A light efficiency control method and system for an air conditioner operation process and an air conditioner

Abstract

This invention discloses a method, device, and air conditioner for controlling the light effect during air conditioner operation, relating to the field of air conditioning control technology. The method includes: acquiring operating status parameters of a target function currently being executed by the air conditioner, the operating status parameters including at least execution progress information; determining a light effect control strategy corresponding to the target function; dynamically determining target light effect parameters based on the light effect control strategy and the operating status parameters; and controlling the air conditioner's light-emitting components to output light effect according to the target light effect parameters, thereby dynamically indicating the execution status of the target function. This invention establishes a dynamic correlation between light effect parameters and function execution progress, enabling the light effect to dynamically adjust with changes in execution progress. This solves the technical problem that existing air conditioner light effects can only statically indicate the operating mode and cannot dynamically present the function execution progress, achieving real-time visualization of the function execution process. It can be widely applied to scenarios such as self-cleaning, anti-direct-blow, and multi-parameter operation, significantly improving the human-machine interaction experience of air conditioners.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning control technology, and in particular to a method, system, and air conditioner for controlling the light efficiency during air conditioning operation. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of smart home appliance technology, air conditioning equipment has become increasingly feature-rich. In addition to basic modes such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, and air circulation, modern air conditioners also offer features like self-cleaning, anti-direct-blow functionality, and fresh air purification. These functions typically last from several minutes to tens of minutes, resulting in a noticeable "black box" experience for users: they cannot intuitively perceive the real-time operating status of the set functions, are unclear about which stage the function is currently in, cannot estimate the remaining running time, and lack effective visual feedback throughout the process, leaving users passively waiting for voice announcements or mobile app notifications upon completion.

[0003] To improve the visualization of air conditioner operating status, existing technologies have developed solutions that combine air conditioner operating status with light displays. For example:

[0004] The patent document with publication number CN115346460A discloses a control method, device and equipment for a light-emitting component. According to the current mode of the air conditioner and the current indoor parameters, the hue and color attributes (depth and brightness) of the light-emitting component are controlled to emit light, so that the user can intuitively understand the current mode and indoor environment status.

[0005] Patent document CN115076926A discloses a display control method, device and air conditioner for an air conditioner. The display module displays colors corresponding to the air conditioner's operating status, allowing users to intuitively understand the air conditioner's operating status.

[0006] However, the aforementioned existing technologies still have the following shortcomings:

[0007] First, luminous efficacy only reflects a momentary state, conveying limited information. Current luminous efficacy adjustments are based solely on static parameters at a given moment (such as current temperature or current mode). Luminous efficacy remains essentially constant as long as these parameters do not change abruptly, lacking the characteristic of continuous evolution over time. When an air conditioner performs multi-stage, long-cycle operation functions such as self-cleaning or high-temperature sterilization, the indoor environmental parameters typically do not change significantly throughout the entire process. Therefore, the luminous efficacy remains unchanged for tens of minutes, making it impossible for users to know whether the function is progressing normally, how much has been completed, or how much longer they need to wait.

[0008] Secondly, the presentation of lighting effects is rather simplistic. Existing solutions primarily utilize color and its varying shades and brightness to convey information, lacking the ability to dynamically evolve over time. Even in some solutions that incorporate dynamic effects such as flashing or breathing lights, these serve merely as decorative elements, offering no informational function and failing to help users understand the operational logic and completion status of the function. When the air conditioner performs a function involving multiple stages, users cannot distinguish which stage is currently in based on the lighting effects, nor can they perceive the transitions between different stages.

[0009] Third, there is a lack of intuitive representation of the physical state of air conditioner operation. For functions involving airflow changes, such as anti-direct-blow and fresh air intake, current technology can only achieve the function itself through mechanical structural adjustments, and cannot convert the physical state of airflow, such as direction and intensity, into visual information. Users can only judge the airflow state through physical perception, and cannot predict the airflow direction in advance, which can easily lead to misjudgment and affect the user experience.

[0010] Therefore, how to enrich the information expression dimensions of air conditioner lighting effects, enhance the visualization feedback capability of special functions during operation, and improve users' perception of product operation status and interactive experience are technical problems that urgently need to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a method, system and air conditioner for controlling the light effect during the operation of an air conditioner. It solves the technical problems of low light effect information carrying capacity, only able to reflect the instantaneous operating status and unable to transmit process information such as function execution progress and stage division in the existing technology, and greatly improves the intuitiveness and convenience of human-computer interaction of air conditioner.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling the light efficiency during air conditioning operation includes the following steps:

[0013] Obtain the identification information and operating status parameters of the target function currently being executed by the air conditioner; the operating status parameters include the percentage of the target function's execution progress.

[0014] Based on the identification information of the target function being executed, determine the corresponding light effect control strategy;

[0015] Based on the light effect control strategy and the obtained operating status parameters, the target light effect parameters are dynamically determined; the target light effect parameters include dynamic effect parameters, and the dynamic effect parameters are related to the execution progress percentage.

[0016] The light-emitting components of the air conditioner are controlled to output light effects according to the target light effect parameters, so as to indicate the execution status of the target function through the dynamic changes of light effects.

[0017] Furthermore, the target light effect parameters also include color parameters and brightness parameters, and the motion effect parameters include at least one of breathing frequency, color gradation rate, and flashing frequency.

[0018] Furthermore, the target function includes a self-cleaning function with multiple execution stages, and the operating status parameters also include information on the current execution stage of the self-cleaning function, wherein the execution stages include at least a frosting stage, a defrosting stage, and a drying stage.

[0019] The method further includes: determining color parameters corresponding to each execution stage based on the execution stage information of the self-cleaning function; wherein, the frosting stage corresponds to ice blue, the defrosting stage corresponds to a gradient from warm yellow to orange-red, and the drying stage corresponds to blue-green; when switching between two adjacent execution stages, controlling the color of the light effect to smoothly transition from the color corresponding to the current execution stage to the color corresponding to the next execution stage.

[0020] Furthermore, based on the percentage of progress of the target function, the breathing frequency in the target light effect parameters is dynamically determined, specifically as follows:

[0021] When the execution progress percentage is in the first range, the breathing rate is determined to be the first preset rate;

[0022] When the execution progress percentage is in the second range, the breathing rate decreases monotonically as the execution progress percentage increases;

[0023] When the execution progress percentage is in the third interval, the breathing rate is determined as the second preset rate;

[0024] The first interval, the second interval, and the third interval are arranged in order of execution progress percentage from low to high, and the first preset frequency is greater than the second preset frequency.

[0025] Furthermore, the breathing frequency monotonically decreases as the execution progress percentage increases, establishing the following dynamic mapping between breathing frequency and execution progress percentage:

[0026] F=F_max-(F_max-F_min)×(P-20%) / 60%;

[0027] Where F is the breathing rate, P is the percentage of execution progress, F_max is the maximum breathing rate, and F_min is the minimum breathing rate.

[0028] Furthermore, the target function also includes a direct-blowing prevention function, the operating status parameters also include the current deflection angle and current wind speed of the air guide plate, and the target light effect parameters also include the flow direction and flow speed of the flowing light effect.

[0029] The method further includes:

[0030] The flow direction of the flowing light effect is determined based on the current deflection angle of the air guide plate. The flow direction of the flowing light effect is consistent with the guiding direction of the airflow by the air guide plate, and is used to visually indicate the airflow direction.

[0031] Based on the current wind speed setting, the flow speed of the light effect is determined, and the flow speed increases monotonically with the increase of the wind speed setting.

[0032] Furthermore, the operating status parameters also include operating mode, fan speed setting, temperature deviation value, and sweeping direction; the method further includes:

[0033] When an air conditioner has multiple operating status parameters that need to be displayed through light effects, these operating status parameters are encoded into multiple independent dimensions of the light effect to control the light-emitting components to output multi-dimensional fused light effects.

[0034] The operating mode is encoded in a color dimension, where the cooling mode corresponds to the blue-green color scheme, the heating mode corresponds to the orange-red color scheme, the dehumidification mode corresponds to the purple-red color scheme, and the air supply mode corresponds to the yellow-green color scheme.

[0035] The wind speed level is encoded as a brightness dimension, and the brightness value satisfies L=L_base×(N / N_max), where L_base is the base brightness value, N is the current wind speed level, and N_max is the maximum wind speed level.

[0036] The temperature deviation value is encoded as a respiratory rate dimension; the greater the deviation between the current temperature and the set temperature, the faster the respiratory rate.

[0037] The sweeping direction is encoded as the area illumination dimension, and the corresponding LED areas in the sweeping direction are illuminated sequentially.

[0038] Furthermore, the method also includes:

[0039] When the target function is completed normally, the light-emitting component is controlled to output a completion confirmation light effect. The color parameters and motion parameters of the completion confirmation light effect are different from the light effect output during the execution of the target function.

[0040] When an abnormal interruption occurs during the execution of the target function, the light-emitting component is controlled to output an interruption warning light effect. The interruption warning light effect is different from the completion confirmation light effect and the light effect output during the execution process in terms of color parameters and motion effect parameters.

[0041] On the other hand, according to embodiments of the present invention, a light efficiency control device for air conditioning operation is also provided, comprising:

[0042] The data acquisition module is used to acquire the identification information and operating status parameters of the target function currently being executed by the air conditioner, wherein the operating status parameters include the percentage of the target function's execution progress.

[0043] A light effect determination module, connected to the data acquisition module, is used to execute the light effect control method for the air conditioning operation process as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, so as to dynamically determine the target light effect parameters;

[0044] The drive output module, connected to the light effect determination module, is used to generate a drive signal to control the light-emitting components of the air conditioner to output light effect according to the target light effect parameters.

[0045] In another aspect, according to embodiments of the present invention, an air conditioner is also provided, comprising:

[0046] Indoor unit body;

[0047] A light-emitting component is disposed on the indoor unit body. The light-emitting component includes an RGB full-color LED light strip or light ring, which is arranged on the edge of the panel, the edge of the air guide plate, the side of the body, or the bottom of the indoor unit body.

[0048] And the light effect control device for the air conditioner operation process described in the above technical solution, wherein the light effect control device is electrically connected to the light-emitting component and is used to control the light-emitting component to output light effect according to the target light effect parameters.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0050] This invention enables real-time dynamic visualization of the air conditioner's function execution process. By dynamically linking the dynamic parameters of the light effect output by the luminous component with the percentage of the target function's execution progress, the light effect is no longer a static indicator reflecting only the operating mode or environmental state, but a dynamic progress indicator that evolves in real time as the function is executed. When the air conditioner performs a time-consuming function, the light effect output by the luminous component can dynamically adjust as the percentage of execution progress changes. Users do not need to rely on a mobile app to remotely view or frequently check the display panel on the unit; they can intuitively perceive the current progress and remaining amount of work by simply observing the dynamic changes in the light effect. This significantly reduces the time cost and operational threshold for users to obtain equipment status information and effectively solves the black-box experience problem caused by traditional light effects remaining static throughout the entire function execution cycle.

[0051] Existing technologies typically only utilize the color attributes of light effects to express the operating mode of air conditioners, resulting in a single dimension of information transmission. This invention, through a preset light effect control strategy, maps the execution progress percentage to the dynamic parameters of the light effect, adding a dynamic change feature based on the time dimension to the light effect while retaining color representation. This allows a single light effect to simultaneously carry both "function type" and "execution progress" information, continuously conveying the real-time status of function execution to the user through dynamic changes in the light effect. This transforms the previously invisible software operation process into a visualized light effect evolution process. When the execution progress percentage changes, the dynamic parameters adjust accordingly, driving the light-emitting components to output the corresponding light effect, forming continuous, stable, and predictable visual feedback. Users only need to look up and observe the air conditioner's light effect performance to accurately perceive the function's execution status, thereby rationally allocating waiting time or proceeding to the next step, significantly improving the user's perception accuracy of the device's operating status and the overall user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 A flowchart of the steps of a method for controlling the light efficiency during air conditioning operation provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 A time-series diagram illustrating the changes in light efficiency at each stage of the self-cleaning function provided by this invention;

[0054] Figure 3 The present invention provides a curve showing the relationship between respiratory rate and percentage of respiratory progress.

[0055] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the direction of the streamer and the angle of the air guide plate for the anti-direct-blowing function provided by the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5 A system structure diagram of a light efficiency control device for air conditioning operation provided by the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light-emitting components of the indoor unit of the wall-mounted air conditioner provided by the present invention;

[0058] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the light-emitting components of the indoor unit of the cabinet air conditioner provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0060] As described in the background section, existing air conditioner lighting systems are mostly used for decoration or simply to indicate the basic operating mode of the air conditioner, failing to intuitively reflect the real-time progress of air conditioner functions. When using time-consuming functions such as self-cleaning, high-temperature sterilization, and dehumidification, users cannot judge the completion status of the function through the unit's lighting effect; they can only rely on a mobile app for remote viewing or wait for voice prompts, which is cumbersome and provides a poor user experience. To solve the above technical problems, this invention provides a lighting effect control method for air conditioner operation, which establishes a preset dynamic correlation between lighting effect parameters and function execution progress to achieve a visual indication of the function execution status. Specifically, Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a light efficiency control method for an air conditioner operation according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The method includes the following steps:

[0061] Obtain the identification information and operating status parameters of the target function currently being executed by the air conditioner; the operating status parameters include the percentage of the target function's execution progress.

[0062] Based on the identification information of the target function being executed, determine the corresponding light effect control strategy;

[0063] Based on the light effect control strategy and the obtained operating status parameters, the target light effect parameters are dynamically determined; the target light effect parameters include dynamic effect parameters, and the dynamic effect parameters are related to the execution progress percentage.

[0064] The light-emitting components of the air conditioner are controlled to output light effects according to the target light effect parameters, so as to indicate the execution status of the target function through the dynamic changes of light effects.

[0065] It should be noted that, firstly, the air conditioning MCU monitors the operational data of each functional module in real time. The target function's identifier is a pre-assigned numerical code for each air conditioning function (e.g., "SelfClean" indicates the self-cleaning function), used to identify the currently operating function type. In addition to the core execution progress percentage P of the target function, the operational status parameters can be expanded to include execution stage information, air guide deflection angle, current fan speed, indoor ambient temperature, set temperature, and airflow direction, depending on the needs of different functions. The execution progress percentage P is calculated based on the total design time of the function and the time already run, or by weighted calculation of the completion flags of each sub-stage within the function, with a value range of 0% ≤ P ≤ 100%.

[0066] The air conditioner's storage module pre-stores a light effect control strategy table. This table is indexed by the identifier information of the target function, with each identifier corresponding to a set of independent light effect control rules. The light effect control strategy defines the composition of the light effect parameters for that function, the mapping relationship between each parameter and the operating status parameters, and the triggering conditions for special effects. The light effect control strategies for different functions are independent and do not interfere with each other, ensuring that each function has its own unique and highly recognizable light effect performance. For example, the self-cleaning function corresponds to the first strategy sub-library, and the anti-direct-blow function corresponds to the second strategy sub-library, thus ensuring that different functions have independent and non-interfering light effect expression schemes.

[0067] Based on the retrieved light effect control strategy and real-time acquired operating status parameters, the target light effect parameters are dynamically calculated. "Dynamic" here means that the target light effect parameters are not fixed but continuously updated according to the real-time changes in the execution progress percentage P. Specifically, the target light effect parameters include at least dynamic effect parameters, which are directly and dynamically correlated with the execution progress percentage P. These dynamic effect parameters include, but are not limited to, at least one of breathing frequency, light flow speed, color gradation rate, and flashing frequency. For example, the breathing frequency decreases as the P value increases, thus conveying a sense of rhythm to the user through the change in the speed of the light effect's "breathing." Similarly, the light flow speed can be associated with wind speed settings or execution progress, conveying information about the device's operating intensity or progress through changes in the speed of the light flow.

[0068] Then, based on the determined target light effect parameters, a corresponding drive signal is generated to control the light-emitting components set on the indoor unit of the air conditioner to output the corresponding light effect. Through the dynamic changes in the light effect, users do not need to check the mobile APP or display panel; they can intuitively judge the current execution status and completion degree of the target function simply by observing the color, brightness, and dynamic changes of the unit's lights, significantly improving the intuitiveness and convenience of human-computer interaction.

[0069] Example 1: Light Efficiency Control with Self-Cleaning Function

[0070] Please see Figure 2 This embodiment takes a wall-mounted air conditioner equipped with an RGB full-color ring LED light strip as an example to explain in detail the light effect control process during the execution of the self-cleaning function.

[0071] Before the air conditioner leaves the factory, a light efficiency control strategy library corresponding to the self-cleaning function is pre-written into the memory of the light efficiency control device. This strategy library divides the entire self-cleaning process into three execution stages: the frosting stage, the defrosting stage, and the drying stage, and configures an independent light efficiency parameter mapping relationship for each stage.

[0072] Table 1: Light Efficacy Mapping Relationship of the Three Execution Stages of Self-Cleaning Function

[0073]

[0074] Specifically, as shown in Table 1, when the self-cleaning function is activated, the progress P=0, followed by the frosting stage. The percentage of progress during the frosting stage is 0%≤P<40%. During this stage, the light effect determination module outputs an ice-blue light effect (RGB values ​​approximately 0, 150, 220), and the animation mode adopts a breathing mode. In the defrosting stage, the corresponding progress range is 40%≤P<75%, and the light effect color gradually changes from warm yellow to orange-red. The animation mode still adopts a breathing mode, and the hue value continuously shifts towards orange-red as the P value increases, to simulate the physical characteristics of temperature rise during the defrosting process. In the drying stage, the corresponding progress range is 75%≤P≤100%, the light effect color switches to blue-green (RGB values ​​approximately 50, 200, 150), and the animation mode is a steady breathing motion with the breathing frequency reduced to a minimum, creating a visual cues that the function is about to complete.

[0075] Table 2: Dynamic mapping between respiratory rate F and percentage of execution progress P

[0076]

[0077] Regarding the dynamic mapping between respiratory rate and execution progress percentage, this embodiment adopts a piecewise linear mapping mechanism. Please refer to Table 2, where the maximum respiratory rate F_max = 1.0 Hz and the minimum respiratory rate F_min = 0.2 Hz.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown in the curve of the relationship between breathing frequency and progress percentage in this invention, when the execution progress percentage P≤20%, the breathing frequency is constant at F_max, i.e. 1.0Hz. The user's attention is attracted by rapid breathing to confirm that the self-cleaning function has been activated.

[0079] When 20% < P < 80%, the respiratory rate decreases linearly with increasing P. At this point, breathing gradually slows down, indicating that function is progressing, satisfying the formula:

[0080] F=F_max-(F_max-F_min)×(P-20%) / 60%;

[0081] When P ≥ 80%, the breathing frequency remains constant at F_min, or 0.2Hz, creating a visual cue that the function is about to complete with extremely slow breathing. Thus, throughout the self-cleaning process, the user observes the light breathing slow down, allowing them to intuitively perceive the progress of the function.

[0082] To avoid visual discomfort caused by abrupt changes in light effect during the stage switching process, this embodiment sets up a smooth transition mechanism. When the self-cleaning function switches from the frosting stage to the defrosting stage, the light effect determination module controls the color of the light-emitting component to smoothly transition from ice blue through the cyan transition range to warm yellow within 300ms to 800ms; similarly, when switching from the defrosting stage to the drying stage, a smooth transition of the same duration is also adopted.

[0083] When the self-cleaning process is completed (P=100%), the light effect confirmation module outputs a completion confirmation light effect: a light green color (RGB value approximately 120, 220, 150) slowly breathing for two complete cycles at a frequency of 0.5Hz, and then smoothly returning to the light effect state before the self-cleaning was started, clearly conveying to the user the signal that the function has ended normally.

[0084] If an abnormal interruption occurs during the self-cleaning process (such as sensor malfunction, compressor overload, or communication failure), the light effect determination module immediately outputs an interruption warning light effect: a highly saturated orange light (RGB value approximately 255,120,0) flashes rapidly three times at a frequency of 1.5Hz. During each flash cycle, the brightness jumps between 0% and 100% without a gradual transition. After the flashing ends, the light remains off or returns to the preset fault indication state. This warning light effect is significantly different from the breathing light effect during execution and the slow, pale green breathing light effect during normal completion in both color and animation parameters, allowing users to perceive the abnormal state immediately without waiting for error codes to be displayed.

[0085] Example 2: Light Efficiency Control with Anti-Direct Blow Function

[0086] This embodiment uses a cabinet air conditioner equipped with a long strip of RGB LED light strip (arranged horizontally along the bottom of the panel) as an example to illustrate the light effect control scheme in the anti-direct-blow mode.

[0087] After the user activates the anti-direct-blow function via remote control, voice command, or mobile APP, the air conditioner's main control MCU controls the air guide plate to deflect upward by 30°, and sends the anti-direct-blow function indicator, the current air guide plate deflection angle θ=30°, and the current fan speed level N=3 (assuming the maximum level n=5) to the light effect control device.

[0088] After receiving the above parameters, the data acquisition module of the light effect control device dynamically determines the target light effect parameters based on the light effect control strategy and operating status parameters corresponding to the anti-direct-blow function.

[0089] Table 3: Dynamic mapping between the flow direction of the shimmering light effect and the deflection angle of the air guide plate

[0090]

[0091] Specifically: First, determine the flow direction of the flowing light effect based on the deflection angle θ of the air guide plate.

[0092] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the direction of the streamer and the angle of the air guide plate for the anti-direct-blowing function of the present invention: with the horizontal direction as 0°, upward deflection is positive and downward deflection is negative.

[0093] When θ > 10°, it is determined to be an upward deflection, and the direction of the light stream is set to flow from the bottom to the top of the light strip, indicating that the airflow is directed upward to a higher position;

[0094] When θ < -10°, it is determined to be a downward deflection, and the direction of the streamer is set to flow from top to bottom;

[0095] When -10°≤θ≤10°, it is determined to be horizontal air supply, and the direction of the stream is either flowing from the middle to both sides or remaining static.

[0096] Since θ = 30° in this embodiment, it is determined to be "upward deflection", so the direction of the streamer is determined to be from bottom to top.

[0097] Subsequently, the light effect determination module determines the flow velocity V_flow of the flowing light effect based on the current wind speed level N. The two satisfy a positive correlation mapping relationship, and the specific formula is as follows:

[0098] V_flow=V_min+(V_max-V_min)×(N-1) / (n-1)

[0099] Where V_min is the minimum streamer velocity, which is taken as 1 LED position per second in this embodiment; V_max is the maximum streamer velocity, which is taken as 10 LED positions per second in this embodiment. Substituting N=3 and n=5, the calculation is as follows:

[0100] V_flow = 1 + (10-1) × (3-1) / (5-1) = 5.5 (LED positions / second)

[0101] The drive output module controls the LED light strip using PWM to output a dynamic flowing light effect according to a defined flow direction (bottom to top) and flow speed (5.5 LED positions / second). Optionally, the head of the flowing light uses high-brightness (100%) white or light blue, and the tail gradually fades to simulate the visual effect of a "shooting star".

[0102] Users can visually determine that the current airflow direction is deflected upwards by observing the light effect flowing from the bottom to the top. The anti-direct-blow function is guiding the airflow upwards to avoid blowing directly on the human body. At the same time, the speed of the light flow directly reflects the current air volume.

[0103] Example 3: Multi-parameter fusion light effect control

[0104] This embodiment takes the comprehensive operation of a cabinet air conditioner in cooling mode as an example to illustrate the encoding and output scheme of multi-parameter fusion light effect.

[0105] Table 4: Independent Coding Mapping Rules between Air Conditioner Operating Parameters and Luminous Efficacy Dimension

[0106]

[0107] After the light effect control device obtains the above operating status parameters, the light effect determination module, according to the multi-parameter fusion light effect control strategy (see Table 4), encodes the above four operating status parameters into four independent dimensions of light effect:

[0108] First, the color dimension encodes the operating mode. The cooling mode corresponds to the blue-green color scheme. In this embodiment, the hue value is approximately 180° to 240°. Users can determine that the air conditioner is in cooling mode by observing the blue light effect.

[0109] Second, the brightness dimension encodes the fan speed level. The brightness value satisfies L=L_base×(N / N_max), where L_base is the base brightness value, which is taken as 40% in this embodiment. Substituting N=3 and N_max=5, the current brightness is calculated to be 40%×3 / 5=24%. Users can perceive that the current airflow is moderate based on the brightness level.

[0110] Third, the breathing frequency dimension encodes the temperature deviation. In this embodiment, the preset mapping relationship between temperature deviation and breathing frequency is: ΔT = 2℃ corresponds to a breathing frequency of 0.5Hz. The larger the temperature deviation, the faster the breathing frequency, indicating that the current temperature is far from the set value and the air conditioner is actively adjusting; conversely, when the temperature is close to the set value, the breathing frequency slows down, indicating that the target temperature is about to be reached.

[0111] Fourth, the area illumination dimension encodes the air sweeping direction. In left and right sweeping mode, the LED beads light up sequentially from left to right along the light strip, and then from right to left, repeating in a cycle to simulate the left and right swinging trajectory of the wind.

[0112] Assume the current operating status is as follows: the operating mode is cooling, the fan speed is medium (N=3, maximum speed N=5), the current indoor temperature differs from the set temperature by 2℃ (temperature deviation ΔT=2℃), and the air swing mode is left and right swing. At this time, the air conditioner has multiple operating status parameters that need to be displayed through light effects.

[0113] Therefore, through multi-parameter fusion lighting effect control, users can simultaneously obtain the following information by observing a single lighting effect: the blue light effect emits light at a moderate brightness with a moderate breathing rhythm (0.5Hz), while the light spot moves back and forth along the left and right direction on the light strip. Through this fusion lighting effect, users can simultaneously obtain the following information without checking the air conditioner panel or mobile app: the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, the fan speed is at medium speed, the indoor temperature is still slightly different from the set temperature (approaching the target temperature), and the airflow direction is left and right. A single lighting effect simultaneously carries status information in four dimensions: operating mode, fan speed, temperature difference, and airflow direction, significantly expanding the information bandwidth of the lighting effect as a human-computer interaction interface.

[0114] It should be noted that the specific color values ​​(e.g., ice blue RGB approximately 0, 150, 220), frequency values ​​(e.g., 1.0Hz, 0.2Hz), time parameters (e.g., 500ms transition time), brightness calculation formulas, etc., given in the above embodiments are all illustrative and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art can make adaptive adjustments to the above parameters according to actual product needs and the characteristics of the light-emitting components, without departing from the technical concept of this invention.

[0115] Furthermore, to implement the above method, embodiments of the present invention also provide a light efficiency control device for the air conditioning operation process. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the device includes a data acquisition module, a light effect determination module, and a drive output module.

[0116] The data acquisition module communicates with the air conditioner's main control MCU and periodically acquires the identification information and operating status parameters of the target function, including but not limited to the percentage of execution progress, execution stage information, air guide plate angle, wind speed level, temperature deviation, and sweeping direction.

[0117] The light effect determination module, as the core computing unit, is electrically connected to the data acquisition module. Its built-in microprocessor retrieves the corresponding strategy based on the current target function identifier and performs table lookup or formula calculations in conjunction with real-time operating status parameters to dynamically determine the target light effect parameters. The target light effect parameters include color parameters (such as RGB values ​​or hue values), brightness parameters (such as PWM duty cycle), and dynamic effect parameters (such as breathing frequency, light flow speed, and gradient duration).

[0118] The drive output module is electrically connected to the light effect determination module and integrates a multi-channel PWM drive circuit. It generates precise PWM drive signals based on the target light effect parameters to control the on / off state, color, and flow sequence of each LED in the light-emitting component.

[0119] This invention also provides an air conditioner, including an indoor unit body, at least one set of light-emitting components disposed on the indoor unit body, and a light effect control device as described above.

[0120] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the light-emitting component is an RGB full-color LED light strip or ring, arranged along the edge of the panel, the edge of the air guide plate, the side of the unit, or the bottom of the indoor unit (wall-mounted or cabinet-mounted air conditioner), ensuring that it can be clearly observed by the user at a normal viewing angle under the conventional installation height of the air conditioner. The light effect control device can be integrated into the main control board of the air conditioner indoor unit, or it can be electrically connected to the main control board and the light-emitting component via connectors as an independent functional board.

[0121] In summary, this invention achieves real-time visualization of the function execution process by establishing a dynamic correlation between the dynamic parameters of the light effect and the percentage of execution progress of the air conditioning function; it enables intuitive identification of the operation stage through color differentiation and smooth transition of multi-stage functions; it achieves the visualization of invisible airflow through the mapping of the direction and speed of the flowing light in the anti-direct-blow mode; it achieves the comprehensive carrying of multiple parameters by a single light effect through multi-dimensional fusion coding; and it achieves instant perception of state changes through differentiated light effect feedback for completed and abnormal states. The above technical solutions significantly improve the intuitiveness and intelligence level of human-computer interaction in air conditioning.

[0122] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light effect control method of an air conditioning operation process, characterized by, Includes the following steps: Obtain the identification information and operating status parameters of the target function currently being executed by the air conditioner; the operating status parameters include the percentage of the target function's execution progress. Based on the identification information of the target function being executed, determine the corresponding light effect control strategy; Based on the light effect control strategy and the obtained operating status parameters, the target light effect parameters are dynamically determined; the target light effect parameters include dynamic effect parameters, and the dynamic effect parameters are related to the execution progress percentage. The light-emitting components of the air conditioner are controlled to output light effects according to the target light effect parameters, so as to indicate the execution status of the target function through the dynamic changes of light effects.

2. The light effect control method of an air conditioning operation process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target light effect parameters also include color parameters and brightness parameters, and the motion effect parameters include at least one of breathing frequency, color gradient rate, and flashing frequency.

3. The light effect control method of an air conditioning operation process according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target function includes a self-cleaning function with multiple execution stages. The operating status parameters also include information on the current execution stage of the self-cleaning function. The execution stages include at least a frosting stage, a defrosting stage, and a drying stage. The method further includes: determining color parameters corresponding to each execution stage based on the execution stage information of the self-cleaning function; wherein, the frosting stage corresponds to ice blue, the defrosting stage corresponds to a gradient from warm yellow to orange-red, and the drying stage corresponds to blue-green; when switching between two adjacent execution stages, controlling the color of the light effect to smoothly transition from the color corresponding to the current execution stage to the color corresponding to the next execution stage.

4. The light effect control method of an air conditioning operation process according to claim 3, characterized in that, Based on the percentage of progress of the target function, the breathing frequency in the target light effect parameters is dynamically determined, specifically: When the execution progress percentage is in the first range, the breathing rate is determined to be the first preset rate; When the execution progress percentage is in the second range, the breathing rate decreases monotonically as the execution progress percentage increases; When the execution progress percentage is in the third interval, the breathing rate is determined as the second preset rate; The first interval, the second interval, and the third interval are arranged in order of execution progress percentage from low to high, and the first preset frequency is greater than the second preset frequency.

5. The light effect control method of an air conditioning operation process according to claim 4, characterized in that, The breathing frequency decreases monotonically as the execution progress percentage increases, and the following dynamic mapping between breathing frequency and execution progress percentage is constructed: F=F_max-(F_max-F_min)×(P-20%) / 60%; Where F is the breathing rate, P is the percentage of execution progress, F_max is the maximum breathing rate, and F_min is the minimum breathing rate.

6. The method for controlling the light efficiency during air conditioning operation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target function also includes the anti-direct blowing function, the operating status parameters also include the current deflection angle and current wind speed of the air guide plate, and the target light effect parameters also include the flow direction and flow speed of the flowing light effect. The method further includes: The flow direction of the flowing light effect is determined based on the current deflection angle of the air guide plate. The flow direction of the flowing light effect is consistent with the guiding direction of the airflow by the air guide plate, and is used to visually indicate the airflow direction. Based on the current wind speed setting, the flow speed of the flowing light effect is determined, and the flow speed increases monotonically with the increase of the wind speed setting.

7. The method for controlling the light efficiency during air conditioning operation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating status parameters also include operating mode, fan speed setting, temperature deviation value, and airflow direction; the method further includes: When an air conditioner has multiple operating status parameters that need to be displayed through light effects, these operating status parameters are encoded into multiple independent dimensions of the light effect to control the light-emitting components to output multi-dimensional fused light effects. The operating mode is encoded in a color dimension, where the cooling mode corresponds to the blue-green color scheme, the heating mode corresponds to the orange-red color scheme, the dehumidification mode corresponds to the purple-red color scheme, and the air supply mode corresponds to the yellow-green color scheme. The wind speed level is encoded as a brightness dimension, and the brightness value satisfies L=L_base×(N / N_max), where L_base is the base brightness value, N is the current wind speed level, and N_max is the maximum wind speed level. The temperature deviation value is encoded as a respiratory rate dimension; the greater the deviation between the current temperature and the set temperature, the faster the respiratory rate. The sweeping direction is encoded as the area illumination dimension, and the corresponding LED areas in the sweeping direction are illuminated sequentially.

8. The method for controlling the light efficiency during air conditioning operation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the target function is completed normally, the light-emitting component is controlled to output a completion confirmation light effect. The color parameters and motion parameters of the completion confirmation light effect are different from the light effect output during the execution of the target function. When an abnormal interruption occurs during the execution of the target function, the light-emitting component is controlled to output an interruption warning light effect. The interruption warning light effect is different from the completion confirmation light effect and the light effect output during the execution process in terms of color parameters and motion effect parameters.

9. A light efficiency control device for air conditioning operation, characterized in that, include: The data acquisition module is used to acquire the identification information and operating status parameters of the target function currently being executed by the air conditioner, wherein the operating status parameters include the percentage of the target function's execution progress. A light effect determination module, connected to the data acquisition module, is used to execute the light effect control method for the air conditioning operation process as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, so as to dynamically determine the target light effect parameters; The drive output module, connected to the light effect determination module, is used to generate a drive signal to control the light-emitting components of the air conditioner to output light effect according to the target light effect parameters.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Indoor unit body; A light-emitting component is disposed on the indoor unit body. The light-emitting component includes an RGB full-color LED light strip or light ring, which is arranged on the edge of the panel, the edge of the air guide plate, the side of the body, or the bottom of the indoor unit body. And the light effect control device for the air conditioning operation process as described in claim 9, wherein the light effect control device is electrically connected to the light-emitting component and is used to control the light-emitting component to output light effect according to the target light effect parameters.

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