U.S. patent application number 14/899251 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-26 for remote controller.
The applicant listed for this patent is MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hirotsugu TOMOMATSU.
Application Number | 20160146492 14/899251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53056928 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160146492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TOMOMATSU; Hirotsugu |
May 26, 2016 |
REMOTE CONTROLLER
Abstract
A remote controller for controlling an air-conditioning
apparatus including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit includes a
storage unit that stores data of different types of digital
objects, a touch panel display including a display unit that
displays the digital objects and an operation input unit that
detects an operation of the digital objects, and a control
processor that controls the touch panel display. The control
processor displays one of the digital objects associated with an
operation expected from a surrounding environment of the indoor
unit or an operation history of the operation input unit.
Inventors: |
TOMOMATSU; Hirotsugu;
(Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
53056928 |
Appl. No.: |
14/899251 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
November 12, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2013/080548 |
371 Date: |
December 17, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/276 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/56 20180101;
F24F 2110/20 20180101; F24F 11/62 20180101; F24F 2110/10 20180101;
F24F 11/52 20180101; F24F 2120/10 20180101; F24F 11/30
20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. A remote controller configured to control an air-conditioning
apparatus including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, the remote
controller comprising: a storage unit configured to store data of
digital objects of different types; a touch panel display including
a display unit configured to display the digital objects and an
operation input unit configured to detect an operation of the
digital objects; and a control processor configured to control the
touch panel display, the control processor displaying one of the
digital objects associated with an operation expected from a
surrounding environment of the indoor unit or an operation expected
from an operation history of the operation input unit.
2. The remote controller of claim 1, wherein the control processor
displays one of the digital objects associated with the operation
expected from the operation history when the outdoor unit and the
indoor unit are in operation, and displays one of the digital
objects associated with the operation expected from the surrounding
environment when the outdoor unit and the indoor unit are out of
operation.
3. The remote controller of claim 1, wherein the control processor
displays one of the digital objects associated with the operation
expected from the surrounding environment or the operation history
when a presence state of a person in an air-conditioned space to be
air-conditioned by the indoor unit transitions from a person
absence state to a person presence state.
4. The remote controller of claim 1, wherein the control processor
displays one of the digital objects to be used in an operation
start of a cooling operation or a heating operation, based on a
room temperature, a cooling determination temperature, and a
heating determination temperature for an air-conditioned space to
be air-conditioned by the indoor unit, in a case where one of the
digital objects associated with the operation expected from the
surrounding environment is to be displayed.
5. The remote controller of claim 1, wherein the control processor
displays one of the digital objects to be used for setting an
operation mode associated with a previous operation in the
operation history in a case where one of the digital objects
associated with the operation expected from the operation history
is to be displayed.
6. The remote controller of claim 4, wherein the control processor
changes a display size of each of the digital objects.
7. The remote controller of claim 6, wherein the control processor
makes the display size of one of the digital objects associated
with the surrounding environment larger than the display size of
one of the digital objects not associated with the surrounding
environment in a case where one of the digital objects associated
with the operation expected from the surrounding environment is to
be displayed.
8. The remote controller of claim 6, wherein the control processor
makes the display size of one of the digital objects associated
with the operation history larger than the display size of one of
the digital objects not associated with the operation history in a
case where one of the digital objects associated with the operation
expected from the operation history is to be displayed.
9. The remote controller of claim 4, wherein the control processor
changes a display location of each of the digital objects.
10. The remote controller of claim 9, wherein the control processor
displays the digital objects on a display screen output by the
display unit, and displays one of the digital objects associated
with the surrounding environment in a center portion of the display
screen and one of the digital objects not associated with the
surrounding environment in an edge portion of the display screen,
in a case where one of the digital objects associated with the
operation expected from the surrounding environment is to be
displayed.
11. The remote controller of claim 9, wherein the control processor
displays the digital objects on a display screen output by the
display unit, and displays one of the digital objects associated
with the operation history in a center portion of the display
screen and one of the digital objects not associated with the
operation history in an edge portion of the display screen, in a
case where one of the digital objects associated with the operation
expected from the operation history is to be displayed.
12. The remote controller of claim 4, wherein the control processor
changes a display color of each of the digital objects.
13. The remote controller of claim 12, wherein the control
processor makes a lightness or a saturation of the display color of
one of the digital objects associated with the surrounding
environment higher than a lightness or a saturation of the display
color of one of the digital objects not associated with the
surrounding environment, in a case where one of the digital objects
associated with the operation expected from the surrounding
environment is to be displayed.
14. The remote controller of claim 12, wherein the control
processor makes a lightness or a saturation of the display color of
one of the digital objects associated with the operation history
higher than a lightness or a saturation of the display color of one
of the digital objects not associated with the operation history,
in a case where one of the digital objects associated with the
operation expected from the operation history is to be
displayed.
15. The remote controller of claim 4, wherein the control processor
changes a display shape of each of the digital objects.
16. The remote controller of claim 15, wherein the storage unit
includes highlighted display image information corresponding to
each of the digital objects, and normal display image information
corresponding to each of the digital objects, and the control
processor displays the display shape of one of the digital objects
associated with the surrounding environment based on the
corresponding highlighted display image information and displays
the display shape of one of the digital objects not associated with
the surrounding environment based on the corresponding normal
display image information, in a case where one of the digital
objects associated with the operation expected from the surrounding
environment is to be displayed.
17. The remote controller of claim 15, wherein the storage unit
includes highlighted display image information corresponding to
each of the digital objects, and normal display image information
corresponding to each of the digital objects, and the control
processor displays the display shape of one of the digital objects
associated with the operation history based on the corresponding
highlighted display image information and displays the display
shape of one of the digital objects not associated with the
operation history based on the corresponding normal display image
information, in a case where one of the digital objects associated
with the operation expected from the operation history is to be
displayed.
18. The remote controller of claim 1, wherein the digital objects
are composed of digital images displayed as buttons.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a U.S. national stage application of
PCT/JP2013/080548 filed on Nov. 12, 2013, the content of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to remote controllers.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] There have been remote controllers that do not display
unnecessary display content when shifting to a power-save mode
(see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
PATENT LITERATURE
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2006-029634 (paragraph [0092])
[0005] A known technique described in Patent Literature 1 is
intended to save power consumption, and thus, a user interface is
not designed for user's convenience. Thus, in the known technique
described in Patent Literature 1, a user interface different from
an operating environment is displayed in some cases. Thus, the
known technique described in Patent Literature 1 does not display
an optimum user interface depending on the operating
environment.
[0006] Since the known technique described in Patent Literature 1
is intended to save energy consumption, operation of hiding text
information is performed to save energy consumption, rather than to
ease intuitive understanding. Thus, in the known technique
described in Patent Literature 1, an intuitive user interface is
not displayed depending on the operating environment.
[0007] In view of the above, known techniques as described in
Patent Literature 1 have a problem of a failure in providing an
optimum intuitive user interface depending on an operating
environment.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present invention has been made to solve problems as
described above, and an object thereof is to provide a remote
controller that can provide an optimum intuitive user interface
depending on an operating environment.
[0009] A remote controller according to the present invention is
configured to control an air-conditioning apparatus including an
outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and includes a storage unit
configured to store data of digital objects of different types, a
touch panel display including a display unit configured to display
the digital objects and an operation input unit configured to
detect an operation of the digital objects, and a control processor
configured to control the touch panel display. The control
processor displays one of the digital objects associated with an
operation expected from a surrounding environment of the indoor
unit or an operation history of the operation input unit.
[0010] According to the present invention, display content of a
user interface can be configured depending on a type of an
operation expected from a surrounding environment or an operation
history. Thus, the present invention can provide a remote
controller for providing an optimum intuitive user interface
depending on an operating environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration
of an air-conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration
of a remote controller 31 according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a detailed configuration of
the remote controller 31 according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of state transition between a
normal configuration state and a special configuration state
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the
remote controller 31 according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
211 in a normal configuration state for cooling according to
Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a room temperature
determination index 530 according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of state transition between a
normal configuration state and a special configuration state
according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the
remote controller 31 according to Embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
251 in a special configuration state for a setting in cooling
operation start according to Embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
261 in a special configuration state for a setting in heating
operation start according to Embodiment 3 of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
271 in a special configuration state for a setting in a cooling
operation according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
281 in a special configuration state for a setting in a heating
operation according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
291 in a special configuration state for a setting in cooling
operation start according to Embodiment 4 of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
311 in a special configuration state for a setting in heating
operation start according to Embodiment 4 of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
321 in a special configuration state for a setting in a cooling
operation according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
331 in a special configuration state for a setting in a heating
operation according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
341 in a special configuration state for a setting in cooling
operation start according to Embodiment 5 of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
351 in a special configuration state for a setting in heating
operation start according to Embodiment 5 of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
361 in a special configuration state for a setting in a cooling
operation according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
371 in a special configuration state for a setting in a heating
operation according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
381 in a special configuration state for a setting in cooling
operation start according to Embodiment 6 of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
391 in a special configuration state for a setting in heating
operation start according to Embodiment 6 of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
411 in a special configuration state for a setting in a cooling
operation according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
421 in a special configuration state for a setting in a heating
operation according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the drawings. Steps describing programs
for performing operations according to the embodiments of the
present invention are processes that are performed on a time-series
basis in the order described herein. However, the processes do not
need to be performed on a time-series basis and may include
processes that are performed in parallel or individually
performed.
[0037] Functions described in the embodiments may be implemented by
any one of hardware or software. That is, each block diagram
described in the embodiments may be a block diagram of hardware or
a functional block diagram of software. For example, each block
diagram may be implemented by hardware such as a circuit device or
by software executed on an arithmetic unit such as an unillustrated
processor.
[0038] Blocks of block diagrams that will be referred to in the
embodiments only need to have their functions performed, and do not
need to be separated from one another in terms of configuration. In
Embodiments 1 to 6, aspects that are not specifically described are
assumed to be the same among Embodiments 1 to 6, and the same
reference signs denote the same functions or components. Each of
Embodiments 1 to 6 may be performed solely or in combination. In
either case, advantages described later can be obtained. Each
embodiment shows only one example of a specific setting, but the
present invention is not limited to these examples.
[0039] In the embodiments, a system refers to an entire apparatus
constituted by a plurality of devices. In the embodiments, a
network refers to a mechanism in which at least two devices are
connected to each other so that information can be transmitted to
one device to the other. Devices that communicate with one another
through the network may be independent devices or internal blocks
constituting one device. In the embodiments, communication may be
wireless communication or wire communication, of course, and may be
communication as a combination of wireless communication and wire
communication. For example, wireless communication may be performed
in one section with wire communication being performed in another
section. Alternatively, communication from one device to another
may be performed in wire communication with communication from the
other device to the one device being performed in wireless
communication.
Embodiment 1
(Configuration of Embodiment 1)
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a schematic configuration
of an air-conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the
present invention. In FIG. 1, according to Embodiment 1 of the
present invention, the content displayed on an user interface 201
described later is designed depending on an operation expected from
a surrounding environment or an operation history, thereby
providing an optimum intuitive user interface 201 depending on an
operating environment. This will be described in detail below.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the air-conditioning system 1
includes an outdoor unit 11, an indoor unit 21a, an indoor unit
21b, an indoor unit 21c, a remote controller 31a, a remote
controller 31b, and a remote controller 31c.
[0042] The outdoor unit 11 is connected to the indoor unit 21a, the
indoor unit 21b, and the indoor unit 21c through refrigerant pipes
43. The outdoor unit 11 is connected to the indoor unit 21a, the
indoor unit 21b, and the indoor unit 21c through transmission lines
41. The indoor unit 21a is connected to the indoor unit 21b and the
remote controller 31a through transmission lines 41. The indoor
unit 21c is connected to the remote controller 31b and the remote
controller 31c through transmission lines 41.
[0043] The indoor unit 21a, the indoor unit 21b, and the remote
controller 31a are defined as a group #1, for example. The indoor
unit 21c, the remote controller 31b, and the remote controller 31c
are defined as a group #3, for example. For example, in group #1,
operations of the indoor unit 21a and the indoor unit 21b are
controlled based on various signals transmitted from the remote
controller 31a, and the outdoor unit 11 is controlled accordingly.
For example, in group #2, an operation of the indoor unit 21c is
controlled based on various signals transmitted from the remote
controller 31b or the remote controller 31c, and the outdoor unit
11 is controlled accordingly. That is, the outdoor unit 11 is in
cooperation with an operation of one of the indoor unit 21a to the
indoor unit 21c, and a refrigeration cycle is formed as described
later.
[0044] The indoor unit 21a, the indoor unit 21b, and the indoor
unit 21c will be collectively referred to as indoor units 21 unless
otherwise specified. The remote controller 31a, the remote
controller 31b, and the remote controller 31c will be collectively
referred to as remote controllers 31 unless otherwise
specified.
[0045] The transmission lines 41 described above are an example in
which a communication medium is wired. However, the present
invention is not limited to this example. For example, the
transmission lines 41 may use a wireless communication medium. The
communication medium may be either wired or wireless, and a
communication protocol thereof is not specifically limited. For
example, communication may be performed between the outdoor unit 11
and the indoor unit 21 through a wired or wireless communication
medium using a dedicated communication protocol or a
general-purpose communication protocol.
[0046] For example, communication may be performed between the
indoor unit 21 and the remote controller 31 through a wired or
wireless communication medium using a dedicated communication
protocol. For example, communication may be performed between the
indoor unit 21 and the remote controller 31 through a wired or
wireless communication medium using a general-purpose communication
protocol. Specifically, communication may be performed between the
indoor unit 21 and the remote controller 31 through a wireless
communication medium using a communication protocol defined
according to a request for comments (RFC). In this case, the remote
controller 31 does not need to be dedicated equipment for
controlling the indoor unit 21, and may be virtual equipment
virtually implemented as an application for smartphones or other
devices as long as the equipment has functions described later.
[0047] As described above, when various instructions are issued
from the remote controller 31 to the indoor unit 21, the indoor
unit 21 operates in cooperation with the outdoor unit 11 based on
the issued various instructions. For example, since the outdoor
unit 11 and the indoor unit 21 are connected to each other through
the refrigerant pipes 43, compression and expansion of refrigerant
are alternately repeated, thereby forming a refrigeration cycle.
Consequently, the indoor unit 21 conditions air in an
air-conditioned space.
[0048] Specifically, the air-conditioning system 1 includes an
unillustrated refrigerant circuit, and supplies conditioned air to
an air-conditioned space in a cooling operation or a heating
operation. The air-conditioning system 1 supplies cold air in the
cooling operation, for example. The air-conditioning system 1
supplies hot air in the heating operation, for example. The
unillustrated refrigerant circuit is charged with refrigerant.
Thus, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit circulates in the
refrigerant pipes 43, thereby forming a vapor compression
refrigeration cycle.
[0049] More specifically, in the unillustrated refrigerant circuit,
the outdoor unit 11 includes a compressor, an outdoor unit-side
heat exchanger, an outdoor unit-side fan, an outdoor unit-side
expansion valve, and a four-way valve (each not shown), for
example. For example, in the unillustrated refrigerant circuit, the
indoor unit 21 includes an indoor unit-side heat exchanger, an
indoor unit-side fan, and an indoor unit-side expansion valve (each
not shown). In the refrigerant circuit, the compressor, the
four-way valve, the outdoor unit-side heat exchanger, the outdoor
unit-side expansion valve, the indoor unit-side expansion valve,
and the indoor unit-side heat exchanger are connected to one
another through the refrigerant pipes 43.
[0050] The outdoor unit 11 controls the compressor, the four-way
valve, the outdoor unit-side heat exchanger, the outdoor unit-side
fan, and the outdoor unit-side expansion valve based on various
instructions transmitted from the outside, such as various
instructions transmitted from the remote controller 31 through the
indoor unit 21.
[0051] For example, the outdoor unit 11 drives the compressor based
on various instructions transmitted from the remote controller 31,
compresses refrigerant sucked into the compressor, and discharges
the refrigerant under an optional pressure. The outdoor unit 11
actuates the four-way valve based on various instructions
transmitted from the remote controller 31 and switches paths of the
refrigerant pipes 43 to supply high-temperature high-pressure
refrigerant discharged from the compressor to the outdoor unit-side
heat exchanger and the indoor unit-side heat exchanger and switch
an operation between a cooling operation and a heating operation.
The outdoor unit 11 exchanges heat between refrigerant passing
through the outdoor unit-side heat exchanger and air around the
outdoor unit-side heat exchanger. The outdoor unit 11 drives the
outdoor unit-side fan based on various instructions transmitted
from the remote controller 31, and supplies air for heat exchange
to the outdoor unit-side heat exchanger to promote heat exchange in
the outdoor unit-side heat exchanger. The outdoor unit 11 adjusts
an opening degree of the outdoor unit-side expansion valve based on
various instructions transmitted from the remote controller 31 and
controls a flow rate of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant
pipes 43.
[0052] The indoor unit 21 controls the indoor unit-side heat
exchanger, the indoor unit-side fan, and the indoor unit-side
expansion valve based on various instructions transmitted from the
outside, such as various instructions transmitted from the remote
controller 31 through the indoor unit 21. For example, the indoor
unit 21 exchanges heat between refrigerant passing through the
indoor unit-side heat exchanger and air around the indoor unit-side
heat exchanger. The indoor unit 21 adjusts an opening degree of the
indoor unit-side expansion valve based on various instructions
transmitted from the remote controller 31 and controls a flow rate
of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipes 43.
[0053] Then, an example of addresses set in the outdoor unit 11 and
the indoor unit 21 will be described. The addresses are set at
values that do not overlap among devices to specify one device in a
network among the outdoor unit 11, the indoor unit 21a, the indoor
unit 21b, the indoor unit 21c, the remote controller 31a, the
remote controller 31b, and the remote controller 31c.
[0054] For example, "051" is set as an address in the outdoor unit
11. In the indoor unit 21a, "001" is set as an address. In the
indoor unit 21b, "002" is set as an address. In the indoor unit
21c, "003" is set as an address. In the remote controller 31a,
"101" is set as an address. In the remote controller 31b, "103" is
set as an address. In the remote controller 31c, "153" is set as an
address.
[0055] Addresses set in the outdoor unit 11 are, for example, from
"051" to "100" but is not limited to these values. Addresses set in
the indoor unit 21 are, for example, from "001" to "050" but is not
limited to these values. Addresses set in the remote controller 31
are, for example, "101" to "200" but is not limited to these
values.
[0056] Setting of the addresses may be performed by, for example,
an unillustrated rotary switch or other devices. The numerical
values of the addresses described above are merely examples, and
the present invention is not limited to these values. The numbers
of the outdoor units 11, the indoor units 21, and the remote
controllers 31 described above are merely examples, and the present
invention is not limited to these numbers. For example, the
air-conditioning system 1 may include one outdoor unit 11, one
indoor unit 21, and one remote controller 31. The method for
setting the addresses is an example, and the present invention is
not limited to this method.
[0057] A configuration of the remote controller 31 will be
described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 illustrates
an example of a schematic configuration of the remote controller 31
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3
illustrates an example of a detailed configuration of the remote
controller 31 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
An apparatus including the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 21
illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is assumed to be an
air-conditioning apparatus.
[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor
unit 11 are connected to each other through the refrigerant pipe
43. Each of the outdoor unit 11, the indoor unit 21, and the remote
controller 31 transmits and receives various signals through the
transmission lines 41. The indoor unit 21 and the remote controller
31 are connected to each other through a power supply line 42. The
indoor unit 21 supplies power to the remote controller 31 through
the power supply line 42. Thus, the remote controller 31 is
actuated by receiving power from the indoor unit 21.
[0059] As described above, through the transmission lines 41, the
indoor unit 21 and the remote controller 31 also are assumed to
perform wire communication, but the present invention is not
limited to this example. That is, the transmission lines 41 only
needs to be a communication medium. Since the transmission lines 41
may be a wireless medium, the indoor unit 21 and the remote
controller 31 may perform wireless communication.
[0060] The power supply line 42 described above is assumed to be
connected by wires, but the present invention is not limited to
this example. For example, the power transmission medium of the
indoor unit 21 may be air. In this case, the indoor unit 21
wirelessly supplies electric power to the remote controller 31.
That is, the indoor unit 21 may supply electric power to the remote
controller 31 by wireless power supply. The type of the wireless
power supply is not specifically limited, and may be
electromagnetic induction, resonant coupling, or electric field
coupling, for example.
[0061] In the example described above, the indoor unit 21 is used
as a power supply source from the outside to the remote controller
31. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.
Electric power may be directly supplied to the remote controller 31
from an unillustrated external power supply, such as a commercial
power supply.
[0062] In the example described above, electric power is supplied
to the remote controller 31 from the outside. However, the present
invention is not limited to this example. For example, the remote
controller 31 may be equipped with a secondary battery or a primary
battery so that the remote controller 31 can perform various
functions even without external power supply. The secondary battery
is not specifically limited, and may be a lithium ion secondary
battery, for example. The primary battery is not specifically
limited, and may be a lithium battery, for example.
[0063] The remote controller 31 includes a communication unit 51, a
power supply unit 53, a touch panel display 55, a storage unit 65,
a sensor module 67, and a control processor 69, for example. The
touch panel display 55 is constituted by an operation input unit 61
and a display unit 63. The operation input unit 61 is a unit
serving as the user interface 201 described later and configured to
receive the type of an operation from the outside, and is variously
configured based on an operation principle of a touch panel.
[0064] For example, the touch panel is assumed to be constituted by
a matrix switch. In this case, the touch panel is constituted by a
plane of switches composed of electrodes arranged in columns and
rows with regular intervals in a lattice pattern. Thus, two upper
and lower layers of electrodes are each formed. When an operator
depresses a part of the plane, the two upper and lower layers of
electrodes come into contact with each other. Consequently, a
closed circuit is formed so that position information regarding a
vertical direction and a lateral direction is detected. That is,
the operation input unit 61 is constituted by the two upper and
lower layers of electrodes described above.
[0065] As another configuration, it is assumed that the touch panel
is of a resistive film type, for example. In this case, the touch
panel is constituted by metal thin films in which electrodes formed
in two upper and lower layers are transparent electrodes. The metal
thin films have a predetermined resistance, and a voltage is
applied to one of the two opposed metal thin films. In this state,
when an operator depresses a part of the first plane, a voltage
corresponding to the location of the operation is generated on the
second plane. When the generated voltage is detected, the location
of the operation is detected as an analog quantity. That is, the
operation input unit 61 is constituted by the metal thin films
described above.
[0066] As still another configuration, it is assumed that the touch
panel is of a surface acoustic wave type, for example. In this
case, in the touch panel, piezoelectric elements are provided at a
plurality of corners on a substrate such as a rigid glass. When a
part of the plane of the piezoelectric elements is depressed,
oscillatory waves are generated. At this time, if a finger of the
operator is in contact with the plane, this contact point becomes a
fixed point at which the oscillatory waves are absorbed and some of
the oscillatory waves are bounced. Such bounced oscillatory waves
are detected due to generation of a voltage of the piezoelectric
elements. Thus, if reflection times are measured at various
locations on the plane, information on the location with which the
operator is in contact is detected. That is, the operation input
unit 61 is constituted by the piezoelectric elements described
above.
[0067] As yet another configuration, it is assumed that the touch
panel is of an infrared ray type, for example. In this case, in the
touch panel, an infrared ray LED is used as a light source,
infrared light emitted from the infrared ray LED is shut off, and a
light-receiving element detects a shut-off location so that
information on the location with which the operator is in contact
is detected. That is, the operation input unit 61 is constituted by
the infrared ray LED and the light-receiving element described
above.
[0068] As yet another configuration, it is assumed that the touch
panel is of a capacitance type, for example. In this case, the
touch panel includes a drive electrode, a reception electrode, and
a dielectric covering the reception electrode. An electric field is
generated from the drive electrode, and a change in capacitance
between a contact end, such as a finger, of an operator and the
dielectric is obtained by the reception electrode so that
information on the location with which the operator is in contact
is detected. That is, the operation input unit 61 is constituted by
the drive electrode and the reception electrode.
[0069] As yet another configuration, it is assumed that the touch
panel is of an electromagnetic induction type, for example. In this
case, in the touch panel, a magnetic field detection sensor is
located in a lower portion of a screen, and electromagnetic
induction occurs at a location with which a device generating a
magnetic field, such as an electronic pen, is in contact with the
screen. Consequently, a contact location of the electronic pen used
by the operator is detected. That is, the operation input unit 61
is constituted by the magnetic field detection sensor.
[0070] In the above description, the example of the operation input
unit 61 has been described. However, the present invention is not
limited to this example. For example, in a case where an
unillustrated reproducing device plays back a digital object 211
described later as a stereoscopic vision or a stereoscopic image in
a three-dimensional space, the unillustrated image pickup device
may capture a position of a physical object such as a finger
operating the digital object 211. In this case, the operation input
unit 61 is an unillustrated image pickup device.
[0071] That is, the operation input unit 61 only needs to be the
user interface 201 that receives a control instruction associated
with an operation by a user as described later, and an embodiment
thereof is not specifically limited.
[0072] The display unit 63 is a device serving as the user
interface 201 described later and configured to output display
content to the outside. The display unit 63 is a liquid crystal
display, for example. However, the display unit 63 is not limited
to the liquid crystal display. For example, the display unit 63 may
be an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. In this case, the
user interface 201 described later is constituted by the organic EL
display and a touch panel. The display unit 63, for example, may be
a reproduced image of a stereoscopic vision or a stereoscopic image
obtained as a hologram. In this case, the display unit 63 only
needs to be constituted by, for example, a reproducing device using
a laser irradiation device and a hologram and an image pickup
device that detects a location at which a user touches a reproduced
image.
[0073] In short, the display unit 63 only needs to be the user
interface 201 that displays a target of an operation by a user or
an operation result, for example, as described later, and an
embodiment thereof is not specifically limited.
[0074] The power supply unit 53 converts supplied electric power to
a working power in the remote controller 31. For example, in the
case of supplying alternating current (AC) power, the power supply
unit 53 converts the AC power to a direct current (DC) power in a
range usable in the remote controller 31. In the case of supplying
DC power, the power supply unit 53 converts the DC power to DC
power in a range usable in the remote controller 31. In the case of
supplying power from a secondary battery or a primary battery, the
power supply unit 53 only needs to be configured to have a control
function for stably obtaining electric power from the secondary
battery or the primary battery.
[0075] The communication unit 51 modulates various signals
transmitted from the control processor 69 to transmission signals,
and transmits the modulated transmission signals to the indoor unit
21 through the transmission lines 41. The communication unit 51
demodulates various signals transmitted from the indoor unit 21 to
reception signals, and transmits the demodulated reception signals
to the control processor 69.
[0076] The storage unit 65 temporarily stores data using a
rewritable random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 65 stores,
various data items associated with various modules constituted by
various processing programs, various parameters, and types of
operations of, for example, the digital objects 211 described
later, by using a read only memory (ROM). That is, the storage unit
65 is constituted by a RAM and a ROM, for example. Detailed
examples of the various data items stored in the storage unit 65
will be described with reference to FIG. 3.
[0077] The sensor module 67 detects a surrounding environment of
the remote controller 31, for example. The sensor module 67
includes, for example, a human sensor module 81, a temperature
sensor module 83, a humidity sensor module 85, and an illuminance
sensor module 87. The human sensor module 81 detects the presence
of a person. The temperature sensor module 83 detects a room
temperature. The humidity sensor module 85 detects humidity in a
room. The illuminance sensor module 87 detects an illuminance in a
room.
[0078] The sensor module 67 may include only a temperature sensor
module 83. The sensor module 67 may be constituted by the human
sensor module 81 and the temperature sensor module 83. As an
embodiment of the configuration of the sensor module 67, the
temperature sensor module 83 and the humidity sensor module 85 may
be integrated. A detailed example of the sensor module 67 will be
described later with reference to FIG. 3.
[0079] The control processor 69 is, for example, a processor that
reads various data items or other information from the storage unit
65, and processes the various read-out data or other information
based on a frequency of an unillustrated oscillator configured to
transmit a constant clock. The control processor 69 processes
various signals transmitted from the operation input unit 61. The
control processor 69 processes various signals to be output by the
display unit 63. The control processor 69 processes various signals
transmitted from the sensor module 67. The control processor 69
stores various data items in the storage unit 65. The control
processor 69 transmits various signals to the communication unit
51. The various modules virtually implemented when the control
processor 69 processes various signals will be described with
reference to FIG. 3.
[0080] With reference to FIG. 3, examples of detailed
configurations of the control processor 69, the storage unit 65,
and the sensor module 67 will be described. First, an example of a
detailed configuration of the control processor 69 will be
described. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the control processor 69,
an operation status determining module 101, a surrounding
environment determining module 102, an operation history
determining module 103, and an image processing module 105, for
example, are virtually configured depending on execution of various
processes.
[0081] The operation status determining module 101 determines
whether the indoor unit 21 operates or not based on various
information items transmitted from the communication unit 51. The
operation status determining module 101 may determine an operation
status of the indoor unit 21 based on various information items
stored in the storage unit 65, such as various information items
stored in an operation status data storage region 181 as described
later.
[0082] The surrounding environment determining module 102
determines a surrounding environment of the remote controller 31.
The surrounding environment determining module 102 includes a
presence determining module 111, a temperature determining module
112, a humidity determining module 113, and an illuminance
determining module 114, for example. The presence determining
module 111 determines whether a person is present around the remote
controller 31 or not, based on various signals transmitted from the
human sensor module 81.
[0083] The temperature determining module 112 determines a
temperature around the remote controller 31 based on various
signals transmitted from the temperature sensor module 83 and a
predetermined threshold value of temperature. The predetermined
threshold value of temperature, which will be specifically
described later, includes a plurality of threshold values, such as
a cooling determination temperature to be used by the remote
controller 31 for assuming that a cooling operation is performed
and a heating determination temperature to be used by the remote
controller 31 for assuming that a heating operation is
performed.
[0084] The humidity determining module 113 determines humidity
around the remote controller 31 based on various signals
transmitted from the humidity sensor module 85 and a predetermined
threshold value of humidity. The illuminance sensor module 87
determines an illuminance around the remote controller 31 based on
various signals transmitted from the illuminance sensor 161 and a
predetermined threshold value of illuminance.
[0085] In short, the surrounding environment determining module 102
uses an output of the sensor module 67, and performs determination
corresponding to sensors provided in the sensor module 67. For
example, in a case where the sensor module 67 includes a wind speed
sensor, an airflow rate sensor, or other sensors, the surrounding
environment determining module 102 performs determination
corresponding to these sensors. In a case where the sensor module
67 includes a sensor for measuring brain waves of a human, the
surrounding environment determining module 102 only needs to
include a computing module for associating the brain waves of a
human with an action pattern associated with the brain waves of a
human.
[0086] The surrounding environment determining module 102 may
determine the surrounding environment with reference to various
information items stored in the storage unit 65 such as various
information items stored in a surrounding environment data storage
region 182 as described later, as well as the various signals
directly transmitted from the sensor module 67.
[0087] The operation history determining module 103 determines an
operation history of the remote controller 31. The operation
history determining module 103 includes an operation mode
determining module 116, for example. The operation mode determining
module 116 determines a last performed operation mode with
reference to a past operation history, based on various information
items stored in the storage unit 65, such as various information
items stored in an operation history data storage region 184 as
described later.
[0088] The image processing module 105 transmits digital object
data as data for producing a digital image to the display unit 63
and the storage unit 65. The image processing module 105 determines
various states of the digital objects 211 based on digital object
data stored in the storage unit 65. For example, the image
processing module 105 is constituted by an object state determining
module 118 and an object drawing module 119, for example.
[0089] The object state determining module 118 determines various
states of the digital objects 211 based on various information
items stored in the operation history data storage region 184
allocated to the storage unit 65 described later, for example.
Based on various information items held in a default data storage
region 183 and the operation history data storage region 184
allocated to the storage unit 65 as described later, the object
drawing module 119 generates digital object data, transmits the
generated result to the display unit 63, and causes the display
unit 63 to display a digital image, for example.
[0090] An example of a detailed configuration of the storage unit
65 will be described below. Storage regions such as the operation
status data storage region 181, the surrounding environment data
storage region 182, the default data storage region 183, and the
operation history data storage region 184 are allocated to the
storage unit 65.
[0091] The operation status data storage region 181 stores, for
example, operation status data of the indoor unit 21 among various
signals transmitted from the communication unit 51. Here, the
operation status data storage region 181 may be a ring buffer as a
logical configuration that holds transmitted various signals on a
time-series basis and, when there become no regions to hold
signals, restarts holding signals from a region holding a signal
first.
[0092] The surrounding environment data storage region 182 stores
various signals transmitted from the sensor module 67 or various
signals transmitted from the surrounding environment determining
module 102, for example. Here, the surrounding environment data
storage region 182 may be a ring buffer as a logical configuration
that holds transmitted various signals on a time-series basis and,
when there become no regions to hold signals, restarts holding
signals from a region holding a signal first.
[0093] For example, determination results of the presence of a
person transmitted from the human sensor module 81 are stored in
the surrounding environment data storage region 182 on a
time-series basis for each presence determination period of the
human sensor module 81. The person presence determination results
transmitted from the human sensor module 81 are sequentially stored
on a time-series basis so that the remote controller 31 can refer
to the person presence determination results based on a current
detection result, and also refer to the person presence
determination results based on an immediately preceding detection
result, such as a result of 30 seconds before.
[0094] The presence determination periods of the human sensor
module 81 may be finely defined so that the immediately preceding
presence determination can be performed in a shorter time. In a
case where it is expected that persons less frequently come and go
in a period such as nighttime, the presence determination periods
of the human sensor module 81 may be set relatively longer.
[0095] The default data storage region 183 stores digital object
data with a default setting, for example. The digital object data
is composed of object shape data, object location data, object size
data, object type data, and object color space data, for
example.
[0096] The object shape data includes various information items
specifying a shape of digital object data to be displayed through
the display unit 63, for example. Specifically, the object shape
data includes data concerning normal display image information and
data concerning highlighted display image information.
[0097] The object location data includes various information items
specifying a location of digital object data to be displayed
through the display unit 63, for example. The object size data
includes various information items specifying a size of digital
object data to be displayed through the display unit 63, for
example. The object type data includes various information items
specifying a type of digital object data, for example.
[0098] The object color space data includes various information
items specifying a color of digital object data to be displayed
through the display unit 63, for example. Specifically, the object
color space data is composed of hue data, saturation data,
lightness data, and luminance data. Among these data items, the
lightness data and the luminance data are selected depending on an
algorithm for producing a color of digital object data. For
example, in a case where a hue saturation value (HSV) color space
is used for color production, the hue data, the saturation data,
and the lightness data are applied. In a case where a hue
saturation lightness (HLS) color space is used for color
production, for example, the hue data, the saturation data, and the
luminance data are applied.
[0099] The digital object data described above is merely an
example, and the present invention is not limited to this example.
As the digital object data described above, for example, the object
shape data, the object location data, the object size data, and the
object color space data may be associated with each object type
data. In the logical configuration, the object shape data, the
object location data, the object size data, the object type data,
and the object color space data, for example, may be associated
with one another so that these data items are referred to by one
another.
[0100] The operation history data storage region 184 stores
operation mode data, operation mode relation data, and digital
object data, for example. The operation mode data is associated
with an operation mode among, for example, the digital objects 211
operated by the operation input unit 61, for example, and is data
associated with a specified operation mode. The operation mode
relation data is, for example, various data items related to a
specified operation mode. For example, in a case where a cooling
operation is specified as an operation mode, the operation mode
relation data is various data items on settings in the cooling
operation. Similarly, in a case where a heating operation is
specified as an operation mode, the operation mode relation data is
various data items on settings in the heating operation.
[0101] Digital object data stored in the operation history data
storage region 184 is composed of object state data, object shape
data, object location data, object size data, object type data, and
object color space data, for example. In the object state data,
various drawing histories of digital object data are held on a
time-series basis. The object shape data, the object location data,
the object size data, the object type data, and the object color
space data are data items similar to those described above, and an
immediately preceding state is held. The operation history data
described above is merely an example, and the present invention is
not limited to this example.
[0102] An example of a detailed configuration of the sensor module
67 will be described below. The human sensor module 81 includes a
pyroelectric infrared ray sensor 131, a signal processor 132, and a
human detector 133. The pyroelectric infrared ray sensor 131 is
constituted by, for example, a Fresnel lens, a pyroelectric
element, and a junction field effect transistor. The pyroelectric
infrared ray sensor 131 causes infrared rays collected by the
Fresnel lens to be supplied onto the pyroelectric element and
changes a gate voltage of the junction field effect transistor
depending on an output of the pyroelectric element so that an
output voltage of the junction field effect transistor changes and
the resulting output voltage is supplied as an output of the
pyroelectric infrared ray sensor 131 to the signal processor
132.
[0103] The number of pyroelectric elements is not specifically
limited. For example, the pyroelectric infrared ray sensor 131 may
include only one pyroelectric element. Alternatively, a plurality
of pyroelectric elements may be arranged in the pyroelectric
infrared ray sensor 131.
[0104] The signal processor 132 is constituted by a low pass filter
(LPF), an amplifier, and an A/D converter, reduces noise of an
output voltage supplied from the pyroelectric infrared ray sensor
131, converts the resulting output voltage to a digital signal, and
transmits the digital signal to the human detector 133. The LPF
removes power supply noise, for example, from the minute output
voltage of the pyroelectric infrared ray sensor 131 and transmits
the resulting signal as an analog signal to the amplifier. The
amplifier amplifies the analog signal and transmits the analog
signal to the A/D converter. The A/D converter converts the
amplified analog signal to a digital signal in a predetermined
sampling period, and transmits the digital signal to the human
detector 133. The human detector 133 is constituted by a threshold
value setting unit and a comparator. The human detector 133 uses
the comparator to perform a comparison to determine whether the
digital value exceeds a threshold value set by the threshold value
setting unit or not, and transmits a comparison result to the
control processor 69.
[0105] The temperature sensor module 83 includes a temperature
sensor 141 and a signal processor 142. The temperature sensor 141
is constituted by a plurality of thermistors, for example. The
temperature sensor 141 has its resistance vary depending on a
change in temperature, and transmits this variation of the
resistance as an analog signal to the signal processor 142. The
signal processor 142 is constituted by an LPF, an amplifier, and an
A/D converter. The LPF removes a noise component of the analog
signal transmitted from the temperature sensor 141, and transmits
the resulting signal to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the
analog signal and transmits the amplified analog signal to the A/D
converter. The A/D converter converts the amplified analog signal
to a digital signal in a predetermined sampling period, and
transmits the digital signal to the control processor 69.
[0106] The humidity sensor module 85 includes a humidity sensor 151
and a signal processor 152. The humidity sensor 151 is constituted
by a plurality of sets of capacitance sensors each including an
upper electrode, a lower electrode, and a high molecule moisture
sensitive material, for example. In the humidity sensor 151, a
capacitance of the high molecule moisture sensitive material
disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode varies
with a humidity change, and this variation of capacitance is
transmitted as an analog signal to the signal processor 152. The
signal processor 152 is constituted by an LPF, an amplifier, and an
A/D converter. The LPF removes a noise component of the analog
signal transmitted from the humidity sensor 151, and transmits the
resulting signal to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the
analog signal and transmits the amplified analog signal to the A/D
converter. The A/D converter converts the amplified analog signal
to a digital signal in a predetermined sampling period, and
transmits the digital signal to the control processor 69.
[0107] The illuminance sensor module 87 includes an illuminance
sensor 161 and a signal processor 162. The illuminance sensor 161
is constituted by a plurality of photodiodes, for example. The
illuminance sensor 161 transmits detection results of the
photodiodes as an analog signal to the signal processor 162. The
signal processor 162 is constituted by an LPF, an amplifier, and an
A/D converter. The LPF removes a noise component of the analog
signal transmitted from the illuminance sensor 161, and transmits
the resulting signal to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the
analog signal and transmits the amplified analog signal to the A/D
converter. The A/D converter converts the amplified analog signal
to a digital signal in a predetermined sampling period, and
transmits the digital signal to the control processor 69.
[0108] The configurations described above are merely examples, and
the present invention is not limited to these examples. For
example, the control processor 69 only needs to perform various
computations, and a functional configuration thereof is not
specifically limited. For example, regions allocated in the storage
unit 65 are merely examples, and the control processor 69 only
needs to refer to a region from which data is obtained and a region
in which data is stored. The sensor module 67 may have a
configuration simpler than that described above.
[0109] Specifically, the human sensor module 81 may be constituted
only by the pyroelectric infrared ray sensor 131, and does not need
to include the other components. In this case, a process
corresponding to the signal processor 132 can be performed by
providing an interface between the sensor module 67 and the control
processor 69. A process corresponding to the human detector 133
only needs to be performed by the control processor 69. Similarly,
the temperature sensor module 83 may be constituted only by the
temperature sensor 141, the humidity sensor module 85 may be
constituted only by the humidity sensor 151, and the illuminance
sensor module 87 may be constituted only by the illuminance sensor
161.
(Operation in Embodiment 1)
[0110] Transition of a configuration state of, for example, the
digital object 211 to be displayed by the display unit 63 of the
remote controller 31 will be described. FIG. 4 illustrates an
example of state transition between a normal configuration state
and a special configuration state according to Embodiment 1 of the
present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the digital object
211, for example, is assumed to be in the normal configuration
state and the special configuration state. The normal configuration
state is a configuration in a case where digital object data is
drawn in a default setting. The special configuration state is a
configuration in which display content of the user interface 201 is
drawn depending on the type of an operation expected from a
surrounding environment or an operation history. For example, the
following state transition is performed.
(Normal Configuration State)
[0111] If no special configuration mode instruction is issued (step
S11), the control processor 69 maintains the normal configuration
state. If a special configuration mode instruction is issued (step
S12), the control processor 69 causes the state to transition to
the special configuration state.
(Special Configuration State)
[0112] If a predetermined time has not elapsed (step S13), the
control processor 69 maintains the special configuration state. If
a special configuration display instruction is issued (step S13),
the control processor 69 maintains the special configuration state.
If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S14), the control
processor 69 causes the state to transition to the normal
configuration state. If no special configuration display
instruction is not issued (step S14), the control processor 69
causes the state to transition to the normal configuration
state.
[0113] An example of operation of a digital object display process
will be described on the premise of the state transition described
above. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the
remote controller 31 according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention.
[0114] Processes in steps S23 to S25 are temperature determination
processes in which the digital objects 211, for example, are
displayed depending on a surrounding environment. Processes in
steps S27 to S29 are operation history determination processes in
which the digital objects 211, for example, are displayed depending
on an operation history. That is, operations described with
reference to FIG. 5 are processes in which the digital objects 211,
for example, are displayed depending on the surrounding environment
or the operation history. As triggers for transitioning to
processes depending on the surrounding environment or the operation
history, the presence/absence of a special configuration mode
instruction and an operation status of the indoor unit 21, for
example, are used.
(Step S21)
[0115] The remote controller 31 determines whether a special
configuration mode instruction is issued or not. If the special
configuration mode instruction is issued, the remote controller 31
proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if no special
configuration mode instruction is issued, the remote controller 31
returns to step S21.
[0116] The special configuration mode instruction may be an
instruction transmitted from an external terminal such as a
smartphone. In the case where a user is assumed to wish to start
air-conditioning at 7 p.m., for example, the user issues a special
configuration mode instruction to the remote controller 31 with a
smartphone or other devices so that the user can operate the
digital object 211, for example, displayed in the special
configuration mode after having entered a room provided with the
remote controller 31. If an application for implementing a virtual
environment of the remote controller 31 is installed in the
smartphone or other devices, the digital object 211 supposed to be
displayed on the remote controller 31, for example, can be
displayed on the smartphone or other devices.
[0117] For example, as the special configuration mode instruction,
the special configuration mode may be instructed based on
information such as various preset time information items that have
been previously set. For example, the remote controller 31 may
transition to the special configuration mode based on a preset
action history or a preset schedule of a person, for example.
Specifically, in a case where it is determined based on, for
example, an action history or a schedule of a person that a user
uses a room to be air-conditioned from 9 a.m., the remote
controller 31 may transition to the special configuration mode at 9
a.m.
[0118] For example, the special configuration mode instruction may
depend on a person presence determination result. For example, the
remote controller 31 may transition to a state in which the special
configuration mode instruction is issued when the person presence
determination result changes from absent to present. Such a case of
using the person presence determination result will be described
later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 in Embodiment 2.
(Step S22)
[0119] The remote controller 31 determines whether the indoor unit
21 operates or not. If the indoor unit 21 does not operate, the
remote controller 31 proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if
the indoor unit 21 operates, the remote controller 31 proceeds to
step S27.
[0120] The state in which the indoor unit 21 does not operate
herein includes not only a state in which a power supply to the
indoor unit 21 is shut off but also a state in which the indoor
unit 21 is on standby for operation. For example, the indoor unit
21 and the outdoor unit 11 may perform refrigerant stagnation
operation. On the other hand, the state in which the indoor unit 21
operates is a state in which the outdoor unit 11 operates with
operation of the indoor unit 21 and a refrigeration cycle is formed
in the indoor unit 21 and the outdoor unit 11, and is assumed to be
a state in which air-conditioning is performed.
(Step S23)
[0121] The remote controller 31 determines a range of a room
temperature. If the room temperature is in the range from a heating
determination temperature to cooling determination temperature,
both inclusive, the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S30. If
the room temperature is lower than the heating determination
temperature, the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S24. If the
room temperature is higher than the cooling determination
temperature, the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S25.
(Step S24)
[0122] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a setting in heating operation start, and
transitions to step S26.
(Step S25)
[0123] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a setting in cooling operation start, and
transitions to step S26.
(Step S26)
[0124] The remote controller 31 determines whether a predetermined
time has elapsed or not. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the
remote controller 31 finishes the process. On the other hand, if
the predetermined time has not elapsed, the remote controller 31
returns to step S22. Here, the predetermined time is, for example,
5 minutes, but the present invention is not limited to this time.
That is, the remote controller 31 only needs to transition from the
special configuration mode to the normal configuration mode if a
predetermined time in which a user is assumed to use the remote
controller 31 has elapsed.
(Step S27)
[0125] The remote controller 31 determines the type of an operation
mode. If the operation mode is neither cooling nor heating, the
remote controller 31 proceeds to step S30. If the operation mode is
heating, the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S28. If the
operation mode is cooling, the remote controller 31 proceeds to
step S29.
(Step S28) The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a setting in the heating operation, and proceeds to
step S26.
(Step S29)
[0126] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a setting in the cooling operation, and proceeds to
step S26.
(Step S30)
[0127] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a normal configuration, and proceeds to step
S26.
[0128] With reference to the operation example described above, an
example of operation of the remote controller 31 will be described.
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of display of the digital objects 211
in a normal configuration state for cooling according to Embodiment
1 of the present invention. The remote controller 31 displays the
digital object 211 as the user interface 201. Thus, in a case where
the digital object 211 displayed on the user interface 201 is
operated, an operation associated with the specified digital object
211 is performed. Here, the user interface 201 is constituted by a
liquid crystal display serving as the display unit 63 and a touch
panel serving as the operation input unit 61, for example.
[0129] Here, the digital object 211 refers to one of digital
objects 211a to 211g. The digital object 211a is drawn as an
inverted triangle button, for example, and is used for transmitting
a control instruction for reducing a set temperature to the control
processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the button. The
digital object 211b is drawn as an upright triangle button, for
example, and is used for transmitting a control instruction for
increasing the set temperature to the control processor 69 by an
operation such as depression of the button.
[0130] The digital object 211c is drawn as a left-facing button,
for example, and is used for transmitting a control instruction for
calling a virtual image hidden to the left of the screen to the
control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the
button. The digital object 211d is drawn as a button indicating a
sign "OPERATION," for example, and is used for transmitting a
control instruction for performing an operation to the control
processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the button. The
digital object 211e is drawn as a button indicating a sign "COOLING
MODE," for example, and is used for transmitting a control
instruction for displaying a setting associated with a cooling mode
to the control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of
the button.
[0131] The digital object 211f is drawn as a button indicating a
sign "MENU," for example, and is used for transmitting a control
instruction for displaying a setting associated with a menu to the
control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the
button. The digital object 211g is drawn as a right-facing button,
for example, and is used for transmitting a control instruction for
calling a virtual image hidden to the right of the screen to the
control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the
button.
[0132] The display configurations are merely examples, and the
present invention is not limited to these examples. For example,
the numbers, sizes, colors, and locations, for example, of buttons
drawn as the digital objects 211 do not need to be uniform, and may
be suitably changed depending on the situation. For example, as
described above, in a case where the control processor 69 causes
the display unit 63 to display the digital object 211 associated
with a setting in the heating operation start, the control
processor 69 causes the display unit 63 to redisplay the digital
object 211 associated with a setting in the heating operation start
to change the display example illustrated in FIG. 6 to a setting at
the heating operation start. For example, as described above, in a
case where the control processor 69 causes the display unit 63 to
display the digital object 211 associated with a setting in the
cooling operation start, the control processor 69 causes the
display unit 63 to redisplay the digital object 211 associated with
a setting in the cooling operation start to change the display
example illustrated in FIG. 6 to a setting in the cooling operation
start.
[0133] For example, as described above, in a case where the control
processor 69 causes the display unit 63 to display the digital
object 211 associated with a setting in the heating operation, the
control processor 69 causes the display unit 63 to redisplay the
digital object 211 associated with a setting in the heating
operation to change the display example illustrated in FIG. 6 to a
setting in the heating operation. For example, as described above,
in a case where the control processor 69 causes the display unit 63
to display the digital object 211 associated with a setting in the
cooling operation, the control processor 69 causes the display unit
63 to redisplay the digital object 211 associated with a setting in
the cooling operation to change the display example illustrated in
FIG. 6 to a setting in the cooling operation.
[0134] The temperature determination process described with
reference to FIG. 5 will be specifically described below with
reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a room
temperature determination index 530 according to Embodiment 1 of
the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the room
temperature determination index 530 is an index for determining a
room temperature. In the room temperature determination index 530,
a temperature range for use in determining a room temperature is
divided into a first temperature range, a second temperature range,
and a third temperature range by defining a cooling determination
temperature and a heating determination temperature. The first
temperature range corresponds to a temperature range in which the
digital object 211 associated with a cooling mode operation start
is displayed, for example. The second temperature range corresponds
to a temperature range in which the digital object 211 currently
displayed is maintained, for example. The third temperature range
corresponds to a temperature range in which the digital object 211
associated with heating mode operation start is displayed, for
example.
[0135] The cooling determination temperature and the heating
determination temperature will be described. First, the cooling
determination temperature is a cooling setting temperature set
through the user interface 201 when the operation mode is a cooling
mode, for example. The cooling determination temperature may be a
cooling setting temperature transmitted from a smartphone or other
devices. The cooling determination temperature may be a cooling
setting temperature previously set based on an operation schedule,
for example. Next, the heating determination temperature is a
heating setting temperature set through the user interface 201 when
the operation mode is a heating mode, for example. The heating
determination temperature may be a heating setting temperature
transmitted from a smartphone or other devices. The heating
determination temperature may be a heating setting temperature
previously set based on an operation schedule, for example.
[0136] An example of comparison between the room temperature and
either the cooling determination temperature or the heating
determination temperature will be described. For example, in the
case of a room temperature determination example 531a, the room
temperature exceeds the cooling determination temperature, and
thus, this example belongs to the first temperature range. In this
case, since the room temperature is in the temperature range in
which the digital object 211 associated with the cooling mode
operation start is displayed, the remote controller 31 displays the
digital object 211 associated with a setting in the cooling
operation start. In the case of a room temperature determination
example 531b, the room temperature is lower than the heating
determination temperature, and thus, this example belongs to the
third temperature range. In this case, since the room temperature
is in the temperature range in which the digital object 211
associated with the heating mode operation start is displayed, the
remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211 associated
with a setting in the heating operation start. In the case of a
room temperature determination example 531c, the room temperature
is between the cooling determination temperature and the heating
determination temperature, and thus, this example belongs to the
second temperature range. In this case, since the room temperature
is in the temperature range in which the digital object 211
currently displayed is maintained, the remote controller 31
displays the digital object 211 associated with the normal
configuration.
[0137] The cooling determination temperature may be lower than the
heating determination temperature. The heating determination
temperature may exceed the cooling determination temperature. Any
one of the cooling determination temperature or the heating
determination temperature may be set.
[0138] In the foregoing description, the remote controller 31
determines whether the operation status of the indoor unit 21 is
cooling or heating based on the operation history of the operation
mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this
example. For example, the remote controller 31 may determine
whether the operation status of the indoor unit 21 is cooling or
heating based on an operation history except the operation mode.
Specifically, in a case where a set temperature that has been
immediately previously input belongs to the first temperature
range, the remote controller 31 may determine that the indoor unit
21 performs a cooling operation to proceed to step S29. Similarly,
in a case where the set temperature that has been immediately
previously input belongs to the third temperature range, the remote
controller 31 may determine that the indoor unit 21 performs a
heating operation to proceed to step S28. Similarly, in a case
where the set temperature that has been immediately previously
input belongs to the second temperature range, the remote
controller 31 may determine that the indoor unit 21 performs an
operation except the cooling operation and the heating operation to
proceed to step S30.
[0139] In the foregoing description, operations are performed based
on the room temperature. However, the present invention is not
limited to this example. The operations may be performed based on a
room humidity, for example. In this case, a comparison process only
needs to be performed between the room humidity and a preset
humidity threshold value. Alternatively, the operation may be
performed based on a room illuminance, for example. In this case, a
comparison process only needs to be performed between the room
illuminance and a preset illuminance threshold value. The operation
may be also performed based on an image pickup result of
surroundings of the remote controller 31. For example, in a case
where a plurality of persons are detected from an image pickup
result, the number of persons and clothes of the persons are
obtained from, for example, an algorithm for recognizing images of
persons. If the obtained number of persons is greater than or equal
to a threshold value and the persons are dressed in summer clothes,
the remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211 associated
with the cooling mode operation start. Similarly, in a case where a
plurality of persons are detected from the image pickup result, the
number of persons and clothes of the persons are obtained from, for
example, an algorithm for recognizing images of persons, if the
obtained number of persons is greater than or equal to a threshold
value and the persons are dressed in winter clothes, the remote
controller 31 displays the digital object 211 associated with the
heating mode operation start.
(Advantages of Embodiment 1)
[0140] As described above, in a case where the indoor unit 21 does
not operate, the remote controller 31 determines the surrounding
environment such as the room temperature, and constitutes display
content of the user interface 201 depending on a type of an
operation expected from a determination result. In a case where the
indoor unit 21 operates, the remote controller 31 determines the
operation history such as the operation mode, and constitutes
display content of the user interface 201 depending on a type of an
operation expected from a determination result. Thus, by
constituting the display content of the user interface 201
depending on the type of the operation expected from the
surrounding environment or the operation history, the optimum
intuitive user interface 201 can be provided depending on an
operating environment.
[0141] As described above, in Embodiment 1, there provided a remote
controller 31 configured to control an air-conditioning apparatus
including an outdoor unit 11 and an indoor unit 21, and the remote
controller 31 includes a storage unit 65 configured to store data
of digital objects 211 of different types, a touch panel display 55
including a display unit 63 configured to display the digital
objects 211 and an operation input unit 61 configured to detect an
operation of the digital objects 211, and a control processor 69
configured to control the touch panel display 55. The control
processor 69 displays one of the digital objects 211 associated
with an operation expected from a surrounding environment of the
indoor unit 21 or an operation expected from an operation history
of the operation input unit 61.
[0142] In this configuration, the display content of the user
interface 201 is designed depending on the type of the operation
expected from the surrounding environment or the operation history,
and thus, the optimum intuitive user interface 201 can be provided
depending on an operating environment.
[0143] In Embodiment 1, in a case where the outdoor unit 11 and the
indoor unit 21 operate, the control processor 69 displays the
digital object 211 associated with the operation expected from the
operation history. In the case where neither the outdoor unit 11
nor the indoor unit 21 operates, the control processor 69 displays
the digital object 211 associated with the operation expected from
the surrounding environment.
[0144] In Embodiment 1, the digital objects 211 are buttons
displayed as digital images.
[0145] In the configuration described above, the optimum intuitive
user interface 201 can be provided especially significantly
depending on an operating environment.
Embodiment 2
[0146] (Difference from Another Embodiment)
[0147] Embodiment 2 is different from Embodiment 1 in that a
preceding process to a process of determining an operation status
of the indoor unit 21 is based on a person presence determination
result. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of state transition between a
normal configuration state and a special configuration state
according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
(Operation of Embodiment 2)
[0148] As illustrated in FIG. 8, digital objects 211, for example,
are assumed to be in a normal configuration state and a special
configuration state. The normal configuration state is a
configuration in a case where digital object data is drawn in a
default setting. The special configuration state is a configuration
in which display content of a user interface 201 is drawn depending
on the type of an operation expected from a surrounding environment
of an operation history. For example, state transition is performed
as follows.
(Normal Configuration State)
[0149] If the absence of a person is detected (step S41), a control
processor 69 maintains the normal configuration state. If the
presence of a person is detected (step S42), the control processor
69 causes the state to transition to the special configuration
state.
(Special Configuration State)
[0150] If a predetermined time has not elapsed (step S43), the
control processor 69 maintains the special configuration state. If
the predetermined time has elapsed (step S44), the control
processor 69 causes the state to transition to the normal
configuration state.
[0151] An example of operation of a digital object display process
will be described on the premise of the state transition described
above. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the
remote controller 31 according to Embodiment 2 of the present
invention.
[0152] Processes in steps S54 to S56 are temperature determination
processes in which the digital object 211 is displayed depending on
a surrounding environment. Processes in steps S58 to S60 are
operation history determination processes in which the digital
object 211 is displayed depending on an operation history. That is,
operations described with reference to FIG. 9 are processes in
which the digital objects 211 are displayed depending on the
surrounding environment or the operation history. As triggers for
transitioning to processes depending on the surrounding environment
or the operation history, a person presence determination result
and an operation status of the indoor unit 21 are used, for
example.
(Step S51)
[0153] The remote controller 31 determines whether a current
presence determination result is a person presence state or not. If
a current presence determination result is the person presence
state, the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S52. On the other
hand, if the current presence determination result is not the
person presence state, the remote controller 31 returns to step
S51.
(Step S52)
[0154] If an immediately preceding presence determination result is
a person absence state, the remote controller 31 proceeds to step
S53. On the other hand, if the immediately preceding presence
determination result is not the person absence state, the remote
controller 31 proceeds to step S61.
[0155] For example, the remote controller 31 obtains the current
person presence determination result in step S51 and determines a
presence state of a person (whether a person is either present or
absent) 30 seconds before as an immediately preceding person
presence determination result in step S52, thereby determining
whether the person presence state has continued for a long time or
the state currently transitions to the person presence state.
Specifically, if a person is currently present in a room and was
present in the room immediately before, the remote controller 31
determines that the person is present in the room for a long time,
and does not transition to the determination process of the
operation status of the indoor unit 21. On the other hand, if a
person is currently present in the room and was absent immediately
before, the remote controller 31 determines that the state
currently transitions to the person presence state, that is, the
person entered a vacant room, and transitions to the determination
process of the operation status of the indoor unit 21. The
immediately preceding time of 30 seconds before is merely an
example, and the present invention is not limited to this example.
For example, the immediately preceding time may be 10 seconds
before.
(Step S53)
[0156] The remote controller 31 determines whether the indoor unit
21 operates or not. If the indoor unit 21 does not operate, the
remote controller 31 proceeds to step S54. On the other hand, if
the indoor unit 21 operates, the remote controller 31 proceeds to
step S58.
[0157] Here, the state in which the indoor unit 21 does not operate
includes not only a state in which a power supply to the indoor
unit 21 is shut off but also a state in which the indoor unit 21 is
on standby for operation. For example, the indoor unit 21 and the
outdoor unit 11 may perform refrigerant stagnation operation. On
the other hand, the state in which the indoor unit 21 operates is a
state in which the outdoor unit 11 operates with operation of the
indoor unit 21 and a refrigeration cycle is formed in the indoor
unit 21 and the outdoor unit 11, and is assumed to be a state in
which air-conditioning is performed.
(Step S54)
[0158] The remote controller 31 determines a room temperature. If
the room temperature is in the range from a heating determination
temperature to a cooling determination temperature, both inclusive,
the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S61. If the room
temperature is lower than the heating determination temperature,
the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S55. If the room
temperature is higher than the cooling determination temperature,
the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S56.
(Step S55)
[0159] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a setting in heating operation start, and
transitions to step S57.
(Step S56)
[0160] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a setting in cooling operation start, and
transitions to step S57.
(Step S57)
[0161] The remote controller 31 determines whether a predetermined
time has elapsed or not. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the
remote controller 31 finishes the process. On the other hand, if
the predetermined time has not elapsed, the remote controller 31
returns to step S53.
[0162] Here, the predetermined time is, for example, 5 minutes, but
the present invention is not limited to this time. That is, the
remote controller 31 only needs to transition from the special
configuration mode to the normal configuration mode if a
predetermined time in which a user is assumed to use the remote
controller 31 has elapsed.
(Step S58)
[0163] The remote controller 31 determines the type of an operation
mode. If the operation mode is neither cooling nor heating, the
remote controller 31 proceeds to step S61. If the operation mode is
heating, the remote controller 31 proceeds to step S59. If the
operation mode is cooling, the remote controller 31 proceeds to
step S60.
(Step S59)
[0164] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a setting in the heating operation, and proceeds to
step S57.
(Step S60)
[0165] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a setting in the cooling operation, and proceeds to
step S57.
(Step S61)
[0166] The remote controller 31 displays the digital object 211
associated with a normal configuration, and proceeds to step
S57.
(Advantages of Embodiment 2)
[0167] As described above, in Embodiment 2, in a case where the
presence state of a person in a room that is an air-conditioned
space is currently a person presence state and also was a person
presence state immediately before, the remote controller 31 does
not transition to the determination process of the operation status
of the indoor unit 21. Thus, in a case where it is assumed that a
person is present in the room for a long time, neither the
temperature determination process nor the operation history
determination process is performed. On the other hand, in a case
where the presence state of a person in a room that is an
air-conditioned space transitions from the person absence state to
the person presence state, the operation status of the indoor unit
21 is determined to select one of the temperature determination
process or the operation history determination process. Thus, the
digital object 211 is displayed depending on the surrounding
environment or the operation history at the time when a person
enters the room. Thus, the digital object 211 displayed by the
remote controller 31 reflects an immediately preceding state, and
the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum intuitive user
interface 201 to a user especially significantly depending on an
operating environment.
[0168] As described above, in Embodiment 2, the control processor
69 displays one of the digital objects 211 associated with the
operation expected from the surrounding environment or the
operation history when the presence state of a person in an
air-conditioned space to be air-conditioned by the indoor unit 21
transitions from the person absence state to the person presence
state.
[0169] In Embodiment 2, the control processor 69 displays one of
the digital objects 211 to be used in an operation start of a
cooling operation or a heating operation, based on a room
temperature, a cooling determination temperature, and a heating
determination temperature for the air-conditioned space to be
air-conditioned by the indoor unit 21, in a case where one of the
digital objects 211 associated with the operation expected from the
surrounding environment is to be displayed.
[0170] In Embodiment 2, the control processor 69 displays one of
the digital objects 211 to be used for setting an operation mode
associated with a previous operation in the operation history in a
case where one of the digital objects 211 associated with the
operation expected from the operation history is to be
displayed.
[0171] In the configuration described above, the optimum intuitive
user interface 201 can be provided especially significantly
depending on an operating environment.
Embodiment 3
[0172] (Difference from Other Embodiments)
[0173] Embodiment 3 is different from Embodiments 1 and 2 in that
an example of a special configuration state will be specifically
described. In Embodiment 3, a remote controller 31 changes display
sizes of digital objects 251, digital objects 261, digital objects
271, and digital objects 281 described later.
(Operation of Embodiment 3)
[0174] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of display of the digital
objects 251 in a special configuration state for a setting in
cooling operation start according to Embodiment 3 of the present
invention. As illustrated in FIG. 10, in a state before temperature
determination (pre-temperature determination state) 601, a digital
object 251a, a digital object 251b, a digital object 251c, a
digital object 251d, and a digital object 251e are displayed on a
user interface 201. The digital object 251a, the digital object
251b, the digital object 251c, the digital object 251d, and the
digital object 251e will be collectively referred to as digital
objects 251 unless otherwise specified.
[0175] As illustrated in FIG. 10, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 601 transitions to a first
state after temperature determination (first post-temperature
determination state) 631. In this case, in the first
post-temperature determination state 631, the size of the digital
object 251 is changed depending on a surrounding environment, and
thus, a display size is changed. For example, the display size of
the digital object 251b is enlarged. As illustrated in FIG. 10, it
is also assumed that the pre-temperature determination state 601
transitions to a second state after temperature determination
(second post-temperature determination state) 661. In this case, in
the second post-temperature determination state 661, the size of
the digital object 251b is changed, and thus, the display size is
changed and enlarged, and at the same time, a button drawn as the
digital object 251c is removed.
[0176] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
261 in a special configuration state for a setting in heating
operation start according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, in a pre-temperature determination state
602, a digital object 261a, a digital object 261b, a digital object
261c, a digital object 261d, and a digital object 261e are
displayed on a user interface 201. The digital object 261a, the
digital object 261b, the digital object 261c, the digital object
261d, and the digital object 261e will be collectively referred to
as digital objects 261 unless otherwise specified.
[0177] As illustrated in FIG. 11, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 602 transitions to a first
post-temperature determination state 632. In this case, in the
first post-temperature determination state 632, the size of the
digital object 261 is changed depending on the surrounding
environment, and thus, a display size is changed. For example, the
display size of the digital object 261b is enlarged. As illustrated
in FIG. 11, it is also assumed that the pre-temperature
determination state 602 transitions to a second post-temperature
determination state 662. In this case, in the second
post-temperature determination state 662, the size of the digital
object 261b is changed, and thus, the display size is changed and
enlarged, and at the same time, a button drawn as the digital
object 261c is removed.
[0178] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
271 in a special configuration state for a setting in a cooling
operation according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 12, in a state before operation history
determination (pre-operation history determination state) 701, a
digital object 271a, a digital object 271b, a digital object 271c,
a digital object 271d, a digital object 271e, a digital object
271f, and a digital object 271g are displayed on the user interface
201. The digital object 271a, the digital object 271b, the digital
object 271c, the digital object 271d, the digital object 271e, the
digital object 271f, and the digital object 271g will be
collectively referred to as digital objects 271 unless otherwise
specified.
[0179] As illustrated in FIG. 12, it is assumed that the
pre-operation history determination state 701 transitions to a
state after operation history determination (post-operation history
determination state) 731. In this case, in the post-operation
history determination state 731, sizes of the digital object 271a,
the digital object 271b, the digital object 271d, and the digital
object 271e are changed depending on an operation history, and
thus, display sizes are changed. For example, the display sizes of
the digital object 271a, the digital object 271b, the digital
object 271d, and the digital object 271e are enlarged.
[0180] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
281 in a special configuration state for a setting in a heating
operation according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 13, in a pre-operation history determination
state 702, a digital object 281a, a digital object 281b, a digital
object 281c, a digital object 281d, a digital object 281e, a
digital object 281f, and a digital object 281g are displayed on the
user interface 201. The digital object 281a, the digital object
281b, the digital object 281c, the digital object 281d, the digital
object 281e, the digital object 281f, and the digital object 281g
will be collectively referred to as digital objects 281 unless
otherwise specified.
[0181] As illustrated in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the
pre-operation history determination state 702 transitions to a
post-operation history determination state 732. In this case, in
the post-operation history determination state 732, the sizes of
the digital object 281a, the digital object 281b, the digital
object 281d, and the digital object 281e are changed depending on
the operation history, and thus, the display sizes are changed. For
example, display sizes of the digital object 281a, the digital
object 281b, the digital object 281d, and the digital object 281e
are enlarged.
[0182] In the example described above, the specific digital objects
251, the digital objects 261, the digital objects 271, and the
digital objects 281 are displayed in an enlarged manner. However,
the present invention is not limited to this example. In the remote
controller 31, unnecessary digital objects 251, digital objects
261, digital objects 271, and digital objects 281 may be drawn in
sizes smaller than normal sizes.
(Advantages of Embodiment 3)
[0183] As described above, in Embodiment 3, a setting in the
cooling operation start is emphasized in display, as illustrated in
FIG. 10. For example, the digital object 251b is displayed as a
sign "COOLING ON/OFF," serves as a button for starting a cooling
operation, and is enlarged in display. Thus, the remote controller
31 can provide the optimum intuitive user interface 201 depending
on the surrounding environment, which is one of operating
environments.
[0184] In Embodiment 3, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a setting in the
heating operation start is emphasized. For example, the digital
object 261b is displayed as a sign "HEATING ON/OFF," serves as a
button for starting a heating operation, and is enlarged in
display. Thus, the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum
intuitive user interface 201 depending on the surrounding
environment, which is one of operating environments.
[0185] In Embodiment 3, as illustrated in FIG. 12, a setting in the
cooling operation is emphasized. For example, the digital object
271a is an inverted triangle button. By an operation such as
depression of the button, a control instruction for reducing a set
temperature is transmitted to the control processor 69. In display,
the digital object 271a is enlarged, and thus, emphasized. The
digital object 271b is an upright triangle button, and transmits a
control instruction for increasing a set temperature to the control
processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the button. In
display, the digital object 271b is enlarged, and thus,
emphasized.
[0186] For example, the digital object 271d is displayed as a sign
"COOLING ON/OFF," serves as a button for stopping a cooling
operation, and is enlarged in display. The digital object 271e is
displayed as a sign "COOLING MODE," serves as a button for
transition to a setting of a cooling mode, and is enlarged in
display. Thus, the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum
intuitive user interface 201 depending on an operation history,
which is one of operating environments.
[0187] In Embodiment 3, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a setting in the
heating operation is emphasized in display. For example, the
digital object 281a is an inverted triangle button and is used to
transmit a control instruction for reducing a set temperature to
the control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the
button. In display, the digital object 281a is enlarged, and thus,
emphasized. The digital object 281b is an upright triangle button,
and is used for transmitting a control instruction for increasing a
set temperature to the control processor 69 by an operation such as
depression of the button. In display, the digital object 281b is
enlargement, and thus, emphasized.
[0188] For example, the digital object 281d is displayed as a sign
"HEATING ON/OFF," serves as a button for stopping a heating
operation, and is enlarged in display. The digital object 281e is
displayed as a sign "HEATING MODE," serves as a button for
transition to a setting of a heating mode, and is enlarged in
display. Thus, the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum
intuitive user interface 201 depending on an operation history,
which is one of operating environments.
[0189] As described above, the remote controller 31 in the
Embodiment 3 can provide the optimum intuitive user interface 201
especially significantly depending on an operating environment.
[0190] As described above, in Embodiment 3, the control processor
69 changes display sizes of the digital objects 251, 261, 271, and
281.
[0191] In Embodiment 3, the control processor 69 makes the display
size of one of the digital objects 251 and 261 associated with the
surrounding environment larger than the display size of one of the
digital objects 251 and 261 not associated with the surrounding
environment in a case where one of the digital objects 251 and 261
associated with the operation expected from the surrounding
environment is to be displayed.
[0192] In Embodiment 3, the control processor 69 makes the display
size of one of the digital objects 271 and 281 associated with the
operation history larger than the display size of one of the
digital objects 271 and 281 not associated with the operation
history in a case where one of the digital objects 271 and 281
associated with the operation expected from the operation history
is to be displayed.
[0193] In the configuration described above, the optimum intuitive
user interface 201 can be provided especially significantly
depending on an operating environment.
Embodiment 4
[0194] (Difference from Other Embodiments)
[0195] Embodiment 4 is different from Embodiments 1 to 3 in that an
example of the special configuration state is specifically
described. In Embodiment 4, a remote controller 31 changes display
locations of digital objects 291, digital objects 311, digital
objects 321, and digital objects 331 described later.
(Operation of Embodiment 4)
[0196] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
291 in a special configuration state for a setting in cooling
operation start according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, in a pre-temperature determination state
603, a digital object 291a, a digital object 291b, a digital object
291c, a digital object 291d, and a digital object 291e are
displayed on a user interface 201. The digital object 291a, the
digital object 291b, the digital object 291c, the digital object
291d, and the digital object 291e will be collectively referred to
as digital objects 291 unless otherwise specified.
[0197] As illustrated in FIG. 14, it is assumed that a
pre-temperature determination state 603 transitions to a first
post-temperature determination state 633. In this case, in the
first post-temperature determination state 633, a location of the
digital object 291 is changed, a display location thereof is
changed. For example, the control processor 69 displays the digital
object 291b on a center portion of a display screen that is the
user interface 201 so that the digital object 291b associated with
a surrounding environment is easily operated.
[0198] As illustrated in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 603 transitions to the second
post-temperature determination state 663. In this case, in the
second post-temperature determination state 663, since the location
of the digital object 291b is changed, a display location is
changed, and at the same time, a button drawn as the digital object
291c is removed.
[0199] The control processor 69 may display, for example, the
digital object 291d on an edge portion of the display screen that
is the user interface 201 so that the digital object 291d, for
example, not associated with the surrounding environment is not
easily operated.
[0200] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
311 in a special configuration state for a setting in heating
operation start according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 15, in a pre-temperature determination state
604, a digital object 311a, a digital object 311b, a digital object
311c, a digital object 311d, and a digital object 311e are
displayed on the user interface 201. The digital object 311a, the
digital object 311b, the digital object 311c, the digital object
311d, and the digital object 311e will be collectively referred to
as digital objects 311 unless otherwise specified.
[0201] As illustrated in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 604 transitions to a first
post-temperature determination state 634. In this case, in the
first post-temperature determination state 634, a location of the
digital object 311 is changed, and thus, a display location is
changed. For example, the control processor 69 displays the digital
object 311b on a center portion of the display screen that is the
user interface 201 so that the digital object 311b associated with
the surrounding environment is easily operated.
[0202] As illustrated in FIG. 15, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 604 transitions to a second
post-temperature determination state 664. In this case, in the
second post-temperature determination state 664, a location of the
digital object 311b is changed, and thus, a display location is
changed, and at the same time, a button drawn as the digital object
311c is removed.
[0203] The control processor 69 may display, for example, the
digital object 311d on an edge portion of the display screen that
is the user interface 201 so that the digital object 311d, for
example, not associated with the surrounding environment is not
easily operated.
[0204] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
321 in a special configuration state for a setting in a cooling
operation according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 16, in a pre-operation history determination
state 703, a digital object 321a, a digital object 321b, a digital
object 321c, a digital object 321d, a digital object 321e, a
digital object 321f, and a digital object 321g are displayed on the
user interface 201.
[0205] The digital object 321a, the digital object 321b, the
digital object 321c, the digital object 321d, the digital object
321e, the digital object 321f, and the digital object 321g will be
collectively referred to as digital objects 321 unless otherwise
specified.
[0206] As illustrated in FIG. 16, it is assumed that the
pre-operation history determination state 703 transitions to a
post-operation history determination state 733. In this case, in
the post-operation history determination state 733, locations of
the digital object 321a, the digital object 321b, the digital
object 321d, and the digital object 321e associated with an
operation history are changed, and thus, display locations are
changed. For example, the control processor 69 displays the digital
object 321a, the digital object 321b, the digital object 321d, and
the digital object 321e on a center portion of the display screen
that is the user interface 201 so that the digital object 321a, the
digital object 321b, the digital object 321d, and the digital
object 321e associated with the operation history are easily
operated.
[0207] The control processor 69 may display the digital object
321f, for example, on an edge portion of the display screen that is
the user interface 201 so that the digital object 321f, for
example, not associated with the operation history is not easily
operated.
[0208] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
331 in a special configuration state for a setting in a heating
operation according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 17, in a pre-operation history determination
state 704, a digital object 331a, a digital object 331b, a digital
object 331c, a digital object 331d, a digital object 331e, a
digital object 331f, and a digital object 331g are displayed on the
user interface 201.
[0209] The digital object 331a, the digital object 331b, the
digital object 331c, the digital object 331d, the digital object
331e, the digital object 331f, and the digital object 331g will be
collectively referred to as digital objects 331 unless otherwise
specified.
[0210] As illustrated in FIG. 17, it is assumed that the
pre-operation history determination state 704 transitions to a
post-operation history determination state 734. In this case, in
the post-operation history determination state 734, locations of
the digital object 331a, the digital object 331b, the digital
object 331d, and the digital object 331e associated with the
operation history are changed, and thus, display locations are
changed. For example, the control processor 69 displays the digital
object 331a, the digital object 331b, the digital object 331d, and
the digital object 331e on a center portion of the display screen
that is the user interface 201 so that the digital object 331a, the
digital object 331b, the digital object 331d, and the digital
object 331e associated with the operation history are easily
operated.
[0211] The control processor 69 may display the digital object
331f, for example, not associated with the operation history on an
edge portion of the display screen that is the user interface 201
so that the digital object 331f, for example, is not easily
operated.
(Advantages of Embodiment 4)
[0212] As described above, in Embodiment 4, a setting in cooling
operation start is emphasized in display, as illustrated in FIG.
14. For example, the digital object 291b is displayed as a sign
"COOLING ON/OFF," serves as a button for starting a cooling
operation, and is displayed on a center portion of the display
screen. Thus, the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum
intuitive user interface 201 depending on the surrounding
environment, which is one of operating environments.
[0213] In Embodiment 4, a setting in the heating operation start is
emphasized in display, as illustrated in FIG. 15. For example, the
digital object 311b is displayed as a sign "HEATING ON/OFF," serves
as a button for starting a heating operation, and is displayed on a
center portion of the display screen. Thus, the remote controller
31 can provide the optimum intuitive user interface 201 depending
on the surrounding environment, which is one of operating
environments.
[0214] In Embodiment 4, a setting in the cooling operation is
emphasized in display, as illustrated in FIG. 16. For example, the
digital object 321a is an inverted triangle button, and is used for
transmitting a control instruction for reducing a set temperature
to the control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of
the button. The digital object 321a is displayed on a center
portion of the display screen, and thus, is emphasized in display.
The digital object 321b is an upright triangle button, and is used
for transmitting a control instruction for increasing a set
temperature to the control processor 69 by an operation such as
depression of the button. The digital object 321b is displayed in a
center portion of the display screen, and thus, is emphasized in
display.
[0215] For example, the digital object 321d is displayed as a sign
"COOLING ON/OFF," serves as a button for stopping a cooling
operation, and is displayed on a center portion of the display
screen. The digital object 321e is displayed as a sign "COOLING
MODE," serves as a button for transition to a setting of a cooling
mode, and is displayed on a center portion of the display screen.
Thus, the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum intuitive
user interface 201 depending on the operation history, which is one
of operating environments.
[0216] In Embodiment 4, a setting in a heating operation is
emphasized in display, as illustrated in FIG. 17. For example, the
digital object 331a is an inverted triangle button, and is used for
transmitting a control instruction for reducing a set temperature
to the control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of
the button. The digital object 331a is displayed on a center
portion of the display screen, and thus, is emphasized in display.
The digital object 331b is an upright triangle button, and is used
for transmitting a control instruction for increasing a set
temperature to the control processor 69 by an operation such as
depression of the button. The digital object 331b is displayed on a
center portion of the display screen, and thus is emphasized in
display.
[0217] For example, the digital object 331d is displayed as a sign
"HEATING ON/OFF," serves as a button for stopping a heating
operation, and is displayed on a center portion of the display
screen. The digital object 331e is displayed as a sign "HEATING
MODE," serves as a button for transition to a setting of a heating
mode, and is displayed on a center portion of the display screen.
Thus, the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum intuitive
user interface 201 depending on the operation history, which is one
of operating environments.
[0218] As described above, the remote controller 31 in Embodiment 4
can provide the optimum intuitive user interface 201 especially
significantly depending on an operating environment.
[0219] As described above, in Embodiment 4, the control processor
69 changes display locations of the digital objects 291, 311, 321,
and 331.
[0220] In Embodiment 4, the control processor 69 displays the
digital objects 291 and 311 on a display screen output by the
display unit 63, displays one of the digital objects 291 and 311
associated with the surrounding environment in an center portion of
the display screen and one of the digital objects 291 and 311 not
associated with the surrounding environment on an edge portion of
the display screen, in a case where one of the digital objects 291
and 311 associated with the operation expected from the surrounding
environment is to be displayed.
[0221] In Embodiment 4, the control processor 69 displays the
digital objects 321 and 331 on a display screen output by the
display unit 63, displays one of the digital objects 321 and 331
associated with the operation history in a center portion of the
display screen and one of the digital objects 321 and 331 not
associated with the operation history on an edge portion of the
display screen, in a case where one of the digital objects 321 and
331 associated with the operation expected from the operation
history is to be displayed.
[0222] In the configuration described above, the optimum intuitive
user interface 201 can be provided especially significantly
depending on an operating environment.
Embodiment 5
[0223] (Difference from Other Embodiments)
[0224] Embodiment 5 is different from Embodiments 1 to 4 in that an
example of the special configuration state is specifically
described. In Embodiment 5, a remote controller 31 changes display
colors of digital objects 341, digital objects 351, digital objects
361, and digital objects 371 described later.
(Operation of Embodiment 5)
[0225] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
341 in a special configuration state for a setting in cooling
operation start according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 18, in a pre-temperature determination state
605, a digital object 341a, a digital object 341b, a digital object
341c, a digital object 341d, and a digital object 341e are
displayed on a user interface 201. The digital object 341a, the
digital object 341b, the digital object 341c, the digital object
341d, and the digital object 341e will be collectively referred to
as digital objects 341 unless otherwise specified.
[0226] As illustrated in FIG. 18, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 605 transitions to a first
post-temperature determination state 635. In this case, in the
first post-temperature determination state 635, colors of the
digital objects 341 are changed, and thus, display colors are
changed. For example, to emphasize the digital object 341b
associated with a surrounding environment, the control processor 69
makes a lightness or a saturation of a display color of the digital
object 341b higher than those of the digital object 341a, the
digital object 341c, the digital object 341d, and the digital
object 341e not associated with the surrounding environment.
[0227] As illustrated in FIG. 18, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 605 transitions to a second
post-temperature determination state 665. In this case, in the
second post-temperature determination state 665, the color of the
digital object 341b is changed, and thus, the display color is
changed, and at the same time, a button drawn as the digital object
341c is removed.
[0228] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
351 in a special configuration state for a setting in heating
operation start according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 19, in a pre-temperature determination state
606, a digital object 351a, a digital object 351b, a digital object
351c, a digital object 351d, and a digital object 351e are
displayed on the user interface 201. The digital object 351a, the
digital object 351b, the digital object 351c, the digital object
351d, and the digital object 351e will be collectively referred to
as digital objects 351 unless otherwise specified.
[0229] As illustrated in FIG. 19, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 606 transitions to a first
post-temperature determination state 636. In this case, in the
first post-temperature determination state 636, colors of the
digital objects 351 are changed, and thus, display colors are
changed. For example, to emphasize the digital object 351b
associated with the surrounding environment, the control processor
69 makes a lightness or a saturation of a display color of the
digital object 351b higher than those of the digital object 351a,
the digital object 351c, the digital object 351d, and the digital
object 351e not associated with the surrounding environment.
[0230] As illustrated in FIG. 19, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 606 transitions to a second
post-temperature determination state 666. In this case, in the
second post-temperature determination state 666, the color of the
digital object 351b is changed, and thus, the display color is
changed, and at the same time, a button drawn as the digital object
351c is removed.
[0231] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
361 in a special configuration state for a setting in a cooling
operation according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 20, in a pre-operation history determination
state 705, a digital object 361a, a digital object 361b, a digital
object 361c, a digital object 361d, a digital object 361e, a
digital object 361f, and a digital object 361g are displayed on the
user interface 201.
[0232] The digital object 361a, the digital object 361b, the
digital object 361c, the digital object 361d, the digital object
361e, the digital object 361f, and the digital object 361g will be
collectively referred to as digital objects 361 unless otherwise
specified.
[0233] As illustrated in FIG. 20, it is assumed that a
pre-operation history determination state 705 transitions to a
post-operation history determination state 735. In this case, in
the post-operation history determination state 735, colors of the
digital object 351a, the digital object 351b, the digital object
351d, and the digital object 351e associated with an operation
history are changed, and thus, display colors are changed. For
example, to emphasize the digital object 361a, the digital object
361b, the digital object 361d, and the digital object 361e
associated with the operation history, the control processor 69
makes lightnesses or saturations of display colors of the digital
object 361a, the digital object 361b, the digital object 361d, and
the digital object 361e higher than those of display colors of the
digital object 361c, the digital object 361f, and the digital
object 361g not associated with the surrounding environment.
[0234] FIG. 21 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
371 in a special configuration state for a setting in a heating
operation according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 21, in a pre-operation history determination
state 706, a digital object 371a, a digital object 371b, a digital
object 371c, a digital object 371d, a digital object 371e, a
digital object 371f, and a digital object 371g are displayed on the
user interface 201.
[0235] The digital object 371a, the digital object 371b, the
digital object 371c, the digital object 371d, the digital object
371e, the digital object 371f, and the digital object 371g will be
collectively referred to as digital objects 371 unless otherwise
specified.
[0236] As illustrated in FIG. 21, it is assumed that the
pre-operation history determination state 706 transitions to a
post-operation history determination state 736. In this case, in
the post-operation history determination state 736, colors of the
digital object 371a, the digital object 371b, the digital object
371d, and the digital object 371e associated with the operation
history are changed, and thus, display colors are changed. For
example, to emphasize the digital object 371a, the digital object
371b, the digital object 371d, and the digital object 371e
associated with the operation history, the control processor 69
makes lightnesses and saturations of display colors of the digital
object 371a, the digital object 371b, the digital object 371d, and
the digital object 371e higher than those of display colors of the
digital object 371c, the digital object 371f, and the digital
object 371g not associated with the surrounding environment.
(Advantages of Embodiment 5)
[0237] As described above, in the remote controller 31 according to
Embodiment 5, the setting in the cooling operation start is
emphasized in display as illustrated in FIG. 18. For example, the
digital object 341b is displayed as a sign "COOLING ON/OFF," serves
as a button for starting a cooling operation, and makes the
lightness or saturation of its display color higher than those of
the other digital objects 341 not associated with the surrounding
environment. Thus, the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum
intuitive user interface 201 depending on the surrounding
environment, which is one of operating environments.
[0238] In Embodiment 5, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the setting in
the heating operation start is emphasized in display. For example,
the digital object 351b is displayed as a sign "HEATING ON/OFF,"
serves as a button for starting a heating operation, and makes the
lightness or saturation of its display color higher than those of
the other digital objects 351 not associated with the surrounding
environment. Thus, the remote controller 31 can provide the optimum
intuitive user interface 201 depending on the surrounding
environment, which is one of operating environments.
[0239] In Embodiment 5, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the setting in
the cooling operation is emphasized in display. For example, the
digital object 361a is an inverted triangle button, and is used for
transmitting a control instruction for reducing a set temperature
to the control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of
the button. Since the digital object 361a has a lightness or
saturation of its display color higher than those of the other
digital objects 361 not associated with the operation history, the
digital object 361a is emphasized in display. The digital object
361b is an upright triangle button, and is used for transmitting a
control instruction for increasing the set temperature to the
control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the
button. Since the digital object 361b has a lightness or saturation
of its display color higher than those of the other digital objects
361 not associated with the operation history, the digital object
361b is emphasized in display.
[0240] For example, the digital object 361d is displayed as a sign
"COOLING ON/OFF," serves as a button for stopping a cooling
operation, and has a lightness or saturation of its display color
higher than those of the other digital objects 361 not associated
with the operation history. Thus, the digital object 361d is
emphasized in display. The digital object 361e is displayed as a
sign "COOLING MODE," serves as a button for transition to a setting
of a cooling mode, and has a lightness or saturation of its display
color higher than those of the other digital objects 361 not
associated with the operation history. Thus, the digital object
361e is emphasized in display. As a result, the remote controller
31 can provide the optimum intuitive user interface 201 depending
on the operation history, which is one of operating
environments.
[0241] In Embodiment 5, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the setting in
the heating operation is emphasized in display. For example, the
digital object 371a is an inverted triangle button, and is used for
transmitting a control instruction for reducing the set temperature
to the control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of
the button. Since the digital object 371a has a lightness or
saturation of its display color higher than those of the other
digital objects 371 not associated with the operation history, the
digital object 371a is emphasized in display. The digital object
371b is an upright triangle button, and is used for transmitting a
control instruction for increasing the set temperature to the
control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the
button. Since the digital object 371b has a lightness or saturation
of its display color higher than those of the other digital objects
371 not associated with the operation history, the digital object
371b is emphasized in display.
[0242] For example, the digital object 371d is displayed as a sign
"HEATING ON/OFF," serves as a button for stopping a heating
operation, and has a lightness or saturation of its display color
higher than those of the other digital objects 371 not associated
with the operation history. Thus, the digital object 371d is
emphasized in display. The digital object 371e is displayed as a
sign "HEATING MODE," serves as a button for transition to a setting
of a heating mode, and has a lightness or saturation of its display
color higher than those of the other digital objects 371 not
associated with the operation history. Thus, the digital object
371e is emphasized in display. Thus, the remote controller 31 can
provide the optimum intuitive user interface 201 depending on the
operation history, which is one of operating environments.
[0243] As described above, in the remote controller 31 according to
Embodiment 5, the optimum intuitive user interface 201 can be
provided especially significantly depending on an operating
environment.
[0244] As described above, in Embodiment 5, the control processor
69 changes display colors of the digital objects 341, 351, 361, and
371.
[0245] In Embodiment 5, the control processor 69 makes lightnesses
or saturations of the display colors of some of the digital objects
341 and 351 associated with the surrounding environment higher than
those of the display colors of the other digital objects 341 and
351 not associated with the surrounding environment, in a case
where some of the digital objects 341 and 351 associated with the
operation expected from the surrounding environment are to be
displayed.
[0246] In Embodiment 5, the control processor 69 makes lightnesses
or saturations of the display colors of some of the digital objects
361 and 371 associated with the operation history higher than those
of the display colors of the other digital objects 361 and 371 not
associated with the operation history, in a case where some of the
digital objects 361 and 371 associated with the operation expected
from the operation history are to be displayed.
[0247] In the configuration described above, the optimum intuitive
user interface 201 can be provided especially significantly
depending on an operating environment.
Embodiment 6
[0248] (Difference from Other Embodiments)
[0249] Embodiment 6 is different from Embodiments 1 to 5 in that an
example of a special configuration state will be specifically
described. In Embodiment 6, a remote controller 31 changes display
shapes of digital objects 381, digital objects 391, digital objects
411, and digital objects 421 described later.
(Operation of Embodiment 6)
[0250] FIG. 22 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
381 in a special configuration state for a setting in cooling
operation start according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 22, in a pre-temperature determination state
607, a digital object 381a, a digital object 381b, a digital object
381c, a digital object 381d, and a digital object 381e are
displayed on a user interface 201. The digital object 381a, the
digital object 381b, the digital object 381c, the digital object
381d, and the digital object 381e will be collectively referred to
as digital objects 381 unless otherwise specified.
[0251] As illustrated in FIG. 22, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 607 transitions to a first
post-temperature determination state 637. In this case, in the
first post-temperature determination state 637, shapes of digital
objects 381 are changed, and thus, display shapes are changed. For
example, to emphasize the digital object 381b associated with a
surrounding environment, the control processor 69 displays the
display shape of the digital object 381b based on highlighted
display image information.
[0252] As illustrated in FIG. 22, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 607 transitions to a second
post-temperature determination state 667. In this case, in the
second post-temperature determination state 667, the shape of the
digital object 381b is changed, and thus, the display shape is
changed, and at the same time, a button drawn as the digital object
381c is removed.
[0253] FIG. 23 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
391 in a special configuration state for a setting in heating
operation start according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 23, in a pre-temperature determination state
608, a digital object 391a, a digital object 391b, a digital object
391c, a digital object 391d, and a digital object 391e are
displayed on the user interface 201. The digital object 391a, the
digital object 391b, the digital object 391c, the digital object
391d, and the digital object 391e will be collectively referred to
as digital objects 391 unless otherwise specified.
[0254] As illustrated in FIG. 23, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 608 transitions to a first
post-temperature determination state 638. In this case, in the
first post-temperature determination state 638, a shape of the
digital object 391 is changed, and thus, a display shape is
changed. For example, to emphasize the digital object 391b
associated with the surrounding environment, the control processor
69 displays a display shape of the digital object 391b based on
highlighted display image information.
[0255] As illustrated in FIG. 23, it is assumed that the
pre-temperature determination state 608 transitions to the second
post-temperature determination state 668. In this case, in the
second post-temperature determination state 668, a shape of the
digital object 391b is changed, and thus, a display shape is
changed, and at the same time, a button drawn as the digital object
391c is removed.
[0256] FIG. 24 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
411 in a special configuration state for a setting in a cooling
operation according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 24, in a pre-operation history determination
state 707, a digital object 411a, a digital object 411b, a digital
object 411c, a digital object 411d, a digital object 411e, a
digital object 411f, and a digital object 411g are displayed on the
user interface 201.
[0257] The digital object 411a, the digital object 411b, the
digital object 411c, the digital object 411d, the digital object
411e, the digital object 411f, and the digital object 411g will be
collectively referred to as digital objects 411 unless otherwise
specified.
[0258] As illustrated in FIG. 24, it is assumed that the
pre-operation history determination state 707 transitions to the
post-operation history determination state 737. In this case, in
the post-operation history determination state 737, shapes of the
digital object 411a, the digital object 411b, the digital object
411d, and the digital object 411e associated with an operation
history are changed, and thus, display shapes are changed. For
example, to emphasize the digital object 361a, the digital object
361b, the digital object 361d, and the digital object 361e
associated with the operation history, the control processor 69
displays the display shapes of the digital object 361a, the digital
object 361b, the digital object 361d, and the digital object 361e
based on highlighted display image information.
[0259] FIG. 25 illustrates an example of display of digital objects
421 in a special configuration state for a setting in a heating
operation according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 25, in a pre-operation history determination
state 708, a digital object 421a, a digital object 421b, a digital
object 421c, a digital object 421d, a digital object 421e, a
digital object 421f, and a digital object 421g are displayed on the
user interface 201.
[0260] The digital object 421a, the digital object 421b, the
digital object 421c, the digital object 421d, the digital object
421e, the digital object 421f, and the digital object 421g will be
collectively referred to as digital objects 421 unless otherwise
specified.
[0261] As illustrated in FIG. 25, it is assumed that the
pre-operation history determination state 708 transitions to a
post-operation history determination state 738. In this case, in
the post-operation history determination state 738, shapes of the
digital object 421a, and the digital object 421b, and the digital
object 421d, and the digital object 421e associated with the
operation history are changed, display shapes are changed. For
example, to emphasize the digital object 421a, the digital object
421b, the digital object 421d, and the digital object 421e
associated with the operation history, the control processor 69
displays the display shapes of the digital object 421a, the digital
object 421b, the digital object 421d, and the digital object 421e
based on highlighted display image information.
(Advantages of Embodiment 6)
[0262] As described above, in the remote controller 31 according to
Embodiment 6, the setting in the cooling operation start is
emphasized in display, as illustrated in FIG. 22. For example, the
digital object 381b is displayed as a sign "COOLING ON/OFF," serves
as a button for starting a cooling operation, and displays a
display shape based on highlighted display image information. The
remote controller 31 can provide the optimum intuitive user
interface 201 depending on the surrounding environment, which is
one of operating environments.
[0263] In Embodiment 6, as illustrated in FIG. 23, a setting in
heating operation start is emphasized in display. For example, the
digital object 391b is displayed as a sign "HEATING ON/OFF," serves
as a button for starting a heating operation, and displays a
display shape based on highlighted display image information. Thus,
remote controller 31 can provide the optimum intuitive user
interface 201 depending on the surrounding environment, which is
one of operating environments.
[0264] In Embodiment 6, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a setting in a
cooling operation is emphasized in display. For example, the
digital object 411a is an inverted triangle button, and is used for
transmitting a control instruction for reducing a set temperature
to the control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of
the button. Since the display shape of the digital object 411a is
displayed based on highlighted display image information, the
digital object 411a is emphasized in display. The digital object
411b is an upright triangle button, and is used for transmitting a
control instruction for increasing the set temperature to the
control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the
button. Since the display shape of the digital object 411b is
displayed based on the highlighted display image information, the
digital object 411b is emphasized in display.
[0265] For example, the digital object 411d is displayed as a sign
"COOLING ON/OFF," serves as a button for stopping a cooling
operation, and has its display shape displayed based on highlighted
display image information. Thus, the digital object 411d is
emphasized in display. The digital object 411e is displayed as a
sign "COOLING MODE," serves as a button for transition to a setting
of a cooling mode, and has its display shape displayed based on
highlighted display image information. Thus, the digital object
411e is emphasized in display. Thus, the remote controller 31 can
provide the optimum intuitive user interface 201 depending on the
operation history, which is one of operating environments.
[0266] In Embodiment 6, as illustrated in FIG. 25, a setting in a
heating operation is emphasized in display. For example, the
digital object 421a is an inverted triangle button, and is used for
transmitting a control instruction for reducing the set temperature
to the control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of
the button. Since the display shape of the digital object 421a is
displayed based on highlighted display image information, the
digital object 421a is emphasized in display. The digital object
421b is an upright triangle button, and is used for transmitting a
control instruction for increasing the set temperature to the
control processor 69 by an operation such as depression of the
button. Since the display shape of the digital object 421b is
displayed based on highlighted display image information, the
digital object 421b is emphasized in display.
[0267] For example, the digital object 421d is displayed as a sign
"HEATING ON/OFF," serves as a button for stopping a heating
operation, and has its display shape displayed based on highlighted
display image information. Thus, the digital object 421d is
emphasized in display. The digital object 421e is displayed as a
sign "HEATING MODE," serves as a button for transition to a setting
of the heating mode, and has its display shape displayed based on
the highlighted display image information. Thus, the digital object
421e is emphasized in display. Thus, the remote controller 31 can
provide the optimum intuitive user interface 201 depending on the
operation history, which is one of operating environments.
[0268] As described above, in the remote controller 31 according to
Embodiment 6, the optimum intuitive user interface 201 can be
provided especially significantly depending on an operating
environment.
[0269] As described above, in Embodiment 6, the control processor
69 changes the display shapes of the digital objects 381, 391, 411,
and 421.
[0270] In Embodiment 6, the storage unit 65 includes highlighted
display image information corresponding to each of the digital
objects 381 and 391, and normal display image information
corresponding to the digital objects 381 and 391, and the control
processor 69 displays the display shape of one of the digital
objects 381 and 391 associated with the surrounding environment
based on the highlighted display image information and displays the
display shape of one of the digital objects 381 and 391 not
associated with the surrounding environment based on the normal
display image information, in a case where one of the digital
objects 381 and 391 associated with the operation expected from the
surrounding environment is to be displayed.
[0271] In Embodiment 6, the storage unit 65 includes highlighted
display image information corresponding to each of the digital
objects 411 and 421, and normal display image information
corresponding to each of the digital objects 411 and 421, and the
control processor 69 displays the display shape of one of the
digital objects 411 and 421 associated with the operation history
based on the highlighted display image information, and displays
the display shape of one of the digital objects 411 and 421 not
associated with the operation history based on the normal display
image information, in a case where one of the digital objects 411
and 421 associated with the operation expected from the operation
history is to be displayed.
[0272] In the configuration described above, the optimum intuitive
user interface 201 can be provided especially significantly
depending on an operating environment.
* * * * *