Variable Remote Operation Prohibition Interval for Electrical Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote control systems for electrical apparatuses, such as air conditioners, impose a fixed time interval for prohibiting remote operation after manual switching, causing inconvenience to users and limiting flexibility in safety and control.

Innovation Solution

A control system that allows remote control while maintaining safety by setting a time interval for prohibiting remote operation based on the content of the command signal, allowing the electrical apparatus to discard command signals during this interval, even if received from an operation terminal outside the predetermined transmission area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed time interval is imposed for prohibiting remote operation after manual switching, then safety is improved by preventing unauthorized remote control, but user convenience deteriorates due to unnecessary restrictions on legitimate remote operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the prohibition time interval variable rather than fixed. The control device determines the prohibition duration based on the specific operation content executed by the manual switch, allowing the system to adapt the restriction period to the actual safety needs of each operation type, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and user convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of prohibition time from a fixed value to a variable value determined by operation content. By analyzing the specific manual operation performed and setting the prohibition interval accordingly, the system optimizes the balance between preventing unauthorized remote control and allowing legitimate user operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If remote control is completely forbidden during a fixed time interval after manual operation, then safety against unauthorized control is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates as all remote operations are blocked regardless of necessity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against unauthorized controlVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of remote operations based on their specific content and context. Instead of a blanket prohibition, the system evaluates each remote operation request against the recent manual operation history and only blocks those that pose safety risks, allowing legitimate operations to proceed while maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts remote control permissions based on the type and timing of manual operations. The prohibition mechanism is not static but adapts to the specific operational context, enabling the system to maintain safety while preserving necessary operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3032840B1Control system, control method, electrical apparatus, control device, and program
Publication Date: 2019.09.25 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3032840B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3032840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3032840B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Upon receiving a command signal transmitted from a remote controller (100), based on contents of the received command signal, a setter (121b) of an electrical apparatus (12) sets a time interval for prohibition of operation from an operation terminal (101). During the time interval set by the setter (121b), an operation controller (121a) of the electrical apparatus (12) does not control based on the received command signal, even if a command signal transmitted from the operation terminal (101) is received via a HEMS controller (11).