Display device, terminal, air conditioner, and heating machine

Abstract

A display device is provided with a control unit that changes the brightness of a monochromatic seal displayed on a display surface in accordance with a change in air quality, and when a state in which the air quality is poorer than a first state is set as a second state, the control unit brightens the seal in the first state than the seal in the second state. Also provided is a terminal which is provided with the display device and which can communicate directly or indirectly with an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality. An air conditioner is provided with the display device and adjusts the air quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a display device, a terminal, an air conditioner and a heating machine. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an air conditioner including a first light emitter that emits blue light representing the cleanliness of a room and a second light emitter that emits orange light representing the degree of pollution in the room (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] <Prior Art Literature>

[0004] <Patent Documents>

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-74951 Summary of the invention

[0006] <Problems to be Solved by the Invention>

[0007] Conventional air conditioners change the color of the light according to the state of air quality. For example, if the air quality is good, the light is green, and if the air quality is polluted, the light is red. However, due to the color vision characteristics of humans, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish colors and it is not easy to distinguish the state of air quality.

[0008] The present invention provides a display device, a terminal, an air conditioner and a heating machine capable of identifying the state of air quality.

[0009] <Methods used to solve the problem>

[0010] A first embodiment of the present invention is a display device comprising a control unit that changes the brightness of a monochrome label displayed on a display surface according to changes in air quality. When a state in which the air quality is worse than a first state is set to a second state, the control unit makes the label in the first state brighter than the label in the second state.

[0011] According to the first mode, the change in the air quality is expressed by the change in the brightness of the monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that a display device that allows the user to recognize the state of the air quality can be provided without being affected by color vision characteristics. In addition, according to the first mode, the user can recognize that when the mark is brighter, the air quality is better than when the mark is darker, or when the mark is darker, the air quality is worse than when the mark is brighter.

[0012] In the second aspect, in the display device of the first aspect, the control unit gradually decreases the brightness of the mark from a first brightness indicating the first state to a second brightness indicating the second state, and gradually increases the brightness from the second brightness indicating the second state to the first brightness indicating the first state.

[0013] According to the second aspect, the user can recognize the change in the air quality from the first state to the second state, or the change in the air quality from the second state to the first state.

[0014] A third aspect provides the display device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control unit makes the brightness of the mark constant in the second state.

[0015] According to the third aspect, since the brightness of the mark is constant in the second state, the user can recognize that the poor air quality state continues.

[0016] A fourth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the single color is blue.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, the change in the air quality is expressed by the change in the brightness of the blue mark, so that the user can recognize the state of the air quality with little influence of color vision characteristics.

[0018] A fifth aspect provides the display device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit repeatedly increases and decreases the brightness of the mark in the first state.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, the brightness of the mark is repeatedly increased and decreased, so that the user can recognize that the good air quality continues.

[0020] A sixth aspect is the display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit includes a light source, and the control unit changes the brightness of the mark by changing the brightness of the light source according to a change in the air quality.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, the change in the air quality can be expressed by the change in the brightness of the light source.

[0022] A seventh aspect is a display device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the light source is a light emitting element.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, the change in the air quality can be expressed by the change in brightness of one light emitting element.

[0024] An eighth aspect is the display device of the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein the light source is disposed below the mark.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, since the light source is disposed below the logo, the brightness of the entire logo does not become uniform, and thus the difference in brightness of the logo caused by the change in brightness of the light source can be emphasized.

[0026] A ninth aspect is the display device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the mark includes two rings with their centers of gravity offset, and the control unit changes the brightness of a gap between the two rings in accordance with a change in the air quality.

[0027] According to the ninth aspect, since the change in the air quality is expressed by the change in brightness of the gap between the two rings whose centers of gravity are offset, the user can recognize the state of the air quality with little influence of color vision characteristics.

[0028] A tenth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the air quality includes a degree of air pollution.

[0029] According to the tenth aspect, the change in the air pollution level is expressed by the change in the brightness of the monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the user can recognize the air pollution level with little influence of color vision characteristics.

[0030] Mode 11 In the display device of mode 10, the pollution degree of the air includes the concentration of particles, odor components, dust or carbon dioxide.

[0031] According to the eleventh method, changes in the concentration of particles, odor components, dust or carbon dioxide are expressed by changes in the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, thereby enabling the user to recognize changes in the concentration of particles, odor components, dust or carbon dioxide with almost no influence on color vision characteristics.

[0032] A twelfth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the control unit partially changes the brightness of the mark according to a change in the air quality.

[0033] According to the twelfth aspect, the change in the air quality is expressed by a partial change in the brightness of the monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the user can recognize the state of the air quality with little influence of color vision characteristics.

[0034] Thirteenth aspect: In the display device according to the twelfth aspect, the control unit changes the position of the brightest portion of the mark according to the change in the air quality.

[0035] According to the thirteenth aspect, the change in the air quality is expressed by a change in the position of the brightest portion of the monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the user can recognize the state of the air quality with little influence of color vision characteristics.

[0036] A fourteenth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the air quality includes temperature or humidity.

[0037] According to the fourteenth aspect, since the change in temperature or humidity is expressed by the change in the brightness of the monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, the user can recognize the state of temperature or humidity with little influence of color vision characteristics.

[0038] A fifteenth aspect is a display device according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the control unit changes the brightness of the mark according to the reaching degree of the temperature or humidity.

[0039] According to the fifteenth aspect, the change in the temperature or humidity level is expressed by the change in the brightness of the monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the user can recognize the state of the temperature or humidity level with little influence of color vision characteristics.

[0040] A sixteenth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the control unit changes the brightness of the mark according to a state of an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality.

[0041] According to the sixteenth method, not only the change in the air quality but also the state of the air conditioner that adjusts the air quality is expressed by the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, thereby enabling the user to identify the air quality and the state of the air conditioner with little influence from color vision characteristics.

[0042] A seventeenth aspect is a terminal including the display device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, and capable of directly or indirectly communicating with the air conditioner that adjusts the air quality.

[0043] According to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to provide a terminal that can communicate directly or indirectly with the air conditioner that adjusts the air quality and that can allow a user to recognize the state of the air quality with little influence from color vision characteristics.

[0044] An eighteenth aspect is an air conditioner including the display device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, and adjusting the air quality.

[0045] According to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that allows a user to recognize the state of the air quality with little influence of color vision characteristics.

[0046] A nineteenth aspect is a heating machine including the display device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, wherein the control unit changes the brightness of the mark to only a blue tone according to a change in heating temperature.

[0047] According to the nineteenth aspect, the change in heating temperature is expressed by the change in brightness of the mark using only the blue hue which is one of the cool colors but not the warm color. Thus, a heating machine can be provided which allows the user to recognize the change in heating temperature using only the blue hue but not the warm color, and allows the user to recognize the state of the heating temperature with little influence from the color vision characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioner and a terminal.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display device including a control unit.

[0050] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a first control example of the brightness of a mark.

[0051] Figure 4 2 is a diagram showing a second control example of the brightness of a mark.

[0052] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing a third control example of the brightness of a mark.

[0053] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing a fourth control example of the brightness of a mark.

[0054] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing a fifth control example of the brightness of a mark.

[0055] Figure 8 2 is a diagram showing a sixth control example of the brightness of a logo.

[0056] Fig. 9 It is a figure which shows an example of a label.

[0057] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of gradation of brightness of a mark.

[0058] Fig.11A This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (true / false evaluation 1).

[0059] Fig. 11B This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (true / false evaluation 1).

[0060] Fig. 11C This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (true / false evaluation 1).

[0061] Fig.11D This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (true / false evaluation 1).

[0062] Fig.11E This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (true / false evaluation 1).

[0063] Fig.11F This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (true / false evaluation 1).

[0064] Fig.12 This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (true / false evaluation 1).

[0065] Fig.13 This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (true / false evaluation 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioner and a terminal. Figure 1 The air conditioner 1 shown is an indoor unit installed on a wall surface of a room, etc., and performs cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, ventilation or air purification according to various instructions input from an operating device (such as a remote control, an operating panel, etc.). The air conditioner 1 adjusts the air quality of the space (in this example, the air quality of the indoor space where the air conditioner 1 is configured) by performing this operation. The air conditioner 1 is not limited to an air conditioner with a temperature adjustment function, and may also be an air purifier, a blower or a dryer. The air conditioner 1 may also be a heating machine. The heating machine may be a dedicated heating machine or an air conditioner with a heating function.

[0068] The air conditioner 1 includes a frame 2 that accommodates a fan 4 and a front panel 8 mounted on the front surface of the frame 2. An inlet 2a is provided at the upper portion of the frame 2, and an outlet 2b is provided at the lower portion of the frame 2. For example, in cooling operation, indoor air sucked from the inlet 2a by the drive of the fan 4 is heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger in the frame 2, and is blown into the room through the outlet 2b. The outlet 2b is opened and closed by a fin 5 provided on the frame 2.

[0069] The air conditioner 1 includes a display device 10. The display device 10 includes a control unit 12 for expressing the air quality of a space by the brightness of a monochrome mark 11 displayed on a display surface 13. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the monochrome mark 11 according to the change in the air quality of the space. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the monochrome mark 11 according to the change in the air quality of the space, thereby expressing the change in the air quality of the space by the change in the brightness of the monochrome mark 11. As a result, the state of the air quality of the space can be identified with almost no influence on the color vision characteristics. In addition, the change in the air quality of the space is expressed by the change in the brightness of the monochrome mark 11, so that the aesthetics when expressing the air quality of the space can be ensured.

[0070] Next, refer to FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F , Fig.12 and Fig.13 , to explain in detail how to change the brightness of the monochrome logo 11 according to the change of the air quality of the space.

[0071] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F This is a table showing the results of a user recognition test (true or false evaluation 1). True or false evaluation 1 is a test in which a subject is prompted with the motion (brightness pattern) of a monochrome stamp 11 and is asked to answer the question from a plurality of options that matches the meaning of the prompted motion. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F In each of the tables shown, "Action" indicates the consecutive numbers of a plurality of actions in which the brightness of the logo 11 changes in different ways. "Brightness" indicates the brightness of the logo 11 at the end of the action. "Bright" indicates that the logo 11 is bright at the end of the action. "Dark" indicates that the logo 11 is dark at the end of the action. "Medium" indicates that the brightness of the logo 11 at the end of the action is a medium level between "bright" and "dark".

[0072] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F The results are shown for 10 subjects U1 to U10, who were prompted with the actions listed in the left column of each table in order from the top and then answered options from multiple options that matched the meaning of the prompted actions. The multiple options refer to nine meanings: "initial setting operation", "power on operation", "good air quality state", "transition from good air quality state to poor air quality state", "poor air quality state", "transition from poor air quality state to good air quality state", "feedback response to operating operation", "power off operation", and "error". FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F In the answer column of each table shown, "good" means that the answer is "the state of good air quality". "bad" means that the answer is "the state of bad air quality". "other" means that the answer means other than "the state of good air quality" and "the state of bad air quality".

[0073] according to FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F , all the subjects U1 to U10 answered that the relatively bright logo 11 means "a state of good air quality", and answered that the relatively dark logo 11 means "a state of poor air quality". Based on this evaluation result, the physiological property of a person is newly identified that "when a monochromatic logo is bright, the person feels that the air quality is good compared to when the logo is dark, and when a monochromatic logo is dark, the person feels that the air quality is poor compared to when the logo is bright".

[0074] By using this physiological property, when the state of air quality worse than the first state is set to the second state, the control unit 12 (refer to Figure 1) makes the mark 11 in the first state brighter than the mark 11 in the second state. Thus, when the mark 11 is brighter, the user can recognize that the air quality is better than when the mark 11 is darker without being affected by the color vision characteristics. Alternatively, when the mark 11 is darker, the user can recognize that the air quality is worse than when the mark 11 is brighter without being affected by the color vision characteristics.

[0075] Fig.12 This is a table showing the analysis results of the user recognition test (True or False Evaluation 1) which are different from the above. True or False Evaluation 1 is a test in which the subject is prompted with a monochrome stamp action and is asked to answer the option that matches the meaning of the prompted action from multiple options. The correct answer rate indicates the proportion of subjects who answered correctly relative to the total number of subjects. The multiple options refer to 9 meanings: "initial setting operation", "power on operation", "good air quality state", "transition from good air quality to poor air quality", "poor air quality state", "transition from poor air quality to good air quality", "feedback response to operating operation", "power off operation", and "error".

[0076] according to Fig.12 The result of the true or false evaluation 1 is that the brightness of the monochrome mark is as follows Figure 5 The proportion of subjects who believed that such a changing action meant a transition of the air quality from a good state to a bad state (correct answer rate) was 90%. Figure 5 The brightness L of the monochrome mark is gradually reduced from the first brightness L3 indicating a first state of good air quality to the second brightness La indicating a second state of poor air quality. Fig.12 The result of the true or false evaluation 1 is that the brightness of the monochrome mark is as follows Figure 7 The proportion of subjects who believed that such a changing action meant a transition of the air quality from a bad state to a good state (correct answer rate) was 60%. Figure 7 The brightness L of the monochrome mark is gradually increased (gradually raised) from the second brightness La of the second state indicating poor air quality to the first brightness L3 of the first state indicating good air quality. In this way, in any case, the correct answer rate exceeded half. Fig.12 The result of the true or false evaluation 1 can make the user recognize that when the monochrome mark is brighter, the air quality is better than when the mark is darker, or when the monochrome mark is darker, the air quality is worse than when the mark is brighter.

[0077] Fig.13This is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (True or False Evaluation 2). True or False Evaluation 2 is a test in which a subject is prompted with a meaning and is asked to answer an action that is appropriate for the prompted meaning from among multiple different actions of a single-color stamp. The correct answer rate indicates the proportion of subjects who answered correctly relative to the total number of subjects. One correct answer action is included among the multiple different actions of the single-color stamp.

[0078] according to Fig.13 The result of the true or false evaluation 2 is that the action answer that matches the meaning of "the transition of air quality from a good state to a bad state" is the brightness of the monochrome label. Figure 5 The proportion of subjects who answered the action that changed in that way (correct answer rate) was 50%. The brightness of the label with a single color as the action answer that matched the meaning of "the change of air quality from a bad state to a good state" was as follows: Figure 7 The proportion of subjects who changed the action in this way (correct answer rate) was 70%. In this way, in any case, the correct answer rate exceeded half. Fig.13 The result of the right or wrong evaluation 2 can make the user realize that when the monochrome mark is brighter, the air quality is better than when the mark is darker, or when the monochrome mark is darker, the air quality is worse than when the mark is brighter.

[0079] And, according to Fig.12 and Fig.13 Based on the evaluation results, it is newly determined that the physiological property of a person is that "when the monochrome label is brighter, the air quality is perceived as good compared to when the label is darker, or when the monochrome label is darker, the air quality is perceived as bad compared to when the label is brighter." Using this physiological property, the control unit 12 gradually reduces the brightness of the label 11 from the first brightness representing the first state to the second brightness representing the second state, and gradually increases the brightness from the second brightness representing the second state to the first brightness representing the first state. In this way, the user can recognize the change of air quality from a good state to a bad state, or from a bad state to a good state, almost without being affected by the color vision characteristics.

[0080] exist Figure 1In the embodiment, the control unit 12 may also indicate the air quality of the space by the brightness of the cool color of the label 11 displayed on the display surface 13. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the cool color of the label 11 according to the change of the air quality of the space. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the cool color of the label 11 according to the change of the air quality of the space, so that the change of the air quality of the space is expressed by the change of the brightness of the cool color of the label 11. Thus, the state of the air quality of the space can be identified with almost no influence of the color vision characteristics. In addition, since the change of the air quality of the space is expressed by the change of the brightness of the cool color of the label 11, the aesthetics of the expression of the air quality of the space can be ensured.

[0081] Compared with the case where a cool color such as blue is combined with a warm color such as orange to display the change in air quality, when a cool color such as blue is displayed in a single color, the user can have a simple aesthetic feeling through vision. As a result, the design is improved and the demand arousal effect of the air conditioner 1 is improved. In addition, by changing the brightness of the label 11 in a single blue color according to the change in air quality, even a P-type (Protanope) color vision person who has difficulty recognizing red or a D-type (Deuteranope) color vision person who has difficulty recognizing green can recognize the state change of air quality in the same way as a general C-type (Common) color vision person.

[0082] The cool color tone of the logo 11 is, for example, blue. Blue is a soft color that fits the space, so it can ensure aesthetics. However, the cool color tone of the logo 11 is not limited to blue, and can also be other colors such as green. In addition, if defined by the wavelength of visible light, cool colors refer to the case where the peak wavelength is greater than 430nm and less than 570nm, blue refers to the case where the peak wavelength is greater than 460nm and less than 500nm, and green refers to the case where the peak wavelength is greater than 500nm and less than 570nm.

[0083] Blue can also be defined by the three attributes (hue, lightness, and saturation) in the Munsell display system. In detail, blue can be defined as a color with a hue of blue-green (BG), blue (B), or purple-blue (PB). In more detail, if the abbreviation of the hue used in the Munsell display system is used, blue can be defined as a color with a hue of 2BG or more and 9PB or less. A color becomes an achromatic color by adjusting the lightness or saturation. Achromatic colors with a hue of blue-green (BG), blue (B), or purple-blue (PB) can be defined as a single color of blue.

[0084] The so-called logo includes text, graphics, symbols or three-dimensional shapes or their combination with colors. Figure 1The emblem 11 is a circular graphic emblem that emits cool colors such as blue, but the emblem is not limited to this form. For example, the emblem may be a combination of letters and cool colors such as blue, or a combination of letters and symbols and cool colors.

[0085] The display surface 13 is provided on the front surface of the frame 2, but can also be provided on a surface of the air conditioner 1 that can be visually viewed, for example, it can also be other surfaces such as the lower surface and side surface of the frame 2. The display surface 13 can also be provided on the front panel 8 or the wing 5. The number of display surfaces 13 displaying the logo 11 can be one or more. The number of logos 11 displayed on the display surface 13 can be one or more.

[0086] The display surface 13 displays the logo 11 by light irradiated from one or more light sources. The display surface 13 may be a transparent or semi-transparent panel, or may be a display that displays the logo 11 as an image.

[0087] The air conditioner 1 or the display device 10 includes a sensor 41 for detecting air quality in a space. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the cool color of the logo 11, for example, according to changes in the air quality detected by the sensor 41. As a specific example of the sensor 41, an IAQ sensor for detecting indoor air quality (Indoor Air Quality) can be cited.

[0088] Air quality includes, for example, the degree of air pollution. Air quality may also include the concentration of particles, odor components, dust or carbon dioxide. The degree of air pollution is assessed by these concentrations. Particles are viruses or bacteria, but may also be tiny substances such as dust containing viruses or bacteria. Particles may also include fine particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 refers to particles with a particle size of less than 2.5 μm among particles floating in the air. Air quality may also include temperature or humidity.

[0089] When the state where the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is worse than the first state is set to the second state, the control unit 12 sets the monochrome mark 11 in the first state to be brighter than the monochrome mark 11 in the second state. In other words, the control unit 12 makes the monochrome mark 11 in the second state darker than the monochrome mark 11 in the first state. The two are synonymous relative relations.

[0090] By controlling the brightness of the monochrome mark 11 in this way, the control unit 12 can make the user recognize that the air quality is good when the mark 11 is bright compared to when the mark 11 is dark. Alternatively, by controlling the brightness of the monochrome mark 11 in this way, the control unit 12 can make the user recognize that the air quality is poor when the mark 11 is dark.

[0091] In the first state where the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is good, the control unit 12 makes the cold color of the logo 11 brighter than in the second state where the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is worse than in the first state. In other words, in the second state where the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is poor, the control unit 12 makes the cold color of the logo 11 darker than in the first state where the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is better than in the second state. The two are synonymous relative relations.

[0092] By controlling the brightness of the cool color of the logo 11 by the control unit 12, the cool color of the logo 11 becomes brighter, thereby ensuring aesthetics while allowing the user to recognize that the air quality is better than when the cool color of the logo 11 is darker. Alternatively, by controlling the brightness of the cool color of the logo 11 by the control unit 12, the cool color of the logo 11 becomes darker, thereby ensuring aesthetics while allowing the user to recognize that the air quality is worse than when the cool color of the logo 11 is darker.

[0093] Furthermore, by making the cool color of the logo 11 brighter, the user can recognize that the air quality is better than when the cool color of the logo 11 is darker, almost without being affected by the color vision characteristics. Alternatively, by making the cool color of the logo 11 darker, the user can recognize that the air quality is worse than when the cool color of the logo 11 is brighter, almost without being affected by the color vision characteristics.

[0094] In the case where the air conditioner 1 is an air purifier or a device having an air purification function, the first state of good air quality refers to, for example, a case where each air quality (concentration of particles, odor components, dust, and carbon dioxide) detected by the sensor 41 is below the corresponding reference value. The second state of poor air quality refers to, for example, a case where the concentration of at least one of the air qualities (concentration of particles, odor components, dust, and carbon dioxide) detected by the sensor 41 exceeds the corresponding reference value. The reference value can be a value set by the user or a value set automatically.

[0095] In the case where the air conditioner 1 is a device having a temperature adjustment function (such as an air conditioner, etc.), the first state of good air quality refers to a case where, for example, each air quality (temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration) detected by the sensor 41 satisfies the corresponding reference range. The second state of poor air quality refers to a case where, for example, at least one of the air qualities (temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration) detected by the sensor 41 does not satisfy the corresponding reference range. The reference range may be a range set by the user or a range set automatically.

[0096] When the air conditioner 1 is a heating machine, the control unit 12 may change the brightness of the mark 11 with only a cool color tone such as blue according to the change of the heating temperature. Thus, a heating machine can be provided, which can allow the user to recognize the change of the heating temperature only by a cool color tone instead of a warm color, and can ensure aesthetics when expressing the change of the heating temperature by only a cool color tone. In addition, a heating machine that can recognize the state of the heating temperature without being affected by the color vision characteristics can be provided. The heating temperature refers to, for example, the indoor temperature detected by the sensor 41 during the heating operation of the air conditioner 1.

[0097] The control unit 12 may also change the brightness of the monochrome mark 11 according to the indoor temperature or humidity level. The change in the temperature or humidity level is expressed by the change in the brightness of the monochrome mark 11 displayed on the display surface 13, so that the user can recognize the state of the temperature or humidity level without being affected by the color vision characteristics.

[0098] The so-called reaching degree refers to, for example, to what extent the indoor temperature or humidity (indoor temperature or indoor humidity) detected by the sensor 41 has reached the temperature or humidity (set temperature or set humidity) set for the air conditioner 1 according to the command from the operating device such as the remote controller. When the difference between the indoor temperature (or indoor humidity) and the set temperature (or set humidity) is within a given range, the reaching degree is high, and when the difference is outside the given range, the reaching degree is low.

[0099] For example, the control unit 12 makes the monochrome mark 11 brighter when the difference is within a given range than when the difference is outside the given range. Thus, when the mark 11 is brighter, the user can recognize that the temperature or humidity reaching level is higher than when the mark 11 is darker. Alternatively, when the mark 11 is darker, the user can recognize that the temperature or humidity reaching level is lower than when the mark 11 is brighter.

[0100] The control unit 12 may also use the brightness of the cool color of the label 11 to express the degree of heating of the air conditioner 1. Thus, the degree of heating of the air conditioner 1 is not expressed by warm colors, but by cool colors that are the same as the change in air quality, thereby improving the design and ensuring aesthetics through the sense of unity of color. For example, the control unit 12 changes the brightness of the cool color of the label 11 according to the degree of heating of the air conditioner 1 (for example, changing the brightness of the label 11 with only a cool color such as blue). For example, when the difference between the temperature of the space detected by the sensor 41 and the set temperature of the heating of the air conditioner 1 reaches within a prescribed range, the control unit 12 makes the cool color of the label 11 brighter than when the difference is outside the prescribed range. Thus, by brightening the cool color of the label 11, the user can recognize that the temperature of the space has reached the set temperature while ensuring aesthetics.

[0101] The control unit 12 may also express the state of the air conditioner 1 adjusting the air quality by the brightness of the monochrome mark 11. Thus, not only the change of the air quality but also the state of the air conditioner 1 adjusting the air quality is expressed by the brightness of the monochrome mark 11, so that the aesthetics when expressing the air quality and the state of the air conditioner 1 can be ensured. In addition, the user can recognize the air quality and the state of the air conditioner 1 without being affected by the color vision characteristics. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the monochrome mark 11, for example, according to the state of the air conditioner 1. The brightness of the monochrome mark 11 is, for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark 11. The state of the air conditioner 1 includes, for example, an initial setting state, a feedback response to an operation operation, a power-on state, a power-off state, an abnormal state, and the like. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the mark 11 in different display modes according to each state of the air conditioner 1. Thus, the user can recognize each state of the air conditioner 1 while ensuring the aesthetics.

[0102] The terminal 9 is a device that is located away from the air conditioner 1 and can communicate directly or indirectly with the air conditioner 1. The terminal 9 is set in the same space as the air conditioner 1, but can also be set in a space different from the space where the air conditioner 1 is configured. Specific examples of the terminal 9 include a controller such as a remote controller that can control the air conditioner 1, a hub that connects the air conditioner 1 to a network, and an information terminal device (tablet terminal, smart phone, etc.) that can communicate directly or indirectly with the air conditioner 1.

[0103] The terminal 9 includes a frame 24 provided with a display surface 23 and a display device 20 for controlling the brightness of a monochrome label 21 displayed on the display surface 23. The display device 20 includes a control unit 22 for expressing the air quality of a space by the brightness of the monochrome label 21 displayed on the display surface 23. The control unit 22 changes the brightness of the monochrome label 21 according to the change in the air quality of the space. By changing the brightness of the monochrome label 21 according to the change in the air quality of the space by the control unit 22, the change in the air quality of the space is expressed by the change in the brightness of the monochrome label 21, thereby ensuring the aesthetics when expressing the air quality of the space. In addition, the user can recognize the change in the state of the air quality without being affected by the color vision characteristics. The so-called brightness of the monochrome label 21 is, for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the label 21.

[0104] The terminal 9 or the display device 20 includes a sensor 42 for detecting air quality in a space. The control unit 22 changes the brightness of the cool color of the logo 21, for example, according to changes in air quality detected by the sensor 42. A specific example of the sensor 42 is an IAQ sensor for detecting indoor air quality.

[0105] The control unit 22 may also express the air quality of the space by the brightness of the monochrome label 31 displayed on the display surface 33 provided outside the terminal 9. The control unit 22 changes the brightness of the monochrome label 31, for example, according to the change of the air quality detected by the sensor 42. The control unit 22 changes the brightness of the monochrome label 31 according to the change of the air quality of the space, so that the change of the air quality of the space is expressed by the change of the brightness of the monochrome label 31, thereby ensuring the aesthetics when expressing the air quality of the space. In addition, the user can recognize the state change of the air quality almost without being affected by the color vision characteristics. The so-called brightness of the monochrome label 31 is, for example, the brightness of a cool color such as the blue of the label 31. The display surface 33 may also be a display that displays the label 31 as an image, or a screen (including a wall in the room) that projects the label 31.

[0106] The structure, function, and effect of the labels 21 and 31 may be the same as those of the label 11, and the description of the labels 21 and 31 is omitted by citing the above description of the label 11. The structure, function, and effect of the display surfaces 23 and 33 may be the same as those of the display surface 13, and the description of the display surfaces 23 and 33 is omitted by citing the above description of the display surface 13.

[0107] The control unit 22 may also change the brightness of at least one of the monochromatic labels 11, 21, and 31 according to the change in air quality detected by the sensor 42 provided at the terminal 9 or the sensor provided outside the terminal 9 (e.g., the sensor 41). The brightness of the monochromatic label is, for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the label. The control unit 22 obtains external information of the terminal 9 via wired or wireless communication. The external information of the terminal 9 includes the detection result of the air quality based on the sensor provided outside the terminal 9, the information of the air conditioner 1 (e.g., the abnormal state of the air conditioner 1, etc.), and the like.

[0108] Similarly, the control unit 22 may also change the brightness of at least one of the monochromatic labels 11, 21, and 31 according to the change in air quality detected by the sensor 41 provided in the air conditioner 1 or the sensor provided outside the air conditioner 1 (e.g., the sensor 42). The brightness of the monochromatic label is, for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the label. The control unit 22 obtains the external information of the air conditioner 1 via wired or wireless communication. The external information of the air conditioner 1 includes the detection result of the air quality based on the sensor provided outside the air conditioner 1, the information possessed by the terminal 9 (e.g., the operation information of the air conditioner 1), and the like.

[0109] Each function of the control unit 12, 22 is realized by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) operating a program stored in a memory in a readable manner. The functions of each unit can also be realized by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The program that realizes the processing performed by the control unit can be provided, for example, via a recording medium or a network.

[0110] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a display device having a control unit. Display device 50 displays air quality by the brightness of a monochrome label 51 displayed on display surface 53 (e.g., the brightness of a cool color such as blue of label 51). Control unit 52 changes the brightness of monochrome label 51 (e.g., the brightness of a cool color such as blue of label 51) according to changes in air quality detected by sensor 40. Label 51 corresponds to label 11 or label 21 described above. Display surface 53 corresponds to display surface 13 or display surface 23 described above. Sensor 40 corresponds to sensor 41 or sensor 42 described above.

[0111] The control unit 52 includes a control circuit 55 and a light source 54. The control circuit 55 of the control unit 52 changes the brightness of the monochrome label 51 (for example, the brightness of cool colors such as blue of the label 51) by changing the brightness of the light source 54 according to the change in air quality. The control unit 52 can change the brightness of the monochrome label 51 (for example, the brightness of cool colors such as blue of the label 51) with high precision by changing the brightness of the light source 54. If the light source 54 is a light emitting element, the power consumption required for displaying the change in air quality can be reduced. However, the light source 54 can also be a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements.

[0112] Figure 3 : is a diagram showing a first control example of the brightness of a label. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the brightness L of a monochrome label (for example, the brightness of cool colors such as blue of the label) (the same applies to the following figures). When the air conditioner 1 is in a power-off state, the control unit sets the brightness of the light source to zero and makes the brightness L of the cool colors of the label zero. When an operation from a power-off state to a power-on state is detected, the control unit gradually increases (gradually increases) the brightness L of the cool colors of the label from a brightness of 0 indicating a power-off state to a brightness of L3 indicating a power-on state. Thus, the beginning of a comfortable air experience can be represented. In this example, the control unit causes the brightness L of the cool colors of the label to rise from 0 to L3 at a fixed slope within t seconds.

[0113] Figure 4: is a diagram showing a second control example of the brightness of the logo. In the first state where the air quality is good, the control unit repeatedly increases and decreases the brightness of the cool color of the logo. As a result, the logo is displayed in a swinging motion with the cool color of the logo brighter, so that it can be expressed that the air quality of the space is comfortable. Figure 4 In the case of cold colors, the slope of the increase and decrease of brightness is Figure 3 In this example, the control unit increases or decreases the brightness L of the cool color of the logo between L2 and L3 at a cycle of 6t seconds, decreases at a fixed slope of 3t seconds in the first half cycle, and increases at a fixed slope of 3t seconds in the second half cycle.

[0114] In addition, the feedback reaction to the operation operation is set to a brightness L4 or L5 brighter than the first brightness L3 indicating the first state of good air quality so that it can be visually seen even when it occurs in the first state of good air quality. When a given operation operation is detected, the control unit temporarily increases the brightness L of the cold color of the mark to L4 or L5 and then decreases it to return to the original brightness. In this way, the user can recognize the feedback reaction to the operation operation.

[0115] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a third control example of the brightness of the label. The control unit gradually reduces (gradually decreases) the brightness L of the cold color of the label from a first brightness L3 indicating a first state of good air quality to a second brightness La indicating a second state of poor air quality. In this way, the transition of air quality from a good state to a poor state can be represented. In this example, the control unit reduces the brightness L of the cold color of the label from L3 to La at a fixed slope within 2t seconds. Since the brightness La is slightly greater than zero, the user can be informed that the air conditioner 1 is in operation rather than stopped.

[0116] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a fourth control example of the brightness of the label. The control unit fixes the brightness of the cold color of the label in the second state of poor air quality. Thus, it is possible to express that the state of poor air quality continues. Since the brightness La in the second state of poor air quality is slightly greater than zero, the user can know that the air conditioner 1 is working rather than stopped.

[0117] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a fifth control example of the brightness of the logo. The control unit gradually increases the brightness L of the cold color of the logo from the second brightness La indicating the second state of poor air quality to the first brightness L3 indicating the first state of good air quality. Thus, the transition of air quality from a bad state to a good state can be expressed. In this example, the control unit increases the brightness L of the cold color of the logo from La to L3 at a fixed slope within t seconds.

[0118] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a sixth control example of the brightness of the logo. When an operation to the power-off state is detected in the first state of good air quality, the control unit gradually reduces the brightness L of the cool color of the logo from the first brightness L3 indicating the first state to the brightness 0 indicating the power-off state. Thus, the end of the comfortable air experience can be expressed. In this example, the control unit reduces the brightness L of the cool color of the logo from L3 to 0 at a fixed slope within t seconds.

[0119] Fig. 9 It is a figure which shows an example of a label. Fig. 9 The mark 60 shown in the figure includes two rings (outer ring 61 and inner ring 62) with offset centers of gravity. The diameter of the outer ring 61 is smaller than that of the inner ring 62, and the center of gravity 63 of the outer ring 61 is offset from the center of gravity 64 of the inner ring 62. The control unit changes the brightness of the blue or other cool colors of the annular gap 65 between the outer ring 61 and the inner ring 62 according to the change in air quality detected by the sensor. Thus, since the change in air quality is expressed by the change in the brightness of the blue or other cool colors of the gap 65, the aesthetics of the expression of air quality can be ensured. In addition, the user can recognize the change in the state of air quality almost without being affected by the color vision characteristics, and the brightness of the blue or other cool colors of the gap 65 can be controlled according to the above-mentioned control example.

[0120] The outer region 66 of the outer ring 61 and the inner region 67 of the inner ring 62 are regions where the brightness does not change with changes in air quality, or where the brightness changes more slowly with changes in air quality than the gap 65. The gap 65 is more likely to pass visible light such as blue light than the outer region 66 and the inner region 67. For example, the gap 65 is a transparent or semi-transparent region through which visible light passes, and the outer region 66 and the inner region 67 are opaque regions through which visible light hardly passes.

[0121] The control unit may partially change the brightness of the single-color logo 60 (for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the logo 60) according to the change in the air quality detected by the sensor. In this example, the control unit partially changes the brightness of the cool color of the annular gap 65 of the logo 60. By partially changing the brightness of the cool color, the logo 60 can be made to swing or move without changing the position of the entire logo 60.

[0122] The gap 65 includes light-emitting areas 70, 71, 72, and 73 along the outer ring 61. The control unit changes the brightness of a cool color such as blue in a portion of the light-emitting areas 70, 71, 72, and 73 according to the change in air quality detected by the sensor. As a result, the brightness of the cool color in the portion of the light-emitting areas 70, 71, 72, and 73 is different from the brightness of the cool color in the other light-emitting areas, so that the emblem 60 can be moved such as swinging without changing the position of the entire emblem 60.

[0123] The control unit may also change the position of the brightest part of the logo 60 according to the change in the air quality detected by the sensor. In this way, the logo 60 can be made to swing or move without changing the overall position of the logo 60. For example, the control unit sequentially changes the brightest area among the light-emitting areas 70, 71, 72, and 73 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In this way, the logo 60 can be displayed with the light rotating along the gap 65 without changing the overall position of the logo 60.

[0124] In this example, the control unit includes a light emitting element 56 as a light source for changing the brightness of the gap 65 of the label 60. The light emitting element 56 is disposed at the lower portion of the label 60 when the label 60 is viewed from the front. Since the light emitting element 56 is disposed at the lower portion of the label 60, the overall brightness of the label 60 is not uniform, and thus the difference in brightness of the label 60 caused by the brightness change of the light emitting element 56 can be emphasized. Furthermore, since the light emitting element 56 is disposed at the lower portion of the label 60, when the label 60 is provided at a position where a person looks up, the person who looks up at the label 60 can easily recognize the change in brightness of the label 60. The so-called lower portion of the label 60 is, for example, an area on the lower side relative to the center line extending in the left-right direction of the label 60 when the label 60 is viewed from the front.

[0125] The control unit, for example, includes a light emitting element 56 provided in the gap 65. In this example, the light emitting element 56 is arranged at the lower portion of the logo 60 (more specifically, at the back side of the light emitting region 70 which is the widest in the gap 65) when the logo 60 is viewed from the front. The light emitting region 70 overlaps with a straight line connecting the center of gravity 63 and the center of gravity 64 when the logo 60 is viewed from the front. Since the control unit causes the light emitting element 56 to emit light, the entire annular gap 65 becomes brighter.

[0126] Light emitting element 56 disposed at the lower portion of emblem 60 may be disposed, for example, at the back side of an area below the center line extending in the left-right direction of emblem 60 in inner region 67 of inner ring 62 when viewed from the front of emblem 60. In this case, light emitting element 56 is hidden at the back side of inner region 67 when viewed from the front of emblem 60. Therefore, when the light emission intensity of light emitting element 56 is high, light emitting area 70 at the lower portion of emblem 60 can be suppressed from becoming too bright.

[0127] The diameter of the outer ring 61 is a, the diameter of the inner ring 62 is b, and the distance between the center of gravity 63 of the outer ring 61 and the center of gravity 64 of the inner ring 62 is c. At this time, when a:b:c is 1:0.85:0.04, the appearance of the annular gap 65 when the brightness of cool colors such as blue changes is improved.

[0128] Fig.101 is a diagram showing an example of the gradual change of the brightness of the label 60. The control unit gradually brightens the brightness of the light-emitting area 70 as (A) → (B) → (C). Thus, the label 60 is displayed with the brightness of a cool color such as blue gradually changing, so the aesthetics when expressing the air quality is improved. In addition, the user can recognize the state change of the air quality without being affected by the color vision characteristics.

[0129] When the logo 60 is viewed from the front, if the light emitting element 56 is arranged on the back side of the light emitting region 70, the distance from the light emitting element 56 to the upper part of the logo 60 is longer than the distance from the light emitting element 56 to the lower part of the logo 60. In this case, if the brightness of the logo 60 caused by the light emission of the light emitting element 56 is compared at the same timing, for example, Fig.10 As shown in (B) or (C) of FIG. 6 , the brightness of the upper portion and the lower portion of the mark 60 are different. Thus, the gradation of brightness of the gap 65 of the mark 60 can be expressed.

[0130] As described above, the embodiments are described, but the above embodiments are presented as examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and subject matter of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the scope of their equivalents.

[0131] For example, the control unit may change the brightness or saturation of the display according to changes in air quality, thereby changing the brightness of a single-color logo (for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the logo).

[0132] This application claims the priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-158938 filed on September 30, 2022, and all the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-158938 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0133] Explanation of symbols

[0134] 1: Air conditioner

[0135] 2: Frame

[0136] 2b: Blowing outlet

[0137] 4: Fan

[0138] 5: Wings

[0139] 8: Front panel

[0140] 9: Terminal

[0141] 10, 20, 50: Display device

[0142] 11, 21, 31, 51: Mark

[0143] 12, 22, 52: Control Department

[0144] 13, 23, 33, 53: Display surface

[0145] 24: Frame

[0146] 40, 41, 42: Sensors

[0147] 54: Light Source

[0148] 55: Control circuit

[0149] 56: Light-emitting element

[0150] 60: Badge

[0151] 61: Outer ring

[0152] 62: Inner ring

[0153] 64, 64: Center of gravity

[0154] 65: Gap

[0155] 66: Outer area

[0156] 67: Inner area

[0157] 70, 71, 72, 73: Luminous area.

Claims

1. A display device comprising a control unit, The control unit changes the brightness of the monochrome mark displayed on the display surface according to the change of air quality. When the state where the air quality is worse than the first state is set to the second state, The control unit makes the mark in the first state brighter than the mark in the second state.

2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit gradually decreases the brightness of the mark from a first brightness indicating the first state to a second brightness indicating the second state, and gradually increases the brightness from the second brightness indicating the second state to the first brightness indicating the first state.

3. The display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit keeps the brightness of the mark constant in the second state.

4. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The single color is blue.

5. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control unit repeatedly increases and decreases the brightness of the mark in the first state.

6. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The control unit includes a light source, The control unit changes the brightness of the mark by changing the brightness of the light source according to the change in the air quality.

7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: The light source is a light emitting element.

8. The display device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The light source is disposed at the lower part of the badge.

9. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The emblem includes two rings with offset centers of gravity. The control unit changes the brightness of the gap between the two rings according to the change in the air quality.

10. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The air quality includes the pollution level of the air.

11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein: The degree of air pollution includes the concentration of particles, odor components, dust or carbon dioxide.

12. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The control unit partially changes the brightness of the mark according to the change in the air quality.

13. The display device according to claim 12, wherein: The control unit changes a position of a brightest portion of the mark according to a change in the air quality.

14. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The air quality includes temperature or humidity.

15. The display device according to claim 14, wherein: The control unit changes the brightness of the mark according to the reaching degree of the temperature or humidity.

16. The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The control unit changes the brightness of the mark according to a state of an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality. 17 . A terminal comprising the display device according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal is capable of directly or indirectly communicating with an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality. 18 . An air conditioner comprising the display device according to claim 1 , wherein the air conditioner adjusts the air quality.

19. A heating machine comprising the display device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The control unit changes the brightness of the mark to only a blue tone according to a change in heating temperature.

Images