, and 55, a description will be given of off-recommend processing.

The communication terminal100B executes off-recommend processing, and selects a target appliance to be operated from among a plurality of air conditioners set as candidate appliances to be operated.FIG. 55illustrates that the air conditioners installed in the living room and the child's room1are selected as target appliances to be operated from among the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, child's room1, and child's room2as a result of the off-recommend processing.

FIG. 56illustrates an exemplary image displayed on the display unit163of the communication terminal100B that is executing the off-recommend processing. With reference toFIGS. 30, 55, and 56, a further description will be given of the off-recommend processing.

After the target appliances to be operated have been determined, the communication terminal100B causes the display unit163to display the image illustrated inFIG. 56. The image illustrated inFIG. 56includes two icon buttons IB52and IB53. When the user presses the icon button IB52, the communication terminal100B ends the off-recommend processing without transmitting control data. When the user presses the icon button IB53, control data is transmitted to the air conditioners installed in the living room and child's room1. As a result, the air conditioners installed in the living room and child's room1are able to stop the operation.

FIGS. 57A and 57Billustrate exemplary images displayed on the display unit163after the control data has been transmitted. With reference toFIGS. 30, 54, 57A, and 57B, a further description will be given of the off-recommend processing.

The display order in which images are displayed after the control data has been transmitted may be set depending on the principle described above with reference to the twenty-fourth embodiment.FIG. 54illustrates the priorities assigned to the plurality of air conditioners in the off-recommend processing. The air conditioner installed in the living room is given a higher priority over the air conditioner installed in the child's room1. Thus, the display unit163displays a transmission result of the control data for the air conditioner installed in the living room and then a transmission result of the control data for the air conditioner installed in the child's room1. The priorities may be set by the user. Alternatively, the priorities may be automatically set by an application program. The principle of this embodiment is not limited by a specific method for determining priorities.

The image illustrated inFIG. 57Aincludes two icon buttons IB54and IB55. When the user presses the icon button IB54, the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 57B. When the user presses the icon button IB55, the display unit163displays a detailed operation status of the air conditioner installed in the living room.

The image illustrated inFIG. 57Bincludes two icon buttons IB56and IB57. When the user presses the icon button IB56, the user operation in the off-recommend processing ends. When the user presses the icon button IB57, the display unit163displays a detailed operation status of the air conditioner installed in the child's room1.

As in the on-recommend processing, the user performs, for each of a plurality of air conditioners, setting processing for setting a candidate appliance to be operated for off-recommend processing. In a thirty-first embodiment, a description will be given of setting processing for setting a candidate appliance to be operated.

FIG. 58is a schematic flowchart illustrating setting processing for setting a candidate appliance to be operated. With reference toFIGS. 8E, 9, 30, 53A to 54, and58, a description will be given of the setting processing for setting a candidate appliance to be operated.

Upon step S270described above with reference toFIG. 9being executed, the processing in step S2010is started. In step S2010, the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 53A or 53B. After that, step S2020is executed.

In step S2020, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the user has operated the input unit164and pressed the icon button IB48. If the judging unit112B judges that the user has operated the input unit164and pressed the icon button IB48, step S2030is executed. Otherwise, step S2040is executed.

In step S2030, the display unit163displays the image illustrated inFIG. 8E. After that, the processing described above with reference toFIG. 9is executed.

In step S2040, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the user has operated the input unit164and pressed one of the icon buttons IB47, IB49, and IB50. If the judging unit112B judges that the user has operated the input unit164and pressed one of the icon buttons IB47, IB49, and IB50, step S2050is executed. Otherwise, step S2010is executed.

In step S2050, the control unit111B updates the data stored in the first storage unit143(seeFIG. 54) in accordance with the user operation. After that, step S2010is executed.

The communication terminal described above in relation to the thirtieth embodiment displays, only once, an image for asking the user whether or not to execute a remote operation. If the communication terminal asks the user a plurality of times whether or not to execute a remote operation, a remote operation against user's intention is less likely to occur. In a thirty-second embodiment, a description will be given of a communication terminal that asks the user a plurality of times whether or not to execute a remote operation.

FIGS. 59A to 59Dillustrate exemplary images that are presented to the user by the communication terminal100B. With reference toFIGS. 30, 57A, 57B, and59A to59D, a description will be given of the communication terminal100B.

As in the thirtieth embodiment, the communication terminal100B presents the image illustrated inFIG. 59Ato the user. When the user presses the icon button IB53, the communication terminal100B presents the image illustrated inFIG. 59Bto the user.

The image illustrated inFIG. 59Bincludes two icon buttons IB58and IB59. When the user presses the icon button IB58, the communication terminal100B transmits control data. When the user presses the icon button IB59, the communication terminal100B suspends the processing. Only when the user presses the icon button IB53in the image illustrated inFIG. 59Aand then presses the icon button IB58in the image illustrated inFIG. 59B, control data is transmitted. Thus, a remote operation against user's intention is less likely to occur.

When the communication terminal100B receives notification data representing the receipt of the control data from the air conditioner, the communication terminal100B presents the image illustrated inFIG. 59Cto the user. The image illustrated inFIG. 59Cincludes an icon button IB60. The icon button IB60corresponds to each of the icon button IB55described above with reference toFIG. 57Aand the icon button IB57described above with reference toFIG. 57B.

When the user presses the icon button IB60, the communication terminal100B presents the image illustrated inFIG. 59Dto the user. Even if the user does not press the icon button IB60, the communication terminal100B presents the image illustrated inFIG. 59Dto the user after a certain period has elapsed since the display of the image illustrated inFIG. 59C. Thus, the user is able to check the operation status of the target air conditioner.

As described above in relation to the thirtieth embodiment, off-recommend processing is executed to turn off an air conditioner in a building. Thus, it is preferable that off-recommend processing be executed in an early stage. In a thirty-third embodiment, a description will be given of off-recommend processing that is executed in an early stage.

FIG. 60is a schematic flowchart illustrating start processing of off-recommend processing. With reference toFIGS. 30 and 60, a description will be given of the start processing of the off-recommend processing.

Step S2110is executed until the communication terminal100B receives power supply from the vehicle. When the communication terminal100B receives power supply from the vehicle, step S2120is executed.

In step S2120, the timing unit114starts measuring time. InFIG. 60, a time length measured by the timing unit114is represented by a symbol “TC”. Information about the time length TC is output from the timing unit114to the judging unit112B. After the information about the time length TC has been output from the timing unit114to the judging unit112B, step S2130is executed.

In step S2130, the judging unit112B compares the time length TC represented by the information received from the timing unit114with a threshold period TP having a certain length. The comparison result is output from the judging unit112B to the control unit111B. If the comparison result indicates that the time length TC is shorter than the threshold period TP, step S2140is executed. Otherwise, the processing ends.

In step S2140, the comparison result indicating that the time length TC is shorter than the threshold period TP is output from the judging unit112B to the control unit111B. The control unit111B that has received the comparison result determines to execute off-recommend processing. As a result of the off-recommend processing, the user is able to turn off the air conditioner installed in the building from the vehicle.

In the off-recommend processing, the image illustrated inFIG. 56 or 59Ais displayed. If the user does not press the icon button IB53for a first certain period, step S2140may end. In this case, the image illustrated inFIG. 56 or 59Amay be erased from the display unit163. The display unit163may display a map indicating a position where the vehicle is running, instead of the image illustrated inFIG. 56 or 59A. In this case, on the basis of the control principle described above in relation to the fifteenth embodiment, it is preferable that an application program be designed so that off-recommend processing is not executed during a second certain period from the time when the image illustrated inFIG. 56 or 59Ais displayed.

FIG. 61is a schematic flowchart illustrating step S2140(off-recommend processing) described above with reference toFIG. 60. With reference toFIGS. 30, 54, 56, 59A, 60, and 61, a description will be given of an exemplary operation of the off-recommend processing.

In step S2210, the communication terminal100B executes off-recommend judgment processing. In the off-recommend judgment processing, setting of candidate appliances to be operated that has been described above with reference toFIG. 54and confirmation processing for the position of the vehicle are executed. After the off-recommend judgment processing, step S2220is executed.

In step S2220, the communication terminal100B executes image display judgment processing. The image display judgment processing is executed to determine whether or not the image illustrated inFIG. 56 or 59Ais to be displayed. After the image display judgment processing, step S2230is executed.

In step S2230, if the image illustrated inFIG. 56 or 59Ais displayed, step S2240is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the processing.

In step S2240, the communication terminal100B starts remote operation processing. As a result, the user is able to stop the operation of the air conditioner from the vehicle.

In the off-recommend judgment processing described above in relation to the thirty-third embodiment, the communication terminal executes various processing operations in cooperation with the server apparatus. In the thirty-fourth embodiment, a description will be given of off-recommend judgment processing.

FIG. 62is a schematic flowchart illustrating off-recommend judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 52A to 54 and 62, a description will be given of the off-recommend judgment processing.

In step S2310, the control unit111B causes the judging unit112B to read the data representing the air conditioners owned by the user (seeFIG. 54) from the first storage unit143. After that, step S2320is executed.

In step S2320, the judging unit112B judges whether or not a candidate appliance to be operated exists. If the user has not set, as a candidate appliance to be operated, any of the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, bed room, child's room1, and child's room2by using the image described above with reference toFIG. 53A or 53B, the judging unit112B judges that no candidate appliances to be operated exist. Alternatively, if the user has cancelled the setting of a candidate appliance to be operated for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, bed room, child's room1, and child's room2by pressing the icon button IB50described above with reference toFIG. 53B, the judging unit112B judges that no candidate appliances to be operated exist. In these cases, the communication terminal100B ends the processing. Otherwise, step S2330is executed.

In step S2330, processing for judging the position of the vehicle VC relative to the position of the building is executed.

FIG. 63is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing in step S2330described above with reference toFIG. 62. With reference toFIGS. 30, 62, and 63, a further description will be given of the off-recommend judgment processing.

In step S2331, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads position information about the position of the target building from the second storage unit144. InFIG. 63, the position of the building is represented by a symbol “PB”. After the position information about the position of the target building has been read, step S2332is executed.

In step S2332, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B requests the second obtaining unit151to generate position information about the position of the vehicle. InFIG. 63, the position of the vehicle is represented by a symbol “PC”. After the position information about the position of the vehicle has been generated, step S2333is executed.

In step S2333, the judging unit112B of the communication terminal100B judges whether or not the distance between the position of the vehicle “PC” and the position of the building “PB” is under a predetermined distance threshold. If the distance threshold is larger than the distance between the position of the vehicle “PC” and the position of the building “PB”, step S2334is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the off-recommend processing.

In step S2334, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B determines to continue the processing. Thus, after step S2334, step S2220described above with reference toFIG. 33is executed.

In the image display judgment processing described above in relation to the thirty-third embodiment, it is determined whether or not to display an image prompting the user to judge whether or not to execute a remote operation. In a thirty-fifth embodiment, a description will be given of the image display judgment processing.

FIG. 64is a schematic flowchart illustrating the image display judgment processing. With reference toFIGS. 28 to 30, 54, 56, 59A, 61, and 64, a description will be given of the image display judgment processing.

In step S2221, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads the data illustrated inFIG. 54from the first storage unit143. After that, step S2222is executed.

In step S2222, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B generates a request signal for requesting operation data. The control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to output the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A via the server apparatus300A. When the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A receives the request signal, the control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the operation data generating unit450to generate operation data. The control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to transmit the operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B via the server apparatus300A. After that, step S2223is executed.

In step S2223, the control unit111B causes the judging unit112B to judge, on the basis of the operation data, whether or not the air conditioner400A as the processing target is operating. If the judging unit112B judges that the air conditioner400A as the processing target is operating, step S2224is executed. Otherwise, step S2225is executed.

In step S2224, the judging unit1112B determines to handle the air conditioner400A as the processing target as a candidate appliance to be processed that is subjected to further processing. After that, step S2225is executed.

In step S2225, the judging unit112B judges whether or not the above-described processing has been completed for all the air conditioners400A represented by the data illustrated inFIG. 54. If the above-described processing has been completed for all the air conditioners400A represented by the data illustrated inFIG. 54, step S2226is executed. Otherwise, step S2222is executed. If the air conditioners illustrated inFIG. 38Aare selected as first candidate appliances, and if the above-described processing has been completed for the air conditioners installed in the living room, kitchen, and child's room2, step S2226is executed.

In step S2226, the judging unit112B judges whether or not an air conditioner selected as a candidate appliance to be processed includes an air conditioner set by the user as a candidate appliance to be operated. If an air conditioner selected as a candidate appliance to be processed includes the air conditioner400A set by the user as a candidate appliance to be operated, the judging unit112B temporarily stores, in the first storage unit143, the air conditioner selected as a candidate appliance to be processed and set by the user as a candidate appliance to be operated. After that, step S2227is executed. Otherwise, the control unit111B suspends the processing.

In step S2227, the control unit111B causes the display unit163to display the image illustrated inFIG. 56 or 59A. After that, step S2230described above with reference toFIG. 61is executed.

In the image display judgment processing described above in relation to the thirty-fifth embodiment, if the communication terminal is able to determine a target appliance to be operated, processing for remotely operating the target appliance is executed. In a thirty-sixth embodiment, a description will be given of processing for remotely operating a target appliance to be operated.

FIG. 65is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing executed in step S2240described above with reference toFIG. 61. With reference toFIGS. 28to30,56to57B,59A,61, and65, a description will be given of the processing executed in step S2240.

In step S2241, if the user presses the icon button IB53, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads data representing all the air conditioners400A selected as target appliances to be operated from the first storage unit143. The data read from the first storage unit143may include setting data defining the operations of the air conditioners400A selected as target appliances to be operated. After the control unit111B has read the data representing all the air conditioners400A selected as target appliances to be operated, step S2242is executed.

In step S2242, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to transmit the read setting data as control data. The control data is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A via the server apparatus300A. When the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A receives the control data, the operation unit440of the air conditioner400A stops in accordance with the control data. The notifying unit460of the air conditioner400A generates notification data indicating that the control data has been received. The control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to transmit the notification data. The notification data is transmitted from the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B via the server apparatus300A. After that, step S2243is executed.

In step S2243, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the display unit163to display images representing a communication result of the control data (seeFIGS. 57A and 57B) in accordance with the notification data. After that, step S2244is executed.

In step S2244, the communication terminal100B judges whether or not the user requests operation data. If the user requests operation data (if the user presses the icon buttons IB55and IB57(seeFIGS. 57A and 57B), step S2245is executed. Otherwise, step S2247is executed.

In step S2245, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B generates a request signal for requesting operation data. The control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to transmit the request signal. The request signal is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A via the server apparatus300A. In response to the request signal, the control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the operation data generating unit450to generate operation data. The control unit410of the air conditioner400A causes the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to transmit the operation data. The operation data is transmitted from the communication unit420of the air conditioner400A to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B via the server apparatus300A. After that, step S2246is executed.

In step S2246, the control unit111B causes the display unit163to display the operation status represented by the operation data. After that, step S2247is executed.

In step S2247, the judging unit112B of the communication terminal100B judges whether or not the above-described processing has been executed on all the target appliances to be operated.

If the user has not set the position of the building, the communication terminal may end off-recommend processing. In a thirty-seventh embodiment, a description will be given of off-recommend judgment processing that is ended if the user has not set the position of the building.

FIG. 66is a schematic flowchart illustrating off-recommend judgment processing. With reference toFIG. 66, a description will be given of the off-recommend judgment processing. In the thirty-seventh embodiment, the same step numbers as those in the thirty-fourth embodiment indicate that the processing operations denoted by the same step numbers are the same as those in the thirty-fourth embodiment. Thus, the description of the thirty-fourth embodiment is applied to these steps.

As in the thirty-fourth embodiment, the off-recommend judgment processing includes steps S2310, S2320, and S2330. The description of the thirty-fourth embodiment is applied to these steps.

Step S2325is executed between steps S2320and S2330. In step S2320, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B reads position information about the position of the target building from the second storage unit144. If the control unit111B fails in reading position information, the off-recommend processing ends. Otherwise, step S2330is executed.

If the user has not set the position of the building, off-recommend processing may be continued in accordance with an estimated position of the building by using the server apparatus described above in relation to the twenty-sixth embodiment. In a thirty-eighth embodiment, a description will be given of off-recommend judgment processing using an estimated position of the building.

FIG. 67is a schematic flowchart illustrating off-recommend judgment processing. With reference toFIG. 67, a description will be given of the off-recommend judgment processing. In the thirty-eighth embodiment, the same step numbers as those in the thirty-seventh embodiment indicate that the processing operations denoted by the same step numbers are the same as those in the thirty-seventh embodiment. Thus, the description of the thirty-seventh embodiment is applied to these steps.

As in the thirty-seventh embodiment, the off-recommend judgment processing includes steps S2310, S2320, S2330, and S2325. The description of the thirty-seventh embodiment is applied to these steps.

In step S2325, if the control unit111B fails in reading position information, step S2340is executed. In step S2340, estimation processing of estimating the position of the building is executed.

FIG. 68is a schematic flowchart illustrating the processing in step S2340described above with reference toFIG. 67. With reference toFIGS. 30, 48, 61, 67, and68, a further description will be given of the off-recommend judgment processing. In this embodiment, the second judgment step is exemplified by step S2340described above with reference toFIG. 67.

In step S2341, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B requests the second obtaining unit151to generate position information about the position of the vehicle. InFIG. 68, the position of the vehicle is represented by a symbol “PC”. After the position information about the position of the vehicle has been generated, step S2342is executed.

In step S2342, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B causes the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to transmit the position information about the position of the vehicle. The position information about the position of the vehicle is transmitted from the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B to the communication unit320of the server apparatus300B. After that, step S2343is executed.

In step S2343, the control unit310B of the server apparatus300B requests an estimated position of the building “PE” to the second estimating unit342. If a predetermined distance threshold is larger than the distance between the position of the vehicle “PC” and the estimated position of the building “PE”, step S2343is executed. Otherwise, the communication terminal100B ends the off-recommend processing.

In step S2344, the control unit310B of the server apparatus300B causes the notifying unit330to generate a notification signal indicating that the distance threshold is larger than the distance between the position of the vehicle “PC” and the estimated position of the building “PE”. The notification signal is transmitted from the communication unit320of the server apparatus300B to the communication unit131of the communication terminal100B. In response to the notification signal, the control unit111B of the communication terminal100B determines to continue the processing. Thus, after step S2344, step S2220described above with reference toFIG. 61is executed.

The principles of the above-described various embodiments may be combined so as to satisfy the requirements for controlling air conditioners.

APPENDIX

A method for controlling a terminal apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure is applied to a terminal apparatus that is used for an appliance control system for executing, from a car via a network, a remote operation on a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building. The method includes a first judgment step of causing a computer of the terminal apparatus to, if setting information stored in a memory of the terminal apparatus indicates that the plurality of air conditioners include a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated that are subjected to the remote operation, refer to an outside temperature and a set temperature that is defined, as a start condition of starting the remote operation, by condition information stored in the memory, and judge, for each of the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated, whether or not the start condition is satisfied. The method includes a second judgment step of causing the computer to, if the computer judges that the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated include a plurality of target appliances to be operated that satisfy the start condition, judge whether or not the car exists in a control region that is defined around the building and that has a certain area. The method includes a first display step of causing a display of the terminal apparatus to, if the computer judges that the car exists in the control region, display a start instruction image for providing an instruction to start the remote operation. The method includes an output step of causing the computer to, if an instruction image region is operated on the start instruction image, the instruction image region being used in common for the plurality of target appliances to be operated in order to provide an instruction to start the remote operation, output, to the network, control data for starting the remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated; and a second display step of causing the display to display a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been transmitted to the plurality of target appliances to be operated.

With the above-described configuration, a user is able to operate the instruction image region on the start instruction image, and to easily provide an instruction to start the remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated. After that, the display displays the plurality of notification images, and thus the user is able to visually determine whether or not the instruction to start the remote operation has been appropriately transmitted to the target appliances to be operated.

In the above-described configuration, the second judgment step may include causing the computer to obtain first position information about a current position of the car and second position information about a position of the building.

With the above-described configuration, the computer is able to appropriately judge, based on the first position information and the second position information, whether or not the car exists in the control region. Thus, the user does not request, from a position very far from the building, a remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated. Accordingly, unnecessary operations of the target appliances to be operated are less likely to occur.

In the above-described configuration, the second judgment step may include causing the computer to judge whether or not the car has entered the control region from a region outside the control region. If the computer judges that the car has entered the control region from the region outside the control region, the first display step may be executed.

With the above-described configuration, the first display step is executed if the computer judges that the car has entered the control region from the region outside the control region. Thus, the user is able to request the remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated when the car is approaching the building.

In the above-described configuration, the first display step may include causing a timer of the terminal apparatus to measure an elapsed period from an execution time when the first display step is executed. If the elapsed period does not exceed a threshold period, the first display step does not need to be executed again.

With the above-described configuration, the display does not frequently display the start instruction image. Thus, the user does not unnecessarily request the remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated.

In the above-described configuration, the first judgment step may include causing the computer to refer to a set temperature and a temperature outside the car obtained as an outside temperature, and judge, for each of the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated, whether or not the start condition is satisfied.

With the above-described configuration, the computer is able to appropriately judge, based on a relationship between the set temperature and the temperature outside the car, for each of the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated, whether or not the start condition is satisfied.

In the above-described configuration, the condition information may define a first set temperature as the set temperature. The output step may include causing the computer to, if the computer judges in the first judgment step that the outside temperature is lower than the first set temperature, generate control data so that the control data includes a request for causing the plurality of target appliances to be operated to adjust the temperature toward a target temperature higher than the first set temperature.

With the above-described configuration, the user is able to cause the plurality of target appliances to operate so that the temperature around the plurality of target appliances to be operated becomes higher than the first set temperature.

In the above-described configuration, the condition information may define a second set temperature as the set temperature. The output step may include causing the computer to, if the computer judges in the first judgment step that the outside temperature is higher than the second set temperature, generate control data so that the control data includes a request for causing the plurality of target appliances to be operated to adjust the temperature toward a target temperature lower than the second set temperature.

With the above-described configuration, the user is able to cause the plurality of target appliances to operate so that the temperature around the plurality of target appliances to be operated becomes lower than the second set temperature.

In the above-described configuration, the condition information may define, as the set temperature, the first set temperature and the second set temperature higher than the first set temperature. The first judgment step may include causing the computer to judge whether or not the outside temperature is within a temperature range from the first set temperature to the second set temperature. The output step may include causing the computer to, if the computer judges that the outside temperature is out of the temperature range, generate control data so that the control data includes a request for causing the plurality of target appliances to be operated to adjust the temperature toward a target temperature that is set within the temperature range.

With the above-described configuration, the user is able to cause the plurality of target appliances to operate so that the temperature around the plurality of target appliances to be operated becomes a temperature within the range defined by the first set temperature and the second set temperature.

In the above-described configuration, the plurality of target appliances to be operated may include a first target appliance and a second target appliance. The plurality of notification images may include a first notification image generated for the first target appliance and a second notification image generated for the second target appliance. The first judgment step may include causing the computer to calculate a first temperature difference between an outside temperature and a set temperature for the first target appliance, and calculate a second temperature difference between an outside temperature and a set temperature for the second target appliance. The second display step may include causing the display to, if the first temperature difference is larger than the second temperature difference, display the first notification image before the second notification image, and if the second temperature difference is larger than the first temperature difference, display the second notification image before the first notification image.

With the above-described configuration, the display is able to provide first the user with information about a target appliance to be operated that is placed under an environment of a larger temperature difference.

In the above-described configuration, the plurality of target appliances to be operated may include a first target appliance and a second target appliance. The plurality of notification images may include a first notification image generated for the first target appliance and a second notification image generated for the second target appliance. The setting information may predetermine that the first notification image is displayed before the second notification image. The second display step may include causing the display to display the first notification image before the second notification image.

With the above-described configuration, the display is able to provide the user with information about target appliances to be operated in accordance with a certain order.

In the above-described configuration, the method may further include an obtaining step of causing the computer to obtain information representing operation statuses of the plurality of target appliances to be operated after the control data has been received. The second display step may include causing the display to display information representing operation statuses of the plurality of target appliances to be operated after the control data has been received.

With the above-described configuration, the user is able to visually determine whether or not the plurality of target appliances to be operated are appropriately operating.

A non-transitory recording medium according to another aspect of the present disclosure stores a program executed by a terminal apparatus that is used for an appliance control system for executing, from a car via a network, a remote operation on a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building. The program causes a computer of the terminal apparatus to, if setting information stored in a memory of the terminal apparatus indicates that the plurality of air conditioners include a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated that are subjected to the remote operation, refer to an outside temperature and a set temperature that is defined, as a start condition of starting the remote operation, by condition information stored in the memory, and judge, for each of the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated, whether or not the start condition is satisfied. The program causes the computer to, if the computer judges that the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated include a plurality of target appliances to be operated that satisfy the start condition, judge whether or not the car exists in a control region that is defined around the building and that has a certain area. The program causes a display of the terminal apparatus to, if the computer judges that the car exists in the control region, display a start instruction image for providing an instruction to start the remote operation. The program causes the computer to, if an instruction image region is operated on the start instruction image, the instruction image region being used in common for the plurality of target appliances to be operated in order to provide an instruction to start the remote operation, output, to the network, control data for starting the remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated, and causes the display to display a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been transmitted to the plurality of target appliances to be operated.

With the above-described configuration, a user is able to operate the instruction image region on the start instruction image, and to easily provide an instruction to start the remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated. After that, the display displays the plurality of notification images, and thus the user is able to visually determine whether or not the instruction to start the remote operation has been appropriately transmitted to the target appliances to be operated.

A recommend method according to still another aspect of the present disclosure is executed by an appliance control system for executing, from a car via a network, a remote operation on a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building. The recommend method includes a step of judging, by using a first memory storing setting information specifying a plurality of air conditioners, whether or not the plurality of air conditioners include a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated that are subjected to the remote operation; a step of judging, if it is judged that the plurality of air conditioners include a plurality of candidate appliances to be operated that are subjected to the remote operation, by using a second memory storing a start condition representing a set temperature at which the remote operation is started, on the basis of a relationship between an outside temperature and the start condition, for each of the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated, whether or not the start condition is satisfied, so as to find a plurality of target appliances to be operated that satisfy the start condition from among the plurality of candidate appliances to be operated; a step of judging, if the plurality of target appliances to be operated are found, whether or not the car exists in a control region that is defined around the building and that has a certain area; a step of displaying, if it is judged that the car exists in the control region, a start instruction image for providing an instruction to start the remote operation; a step of outputting, if an instruction image region is operated on the start instruction image, the instruction image region being used in common for the plurality of target appliances to be operated in order to provide an instruction to start the remote operation, control data for starting the remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated to the network; and a step of displaying a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been transmitted to the plurality of target appliances to be operated.

With the above-described configuration, a user is able to operate the instruction image region on the start instruction image, and to easily provide an instruction to start the remote operation for the plurality of target appliances to be operated. After that, the display displays the plurality of notification images, and thus the user is able to visually determine whether or not the instruction to start the remote operation has been appropriately transmitted to the target appliances to be operated.

The principles of the above-described embodiments are preferably used for controlling air conditioners.