Air-conditioning control device and air-conditioning control system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air-conditioning control devices cannot provide area-specific operation controls for multiple air conditioners, leading to inefficient energy usage and comfort issues due to the lack of differentiation in controlling identical indoor apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning control device with an image analysis unit, air-conditioning communication line connection units, and an air-conditioning control unit that manages the operating states of air conditioners, analyzes image information from sensors to determine the presence and location of individuals in each area, and adjusts air conditioning settings accordingly, providing area-specific operation controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If infrared radiation is used to wirelessly send control signals in all directions, then control coverage is improved, but area-specific control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple directional transmission units, each responsible for a specific spatial sector. The control device segments the 360-degree coverage area into multiple zones and assigns dedicated transmission units to each zone, enabling independent control of air conditioners in different areas while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling each directional transmission unit to send control signals with area-specific parameters tailored to its designated zone. Different control parameters (temperature, operation mode, timing) can be applied to different spatial regions based on local conditions such as occupancy detected by image sensors.
2Device complexity
If manual operation of remotes is used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically performs air conditioner control operations without requiring user intervention. It autonomously detects occupancy through image sensors, determines appropriate control parameters, and sends commands to air conditioners. The system also automatically stops air conditioners in unoccupied areas, eliminating energy waste while maintaining simple operation for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors occupancy status through image sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust air conditioner operation. When sensors detect that an area is unoccupied, the control device automatically stops the air conditioners in that area, preventing energy waste. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains energy efficiency without complicating the user interface.
3Loss of energy
If automatic occupancy detection is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated image-based detection and electronic control. Image sensors capture visual information about occupancy, and the control device processes this information electronically to automatically adjust air conditioner operations. This substitution eliminates the need for manual remote operations while implementing sophisticated energy-saving control strategies.
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
Enables energy-saving and comfort-enhancing controls by automatically adjusting air conditioning settings based on the number of people and locations in each area, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort without manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
an image analysis unit to analyze image information obtained from an image sensor and to ascertain a person in each of air conditioning areas
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning control device controlling operation of a plurality of air conditioners, includes: an air conditioner management unit managing operating states of the air conditioners; an image analysis unit analyzing image information obtained from an image sensor and ascertaining a person in each of air conditioning areas that are subjected to controlled air conditioning by the air conditioners; air-conditioning communication line connection units corresponding respectively to the air conditioning areas and connectable with air-conditioning communication lines connected to the air conditioners; an air-conditioning communication line connection determination unit capable of determining whether or not the air conditioners are connected to the air-conditioning communication line connection units via the air-conditioning communication lines; and an air-conditioning control unit providing, based on the number of persons in each air conditioning area, air conditioning area-specific operation control for the air conditioners connected to the air-conditioning communication line connection units via the air-conditioning communication lines.