Display devices, terminals, air conditioners and heaters

Abstract

To provide a display that allows a user to recognize a state of air quality, a terminal, and an air conditioner.SOLUTION: A display comprises a control unit that changes the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on a display screen according to change in air quality. When a second state is a state in which the air quality is worse than a first state, the control unit makes the mark in the first state brighter than the mark in the second state. A terminal comprises the display, and can communicate directly or indirectly with an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality. An air conditioner comprises the display, and adjusts the air quality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device, a terminal, an air conditioner, and a heater. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an air conditioner that includes a first light-emitting body that emits blue light to represent the cleanliness of a room, and a second light-emitting body that emits orange light to represent the dirtiness of the room (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-74951 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional air conditioners change the light to different colors depending on the state of air quality. For example, if the air quality is good, the light turns green, and if the air quality is poor, the light turns red. However, depending on the color vision characteristics of people, it may be difficult to distinguish colors, making it difficult to recognize the state of air quality.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a display device, a terminal, an air conditioner, and a heater that are capable of making the state of air quality known. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is A control unit is provided for changing the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface in response to changes in air quality, When the air quality is in a second state when the air quality is worse than the first state, The control unit is a display device that makes the indicia brighter in the first state compared to the indicia in the second state.

[0007] According to the first aspect, since the change in the air quality is represented by a change in the brightness of a monochromatic mark displayed on a display surface, it is possible to provide a display device that allows the user to recognize the state of the air quality without being affected by color vision characteristics. And, according to the first aspect, it is possible to allow a user to recognize that when the mark is bright, the air quality is better than when the mark is dark, and that when the mark is dark, the air quality is worse than when the mark is bright.

[0008] A second aspect is the display device of the first aspect, The control unit gradually decreases the brightness of the mark from a first brightness representing the first state to a 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.

[0009] According to the second aspect, it is possible to cause a user to 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.

[0010] A third aspect is the display device of the first or second aspect, The control unit keeps the brightness of the indicia constant in the second state.

[0011] According to the third aspect, in the second state, the brightness of the symbol becomes constant, thereby making it possible for the user to recognize that the poor air quality continues.

[0012] A fourth aspect is the display device according to any one of the first to third aspects, The single color is blue.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, the change in air quality is expressed by a change in brightness of a solid blue mark, so that the state of the air quality can be recognized with almost no effect from color vision characteristics.

[0014] A fifth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, In the first state, the control unit repeatedly increases and decreases the brightness of the indicia.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, the brightness of the mark repeatedly increases and decreases, allowing the user to recognize that the air quality is continuing to be good.

[0016] A sixth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, The control unit includes a light source. The control unit changes the brightness of the mark by changing the luminance of the light source in response to the change in the air quality.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, the change in the air quality can be expressed by a change in the luminance of the light source.

[0018] A seventh aspect is the display device of the sixth aspect, The light source is a light emitting element.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, the change in the air quality can be expressed by a change in the luminance of one light-emitting element.

[0020] An eighth aspect is the display device of the sixth or seventh aspect, The light source is located below the indicia.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, by positioning the light source below the mark, the overall brightness of the mark is not uniform, so that differences in the brightness of the mark caused by changes in the luminance of the light source can be emphasized.

[0022] A ninth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, The mark comprises two offset rings, The control unit changes the brightness of the gap between the two rings in response to changes in the air quality.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, the change in air quality is expressed by a change in brightness in the gap between the two rings with offset centers of gravity, so that the state of the air quality can be recognized with almost no effect from color vision characteristics.

[0024] A tenth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, The air quality includes the degree of air pollution.

[0025] According to the tenth aspect, changes in the level of air pollution are represented by changes in the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the level of air pollution can be recognized with almost no effect from color vision characteristics.

[0026] An eleventh aspect is the display device of the tenth aspect, The degree of air pollution includes the concentration of fine particles, odorous components, dust, or carbon dioxide.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect, the change in the concentration of fine particles, odorous components, dust or carbon dioxide is represented by a change in the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the change in the concentration of fine particles, odorous components, dust or carbon dioxide can be recognized almost without being affected by color vision characteristics.

[0028] A twelfth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, The control unit partially changes the brightness of the mark in response to the change in the air quality.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect, the change in air quality is represented by a partial change in the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the state of the air quality can be recognized with little influence from color vision characteristics.

[0030] A thirteenth aspect is the display device of the twelfth aspect, The control unit changes the position of the brightest portion of the indicia in response to changes in the air quality.

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect, the change in air quality is represented by a change in the position of the brightest part of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the state of the air quality can be recognized with little influence from color vision characteristics.

[0032] A fourteenth aspect is the display device of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, The air quality includes temperature or humidity.

[0033] According to the fourteenth aspect, changes in temperature or humidity are represented by changes in the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the temperature or humidity condition can be recognized with little effect from color vision characteristics.

[0034] A fifteenth aspect is the display device of the fourteenth aspect, The control unit changes the brightness of the mark depending on the level of the temperature or humidity reached.

[0035] According to the 15th aspect, a change in the level of attainment of the temperature or humidity is represented by a change in the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the state of the level of attainment of the temperature or humidity can be recognized with almost no effect from color vision characteristics.

[0036] A sixteenth aspect is a display device according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, The control unit changes the brightness of the mark depending on the state of the air conditioner that adjusts the air quality.

[0037] According to the 16th aspect, not only the changes in air quality but also the status of the air conditioner that adjusts the air quality are represented by the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on the display surface, so that the air quality and the status of the air conditioner can be recognized with almost no effect from color vision characteristics.

[0038] A seventeenth aspect is a terminal comprising the display device of any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, and capable of communicating directly or indirectly with an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality.

[0039] According to the seventeenth aspect, a terminal can be provided that is capable of communicating directly or indirectly with an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality, and that allows a user to recognize the state of the air quality without being affected much by color vision characteristics.

[0040] An eighteenth aspect is an air conditioner that includes the display device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects and adjusts the air quality.

[0041] According to the eighteenth aspect, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that allows the state of the air quality to be recognized almost without being affected by color vision characteristics.

[0042] A 19th aspect is a heater comprising the display device of any one of the 1st to 16th aspects, and the control unit changes the brightness of the marking with only a blue hue in response to changes in heating temperature.

[0043] According to the 19th aspect, the change in heating temperature is expressed by a change in the brightness of the mark only in the hue of blue, which is one of the cool colors, not in the warm colors. This allows the user to recognize the change in heating temperature only in the hue of blue, not in the warm colors, and provides a heater that allows the user to recognize the heating temperature state almost without being affected by color vision characteristics. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air conditioner and a terminal. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a display device including a control unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first control example of the brightness of the insignia. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of control of the brightness of the insignia. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of control of the brightness of the insignia. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fourth example of control of the brightness of the insignia. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a fifth example of control of the brightness of the insignia. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sixth example of control of the brightness of the mark. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a mark. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a gradation of brightness of a mark. [Figure 11A] 13 is a table showing the results of a user perception test (correct / incorrect evaluation 1). [Figure 11B] 13 is a table showing the results of a user perception test (correct / incorrect evaluation 1). [Figure 11C] 13 is a table showing the results of a user perception test (correct / incorrect evaluation 1). [Figure 11D] 13 is a table showing the results of a user perception test (correct / incorrect evaluation 1). [Figure 11E] 13 is a table showing the results of a user perception test (correct / incorrect evaluation 1). [Figure 11F] 13 is a table showing the results of a user perception test (correct / incorrect evaluation 1). [Figure 12] 13 is a table showing the results of a user perception test (correct / incorrect evaluation 1). [Figure 13] 13 is a table showing the results of a user perception test (correct / incorrect evaluation 2). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] An embodiment will be described below.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner and a terminal. The air conditioner 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an indoor unit that is installed on a wall surface or the like in a room and performs operations such as cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, ventilation, or air purification in response to various commands input from an operation device (e.g., a remote control, an operation panel, etc.). The air conditioner 1 adjusts the air quality of the space (in this example, the air quality of the indoor space in which the air conditioner 1 is placed) by performing the operations. The air conditioner 1 is not limited to an air conditioner with a temperature adjustment function, and may be an air purifier, a blower, or a dryer. The air conditioner 1 may be a heater. The heater may be a dedicated heater or an air conditioner with a heating function.

[0047] The air conditioner 1 comprises a housing 2 that houses a fan 4, and a front panel 8 attached to the front of the housing 2. An intake port 2a is provided at the top of the housing 2, and an exhaust port 2b is provided at the bottom of the housing 2. For example, during cooling operation, indoor air is sucked in through the intake port 2a by the driving of the fan 4, passes through a heat exchanger in the housing 2 for heat exchange, and is blown out into the room through the exhaust port 2b. The exhaust port 2b is opened and closed by a flap 5 provided on the housing 2.

[0048] The air conditioner 1 is equipped with a display device 10. The display device 10 is equipped with a control unit 12 that expresses the air quality of a space with the brightness of a monochromatic mark 11 displayed on a display surface 13. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11 in response to changes in the air quality of the space. As the control unit 12 changes the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11 in response to changes in the air quality of the space, the changes in the air quality of the space are expressed by changes in the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11. This allows the state of the air quality of the space to be recognized with almost no influence from color vision characteristics. Furthermore, as the changes in the air quality of the space are expressed by changes in the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11, an aesthetic appearance can be ensured when expressing the air quality of the space.

[0049] Next, changing the brightness of the monochromatic marking 11 in response to changes in the air quality of the space will be described in detail with reference to Figures 11A to 11F, 12 and 13.

[0050] 11A to 11F are tables showing the results of the user recognition test (correctness evaluation 1). Correctness evaluation 1 is a test in which a motion (brightness pattern) of a monochromatic mark 11 is presented to the test subject, and the subject is asked to select from multiple options which corresponds to the meaning of the presented motion. In each table shown in FIG. 11A to 11F, "motion" represents the serial number of a plurality of motions that differ from each other in the way the brightness of the mark 11 is changed. "Brightness" represents the degree of brightness of the mark 11 at the end of the motion. "Light" represents that the mark 11 is light at the end of the motion. "Dark" represents that the mark 11 is dark at the end of the motion. "Medium" represents that the brightness of the mark 11 at the end of the motion is medium between "light" and "dark."

[0051] 11A to 11F show the results of presenting the motions in the left column of each table in order from top to bottom to ten subjects U1 to U10, and then answering from multiple options which of the motions corresponds to the meaning of the presented motion. The multiple options are nine meanings: "initial setting operation", "power on operation", "good air quality", "transition from good air quality to bad air quality", "poor air quality", "transition from poor air quality to good air quality", "feedback response to driving operation", "power off operation", and "error". In the answer column of each table shown in FIG. 11A to FIG. 11F, "good" means that the answer was "good air quality". "poor" means that the answer was "poor air quality". "Other than those" means that the answer was other than "good air quality" and "poor air quality".

[0052] According to Figures 11A to 11F, all of the subjects U1 to U10 answered that the relatively bright mark 11 means "good air quality," and the relatively dark mark 11 means "poor air quality." This evaluation result newly revealed a human physiological property that "when a monochromatic mark is bright, the air quality is perceived to be better than when the mark is dark, or when a monochromatic mark is dark, the air quality is perceived to be worse than when the mark is bright."

[0053] By utilizing this physiological property, when a state in which the air quality is worse than the first state is set as the second state, the control unit 12 (see FIG. 1) makes the mark 11 in the first state brighter than the mark 11 in the second state. This allows the user to recognize, almost without being affected by color vision characteristics, that when the mark 11 is bright, the air quality is better than when the mark 11 is dark. Alternatively, the user can recognize, almost without being affected by color vision characteristics, that when the mark 11 is dark, the air quality is worse than when the mark 11 is bright.

[0054] Figure 12 is a table showing a different analysis result from the user recognition test (correctness evaluation 1) than the above. Correctness evaluation 1 is a test in which a monochrome mark motion is presented to the test subject, and the subject is required to answer from multiple options which applies to the meaning indicated by the presented motion. The correct answer rate represents the proportion of subjects who answered correctly out of the total number of subjects. The multiple options have nine meanings: "initial setting operation," "power on operation," "good air quality state," "transition from good to poor air quality state," "poor air quality state," "transition from poor to good air quality state," "feedback response to driving operation," "power off operation," and "error in progress."

[0055] According to the results of the correct answer evaluation 1 in FIG. 12, the percentage of subjects who answered that the motion in which the brightness of the monochromatic mark changes as shown in FIG. 5 means a transition from good air quality to bad air quality (correct answer rate) is 90%. FIG. 5 shows that the brightness L of the monochromatic mark gradually decreases (gradually decreases) from the first brightness L3, which represents the first state of good air quality, to the second brightness La, which represents the second state of bad air quality. On the other hand, according to the results of the correct answer evaluation 1 in FIG. 12, the percentage of subjects who answered that the motion in which the brightness of the monochromatic mark changes as shown in FIG. 7 means a transition from bad air quality to good air quality (correct answer rate) is 60%. FIG. 7 shows that the brightness L of the monochromatic mark gradually increases (gradually increases) from the second brightness La, which represents the second state of bad air quality, to the first brightness L3, which represents the first state of good air quality. Thus, in both cases, the correct answer rate was more than half. According to the results of the correctness evaluation 1 in Figure 12, it can be said that when the monochromatic mark is bright, the user can recognize that the air quality is better than when the mark is dark, and when the monochromatic mark is dark, the user can recognize that the air quality is worse than when the mark is bright.

[0056] Figure 13 is a table showing the results of the user recognition test (correctness evaluation 2). Correctness evaluation 2 is a test in which a single meaning is presented to the test subject, and the subject must select the motion that best fits the presented meaning from among multiple different motions of a single-colored mark. The correct answer rate represents the proportion of subjects who answered correctly out of the total number of subjects. The multiple different motions of the single-colored mark include one correct motion.

[0057] According to the results of the correctness evaluation 2 in FIG. 13, the percentage of subjects who answered that the motion suitable for the meaning of "transition from good to bad air quality" is the motion in which the brightness of the monochromatic mark changes as shown in FIG. 5 (correct answer rate) is 50%. The percentage of subjects who answered that the motion suitable for the meaning of "transition from bad to good air quality" is the motion in which the brightness of the monochromatic mark changes as shown in FIG. 7 (correct answer rate) is 70%. Thus, in both cases, the correct answer rate was more than half. According to the results of the correctness evaluation 2 in FIG. 13, it can be said that when the monochromatic mark is bright, the user can recognize that the air quality is better than when the mark is dark, and when the monochromatic mark is dark, the user can recognize that the air quality is worse than when the mark is bright.

[0058] 12 and 13, a new human physiological property was discovered that "when a monochromatic mark is bright, the air quality is perceived as better than when the mark is dark, or when a monochromatic mark is dark, the air quality is perceived as worse than when the mark is bright." Using this physiological property, the control unit 12 gradually decreases the brightness of the mark 11 from a first brightness representing a first state to a second brightness representing a second state, and gradually increases the brightness from the second brightness representing the second state to the first brightness representing the first state. This allows the user to recognize the change in air quality from good to bad or from bad to good, with almost no effect from color vision characteristics.

[0059] In FIG. 1, the control unit 12 may express the air quality of a space by the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11 displayed on the display surface 13. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11 in response to changes in the air quality of the space. By the control unit 12 changing the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11 in response to changes in the air quality of the space, the changes in the air quality of the space are expressed by changes in the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11. This allows the state of the air quality of the space to be recognized with almost no influence from color vision characteristics. Furthermore, because the changes in the air quality of the space are expressed by changes in the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11, the aesthetic appearance of the air quality of the space can be ensured.

[0060] Compared to displaying changes in air quality using a combination of a cool color such as blue and a warm color such as orange, displaying changes in air quality in a single cool color such as blue can visually evoke a cleaner aesthetic impression in the user. As a result, the design is improved and the effect of stimulating demand for the air conditioner 1 is enhanced. In addition, by using a single blue color and changing the brightness of the mark 11 according to changes in air quality, even people with Protanope (P) color vision, who have difficulty distinguishing red, or people with Deuteranope (D) color vision, who have difficulty distinguishing green, can recognize changes in air quality in the same way as people with Common (C) color vision.

[0061] The cool hue of mark 11 is, for example, blue. Blue is a gentle color that blends in with the space, ensuring aesthetic appeal. However, the cool hue of mark 11 is not limited to blue, and may be other colors such as green. In terms of visible light wavelengths, cool colors are those with peak wavelengths between 430 nm and 570 nm, blue colors are those with peak wavelengths between 460 nm and 500 nm, and green colors are those with peak wavelengths between 500 nm and 570 nm.

[0062] Blue may be defined by three attributes (hue, value, chroma) in the Munsell color system. In particular, blue may be defined as a color whose hue is blue-green (BG), blue (B), or purple-blue (PB). More particularly, using the abbreviations for hue used in the Munsell color system, blue may be defined as a color whose hue is 2BG to 9PB. A color becomes achromatic by adjusting the value or chroma. Achromatic colors whose hues are blue-green (BG), blue (B), or purple-blue (PB) may be defined as solid blue.

[0063] A mark includes a combination of characters, figures, symbols, or three-dimensional shapes, or a combination of these, with colors. The mark 11 shown in Fig. 1 is a circular figurative mark that emits light in a cool color such as blue, but is not limited to this form. For example, the mark may be a combination of letters such as the alphabet and a cool color such as blue, or a combination of letters, a symbol, and a cool color.

[0064] The display surface 13 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2, but may be provided on any visible surface of the air conditioner 1, for example, on another surface such as the underside or side of the housing 2. The display surface 13 may be provided on the front panel 8 or the flap 5. The number of display surfaces 13 on which the mark 11 is displayed may be one or more. The number of marks 11 displayed on the display surfaces 13 may be one or more.

[0065] The display surface 13 displays the mark 11 by light irradiated from one or more light sources. The display surface 13 may be a transparent or semi-transparent panel, or a display that displays the mark 11 as an image.

[0066] The air conditioner 1 or the display device 10 includes a sensor 41 that detects the air quality of the space. The control unit 12 changes the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11, for example, in response to a change in the air quality detected by the sensor 41. A specific example of the sensor 41 is an IAQ sensor that detects indoor air quality.

[0067] Air quality includes, for example, the degree of air pollution. Air quality may include the concentration of fine particles, odor components, dust, or carbon dioxide. The degree of air pollution is evaluated based on these concentrations. Fine particles are viruses or bacteria, but may also be minute substances such as dust containing viruses or bacteria. Fine particles may include fine particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 refers to particles suspended in the air that have a diameter of 2.5 μm or less. Air quality may include temperature or humidity.

[0068] When a state in which the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is worse than the first state is determined to be the second state, the control unit 12 makes the monochromatic mark 11 in the first state brighter than the monochromatic mark 11 in the second state. In other words, the control unit 12 makes the monochromatic mark 11 in the second state darker than the monochromatic mark 11 in the first state. The two have a synonymous relative relationship.

[0069] By controlling the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11 in this manner, the control unit 12 can make the user recognize that when the mark 11 is bright, the air quality is better than when the mark 11 is dark. Alternatively, by controlling the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11 in this manner, the control unit 12 can make the user recognize that when the mark 11 is dark, the air quality is worse than when the mark 11 is bright.

[0070] In a first state in which the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is good, the control unit 12 makes the cool color of the mark 11 brighter than in a second state in which the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is worse than the first state. In other words, in the second state in which the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is bad, the control unit 12 makes the cool color of the mark 11 darker than in the first state in which the air quality detected by the sensor 41 is better than the second state. The two are synonymous relative relationships.

[0071] By the control unit 12 controlling the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11 in this manner, the cool color of the mark 11 becomes brighter, which allows the user to recognize, while maintaining an aesthetic appearance, that the air quality is better than when the cool color of the mark 11 is darker. Alternatively, by the control unit 12 controlling the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11 in this manner, the cool color of the mark 11 becomes darker, which allows the user to recognize, while maintaining an aesthetic appearance, that the air quality is worse than when the cool color of the mark 11 is lighter.

[0072] And, by making the cool colors of the mark 11 brighter, the user can recognize, almost without being affected by color vision characteristics, that the air quality is better than when the cool colors of the mark 11 are darker. Or, by making the cool colors of the mark 11 darker, the user can recognize, almost without being affected by color vision characteristics, that the air quality is worse than when the cool colors of the mark 11 are lighter.

[0073] When the air conditioner 1 is an air purifier or a device with an air purification function, the first state of good air quality refers to, for example, a case where each air quality (concentration of fine particles, odor components, dust, and carbon dioxide) detected by the sensor 41 is below its corresponding reference value. The second state of poor air quality refers to, for example, a case where at least one concentration of each air quality (concentration of fine particles, odor components, dust, and carbon dioxide) detected by the sensor 41 exceeds its corresponding reference value. The reference value may be a value set by the user or a value set automatically.

[0074] When the air conditioner 1 is a device with a temperature adjustment function (e.g., an air conditioner), the first state in which the air quality is good refers to, for example, a case in which each air quality (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration) detected by the sensor 41 meets the corresponding standard range. The second state in which the air quality is poor refers to, for example, a case in which at least one of the air qualities (temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide concentration) detected by the sensor 41 does not meet the corresponding standard range. The standard range may be a range set by the user or a range set automatically.

[0075] When the air conditioner 1 is a heater, the control unit 12 may change the brightness of the mark 11 in only cool hues such as blue in response to changes in the heating temperature. This allows the user to recognize changes in the heating temperature in only cool hues, not warm hues, and provides a heater that can ensure aesthetics by only cool hues when expressing changes in the heating temperature. It also provides a heater that allows the user to recognize the state of the heating temperature with almost no effect from color vision characteristics. The heating temperature refers to, for example, the indoor temperature detected by the sensor 41 when the air conditioner 1 is in heating operation.

[0076] The control unit 12 may change the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11 according to the level of the indoor temperature or humidity. Since the change in the level of the temperature or humidity is expressed by the change in the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11 displayed on the display surface 13, the user can recognize the state of the level of the temperature or humidity without being affected by color vision characteristics.

[0077] The degree of achievement refers to, for example, the degree to which 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 in the air conditioner 1 in response to a command from an operating device such as a remote control. If the difference between the indoor temperature (or indoor humidity) and the set temperature (or set humidity) is within a specified range, it indicates that the degree of achievement is high, and if the difference is outside the specified range, it indicates that the degree of achievement is low.

[0078] For example, the control unit 12 brightens the monochromatic mark 11 when the difference is within a predetermined range, compared to the monochromatic mark 11 when the difference is outside the predetermined range. This allows the user to recognize that the temperature or humidity level is higher when the mark 11 is bright than when the mark 11 is dark. Alternatively, the user can recognize that the temperature or humidity level is lower when the mark 11 is dark than when the mark 11 is bright.

[0079] The control unit 12 may express the heating level of the air conditioner 1 with the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11. As a result, the heating level of the air conditioner 1 is not expressed with a warm color but with the same cool color as the change in air quality, improving the design due to the uniformity of colors and ensuring aesthetics. For example, the control unit 12 changes the brightness of the cool color of the mark 11 (for example, the brightness of the mark 11 with only cool colors such as blue) according to the heating level of the air conditioner 1. For example, when the difference between the temperature of the space detected by the sensor 41 and the heating setting temperature of the air conditioner 1 reaches within a predetermined range, the control unit 12 brightens the cool color of the mark 11 compared to when the difference is outside the predetermined range. As a result, the cool color of the mark 11 becomes brighter, allowing the user to recognize that the temperature of the space has reached the setting temperature while ensuring aesthetics.

[0080] The control unit 12 may express the state of the air conditioner 1 that adjusts the air quality with the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11. As a result, not only the change in air quality but also the state of the air conditioner 1 that adjusts the air quality is expressed with the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11, so that the aesthetic appearance can be ensured when expressing the air quality and the state of the air conditioner 1. In addition, the air quality and the state of the air conditioner 1 can be recognized by the user almost without being affected by color vision characteristics. For example, the control unit 12 changes the brightness of the monochromatic mark 11 according to the state of the air conditioner 1. The brightness of the monochromatic 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 can be, for example, an initial setting state, a feedback response to an operating 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 a different display mode according to each state of the air conditioner 1. As a result, the user can recognize each state of the air conditioner 1 while ensuring aesthetic appearance.

[0081] The terminal 9 is a device that is located away from the air conditioner 1 and is capable of communicating directly or indirectly with the air conditioner 1. The terminal 9 is provided in the same space as the air conditioner 1, but may be provided in a space different from the space in which the air conditioner 1 is placed. Specific examples of the terminal 9 include a controller such as a remote control 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, smartphone, etc.) that can communicate directly or indirectly with the air conditioner 1.

[0082] The terminal 9 includes a housing 24 having a display surface 23, and a display device 20 that controls the brightness of a monochromatic mark 21 displayed on the display surface 23. The display device 20 includes a control unit 22 that expresses the air quality of a space with the brightness of the monochromatic mark 21 displayed on the display surface 23. The control unit 22 changes the brightness of the monochromatic mark 21 in response to a change in the air quality of the space. By the control unit 22 changing the brightness of the monochromatic mark 21 in response to a change in the air quality of the space, the change in the air quality of the space is expressed by a change in the brightness of the monochromatic mark 21, so that an aesthetic appearance can be ensured when expressing the air quality of the space. In addition, the change in the state of the air quality can be recognized by the user almost without being affected by color vision characteristics. The brightness of the monochromatic mark 21 is, for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark 21.

[0083] The terminal 9 or the display device 20 includes a sensor 42 that detects the air quality of the space. The control unit 22 changes the brightness of the cool color of the mark 21, for example, in response to a change in the air quality detected by the sensor 42. A specific example of the sensor 42 is an IAQ sensor that detects indoor air quality.

[0084] The control unit 22 may express the air quality of the space by the brightness of the monochromatic mark 31 displayed on the display surface 33 provided outside the terminal 9. The control unit 22 changes the brightness of the monochromatic mark 31 in response to a change in the air quality detected by the sensor 42, for example. By the control unit 22 changing the brightness of the monochromatic mark 31 in response to a change in the air quality of the space, the change in the air quality of the space is expressed by a change in the brightness of the monochromatic mark 31, so that an aesthetic appearance can be ensured when expressing the air quality of the space. In addition, the change in the state of the air quality can be recognized by the user almost without being affected by color vision characteristics. The brightness of the monochromatic mark 31 is, for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark 31. The display surface 33 may be a display that displays the mark 31 as an image, or may be a screen (including a wall inside a room) on which the mark 31 is projected.

[0085] The configuration, action, and effect of marks 21 and 31 may be the same as those of mark 11, and by incorporating the above explanation of mark 11, the explanation of marks 21 and 31 will be omitted. The configuration, action, and effect of display surfaces 23 and 33 may be the same as those of display surface 13, and by incorporating the above explanation of display surface 13, the explanation of display surfaces 23 and 33 will be omitted.

[0086] The control unit 22 may change the brightness of at least one monochromatic mark among the marks 11, 21, 31 in response to a change in air quality detected by a sensor 42 provided in the terminal 9 or a sensor (e.g., sensor 41) provided outside the terminal 9. The brightness of a monochromatic mark is, for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark. The control unit 22 acquires external information of the terminal 9 via wired or wireless communication. The external information of the terminal 9 includes the results of air quality detection by a sensor provided outside the terminal 9, information held by the air conditioner 1 (e.g., the status of the air conditioner 1, such as an abnormal state), etc.

[0087] Similarly, the control unit 22 may change the brightness of at least one monochromatic mark among the marks 11, 21, 31 in response to a change in air quality detected by a sensor 41 provided in the air conditioner 1 or a sensor (e.g., sensor 42) provided outside the air conditioner 1. The brightness of a monochromatic mark refers to the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark, for example. The control unit 22 acquires external information about the air conditioner 1 via wired or wireless communication. The external information about the air conditioner 1 includes the results of air quality detection by a sensor provided outside the air conditioner 1, information held by the terminal 9 (e.g., operation information for the air conditioner 1), etc.

[0088] Each function of the control units 12, 22 is realized, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) operating according to a program stored in a memory in a readable manner. The function of each unit may 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, by a recording medium or a network.

[0089] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a display device equipped with a control unit. Display device 50 expresses air quality by the brightness of a monochromatic mark 51 (for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of mark 51) displayed on display surface 53. Control unit 52 changes the brightness of monochromatic mark 51 (for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of mark 51) in response to a change in air quality detected by sensor 40. Mark 51 corresponds to mark 11 or mark 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.

[0090] 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 monochromatic mark 51 (for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark 51) by changing the luminance of the light source 54 in response to changes in air quality. The control unit 52 can change the brightness of the monochromatic mark 51 (for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark 51) with high precision by changing the luminance of the light source 54. If the light source 54 is a single light-emitting element, the power consumption required to display changes in air quality can be reduced. However, the light source 54 may be a light source including multiple light-emitting elements.

[0091] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first control example of the brightness of the mark. The horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the brightness L of a monochromatic mark (for example, the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark) (the same applies to the drawings described later). When the air conditioner 1 is in a power-off state, the control unit sets the luminance of the light source to zero, thereby setting the brightness L of the cool color of the mark to zero. When an operation to change the power from the power-off state to the power-on state is detected, the control unit gradually increases (gradually increases) the brightness L of the cool color of the mark from the brightness 0 representing the power-off state to the brightness L3 representing the power-on state. This allows the beginning of a comfortable air experience to be expressed. In this example, the control unit increases the brightness L of the cool color of the mark at a constant rate from 0 to L3 in t seconds.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second control example of the brightness of the mark. In the first state where the air quality is good, the control unit repeatedly increases and decreases the brightness of the cool colors of the mark. As a result, the mark is displayed with a motion in which the cool colors of the mark fluctuate in a bright state, so that it is possible to express that the space is in a comfortable state of air quality. In the case of FIG. 4, the slope of the increase and decrease in the brightness of the cool colors is gentler than that in the case of FIG. 3, so that it is possible to express that the space is particularly comfortable. In this example, the control unit increases and decreases the brightness L of the cool colors of the mark between L2 and L3 in a cycle of 6t seconds, decreases it at a constant slope in the first half cycle of 3t seconds, and increases it at a constant slope in the second half cycle of 3t seconds.

[0093] In addition, the feedback response to the driving operation is set to a brightness L4 or L5 that is brighter than the first brightness L3 that represents the first state of good air quality so that it can be seen even if it occurs in the first state of good air quality. When a predetermined driving operation is detected, the control unit temporarily increases the brightness L of the cool color of the mark to L4 or L5 and then decreases it back to the original brightness. This allows the user to recognize the feedback response to the driving operation.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third control example of the brightness of the mark. The control unit gradually decreases (gradually lowers) the brightness L of the cool color of the mark from a first brightness L3 representing a first state in which the air quality is good to a second brightness La representing a second state in which the air quality is poor. This makes it possible to express the transition of air quality from a good state to a poor state. In this example, the control unit decreases the brightness L of the cool color of the mark at a constant rate from L3 to La in 2t seconds. Since the brightness La is slightly greater than zero, it is possible to inform the user that the air conditioner 1 is operating and not stopped.

[0095] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a fourth control example of the brightness of the mark. In the second state where the air quality is poor, the control unit keeps the brightness of the cool color of the mark constant. This makes it possible to express that the poor air quality continues. Since the brightness La in the second state where the air quality is poor is slightly greater than zero, it is possible to inform the user that the air conditioner 1 is operating and not stopped.

[0096] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a fifth control example of the brightness of the mark. The control unit gradually increases the brightness L of the cool color of the mark from the second brightness La, which represents the second state of poor air quality, to the first brightness L3, which represents the first state of good air quality. This makes it possible to express the transition of air quality from a poor state to a good state. In this example, the control unit increases the brightness L of the cool color of the mark at a constant rate from La to L3 in t seconds.

[0097] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a sixth control example of the brightness of the mark. When an operation to turn off the power is detected in the first state in which the air quality is good, the control unit gradually decreases the brightness L of the cool color of the mark from the first brightness L3 representing the first state to brightness 0 representing the power-off state. This makes it possible to express the end of the comfortable air experience. In this example, the control unit decreases the brightness L of the cool color of the mark at a constant rate from L3 to 0 in t seconds.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a mark. The mark 60 shown in FIG. 9 includes two rings (an outer ring 61 and an inner ring 62) whose centers of gravity are offset. The outer ring 61 has a smaller diameter than 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 cool color, such as blue, 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. As a result, the change in air quality is expressed by the change in brightness of the cool color, such as blue, of the gap 65, so that the aesthetic appearance when expressing the air quality can be ensured. In addition, the change in the state of the air quality can be recognized by the user almost without being affected by color vision characteristics. The brightness of the cool color, such as blue, of the gap 65 may be controlled according to the above-mentioned control example.

[0099] The outer region 66 of the outer ring 61 and the inner region 67 of the inner ring 62 are regions whose brightness does not change in response to changes in air quality, or whose brightness changes less in response to changes in air quality than the gap 65. Visible light such as blue light passes through the gap 65 more easily 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 almost no visible light passes.

[0100] The control unit may partially change the brightness of the monochromatic mark 60 (e.g., the brightness of a cool color such as blue of the mark 60) in response to a change in 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 mark 60. By partially changing the brightness of the cool color, it is possible to cause the mark 60 to move, such as flicker, without changing the position of the entire mark 60.

[0101] Gap 65 includes light emitting areas 70, 71, 72, and 73 along outer ring 61. The control unit changes the brightness of cool colors, such as blue, of some of light emitting areas 70, 71, 72, and 73 in response to changes in air quality detected by the sensor. As a result, the brightness of cool colors of some of light emitting areas 70, 71, 72, and 73 differs from the brightness of cool colors of the other light emitting areas, so that movement, such as flickering, can be caused in mark 60 without changing the position of mark 60 as a whole.

[0102] The control unit may change the position of the brightest part of the mark 60 in response to a change in air quality detected by the sensor. This allows the mark 60 to move, such as flicker, without changing the position of the entire mark 60. For example, the control unit changes the brightest area among the light-emitting areas 70, 71, 72, and 73 in a clockwise or counterclockwise order. This allows the mark 60 to be displayed with a motion in which the light rotates around the gap 65, without changing the position of the entire mark 60.

[0103] In this example, the control unit has a light-emitting element 56 as a light source that changes the brightness of the gap 65 of the mark 60. The light-emitting element 56 is arranged at the lower part of the mark 60 when viewed from the front. By arranging the light-emitting element 56 at the lower part of the mark 60, the overall brightness of the mark 60 is not uniform, so that the difference in brightness of the mark 60 caused by the change in brightness of the light-emitting element 56 can be emphasized. In addition, by arranging the light-emitting element 56 at the lower part of the mark 60, when the mark 60 is provided at a place where people look up, people who look up to the mark 60 can easily recognize the change in brightness of the mark 60. The lower part of the mark 60 is, for example, a region below the center line extending in the left-right direction of the mark 60 when viewed from the front.

[0104] The control unit has, for example, a light-emitting element 56 provided in the gap 65. In this example, the light-emitting element 56 is disposed at the lower part of the mark 60 (more specifically, on the back side of the widest light-emitting region 70 of the gap 65) when the mark 60 is viewed from the front. The light-emitting region 70 overlaps with the straight line connecting the centers of gravity 63 and 64 when the mark 60 is viewed from the front. When the control unit causes the light-emitting element 56 to emit light, the entire annular gap 65 becomes bright.

[0105] The light-emitting element 56 disposed at the lower part of the mark 60 may be disposed, for example, on the rear side of the region lower than the center line extending in the left-right direction of the mark 60, within the inner region 67 of the inner ring 62, when viewed from the front of the mark 60. In this case, the light-emitting element 56 is hidden behind the inner region 67 when viewed from the front of the mark 60. This makes it possible to prevent the light-emitting region 70 at the lower part of the mark 60 from becoming excessively bright when the light-emitting intensity of the light-emitting element 56 is strong.

[0106] The diameter of outer ring 61 is a, the diameter of inner ring 62 is b, and the distance between center of gravity 63 of outer ring 61 and center of gravity 64 of inner ring 62 is c. In this case, if a:b:c is 1:0.85:0.04, the aesthetic appearance is improved when the brightness of cool colors such as blue in annular gap 65 is changed.

[0107] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the brightness gradation of the mark 60. The control unit gradually brightens the brightness of the light-emitting area 70, such as (A) → (B) → (C). This causes the mark 60 to be displayed with a motion in which the brightness of cool colors such as blue changes gradually, improving the aesthetics when expressing air quality. In addition, the user can recognize the change in air quality state almost without being affected by color vision characteristics.

[0108] When the light-emitting element 56 is disposed on the back side of the light-emitting region 70 in a front view of the mark 60, the distance from the light-emitting element 56 to the top of the mark 60 is longer than the distance from the light-emitting element 56 to the bottom of the mark 60. In this case, the brightness of the mark 60 caused by the light emitted by the light-emitting element 56 differs between the top and bottom of the mark 60 when compared at the same timing, as shown in (B) or (C) of Figure 10, for example. This creates a brightness gradation in the gap 65 of the mark 60.

[0109] As described above, the embodiment has been described, but the above embodiment is presented as an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0110] For example, the control unit may change the brightness of a monochromatic indicia (e.g., the brightness of cool colors such as blue in the indicia) by varying the brightness or saturation of the display in response to changes in air quality. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1. Air conditioner 2. Chassis 2b Air outlet 4 Fans 5 Flap 8 Front Panel 9 Terminal 10,20,50 Display device 11,21,31,51 Marks 12,22,52 Control section 13,23,33,53 Display surface 24 Case 40,41,42 Sensors 54 Light source 55 Control circuit 56 Light emitting element 60 Marks 61 Outer ring 62 Inner Ring 64,64 Center of gravity 65 Gap 66 outer area 67 Inner area 70, 71, 72, 73 Light emitting area

Claims

1. a control unit that changes the brightness of a monochrome mark displayed on a display surface with a first motion corresponding to the state of air quality and changes the brightness with a second motion corresponding to a reaction to an operation of an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality, A display device, wherein the first motion and the second motion are different motions from each other.

2. The control unit changes the brightness of the mark with a third motion corresponding to a power operation of the air conditioner, The display device of claim 1 , wherein the first motion, the second motion, and the third motion are different from each other.

3. When the air quality is worse than the first state, the second state is defined as: the control unit changes the brightness of the mark with a fourth motion corresponding to the first state, changes the brightness of the mark with a fifth motion corresponding to a transition from the first state to the second state, changes the brightness of the mark with a sixth motion corresponding to the second state, and changes the brightness of the mark with a seventh motion corresponding to a transition from the second state to the first state; The display device of claim 1 , wherein the fourth motion, the fifth motion, the sixth motion, and the seventh motion are different from each other.

4. When the air quality is in a state worse than the first state, the second state is defined as: The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the marking in the first state to be brighter than the marking in the second state.

5. 5. The display device of claim 4, wherein the control unit gradually decreases the brightness of the marking from a first brightness representing the first state to a 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.

6. The display device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit keeps the brightness of the mark constant in the second state.

7. The display device of claim 1 , wherein the single color is blue.

8. The display device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit repeatedly increases and decreases the brightness of the mark in the first state.

9. The control unit includes a light source. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the brightness of the mark by changing a luminance of the light source in response to a change in the air quality.

10. The display device according to claim 9 , wherein the light source is a single light emitting element.

11. The display device of claim 9 , wherein the light source is located below the indicia.

12. The mark comprises two offset rings, The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes the brightness of the gap between the two rings in response to a change in the air quality.

13. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the air quality includes a degree of air pollution.

14. The display device according to claim 13 , wherein the degree of air pollution includes a concentration of fine particles, odorous components, dust, or carbon dioxide.

15. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit partially changes a brightness of the mark in response to a change in the air quality.

16. The display device of claim 15 , wherein the control unit changes a position of the brightest part of the indicia in response to a change in the air quality.

17. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the air quality includes temperature or humidity.

18. The display device according to claim 17 , wherein the control unit changes the brightness of the mark depending on the degree of the temperature or humidity reached.

19. The display device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes brightness of the mark depending on a state of an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality.

20. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A terminal capable of communicating directly or indirectly with an air conditioner that adjusts the air quality.

21. An air conditioner comprising the display device according to claim 1 and configured to adjust the air quality.

22. A display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit changes the brightness of the markings in a blue hue only in response to a change in heating temperature.

Images