Remote control device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote control devices for air-conditioning and similar apparatuses require users to press buttons to set and confirm operation states, leading to inefficient setting and confirmation operations as the available settings are only known after operation, necessitating tentative button presses.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with an operation unit and a display unit controlled by a controller that shows the types and ranges of operation states that can be switched and set, allowing users to confirm settings without operating the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation unit is operated to set the operation state, then the setting function is achieved, but unnecessary button presses occur reducing setting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit displays the type and range of operable operation states before the user actually operates the operation unit. This preliminary display of available settings allows users to plan their button presses in advance, eliminating the need for tentative presses and improving setting operation efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the operation unit is operated to confirm the operation state type and range, then the confirmation function is achieved, but operation efficiency is reduced due to required apparatus interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit creates a visual copy or representation of the available operation states and their ranges, allowing users to confirm settings by viewing the display rather than by actually operating the apparatus. This copying approach simplifies the confirmation process and eliminates the need for complex interaction with the air-conditioning apparatus itself.
3Loss of information
If the display unit shows operation state information, then information availability is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit serves multiple functions: it displays current operation state information, shows the type of operation states that can be set, and indicates the range of operable values. By consolidating these multiple information-display functions into a single universal display interface, the patent provides comprehensive information without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote control device according to the present invention includes an operation unit for switching and setting an operation state of an apparatus performing at least one of a heating operation and a cooling operation, a display unit that displays a screen on which an operation at the operation unit is reflected, and a controller that controls a display operation of the display unit. The controller causes the display unit to display at least one of a type and a range of an operation state that is able to be switched and set by the operation unit.