Air-conditioner communication system, method of confirming connection of air-conditioner communication system, wireless LAN adapter, and connection confirmation instructions of air-conditioner communication system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner network communication systems face difficulties in confirming network connection status without visually accessing the wireless LAN adapter, especially in installation environments where the adapter is not easily visible, such as behind ceilings.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioner communication system that includes a wireless LAN adapter with a connection information acquisition unit and a display image construction unit, allowing a terminal device to access and display connection information between the wireless LAN adapter, router, and server, enabling network connection status confirmation without direct visual access to the adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wireless LAN adapter is installed in a concealed location (e.g., behind ceiling) to improve aesthetics or installation flexibility, then the installation environment is improved, but the ease of visually confirming connection status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal device (smartphone, tablet, or PC) as an intermediary to display connection status information. The wireless LAN adapter communicates connection status to the terminal device, which then presents it through its display interface. This mediator allows users to check connection status without needing to visually access the concealed adapter location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual indication method (LED lights on the adapter) with an electronic/digital display method on the terminal device. Instead of relying on physical visual cues at the adapter location, the system uses software-based information presentation through the terminal device's screen, which can be accessed from any location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wireless LAN adapter is installed in a concealed location, then installation aesthetics are improved, but the ease of operating the adapter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device serves as an intermediary that receives user operations and transmits them to the wireless LAN adapter. Users can perform all necessary operations (connection setup, configuration, status checking) through the terminal device's interface without needing to physically access or interact with the concealed adapter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the terminal device automatically manages communication with the wireless LAN adapter. The adapter autonomously handles connection protocols and status reporting, while the terminal device provides the user interface, eliminating the need for direct user interaction with the adapter itself.
3Device complexity
If connection status is displayed only on the wireless LAN adapter's LED indicators, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision of connection status confirmation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the connection status information from a one-dimensional visual indication (LED on/off states) to a two-dimensional digital display interface on the terminal device. This allows for more comprehensive information presentation including detailed connection parameters, device identifiers, and multi-state status indicators that cannot be conveyed by simple LED lights.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device acts as an information intermediary that receives raw connection status data from the wireless LAN adapter and transforms it into comprehensive, easily interpretable display information. This mediator enhances the precision and clarity of connection status confirmation without adding complexity to the adapter itself.
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioner communication system includes: a ceiling-embedded air conditioner; a wireless local area network (LAN) adapter attached to the air conditioner and that functions as a network communication unit of the air conditioner; a router that configures a LAN; a server that communicates with the router via a telecommunication line; and a terminal device that communicates with the wireless LAN adapter and that includes a display. The wireless LAN adapter is connected to the LAN, acquires connection information that indicates whether the wireless LAN adapter is in communication with the router, and provides the terminal device with the connection information. The terminal device displays indicates, on the display based on the connection information, whether the air conditioner, the wireless LAN adaptor, the router, and the server are in communication with one other.