Air Conditioner Wireless Pairing Using Separate Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pairing methods for air-conditioning apparatus with wireless access points require dedicated infrared-capable access points or manual button pressing, making them inconvenient and limited in functionality.
Innovation Solution
A communication control system that includes an air-conditioning apparatus with a wireless device and an operating device capable of wirelessly pairing with a wireless access point, allowing pairing through a separate operating device without the need for dedicated hardware or manual button pressing on the air-conditioning unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pairing method using infrared remote control is used, then the air conditioner can be paired with a wireless access point, but a dedicated infrared-capable wireless access point is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the infrared mechanical system with a wireless communication system. The operating device transmits pairing request data wirelessly to the air conditioner, which then communicates with the wireless access point using standard wireless protocols, eliminating the need for infrared hardware in the access point.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner acts as an intermediary between the operating device and the wireless access point. It receives pairing requests from the operating device, generates pairing request data, transmits it to the access point, and completes the pairing process, thereby enabling standard access points to work with the system.
2Ease of operation
If a conventional pairing method requiring button pressing on the indoor unit is used, then the wireless remote control can be paired with the indoor unit, but the pairing process cannot be completed simply by operating the wireless remote control
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service pairing where the air conditioner automatically processes the pairing request. Once the operating device sends the pairing request, the air conditioner autonomously generates the pairing data, transmits it to the access point, and completes the pairing without requiring manual button pressing on the indoor unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner is prepared in advance to receive and process pairing requests. The system pre-configures the wireless device to transmit pairing request data upon receiving a signal from the operating device, enabling a streamlined one-step pairing process.
3Ease of operation
If the wireless device transmits pairing request data upon receiving a signal from the operating device, then pairing can be completed simply by operating the operating device, but the wireless device must be controlled to transmit data at the precise moment
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the air conditioner monitors and confirms the transmission of pairing request data. The controller tracks the state of the wireless device and ensures proper transmission timing, providing feedback to maintain reliable pairing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A dedicated wireless access point is not required, and an air-conditioning apparatus can be paired with a wireless access point simply by operating at hand an operating device that is separate from the air-conditioning apparatus. A remote control (15) is provided with a pairing request instruction button for instructing an air conditioner (12) to cause a first communicator serving as a wireless device of the air conditioner (12) to transmit pairing request data, and upon receiving, from the remote control (15), a signal indicating that the pairing request instruction button has been operated, the air conditioner (12) transmits pairing request data through the first communicator, completes a pairing upon receiving authentication data from a wireless AP (13), and connects to the wireless AP (13).