Method and apparatus for processing information

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioner systems fail to maintain a comfortable thermal environment throughout sleep due to constant temperature and humidity control methods, which do not account for the body's natural temperature rhythm and can cause noise and direct air contact issues.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that acquire temperature and humidity data, adjust air blow control to minimize noise and direct air contact, and dynamically adjust temperature and humidity settings based on the sleep state and biological information to create a comfortable sleeping environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If constant temperature and humidity control is used, then thermal comfort is maintained initially, but comfortability deteriorates during sleep due to body's natural temperature rhythm

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor temperatureVSAvoidcomfortability during sleep
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant temperature control to dynamic temperature control that adapts to the sleeper's body temperature rhythm. The system detects sleep state through sensors and adjusts temperature settings in real-time, making the control system movable and adjustable rather than fixed, thereby maintaining comfortability throughout different sleep phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect sleep state and body temperature, then using this information to adjust temperature and humidity control. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to the sleeper's physiological changes and maintain optimal thermal comfort throughout the night.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Temperature

If strong air blow is used for cooling, then cooling effect is improved, but noise and direct air contact increase causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidnoise and direct air contact
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adjusting air blow characteristics based on the sleeper's position and needs. Instead of uniform strong cooling throughout, the system provides localized gentle air movement that avoids direct contact with the sleeper while still achieving effective cooling through targeted airflow distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes air blow parameters (flow rate, direction, temperature) dynamically based on detected sleep state. During deep sleep, the system reduces air blow intensity and adjusts direction to minimize direct contact, while maintaining cooling effectiveness through parameter optimization rather than constant high-intensity airflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3674620B1Method and apparatus for processing information
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3674620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3674620B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3674620B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for processing information includes: acquiring at least a temperature and a humidity measured by a sensor disposed in a space where a sleeping person exists and an air conditioner is provided; acquiring falling-asleep decision information for deciding whether the person falls asleep; determining air blow control information concerning an air blow to bring an indicative value indicating a thermal condition to a target value by using at least the acquired temperature and humidity after deciding based on the acquired falling-asleep decision information that the person falls asleep; and controlling the air blow of the air conditioner by using the determined air blow control information.