AIR CONDITIONER HAVING SENSOR AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2024/008005 designating the United States, filed on Jun. 11, 2024, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0108542, filed on Aug. 18, 2023, in the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Field

The disclosure relates to an air conditioner having a detection sensor, a control method of the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for performing the control method of the air conditioner.

Description of Related Art

An air conditioner includes a fan for discharging cooled air or heated air. An indoor unit of the air conditioner discharges the cooled air or heated air to an air-conditioned space using the fan. The air conditioner includes various sensors, for example, a human body detection sensor and a temperature sensor. The air conditioner controls the environment of the air-conditioned space and its operations using the various sensors. However, when any sensor of the air conditioner is deactivated by a user's selection, the air conditioner cannot perform appropriate control operations and thus, an abnormal operation may occur.

SUMMARY

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner may be provided. The air conditioner may include: a detection sensor configured to generate a sensor detection value related to an object in a target space; an air-conditioning module including a compressor configured to perform an air-conditioning operation; memory storing at least one instruction; at least one processor comprising processing circuitry, wherein. at least one processor, individually and/or collectively, may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to cause the air conditioner to: set a first mode of activating the detection sensor or a second mode of deactivating the detection sensor based on an input, stop the air-conditioning operation of the air-conditioning module based on determining that no person is present in the target space for a first reference time based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor while performing the air-conditioning operation in an activated state of the detection sensor in the first mode, activate the detection sensor based on a second reference time elapsing from a start time of the air-conditioning operation while performing the air-conditioning operation in a deactivated state of the detection sensor in the second mode, and stop the air-conditioning operation based on determining that no person is present in the target space, based on the sensor detection value, wherein the second reference time may be longer than the first reference time.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an air conditioner may be provided. The method may include: performing an air-conditioning operation; setting a first mode of activating a detection sensor or a second mode of deactivating the detection sensor, based on an input, based on determining that no person is present in a target space for a first reference time based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor while performing the air-conditioning operation in an activated state of the detection sensor in the first mode, stopping the air-conditioning operation, based on a second reference time elapsing from a start time of the air-conditioning operation while performing the air-conditioning operation in a deactivated state of the detection sensor in the second mode, activating the detection sensor; and

based on determining that no person is present in the target space based on the sensor detection value, stopping the air-conditioning operation, wherein the second reference time may be longer than the first reference time.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program for performing the method of controlling the air conditioner on a computer may be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example operation of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of controlling an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an air conditioner in a second mode, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an air conditioner in a second mode, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of performing a time monitoring operation in a second mode, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example process of stopping an air-conditioning operation, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example process of setting a second reference time, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example air conditioner, a user device, and a server, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example operation of providing a notification message notifying that an air-conditioning operation of an air-conditioner has been stopped in a second mode, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example process of providing information notifying that an air conditioner is automatically turned off in a second mode, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to particular embodiments, and it should be understood as including various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of a corresponding embodiment.

With regard to description of 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 item or a plurality of the items unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, each of the expressions “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 one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with a corresponding expression among the expressions.

The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of a plurality of associated listed items.

The terms “1^st”, “2^nd”, first”, “second”, etc., may be used only to distinguish one component from another, not intended to limit the corresponding component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

When one (e.g., first) component is “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively” the one component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this disclosure, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

An expression that one component is “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with another component includes a case in which the components are directly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other and a case in which the components are indirectly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other through a third component.

It will also be understood that when one component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

An air conditioner according to various embodiments may be an apparatus that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling, and/or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and may refer, for example, to an apparatus having at least one of these functions.

According to an embodiment, the air conditioner may include a heat pump for performing a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump may include a cooling cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expander, and a second heat exchanger. Components of the heat pump may be installed in a single housing forming an appearance of the air conditioner, and a window type air conditioner or a movable air conditioner may correspond to such an air conditioner. The components of the heat pump may be divided and installed in a plurality of housings forming an air conditioner, and a wall-mounted type air conditioner, a stand type air conditioner, a system air conditioner, etc. may correspond to such an air conditioner.

The air conditioner including the plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoor and at least one indoor unit installed indoor. For example, the air conditioner may connect an outdoor unit to an indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may connect an outdoor unit to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may connect two or more outdoor units to two or more indoor units through a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

The outdoor unit may be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or a command) for controlling the air conditioner may be input through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit or the indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and the refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger.

The outdoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outside air using a phase change (for example, evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may emit heat to outside air, and, while the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger is evaporated, the refrigerant may absorb heat from outside air.

The indoor unit may be installed indoor. For example, indoor units may be classified into ceiling type indoor units, stand type indoor units, and wall-mounted type indoor units according to installation methods. For example, the ceiling type indoor units may be classified into four-way type indoor units, one-way type indoor units, and duct type indoor units according to methods by which air is discharged.

The indoor heat exchanger may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air using a phase change (for example, evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant is evaporated in the indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from indoor air, and by blowing indoor air cooled by passing through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, an indoor space may be cooled. Also, while the refrigerant is condensed in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may emit heat to indoor air, and by blowing indoor air heated by passing through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the indoor space may be heated.

For example, the air conditioner may perform a cooling or heating function through the phase-change process of the refrigerant that circulates between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and for the circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include the compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor may receive a refrigerant gas through an inlet and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through an outlet. The compressor may be installed inside the outdoor unit.

A refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipe in the order of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expander, and the indoor heat exchanger or in the order of the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expander, and the outdoor heat exchanger.

As an example, in the air conditioner, an outdoor unit may be directly connected to an indoor unit through a refrigerant pipe, and in this case, a refrigerant may circulate between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

As an example, in the air conditioner, an outdoor unit may be connected to two or more indoor units through refrigerant pipes, and in this case, a refrigerant may flow to a plurality of indoor units through the refrigerant pipes diverging from the outdoor unit. Refrigerants discharged from the plurality of indoor units may meet and circulate to the outdoor unit. For example, the plurality of indoor units may be connected in parallel to the outdoor unit through separate refrigerant pipes.

The plurality of indoor units may operate independently according to operation modes set by a user. A part of the plurality of indoor units may operate in a cooling mode, and simultaneously, another part may operate in a heating mode. In this case, a refrigerant may enter each of the indoor units in a high or low pressure state selectively along a circulation flow path designated through a flow path switching valve which will be described below, be discharged, and then circulate to the outdoor unit.

For example, in the air conditioner, two or more outdoor units may be connected to two or more indoor units through a plurality of refrigerant pipes, and in this case, refrigerants discharged from a plurality of outdoor units may meet, flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then diverge at a certain location, and flow into a plurality of indoor units.

The plurality of outdoor units may operate or at least some of the plurality of outdoor units may not operate according to a driving load depending on a driving amount of the plurality of indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may flow into an outdoor unit that selectively operates through the flow path switching valve, and circulate. The air conditioner may include the expander for lowering pressure of the refrigerant that flows into the heat exchanger. For example, the expander may be positioned inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit or inside both the indoor unit and the outdoor unit.

The expander may lower a temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using, for example, a throttling effect. The expander may include an orifice capable of reducing a cross-sectional area of a flow path. The refrigerant passed through the orifice may be lowered in temperature and pressure.

The expander may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening rate (a ratio of a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a partially open state with respect to a cross-sectional area of the flow path of the valve in a fully open state). An amount of a refrigerant passing through the expander may be controlled depending on an opening rate of the electronic expansion valve.

The air conditioner may further include the flow path switching valve positioned on the refrigerant circulation flow path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow path switching valve may set a circulation path of a refrigerant depending on a driving mode (for example, cooling driving or heating driving) of the indoor unit. The flow path switching valve may be connected to the outlet of the compressor.

The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the inlet of the compressor. A low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger or the outdoor heat exchanger may flow into the accumulator.

While a refrigerant being a mixture of a refrigerant liquid and a refrigerant gas flows into the accumulator, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

An outdoor fan may be provided around the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between a refrigerant and outside air.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be an environment sensor. The sensor of the outdoor unit may be positioned inside the outdoor unit or at an arbitrary location outside the outdoor unit. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may include a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of air around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting humidity of air around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting refrigerant pressure of the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication device (e.g., including communication circuitry). The outdoor unit communication device may receive a control signal from a controller of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described in greater detail below. The outdoor unit may control an operation of the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expander, the flow path switching valve, the accumulator, or the outdoor fan, based on a control signal received through the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by the sensor of the outdoor unit to the controller of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication device.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blow fan that circulates air into or out of the housing, and the indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air flowed into the housing.

The housing may include an inlet. Indoor air may flow into the housing through the inlet.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that filters out a foreign material in air flowed into the housing through the inlet.

The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged to outside of the housing through the outlet.

In the housing of the indoor unit, an airflow guide for guiding a direction of air to be discharged through the outlet may be provided. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade positioned on the outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include, but is not limited to, an auxiliary fan for adjusting a discharge airflow. However, the airflow guide may be omitted.

Inside the housing of the indoor unit, the indoor heat exchanger and the blow fan may be positioned on a flow path connecting the inlet to the outlet.

The blow fan may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, the indoor fan may include an axial flow fan, a mixed flow fan, a cross flow fan, and a centrifugal fan.

The indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blow fan and the outlet or between the inlet and the blow fan. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air received through the inlet or transfer heat to air received through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange pipe through which a refrigerant flows and a heat exchange fin that is in contact with the heat exchange pipe to increase a heat transfer area.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensed water generated in the indoor heat exchanger. Condensed water accommodated in the drain tray may be discharged to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may support the indoor heat exchanger.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface including various circuitry. The input interface may include an arbitrary type of user input means including a button, a switch, a touch screen, and/or a touch pad. A user may input setting data (for example, a desired room temperature, a driving mode setting for cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning, an outlet selection setting, and/or an air volume setting) through the input interface.

The input interface may also be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location (for example, a part of a wall) of an indoor space. The user may input setting data for an operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. The input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user may input setting data for an operation of the air conditioner remotely using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted as an infrared signal to the input interface.

The input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be obtained through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transfer the converted electrical signal to an indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the air conditioner to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. The setting data (for example, a desired room temperature, a driving mode setting for cooling/heating/dehumidifying/air cleaning, an outlet selection setting, and/or an air volume setting) obtained through the input interface may be transferred to the indoor unit controller which will be described below. According to an example, setting data obtained through the input interface may be transmitted to an external device, that is, the outdoor unit or a server through an indoor unit communication device which will be described below.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module including a power supply. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to components of the indoor unit.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor positioned in an inside or outside space of the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and/or humidity sensors positioned in a preset space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor that detects a temperature at each of an entrance, middle part, and/or exit of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

For example, environment information detected by the indoor unit sensor may be transferred to the indoor unit controller which will be described below or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit communication device which will be described in greater detail below.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit communication device including various communication circuitry. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-distance communication module. The indoor unit communication device may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may also include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-distance communication module.

The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN; WiFi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, a ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

The long-distance wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various kinds of long-distance communications, and may include a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may transmit/receive a wireless signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

The indoor unit communication device may communicate with an external device, such as a server, a mobile device, another home appliance, etc., through a surrounding Access Point (AP). The AP may connect a Local Area Network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or a user device is connected to a Wide Area Network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or the user device may be connected to the server through the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller that controls the components of the indoor unit, including the blow fan, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit controller that controls the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, etc. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller through the indoor unit communication device and the outdoor unit communication device. The outdoor unit communication device may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication device, or transfer a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication device to the outdoor unit controller. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated while the air conditioner operates.

The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and control operations of the individual components. For example, the outdoor unit controller may adjust a frequency of the compressor and control the flow path switching valve to change a circulation direction of a refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller may adjust a rotation speed of the outdoor fan. The outdoor unit controller may generate a control signal for adjusting an opening rate of the expansion valve. A refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow path switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger, under a control by the outdoor unit controller.

Each of various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to a detected temperature to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller, each including various circuitry. For example, each of the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and/or the indoor unit controller.

The indoor unit controller may obtain an input (e.g., a user input) from a user device including a mobile device, etc. through the indoor unit communication device, or obtain a user input directly through the input interface or through the remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control the components of the indoor unit, including the blow fan, etc. in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information related to the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit controller may include various circuitry and control the components of the outdoor unit including the compressor, etc. based on the information about the user input, received from the indoor unit. For example, according to reception of a control signal corresponding to a user input of selecting a driving mode, such as cooling driving, heating driving, blowing driving, defrosting driving, or dehumidifying driving, from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control the components of the outdoor unit to perform an operation of the air conditioner corresponding to the selected driving mode.

Each of the outdoor unit controller and the indoor unit controller may include a processor including various processing circuitry and memory. The indoor unit controller may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit controller may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

The memory may memorize/store various information required for operations of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data, and/or programs required for the operations of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for cooling driving, heating driving, dehumidifying driving, and/or defrosting driving of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory, such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM), for temporarily memorizing data. Also, the memory may include non-volatile memory, such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), for storing data for a long time.

The processor may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the air conditioner based on the instructions, applications, data, and/or programs stored in the memory. The processor may include a logic circuit and an arithmetic circuit, as hardware. The processor may process data according to a program and/or instruction provided from the memory and generate a control signal according to the processed result. The memory and processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or a plurality of circuits.

The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface may be electrically connected to the indoor unit controller, and output information related to an operation of the air conditioner under a control by the indoor unit controller. For example, information, such as a driving mode, a direction of wind, an air volume, and a temperature, selected by a user input may be output. Also, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, and a warning/error message.

The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, which is a sound system, may output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information to be provided to the user, as various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Also, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a Liquid Crystal Display Panel (LCD) panel, a Light Emitting Diode Panel (LED) panel, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, and/or a plurality of LEDs.

Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to various example embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example operation of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may perform an air-conditioning operation for a target space 120. The air-conditioning operation may include, for example, cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or ventilation. The air conditioner 100 may be implemented as a ceiling-type air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, a ceiling-type cooling and heating apparatus, a stand-type cooling and heating apparatus, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier.

The air conditioner 100 may include a detection sensor 110. The detection sensor 110 may detect an object within the target space 120. The air conditioner 100 may identify whether a person 130 is present in the target space 120 using a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110. The air conditioner 100 may control on/off of the air-conditioning operation based on whether the person 130 is present in the target space 120.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may prevent and/or reduce any abnormal operation based on whether the person 130 is present within the target space 120. When the air conditioner 100 identifies that no person 130 is present within the target space 120 for a preset time or longer using a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110, the air conditioner 100 may stop the air-conditioning operation to save energy. However, for reasons such as privacy protection, a user may deactivate the detection sensor 110. According to the detection sensor 110 being deactivated, the air conditioner 100 may continue to perform the air-conditioning operation regardless of whether the person 130 is present in the target space 12 unless the user turns off the air conditioner 100. However, in a case where a situation occurs in which the user forgets to turn off the air conditioner 100 and goes out, the air conditioner 100 may operate for an excessively long time, which may result in malfunction. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where a user deactivates the detection sensor 110, the detection sensor 110 may be temporarily turned on in order to prevent/reduce the air conditioner 100 from operating for a long time to a point where there is a risk of failure of the air conditioner 100, thereby preventing/reducing any abnormal operation of the air conditioner 100. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where the air conditioner 100 performs an air-conditioning operation for a first reference time or longer while the detection sensor 110 is in a deactivated state, the air conditioner 110 may turn on the detection sensor 110 and stop the air-conditioning operation when no person 130 is present in the target space 120.

In a case where a user opens a window 140 of the target space 120 while an air-conditioning operation is performed, an effect of heating or cooling may significantly deteriorate even though the air conditioner 100 performs the air-conditioning operation. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where the air conditioner 100 performs an air-conditioning operation for a second reference time or longer while the detection sensor 110 is in a deactivated state, the air conditioner 100 may turn on the detection sensor 110, and, when it is determined that no person 130 is present in the target space 120 and a difference between an indoor temperature and a target temperature exceeds a temperature reference value, the air conditioner 100 may stop the air-conditioning operation.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where the detection sensor 110 is deactivated, by forcibly activating the detection sensor 110 under a preset condition and controlling on/off of an air-conditioning operation depending on whether a person is present, a significant effect of preventing/reducing any abnormal operation of the air conditioner 100 and preventing/reducing a failure of the air conditioner 100 may be achieved.

FIG. 2 is a bock diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may include the detection sensor 110, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 210, an air-conditioning module (e.g., including a compressor) 212, and memory 214. A block diagram of the air conditioner 100 shown in FIG. 2 may correspond to a block diagram of an indoor unit.

The air conditioner 100 may be implemented in various installation types. For example, the air conditioner 100 may be implemented in a stand type, a wall-mounted type, a system air conditioner type built in the ceiling, or a home multi air conditioner type.

The detection sensor 110 may detect an object in the target space 120. The detection sensor 110 may include, for example, a Time of Flight (ToF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a radio detection and ranging (radar) sensor, or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor. The detection sensor 110 may be positioned to output a signal into the target space 120 and detect a reflected signal. The detection sensor 110 may be positioned on a front surface of the air conditioner 100 toward the target space 120.

The processor 210 may include various processing circuitry and control overall operations of the air conditioner 100. The processor 210 may be implemented as one or more processors. The processor 210 may perform a preset operation by executing an instruction or command stored in the memory 214. The processor 210 may control operations of components provided in the air conditioner 100. The processor 210 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, etc. The processor 210 may include various processing circuitry and/or multiple processors. For example, as used herein, including the claims, the term “processor” may include various processing circuitry, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of at least one processor, individually and/or collectively in a distributed manner, may be configured to perform various functions described herein. As used herein, when “a processor”, “at least one processor”, and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform numerous functions, these terms cover situations, for example and without limitation, in which one processor performs some of recited functions and another processor(s) performs other of recited functions, and also situations in which a single processor may perform all recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors performing various of the recited/disclosed functions, e.g., in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

The processor 210 may identify whether there is a moving object based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110, and in a case where there is a moving object, the processor 210 may identify that there is a person in the target space 120. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 may identify whether a detected object is a person based on a sensor detection value. For example, in a case where the detection sensor 110 corresponds to an infrared sensor, the processor 210 may identify that a person is present in the target space 120 according to an infrared value corresponding to a person being detected. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 may identify whether a detected object has a human shape based on a sensor detection value, and according to the detected object corresponding to a human shape, the processor 210 may identify that a person is present in the target space 120.

The air-conditioning module 212 may perform an air-conditioning operation. The air-conditioning module 212 may determine whether to perform cooling, a cooling intensity, whether to perform heating, a heating intensity, an air volume, etc. based on a control signal or a driving signal received from the processor 210. The air-conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger, a motor, an inverter, a fan, a filter, etc. The air-conditioning module 212 may be provided with a heat exchanger and may perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air using a phase change (for example, expansion or compression) of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger. For example, while a refrigerant expands in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant may absorb heat from indoor air to cool an indoor space. While a refrigerant is compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant may emit heat to indoor air to heat the indoor space.

The processor 210 may operate in a first mode in which the detection sensor 110 is activated and in a second mode in which the detection sensor 110 is deactivated. The processor 210 may operate in the first mode or the second mode based on a user input of selecting the first mode or the second mode.

In the first mode, the processor 210 may activate the detection sensor 110, and, when the processor 210 identifies that no person is present in the target space 120 for a first reference time or longer while performing an air-conditioning operation based on a detection value from the detection sensor 110, the processor 210 may stop the air-conditioning operation. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when it is identified that no person is present in the target space 120 for a preset time or longer while an air-conditioning operation is performed, the air-conditioning operation may stop to save energy. The first reference time may be set to, for example, 30 minutes. The first reference time may be a time within one hour.

In the second mode, the processor 210 may deactivate the detection sensor 110. In the second mode, the processor 210 may perform an air-conditioning operation while the detection sensor 110 is in a deactivated state. When a second reference time has elapsed while the processor 210 performs the air-conditioning operation, the processor 210 may activate the detection sensor 110. The processor 210 may identify whether a person is present in the target space 120 based on a detection value from the detection sensor 110. When a person is present in the target space 120, the processor 210 may continue to perform the air-conditioning operation. When no person is present in the target space 120, the processor 210 may stop the air-conditioning operation. The second reference time may be longer than the first reference time. The second reference time may be set to, for example, 24 hours, 48 hours, etc.

The memory 214 may store various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for operations of the air conditioner 100. The memory 214 may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory or a combination thereof. The memory 214 may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, card type memory (for example, Secure Digital (SD) or eXtreme Digital (XD) memory), Random Access Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk. Also, the memory 214 may correspond to a web storage or a cloud server that performs a storage function on the Internet.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of controlling an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

The method of controlling the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be performed by the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The air conditioner 100 may perform an air-conditioning operation in operation S302. The air conditioner 100 may perform the air-conditioning operation based on a user input of controlling an air-conditioning operation. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may receive a user input through an input interface (e.g., a remote controller, a button, a touch screen, a touch pad, a key, etc.) of the air conditioner 100. Also, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may receive a user input from an external device through a communication module. The air conditioner 100 may perform an air-conditioning operation, such as cooling or heating.

In operation S304, the air conditioner 100 may set a first mode of activating the detection sensor 110 or a second mode of deactivating the detection sensor 110 based on a user input. A user may select activation or deactivation of the detection sensor 110 of the air conditioner 100, through an input interface or an external device. According to activation of the detection sensor 110 being selected by a user input, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the first mode. According to deactivation of the detection sensor 110 being selected by a user input, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the second mode.

According to the first mode being set in operation S304, the air conditioner 100 may activate the detection sensor 110 in operation S306. The air conditioner 100 may detect an object in a target space using the activated detection sensor 110 and identify whether a person is present.

In operation S308, the air conditioner 100 may identify whether a time for which no person is present, for example, a time for which no person is detected reaches a first reference time T1 while performing the air-conditioning operation. The time for which no person is detected may refer to a time for which no person is continuously present. When a person is detected based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110, the time for which no person is detected may be set to 0, and the processor 210 may again count a time for which no person is detected.

When the time for which no person is present reaches the first reference time T1, the air conditioner 100 may stop the air-conditioning operation in operation S310. For example, when the time for which no person is detected reaches the first reference time T1, the air conditioner 100 may stop a cooling operation.

According to the second mode being set in operation S304, the air conditioner 100 may deactivate the detection sensor 110 in operation S312. According to the detection sensor 110 being deactivated, the air conditioner 100 may be incapable of detecting a person in the target space.

In operation S314, the air conditioner 100 may identify whether an execution time of the air-conditioning operation reaches a second reference time T2. The execution time of the air-conditioning operation may refer to a time for which the air-conditioning operation is continuously performed. The execution time of the air-conditioning operation may be counted from a time at which the air-conditioning operation starts. In a case where the air-conditioning operation is interrupted, the execution time of the air-conditioning operation may be reset and then newly counted.

According to the execution time of the air-conditioning operation reaching the second reference time T2 in operation S314, the air conditioner 100 may activate the detection sensor 110 in operation S316. According to the air conditioner 100 activating the detection sensor 110, the air conditioner 100 may obtain a sensor detection value related to an object in the target space and perform an operation of detecting a person.

In operation S318, the air conditioner 100 may identify whether a person is present in the target space based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110. When no person is present in the target space, the air conditioner 100 may stop the air-conditioning operation in operation S320. When it is determined that a person is present in the target space in operation S318, the air conditioner 100 may again deactivate the detection sensor 110.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

In order to avoid duplication of descriptions with regard to FIG. 4, descriptions that overlap with those about the air conditioner 100 given with reference to FIG. 2 may not be repeated here, and descriptions focusing on differences will be given.

The air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the detection sensor 110, the processor 210, the air-conditioning module 212, the memory 214, and a temperature sensor 410.

The temperature sensor 410 may measure a temperature of a target space. The temperature sensor 410 may include a contact type temperature sensor or a contactless type temperature sensor. The temperature sensor 410 may include, for example, a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) temperature sensor, a thermocouple, or a thermistor. The temperature sensor 410 may measure a temperature and generate a temperature measured value.

The processor 210 may obtain indoor temperature information by receiving the temperature measured value from the temperature sensor 410. While the processor 210 performs an air-conditioning operation, the processor 210 may perform the air-conditioning operation based on a target temperature. The target temperature may be set by a user input. The processor 210 may perform the air-conditioning operation in order to adjust an indoor temperature to the target temperature by comparing the temperature measured value to a target temperature value.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, while the processor 210 operates in the second mode, the processor 210 may activate the detection sensor 110 based on a temperature measured value and control an air-conditioning operation depending on whether a person is present. When a temperature detection operation time of an air-conditioning operation reaches a third reference time while the processor 210 performs the air-conditioning operation in the second mode, the processor 210 may identify whether a difference between a temperature measured value and the target temperature value exceeds a temperature reference value. The temperature detection operation time may be a time defined for temperature monitoring based on a temperature detected value in order to determine whether to activate the detection sensor in the second mode. The temperature detection operation time may be counted from a time at which the air-conditioning operation starts, and in a case where whether to activate the detection sensor 110 is determined based on a temperature detected value in order to determine whether to activate the detection sensor in the second mode, the temperature detection operation time may be counted from a time at which a final temperature detected value is used. The third reference time may be shorter than the second reference time. When the difference between the temperature measured value and the target temperature value exceeds the temperature reference value, the processor 210 may activate the detection sensor 110 and identify whether a person is present in the target space. The temperature reference value may be set, for example, in a range of 2 degrees to 3 degrees. When a person is present in the target space, the processor 210 may again deactivate the detection sensor 110. When no person is present in the target space, the processor 210 may stop the air-conditioning operation.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an effect of protecting the air conditioner 100 by preventing/reducing an air-conditioning operation from being performed for a long time in an abnormal situation such as a case where a window opens may be achieved.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an air conditioner in a second mode according to various embodiments.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, according to the second mode being set in operation S306, the air conditioner 100 may deactivate the detection sensor 110 in operation S312. After the detection sensor 110 is deactivated, the air conditioner 100 may perform two monitoring operations.

A time monitoring operation will be described. The air conditioner 100 may identify whether an operation time of the air-conditioning operation reaches the second reference time T2 in operation S314. When the operation time of the air-conditioning operation reaches the second reference time T2, the air conditioner 100 may activate the detection sensor 110 in operation S316. The air conditioner 100 may identify whether a person is present in a target space, based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110, in operation S318. When it is determined that no person is present in the target space in operation S318, the air conditioner 100 may stop the air-conditioning operation in operation S320. When it is determined that a person is present in the target space in operation S318, the air conditioner 100 may proceed to operation S312 to deactivate the detection sensor 110. In an embodiment, when it is determined that a person is present in the target space in operation S318, the air conditioner 100 may reset the operation time and proceed to operation S312 to deactivate the detection sensor 110.

A temperature monitoring operation will be described. The air conditioner 100 may identify whether a temperature detection operation time of an air-conditioning operation reaches the third reference time T3, in operation S502. The third reference time T3 may be shorter than the second reference time T2. The third reference time T3 may be set in a range of one to two hours. When the temperature detection operation time of the air-conditioning operation reaches the third reference time T3, the air conditioner 100 may identify whether a difference between a temperature measured value TEMPs and a temperature reference value TEMPr exceeds a temperature reference value, in operation S504.

When the difference between the temperature measured value TEMPs and the temperature reference value TEMPr does not exceed the temperature reference value in operation S504, the air conditioner 100 may reset the temperature detection operation time and proceed to operation S502.

When the difference between the temperature measured value TEMPs and the temperature reference value TEMPr exceeds the temperature reference value in operation S504, the air conditioner 100 may activate the detection sensor 110 in operation S506. Then, the air conditioner 100 may identify whether a person is present in the target space, based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110, in operation S508.

When it is determined that no person being present in operation S508, the air conditioner 100 may stop the air-conditioning operation in operation S510.

When it is determined that a person is present in operation S508, the air conditioner 100 may reset the temperature detection operation and proceed to operation S312 to deactivate the detection sensor 110.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the difference between the temperature measured value TEMPs and the temperature reference value TEMPr does not exceed the temperature reference value in operation S504 and a person being present in operation S508, the air conditioner 100 may terminate the temperature monitoring operation without proceeding to operation S502. In this case, the air conditioner 100 may perform temperature monitoring only once when the third reference time T3 is reached after the air-conditioning operation starts, and may no longer perform any temperature monitoring operation.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

In order to avoid duplication of descriptions with regard to FIG. 6, descriptions that overlap with those about the air conditioner 100 given with reference to FIG. 2 may not be repeated here, and descriptions focusing on differences will be given. FIG. 6 may be combined with FIG. 4 described above.

The air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the detection sensor 110, the processor 210, the air-conditioning module 212, the memory 214, an input interface 610, and a communication module 620. FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the air conditioner 100 includes both the input interface (e.g., including input circuitry) 610 and the communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry) 620. However, the air conditioner 100 may include any one of the input interface 610 and/or the communication module 620.

The air conditioner 100 may receive various kinds of inputs (e.g., user inputs) through the input interface 610 or the communication module 620.

The input interface 610 may receive an input from a user. The input interface 610 may include a key, a touch screen, a touch pad, a touch sensor, etc. The input interface 610 may receive a user input and transfer the user input to the processor 210. The input interface 610 may receive a power on/off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blow strength selection signal, a sleep reservation signal, a reservation operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, etc.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the input interface 610 may receive a human body detection mode selection signal of selecting activation or deactivation of the detection sensor 110.

The communication module 620 may include various communication circuitry and communicate with at least one external device by wire or wirelessly. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 212 may communicate with a remote controller wirelessly. The communication module 610 may receive a power on/off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blow strength selection signal, a sleep reservation signal, a reservation operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, etc. from the remote controller. The communication module 610 may transmit state information of the air conditioner 100 to the remote controller to synchronize the state information of the air conditioner 100 with the remote controller.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 610 may receive a human body detection mode selection signal of selecting activation or deactivation of the detection sensor 110.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 610 may communicate with an outdoor unit. For example, the communication module 610 may communicate with the outdoor unit through RS-485 serial communication.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 610 may communicate with a server through a network. The communication module 610 may access the network through an Access Point (AP) device and communicate with the server. The communication module 610 may receive a human body detection mode selection signal from the server. The communication module 610 may receive a power on/off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blow strength selection signal, a sleep reservation signal, a reservation operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, etc. from the server. The communication module 610 may transmit state information of the air conditioner 100 to the server to synchronize the state information of the air conditioner 100 with the server. The communication module 610 may receive an operation mode or setting information of the air conditioner 100 set using a user terminal, etc. from the server.

The communication module 610 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN communication module or a power line communication module). Also, the communication module 610 may perform short-range communication and may use, for example, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, WLAN (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, IrDA communication, WFD, UWB, Ant+ communication, etc. Also, for example, the communication module 610 may perform long-distance communication and may communicate with an external device through, for example, a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN).

For example, the communication module 610 may use mobile communication and transmit/receive a wireless signal to/from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 610 may be connected to an AP in home through Wi-Fi communication. The communication module 610 may communicate with an external device through the AP.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 may determine whether to activate the detection sensor 110 based on a time elapsed from a time at which a user input has been finally received, in the second mode. When an operation time of an air-conditioning operation reaches the second reference time in the second mode, the processor 210 may identify whether a fourth reference time T4 has elapsed from a user input reception time at which a user input has been finally received. When the fourth reference time T4 has elapsed from the user input reception time, the processor 210 may activate the detection sensor 110 and identify whether a person is present in a target space.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by reflecting whether there has been a user's operation to determine whether to activate the detection sensor 110 and whether to stop an air-conditioning operation, the air conditioner 100 may have an effect of more accurately reflecting a person's absence.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of an air conditioner in a second mode according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether to activate the detection sensor and whether to stop the air-conditioning operation based on a user input reception time at which a user input has been finally received.

According to the second mode being set in operation S306, the air conditioner 100 may deactivate the detection sensor 110 in operation S312. The air conditioner 100 may identify whether an operation time of an air-conditioning operation reaches the second reference time T2, in operation S314.

When the operation time reaches the second reference time T2 in operation S314, the air conditioner 100 may identify whether the fourth reference time T4 has elapsed from a user input reception time, in operation S702. The user input reception time may be counted from a time at which a final user input is received. According to a new user input being received while a time from a user input reception time is counted, the time from the user input reception time may be reset and the time from a user input reception time may be newly counted.

When the fourth reference time T4 has not elapsed from the user input reception time in operation S315, the air conditioner 100 may initialize the operation time in operation S704 and proceed to operation S312 to deactivate the detection sensor 110. In a case where a user input has been received in the fourth reference time T4 although the operation time has reached the second reference time, the air conditioner 100 may identify that any abnormal operation has not occurred and may not perform an operation of activating the detection sensor 110.

When the fourth reference time T4 has elapsed from the user input reception time in operation S315, the air conditioner 100 may activate the detection sensor 110 in operation S316. The air conditioner 100 may identify whether a person is present in a target space, based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110, in operation S318.

When no person is present in the target space, the air conditioner 100 may stop the air-conditioning operation in operation S320.

When a person is present in the target space, the air conditioner 100 may initialize the operation time in operation S704. The air conditioner 100 may proceed to operation S312 to deactivate the detection sensor 110.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example process of performing a time monitoring operation in a second mode according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where whether a person is present is identified based on an operation time in the second mode, a monitoring period may be adjusted to a shorter period after a first cycle of an operation time. The second reference time of the second mode may be a time based on which the air conditioner 100 is determined to operate for an abnormally long time, and may be defined as a time of, for example, 12 hours, 16 hours, 24 hours, etc. In a case where after one cycle of the second reference time terminates, a time monitoring operation is performed based on the same second reference time, a time for which the air conditioner 100 operates continuously may increase excessively. Accordingly, after one cycle of the second reference time terminates, a next time monitoring operation may be performed based on a fifth reference time that is shorter than the second reference time. For example, the fifth reference time may be set to a time of 2 to 6 hours.

According to the second mode being set in operation S306, the air conditioner 100 may deactivate the detection sensor 110 in operation S312.

The air conditioner 100 may identify whether an operation time of an air-conditioning operation reaches the second reference time T2 in operation S314. When the operation time of the air-conditioning operation reaches the second reference time T2, the air conditioner 100 may activate the detection sensor 110 in operation S316. The air conditioner 100 may identify whether a person is present in a target space based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110, in operation S318. When it is determined that no person is present in the target space in operation S318, the air conditioner 100 may stop the air-conditioning operation in operation S320. When it is determined that a person is present in the target space in operation S318, the air conditioner 100 may proceed to deactivate the detection sensor 110.

When it is determined that a person is present in the target space in operation S318, the air conditioner 100 may deactivate the detection sensor 110 in operation S802. The air conditioner 100 may reset the operation time and newly count an operation time in operation S804. The air conditioner 100 may identify whether the operation time reaches the fifth reference time T5 in operation S806. When the operation time reaches the fifth reference time T5, the air conditioner 100 may proceed to operation S316 to activate the detection sensor 110 and repeat an operation of identifying whether a person is present in the target space.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example process of stopping an air-conditioning operation according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an air-conditioning operation stops in the second mode, an additional operation for protecting the air conditioner 100 may be performed. In a case where the air conditioner 100 operates for an excessively long time, a failure such as leakage by condensed water may occur. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when an air-conditioning operation stops in the second mode, the air conditioner 100 may perform an air conditioner protection operation such as condensed water removal.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the air conditioner 100 stops an air-conditioning operation in the first mode in operation S310, the air conditioner 100 may be turned off in operation S904 without performing any additional operation.

When the air conditioner 100 stops an air-conditioning operation in the second mode in operation S320, the air conditioner 100 may additionally perform an operation of removing condensed water in operation S902. For example, the air conditioner 100 may perform an operation of removing condensed water by performing a blowing operation for a preset time. After the air conditioner 100 performs the operation of removing condensed water, the air conditioner 100 may be turned off in operation S904.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example process of setting a second reference time according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time using history information 1010 (1020). The air conditioner 100 may perform a timing monitoring operation using the second reference time in order to be prevented/suppressed from operating for an excessively long time. The air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time by reflecting a user's usage history information or usage history information of a corresponding region.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time using the user's usage history information. The user may correspond to a user registered in the air conditioner 100. In a case where the air conditioner 100 has been registered in a preset user account, the air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time using the user's usage history information corresponding to the user account. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where the air conditioner 100 has been registered in a preset server, the second reference time may be set based on user history information in the server.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time based on the user's maximum usage time. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time by multiplying the maximum usage time by a preset multiple. For example, the air conditioner 100 may set 150% of the user's maximum usage time to the second reference time. For example, in a case where the user's maximum usage time is 16 hours, the air conditioner 100 may set 24 hours corresponding to 150% of 16 hours to the second reference time.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time based on region usage history information of a corresponding region. The corresponding region may be a region where the air conditioner 100 is installed and may be set when the air conditioner 100 is manufactured, sold, or installed. The air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time based on an average usage history of users in the corresponding region. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time based on usage time information corresponding to a top section of maximum usage times of the users in the corresponding region. For example, the air conditioner 100 may set the second reference time by multiplying a usage time of a top 10% of the maximum usage times of the users in the corresponding region by a preset multiple. For example, in a case where the top 10% of the maximum usage times of the users in the corresponding region is 14 hours, the air conditioner 100 may set 21 hours corresponding to 150% of 14 hours to the second reference time.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second reference time may be set to a default value. The default value of the second reference time may be set when a product is designed or manufactured.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second reference time may be set based on a user input.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first reference time, the third reference time, the fourth reference time, or the fifth reference time may be set to a default value. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first reference time, the third reference time, the fourth reference time, or the fifth reference time may be set by a user input.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example arrangement of an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may communicate with an external device 1110 and a server 1120 through a communication module (not shown). The air conditioner 100 may be connected to another home appliance, the external device 1110, or the server 1120 through a network NET.

The server 1120 may manage user account information and information of the air conditioner 100 connected to the user account. For example, a user may access the server 1120 through the external device 1110 and create a user account. The user account may be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server 1120 may register the air conditioner 100 in the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server 1120 may register the air conditioner 100 by linking identification information (e.g., a serial number or MAC address) of the air conditioner 100 to the user account.

The external device 1110 may include a communication module capable of communicating with the air conditioner 100 and the server 1120, a user interface that receives a user input or outputs information for a user, at least one processor that controls operations of the external device 1110, and at least one memory storing a program for controlling operations of the external device 1110.

The external device 1110 may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The external device 1110 may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc.

A program (for example, an application) for controlling the air conditioner 100 may be stored in the memory of the external device 1110. The external device 1110 may be sold after an application for controlling the air conditioner 100 is installed on the external device 1110, or without the application installed thereon. In a case where the external device 1110 is sold without an application for controlling the air conditioner 100, installed thereon, a user may download the application from an external server providing the application and install the application on the external device 1110.

The user may control the air conditioner 100 using the application installed on the external device 1110. For example, when the user executes the application installed on the external device 1110, identification information of the air conditioner 100 connected to the same user account as the external device 1110 may appear in an application execution window. The user may perform desired control on the air conditioner 100 through the application execution window. According to the user inputting a control command for the air conditioner 100 through the application execution window, the external device 1110 may transfer the control command directly to the air conditioner 100 through the network or may transfer the control command to the air conditioner 100 via the server 1120.

The application of the external device 1110 may receive various user inputs for controlling the air conditioner 100. The application may provide a Graphic User Interface (GUI) for receiving various user inputs and receive a user input through the GUI. The external device 1110 may update state information of the air conditioner 100 and provide the state information through the application while communicating with the server 1120. Also, the external device 1110 may transmit a user input received through the application to the air conditioner 100 while communicating with the server 1120.

The application may receive a power off signal or a shutdown reservation signal of the air conditioner 100. The application may receive a reservation setting signal and receive a user input of setting a reservation end time. Also, the application may receive a sleep mode setting signal and receive a user input of setting a reservation end time. The application may receive a user input of setting a noise reduction mode. The application may receive a user input of setting an automatic dry function. The application may receive a user input of setting a windless mode.

The application may receive a user input of setting activation or deactivation of the detection sensor 110. The application may provide a GUI for setting activation or deactivation of the detection sensor 110 and provide guidance that the detection sensor 110 may be temporarily activated to protect the air conditioner 100 when the detection sensor 110 is deactivated.

The network NET may include both a wired network and a wireless network. The wired network may include a cable network or a telephone network, and the wireless network may include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. The wired network and wireless network may be connected to each other.

The network NET may include a WAN such as the Internet, a LAN formed around an AP, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) that does not use an AP. The short-range wireless network may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, and Z-Wave.

The AP may connect a LAN to which the air conditioner 100 and the external device 1110 are connected to a WAN to which the server 1120 is connected. The air conditioner 100 or the external device 1110 may be connected to the server 1130 via a WAN.

The AP may communicate with the air conditioner 100 and the external device 1110 through wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11) and may connect to a WAN through wired communication.

The air conditioner 100 may transmit information about an operation or state to the server 1120 through the network NET. For example, the air conditioner 100 may transmit information about an operation or state to the server 1120 through Wi-Fi™ (IEEE 802.11) communication.

In a case where the air conditioner 100 is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner 100 may transmit information about an operation or state to the server 1120 through another home appliance having a Wi-Fi communication module. For example, the air conditioner 100 may transmit information about an operation or state to another home appliance through a short-range wireless network (e.g., BLE communication), and the other home appliance may transmit the information about the operation or state of the air conditioner 100 to the server 1120. Also, for example, in a case where the air conditioner 100 is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner 100 may be connected to a communication relay device by wire and perform Wi-Fi communication and 485 communication through the communication relay device.

The air conditioner 100 may provide the information about the operation or state of the air conditioner 100 to the server 1120 with prior approval from the user. Information transmission to the server 1120 may be conducted when a request from the server 1120 is received, when a specific event occurs in the air conditioner 100, at regular time intervals, or in real time.

According to the information about the operation or state being received from the air conditioner 100, the server 1120 may update pre-stored information related to the air conditioner 100. The server 1120 may transmit the information of the operation or state of the air conditioner 100 to the external device 1110 through the network NET.

According to the server 1120 receiving a request from the external device 1110, the server 1120 may transmit the information about the operation or state of the air conditioner 100 to the external device 1110. For example, according to a user executing the application connected to the server 1120 on the external device 1110, the external device 1110 may request the server 1120 to send information about an operation or state of the air conditioner 100 through the application and may receive the information about the operation or state from the server 1120. When the server 1120 receives information about an operation or state from the air conditioner 100, the server 1120 may transfer the information about the operation or state of the air conditioner 100 to the external device 1110 in real time. The server 1120 may transfer information about an operation or state of the air conditioner 100 to the external server 1110 at regular time intervals. The external device 1110 may display the information about the operation or state of the air conditioner 100 on the application execution window to thereby transfer the information about the operation or state of the air conditioner 100 to the user.

The air conditioner 100 may obtain various information from the server 1120 and provide the obtained information to the user. The air conditioner 100 may receive a file for updating pre-installed software or data related to the pre-installed software from the server 1120 and update the pre-installed software or the data related to the pre-installed software based on the received file.

The air conditioner 100 may operate according to a control command received from the server 1120. For example, in a case where the air conditioner 100 has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to a control command from the server 1120 even without a user input, the air conditioner 100 may operate according to a control command received from the server 1120. The control command received from the server 1120 may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by a user through the external device 1120 or a control command generated by the server 1120 based on a preset condition.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example operation of providing a notification message notifying that an air-conditioning operation of an air-conditioner has been stopped in a second mode according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where the air conditioner 100 stops an air-conditioning operation and is automatically turned off when a condition for terminating the air-conditioning operation is satisfied while the air conditioner 100 performs the air-conditioning operation in the second mode (1210), the air conditioner 100 may output a stop message 1230 notifying that the air-conditioning operation has stopped through the external device 1110.

According to the air conditioner 100 being automatically turned off in the second mode (1210), the air conditioner 100 may transmit turn-off information to the external device 1110 in operation 1220. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may transmit the turn-off information to the external device 1110 through the server 1120. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may transmit the turn-off information directly to the external device 1110 using short-range communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, WIFI Direct, BLE, Bluetooth, UWB, etc.).

According to the external device 1110 receiving the turn-off information, the external device 1110 may output a stop message 1230 notifying that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off. The external device 1110 may output the stop message 1230 through an application for controlling the air conditioner 100.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the stop message is output through the external device 1110, the air conditioner 100 may not output information indicating that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off. Because a case where the air conditioner 100 is automatically turned off in the second mode is a case where it is identified that no person is present in a target space, the air conditioner 100 may not output notification information but output a stop message through the external device 1110 at a remote location.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example process of providing information notifying that an air conditioner is automatically turned off in a second mode according to various embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where the air conditioner 100 is automatically turned off in the second mode, the air conditioner 100 may provide, through a user interface, information indicating that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may include an output interface 1310 and output information indicating that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off through the output interface 1310. The output interface 1310 may include, for example, a display or a speaker. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may display a message notifying that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off for product protection, through the output interface 1310. Also, the air conditioner 100 may output a voice message notifying that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off for product protection, through the output interface 1310.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may output information indicating that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off, through a remote controller 1320. The remote controller 1320 may include, for example, a display or a speaker. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may display a message notifying that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off, through the remote controller 1320. Also, the air conditioner 100 may output a voice message notifying that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off, through the remote controller 1320.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may output information indicating that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off, through an application of the external device 1110. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may display a message notifying that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off, through the application of the external device 1110. Also, the air conditioner 100 may output a voice message notifying that the air conditioner 100 has been automatically turned off, through the application of the external device 1110.

A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage medium. Here, the ‘non-transitory storage medium’ is a tangible device, and may not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the ‘non-transitory storage medium’ may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this disclosure may be included in a computer program product and provided. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a purchaser. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (for example, compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (for example, downloadable or uploadable) online via an application store or between two user devices (for example, smart phones) directly. When distributed online, at least part of the computer program product (for example, downloadable app) may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as a memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to an aspect of an example embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner may be provided. An air conditioner 100 may include a detection sensor 110 configured to generate a sensor detection value related to an object in a target space. The air conditioner 100 may include an air-conditioning module 212 configured to perform an air-conditioning operation. The air conditioner 100 may include memory 214 storing at least one instruction. The air conditioner 100 may include at least one processor 210. The at least one processor 210 may execute the at least one instruction to set a first mode of activating the detection sensor 110 or a second mode of deactivating the detection sensor 110 based on a user input, stop the air-conditioning operation of the air-conditioning module 212 when it is determined that no person is present in the target space for a first reference time based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110 while performing the air-conditioning operation in an activated state of the detection sensor 110 in the first mode, activate the detection sensor 110 when a second reference time has elapsed from a start time of the air-conditioning operation while performing the air-conditioning operation in a deactivated state of the detection sensor 110 in the second mode, and stop the air-conditioning operation when it is determined that no person is present in the target space based on the sensor detection value. The second reference time may be longer than the first reference time.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include a temperature sensor 410 configured to measure a temperature of the target space. The at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to identify, in the second mode, whether a temperature difference between a temperature measured value from the temperature sensor 410 and a target temperature value of the air-conditioning operation exceeds a temperature reference value when a third reference time has elapsed from the start time of the air-conditioning operation while performing the air-conditioning operation in the deactivated state of the detection sensor 110, activate the detection sensor 110 when the temperature difference exceeds the temperature reference value, and stop the air-conditioning operation when it is determined that no person is present in the target space based on the sensor detection value. The third reference time may be shorter than the second reference time.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the first reference time may be one hour or less and the second reference time may be 12 hours or more.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to, when the second reference time has elapsed from the start time of the air-conditioning operation while performing the air-conditioning operation in the deactivated state of the detection sensor 110 in the second mode, identify whether a fourth time has elapsed from a time at which a user input of controlling the air conditioner 100 has been finally received, and activate the detection sensor 110 when the fourth time has elapsed from the time at which the user input has been finally received.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to, when the air-conditioning operation stops in the second mode, perform an operation of removing condensed water after the air-conditioning operation stops, and turn off the air conditioner 100 after the operation of removing the condensed water is performed.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to adjust at least one of the first reference time or the second reference time based on a user input.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to store usage history information of a user using the air conditioner 100 in the memory and set the second reference time based on maximum usage time information of the user, obtained from the usage history information.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to store usage history information of an installation region where the air conditioner 100 is installed in the memory 214 and set the second reference time based on the usage history information of the installation region.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include a communication module 620, and the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to, when the air-conditioning operation stops in the second mode, transmit a stop message notifying that the air-conditioning operation has stopped to at least one external device through the communication module 620.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, when the stop message is transmitted to the at least one external device, the air conditioner may not output the stop message.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling an air conditioner may be provided. The method may include performing an air-conditioning operation. The method may include setting a first mode of activating a detection sensor or a second mode of deactivating the detection sensor, based on a user input. The method may include, when it is determined that no person is present in a target space for a first reference time based on a sensor detection value from the detection sensor while performing the air-conditioning operation in an activated state of the detection sensor in the first mode, stopping the air-conditioning operation. The method may include, when a second reference time has elapsed from a start time of the air-conditioning operation while performing the air-conditioning operation in a deactivated state of the detection sensor in the second mode, activating the detection sensor; and

when it is determined that no person is present in the target space based on the sensor detection value, stopping the air-conditioning operation. The second reference time may be longer than the first reference time.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include: when a third reference time has elapsed from the start time of the air-conditioning operation while performing the air-conditioning operation in the deactivated state of the detection sensor in the second mode,

identifying whether a temperature difference between a temperature measured value from a temperature sensor and a target temperature value of the air-conditioning operation exceeds a temperature reference value; activating the detection sensor when the temperature difference exceeds the temperature reference value; and stopping the air-conditioning operation when it is determined that no person is present in the target space based on the sensor detection value, wherein the third reference time may be shorter than the second reference time.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the first reference time may be one hour or less, and the second reference time may be 12 hours or more.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include: when a second reference time has elapsed from the start time of the air-conditioning operation while performing the air-conditioning operation in the deactivated state of the detection sensor in the second mode, identifying whether a fourth reference time has elapsed from a time at which a user input of controlling the air conditioner has been finally received; and activating the detection sensor when the fourth reference time has elapsed from the time at which the user input has been finally received.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include: when the air-conditioning operation stops in the second mode, performing an operation of removing condensed water after the air-conditioning operation stops; and turning off the air conditioner after the operation of removing the condensed water is performed.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include adjusting at least one of the first reference time or the second reference time based on a user input.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include: storing usage history information of a user using the air conditioner in the memory; and setting the second reference time based on maximum usage time information of the user, obtained from the usage history information.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include: storing usage history information of an installation region where the air conditioner is installed in the memory; and setting the second reference time based on the usage history information of the installation region.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include, when the air-conditioning operation stops in the second mode, transmitting a stop message notifying that the air-conditioning operation has stopped to at least one external device through the communication module 620.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing a program for performing the method of controlling the air conditioner on a computer may be provided.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternatives and/or variations of the various example embodiments may be made without departing from the true technical spirit and full technical scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.