Signal processing device and control system.

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for managing multiple apparatuses are complex and prone to operation failures when using infrared remote controllers, leading to inconsistent behavior and undesired states in apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

An operating system and information processing device that can control both infrared-operable and network-operable apparatuses, using an input receiving device, operation information analyzing unit, control instruction determination unit, and infrared output device to ensure reliable operation and minimize operation failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an infrared remote controller is used to operate an apparatus, then the apparatus can be controlled, but the state where the behavior differs from the operation made (operation failed state) cannot be recognized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus controlVSAvoidoperation success verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the information processing device receives operational status information from the apparatus and compares it with the intended operation. This allows the system to detect when the apparatus behavior does not match the expected outcome of the infrared control command, enabling recognition and correction of operation failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple apparatuses are centralized in one operating device, then operation complexity increases, but the variety of operation input methods also increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation input methodsVSAvoidapparatus management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an information processing device as an intermediary between the operating device and multiple apparatuses. This intermediary handles the complexity of managing various operation input methods and apparatus protocols, allowing the operating device to maintain versatility while the intermediary manages the underlying complexity of coordinating multiple apparatuses with different control methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If environmental information detection is added to verify apparatus control, then reliability of control determination improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses environmental information detection as part of a feedback loop to verify apparatus control. Sensors detect environmental changes that should result from apparatus operation (such as temperature changes from an air conditioner), and this information is fed back to the information processing device to confirm whether the control was successful, thereby improving reliability through empirical verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3654662B1Signal processing device and control system.
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3654662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3654662B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3654662B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operating system that can control any apparatus is provided. The operating system (1001) includes an input receiving device (1060), a first information processing device (1100), a second information processing device (1200), and an infrared output device (1070). The operating system (1001) operates a first-type apparatus (1010) operable by communication of an infrared pattern and a second-type apparatus (1020) operable via a network. The first information processing device (1100) is connected to the input receiving device (1060) and configured to analyze operation information corresponding to an input operation. The second information processing device (1200) is configured to control the second-type apparatus (1020) (controlled apparatus (B)) via the network based on a control instruction. The infrared output device (1070) is configured to output an infrared pattern corresponding to a control instruction to the first-type apparatus (1010) (controlled apparatus (A)).