Voice-Control Selection for Multi-Unit Air Conditioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems require more time and effort for voice-control, especially when multiple devices need to be controlled, leading to increased word count in voice commands, which decreases user convenience.

Innovation Solution

An air conditioning system that selects the appropriate option without explicit voice direction, using a selector to reduce the number of words needed in voice messages and provide user-friendly information, allowing for device specification regardless of predetermined conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If voice-control is used to operate multiple air conditioning devices, then the system can be controlled without physical contact, but the number of words in voice commands increases and user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoice-control convenienceVSAvoidtime and effort for voice input
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies the target air conditioning device based on operational data and control history without requiring the user to explicitly specify the device in the voice command. The controller autonomously determines which device should be controlled, making the system serve itself by eliminating the need for device specification in voice input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes control patterns by storing control history and operational data before the voice command is given. When a voice command is received, the controller quickly retrieves and applies pre-processed information to identify the target device, reducing the time needed for device selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple air conditioning devices are included in the system, then the system can control more spaces, but the complexity of voice commands increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of controllable devicesVSAvoidvoice command structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies the target air conditioning device based on operational data and control history without requiring the user to explicitly specify the device in the voice command. The controller autonomously determines which device should be controlled, making the system serve itself by eliminating the need for device specification in voice input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If explicit device specification is required in voice commands, then the correct device can be identified, but the number of words in the command increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice identification accuracyVSAvoidvoice input length
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies the target air conditioning device based on operational data and control history without requiring the user to explicitly specify the device in the voice command. The controller autonomously determines which device should be controlled, making the system serve itself by eliminating the need for device specification in voice input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses control history and operational data as feedback to learn and predict which device the user intends to control. This feedback mechanism allows the system to accurately identify the target device based on patterns in previous control actions, eliminating the need for explicit device specification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3885663B1Air conditioning system
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3885663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3885663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3885663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air conditioning system is improved in user convenience for voice input. An air conditioner (21) and an air cleaner (22) output first detection information and second detection information detected by indoor temperature sensors (31 and 32) as first and second detectors and relevant to a voice direction inputted to input-output device (200). A selector (153) is configured to acquire direction information indicating the direction, and select, in order to cope with the direction, from among an option (a) of selecting the first detection information, an option (b) of selecting the second detection information, and an option (c) of selecting both the first detection information and the second detection information, one of the option (a) and the option (b) or any one of the option (a), the option (b), and the option (c). A transmitter (152) transmits, to the input-output device (200), output information for output of the input-output device (200) in accordance with the option selected by the selector (153).