Air-conditioning system using temperature sensor tag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning systems face challenges in controlling temperature based on a person's physical sensation, especially when the operation device is distant or not readily available in all spaces, and when using temperature distribution images and cameras becomes impractical for larger scales.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning system that includes an air conditioner, a communication unit for wireless communication, one or more wireless tags for temperature measurement and communication, and a control unit to adjust the temperature based on changes in signal strength or response time from the wireless tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is installed in the operation device (remote controller), then the temperature near the person can be measured, but the operation device is often at a place distant from the person or shared by multiple persons, making it difficult to accurately control air conditioning based on the person's physical sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless tags as intermediary devices that are placed on objects (chairs, beds, tables) where persons are likely to be present. These tags act as mediators between the air conditioner and the person, transmitting temperature data without requiring the person to hold or be near the operation device. The air conditioner receives temperature information from these intermediary tags to adjust the environment based on the person's location and physical sensation.
2Measurement precision
If temperature distribution images and captured images are used to detect temperature near a person, then relatively accurate temperature detection is possible, but equipment such as thermopile and camera is required, making it more difficult to introduce the air-conditioning system as the scale becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wireless tags that are inexpensive, simple devices compared to thermopiles and cameras. These tags can be easily deployed in large numbers across multiple spaces without requiring complex infrastructure. Each tag is a low-cost component that provides sufficient temperature measurement capability for its specific location, enabling scalable deployment across large air-conditioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the air-conditioning system into multiple independent units, each equipped with its own wireless tags and control capabilities. Instead of using a single complex centralized system with thermopiles and cameras, the solution segments the temperature detection function into multiple simple wireless tags distributed throughout the space. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If wireless tags are used for temperature measurement and wireless communication, then the system is easy to introduce and install, but the signal strength and response time may change due to interference from the human body, requiring additional control logic to determine when to use the temperature data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the air conditioner continuously monitors the signal strength and response time from wireless tags. Based on this feedback, the system determines whether the tag is being worn or carried by a person (indicated by signal changes due to body interference). Only when the feedback indicates a person is present does the system use the temperature data for air conditioning control. This feedback loop ensures reliable operation despite signal variations.
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
This system allows for effective temperature adjustment based on the temperature near the user, enhancing comfort while being easy to introduce and install, even in larger systems without the need for cameras or thermopiles.
Implementation Method 1
one or more wireless tags configured to perform wireless communication and temperature measurement
Implementation Method 2
a communication unit configured to perform wireless communication; one or more wireless tags configured to perform wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning system includes: an air conditioner; a communication unit performing wireless communication; one or more wireless tags (WTs) performing wireless communication and temperature measurement, the WTs being supplied with electric power through the wireless communication; and a control unit controlling the air-conditioning system. The WTs are located in an object on which a person is to be seated or lie in a predetermined space, and the control unit causes the air conditioner to adjust a temperature of the space on a basis of a first temperature in a case where at least one of a strength of a signal received from one of the WTs by the communication unit through the wireless communication or response time of the wireless communication between one of the WTs and the communication unit has changed, the first temperature being measured by the one of the WTs and acquired via the communication unit.