Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

An air conditioner and a control method thereof, the air conditioner including a housing forming an internal space with a lower side open, a panel disposed at the lower side of the housing forming an intake port and a plurality of discharge ports disposed along a peripheral edge of the intake port, a fan disposed inside the housing forming air flow from the intake port to the plurality of discharge ports, a wind direction adjusting device disposed at the plurality of discharge ports adjusting a flow direction of air flowing through each of the discharge ports in a vertical direction, a camera disposed at one side of the panel acquiring an image of the internal space, and a control portion adjusting the wind direction adjusting device based on image information acquired by the camera, the control portion distinguishing the plurality of discharge ports into first area discharge ports facing a living area and second area discharge ports facing a non-living area based on accumulated data of the image information acquired by the camera, and adjusting each of the plurality of wind direction adjusting devices such that air discharged from the first area discharge ports and the second area discharge ports is formed differently in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air conditioner and its control method, and more specifically, to an air conditioner and its control method that divides a space sensed by a camera and adjusts airflow according to the divided areas. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners can be installed on the walls, floors, or ceilings of an indoor space, depending on the structure.

[0003] Ceiling-mounted air conditioners can be installed on the ceiling and discharge heat-exchanged air downwards. Furthermore, ceiling-mounted air conditioners include multiple discharge outlets that open in different directions, allowing them to discharge heat-exchanged air to multiple areas.

[0004] In ceiling-mounted air conditioners, if the airflow adjustment devices located at multiple outlets are controlled in the same way, the same airflow is created throughout the entire area. This airflow creates a uniform airflow across the entire area, thereby enabling temperature changes to occur uniformly in multiple directions within the indoor space.

[0005] Korean Patent No. KR10-2034663B1 discloses a method for sensing ground temperature and controlling the operation of airflow adjustment devices configured on a plurality of outlets based on the ground temperature. However, while the control described in the document can perform control corresponding to the ground temperature, it suffers from the problem of unnecessarily controlling the airflow in areas where users do not primarily live or cannot live. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an air conditioner and its control method that take into account the living environment of indoor occupants and maintain a comfortable indoor space.

[0007] The present invention also aims to provide an air conditioner and its control method that enable the living area of ​​indoor occupants to quickly reach the desired temperature of the indoor space, minimize airflow towards the indoor occupants when approaching the desired temperature, and maintain the comfort of the indoor space.

[0008] Another objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioner and its control method that can improve the accuracy of distinguishing between living and non-living areas in an indoor space.

[0009] The purpose of this invention is not limited to the purposes mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other purposes not mentioned from the following description.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the air conditioner of the present invention may include a plurality of downward-opening outlets and a plurality of airflow adjustment devices disposed on the plurality of outlets. The control unit classifies the plurality of outlets into a first area outlet facing the living area and a second area outlet facing the non-living area based on accumulated data of image information acquired by a camera. By adjusting each of the plurality of airflow adjustment devices to form air from the first area outlet and air from the second area outlet differently in the vertical direction, the airflow to the living area and the airflow to the non-living area can be formed differently.

[0011] In addition, the air conditioner also includes a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the indoor space. When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the airflow direction adjustment device to change the up-down airflow from the first area outlet, thereby enabling the airflow to be set differently depending on whether the indoor temperature is within or outside the set temperature range.

[0012] When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is outside the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the airflow adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is lower in the vertical direction than the air discharged from the second area outlet, thereby creating a direct airflow to the living area.

[0013] When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the airflow adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is higher in the vertical direction than the air discharged from the second area outlet, thereby forming an indirect airflow to the living area.

[0014] When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is outside the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the airflow direction adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a second direction toward the ground. When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the airflow direction adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a first direction that is higher than the second direction. This allows the airflow range to be adjusted vertically according to the indoor air temperature.

[0015] The control unit adjusts the airflow adjustment device so that the air discharged from the second area outlet is discharged in a third direction, which is located between the first direction and the second direction in the vertical direction, thereby forming a constant airflow to the non-living area.

[0016] The airflow adjustment device includes: blades disposed at the outlet, and the airflow direction in the outlet is adjusted by changing the position of the blades. The control unit changes the position of the blades disposed at each of the first area outlet and the second area outlet, thereby enabling the airflow to the living area and the airflow to the non-living area to be formed differently.

[0017] The airflow adjustment device includes an airflow adjustment fan disposed on one side of the outlet. The airflow direction discharged from the outlet is adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the airflow adjustment fan. The control unit changes the rotation speed of the airflow adjustment fan disposed at the first area outlet and the second area outlet, thereby enabling the airflow discharged to the living area and the airflow discharged to the non-living area to be formed differently.

[0018] The air conditioner of the present invention also includes a timer for measuring the time it takes for the camera to acquire images. After a set time measured by the timer, the control unit distinguishes the user's living area from the accumulated image information acquired by the camera, thereby improving the accuracy of distinguishing between living and non-living areas.

[0019] The air conditioner of the present invention also includes an output unit that outputs images acquired by the camera, and the control unit distinguishes between living areas and non-living areas of indoor occupants by dividing the images displayed on the output unit into a plurality of areas.

[0020] The image displayed on the output section is divided based on the direction in which the outlet faces, thereby enabling the distinction between living and non-living areas based on the area where air is controlled by the outlet.

[0021] To achieve the above objectives, the air conditioner control method of the present invention includes: a step of acquiring images of a plurality of regions from which air is discharged from a plurality of said discharge outlets using a camera; a step of determining a living area and a non-living area based on accumulated data of the image information acquired by the camera; and a step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device to set different vertical airflows from a first region discharge outlet toward the living area and a second region discharge outlet toward the non-living area, thereby enabling the indoor space to be divided into living areas and non-living areas, and controlling the airflow according to the divided areas.

[0022] The steps of the airflow adjustment device include: sensing the temperature of the indoor space by a temperature sensor; and adjusting the airflow adjustment device to change the airflow of the air discharged from the first area outlet based on the relationship between the indoor space temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and a set temperature range, thereby enabling detailed adjustment of the airflow based on whether the indoor space temperature reaches the set temperature range.

[0023] When the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor is within the set temperature range, the airflow adjustment device is adjusted so that the airflow from the first area outlet is set higher than the airflow from the second area outlet, thereby enabling the indirect airflow to be blown into the living area.

[0024] When the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor is outside the set temperature range, the airflow adjustment device is adjusted so that the airflow from the first area outlet is set lower than the airflow from the second area outlet, thereby enabling direct airflow to be blown into the living area.

[0025] In the step of determining the living area and the non-living area, the plurality of discharge outlets are divided into a first area discharge outlet disposed in the living area and a second area discharge outlet disposed in the non-living area, thereby enabling the distinction between discharge outlets disposed toward the living area and discharge outlets disposed toward the non-living area.

[0026] The steps for determining the living area and the non-living area include: dividing the area displayed on the output unit into a plurality of areas based on the direction in which the plurality of the discharge ports face; accumulating image information acquired by the camera over a period of time or longer; and determining the living area and the non-living area based on the accumulated image information acquired by the camera.

[0027] In the step of adjusting the airflow direction, the airflow emitted from the second area outlet is kept constant, and the airflow emitted from the first area outlet is formed at a higher or lower level than the airflow emitted from the second area outlet, thereby enabling the airflow from the first area outlet configured to the living area to be changed in the vertical direction.

[0028] In the step of adjusting the air direction adjustment device, the positions of the blades disposed at the first region outlet and the blades disposed at the second region outlet are adjusted differently from each other, thereby enabling the airflow to be discharged into the living area and the airflow to be discharged into the non-living area to be formed differently.

[0029] In the step of adjusting the airflow direction device, the rotation speeds of the airflow direction adjusting fan disposed at the first area outlet and the airflow direction adjusting fan disposed at the second area outlet are adjusted differently from each other, thereby enabling the airflow to be discharged into the living area and the airflow to be discharged into the non-living area to be formed differently.

[0030] Specific details regarding other embodiments are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0031] The air conditioner and its control method according to the present invention have one or more of the following effects.

[0032] First, because the airflow is set differently for the living and non-living areas of the indoor space, it has the advantage of improving the comfort of the living area of ​​the indoor occupants.

[0033] Secondly, by adjusting the airflow height relative to the airflow height towards the living areas of the occupants in the indoor space, the living areas can reach the desired temperature more quickly.

[0034] In addition, when the temperature of the indoor space is close to the desired temperature, adjusting the height of the airflow exhaled into the living area relative to the airflow exhaled into the non-living area can minimize the discomfort caused by direct friction from exhaling air directly into the indoor occupants.

[0035] Third, since the distinction between living and non-living areas is based on the accumulated human position sensing, the accuracy of determining living areas can be improved.

[0036] The effects of this invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other effects not mentioned from the description of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the air outlet and airflow direction adjustment device of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4A This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4BThis is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the second position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4C This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the third position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5A This is a diagram illustrating the airflow range corresponding to the configuration of the airflow adjustment device in the heating mode of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5B This is a diagram illustrating the airflow range corresponding to the configuration of the airflow adjustment device in the cooling mode of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of the control unit of an air conditioner and its associated configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 7A These are diagrams illustrating the corresponding areas of an air conditioner and an output section according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a diagram showing a first embodiment in which the output section is divided, and (b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner's outlet.

[0047] Figure 7B These are diagrams illustrating the corresponding areas of an air conditioner and an output section according to an embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a diagram showing a second embodiment in which the output section is divided, and (b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner's outlet.

[0048] Figure 8A It is an image that is divided from the image output from the output unit of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8B It is shown in Figure 8A A graph showing the cumulative sensing area of ​​the human body in the cumulative image.

[0050] Figure 8C Based on Figure 8B The diagram is used to distinguish between living and non-living areas in the output section.

[0051] Figure 9 It shows the data that varies with the airflow settings of different outlets according to the temperature changes of the indoor space.

[0052] Figure 10A It is used to explain in Figure 9 A diagram showing the airflow at different outlets under indirect airflow.

[0053] Figure 10B It is used to explain in Figure 9 A diagram showing the airflow at different outlets under direct airflow.

[0054] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 12 It is Figure 11 The flowchart illustrates the steps for determining the living area and the control method for the air conditioner.

[0056] Figure 13 It is Figure 11 A flowchart detailing the control method of an air conditioner, specifying the airflow control steps according to different outlets.

[0057] Figure 14 This is a side sectional view of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 15A This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 15B This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the second position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 15C This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the third position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 16 This is a side sectional view of the air conditioner according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 17A This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 17B This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the second position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 17C This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the third position of the wind direction adjustment device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 18 This is a side sectional view of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 19A This is a diagram illustrating the airflow corresponding to the first rotational speed of the wind direction adjustment device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 19B This is a diagram illustrating the airflow corresponding to the second rotational speed of the wind direction adjustment device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 19C This is a diagram illustrating the airflow corresponding to the third rotational speed of the wind direction adjustment device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0070] 100, 200, 300, 400: Air conditioner; 124, 224, 324, 424: Air outlets; 130, 230, 330, 430: Airflow adjustment devices; 500: Control unit; 510: Camera; 520: Temperature sensor; 530: Output unit; 540: Storage unit; 550: Timer Detailed Implementation

[0071] The advantages, features, and implementation methods of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to fully disclose the present invention and to completely reveal the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The scope of protection of the present invention is determined solely by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same structural elements.

[0072] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the control method of an air conditioner through embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] Reference Figures 1 to 4C The configuration of the air conditioner 100 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0074] The air conditioner 100 of the present invention can be an air conditioner 100 installed on the ceiling.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 The air conditioner 100 includes: an intake 122 with a downward opening; and an exhaust 124 disposed around the periphery of the intake 122 with a downward opening.

[0076] Reference Figure 2 The air conditioner 100 includes: a housing 110 having a space inside and an opening to the lower side; a panel 120 disposed on the lower side of the housing 110, having an intake 122 and an exhaust 124; a fan 112 disposed inside the housing 110; a fan motor 114 for rotating the fan 112; a heat exchanger 116 disposed inside the housing 110 for exchanging heat with the air flowing due to the fan 112; and an airflow direction adjustment device 130 disposed at the exhaust 124 for adjusting the flow direction of the flowing air.

[0077] Reference Figure 1A plurality of discharge ports 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d are formed on the panel 120, arranged at intervals in different directions around the periphery of the inlet 122. Each discharge port 124 includes a first discharge port 124a, a second discharge port 124b, a third discharge port 124c, and a fourth discharge port 124d. These ports are sequentially adjacent to each other and arranged perpendicular to each other with respect to the inlet 122. A first airflow adjustment device 130a, a second airflow adjustment device 130b, a third airflow adjustment device 130c, and a fourth airflow adjustment device 130d are respectively disposed on the first discharge port 124a, the second discharge port 124b, the third discharge port 124c, and the fourth discharge port 124d.

[0078] The configuration of one outlet 124 and the wind direction adjustment device 130 disposed therein described below can also be applied to the remaining outlets and wind direction adjustment devices disposed therein, and therefore common reference numerals will be used.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 The wind direction adjustment device 130 includes: a first blade 140 connected to two links 160 and 170; and a second blade 150 connected to a link connected to the first blade 140, one side of which is rotatably connected to the panel 120. The first blade 140 and the second blade 150 configured in each of the first outlet 124, the second outlet 124, the third outlet 124, and the fourth outlet 124 can be configured in different positions from each other.

[0080] The first blade 140 may cover the discharge port 124 or be disposed below the discharge port 124. The first blade 140 may be formed to be longer than the second blade 150.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 When the fan 112 is in a stopped state and not running, the first blade 140 is positioned lower than the second blade 150. The first blade 140 includes: a first blade plate 142 that guides the flow of air; and a first connecting plate 144 that protrudes upward from both ends of the first blade plate 142 in the left-right direction and is connected to a plurality of connecting members 160, 170.

[0082] The second blade 150 includes: a second blade plate 152; a second connecting plate 154 protruding upward from both ends of the second blade plate 152 in the left-right direction and connected to a third connecting member 180; and a connector 156 disposed on the left and right sides of the second blade plate 152 and connected to the panel 120. The second blade plate 152 may be formed into a curved shape. However, as another embodiment, the second blade plate 152 may also have a flat shape.

[0083] Reference Figure 3 The wind direction adjustment device 130 includes: a first connector 160 rotatably connected to the panel 120 and the first blade 140; and a second connector 170, spaced apart from the first connector 160, rotatably connected to the panel 120 and the first blade 140. (See reference...) Figure 3 The wind direction adjustment device 130 includes: a third connector 180, which is rotatably connected to one end of the first connector 160 and the second blade 150.

[0084] A first connecting member 160 is rotatably connected to a first blade 140 and a second blade 150. The first connecting member 160 can be rotated by connection to a blade motor (not shown). The first connecting member 160 includes: a panel connecting portion 162 rotatably connected to a panel 120; a first connecting rod 164 extending from the panel connecting portion 162 toward the first blade 140, with its end rotatably connected to the first blade 140; and a second connecting rod 166 extending from the panel connecting portion 162 toward the second blade 150, with its end rotatably connected to the second blade 150.

[0085] Reference Figure 4A The length 164L of the first connecting rod 164 is greater than the length 166L of the second connecting rod 166. The length 164L of the first connecting rod 164 is less than the length 170L of the second connecting rod 170. The length 164L of the first connecting rod 164 is greater than the length 180L of the third connecting rod 180.

[0086] The first connector 160 is positioned closer to the intake port 122 than the second connector 170.

[0087] The configuration of the first blade 140 can be changed via the first connector 160 and the second connector 170. Because the configuration of the first blade 140 can be changed via the first connector 160 and the second connector 170, the first blade 140 can be configured to be spaced downwards from the outlet 124. The first blade 140 descends downwards from the outlet 124, and then its slope changes in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0088] The first end 151a of the second blade 150 can move downward, and then move inward and outward depending on the configuration of the third connector 180.

[0089] When reference Figure 3 At that time, the ends of the first blade 140 and the second blade 150 that are located away from the inlet 122 are respectively designated as first ends 141a and 151a, and the ends that are located close to the inlet 122 are designated as second ends 141b and 151b, and the first blade 140 and the second blade 150 are described.

[0090] The second blade 150 is rotatably connected to the panel 120 at a position further inward than the first blade 140. Here, the direction closer to the suction port 122 can be set as the inward direction, and the direction farther away from the suction port 122 can be set as the outward direction.

[0091] Reference Figures 4A to 4C The wind direction adjustment device 130 of the first embodiment can adjust the flow direction of the air discharged through the discharge port 124 according to its configuration.

[0092] Reference Figure 4A The airflow adjustment device 130 can be configured at a first position P1 where the air discharged from the outlet 124 is blown in a direction parallel to the ground. (Refer to...) Figure 4A When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the first position P1, the first blade 140 can be configured approximately parallel to the ground. (Refer to...) Figure 4A When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the first position P1, the first blade 140 can form a first tilt angle θ1 within 30 degrees with an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground. Here, the first tilt angle θ1 is the tilt angle formed between the imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground and the first blade 140, which can be changed according to the configuration of the first blade 140.

[0093] Reference Figure 4A When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the first position P1, the second end 141b of the first blade 140 can be positioned adjacent to the first end 151a of the second blade 150. The second end 141b of the first blade 140 can be configured to face the first end 151a of the second blade 150.

[0094] Reference Figure 4AWhen the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the first position P1, the first tilt angle θ1 between the first blade 140 and the imaginary horizontal line can be smaller than the second tilt angle θ2 (or "the second tilt angle between the second blade and the imaginary horizontal line") between the imaginary line connecting the first end 151a and the second end 151b of the second blade 150 and the imaginary horizontal line. Here, the second tilt angle θ2 is the tilt angle formed between the imaginary line connecting the first end 151a and the second end 151b of the second blade 150 and the imaginary horizontal line, which can be changed according to the configuration of the second blade 150.

[0095] Therefore, the air flowing downwards through the outlet 124 can flow sequentially through the second blade 150 and the first blade 140. (Refer to...) Figure 4A When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the first position P1, the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in a direction parallel to the ground.

[0096] Reference Figure 4B The first blade 140 and the second blade 150 can be configured at a second position P2, whereby air expelled from the outlet 124 is blown in a direction perpendicular to the ground. (Refer to...) Figure 4B When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the second position P2, the first blade 140 can be configured approximately perpendicular to the ground. (Refer to...) Figure 4B When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the second position P2, the first blade 140 can form a first tilt angle θ1 of more than 60 degrees with an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground.

[0097] Reference Figure 4B When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the second position P2, the second end 141b of the first blade 140 can be arranged spaced apart from the first end 151a of the second blade 150. (Refer to...) Figure 4B When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the second position P2, the second end 141b of the first blade 140 can be configured in a position that is higher than the first end 151a of the second blade 150.

[0098] Reference Figure 4B When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is positioned in the second position P2, the second end 141b of the first blade 140 is configured to face upwards more than the second end 151b of the second blade 150. (Refer to...) Figure 4B When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the second position P2, the first blade 140 and the second blade 150 can be configured approximately in parallel.

[0099] Reference Figure 4BWhen the wind direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the second position P2, the first tilt angle θ1 between the first blade 140 and the imaginary horizontal line is similarly formed to the second tilt angle θ2 between the second blade 150 and the imaginary horizontal line. (Refer to...) Figure 4B When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the second position P2, the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0100] Reference Figure 4C The first blade 140 and the second blade 150 can be configured in a third position P3, in which the air expelled from the outlet 124 is directed in a direction inclined to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the third position P3, the air expelled via the first blade 140 and the second blade 150 can form an inclined wind that is more downward than the horizontal wind in the first position P1 and more upward than the vertical wind in the second position P2.

[0101] Reference Figure 4C When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the third position P3, the first blade 140 can be configured with an angle between the first blade 140 configured in the first position P1 and the first blade 140 configured in the second position P2. (Refer to...) Figure 4C When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the third position P3, the first blade 140 can form a first tilt angle θ1 of more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees with an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground.

[0102] When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the third position P3, the distance between the second end 141b of the first blade 140 and the first end 151a of the second blade 150 is greater than the distance between the second end 141b of the first blade 140 and the first end 151a of the second blade 150 when in the first position.

[0103] When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the third position P3, the distance between the second end 141b of the first blade 140 and the first end 151a of the second blade 150 is less than the distance between the second end 141b of the first blade 140 and the first end 151a of the second blade 150 when the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the second position P2.

[0104] When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the first position P1, an indirect wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction parallel to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the second position P2, a vertical wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the third position P3, an oblique wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction between the indirect wind and the vertical wind.

[0105] Reference Figures 5A to 5B The air expelled through the outlet 124 can be divided into three directions in the vertical direction by the wind direction adjustment device 130.

[0106] When the airflow adjustment device 130 is positioned in the first position P1, the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in the upward direction. When the airflow adjustment device 130 is positioned in the second position P2, the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in the downward direction. When the airflow adjustment device 130 is positioned in the third position P3, the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in a direction between the upward and downward directions.

[0107] Regarding the vertical airflow range of the wind direction adjustment device 130 corresponding to the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third position P3, the airflow at the third position P3 is lower than the airflow at the first position P1 and higher than the airflow at the second position P2.

[0108] The vertical airflow range of the airflow adjustment device 130 corresponding to the first position P1, the second position P2 and the third position P3 can be different under cooling and heating conditions.

[0109] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B When the airflow adjustment device 130 is positioned at the first position P1, the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in the first direction D1. Here, the first direction D1 can refer to an angle between the direction of the main airflow from the outlet 124 and the ground, ranging from 0 degrees to 30 degrees. The first direction D1 can be formed in the same way under heating or cooling conditions.

[0110] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B When the air direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the second position P2, the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in the second direction D2.

[0111] The range of the second direction D2 can be formed differently under heating and cooling conditions. (Refer to...) Figure 5AUnder heating conditions, the second direction D2 can refer to the angle between the direction of the main airflow from the outlet 124 and the ground, which is in the range of 60 to 90 degrees. (Refer to...) Figure 5B Under refrigeration conditions, the second direction D2 can refer to the angle between the direction of the main airflow from the outlet 124 and the ground, which is in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0112] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B When the air direction adjustment device 130 is configured in the third position P3, the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in the third direction D3.

[0113] The range of the third direction D3 can be formed differently under heating and cooling conditions. (Refer to...) Figure 5A Under heating conditions, the third direction D3 can refer to the angle between the direction of the main airflow from the outlet 124 and the ground, which is in the range of 30 to 60 degrees. (See reference...) Figure 5B Under refrigeration conditions, the third direction D3 can refer to the angle between the direction of the main airflow from the outlet 124 and the ground, which is in the range of 45 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0114] The angle ranges of the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are determined according to the embodiment, and can be set differently depending on the space where the air conditioner is configured or the structure of the air conditioner.

[0115] In addition, although Figures 5A to 5B It is divided into three areas, but it can also be further subdivided into four to six areas.

[0116] <About the Control Department>

[0117] The air conditioner of the present invention includes: a camera 510 disposed on one side of a panel 120 to acquire image information of an indoor space; an output unit 530 to output the image information acquired by the camera 510; a temperature sensor 520 to sense the temperature of the indoor space; and a control unit 500 to adjust the airflow adjustment device 130 based on the image information acquired by the camera 510.

[0118] Reference Figure 7A (a) The output section 530 can be divided into a plurality of regions. Figure 7A The output section 530 of (a) can be divided into a plurality of regions I, II, III, IV, V, VI based on the direction in which the plurality of discharge outlets 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d of the air conditioner arranged in (b) of FIG7a face the same direction.

[0119] Reference Figure 7A(a) Based on the discharge ports 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d shown in Figures 7a(b), the area displayed on the output unit 530 can be divided into region 1 (Ⅰ), region 2 (Ⅱ), region 3 (Ⅲ), and region 4 (Ⅳ). Additionally, regions 5 (Ⅴ) and 6 (Ⅵ) can be added outside regions 2 (Ⅱ) and 4 (Ⅳ) according to the screen display on the output unit 530.

[0120] Reference Figure 7B (a) can be in Figure 7A Based on the discharge outlets 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d shown in (b), the area displayed on the output section 530 is divided into region 1 (Ⅰ), region 2 (Ⅱ), region 3 (Ⅲ), and region 4 (Ⅳ). Alternatively, additional regions 5 (Ⅴ) and 6 (Ⅵ) can be divided to the outside of region 2 (Ⅱ) and region 4 (Ⅳ), and additional regions 7 (Ⅶ) and 8 (Ⅷ) can be divided to the outside of region 1 (Ⅰ) and region 3 (Ⅲ).

[0121] The control unit 500 can determine the living area of ​​an indoor person based on the images acquired by the camera 510. The control unit 500 can capture the images captured by the camera 510 and sense the human body based on the acquired images. In addition, it can accumulate the position information of the human body based on the accumulated image information, and determine the area where the position information of the human body is accumulated as the living area.

[0122] The camera 510 may include an image sensor (not shown) that converts light into electrical signals. The image sensor may include a plurality of photodiodes corresponding to a plurality of pixels constituting an image. The image sensor may be implemented by a CCD (charged coupled device) sensor or a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0123] On the other hand, the air conditioner may also include a digital signal processor, which constructs and processes an image based on a lens through which light emitted from the subject passes and signals output from an image sensor. Here, the digital signal processing device may be comprised of at least a portion of the control unit 500, or an additional processor operating independently of the control unit 500. For example, if the digital signal processing device is comprised of an additional processor, the image processed by the digital signal processing device may be directly processed by the control unit 500 or, after additional processing, stored in the storage unit 540.

[0124] The control unit 500 can process the image acquired by the image sensor. For example, the control unit 500 can remove noise from the image, or perform signal processing such as gamma correction, color filter array interpolation, color matrix, color correction, and color enhancement for the image.

[0125] The control unit 500 can employ at least one method to detect objects included in the image. For example, the control unit 500 can extract feature points included in the image using methods such as SIFT (scale invariant feature transform) and HOG (histogram of oriented gradient), and detect objects included in the image based on the extracted feature points. Alternatively, the control unit 500 can use algorithms such as SVM (support vector machine) and Adaboost to determine boundaries and detect objects included in the image.

[0126] The control unit 500 can detect the movement of objects included in the plurality of images based on the results of processing the plurality of images. For example, the control unit 500 can calculate the motion vectors of a plurality of pixels constituting the detected object in the image using a dense optical flow method, and calculate the movement of the object based on the calculated motion vectors. In this embodiment, although the case of using a dense optical flow method has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a sparse optical flow method that calculates the motion vectors of a characteristic subset of pixels can also be used.

[0127] The control unit 500 can determine the amount of activity of an object detected in the image. For example, the control unit 500 can determine the amount of activity of the object included in the image by dividing the sum of the magnitudes of the motion vectors of the pixels constituting the object by the number of pixels constituting the object.

[0128] The air conditioner of the present invention may include: a storage unit 540 for storing images acquired by a camera 510; and a timer 550 for measuring the image acquisition time of the camera 510. The storage unit 540 may sequentially store the images acquired by the camera 510.

[0129] After a set time measured by timer 550, control unit 500 can divide the user's living area from the accumulated image information acquired by the camera, thereby improving the accuracy of dividing the living area and non-living area.

[0130] Reference Figures 8A to 8C Based on the image information acquired by camera 510, areas 1 (Ⅰ), 4 (Ⅳ), and 6 (Ⅵ) can be identified as living areas, while areas 2 (Ⅱ), 3 (Ⅲ), and 5 (Ⅴ) can be identified as non-living areas. At this time, the discharge outlets 124a and 124d, which are configured to face areas 1 (Ⅰ), 4 (Ⅳ), and 6 (Ⅵ), are set as first area discharge outlets 124-1, and the discharge outlets 124b and 124c, which are configured to face areas 2 (Ⅱ), 3 (Ⅲ), and 5 (Ⅴ), are set as second area discharge outlets 124-2.

[0131] Specifically, such as Figure 8A As shown, the screen displayed on the output unit 530 is divided into multiple areas based on the area where the nozzle is located. Figure 8A The image shown is taken from the ceiling by a camera 510 located on one side of panel 120.

[0132] like Figure 8B As shown, the sensed human body area is extracted based on the accumulated image information. Figure 8B The extracted data, such as Figure 8C The output unit 530 is divided into a living area and a non-living area.

[0133] The control unit 500 receives human body sensing data, including the location identification results of indoor occupants, from the image information acquired by the camera 510, and accumulates the received human body sensing data. If a predetermined number of data points are accumulated during the accumulation and counting process, the control unit 500 can generate a histogram.

[0134] The control unit 500 can use the generated histogram as input data and distinguish between living and non-living areas based on machine learning. The machine learning can utilize techniques such as SVM (Support Vector Machine) or Adaboost, and more preferably, deep learning techniques.

[0135] Regarding the control unit 500, it may include an artificial neural network pre-learned using machine learning to generate histograms for a plurality of regions, and use the generated histograms as input data for the artificial neural network to divide living and non-living regions.

[0136] Furthermore, the control unit 500 can repeatedly execute the above process to integrate multiple differentiation results and, based on the integrated results, ultimately divide the multiple areas of the indoor space into living areas and non-living areas. That is, by deriving the final result when the living area division results have accumulated to a predetermined number or more, the reliability of the living area identification results can be ensured, and temporary errors in non-living areas caused by human body sensing errors can be eliminated.

[0137] The control unit 500 can adjust the first area airflow adjustment device 130 disposed on the first area outlet 124-1 disposed in the living area. The control unit 500 can adjust the second area airflow adjustment device 130 disposed on the second area outlet 124-2 disposed in the non-living area.

[0138] The control unit 500 can adjust the second area airflow direction adjustment device 130 so that the discharge direction of the second area outlet 124-2 located in the non-living area is constantly formed. The control unit 500 can adjust the first area airflow direction adjustment device 130 so that the discharge direction of the first area outlet 124-1 located in the living area is formed to be higher or lower than the discharge direction of the second area outlet 124-2.

[0139] The control unit 500 can adjust the airflow adjustment device 130 based on the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor 520 and the desired temperature set by the user.

[0140] The control unit 500 can adjust the airflow adjustment device 130 according to whether the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is within or outside the set temperature range.

[0141] The set temperature range can be configured to take into account a calibration temperature based on the user-defined desired temperature. The desired temperature can be set by the user. The calibration temperature can be set according to the usage environment, etc.

[0142] That is, the set temperature range can be set to the desired temperature ± the correction temperature. (See reference...) Figure 9 When the calibration temperature is set to 2 degrees, the control unit 500 can start from a region that is 2 degrees higher than the desired temperature and consider it as the set temperature range.

[0143] The control unit 500 can adjust the second zone airflow direction adjustment device 130 to cause the air discharged from the second zone outlet 124-2 to flow in a third direction, D3. (Refer to...) Figures 10A to 10B The air discharged from the second zone outlet 124-2 can be formed constantly regardless of the temperature of the indoor space. However, the air discharged from the second zone outlet 124-2 can have different vertical airflow depending on the cooling or heating conditions.

[0144] The control unit 500 can adjust the first area airflow direction adjustment device 130 to cause the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 to flow in either a first direction D1 or a second direction D2. (Refer to...) Figure 10A When the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 520 is outside the set temperature range, the first area airflow adjustment device 130 can be adjusted so that the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 flows in a second direction D2, which is lower than the third direction D3. (Refer to...) Figure 10B When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is within the set temperature range, the first area airflow adjustment device 130 can be adjusted so that the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 flows in the first direction D1, which is higher than the third direction D3.

[0145] The following is for reference Figures 11 to 13 The control method of the air conditioner is explained.

[0146] First, the air conditioner is operated, and step S100 is performed whereby the camera 510 acquires image information. The camera 510 can be positioned on one side of the panel 120 and captures images of the lower space from the ceiling of the indoor space.

[0147] Next, the execution control unit 500 performs step S200 of determining the living area of ​​the space captured by the camera 510 based on the accumulated data of the image information acquired by the camera 510. In step S200 of determining the living area, the area with more accumulated human body sensing can be classified as the living area, and the remaining area can be classified as the non-living area. In step S200 of determining the living area, the plurality of discharge ports 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d can be distinguished into a first area discharge port 124-1 facing the living area and a second area discharge port 124-2 facing the non-living area.

[0148] Reference Figure 12 The step S200, which determines whether an area is a residential area or a non-residential area, may include: step S210 of sensing a human body from an image acquired from camera 510; and step S220 of accumulating the location information of the human body.

[0149] The control unit 500 can capture images taken by the camera 510 and sense the human body based on the acquired images. In addition, it can accumulate the human body's position information based on the accumulated image information and determine the area where the human body's position information is accumulated as the living area.

[0150] The control unit 500 can determine the area where human body information has been accumulated as a living area and the remaining areas as non-living areas based on the plurality of areas divided in the output unit 530.

[0151] Step S200, which determines whether an area is a residential or non-residential area, may include step S230, which determines whether the time for which the camera 510 acquires image information has reached a set time. When the time for which the camera 510 acquires image information reaches the set time, the control unit 500 can divide the indoor space into residential and non-residential areas using accumulated data of human position information. By using data accumulated over a predetermined time to determine the human position information, the accuracy of identifying the actual residential and non-residential areas of people indoors can be improved.

[0152] The control unit 500 can perform step S300 of controlling the airflow according to different discharge outlets.

[0153] The control unit 500 can designate the outlet facing the living area as the first area outlet 124-1 and the outlet facing the non-living area as the second area outlet 124-2 among the plurality of outlets formed on the air conditioner.

[0154] The control unit 500 can adjust the airflow adjustment device 130 so that the airflow from the first region outlet 124-1 and the airflow from the second region outlet 124-2 are set differently in the vertical direction.

[0155] The wind direction adjustment device 130 can be divided into a first area wind direction adjustment device 130 configured at the first area outlet 124-1 and a second area wind direction adjustment device 130 configured at the second area outlet 124-2.

[0156] In step S300 of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device, the airflow discharged from the second region outlet 124-2 can be kept constant, and the airflow discharged from the first region outlet 124-1 can be formed at a higher or lower level than the airflow discharged from the second region outlet 124-2.

[0157] Step S300, which controls the airflow according to different outlets, may include: step S310, which senses the temperature of the indoor space by a temperature sensor; and step S320, which determines whether the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range.

[0158] When the indoor temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is within the set temperature range, the airflow adjustment device 130 can be adjusted so that the airflow from the first zone outlet 124-1 is set higher than the airflow from the second zone outlet 124-2 (step S330). That is, referring to... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The airflow adjustment device 130 can be adjusted so that the air discharged from the second region outlet 124-2 flows in the third direction D3, and the air discharged from the first region outlet 124-1 flows in the first direction D1.

[0159] Furthermore, when the indoor temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is outside the set temperature range, the airflow adjustment device 130 can be adjusted so that the airflow from the first region outlet 124-1 is lower than the airflow from the second region outlet 124-2 (step S340). That is, referring to... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The airflow adjustment device 130 can be adjusted so that the air discharged from the second region outlet 124-2 flows in the third direction D3, and the air discharged from the first region outlet 124-1 flows in the second direction D2.

[0160] However, if the user sets the indirect airflow to their preferred direction, the airflow adjustment device 130 can be adjusted so that the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 flows in the first direction D1, and the air discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 flows in the second direction D2. The user can set the preferred airflow via an input unit such as a remote control (not shown). Here, indirect airflow refers to a situation where the blades are configured so that the airflow is not directly transmitted to the user.

[0161] If the user sets the indirect airflow to preferred airflow, the first zone outlet 124-1, which discharges air into the living area, is only set to indirect airflow. Therefore, air is discharged from the first zone outlet 124-1 in the first direction D1. However, when the indoor temperature is outside the set temperature range, in order to quickly reach the set temperature, the second zone outlet 124-2, which discharges air into the non-living area, can discharge air in the second direction D2.

[0162] In step S300 of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device, the airflow discharged from the second region outlet 124-2 can be kept constant, and the airflow discharged from the first region outlet 124-1 can be formed at a higher or lower level than the airflow discharged from the second region outlet 124-2.

[0163] <Second Embodiment>

[0164] The following is for reference Figures 14 to 15CThe configuration of the air conditioner 200 in the second embodiment will be described.

[0165] The difference between the air conditioner 200 of the second embodiment and the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment lies in the configuration of the airflow adjustment device 230.

[0166] Therefore, the configuration other than the airflow adjustment device 230 will be described in the manner described in the description of the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment.

[0167] The air conditioning unit 200 of the second embodiment includes an airflow adjustment device 230 comprising a blade 240 disposed on each outlet 224 and a blade motor (not shown) for driving the blade 240. The configuration of the blade 240 changes according to the operation of the blade motor.

[0168] Reference Figures 15A to 15C The airflow direction adjustment device 230 can adjust the airflow direction through the outlet 224 by changing the tilt angle of the blades 240 disposed on the outlet 224. The blades 240 are configured to either close the outlet 224 or adjust the airflow direction through the outlet 224.

[0169] Reference Figure 15A The wind direction adjustment device 230 can be configured in a first position P1, such that the blades 240 are approximately parallel to an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 230 is configured in the first position P1, the blades 240 can form a tilt angle θ of less than 30 degrees with the imaginary horizontal line HL. The tilt angle θ is the angle formed between the blades 240 and the imaginary horizontal line HL, which can be changed depending on the configuration of the blades 240.

[0170] Reference Figure 15B The wind direction adjustment device 230 can be configured in a second position P2 such that the blades 240 are positioned approximately perpendicular to a horizontal line parallel to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 230 is configured in the second position P2, the blades can form a tilt angle θ of more than 60 degrees with the imaginary horizontal line HL.

[0171] Reference Figure 15C The wind direction adjustment device 230 can be configured in a third position P3, which causes the blade 240 to form an angle between the first position P1 and the second position P2. When the wind direction adjustment device 230 is configured in the third position P3, the blade can form a tilt angle θ with the imaginary horizontal line HL that is more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees.

[0172] When the wind direction adjustment device 230 is configured in the first position P1, an indirect wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction parallel to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 230 is configured in the second position P2, a vertical wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 230 is configured in the third position P3, an oblique wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction between the indirect wind and the vertical wind.

[0173] The air conditioner in the second embodiment can also be as follows: Figures 5A to 5B According to the first position P1, the second position P2 and the third position P3 of the air direction adjustment device 230, the air discharged from the outlet 224 is blown in the first direction D1, the second direction D2 and the third direction D3.

[0174] <Third Embodiment>

[0175] The following is for reference Figures 16 to 17C The configuration of the air conditioner in the second embodiment will be described.

[0176] The air conditioner 300 of the third embodiment differs from the air conditioner of the first embodiment in the composition and operation structure of the airflow direction adjustment device. Furthermore, there are differences in the shape of the outlet and the arrangement of the blades. Therefore, for the remaining components other than the shape of the outlet and the airflow direction adjustment device, the description of the air conditioner of the first embodiment can be used instead.

[0177] In the air conditioner 300 of the third embodiment, a plurality of discharge ports 324 are formed along the outer periphery of the intake port 322. Here, the intake port 322 is quadrilateral in shape, and the discharge ports 324 are formed by spacing outward from each side forming the intake port 322. Alternatively, the intake port 322 may be circular in shape. In this case, a plurality of discharge ports 324 may be formed at radially spaced positions from the outer periphery of the circular intake port 322.

[0178] In the third embodiment, the outer end 324b of the discharge port 324 formed by the air conditioner 300 is positioned higher than the inner end 324a. Furthermore, the discharge flow path 325 formed above the discharge port 324 has a structure that extends outwards from the upper side as it gets closer to the lower side.

[0179] The air conditioning direction adjustment device 300 of the third embodiment includes: a blade 340 disposed on a panel 320, the length of which protrudes toward the outlet 324 is variable; a blade motor (not shown) disposed on the panel 320 to drive the blade 340; and a blade gear 350 that rotates by the blade motor and moves the blade 340 by meshing with it.

[0180] The end of the blade 340 that meshes with the blade gear 350 may have a rack structure.

[0181] The blade 340 is disposed on the inner end 324a of the discharge port 324. The blade 340 protrudes outward from the inner end 324a of the discharge port 324. The length of the blade 340 protruding into the discharge port 324 can be changed by the operation of the blade motor.

[0182] The airflow direction adjustment device 330 can adjust the airflow direction through the outlet 324 according to the length of the protrusion of the blade 340 into the outlet 324.

[0183] Reference Figures 17A to 17C The airflow direction adjustment device 330 can adjust the airflow direction through the outlet 324 by changing the length of the protrusion of the blade 340 into the outlet 324.

[0184] Reference Figure 17A The airflow adjustment device 330 can be configured in a first position P1, where the blades 340 protrude to the maximum extent toward the discharge port 324. When the airflow adjustment device 330 is configured in the first position P1, the blades 340 can protrude to the maximum extent of their protrusion. Therefore, when the airflow adjustment device 330 is configured in the first position P1, air flowing through the discharge path 325 can be guided in a direction parallel to the ground. When the airflow adjustment device 330 is configured in the first position P1, since the blades 340 are configured lower than the outer end 324b of the discharge port 324, the air discharged from the discharge port 324 can flow along the blades 340 in a direction parallel to the ground.

[0185] Reference Figure 17B The airflow adjustment device 330 can be configured in a second position P2 where the blades 340 do not protrude into the discharge port 324. When the airflow adjustment device 330 is configured in the second position P2, the blades are positioned so that they do not protrude into the discharge port 324. Therefore, when the airflow adjustment device 330 is configured in the second position P2, the air flowing in the discharge path 325 can be discharged through the discharge port 324 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the ground. However, depending on the shape of the discharge path 325, the air flowing through the discharge port 324 can also flow at a slight angle to the ground.

[0186] Reference Figure 17CThe wind direction adjustment device 330 is positioned in a third position P3, where the protrusion length of the blade is smaller than that of the blade 340 in the first position P1. Since the blade 340 does not protrude towards the discharge port 324 in the second position P2, the protrusion length of the blade 340 towards the discharge port 324 in the third position P3 is longer than that in the second position P2. In the third position P3, the blade can protrude to a length of 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the protrusion length of the blade 340 towards the discharge port 324 when the wind direction adjustment device 330 is in the first position P1.

[0187] When the wind direction adjustment device 330 is configured in the first position P1, an indirect wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction parallel to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 330 is configured in the second position P2, a vertical wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 330 is configured in the third position P3, an oblique wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction between the indirect wind and the vertical wind.

[0188] The air conditioner in the third embodiment can also be as follows: Figures 5A to 5B According to the first position P1, the second position P2 and the third position P3 of the air direction adjustment device 330, the air discharged from the outlet 324 is blown in the first direction D1, the second direction D2 and the third direction D3.

[0189] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0190] The following is for reference Figures 18 to 19C The configuration of the air conditioner in the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0191] The air conditioner 400 of the fourth embodiment differs from the air conditioner 100 of the first embodiment in the configuration of the airflow direction adjustment device. The air inlet 422 of the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment can be circular, and the outlet 424 can be formed in an annular shape around the periphery of the air inlet 422.

[0192] The airflow direction adjustment device 430 of the air conditioner in the fourth embodiment includes an airflow direction adjustment fan 440 disposed on one side of the discharge port 424 and an airflow direction adjustment motor 450 for rotating the airflow direction adjustment fan 440. The airflow direction adjustment fan 440 can be disposed on the side in the direction of the suction port 422 in the area where the discharge port 424 is formed, and can adjust the flow direction of the air discharged from the discharge port 424.

[0193] An airflow regulating fan 440 can be configured on one side of the outlet 424 and regulate the airflow direction discharged from the outlet 424. A plurality of airflow regulating fans 440 can be formed, spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the annulus where the outlet 424 is formed.

[0194] The airflow regulating fan 440 can change the pressure by drawing in air around the outlet 424, thereby regulating the airflow direction along the outlet 424. The airflow regulating fan 440 can control the amount of air drawn in around the outlet 424.

[0195] The airflow direction adjustment device 430 can regulate the airflow direction discharged from the outlet 424 by adjusting or stopping the rotation speed of the airflow direction adjustment fan 440. When the airflow direction adjustment fan 440 is stopped, the air flowing towards the outlet 424 will be affected by the shape of the discharge flow path 425 and the opening direction of the outlet 424. Therefore, when the airflow direction adjustment fan 440 is stopped, the air flowing through the outlet 424 can be discharged in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0196] However, when the airflow regulating fan 440 is operating, a portion of the air discharged from the outlet 424 will be affected by the airflow regulating fan 440, thus allowing the air discharged from the outlet 424 to flow at an angle parallel to the ground. At this time, the direction of the airflow through the outlet 424 can be adjusted according to the amount of air drawn in by the airflow regulating fan 440. When the rotational speed of the airflow regulating fan 440 increases, the amount of air drawn in by the airflow regulating fan 440 will increase, thereby causing the air to flow in a direction parallel to the ground.

[0197] Reference Figures 19A to 19C The airflow direction adjustment device 430 can adjust the airflow direction discharged from the outlet 424 by adjusting the operation or speed of the airflow direction adjustment fan 440.

[0198] Reference Figure 19A The wind direction adjustment device 430 can rotate at a first set speed, which is the speed at which the wind direction adjustment fan 440 rotates at its maximum value. When the wind direction adjustment device 430 rotates at the first set speed, an indirect wind can be generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction parallel to the ground.

[0199] Reference Figure 19BThe wind direction adjusting device 430 can rotate at a second set speed that causes the wind direction adjusting fan 440 to rotate at its minimum speed or to stop. Here, the second set speed is equivalent to a speed including "0". Therefore, the second set speed of the wind direction adjusting device 430 can include a state where the wind direction adjusting fan 440 is stopped. When the wind direction adjusting device 430 rotates at the second set speed, a vertical wind can be formed that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0200] Reference Figure 19C The wind direction adjustment device 430 can rotate at a third set speed, which is a rotational speed within the range between the first set speed and the second set speed. When the wind direction adjustment device 430 rotates at the third set speed, it can create an oblique wind that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction between indirect wind and vertical wind.

[0201] When the wind direction adjusting device 430 rotates at a first rotational speed, which is its maximum speed, an indirect wind is generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction parallel to the ground. When the wind direction adjusting device 330 rotates at a second rotational speed, which is its minimum speed or a stop speed, a vertical wind is generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the wind direction adjusting device 330 rotates at a third rotational speed, which is between the first and second rotational speeds, an oblique wind is generated that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction between indirect and vertical wind.

[0202] The air conditioner in the fourth embodiment can also be as follows: Figures 5A to 5B The air discharged from the outlet 324 is blown in the first direction D1, the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 according to the first rotation speed, the second rotation speed and the third rotation speed of the air direction adjustment device 430.

[0203] In the air conditioners of the second to fourth embodiments, it is also possible to apply Figures 11 to 13 The control method of the air conditioner is shown.

[0204] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Without departing from the technical concept of the present invention as claimed in the claims, those skilled in the art can make various modifications. Such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical concept or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, wherein, include: The shell has a space inside and an opening on its lower side; A panel, disposed on the lower side of the housing, has an intake port and a plurality of discharge ports arranged along the periphery of the intake port; A fan is disposed inside the housing to create an airflow from the intake port to a plurality of the exhaust ports; An airflow adjustment device, disposed in each of the plurality of said outlets, adjusts the airflow direction flowing through each of the plurality of said outlets in the vertical direction; A camera, configured on one side of the panel, acquires images of the indoor space; The output unit outputs the images acquired by the camera; Temperature sensor, to sense the temperature of the indoor space; as well as The control unit adjusts the wind direction adjustment device based on the image information acquired by the camera. The control unit divides the image displayed on the output unit into multiple regions based on the orientation of the multiple discharge ports, at the outer edge of the region where the inlet is located. The control unit, based on accumulated data from image information acquired by the camera, classifies the plurality of discharge outlets into a first area discharge outlet facing the living area and a second area discharge outlet facing the non-living area, and adjusts each of the plurality of airflow adjustment devices so that the air discharged from the first area discharge outlet and the air discharged from the second area discharge outlet are formed differently in the vertical direction. When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor exceeds the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the airflow adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is lower in the vertical direction than the air discharged from the second area outlet.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the airflow direction adjustment device to change the up-down airflow from the outlet of the first area.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the airflow adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is higher in the vertical direction than the air discharged from the second area outlet.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein, When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor exceeds the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a second direction toward the ground. When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within the set temperature range, the control unit adjusts the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a first direction that is higher than the second direction.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein, The control unit adjusts the airflow adjustment device so that the air discharged from the outlet of the second region is discharged in a third direction, which is located between the first direction and the second direction in the vertical direction.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The wind direction adjustment device includes: Blades, configured at the discharge port, allow for adjustment of the airflow direction within the discharge port by changing the position of the blades. The control unit changes the position of the blades located at the discharge outlets of the first and second regions.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The wind direction adjustment device includes: An airflow regulating fan is disposed on one side of the discharge outlet. The airflow direction discharged from the discharge outlet is adjusted by changing the speed of the airflow regulating fan. The control unit changes the rotation speed of the airflow regulating fan located at the discharge outlet of the first area and the discharge outlet of the second area.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a timer for measuring the time it takes for the camera to acquire images. After a set time measured by the timer, the control unit distinguishes the user's living area from the accumulated image information acquired by the camera.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit distinguishes between living and non-living areas for indoor occupants by dividing the image displayed on the output unit into a plurality of areas.

10. A method for controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioner having an inlet and a plurality of outlets arranged along the periphery of the inlet, the plurality of outlets discharging air into different areas from each other, wherein, The control method for the air conditioner includes: The step of acquiring images of a plurality of regions from which air is expelled from a plurality of the plurality of said outlets using a camera; The step of outputting the acquired image at the output unit; The step of dividing the image displayed on the output section into a plurality of regions based on the orientation of a plurality of the discharge outlets at the outer edge of the region where the inlet is located; Within the multiple defined areas, the steps of determining residential and non-residential areas based on accumulated data of image information acquired by the cameras; and The step of adjusting the wind direction adjustment device to set different vertical airflows from the first area outlet facing the living area and the second area outlet facing the non-living area. The steps for adjusting the wind direction regulating device include: The steps of sensing the temperature of an indoor space using a temperature sensor; and The step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device based on the relationship between the indoor space temperature sensed by the temperature sensor and the set temperature range is to change the airflow of the air discharged from the first area outlet. When the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor exceeds the set temperature range, the airflow adjustment device is adjusted so that the airflow from the first area outlet is set lower than the airflow from the second area outlet.

11. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, When the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor is within the set temperature range, the airflow adjustment device is adjusted so that the airflow from the first area outlet is set higher than the airflow from the second area outlet.

12. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, In the step of determining living and non-living areas, The plurality of discharge outlets are divided into a first area discharge outlet located in the living area and a second area discharge outlet located in the non-living area.

13. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, The steps for determining living and non-living areas include: The steps of accumulating image information acquired by the camera over a set time period; and The step of determining the living area and the non-living area based on the accumulated image information acquired by the camera.

14. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, In the step of adjusting the wind direction adjustment device, To maintain a constant airflow from the outlet in the second region. The airflow exiting from the first region outlet is formed at a higher or lower level than the airflow exiting from the second region outlet.

15. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, In the step of adjusting the wind direction adjustment device, The positions of the blades disposed at the discharge outlet in the first region and the blades disposed at the discharge outlet in the second region are adjusted to be different from each other.

16. The control method for an air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, In the step of adjusting the air direction adjustment device, the rotation speeds of the air direction adjustment fan disposed at the first region outlet and the air direction adjustment fan disposed at the second region outlet are adjusted to be different from each other.

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