Apparatus and method for controlling temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners lack the ability to automatically adjust temperature based on a user's sleep state, specifically distinguishing between deep sleep and REM sleep, which can lead to discomfort and inefficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control apparatus that uses a vision camera to detect user movement and determine their sleep state, allowing for automatic temperature adjustments by controlling the air conditioner's operation based on whether the user is in a deep sleep or REM sleep state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the air conditioner operates based on a fixed temperature preset by the user, then the operation is simple and stable, but the user cannot automatically adjust the temperature during sleep, leading to reduced comfort and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air conditioner automatically detects the user's sleep state through camera-based movement analysis and autonomously adjusts the temperature without requiring user intervention. The system monitors movement magnitude over time periods, identifies sleep states (deep sleep vs. REM sleep), and automatically modifies temperature settings according to the detected state, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual temperature adjustment mechanisms with an automated detection and control system. Instead of mechanical or manual thermostat adjustments, the system uses vision-based movement detection, processing algorithms to analyze movement patterns, and electronic control to automatically adjust temperature, substituting physical user interaction with an automated sensing and control mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioner uses a vision camera to detect user movement and determine sleep state, then automatic temperature control according to sleep state is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vision camera system serves multiple functions: it detects user presence, monitors movement patterns, determines sleep states (deep sleep and REM sleep), and provides the basis for temperature control decisions. By making the detection system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate specialized sensors for each function, thereby reducing the overall complexity increase while achieving adaptable sleep-state-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The processing algorithm acts as an intermediary that translates raw camera movement data into meaningful sleep state classifications. Rather than requiring complex direct sensor-to-control connections, the system uses the processing algorithm to interpret movement magnitude and time patterns, bridge the gap between detection and control, and make intelligent decisions about temperature adjustment based on inferred sleep states
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a temperature control apparatus and method. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature control apparatus includes a sensor portion including a sensor configured to detect motion and a sensor configured to measure a temperature, and at least one processor configured to detect the movement of an object while the air conditioner based on a first temperature is operating in a sleep control mode, based on an amount of movement of the object being less than a predetermined amount and an operation time period of the air conditioner at the first temperature being exceeding a first threshold time period, control the air volume controller to operate the air conditioner based on the second temperature based on an operation time period of the air conditioner at the second temperature being exceeding a second threshold time period, control an air volume controller to operate the air conditioner.