Air conditioning system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of air conditioning systems face inconvenience and unnecessary effort due to the requirement of updating the air conditioning management program every year, even when the air conditioner's functions have not changed, as existing systems prompt for version updates with each new model release.
Innovation Solution
The air conditioning system stores installed function information in the air conditioner, allowing the management program to generate appropriate screen images based on this information, eliminating the need for frequent updates on the mobile terminal and enabling remote management without direct connection to a public network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the air conditioning management program is updated every year with new model releases, then the system can support new air conditioner functions, but users experience unnecessary inconvenience and time loss when their air conditioner functions have not changed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different air conditioner models by reading function information from the air conditioner itself rather than requiring static program updates. The management program automatically adjusts its behavior based on the detected air conditioner type and installed functions, eliminating the need for users to manually update the program when switching between models.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner provides self-identification by transmitting its model information and installed function data to the management program. This allows the management program to automatically configure itself for the connected air conditioner without requiring user intervention or program updates, as the air conditioner itself supplies the necessary configuration information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the management program is updated to support new functions, then new air conditioner features become accessible, but the update task becomes mandatory and time-consuming for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by having the air conditioner transmit its function information automatically when first connected. The management program uses this pre-provided information to configure itself immediately, eliminating the need for subsequent update tasks. The configuration is established in advance through automatic detection rather than requiring user-initiated updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The management program changes its operational parameters dynamically based on the detected air conditioner model and installed functions. Rather than requiring fixed program versions for different models, the system adjusts its parameters according to the actual air conditioner capabilities, allowing a single universal program to support multiple models without updates.
3Ease of operation
If direct public network connection is implemented in air conditioners, then remote management becomes more straightforward, but system complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile terminal and the air conditioner. The air conditioner connects only to the server through simple communication protocols, while the server handles complex public network communications, authentication, and data routing. This intermediary approach simplifies the air conditioner's network requirements while maintaining full remote management functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the network communication functionality into separate components: the air conditioner handles only local communication with the server, the server manages public network connectivity and protocol translation, and the mobile terminal provides user interface and control. This segmentation allows each component to have simplified requirements while achieving complex overall functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air conditioning system (100) comprising air conditioners (10a, 10b ... ) has one or more than one installed function of multiple functions; and a mobile terminal (50) carried by a user of the air conditioners (10a, 10b, ...), and further has an air conditioning management program for management of the air conditioners (10a, 10b, ...). The air conditioners (10a, 10b, ...) store installed function information (18a), which is information classifying a multitude of functions with which the air conditioners (10a, 10b,...) are potentially provided into functions that are actually installed in the air conditioners (10a, 10b, ...) and functions that are not installed. Information intermediation devices (40, 20a, 20b ... ) carry out exchange of installed function information (18a) between the air conditioners (10a, 10b, ...) and the mobile terminal (50), using a communication network (80), and the air conditioning management program (54) of the mobile terminal reads out the installed function information (18a) via the information intermediation devices (40, 20a, 20b,...), and generates, in accordance with the installed function information (18a), an air conditioner management screen image displayed on a display (55) of the mobile terminal (50).