Car-Based Terminal for Unified Multi-Air-Conditioner Remote Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote air conditioner control systems require users to perform multiple operations when controlling multiple air conditioners from a car, which is inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when the user wants to perform operations quickly, such as at a red light.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows a user to remotely operate multiple air conditioners from a car by displaying a single common instruction on a terminal apparatus for starting a remote operation, reducing the need for multiple inputs and providing individual notifications for each air conditioner, thus simplifying the control process and increasing safety while driving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user remotely controls multiple air conditioners using existing systems, then all air conditioners can be controlled, but the user must perform multiple operations which is time-consuming and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of remote control operationVSAvoidtime required for remote control operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple air conditioner control operations into a single unified operation. When the terminal detects that the car is within the service area of multiple air conditioners, it presents a single selection opportunity to the user, allowing control of multiple units simultaneously through one operation rather than requiring separate operations for each air conditioner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the car's position relative to multiple air conditioners before presenting control options to the user. By pre-identifying which air conditioners are within service range and preparing a consolidated control interface, the system eliminates the need for users to perform multiple sequential operations, reducing both time and effort required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the user remotely controls multiple air conditioners one by one, then each air conditioner receives control signals, but the operational complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of control signal deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of control process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control signal transmissions into a single unified process. The terminal apparatus sends control signals to multiple air conditioners simultaneously through one operational sequence, rather than requiring separate control processes for each unit, thereby maintaining reliable delivery while significantly reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the control process by first identifying target air conditioners based on car position, then presenting a consolidated control interface. This segmentation allows the complex multi-unit control to be broken into manageable stages: detection, selection, and unified execution, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system provides individual control options for each air conditioner, then users have precise control, but the number of operations required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of control optionsVSAvoidsimplicity of remote control interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal control interface that can handle multiple air conditioners simultaneously. The single selection mechanism serves multiple functions: it identifies target units, presents control options, and executes commands across all selected air conditioners, providing versatility without sacrificing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides partial control by offering a consolidated view of multiple air conditioners with a single selection opportunity, rather than requiring complete individual control of each unit. This partial action approach maintains ease of operation while still providing sufficient flexibility for most user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2950012B1Method for controlling terminal apparatus that remotely controls air conditioner, non-transitory recording medium storing program executed by terminal apparatus, and terminal apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.08.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

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AI summary

The present application discloses a method for controlling a terminal apparatus that is used for an appliance control system for executing a remote operation on a plurality of air conditioners from a car. The method includes a first judgment step of causing a computer of the terminal apparatus to judge, based on setting information stored in a memory of the terminal apparatus, whether or not the plurality of air conditioners include a plurality of target appliances to be operated that are subjected to the remote operation; a second judgment step of causing the computer to judge whether or not the car exists in a control region; a first display step of causing a display of the terminal apparatus to display a start instruction image; an output step of causing the computer to output control data for starting the remote operation to the network; and a second display step of causing the display to display a plurality of notification images indicating that the control data has been transmitted to the plurality of target appliances to be operated.