Method and apparatus for commanding temperatures targeted by air conditioner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air conditioning systems with central heating require complex and time-consuming operations to set target temperatures for different periods, which can be difficult for users, especially children and seniors, due to small screen sizes and lack of intuitive controls, leading to usability issues and potential erroneous settings.
Innovation Solution
An air conditioning operation apparatus with a touch panel and display unit that allows users to set target temperatures and periods by dragging movable border lines and temperature lines, providing visual indicators and automatic resetting of temperatures, enabling simple and accurate control with reduced risk of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual setting buttons are provided for each period and temperature change, then precise temperature control is achieved, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual setting buttons into a single slider bar that allows simultaneous adjustment of temperature and period. Instead of requiring separate button presses for each temperature increment and period change, the slider bar integrates these functions into one continuous control mechanism, resolving the contradiction between precise control and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical slider bar interface that adds a visual dimension to temperature and period setting. Rather than using discrete buttons in one dimension, the slider bar provides a continuous visual scale where users can see their selections and make adjustments intuitively, improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If the screen size is increased to improve cursor positioning accuracy, then temperature setting accuracy improves, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from button-based control to a graphical slider bar interface that utilizes vertical screen space. This dimensional change allows for larger, more easily targetable control elements without increasing the physical apparatus size, as the slider bar can be displayed vertically along the side of the screen, accommodating users with less precise cursor control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the interaction parameter from discrete button clicks to continuous slider positioning. This allows for larger hit targets and more forgiving control, improving accessibility for users who struggle with precise cursor movement, while maintaining the same physical apparatus size.
3Measurement precision
If multiple buttons are required for period and temperature adjustment, then precise control is achieved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges period selection and temperature adjustment into a single integrated slider bar interface. Users can adjust both parameters simultaneously through one graphical control element, eliminating the need for multiple sequential button presses and significantly reducing the time required to configure settings while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider bar interface allows users to visually preview and adjust settings before final confirmation. This preliminary visual adjustment reduces the need for multiple correction operations and enables faster setting of both period and temperature in a single continuous action rather than multiple discrete steps.
Data Source
AI summary
On the screen of a display unit, period border lines are displayed. The period border lines divide hours (for example 24 hours) for a user's desired one day into a plurality of periods and present line segments movable on the screen in a predetermined direction. Each of the line segments acts as a border lien between mutually adjacent periods. On the screen, target temperatures which are set for the respective periods are also displayed. Dragging the period border liens (K1 to K4) so as to move on the screen makes it possible to move a start time and a stop time of mutually adjacent periods are changed simultaneously. In addition to this change, target temperatures which were set before the change are reset for changed periods.