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, particularly when using toggle on/off control signals, leading to potential false assumptions about the AC's state and energy wastage due to improper signal reception.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a power state determination procedure that sends non-on/off control signals and measures audio acknowledgment signals using IR transmission and microphone capabilities to accurately assess the AC's power state, ensuring reliable determination by confirming the absence of beeps after multiple signals, thereby preventing false judgments.
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 AC power state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses the microphone to capture audio feedback from the AC unit and analyzes it to determine whether the AC is in on-state or off-state. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify the actual power state after sending control signals, resolving the unreliability of toggle signals by providing independent verification through audio analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The audio signal serves as an intermediary that indirectly indicates the AC power state. Instead of directly reading the power state, the system uses the microphone to capture and analyze audio characteristics (presence or absence of operational sounds) that mediate between the control signal and the actual power state determination
2Productivity
If the control device assumes the AC is turned off after sending a control signal, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision of the AC power state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device sends a control signal to turn off the AC and then performs preliminary verification by capturing and analyzing audio signals to confirm the AC is actually off before concluding the power state determination. This preliminary action prevents false assumptions while maintaining efficient operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical or electrical state detection with acoustic field detection. The microphone captures audio signals in the acoustic field to determine the AC power state, substituting traditional direct measurement methods with acoustic-based indirect measurement that provides more reliable precision
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 AC's power state, preventing energy wastage and ensuring accurate control, even when toggle on/off signals are used, by confirming the AC's state through multiple signal checks and audio acknowledgment measurements.
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 sounds measured with the microphone include an audio acknowledgement signal produced by the AC
Data Source
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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 procedure comprises: sending a first control signal which is not a on/off control signal and determining whether an audio acknowledgment signal of the AC is subsequently measured, and judging whether or not 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.