Air-Conditioning Terminal Image Recognition for Multi-Outlet Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air conditioner operation systems do not provide a method to adjust wind direction and air volume for each air outlet in indoor units with multiple outlets.

Innovation Solution

An air-conditioning operation terminal that acquires and processes images of the air conditioner's indoor unit with multiple air outlets, identifies each outlet using a template image, and displays the outlet identifiers on the image, allowing users to adjust settings for specific outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a terminal device is used to control air conditioner operations, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to adjust each air outlet individually is lost when multiple air outlets are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal device operationVSAvoidindividual air outlet adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the control interface by displaying each air outlet separately in the captured image and allowing independent selection and adjustment of each outlet's parameters (wind direction, air volume) through individual touch operations on the display screen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The captured image of the air conditioner serves as an intermediary between the user and the multiple air outlets, enabling the user to identify and select specific outlets visually before adjusting their parameters through the terminal device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If air outlet identification is implemented in captured images, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to image processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair outlet specificationVSAvoidimage processing function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a visual copy of the air conditioner's appearance through captured images and displays this copy on the terminal device screen, allowing users to interact with the image representation rather than the physical unit directly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system enhances visual identification by superimposing different color markings on different air outlets in the captured image, enabling users to easily distinguish and identify each outlet's location and corresponding control area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS12345430B2Air-conditioning operation terminal, computer-readable medium and air-conditioning system

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

An image acquisition unit (211) acquires a photographed image obtained by photographing an air-conditioning indoor unit including a plurality of air outlets. An image collation unit (212) collates a template image wherein an air-conditioning indoor unit of a same type as the air-conditioning indoor unit is shown with the photographed image. An air outlet identification unit (213) determines an air outlet identifier of each air outlet in the photographed image based on a collation result, and on air outlet identification data indicating an air outlet identifier to be associated with each air outlet in the template image. An identification result display unit (214) displays the photographed image by superimposing the air outlet identifier on each air outlet in the photographed image.