Input device and air conditioner including the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioner control systems lack a user-friendly and convenient method for remotely controlling temperature settings and interacting with external devices, limiting user input and integration with other home appliances.
Innovation Solution
An input device with a display unit, communication unit, and interface unit that allows users to control air conditioner operations, including temperature settings, and transmit this information to external devices, enabling remote control and integration with other home appliances through wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional air conditioner control system is used, then the basic temperature control function is provided, but the user convenience and ease of operation are limited due to lack of remote control capability and integration with external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a remote control for the air conditioner, provides a display interface for temperature information, and acts as a communication hub that transmits temperature settings to external devices. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling both ease of operation through remote control and adaptability through external device integration within a single device
Solution Approach 2:
The input device functions as an intermediary between the user and the air conditioner system. It receives user input, displays temperature information, communicates with the air conditioner via wireless communication, and transmits control signals to external devices. This intermediary role enables convenient user operation while facilitating integration with external devices through the interface unit
2Ease of operation
If remote control capability is added to the air conditioner system, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional communication and interface units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the remote control receiver, display unit, communication unit, and interface unit into a single integrated input device. By merging these previously separate components into one unified device, the system enables remote control functionality while managing device complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate components
3Adaptability or versatility
If an interface unit for external device communication is integrated, then adaptability and integration capability are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface unit is designed with multi-functionality to communicate with various types of external devices (televisions, audio equipment, etc.) through a unified protocol. This universal interface approach enhances adaptability and integration capability while managing device complexity by using a standardized communication method rather than requiring separate interfaces for each device type
Data Source
AI summary
An input device and an air conditioner including the same, wherein the input device receives operation input of an air conditioner including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and the input device includes a display unit, a communication unit to communicate with the indoor unit, an interface unit to provide an interface for exchanging data with an external device, and a controller to perform control such that a home screen including a plurality of icon items is displayed on the display unit and to perform control such that temperature information set through a temperature setting item in the home screen is transmitted to the external device through the interface unit.