Remote Controller Human Detection for Occupancy-Based Air Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-conditioning systems fail to effectively control temperature settings based on actual human presence, leading to inefficient energy consumption and inadequate comfort due to limited sensor placement and installation constraints.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a remote controller with a human detection sensor that allows for flexible placement and adjustment of sensors to detect presence or absence, enabling dynamic temperature control based on occupancy patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If human detection sensors are provided in the air-conditioning apparatus, then the air-conditioning apparatus can be controlled to match actual activities of a person, but the installed number of sensors cannot be increased and their positions cannot be flexibly changed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of sensor placementVSAvoidsensor installation constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented from the air-conditioning apparatus into independent portable remote controllers. Each remote controller contains its own human detection sensor, allowing multiple sensors to be distributed throughout the space without modifying the central air-conditioning unit. This segmentation enables flexible placement of sensors in different locations to match actual occupancy patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portable remote controller serves as an intermediary device between the user and the air-conditioning apparatus. It incorporates the human detection sensor and communicates with the air-conditioning system via wireless communication, eliminating the need to integrate sensors directly into the air-conditioning apparatus while still enabling occupancy-based control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If human detection sensors are installed in a room, then the number of sensors can be increased, but it is impossible to readily change the installed positions of sensors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of sensorsVSAvoidease of repositioning sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system transitions from a static, fixed installation to a dynamic, mobile configuration. Portable remote controllers with integrated sensors can be freely moved and repositioned by users according to changing occupancy patterns and needs, enabling the system to adapt dynamically without requiring professional installation or structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Users can independently deploy, reposition, and configure multiple portable remote controllers with human detection sensors without requiring professional installation services. The wireless communication capability allows users to easily set up and adjust the sensor network themselves to match their occupancy patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If control is based on a preset operation schedule, then low-power consumption is achieved, but processing of determination as to the presence or absence of a person is not incorporated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidlack of occupancy information
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates real-time occupancy feedback through human detection sensors in portable remote controllers. This feedback information is transmitted wirelessly to the air-conditioning apparatus, enabling the system to adjust its operation based on actual presence or absence of persons, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining comfort when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The portable remote controllers perform preliminary detection of occupancy status and transmit this information to the air-conditioning apparatus before scheduling operations. This allows the system to pre-adjust settings based on predicted or detected occupancy patterns, combining schedule-based low-power operation with real-time occupancy awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for optimal comfort while reducing energy consumption by ensuring the necessary number of sensors can be placed at appropriate positions, adapting to changing occupancy patterns and optimizing energy usage.

Implementation Method 1

a human detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a person

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2865959B1Air-conditioning system
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2865959B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2865959B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2865959B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A remote controller 73 and an air-conditioning apparatus are provided. The remote controller 73 includes an operation unit 301, a human detection sensor 401, a transmission/reception unit 701, and a processor 601. The human detection sensor 401 detects the presence or absence of a person, and generates a presence/absence detection signal representing a result of detection of the presence or absence of a person. The processor 601 transmits a schedule operation signal and the presence/absence detection signal to the air-conditioning apparatus. The air-conditioning apparatus includes a heat-source-side control section 71 that controls the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus based on the schedule operation signal and the presence/absence detection signal.