Air Conditioner Support via GPS-Based Model Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of air-conditioning apparatus face difficulties in determining whether unusual states are due to failures or normal operations, leading to uncertainty and inefficiency in diagnosing issues without access to manuals or internet resources.

Innovation Solution

An air-conditioning apparatus support system utilizing a multifunctional mobile communication device with GPS, image capturing, and internet connectivity to register and identify the apparatus, providing users with quick and easy access to information about the apparatus' state through a smartphone application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If users consult instruction manuals or HP websites to determine apparatus state, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but time and effort are spent and access may be unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to diagnostic informationVSAvoidtime to determine apparatus state
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-registers the air-conditioning apparatus model information in the center computer before any diagnostic query occurs. When the smartphone is activated near the apparatus, the model is automatically identified and registered, so that diagnostic information is immediately available without requiring users to manually search manuals or websites at the moment of need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a center computer as an intermediary between the air-conditioning apparatus and the user's smartphone. This mediator automatically retrieves and provides diagnostic information based on the identified apparatus model, eliminating the need for users to directly access manuals or websites and significantly reducing the time and effort required to obtain accurate diagnostic information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If voice notification device outputs only 'No abnormality' when no error flag is stored, then simple notification is provided, but user doubts are not resolved and credibility is undermined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of notificationVSAvoidinformation about apparatus state
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system dynamically adapts its response based on the user's specific query and the apparatus's actual state. Rather than always outputting a fixed 'No abnormality' message, the system provides customized information relevant to the user's concerns, such as explaining normal operating conditions that may appear abnormal to users, thereby maintaining simplicity while providing comprehensive information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the user's specific doubts or questions about apparatus state are acknowledged and addressed with appropriate information. The center computer retrieves and provides specific operational information or explanations that directly respond to user concerns, transforming a simple binary notification into an informative dialogue that resolves user doubts while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2975331B1Support system of air conditioner
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2975331B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2975331B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2975331B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An air-conditioning apparatus support system 1000 has a smartphone 200 including a GPS 204, a camera 202, a communication unit 203 that communicates with a center computer 400, a screen 201, and a control unit 205. When the control unit 205 is activated at a location at which the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is installed, the control unit 205 executes a step of assuming a location detected by the GPS 204 to be the location at which the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is installed and causing the center computer 400 to register the location, and, after registration has been made, when the control unit 205 is activated at the location at which the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is installed, in the case where the air-conditioning apparatus 100 is registered in the center computer 400, the control unit 205 causes the screen 201 to display information about the air-conditioning apparatus 100.