Description:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to a field of air conditioners. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an air-conditioner controlling system.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Conventional air-conditioners are controlled via physical infra-red based AC remote which is non-smart and non-communicable. Thus, causes significant inconvenience in usage and energy wastage in AC if the temperature of the AC is not controlled properly. Mostly, users switch ON the AC’s and continue to maintain the set temperature at a lower temperature level and forget to switch OFF the AC. If the AC is installed remotely, the user cannot monitor and control the temperature of the room in which the AC is installed. Also, if different make of AC’s are available in a particular house then, it is very difficult to manage multiple make of remotes to control the temperature of the AC and further to control its operation. And sometimes the remotes are not functional and therefore user sets the temperature of the AC to a fixed temperature preferably a lower temperature to avoid multiple operations.
There is, therefore, felt a need to develop an air-conditioner controlling system to alleviate the aforementioned disadvantages.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioner (AC) controlling system.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioner (AC) controlling system, which can convert any type AC unit into smart AC at minimal cost.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioner (AC) controlling system, which can monitor and manage AC temperature from any anywhere.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioner (AC) controlling system, which is easy to use and save electrical energy.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioner (AC) controlling system, which can control AC’s of different make using a single application interface.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to an air-conditioner (AC) controlling system. The air-conditioner includes an infrared (IR) sensor, an infrared demodulator and a first processing module. The infrared (IR) sensor is configured to receive at least one control signal in a form of an IR light signal(s). The infrared demodulator is configured to convert the received IR light signal(s) into a digital signal(s). The first processing module is configured to process the digital signal(s) to control the operation of AC accordingly.
The system comprises a user device and a wireless control device. The user device is employed with an application interface is configured to receive at least one input relating to control AC from a user. The wireless control device is communicably coupled to the user device over a wireless network. The wireless control device comprises a wireless transceiver, a second processing module, an IR modulator, and an IR light emitting diode (LED). The wireless transceiver is configured to receive the control signal from a user device employed with an application interface. The second processing module is coupled to the wireless transceiver is configured to convert the control signal into digital signal(s). The IR modulator is configured to convert the digital signal(s) into a modulated digital signal(s). The IR light emitting diode (LED) is configured to be in a line-of-sight with the IR sensor, the IR LED is further configured to receive the modulated digital signal(s) from the IR modulator and to generate IR light signal(s).
In an embodiment, the wireless control device is configured to be retrofittable into the AC.
In an embodiment, the wireless control device comprises a temperature sensor coupled to a second processing module, and the temperature sensor is configured to sense surrounding temperature.
In an embodiment, the wireless control device is configured to receive power from a direct current (DC) power line of the AC and/or from a battery source.
The wireless control device is communicably coupled to the user device through a Wi-Fi router over a wireless network.
In an embodiment, the user device is employed with the application interface includes at least one of the inputs relating to control AC from a group consisting of an AC automatic timer ON-OFF, AC power ON-OFF, AC temperature increase, AC temperature decrease, AC swing control, AC fan speed control, AC fan automatic mode, AC fan mode, AC cooling mode, AC heating mode, AC dry mode, AC super-dry mode and a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the user device is employed with the application interface including a voice assistance support to receive AC control inputs via the user voice input.
The user device is employed with the application interface is configured to store control configurations of AC’s of different make.
In an embodiment, the wireless control device is communicably coupled to the user device through internet such that the user can provide input(s) relating to control AC through the user device from anywhere within the network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An air-conditioner (AC) controlling system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of an air-conditioner (AC) controlling system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING:
100 System
10a Infrared (IR) sensor
10b Infrared demodulator
10c First processing module
20 User device
30 Wireless control device
30a Wireless transceiver
30b Second processing module
30c IR modulator
30d IR light emitting diode (LED)
30e Temperature sensor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The present disclosure envisages an air-conditioner (AC) controlling system 100 and is now described with reference to Figure 1.
The air-conditioner (AC) includes an infrared (IR) sensor 10a, an infrared demodulator 10b and a first processing module 10c. The IR sensor 10a is configured to receive at least one control signal in a form of an IR light signal(s). The IR demodulator 10b is configured to convert the received IR light signal(s) into a digital signal(s). The first processing module 10c is configured to process the digital signal(s) to control the operation of AC accordingly.
The AC controlling system 100 comprises a user device 20 and a wireless control device 30.
The user device 20 is employed with an application interface. The application interface is configured to receive at least one input relating to control AC from a user. In an embodiment, the user device 20 is selected from a group consisting of a mobile phone, laptop, computers, handheld devices and the like.
The wireless control device 30 is communicably coupled to the user device 20 over a wireless network. The wireless control device 30 comprises a wireless transceiver 30a, a second processing module 30b, an IR modulator 30c and an IR light emitting diode (LED) 30d.
The wireless transceiver 30a is configured to receive the control signal from the user device employed with the application interface. In an embodiment, the wireless transceiver 30a is a Wi-Fi module. In alternate embodiment, the wireless transceiver 30a is a Bluetooth module. The second processing module 30b is coupled to the wireless transceiver. The second processing module 30b is configured to convert the control signal into digital signal(s). The IR modulator 30c is configured to convert the digital signal(s) into a modulated digital signal(s). The IR LED 30d is configured to be in a line-of-sight with the IR sensor 10a of the AC. The IR LED 30d is further configured to receive the modulated digital signal(s) from the IR modulator 30c and to generate IR light signal(s). The IR sensor 10a of the AC is configured to receive the IR light signal(s). The IR demodulator 10b of the AC converts the received IR light signal(s) into the digital signal(s). The first processing module 10c processes the digital signal(s) to control the operation of AC.
The first processing module 10c and second processing module 30b may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the first processing module 10c and second processing module 30b is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory. The memory may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
In an embodiment, the wireless control device 30 is configured to be retrofittable into the AC.
In an embodiment, the wireless control device 30 comprises a temperature sensor 30e. The temperature sensor 30e is coupled to the second processing module 30b, and is configured to sense surrounding temperature of a room.
In an embodiment, the wireless control device 30 is configured to receive power from a direct current (DC) power line of the AC and/or from a battery source.
In an embodiment, the wireless control device 30 is communicably coupled to the user device 20 through a Wi-Fi router over a wireless network.
In an embodiment, the user device 20 is employed with the application interface includes at least one of the inputs relating to control AC from a group consisting of an AC automatic timer ON-OFF, AC power ON-OFF, AC temperature increase, AC temperature decrease, AC swing control, AC fan speed control, AC fan automatic mode, AC fan mode, AC cooling mode, AC heating mode, AC dry mode, AC super-dry mode and a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the user device 20 is employed with the application interface configured to display information related to surrounding temperature of the room, toggle inputs relating to control AC for allowing the user to view and register the inputs. In a non-limiting example, the indications can be shown using a color i.e., say blue color or red color or grey color. The red color may indicate AC power ON and blue color may indicate AC temperature increased, etc. Likewise, other indication methods can be employed in the application interface.
In an exemplary embodiment, the application interface includes a plurality of buttons responsible for sending control signals upon being registered by the user as an input for controlling the AC. The following is the chart describing the application interface buttons and its corresponding description.
Buttons Description
FEATURES TIMER ON / TIMER OFF ON/OFF Timer key used to Turn ON or Turn OFF the AC after a certain period of time (can be set from 1Hr. To 24Hr.)
Power Key To Turn the AC ON or OFF
Temperature increase / decrease Key To adjust the set temperature from 16°C to 30°C
Vertical Swing On activation, Horizontal Flap of the AC will continuously move in an up & down direction. The objective is to give cool air uniformly in all directions.
Horizontal Swing On activation, vertical Flaps of the AC will continuously move in left & right direction. The objective is to give cool air uniformly in all directions.
Temperature Use to show real time temperature of the room on display of AC
FAN SPEED Low/ Medium/ High Use to set the Fan speed as Low, Medium & High.
Auto In Auto mode, the fan speed will set automatically based on the set temperature & room temperature difference.
MODES Fan Mode Air Conditioner will run only in fan mode, Compressor will not run and there will be no cooling.
Cool Mode Air Conditioner will run in Cool mode, the compressor will run and cooling will be ON.
Heat Mode Used to increase the temperature of the room up to set value. (Depend on the make of AC, generally used in winters or locations where heating is required)
Dry Mode / Superdry Mode On activation forces AC to remove extra humidity level in the room quickly & efficiently making comfortable environment to the user.
In an embodiment, the user device 20 is employed with the application interface that includes a voice assistance support to receive AC control inputs via the user voice input.
In an embodiment, the user device 20 employed with the application interface is configured to store control configurations of AC’s of different make.
In an embodiment, the wireless control device 30 is communicably coupled to the user device 20 through internet such that the user can provide input(s) relating to control AC through the user device from anywhere within the network.
Advantageously, to overcome the challenges of existing usage of AC’s, the wireless control device 30 can be easily plugged in the existing AC’s and this is remotely operated with the use of application interface of the user device 20 and voice assistant like Google Home and Alexa. The wireless control device 30 can be plugged in the indoor unit of the AC such as a split-type AC and the AC can be operated immediately without any major rewiring or modifications. Once the wireless control device 30 is installed in the AC, the user can operate the AC’s via application interface of his/her user device 20 from anywhere. As the system 100 is integrated with voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Home and the like, the user can operate these devices via voice control as well. Thus, the user need not manage multiple brand remotes to control the AC and maintain optimum room temperature of AC at his/her comfort and convenience which results in significant energy savings. Also, the present system is economical for the user to use as compared to the cost of a new smart AC.
Additionally, the system 100 facilitates group control of the ACs via a scene option present on the application interface, wherein multiple AC’s can be controlled as a group with the use of group control buttons configured with the use of scene option of the application interface. The system 100 provides time scheduling option on the application interface. The time scheduling option helps in achieving automation through setting the appropriate time settings. Further, the application interface can be deployed in multiple user devices to facilitate device sharing feature based on authorization, wherein multiple users can control the AC from anywhere with the use of device sharing feature available in the application interface. A master user can authorize other users to operate/control the ACs through their individual application interface.
Advantageously, the user can efficiently monitor and control room temperature from anywhere with the use of application interface deployed in his/her user device 20. In this manner, the user can avoid the wastage of energy from high power guzzling appliance like AC’s.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an air-conditioner controlling system, which:
• can convert any split type AC unit into smart AC at minimal cost;
• can monitor and manage AC temperature from any anywhere;
• is easy to use and save electrical energy; and
• can control AC’s of different make using a single application interface.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An air-conditioner (AC) controlling system (100), wherein the air-conditioner includes an infrared (IR) sensor (10a) configured to receive at least one control signal in a form of an IR light signal(s), an infrared demodulator (10b) configured to convert the received IR light signal(s) into a digital signal(s) and a first processing module (10c) configured to process the digital signal(s) to control the operation of AC accordingly, the system (100) comprising:
• a user device (20) employed with an application interface configured to receive at least one input relating to control AC from a user; and
• a wireless control device (30) communicably coupled to the user device (20) over a wireless network, the wireless control device (30) comprising:
o a wireless transceiver (30a) configured to receive the control signal from a user device (20) employed with an application interface;
o a second processing module (30b) coupled to the wireless transceiver (30a) configured to convert the control signal into digital signal(s);
o an IR modulator (30c) configured to convert the digital signal(s) into a modulated digital signal(s); and
o an IR light emitting diode (LED) (30d) configured to be in a line-of-sight with the IR sensor (10a) of the AC, the IR LED (30d) is further configured to receive the modulated digital signal(s) from the IR modulator (30c) and to generate IR light signal(s).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless control device (30) is configured to be retrofittable into the AC.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless control device (30) comprises a temperature sensor (30e) coupled to the second processing module (30b), and is configured to sense surrounding temperature of a room.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless control device (30) is configured to receive power from a direct current (DC) power line of the AC and/or from a battery source.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless control device (30) is communicably coupled to the user device through a Wi-Fi router over a wireless network.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user device (20) employed with the application interface includes at least one of the inputs relating to control AC from a group consisting of an AC automatic timer ON-OFF, AC power ON-OFF, AC temperature increase, AC temperature decrease, AC swing control, AC fan speed control, AC fan automatic mode, AC fan mode, AC cooling mode, AC heating mode, AC dry mode, AC super-dry mode and a combination thereof.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user device (20) employed with the application interface including a voice assistance support to receive AC control inputs via the user voice input.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user device (20) employed with the application interface is configured to store control configurations of AC’s of different make.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless control device (30) is communicably coupled to the user device (20) through internet such that the user can provide input(s) relating to control AC through the user device from anywhere within the network.
Dated this 17th day of February, 2023

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant