ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND CONTROLLING METHOD THEREOF

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application, claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365(c), of an International application No. PCT/KR2025/009378, filed on July 1, 2025, which is based on and claims the benefit of a Korean patent application number 10-2024-0115981, filed on August 28, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method thereof. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus performing a filter regeneration function and a controlling method thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

With the development of electronic technology, various types of electronic apparatuses are being used in daily life. Among these electronic apparatuses, there may be an electronic apparatus, or the like, performing a filter regeneration function.

For example, there may be an air purifier performing a filter regeneration function based on a usage history of the electronic apparatus.

The filter regeneration function may mean a function of improving the performance of a filter by irradiating light onto the filter.

The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Solution

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic apparatus performing a filter regeneration function and a controlling method thereof.

Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic apparatus is provided. The electronic apparatus includes at least one filter, a communication interface configured to perform communication with at least one external apparatus, memory including one or more storage media, storing instructions, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the at least one filter, the communication interface, and the memory, wherein, when location information of a user obtained from the at least one external apparatus through the communication interface, at least one instruction from among the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors individually or collectively, cause the electronic apparatus to adjust a time for performing a filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user, and wherein the time for performing the filter regeneration function comprises a first time for irradiating light on the at least one filter and a second time for not irradiating light on the at least one filter after the first time.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of controlling an electronic apparatus that performs a filter regeneration function is provided. The method includes obtaining location information of a user from at least one external apparatus, and adjusting a time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user, wherein a time for performing the filter regeneration function includes a first time for irradiating light on the at least one filter and a second time for not irradiating light on the at least one filter after the first time.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic apparatus individually or collectively, cause the electronic apparatus to perform operations are provided. The operations comprising obtaining location information of a user from at least one external apparatus and adjusting a time for performing a filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user wherein a time for performing the filter regeneration function comprises, a first time for irradiating light on at least one filter, and a second time for not irradiating light on the at least one filter after the first time.

Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an electronic apparatus is displayed according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an external apparatus is displayed according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an external apparatus is displayed according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an external apparatus is displayed according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which an electronic apparatus transmits and receives data to and from at least one external apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The same reference numerals are used to represent the same elements throughout the drawings.

MODE FOR INVENTION

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

General terms that are currently widely used were selected as terms used in various embodiments of the disclosure based on functions in the disclosure, but may be changed according to the intention of those skilled in the art or a judicial precedent, the emergence of a new technique, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, terms arbitrarily chosen by an applicant may exist. In this case, the meaning of such terms will be mentioned in a corresponding description portion of the disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in embodiments of the disclosure are to be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the contents throughout the disclosure rather than simple names of the terms.

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the disclosure to specific embodiments of the disclosure, and should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the disclosure, each phrase, such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of items listed together in the corresponding one of those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

The terms “first”, “second”, or the like, may be used only to distinguish one component from the other components, and do not limit the corresponding components in other respects (e.g., importance or a sequence).

When any (e.g., first) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component with or without the term “functionally” or “communicatively”, it means that any component may be connected to another component directly (e.g., in a wired manner), wirelessly, or through a third component.

It will be understood that terms “include” or “have” used in the disclosure, specify the presence of features, numerals, steps, operations, components, parts mentioned in the specification, or a combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numerals, steps, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof.

When a component is “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or contacted, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacted through a third component.

When a component is located “on” another component, this includes not only cases where a component is in contact with another component, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

The term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of related described components or any one of the plurality of related described components.

In the disclosure, a “module” or a “~er/or” may perform at least one function or operation, and be implemented as hardware or software or be implemented as a combination of hardware and software. In addition, a plurality of “modules” or a plurality of ‘portions’ may be integrated in at least one module and be implemented by at least one processor except for a “module” or a “portion” that needs to be implemented by specific hardware.

Meanwhile, various elements and regions in the drawings are schematically illustrated. Therefore, the technical spirit of the disclosure is not limited by relative sizes or intervals illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the disclosure, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic apparatus or an apparatus (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic apparatus) using the electronic apparatus.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It should be appreciated that the blocks in each flowchart and combinations of the flowcharts may be performed by one or more computer programs which include computer-executable instructions. The entirety of the one or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory device or the one or more computer programs may be divided with different portions stored in different multiple memory devices.

Any of the functions or operations described herein can be processed by one processor or a combination of processors. The one processor or the combination of processors is circuitry performing processing and includes circuitry like an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphical processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth^TM chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (IC), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or the like.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic apparatus 100 may include a communication module capable of communicating with other electronic apparatuses, a user terminal apparatus 200, or a server 300, a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling an operation of the electronic apparatus 100, and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the electronic apparatus 100.

The electronic apparatus 100 may be at least one of various types of home appliances. For example, as illustrated, the electronic apparatus 100 may include at least one of an air purifier 100-1, a washing machine 100-2, an air conditioner 100-3, and a refrigerator 100-4, but is not limited thereto, and may include various types of home appliances, such as a cleaning robot and a dehumidifier, which are not illustrated in the drawing. In addition, the above-described home appliances are only examples, and in addition to the above-described home appliances, devices that may be connected to other electronic apparatuses, the user terminal apparatus 200, or the server 300 and perform the operations described below may be included in the electronic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment.

The server 300 may include a communication module that may communicate with other servers, the electronic apparatuses 100, or the user terminal apparatus 200, at least one processor that may process data received from other servers, the electronic apparatus 100, or the user terminal apparatus 200, and at least one memory that may store a program for processing data or processed data. The server 300 may be implemented as various computing devices, such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, and a data station. The server 300 may be implemented as one or more servers physically or logically divided based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, data, or the like, and may transmit and receive data and process transmitted data through communication between each server.

The server 300 may perform functions, such as managing a user account, registering the electronic apparatus 100 by linking the electronic apparatus 100 to the user account, and managing or controlling the registered electronic apparatus 100. For example, a user may access the server 300 through the user terminal apparatus 200 and create the user account. The user account may be identified by an ID and a password set by the user. The server 300 may register the electronic apparatus 100 to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server 300 may register, manage, and control the electronic apparatus 100 by linking identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the electronic apparatus 100 to the user account. The user terminal apparatus 200 may include the communication module that may communicate with that electronic apparatus 100 or the server 300, the user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to a user, at least one processor for controlling an operation of the user terminal apparatus 200, and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the user terminal apparatus 200.

The user terminal apparatus 200 may be carried by the user or arranged in the user's home or office. The user terminal apparatus 200 may include, but are limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, or the like.

The memory of the user terminal apparatus 200 may store a program for controlling the electronic apparatus 100, i.e., an application. The application may be sold installed on the user terminal apparatus 200, or may be downloaded and installed from an external server.

By executing the application installed on the user terminal apparatus 200, a user may access the server 300 to create the user account, and perform communication with the server 300 based on the logged-in user account to register the user terminal apparatus 200.

For example, when the electronic apparatus 100 operates so that the electronic apparatus 100 may access the server 300 according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user terminal apparatus 200, the electronic apparatus 100 may be registered with the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or media access control (MAC) address) of the electronic apparatus 100 with the corresponding user account on the server 300.

The user may control the electronic apparatus 100 using the application installed on the user terminal apparatus 200. For example, when a user logs into the user account with the application installed on the user terminal apparatus 200, the electronic apparatus 100 registered with the user account appears, and when a control command for the electronic apparatus 100 is input, the control command may be transmitted to the electronic apparatus 100 through the server 300.

A network may include both wired and wireless networks. The wired network includes a cable network, a telephone network, or the like, and the wireless network may include any network that transmits and receives signals through radio waves. The wired network and the wireless network may be connected to each other.

The network may include a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not go through the access point (AP). The short-range wireless network may include Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802. 15. 1), Zigbee (IEEE 802. 15. 4), Wi-Fi Direct, near field communication (NFC), and Z-Wave, or the like, but is not limited thereto.

The access point (AP) may connect the electronic apparatus 100 or the user terminal apparatus 200 to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server 300 is connected. The electronic apparatus 100 or the user terminal apparatus 200 may be connected to the server 300 through the wide area network (WAN).

The access point (AP) may communicate with the electronic apparatus 100 or the user terminal apparatus 200 using the wireless communications, such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11. 11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802. 15. 1), and Zigbee (IEEE 802. 15. 4), and access the wide area network (WAN) using the wired communication, but is not limited thereto.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic apparatus 100 may be directly connected to the user terminal apparatus 200 or the server 300 without going through the access relay (AP).

The electronic apparatus 100 may be connected to the user terminal apparatus 200 or the server 300 through a long-distance wireless network or a short-distance wireless network.

For example, the electronic apparatus 100 may be connected to the user terminal apparatus 200 through a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct).

As another example, the electronic apparatus 100 may be connected to the user terminal apparatus 200 or the server 300 through the wide area network (WAN) using the long-range wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

As another example, the electronic apparatus 100 may be connected to the wide area network (WAN) using the wired communication, and may be connected to the user terminal apparatus 200 or the server 300 through the wide area network (WAN).

When the electronic apparatus 100 may be connected to the wide area network (WAN) using the wired communication, the electronic apparatus 100 may also operate as the access relay. Accordingly, the electronic apparatus 100 may connect another electronic apparatus to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server 300 is connected. In addition, another electronic apparatus may connect the electronic apparatus 100 to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server 300 is connected.

The electronic apparatus 100 may transmit information about operation or status to another electronic apparatus, the user terminal apparatus 200, or the server 300 through the network. For example, the electronic apparatus 100 may transmit information about operation or status to another home appliance, the user terminal apparatus 200, or the server 300 when a request is received from the server 300, when a specific event occurs in the electronic apparatus 100, or periodically or in real time. When the server 300 receives the information about the operation or status from the electronic apparatus 100, the server 300 may update the information about operation or status of the electronic apparatus 100 that has been stored, and transmit the updated information about the operation and status of the electronic apparatus 100 to the user terminal apparatus 200 through the network. Here, updating the information may include various operations that change the existing information, such as an operation of adding new information to the existing information or an operation of replacing the existing information with new information.

The electronic apparatus 100 may acquire various pieces of information from another electronic apparatus, the user terminal apparatus 200, or the server 300, and provide the acquired information to the user. For example, the electronic apparatus 100 may acquire information (e.g., air purification method, filter regeneration method, or the like) related to the function of the electronic apparatus 100 and information about various environmental information (e.g., temperature, humidity, or the like) from the server 300, and output the acquired information through the user interface.

The electronic apparatus 100 may operate according to a control command received from another electronic apparatus, the user terminal apparatus 200, or the server 300. For example, when the electronic apparatus 100 acquires prior approval from the user so that it may operate according to the control command of the server 300 even without user input, the electronic apparatus 100 may operate according to the control command received from the server 300. Here, the control command received from the server 300 may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the user terminal apparatus 200, a control command based on preset conditions, or the like.

The user terminal apparatus 200 may transmit the information about the user to the electronic apparatus 100 or the server 300 through the communication module. For example, the user terminal apparatus 200 may transmit information about a user's location, a user's health status, user's preferences, a user's schedule, or the like, to the server 300. The user terminal apparatus 200 may transmit information about the user to the server 300 based on the user's prior approval.

The electronic apparatus 100, the user terminal apparatus 200, or the server 300 may determine a control command using a technology, such as artificial intelligence. For example, the server 300 may receive the information about the operation or status of the electronic apparatus 100 or receive the information about the user of the user terminal apparatus 200, process the information using the technology, such as artificial intelligence, and transmit the processed results or the control command to the electronic apparatus 100 or the user terminal apparatus 200 based on the processing results.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the electronic apparatus 100 receives location information of a user 9 from at least one external apparatus, the electronic apparatus 100 may perform a filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user 9 and adjust a time for performing the filter regeneration function. For example, the electronic apparatus 100 may receive the location information of the user 9 from the user terminal apparatus 200 to perform the filter regeneration function.

The electronic apparatus 100 may electronic "filter regeneration operates" 21 while performing the filter regeneration function when a distance d1 between the user 9 and the electronic apparatus 100 exceeds a preset distance dx.

Here, the preset distance dx may be a preset distance in the electronic apparatus 100 or may be a distance directly set by the user 9 through the user terminal apparatus 200. This will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

The distance d1 between the user 9 and the electronic apparatus 100 may be information calculated based on the location information of the user terminal apparatus 200.

Here, the "filter regeneration function" may include a function of restoring the performance of the filter by irradiating the filter with ultraviolet rays (UV). However, it is not limited thereto, and light used for filter regeneration may include light of various wavelengths, such as infrared.

Here, the "time for performing the filter regeneration function" may include a first time for irradiating light on the filter and a second time for not irradiating light on the filter after the first time.

For example, when the filter regeneration starts, air particles generated during the UV irradiation process may be adsorbed by irradiating the filter with the UV for a preset period of time and then turning off the UV function. In other words, the first time may mean the time for turning on the UV function, and the second time may mean the time for turning off the UV function after the first time has elapsed. In this case, a fan may be turned off during the entire time for performing the filter regeneration function.

Here, the second time is the time for adsorbing air particles generated during the UV irradiation process, and may be referred to by various terms, such as stabilization time or adsorption time. During the second time, the air particles may be adsorbed on a catalyst filter so as not to diffuse into the air.

Here, the "performance of the filter" may mean removal efficiency for particles. For example, as the usage time of the filter increases, dust, foreign substances, or the like, accumulate inside the filter, which may cause a decrease in the removal efficiency for particles or the pressure generated when passing through the filter. According to the disclosure, the electronic apparatus 100 may improve the performance of the filter, such as removal efficiency and pressure drop, through the filter regeneration function.

Meanwhile, the electronic apparatus 100 may perform the filter regeneration function when it satisfies a condition set for at least one external apparatus. For example, the filter regeneration function may be performed when the filter regeneration function is activated through the user terminal apparatus 200, it does not correspond to a time set in a do-not-disturb mode, and the conditions of preset distance and filter usage time are satisfied.

Here, the "condition set for at least one external apparatus" may include a first mode that activates the filter regeneration function, a second mode that deactivates the filter regeneration function for a preset period of time, and the conditions for the distance between the electronic apparatus and the user, and the usage time of the filter. This will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

In FIG. 2, the electronic apparatus 100 is illustrated as an air purifier, but is not limited thereto, and the electronic apparatus 100 may be implemented as various types of electronic apparatuses, such as a washing machine, a dehumidifier, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, and an air conditioner.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic apparatus 100 includes at least one filter 110, a communication interface 120, memory 130, and one or more processors 140.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one filter may be used to remove foreign substances, such as dust during the process of operating the electronic apparatus 100. For example, when the electronic apparatus 100 is an air purifier, the air purifier may operate a fan (i.e., a blower fan) to circulate air and remove dust or the like, in the air through a filter located on an air path.

For example, the air purifier may drive a fan to suck in air through an inlet, remove dust and the like contained in the sucked air using a filter, and discharge the purified air through an outlet.

In this case, the filter may include a pre-filter and a dust collecting filter. Accordingly, dust may be removed from air passing through the filter, and the purified air may be discharged through the outlet. In addition, the filter may further include a deodorizing filter. In this case, the deodorizing filter is arranged between the pre-filter and the dust collecting filter, and may remove odor particles (e.g., harmful gases, such as formaldehyde, ammonia, and acetic acid) contained in the air.

The fan forms an air flow so that air may be sucked in through an inlet formed in a main body of the air purifier.

To this end, the air purifier may include a motor for driving the fan. The fan may rotate by receiving rotational power from the motor, and when the fan rotates, an air flow may be generated.

In this way, the fan may suck air into the air purifier and discharge the sucked air to the outside.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the communication interface 120 may include a wired or wireless input/output interface (or input/output terminal) according to various standards. For example, the communication interface 120 may include various interfaces, such as a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), mobile high-definition link (MHL), a universal serial bus (USB), an electronic port (DP), Thunderbolt, a video graphics array (VGA) port, a RGB port, a D-subminiature (D-SUB), a digital visual interface (DVI), an AP-based Wi-Fi (wireless LAN network), Bluetooth, Zigbee, a wired/wireless local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), Ethernet, IEEE 1394, an audio engineering society/European broadcasting union (AES/EBU), and an optical, coaxial.

The communication interface 120 may perform communication with an external server or an external electronic apparatus. More particularly, the communication interface 120 may receive information about a user from the server or the user terminal apparatus. The operation of performing communication with an external apparatus is described with reference to FIG. 9.

Here, the information about the user may include the location information of the user, the return time it takes for the user to reach the space where the electronic apparatus is located, pattern information of a user, or the like.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the memory 130 may store data necessary for various embodiments of the disclosure. The memory 130 may be implemented in a form of memory embedded in the electronic apparatus 100 or a form of memory detachable from the electronic apparatus 100, depending on a data storage purpose.

For example, the data for driving the electronic apparatus 100 may be stored in the memory embedded in the electronic apparatus 100, and data for an extension function of the electronic apparatus 100 may be stored in the memory detachable from the electronic apparatus 100.

The memory embedded in the electronic apparatus 100 may be implemented in forms, such as volatile memory (for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (for example, a time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), programmable read-only memory (ROM) (PROM), an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, or the like), and flash memory (for example, NAND flash, NOR flash, or the like), hard drive, and solid state drive (SSD)).

The memory 130 detachable from the electronic apparatus 100 may be implemented in the form of the memory card (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), or the like), external memory (e.g., USB memory) connectable to a USB port, and the like.

The memory 130 may include various instructions necessary for the operation of the processor 140. Here, the instruction may include an instruction for adjusting the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user, an instruction for performing the filter regeneration function, an instruction for displaying notification information for the filter regeneration function, or the like.

The memory 130 may store the information about the user. Here, the information about the user may include the location information of the user, the return time it takes for the user to reach the space where the electronic apparatus is located, the pattern information of the user, or the like.

In addition, the memory 130 may store a learning model that analyzes the pattern information of the user. For example, the electronic apparatus 100 according to the disclosure may input the information about the user to the learning model to analyze the user's pattern. The electronic apparatus 100 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the analyzed pattern information of the user.

In addition, the memory 130 may store a condition set to at least one external apparatus. The conditions set for at least one external device may include a first mode for activating the filter regeneration function, a second mode for deactivating the filter regeneration function for a preset period of time, a distance between the electronic apparatus and the user, and a usage time of the filter.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, one or more processors 140 may control the overall operation of the electronic apparatus 100. Specifically, one or more processors 140 may be connected to each component of the electronic apparatus 100 to generally control the operation of the electronic apparatus 100.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, one or more processors 140 may control the user terminal apparatus 200 and the server 300.

One or more processors 140 may perform the operation of the electronic apparatus 100 according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory.

For example, when the processor 140 receives the location information of the user through the communication interface 120 from at least one external apparatus, the processor 140 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user.

In addition, the processor 140 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the return time when the return time taken by the user to reach the space where the electronic apparatus 100 is located is received from at least one external apparatus through the communication interface 120.

Here, the time for performing the filter regeneration function may include the first time for irradiating light on the filter and the second time for not irradiating light on the filter after the first time.

Here, the return time taken by the user to reach the space where the electronic apparatus is located may mean a time calculated by at least one external apparatus, such as the server, based on the location information of the user.

The processor 140 may reduce the first time, when the return time taken by the user to reach the space where the electronic apparatus 100 is located is received from at least one external apparatus through the communication interface 120 and the return time is identified as being shorter than the time for performing the filter regeneration function including the first time and the second time.

For example, when the return time of the user is calculated to be 15 minutes based on the location information of the user, the processor 140 may adsorb dust, or the like, without irradiating the filter with UV for 5 minutes after irradiating the filter with UV for 10 minutes.

In this case, the maximum time of the first time and the second time may be set in advance and limited.

When the processor 140 receives the pattern information of the user through the communication interface 120 from at least one external apparatus, the processor 140 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the pattern information of the user.

For example, when the pattern information of the user is received that the user returns to the space (e.g., home) where the electronic apparatus is located after about an hour when the user visits a specific place (e.g., an academy), the time for performing the filter regeneration function may be extended by additionally considering the pattern information of the user as well as the location information of the user.

Here, the pattern information of the user may be obtained based on at least one of the outing time of a user, the filter usage time, the filter regeneration time input by the user. The pattern information of the user may include at least one of the outing time of a user, the filter usage time, the filter regeneration time input by the user, and a place visited periodically.

The processor 140 may store the learning model that analyzes the pattern information of the user in the memory 130 and analyze the pattern information of the user using the learning model. The processor 140 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the analyzed pattern information of the user.

That is, the processor 140 may receive user pattern information from at least one external apparatus through the communication interface 120. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the processor 140 may analyze the user pattern information directly.

For example, the processor 140 may obtain the user pattern information using a learning model trained to analyze the user pattern information. The processor 140 may obtain the user pattern information using the learning model even when the user pattern information is not received from the at least one external apparatus.

Here, the learning model may be stored in the memory 130. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the learning model may be stored in at least one external apparatus (that acquires the user pattern information) or in another apparatus.

Meanwhile, the processor 140 may obtain not only the user pattern information but also some source information. For example, the source information may include information regarding a user's outing time, filter usage time, the filter regeneration time input by the user, and places the user visits periodically.

For example, the processor 140 may receive information regarding an outing time or a place through the communication interface 120 from an external apparatus. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the processor 140 may obtain the information regarding the outing time or the place of the user using the learning model. Again, the disclosure is not limited to the above.

For example, even if information is not received from at least one external apparatus, the operation of the disclosure may be performed in the form of an on-device using the information and learning model stored in the memory 130.

Meanwhile, the processor 140 may adjust a time for performing the filter regeneration function using both the information received from an external apparatus and a learning model. For example, the learning model may correspond to a neural network model trained based on historical information related to a user.

According to an embodiment, the processor 140 may acquire an outing time corresponding to the user's location information based on the received user location information through the neural network model. Here, the neural network model may correspond to a neural network model trained based on the aforementioned historical information.

For example, the neural network model may be a model trained to predict an outing time corresponding to the user's location based on the historical information including previous locations of the user and time records corresponding to the previous locations. The historical information may include previous locations of the user and time records corresponding to the previous locations.

The previous locations may correspond to locations recorded as having been visited by the user. For example, the information on the location may be recorded in the form of two-dimensional coordinates. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The time record corresponding to the previous location may include a time (i.e., timestamp) recorded as the time at which the user visited the previous location. For example, the time record may be acquired by an external apparatus (such as a user terminal device carried by the user), and the electronic apparatus 100 may receive the information regarding the time record from the external apparatus. The time record may include a time at which the user is recorded as having arrived at the space where the electronic apparatus 100 is located after visiting the previous location. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The neural network model may be trained to predict the outing time from a specific location (i.e., the previous location) based on such historical information as training data. Here, the outing time may refer to a time duration from when the user departs from the space where the electronic apparatus 100 is located (e.g., the user's home), reaches a specific location, and then returns to the space where the electronic apparatus 100 is located. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the outing time may also refer to a time duration from when the user arrives at a specific location to when the user departs from the specific location and arrives at the space where the electronic apparatus 100 is located.

The processor 140 may analyze the user pattern information using the neural network model. According to an embodiment, the processor 140 may input the received user location information into the neural network model and acquire the outing time corresponding to the location information. Here, the outing time corresponding to the location information may refer to a predicted time duration from when the user arrives at the location to when the user is expected to arrive at the space where the electronic apparatus 100 is located.

According to an embodiment, the processor 140 may acquire user pattern information including the (predicted) outing time. Then, the processor 140 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the user location information and the outing time.

However, this is merely an example, and the processor 140 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the location information and the outing time without acquiring the user pattern information. For example, the processor 140 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the outing time acquired through the neural network model and the user's location information.

For example, when the user visits a specific place (e.g., a private academy), the processor 140 may receive the location information of the specific place. The processor 140 may input the received location information into the neural network model and acquire the outing time as one hour. The processor 140 may acquire the pattern information indicating that it takes one hour for the user to return to the space where the electronic apparatus 100 is located from the current place (the private academy).

As described above, the processor 140 may extend the time for performing the filter regeneration function using the neural network model for acquiring (or analyzing) not only the user's location information but also the user pattern information.

Here, the learning model may include an artificial intelligence model that has been previously trained to analyze the pattern information of the user.

Specifically, the artificial intelligence model may be implemented as a convolutional neural network (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), a deep neural network (DNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or the like, but is not limited to these examples. The learning model may perform training using various data, such as data provided by a server and data provided by an APP server, and perform training in various ways, such as on-device learning, artificial intelligence learning, and user manual-specified learning.

Various learning models, databases (DB), or the like, may be stored in the memory 130 of the electronic apparatus 100 or may be stored in an external apparatus, such as a server.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, one or more processors 140 may be implemented by a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, or a time controller (TCON) that processes a digital signal. However, at least one processor 140 is not limited thereto, but may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a micro controller unit (MCU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a controller, an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), and an ARM processor, or an artificial intelligence (AI) processor, or may be defined by these terms. In addition, one or more processors 140 may be implemented by a system-on-chip (SoC) or a large scale integration (LSI) in which a processing algorithm is embedded, or may be implemented in a field programmable gate array (FPGA) form. One or more processors 140 may perform various functions by executing computer executable instructions stored in the memory.

One or more processors 140 may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a many integrated core (MIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a neural processing unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator.

One or more processors 140 may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic apparatus and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. One or more processors 140 may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in the memory. For example, one or more processors 140 may perform the method according to an embodiment of the disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in the memory.

When the method according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one processor or by a plurality of processors.

For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by the method according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first processor, the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor), and the third operation may be performed by a second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-specific processor).

One or more processors 140 may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or one or more multicore processors including a plurality of cores (e.g., homogeneous multicore or heterogeneous multicore).

When one or more processors 140 are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the plurality of cores included in the multicore processor may include internal memory of the processor, such as cache memory and on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by a plurality of cores may be included in a multicore processor.

Each of the plurality of cores (or some of the plurality of cores) included in the multi-core processor may read and perform program instructions for implementing the method according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and all (or part) of the plurality of cores may be linked to read and perform program instructions for implementing the method according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one filter 110, a communication interface 120, memory 130, one or more processors 140, an output interface 150, and an input interface 160. Hereinafter, a description for portions overlapping those described above will be omitted or abbreviated.

The output interface 150 may provide various pieces of feedback or device notification information to a user. More particularly, the output interface 150 may include a speaker 151, a display 152, or the like, but this is only an embodiment of the disclosure, and may further include other output devices (e.g., a haptic providing device, or the like).

The processor 140 may generate notification information about the filter regeneration function and provide the notification information to the user through the output interface 150.

For example, the processor 140 may generate device notification information including at least one of information notifying the performance of the filter regeneration function and the information about the performance time of the filter regeneration function, and may provide the generated notification information to the user through the output interface 150, such as the speaker 151 or the display 152.

In addition, the electronic apparatus 100 may provide the notification information about the filter regeneration function through the output interface 150 when the usage time of the filter reaches a preset period of time. For example, the output interface 140 may display the notification information.

In this case, the speaker 151 may be provided in at least one of an upper area, a lower area, and a side area of the electronic apparatus 100 to provide various pieces of auditory feedback or notification information through audio.

The display 152 may be located in at least one of an upper area, a lower area, and a side area of the electronic apparatus 100 to provide various pieces of visual feedback or notification information to the user. The display 152 may be implemented as one display, and may also be implemented as multiple displays according to on an embodiment.

The input interface 160 (which may include a microphone 161 and a touch screen 162) may receive various pieces of feedback from the user. For example, when the third mode is set and the electronic apparatus 100 receives a user input through the input interface, the electronic apparatus 100 may perform an operation corresponding to the user input after completing the operation for the filter regeneration function.

Here, the third mode may mean a mode in which the operation for the filter regeneration function is preferentially performed when the user input for controlling the operation of the electronic apparatus 100 is received while performing the filter regeneration function.

For example, a third mode may correspond to a mode in which an operation for the filter regeneration function has a higher priority than an operation of the electronic apparatus corresponding to a user input.

For example, when set to the third mode, if the electronic apparatus 100 receives a command for performing an air purification operation while performing the filter regeneration function, the electronic apparatus 100 may perform the air purification operation after completing the filter regeneration.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an electronic apparatus is displayed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic apparatus 100 may electronic the notification information about the filter regeneration function when the filter usage time reaches a preset period of time.

For example, when the filter usage time is set to 2 months, the electronic apparatus 100 may display (152) a phrase, such as "Please manage the filter. After cleaning the filter, press a button for 3 seconds" (152-1) when the filter usage time has passed. In this case, the filter regeneration function may also be performed by pressing a button 152-2.

However, it is not limited thereto, and the electronic apparatus 100 may perform the filter regeneration function while automatically providing a notification for filter regeneration without manual input from the user when the filter usage time has passed 2 months.

When the electronic apparatus 100 performs the filter regeneration function, it may initialize the filter usage time. For example, when the electronic apparatus 100 completes the filter regeneration, it may recalculate the filter usage time from that time.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an external apparatus is displayed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the user terminal apparatus 200 may electronic information notifying the filter regeneration when the electronic apparatus 100 performs the filter regeneration function by itself based on the location information of the user.

For example, when the electronic apparatus 100 performs the filter regeneration function, the user terminal apparatus 200 may provide information, such as "Filter regeneration notification, the set time has arrived, and the filter regeneration is performed" (211) to the user through an application managing various electronic apparatuses of the user.

According to the embodiment of the disclosure, when the user goes out and the electronic apparatus 100 automatically performs the filter regeneration function, even if the user is far away from the electronic apparatus 100, the user terminal apparatus 200 may acquire the information on the operation status of the electronic apparatus 100.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an external apparatus displayed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, the user may set a distance condition for the electronic apparatus 100 to perform the filter regeneration function through the user terminal apparatus 200. For example, the user may set a radius of 250M 213-1 from a space 212-1 where the electronic apparatus 100 is located as the distance condition for performing the filter regeneration function and save it 213-2.

In this case, when it is identified 212-2 that the user has exceeded the set distance, the electronic apparatus 100 may perform the filter regeneration function by additionally considering other conditions, such as the filter usage time conditions.

However, it is not limited thereto, and even if the user does not set a distance condition for performing the filter regeneration function through the user terminal apparatus 200, the distance condition may be preset and stored in the electronic apparatus 100 or the server 300.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a screen on which an external apparatus is displayed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the user may set the condition for the electronic apparatus 100 to perform the filter regeneration function through the user terminal apparatus 200.

For example, when the user is out of a preset radius range from the electronic apparatus 100, the user may activate an "away filter regeneration" function 213 through the user terminal apparatus 200 so that the electronic apparatus 100 performs the filter regeneration function by itself without the user's intervention.

In addition, the user may set a do-not-disturb mode 214 through the user terminal apparatus 200 so that the filter regeneration function is not performed for a preset period of time.

In addition, the user may set a "filter regeneration priority operation" mode 215 to be activated through the user terminal apparatus 200 so that the filter regeneration operates with priority.

The electronic apparatus 100 may perform the filter regeneration function when the condition for the first mode activating the filter regeneration function, the second mode deactivating the filter regeneration function for a preset period of time, and the condition for the distance between the electronic apparatus and the user and the usage time of the filter are satisfied.

However, it is not limited to the listed conditions, and various conditions may be further included or only some of the listed conditions may be included.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation an electronic apparatus transmits and receives data to and from at least one external apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic apparatus 100 may receive the information about the user 9, such as the location information of the user and the return time of the user, from the user terminal apparatus 200 or the server 300. In addition, the electronic apparatus 100 may receive the information about the conditions for performing the filter regeneration function of the electronic apparatus 100 described in FIG. 8 from the user terminal apparatus 200.

Here, the return time of the user may mean data calculated by the server 300 based on the location information of the user.

In this case, when the condition for performing the filter regeneration function of the electronic apparatus 100 is satisfied, the filter regeneration function may be performed without the intervention of the user 9. However, in the case where some physical action, such as pressing a physical button, is required, the intervention of the user 9 may be required.

In addition, a command for controlling the operation of the electronic apparatus 100 may be transmitted and received by manipulating the user terminal apparatus 200. For example, when the user terminal apparatus 200 performs an operation for performing the filter regeneration function, the electronic apparatus 100 may receive a command for performing the filter regeneration function and perform the filter regeneration function.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic apparatus 100 may perform the filter regeneration operation when all conditions set for at least one external apparatus are satisfied, and may not perform the filter regeneration operation when even one of the conditions set for at least one external apparatus is not satisfied.

For example, the electronic apparatus 100 may identify whether the away filter regeneration function is activated at operation S1010, and when the away filter regeneration function is activated, it may by identified whether it is a do-not-disturb time at operation S1020. When it is not the do-not-disturb time, the electronic apparatus 100 may identify whether the user has left the preset radius range from the electronic apparatus at operation S1030, and if so, may identify whether the preset filter usage time has been reached at operation S1040.

When the preset filter usage time has been reached, the electronic apparatus 100 may perform the filter regeneration operation at operation S1050.

However, the conditions set for at least one external apparatus are not limited to the listed conditions and may further include various conditions or may include only some of the listed conditions.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic apparatus 100 may receive the location information of the user from at least one external apparatus at operation S1110. In this case, the location information of the user may mean data based on GPS information.

The electronic apparatus 100 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user at operation S1120. In this case, the time for performing the filter regeneration function may include the first time for irradiating light on the filter and the second time for not irradiating light on the filter after the first time.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing an operation of an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic apparatus 100 may receive the return time taken by the user to reach the space where the electronic apparatus is located from at least one external apparatus at operation S1210. Here, the return time of the user may mean a time calculated by a server based on at least one of the location information of the user or the pattern information of the user.

The electronic apparatus 100 may adjust the time for performing the filter regeneration function based on the return time of the user at operation S1220. For example, when considering additional pattern information of a user, if the return time increases from 10 minutes to 15 minutes, the first time and the second time for performing the filter regeneration function may also increase.

The method of adjusting the time for performing the filter regeneration function described in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be performed by devices having various configurations, such as the above-described FIGS. 3 and 4, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be performed by devices having various configurations.

Various embodiments described above may be implemented as embodiments alone, or at least one embodiment may be combined in whole or in part to be implemented together in one apparatus.

According to the various embodiments described above, the filter of the electronic apparatus may be managed by performing the filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user without direct intervention of the user. For example, the performance of the filter may be improved so that the filter of the electronic apparatus may be used permanently. Ultimately, the user's experience may be improved.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as software stored in a recording medium that may be installed or connected to the smartphone, the user terminal apparatus, and other various electronic apparatuses (e.g., a computer).

Specifically, a non-transitory readable recording medium storing software for sequentially performing a step of receiving the location information of the user from at least one external apparatus and a step adjusting a time for performing a filter regeneration function based on the location information of the user may be provided.

A device equipped with such a non-transitory readable medium may perform various operations, such as tag identification corresponding to the user operations described in the various embodiments described above, confirmation of importance for each of multiple frames, and generation of an edited video.

In the non-transitory readable-recording medium, the term “non-transitory” means that the storage medium is tangible without including a signal, and does not distinguish whether data are semi-permanently or temporarily stored in the storage medium.

Alternatively, a program for performing the method according to various embodiments described above may be distributed online through an application store. In a case of the online distribution, at least portions of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a storage medium, such as memory of a manufacturer server, an application store server, or a relay server or be temporarily created.

Each of the components (for example, modules or programs) according to various embodiments may include a single entity or a plurality of entities, and some of the corresponding sub-components described above may be omitted or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some of the components (e.g., the modules or the programs) may be integrated into one entity, and may perform functions performed by the respective corresponding components before being integrated in the same or similar manner.

Operations performed by the modules, the programs, or the other components according to various embodiments may be executed in a sequential manner, a parallel manner, an iterative manner, or a heuristic manner, at least some of the operations may be performed in a different order or be omitted, or other operations may be added.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

Any such software may be stored in non-transitory computer readable storage media. The non-transitory computer readable storage media store one or more computer programs (software modules), the one or more computer programs include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform a method of the disclosure.

Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage, such as, for example, a storage device like read only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory, such as, for example, random access memory (RAM), memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as, for example, a compact disk (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), magnetic disk or magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a computer program or computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing apparatus or a method as claimed in any one of the claims of this specification and a non-transitory machine-readable storage storing such a program.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.