Air conditioner control apparatus, air conditioner control system, air conditioner control method, and storage medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner control systems face challenges in providing a comfortable air environment without making individuals conscious, particularly when controlling the wakefulness degree of multiple persons or adjusting temperatures based on clothing types.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner control apparatus that includes a history acquisition unit to process image information and acquire appearance history information of persons in a target space, and a control unit to output control information for adjusting the air conditioner based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If biological information sensors are provided for each individual to control wakefulness degree, then the control precision for each person is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image copying technology where a camera captures images of individuals, and the control apparatus creates digital copies of visual information (clothing types, postures, facial expressions) to infer wakefulness degree and control air conditioner settings, eliminating the need for physical biological sensors on each person
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/biological sensing systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of using biological information sensors (electrical/medical devices), the system uses a camera to capture images and processes visual data to determine wakefulness degree, substituting a complex mechanical sensing system with a simpler optical system
2Measurement precision
If cameras are disposed in specific positions to capture face images for wakefulness detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the installation complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera positioning universal by designing a system that can capture necessary visual information from various positions. The control apparatus processes images to extract multiple types of information (clothing types, postures, facial expressions) that collectively indicate wakefulness degree, allowing the camera to be installed in flexible locations rather than requiring specific precise positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by capturing broader scene information than traditionally required. Instead of needing precise face-only capture from specific angles, the system captures images that include clothing types, postures, and facial expressions, using multiple visual cues to compensate for less precise camera positioning
3Ease of operation
If air conditioner control is based on conscious user input, then the ease of operation is improved, but the automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control where the air conditioner automatically adjusts its operation based on visual information about the users. The control apparatus autonomously determines wakefulness degree from images and controls the air conditioner without requiring users to consciously input commands, achieving both ease of operation and high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the camera continuously monitors users, the control apparatus processes visual information to determine wakefulness degree, and the air conditioner adjusts settings accordingly. This automatic feedback mechanism eliminates the need for conscious user input while maintaining appropriate temperature control
4Measurement precision
If multiple biological information sensors are used to detect heartbeat and breathing, then the wakefulness degree measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single imaging system. Instead of using separate sensors for heartbeat, breathing, and other biological signals, the system uses a camera to capture visual information (clothing types, postures, facial expressions) that collectively provide wakefulness degree information, combining multiple measurement approaches into one integrated system
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus (103) includes a history acquisition unit (104) and a control unit (105). The history acquisition unit (104) processes image information including an image in which a target space is captured, and acquires appearance history information (106a) including a history of appearances of one or more persons being active in the target space. The control unit (105) outputs control information for controlling an air conditioner (102), based on the appearance history information (106a).