Method and device for controlling an air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioner control devices face challenges in reliably determining the power state of ACs, especially when using toggle on/off control signals, leading to potential energy wastage and incorrect state assumptions if control signals are not properly received.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that utilize infrared transmission and microphone-based audio acknowledgment signals to determine the power state of an air conditioner by sending non-on/off control signals and measuring audio acknowledgment signals, ensuring accurate state determination through multiple signal checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a toggle on/off control signal is used to switch the AC power state, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of determining the actual power state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device sends a test control signal (other than on/off) to the AC and listens for an audio acknowledgment signal in response. If no acknowledgment is received, it indicates the AC is in off-state; if acknowledgment is received, it indicates on-state. This feedback mechanism allows reliable determination of the actual power state without compromising the ease of using toggle on/off control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary test control signal (such as temperature adjustment or fan speed control) that elicits an audio acknowledgment from the AC when in on-state. This intermediary signal serves as a probe to determine the power state without directly switching it, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Productivity
If the control device assumes the AC power state after sending a control signal, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision of the actual power state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of merely assuming the power state after sending a control signal, the device actively listens for an audio acknowledgment signal from the AC. This feedback verification ensures precise measurement of the actual power state while maintaining efficient automatic control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The AC unit itself provides the verification mechanism by emitting an audio acknowledgment signal when it receives and processes a control signal. This self-service approach allows the control device to accurately determine power state without adding external verification equipment, maintaining productivity while improving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If the control device sends multiple control signals to verify AC state, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power state verification function from the on/off control signal itself and implements it separately using a different test control signal. This allows the verification to occur in parallel with the intended control operation, improving reliability without significantly increasing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs periodic power state verification by sending test control signals at appropriate intervals during automatic control operations. This periodic verification maintains high reliability while minimizing time loss by integrating verification into the existing control cycle rather than adding separate verification steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for reliable determination of the air conditioner's power state, preventing energy wastage and ensuring accurate automatic control based on user behavior or location, even when control signals are not properly received.
Implementation Method 1
sending a first control signal which is not an on/off control signal with IR (infrared) transmission means of the control device
Implementation Method 2
measuring sounds with a microphone of the control device, determining with electronic control and evaluation means of the control device whether an audio acknowledgment signal of the AC is measured with the microphone
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a control device for controlling an air conditioner, AC. The control device comprises IR transmission means for emitting control signals to an AC; a microphone for measuring audio acknowledgement signals produced by the AC; and electronic control and evaluation means configured to determine whether sounds measured with the microphone include an audio acknowledgement signal produced by the AC, and being configured to perform a power state determination procedure to determine a power state of the AC. The power state determination comprises: sending a first control signal which is not an on/off control signal and determining whether an audio acknowledgment signal of the AC is subsequently measured, and judging whether the AC is in an off-state depending on whether an audio acknowledgment signal is measured subsequent to the sending of the first control signal. Furthermore a corresponding method for controlling an AC is disclosed.