Control method of terminal device in air conditioning control system with selectable operating mode according to time and charges, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems do not provide users with clear, quantitative information on the differences between various operating modes, making it difficult for users to select the most suitable mode based on time and electricity cost considerations.

Innovation Solution

A control method for a terminal device in an air conditioning system that displays time and electricity charge information for each operating mode, allowing users to compare and select the mode that best fits their preferences by correlating these factors with the operating buttons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the air conditioner provides multiple operating modes, then the user has more choices for temperature control, but the user cannot easily compare the time and cost differences between modes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode selectionVSAvoidtime and cost information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by displaying estimated time and electricity cost information for each operating mode on the terminal device screen. This allows users to see the consequences of each mode selection before making a decision, enabling informed comparison between different operating modes based on time and cost criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal device acts as an intermediary between the air conditioner and the user. It calculates and presents the time and cost information for different operating modes, serving as a mediator that translates technical parameters into user-friendly comparative data for decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the air conditioner runs in a high-power mode to reach set temperature quickly, then the time to reach temperature is reduced, but the electricity cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime to reach set temperatureVSAvoidelectricity consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically presents different operating modes with their respective time and cost characteristics, allowing users to adjust their preferences based on real-time needs. The terminal device can update the displayed information based on current electricity rates and environmental conditions, making the system adaptable to changing circumstances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter presentation by displaying both time and cost parameters for each operating mode simultaneously. This allows users to directly compare the trade-off between speed (time parameter) and energy consumption (cost parameter) and select the mode that best matches their current priorities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the air conditioner runs in a low-power mode to reduce electricity cost, then the electricity cost is reduced, but the time to reach set temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity consumptionVSAvoidtime to reach set temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically presents different operating modes with their respective time and cost characteristics, allowing users to adjust their preferences based on real-time needs. The terminal device can update the displayed information based on current electricity rates and environmental conditions, making the system adaptable to changing circumstances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter presentation by displaying both time and cost parameters for each operating mode simultaneously. This allows users to directly compare the trade-off between speed (time parameter) and energy consumption (cost parameter) and select the mode that best matches their current priorities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of information

If the terminal device displays detailed information for each operating mode, then the user can make informed decisions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidterminal device functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information is segmented and organized by operating mode, with each mode displaying its specific time and cost characteristics. This structured presentation allows users to easily compare modes without being overwhelmed by a wall of undifferentiated data, maintaining clarity while providing comprehensive information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9810446B2Control method of terminal device in air conditioning control system with selectable operating mode according to time and charges, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program
Publication Date: 2017.11.07 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • US9810446B2 patent drawing
  • US9810446B2 patent drawing
  • US9810446B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Time information indicating a necessary amount of time for a room temperature to reach a set temperature, and charges information indicating electricity charges corresponding to an amount of electric power consumed that is necessary for the room temperature to reach the set temperature, are displayed correlated with each of a plurality of running buttons corresponding to each of a plurality of operating modes.