Air Conditioner Projector Integration for Surface Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners lack the ability to project text, images, or moving images from inside the unit to the outer surface, limiting their interactive and informational capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioner with a projector and controller system that allows images to be projected onto a display plate and optionally reflected through mirrors to be displayed on the outer surface, enabling selective image output based on user distance and operation mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a projector is installed inside the air conditioner to project images onto the main body surface, then the information display capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the projector function with the air conditioner main body, integrating multiple functions (cooling/heating and information display) into a single device. The projector is installed inside the housing and uses the existing structural components (housing surface, openings) for image display, thereby merging the projection system with the air conditioner structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner main body serves multiple purposes: it functions as both the housing for refrigeration components and as a projection surface for displaying information. The housing surface acts as a universal element that simultaneously provides structural support and serves as a display medium, eliminating the need for separate display devices.
2Illumination intensity
If the projector projects images through the display plate, then the image visibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the display plate as a transparent or translucent medium that allows images to be projected from the interior of the housing to the exterior surface. This approach adds a dimensional aspect to the display system by using the housing wall itself as a projection medium, enabling images to appear on the outer surface without requiring additional external display components.
3Area of stationary object
If mirrors are added to reflect images to the periphery of the housing, then the display coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the display area by reflecting images through mirrors to the peripheral surfaces of the housing. This approach utilizes the three-dimensional structure of the housing to distribute images across multiple surfaces (front surface and side surfaces), effectively increasing the total display area without requiring additional external display devices.
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
Enhances user interaction and information display by projecting images onto the air conditioner's surface or periphery, improving user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The housing may further include a plurality of mirrors, and the image that is output from the projector may be reflected through the plurality of mirrors
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioner having a projector and a method for controlling the same output an image to a display plate of the air conditioner and to the periphery of the air conditioner.