A method for controlling air conditioner brightness display mode in different scenes and air conditioner

Abstract

The application provides a kind of air conditioner brightness display mode scene control method and air conditioner, comprising: the first standard time in the first standard time of indoor unit operation, the brightness of indoor unit is according to preset top brightness operation;After every interval first interval time, brightness reduces a level, until it is reduced to two-level brightness, maintain two-level brightness and continue to run;If indoor unit receives fault signal during operation, brightness is according to preset top brightness operation;At the same time, it flashes once every second interval time, until the fault signal is removed, restore to the brightness before fault;If indoor unit receives energy-saving mode instruction during operation, maintain the current brightness of first standard time, then the brightness is reduced to two-level brightness, and continues to run;If indoor unit receives sleep instruction during operation, brightness is according to one-level brightness and continues to run;If indoor unit receives shutdown instruction during operation, turn off other indicator lights of indoor unit, and brightness is according to one-level brightness and continues to run.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more specifically, to a scene-based control method for air conditioner brightness display modes and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, LED display control in air conditioning equipment generally employs fixed brightness or simple adjustment schemes. The fixed brightness scheme maintains a constant brightness regardless of ambient light intensity or the air conditioner's operating status. This is not only glaring at night but also makes it difficult for users to read the displayed content in bright light, resulting in a poor user experience. Some high-end models on the market use a simple adjustment scheme, achieving brightness adjustment through a photosensor. However, relying solely on ambient light as a single parameter can easily lead to a mismatch between the display brightness and the functional status when the air conditioner switches operating modes. For example, when a fault alarm requires a higher brightness, the simple adjustment scheme may maintain low brightness at night, potentially posing a safety hazard.

[0003] The problem is that the current air conditioner brightness control scheme is not linked to the air conditioner's operating mode, resulting in a mismatch between the display brightness and the functional status when switching modes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention solves the technical problem of current air conditioner brightness control schemes not being linked to the air conditioner's operating mode, resulting in a mismatch between display brightness and functional status during mode switching. This invention achieves multi-level adaptive control of air conditioner brightness by designing hierarchical strategies for different scenarios.

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a scene-based control method for air conditioner brightness display modes, applied to an indoor unit. The indoor unit's display brightness ranges from a preset maximum to a minimum, where the preset maximum brightness is the brightest and the minimum brightness is the dimmest. The scene-based control method includes: during the first standard time of indoor unit operation, the display module on the indoor unit displays at the preset maximum brightness; subsequently, at each first interval, the display brightness decreases by one level until it reaches level two, where it is maintained continuously; if the indoor unit receives a fault signal during operation, the display module displays at the preset maximum brightness; simultaneously, it flashes once at each second interval until the fault signal is cleared, and the display module returns to its pre-fault brightness; if the indoor unit receives an energy-saving mode command during operation, the display module maintains its current brightness for the first standard time, then decreases to level two and continues operating; if the indoor unit receives a sleep command during operation, the display module maintains its brightness for the first standard time, then decreases to level two and continues operating; if the indoor unit receives a shutdown command during operation, other indicator lights on the indoor unit are turned off, and the display module maintains its level one brightness.

[0006] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following effects: By presetting different display brightness levels, the display brightness can be flexibly adjusted according to different usage scenarios. This diversified brightness control improves the user experience and meets the needs of different users. Specifically, the standard operating time and interval mechanism automates the adjustment of display brightness, reducing the need for manual adjustment by users and enhancing the intelligence level of the air conditioner. Furthermore, upon receiving a fault signal, the display module automatically switches to the brightest preset top brightness and flashes as a warning, effectively reminding users of the air conditioner's operating status and facilitating timely troubleshooting, thus increasing the safety and reliability of the air conditioner. Upon receiving an energy-saving mode command, the display brightness automatically decreases to level two, reducing energy consumption and demonstrating energy efficiency optimization, thus contributing to the modern demand for energy conservation and emission reduction. Simultaneously, upon receiving a sleep command, the display module maintains a low brightness, reducing interference with users at night and enhancing the product's user-friendly design. Upon receiving a shutdown command, other indicator lights are turned off and the system maintains the lowest brightness, helping to save energy while providing necessary standby information in the shutdown state. By setting up automatic adjustment mechanisms for different scenarios, the complexity of operation for users is reduced, making the air conditioner more convenient, faster, and more adaptable.

[0007] In one possible design, the indoor unit includes a main control module; wherein the main control module can analyze the operating status of the air conditioner in real time and adopt hierarchical PWM duty cycle adjustment technology to adaptively control the display brightness of the indoor unit in multiple levels.

[0008] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following advantages: The main control module can analyze the air conditioner's operating status in real time, meaning the system can adjust the display brightness dynamically based on the current working environment and user needs, increasing the system's intelligence. In case of a fault, the main control module can quickly respond and adjust the display brightness, providing clear fault indications. Furthermore, the hierarchical PWM duty cycle adjustment technology allows for fine adjustment across multiple brightness levels, achieving smoother brightness changes compared to traditional simple switching or linear adjustment methods. This precise control significantly improves the display effect, making the display brightness more natural and comfortable. Simultaneously, by achieving multi-level adaptive brightness control, users can enjoy the best visual experience in different scenarios, enhancing user satisfaction and comfort.

[0009] In one possible design, the indoor unit also includes a photosensor; each time the indoor unit is turned on and started, it obtains the ambient light intensity through the photosensor and updates the preset brightness threshold to a preset top display brightness based on the recognition result; the higher the value of the preset brightness threshold, the brighter the preset top display brightness.

[0010] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following advantages: The introduction of a photosensor allows the air conditioner to automatically sense ambient light intensity upon startup and optimize display brightness based on real-time data. Compared to fixed brightness settings, this intelligent adjustment method can more accurately adapt to different environmental conditions, enhancing flexibility and convenience. By automatically adjusting display brightness according to environmental changes, users no longer need to manually intervene in display settings, ensuring a comfortable visual experience under any lighting conditions. When ambient light intensity is high, automatically increasing display brightness ensures visibility, and vice versa, effectively avoiding unnecessary energy waste. This reasonable brightness adjustment optimizes energy consumption while maintaining display quality. Furthermore, by updating preset brightness thresholds, the system can more flexibly adjust the display effect according to different environmental conditions, making it more adaptable and better meeting the needs of different scenarios. In low-light environments, increasing display brightness ensures that device status and warning information are clear at all times. This helps improve device safety, making it easier for users to perceive important information or fault indications when using the air conditioner.

[0011] In one possible design, a preset brightness threshold corresponds to the drive current; the higher the preset brightness threshold, the greater the drive current. The indoor unit dynamically adjusts the duty cycle of the PWM signal through software to control the drive current of the display module.

[0012] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following advantages: By directly linking a preset brightness threshold to the driving current, more precise adjustment of display brightness can be achieved. As the preset brightness threshold changes, the adjustment of the driving current ensures that the display module maintains a consistent visual effect under different ambient lighting conditions. Software-controlled PWM signal duty cycle allows the system to respond to environmental changes in real time, making automatic adjustment of light intensity more flexible and efficient. Precise current adjustment enables the display module to emit light more stably and uniformly at the selected brightness, avoiding flickering and uneven brightness, thereby significantly improving the user's visual experience.

[0013] In one possible design, if the photosensor is not enabled or is malfunctioning, the indoor unit will use the default preset brightness threshold to perform a display brightness from one to the preset top level.

[0014] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following advantages: by setting a default preset brightness threshold, the indoor unit can always remain usable regardless of the status of the photosensor. This improves the overall reliability of the system and reduces the likelihood of user experience degradation or unavailability due to sensor failure.

[0015] In one possible design, the display brightness is reduced by one level at each first interval until it reaches level two brightness, after which it maintains level two brightness continuously. This also includes: if the indoor unit receives a control signal from a remote control or button during operation, the display module's display brightness is reset to the preset top brightness, and then the display brightness is reduced by one level at each first interval until it reaches level two brightness, after which it maintains level two brightness continuously.

[0016] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following effects: by progressively reducing brightness, it effectively reduces energy consumption, extends the lifespan of the display module, and lowers overall power consumption. This dynamic brightness adjustment method achieves energy savings while maintaining a certain level of visibility. Simultaneously, the automatic return to maximum brightness function ensures optimal viewing when needed. Especially in low-light conditions or scenarios requiring detailed viewing, quickly restoring to maximum brightness enhances the user experience for temporary needs.

[0017] In one possible design, if the indoor unit receives multiple brightness adjustment commands during operation, the last valid command received will be used as the basis for execution.

[0018] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following advantages: By prioritizing the execution of the last received valid instruction, the system ensures that the latest changes in user needs are considered first. This effectively avoids unnecessary confusion caused by too many instructions, giving user operations a clear priority and improving operational intuitiveness. Simultaneously, the last-instruction-first design makes the system's control logic clearer and simpler. Regardless of how many brightness adjustment commands the user issues, the system only needs to process the last valid command, thereby reducing processing complexity and improving system response speed and processing efficiency. Furthermore, when multiple brightness adjustment commands are issued simultaneously, it may cause confusion in the display module's execution order. By executing only the last valid command, it reduces the confusion caused by misoperation and provides a more stable user experience.

[0019] In one possible design, during the operation of the indoor unit, the fault signal has the highest priority. If the fault signal occurs at the same time as other detection signals or commands, the fault signal processing method will be executed first.

[0020] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following advantages: Prioritizing fault signal processing enables timely response to potential safety hazards, preventing accidents. It ensures immediate action can be taken when equipment malfunctions, such as stopping operation or issuing alarms, thus protecting user and equipment safety. Furthermore, by ensuring fault signals have the highest priority, the system better maintains its stability. During a fault, it will not be interfered with by other functions or commands, resulting in a more reliable operating state. In a fault state, processing other non-urgent commands may hinder fault repair. Prioritizing fault signals effectively avoids command conflicts, ensuring the equipment can quickly return to normal operation.

[0021] In one possible design, when the display module switches brightness levels, it can only switch to other brightness levels after running at least three time intervals from the previous brightness level.

[0022] Compared to existing technologies, this technical solution achieves the following advantages: Frequent brightness switching can cause screen flicker, which not only causes user discomfort but may also reduce the lifespan of the display module. Setting a minimum operating interval can effectively avoid this discomfort and improve the user experience. Furthermore, compared to instantaneous brightness changes, a given operating interval allows for smoother brightness switching, which not only makes the visual experience softer but also allows users to adapt to brightness changes more naturally in different environments.

[0023] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, and an air conditioner implementing scene-based control method for air conditioner brightness display mode.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the technical effect achieved by adopting this technical solution is as follows: The air conditioner of the present invention implements the scene-based control method of the air conditioner brightness display mode of any technical solution of the present invention. Therefore, it has all the beneficial effects of the scene-based control method of the air conditioner brightness display mode of any technical solution of the present invention, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a scene-specific control method for air conditioner brightness display modes provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the display brightness control program provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a control flowchart for energy-saving mode commands provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a control flowchart for sleep commands provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a control flowchart for a shutdown command provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a control flowchart for fault signals provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] See Figures 1 to 6 This invention provides a scene-based control method for air conditioner brightness display modes, applied to indoor units. The indoor unit's display brightness ranges from a single level to a preset maximum level, where the preset maximum brightness is the brightest and the single level brightness is the dimmest. The scene-based control method includes:

[0033] During the first standard period of operation after the indoor unit is turned on, the display module on the indoor unit displays at the preset maximum brightness. Afterward, at each first interval, the display brightness decreases by one level until it reaches level two, where it remains continuously at level two. If the indoor unit receives a fault signal during operation, the display module displays at the preset maximum brightness; simultaneously, it flashes once at each second interval until the fault signal is cleared, and the display module returns to its pre-fault brightness. If the indoor unit receives an energy-saving mode command during operation, the display module maintains the current brightness for the first standard period, then decreases to level two and continues operating. If the indoor unit receives a sleep command during operation, the display module maintains level one brightness. If the indoor unit receives a shutdown command during operation, all other indicator lights on the indoor unit are turned off, and the display module maintains level one brightness.

[0034] Specifically, in this embodiment, the indoor unit's display brightness includes levels one to five, with level five being the brightest and level one the dimmest. In other embodiments, the preset maximum brightness can be adjusted according to specific actual scenarios. In this embodiment, the first standard time is five minutes; the first interval time is one hour; and the second interval time is one second. During the first five minutes of operation of the indoor unit, the display module's brightness operates at level five. Users need to confirm the air conditioner's operating status within these five minutes, requiring high display brightness; setting it to level five ensures visibility of the display module. Afterward, every hour, the display module's brightness decreases by one level until it reaches level two; this reduces energy consumption and minimizes the impact of display brightness on the user. When the indoor unit receives a fault signal, the display module operates at level five brightness and flashes once every second until the fault signal is cleared. When the indoor unit receives an energy-saving mode command, the display module maintains its current brightness for five minutes, then immediately reduces the brightness to level two and continues operating thereafter. When the indoor unit receives a shutdown command, it turns off all other indicator lights on the indoor unit, leaving only the standby light on the display module running at the first level of brightness.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the indoor unit includes a main control module; wherein the main control module is capable of analyzing the operating status of the air conditioner in real time and adopting hierarchical PWM duty cycle adjustment technology to adaptively control the display brightness of the indoor unit in multiple levels.

[0036] Specifically, in this embodiment, the main control module (MCU) can analyze the air conditioner's operating status in real time and control the display module to display different levels of brightness according to different operating statuses. Operating statuses include cooling, heating, energy saving, and fault alarm. The graded PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) duty cycle adjustment technology is a method that uses the principle of pulse width modulation to control parameters such as the average power or brightness of the output signal by setting different duty cycles. In this embodiment, the graded PWM duty cycle adjustment technology divides the duty cycle into several levels. For example, eight different duty cycle levels can be defined (0%, 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, 50%, 62.5%, 75%, 87.5%, 100%), each corresponding to different output power and brightness. This approach allows the main control module to control the display module more precisely in terms of brightness. Furthermore, multiple duty cycle levels enable more refined and smoother output adjustment, providing users with a better user experience.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the indoor unit further includes a photosensor; each time the indoor unit is turned on and started, it obtains the ambient light intensity through the photosensor and updates a preset brightness threshold to a preset top display brightness based on the recognition result; wherein, the higher the value of the preset brightness threshold, the brighter the preset top display brightness.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, the main control module performs multi-level adaptive control of the display brightness of the indoor unit's display module by combining the air conditioner's operating status and the photosensor. Each of the five brightness levels corresponds to a preset brightness threshold; the higher the preset brightness threshold, the brighter the corresponding level. Each time the indoor unit is powered on, it acquires the ambient light intensity through the photosensor and updates the preset brightness threshold based on the identification result. For example, in bright daylight, the preset brightness threshold is updated to a higher value, making the display module brighter and ensuring user visibility; similarly, in low-light conditions at night, the preset brightness threshold is updated to a lower value, making the display module dimmer and ensuring no disturbance to sleeping users.

[0039] In one embodiment of this application, a preset brightness threshold corresponds to the drive current. The higher the value of the preset brightness threshold, the greater the drive current. The indoor unit dynamically adjusts the duty cycle of the PWM signal through software to control the drive current of the display module.

[0040] Specifically, in this embodiment, a preset brightness threshold corresponds to a driving current, and the indoor unit's display module uses LED lights as the display light source. Different preset brightness thresholds correspond to different driving currents; the higher the preset brightness threshold, the greater the corresponding driving current. Within the rated current range of the LED lights, the greater the driving current, the brighter the LED lights. Therefore, by setting different preset brightness thresholds for each display brightness level under different lighting conditions, the display module can maintain a consistent visual effect under different ambient lighting conditions, ensuring that the content displayed is clear and gentle whether the user is viewing it during the day or at night.

[0041] In one embodiment of this application, if the photosensor is not enabled or fails, the indoor unit uses the default preset brightness threshold to perform a display brightness from one to the preset top level.

[0042] Specifically, in this embodiment, the main control module is configured with preset brightness thresholds ranging from level one to level five. When the photosensor malfunctions, the main control module cancels the update of the preset brightness thresholds and uses the default preset brightness thresholds set within the system. Furthermore, if no photosensor is installed in the air conditioner, the main control module only uses the default preset brightness thresholds set within the system to control the display brightness of the display module and does not perform the operation of updating the preset brightness thresholds.

[0043] In one embodiment of this application, the display brightness is reduced by one level every first interval until it drops to level two brightness, and then the level two brightness is maintained continuously. The method further includes: if a control signal from a remote control or button is received during the operation of the indoor unit, the display brightness of the display module is reset to the preset top brightness, and then the display brightness is reduced by one level every first interval until it drops to level two brightness, and then the level two brightness is maintained continuously.

[0044] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the indoor unit receives a control signal from a remote control or button during operation, it indicates that the user is adjusting the air conditioner's display mode or operating status. At this time, the main control module will control the display module to reset the display brightness to five levels, and the display brightness will decrease by one level every hour until it reaches level two. After that, the display module will maintain level two brightness continuously. The reset to five levels of brightness upon receiving the control signal is to provide the user with clear and bright display content, allowing the user to know the current operating status of the air conditioner.

[0045] In one embodiment of this application, if multiple brightness adjustment commands are received during the operation of the indoor unit, the last valid command received shall be used as the basis for execution.

[0046] Specifically, in this embodiment, if the indoor unit receives multiple brightness adjustment commands in a short period of time during operation, in order to prevent the brightness adjustment from becoming chaotic, the indoor unit uses the last valid command received as the basis for execution to control the display brightness of the display module. This ensures that the user's latest control requirements are executed.

[0047] In one embodiment of this application, during the operation of the indoor unit, the fault signal has the highest priority. If the fault signal and other detection signals or instructions occur at the same time, the fault signal processing method shall be executed first.

[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, the fault signal has the highest priority under all circumstances and must be responded to first. If multiple brightness adjustment commands are received within a short period, even if the fault signal is not the last valid command received, it should still be executed according to the fault signal processing method. This ensures that the user receives the air conditioner's fault information, handles the fault promptly, and prevents the safety of the user and equipment from being affected by untimely fault handling.

[0049] In one embodiment of this application, when the display module switches brightness levels, it can only switch to other brightness levels after the switched brightness level has been running for at least a third time interval.

[0050] Specifically, in this embodiment, the third interval is ten seconds. To avoid discomfort to the user caused by sudden changes in display brightness, the switched brightness level must run for at least ten seconds before switching to other brightness levels.

[0051] The present invention also provides an air conditioner, and an air conditioner implementing scene-based control method for air conditioner brightness display mode.

[0052] Specifically, the air conditioner of the present invention implements the scene-based control method for air conditioner brightness display mode of any technical solution of the present invention. Therefore, it has all the beneficial effects of the scene-based control method for air conditioner brightness display mode of any technical solution of the present invention, which will not be repeated here.

[0053] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a scene-by-scene brightness display mode of an air conditioner applied to an indoor unit, characterized by, The display brightness of the indoor unit includes one to a preset top level, wherein the preset top level brightness is the brightest, and the first level brightness is the dimmest; the scene control method includes: In the first standard time of the indoor unit running, the display brightness of the display module on the indoor unit is displayed according to the preset top level brightness; then every interval first interval time, the display brightness is reduced by one level, until it is reduced to the second level brightness, and then maintained at the second level brightness for continuous operation; If the indoor unit receives a fault signal during operation, the display brightness of the display module is displayed according to the preset top level brightness; at the same time, it flashes once every second interval time until the fault signal is removed, and the display module returns to the display brightness before the fault; If the indoor unit receives an energy saving mode instruction during operation, the display brightness of the display module is reduced to the second level brightness after maintaining the current brightness for the first standard time, and then continuously operated; If the indoor unit receives a sleep instruction during operation, the display brightness of the display module is continuously operated according to the first level brightness; If the indoor unit receives a shutdown instruction during operation, the other indicator lights of the indoor unit are turned off, and the display brightness of the display module is continuously operated according to the first level brightness.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is characterized by: The indoor unit includes a main control module; The main control module can analyze the running state of the air conditioner in real time, and uses a hierarchical PWM duty cycle adjustment technology to multi-level adaptively control the display brightness of the indoor unit.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the method further comprises: The indoor unit also includes a photosensitive sensor; After each start-up operation of the indoor unit, the ambient light intensity is obtained through the photosensitive sensor, and the preset brightness threshold of one to the preset top level display brightness is updated according to the identification result; the higher the value of the preset brightness threshold, the brighter the one to the preset top level display brightness.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the method further comprises: The preset brightness threshold corresponds to a driving current, and the higher the value of the preset brightness threshold, the greater the driving current; The indoor unit adjusts the duty cycle of the PWM signal dynamically through software to control the driving current of the display module.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the method further comprises: If the photosensitive sensor is not enabled or fails, the indoor unit uses the preset brightness threshold set by default to execute the display brightness of one to the preset top level.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is a method of controlling a brightness display mode of an air conditioner by scene, and The above-mentioned every interval first interval time, the display brightness is reduced by one level, until it is reduced to the second level brightness, and then maintained at the second level brightness for continuous operation, further includes: During the operation of the indoor unit, if a control signal of remote control or key is received, the display brightness of the display module is displayed according to the preset top level brightness again, and then every interval the first interval time, the display brightness is reduced by one level, until it is reduced to the second level brightness, and then maintained at the second level brightness for continuous operation.

7. The method of claim 1-6, wherein the method is characterized by, During the operation of the indoor unit, if multiple brightness adjustment instructions are received, the last received valid instruction is used as the basis for execution.

8. The method of claim 1-6, wherein the method is characterized by, During the operation of the indoor unit, the priority of the fault signal is the highest, and if the fault signal and other detection signals or instructions appear at the same time, the fault signal processing mode is executed preferentially.

9. The method of claim 1-6, wherein the method is a method of controlling the brightness display mode of an air conditioner by scene, characterized in that, When the display module switches the brightness level, the switched brightness level is maintained for at least a third interval time before switching to other brightness levels.

10. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The air conditioner realizes the split-scene control method of the air-conditioning brightness display mode as claimed in any one of claims 1-9.

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