Air-conditioner communication system, connection confirmation method for air-conditioner communication system, wireless LAN adapter, and connection confirmation program for air-conditioner communication system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in easily checking the network connection status of an air-conditioner communication system without visually accessing the wireless LAN adapter, particularly after its installation, especially when it is installed in hard-to-reach locations such as behind a ceiling.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a terminal device with display and operation functions to access and display connection information from the wireless LAN adapter, allowing users to confirm and manage network connections without direct interaction with the adapter, using a user interface that shows the status of connections between the air conditioner, wireless LAN adapter, router, and server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the wireless LAN adapter is installed in hard-to-reach locations (e.g., behind ceiling), then the air conditioner can be easily incorporated into the local area network, but it becomes difficult to visually check the adapter and perform pairing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal device (smartphone, tablet, or PC) as an intermediary between the user and the wireless LAN adapter. The terminal device displays pairing information and connection status, allowing users to perform pairing operations and check connection status without directly interacting with the physically inaccessible adapter. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enabling ease of operation through remote interface while maintaining the adapter's optimal installation location for network incorporation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the wireless LAN adapter is installed in hard-to-reach locations, then the air conditioner can be easily incorporated into the local area network, but it becomes difficult to check the network connection status
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device serves as an intermediary that retrieves and displays connection status information from the wireless LAN adapter. The adapter communicates connection status to the terminal device, which then presents this information through a user-friendly interface. This allows easy detection and measurement of network connection status without requiring physical access to the adapter installed in hard-to-reach locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual checking method (directly observing the adapter's LED indicators or physically accessing the device) with an electronic information display system. The connection status is transmitted electronically to the terminal device and displayed on its screen, substituting the need for direct visual inspection of the physical adapter with remote electronic monitoring.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An air-conditioner communication system includes an air conditioner, a wireless LAN adapter attached to the air conditioner and having a function as a network communication unit of the air conditioner, a router configuring a local area network with the wireless LAN adapter, a server communicable with the router via a telecommunication line, and a terminal device communicable with the wireless LAN adapter and having a display, in which the wireless LAN adapter has a function of acquiring connection information as to whether the wireless LAN adapter is communicable with the router and providing the terminal device with the connection information.