Air conditioner for providing sleep mode and control method thereof

Abstract

According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: a detection sensor; an air conditioning module; a memory to store one or more instructions; and one or more processors including processing circuitry. The one or more processors individually and / or collectively execute the one or more instructions to cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations: entering a sleep mode including a sleep-on mode, a deep sleep mode, and a wake-up mode by identifying a position of a user in a target space using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor, in the sleep-on mode, the air-conditioning module is controlled such that airflow is directly blown to a user during a first period of time, in the deep sleep mode, the air-conditioning module is controlled such that airflow is indirectly blown to the user, and in the wake-up mode, the air-conditioning module is controlled such that airflow is directly blown to the user during a second period of time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioner for providing a sleep mode, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium thereon having a program for causing a computer to perform the method of controlling the air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of air conditioners are widely used in indoor spaces. Air conditioners may include various sensors, such as human body detection sensors, illuminance sensors, or temperature sensors. Air conditioners can use these sensors to regulate the environment of the conditioned space and control their operation. Because air conditioners control the temperature and environment of an indoor space, their operation has a significant impact on the user's well-being. However, when each mode provided by the air conditioner is not properly controlled, failing to provide adequate environmental control to the user can actually cause inconvenience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical solution According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: a detection sensor; an air conditioning module including at least one heat pump device; a memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor including processing circuitry. The at least one processor is individually and / or collectively configured to execute the at least one instruction and cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations: using sensor detection values ​​from the detection sensor to identify the location of a user in a target space; entering a sleep mode including a sleep on mode, a deep sleep mode, and a wake-up mode; wherein, in the sleep on mode, during a first time period, the air conditioning module is controlled to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location; in the deep sleep mode, the air conditioning module is controlled to blow indirect airflow to the user based on the user's location; and in the wake-up mode, during a second time period, the air conditioning module is controlled to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location.

[0004] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method includes: using sensor detection values ​​from a detection sensor to identify the location of a user in a target space; entering a sleep mode including a sleep on mode, a deep sleep mode, and a wake-up mode; wherein, in the sleep on mode, during a first time period, the air conditioner module is controlled to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location; in the deep sleep mode, the air conditioner module is controlled to blow indirect airflow to the user based on the user's location; and in the wake-up mode, during a second time period, the air conditioner module is controlled to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location.

[0005] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium is provided, on which a program is recorded, which, when executed on a computer controlled by an air conditioner, causes the air conditioner to perform a method for controlling the air conditioner. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating example operation of an air conditioner according to various embodiments; Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating example configurations of air conditioners according to various embodiments; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating example methods for controlling an air conditioner according to various embodiments; Figure 4 It is a graph illustrating example operations under sleep modes according to various embodiments; Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example process of blowing an indirect airflow according to various embodiments; Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example process of blowing a rotating direct airflow according to various embodiments; Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example process of blowing a rotating airflow when multiple users are detected, according to various embodiments; Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating example configurations of air conditioners according to various embodiments; Figure 9 These are diagrams illustrating air conditioners, external devices, wearable devices, and servers according to various embodiments; Figure 10 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating example processes for receiving sleep state information from an external device and controlling sleep modes according to various embodiments; Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process of receiving sleep state information or wake-up event information from an external device, wearable device, or home appliance and controlling a sleep mode according to various embodiments; Figure 12 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example process of controlling a sleep mode based on sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information from an external device, according to various embodiments; and Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example process of inputting sleep plan information via an external device according to various embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0007] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the particular embodiments, and include various changes, equivalents or alternatives for the respective embodiments.

[0008] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

[0009] Unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more things.

[0010] As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase.

[0011] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one or more combinations of the associated enumerated elements.

[0012] As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” can be used to simply distinguish one component from another without otherwise limiting the components (e.g., importance or order).

[0013] When the terms “operably” or “communically” are used or not used, when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “coupled to another element (e.g., a second element),” “coupled to another element (e.g., a second element),” “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” or “connected to another element (e.g., a second element),” the element may be directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly connected to another element, or connected to another element via a third element.

[0014] As used herein, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” or “having” specify the presence of the said feature, number, stage, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0015] When an element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by”, or “in contact” with another element, the element may be directly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element, or the element may be indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element via a third element.

[0016] When an element is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be in contact with the other element, or there may be another element between the element and the other element.

[0017] An air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to an apparatus configured to perform functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as "indoor space"), and to an apparatus equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0018] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device for performing a cooling or heating function. The heat pump device may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a refrigeration cycle in which refrigerant circulates through a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be housed within a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, and window air conditioners or portable air conditioners are examples of such air conditioners. Alternatively, some components of the heat pump device may be separate and housed within multiple housings of an air conditioner, and wall-mounted air conditioners, floor-standing air conditioners, system air conditioners, etc., are examples of such air conditioners.

[0019] An air conditioner comprising multiple housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed externally and at least one indoor unit installed in an indoor space. For example, an air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to one indoor unit via a refrigerant pipe. For example, an air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, an air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units are connected to two or more indoor units via multiple refrigerant pipes.

[0020] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through input interfaces located on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0021] An air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger disposed in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger disposed in an indoor unit, and refrigerant pipes connecting the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0022] An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air using a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, when the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the outdoor air, and when the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0023] Indoor units are installed in indoor spaces. For example, indoor units can be classified according to their arrangement method as ceiling-mounted indoor units, freestanding indoor units, wall-mounted indoor units, etc. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be classified according to their air exhaust method as 4-way indoor units, 1-way indoor units, and ducted indoor units, etc.

[0024] Similarly, indoor heat exchangers can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air when it evaporates in the indoor unit, and the indoor space can be cooled by blowing indoor air that has already been cooled when passing through a cooled indoor heat exchanger. Furthermore, the refrigerant can release heat into the indoor air when it condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, and the indoor space can be heated by blowing indoor air that has already been heated when passing through a heated indoor heat exchanger.

[0025] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through the phase change process of refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger, and for this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant. The compressor draws in refrigerant gas through an intake unit and compresses the refrigerant gas. The compressor discharges the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge unit. The compressor may be located inside the outdoor unit.

[0026] The refrigerant can circulate through the refrigerant pipe to pass sequentially through the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or it can circulate through the refrigerant pipe to pass sequentially through the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0027] For example, in the case of an air conditioner having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are directly connected to each other via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can be supplied to circulate between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit via the refrigerant pipes.

[0028] For example, in an air conditioner with an outdoor unit connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. Refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units can be combined and then circulated back to the outdoor unit. Alternatively, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to one outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0029] Each of the multiple indoor units can operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode while others can operate in heating mode. Here, refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at high or low pressure along a specified circulation path via a flow path switching valve (described below), and then discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit.

[0030] For example, in an air conditioner with two or more outdoor units connected to two or more indoor units via multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units merges together, flows through a refrigerant pipe, and then splits again at some point to be introduced into the multiple indoor units.

[0031] Based on the operating load according to the operating amount of the multiple indoor units, all of the multiple outdoor units are operable, or at least some of the multiple outdoor units are inoperable. Here, refrigerant may be supplied to flow into and circulate in the outdoor units that are selectively operated via flow path switching valves. The air conditioner may include an expansion device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be arranged inside the indoor units or inside the outdoor units, or both.

[0032] For example, an expansion device can use a throttling effect to reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. This reduces the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant that has already passed through the orifice.

[0033] For example, the expansion device can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path when the valve is partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path when the valve is fully open). Based on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0034] The air conditioner may also include a flow path switching valve arranged in the refrigerant circulation path. The flow path switching valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow path switching valve determines the refrigerant circulation path according to the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path switching valve may be connected to the compressor's discharge unit.

[0035] Air conditioners may include a receiver-of-charge (ROC). The ROC may be connected to the suction unit of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant that evaporates in the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger may flow into the ROC.

[0036] When the mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas flows into the receiver, the receiver can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and supply the compressor with the refrigerant gas that has been separated from the refrigerant liquid.

[0037] An outdoor fan can be installed adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan blows outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0038] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be configured as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be arranged at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for instance, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the air around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes passing through the outdoor unit.

[0039] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, as described below. Based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit, the outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, flow path switching valve, receiver, or outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may also transmit sensed values ​​detected by outdoor unit sensors to the control unit of the indoor unit via the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0040] An air conditioner’s indoor unit may include a housing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the housing.

[0041] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can flow into the housing through the intake port.

[0042] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a filter configured to remove foreign matter from the air flowing into the housing through the intake.

[0043] The housing may include an outlet. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the outlet.

[0044] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide to direct the air discharged through the exhaust outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include blades arranged on the exhaust outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. This disclosure is not limited thereto, and the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0045] An indoor heat exchanger and blower arranged in the flow path connecting the inlet to the outlet can be housed inside the housing of the indoor unit.

[0046] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, mixed-flow fans, cross-flow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0047] The indoor heat exchanger can be positioned between the blower and the outlet, or between the inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger can absorb heat from the air introduced through the inlet, or transfer heat to the air introduced through the inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

[0048] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate contained in the drain tray can be discharged to the outside via a drain hose. The drain tray may be configured to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0049] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input unit (including buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or touchpads). Users can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0050] The input interface can be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface can be electrically connected to a wired remote control. The wired remote control can be installed in a specific location in the indoor space (e.g., part of a wall). The user can input setting data for the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote control. The electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote control can be sent to the input interface. Alternatively, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user can remotely input setting data for the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote control. The setting data input via the wireless remote control can be sent to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0051] In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. User voice commands can be acquired via the microphone. The microphone can convert the user's voice commands into electrical signals and send these signals to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit can control the air conditioning components to perform functions corresponding to the user's voice commands. Setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, as described below. In the example, the setting data obtained through the input interface can be sent to an external location (i.e., an outdoor unit or a server) via the indoor unit communication unit, as described below.

[0052] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0053] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may also include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature at the inlet, midpoint, and / or outlet of the refrigerant pipes passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0054] For example, various environmental information detected by the indoor unit sensors can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, as described below, or can be sent to the outside via the indoor unit communication unit, as described below.

[0055] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0056] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, NFC modules, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, IrDA communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0057] The remote communication module may include a communication module for performing various types of remote communication, and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits radio signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on the mobile communication network, and receives radio signals from at least one of the base station, external terminal, or server on the mobile communication network.

[0058] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices (such as servers, mobile devices, or other household appliances) via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can connect to the server via the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit configured to control components of the indoor unit (including the blower). The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit configured to control components of the outdoor unit (including the compressor). The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit via both the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can send control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or can transmit control signals sent from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can send and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0059] The outdoor unit control unit is electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the compressor frequency and control the flow path switching valve to change the direction of refrigerant flow. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotational speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can also generate control signals for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along the refrigerant circulation loop, which includes the compressor, flow path switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0060] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can send electrical signals corresponding to the temperatures they detect to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. Similarly, humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can send electrical signals corresponding to the humidity they detect to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0061] The indoor unit control unit can acquire user input from the user device (including a mobile device) through the indoor unit communication unit, and can also acquire user input directly through an input interface or a remote control. In response to receiving user input, the indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit (including the blower). The indoor unit control unit can also send information about the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit.

[0062] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit (including the compressor) based on information received from the indoor unit regarding user input. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to user input for selecting an operating mode (such as cooling operation, heating operation, air blowing operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation), the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit to perform the air conditioning operation corresponding to the selected operating mode.

[0063] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0064] The memory can store various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory (such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic RAM (D-RAM)) for temporary data storage. Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM)) for long-term data storage.

[0065] The processor may include various processing circuits and, based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory, generates control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner. The processor is hardware and may include logic and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and processor may be implemented as one or more control circuits.

[0066] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. This output interface can be electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and, under the control of the indoor unit control unit, can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner. For example, it can output information selected by user input (such as operating mode, airflow direction, airflow rate, and temperature). Furthermore, the output interface can output sensing information obtained from indoor unit sensors or outdoor unit sensors, as well as warning messages / error messages.

[0067] Output interfaces may include a display and speakers. Speakers are audio devices capable of outputting various sounds. The display may use various graphic elements to display information input by the user or information provided to the user. For example, air conditioner operation information may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Furthermore, the display may include indicators that provide specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and / or multiple LEDs.

[0068] In the following description, air conditioners according to various embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating example operation of an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0070] According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 performs air conditioning operation on target space 120. Air conditioning operation may include, for example, cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or air blowing. Air conditioner 100 may be implemented in the form of a cooling device, a heating device, a cooling / heating device, an air purifier, a dehumidifier, etc. In this disclosure, the description will focus on the case where air conditioner 100 corresponds to a cooling device. However, this is for ease of description, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] Air conditioner 100 may include a detection sensor 110. The detection sensor 110 detects objects inside the target space 120. Air conditioner 100 can use the sensor detection values ​​of the detection sensor 110 to detect the location information of a user 130 inside the target space 120. In this disclosure, a person inside the target space 120 may be referred to as user 130, resident, etc.

[0072] The target space 120 refers to an indoor space where the air conditioner 100 can be installed. The target space 120 can correspond to various types of indoor spaces (such as houses, offices, shops, guest rooms, commercial spaces or workspaces).

[0073] The location information of user 130 indicates the position of user 130 within target space 120. Depending on the type of detection sensor 110, the location information of user 130 can take various forms. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the location information of user 130 can be coordinate information in a coordinate system defined within target space 120. When the detection sensor 110 includes a radar (radio detection and ranging) sensor, the location information of user 130 can be coordinate information within target space 120. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the location information of user 130 can be a region or range within target space 120. When the detection sensor 110 includes an infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, etc., the location information of user 130 can be a region or range within target space 120 where user 130 is located. The region or range can be, for example, any one of a plurality of predefined regions within target space 120. Furthermore, the region or range can be, for example, a region or range of a specific size centered on coordinates within target space 120. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the detection sensor 110 may include a radar sensor, the coordinate information of the user 130 may be identified by the radar sensor, and the location information of the user 130 may be an area centered on the user's coordinate information.

[0074] Air conditioner 100 can operate in sleep mode (140). Sleep mode can refer to a mode that provides an environment suitable for user 130 to sleep. In sleep mode, air conditioner 100 can adjust the target temperature, airflow direction, airflow intensity, etc., according to a predetermined process. When operating in sleep mode, air conditioner 100 can blow direct airflow or indirect airflow to user 130 according to a preset process. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in sleep mode, air conditioner 100 can blow direct airflow or indirect airflow based on user location information.

[0075] Direct airflow refers to airflow directed toward user 130. Air conditioner 100 can deliver direct airflow by setting the airflow direction to correspond to the user's location information. Air conditioner 100 can control the direction of airflow by adjusting the airflow guides (e.g., plates or blades) at the airflow outlet of air conditioner 100.

[0076] Indirect airflow refers to airflow that is set in a direction not towards the user's location, so that the airflow is not directly blown towards the user 130. The air conditioner 100 can blow indirect airflow by operating in a windless mode or by blowing upward airflow. Windless mode refers to the mode in which air is blown when the damper of the air outlet of the air conditioner 100 is closed during opening and closing. Upward airflow refers to airflow blown towards the ceiling of the target space 120 or towards the upper part of the target space 120. The air conditioner 100 can blow indirect airflow by operating in a windless mode or by blowing upward airflow based on user location information.

[0077] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sleep mode may include a sleep onset mode to help user 130 begin sleep, a deep sleep mode to help user 130 achieve deep sleep, and a wake-up mode to help user 130 wake up. The sleep onset mode, deep sleep mode, and wake-up mode can be executed sequentially during a preset time period. In the sleep onset mode, deep sleep mode, and wake-up mode, the air conditioner 100 can operate at a preset target temperature, airflow direction, and airflow intensity.

[0078] Air conditioner 100 can reflect user location information when blowing direct or indirect airflow in sleep mode, so that direct airflow directly reaches user 130, and indirect airflow indirectly reaches user 130 instead of directly reaching user 130. According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 blows direct airflow to user 130 in some sections of sleep on mode and wake-up mode, and blows indirect airflow to user 130 in deep sleep mode. According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 blows direct or indirect airflow based on user location. Therefore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, by reflecting user location when blowing direct or indirect airflow, air conditioner 100 can provide a more suitable sleep environment for user in sleep on mode, deep sleep mode, and wake-up mode.

[0079] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating example configurations of air conditioners according to various embodiments.

[0080] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 includes a detection sensor 110, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 210, an air conditioning module (e.g., including a heat pump device) 212, and a memory 214. Figure 2 The block diagram of the air conditioner 100 in the middle can correspond to the block diagram of the indoor unit.

[0081] Air conditioner 100 can be implemented in various installation forms. For example, air conditioner 100 can be implemented as a floor-standing air conditioner, wall-mounted air conditioner, ceiling-embedded air conditioner system, or household multi-functional air conditioner.

[0082] The detection sensor 110 can detect objects 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 radar sensor, a LiDAR sensor, etc. The detection sensor 110 is arranged to output a signal to the target space 120 and detect reflected signals. The detection sensor 110 may be positioned in front of the air conditioner 100 and facing the target space 120. The detection sensor 110 generates sensor detection values ​​and sends these values ​​to the processor 210.

[0083] Processor 210 may include various processing circuits and control the overall operation of air conditioner 100. Processor 210 may be implemented as one or more processors. Processor 210 may execute instructions or commands stored in memory 214 to perform specific operations. Furthermore, processor 210 controls the operation of components disposed in air conditioner 100. Processor 210 may include a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, etc. For example, processor 210 may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, as used herein (including the claims), the term "processor" may include various processing circuits (including at least one processor), wherein one or more of the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively in a distributed manner to perform the various functions described herein. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform a number of functions, these terms cover, for example, but not limited to, a situation where one processor performs some of the stated functions while another processor performs other stated functions, and a situation where a single processor can perform all of the stated functions. Furthermore, at least one processor may include, for example, a combination of processors performing various stated / disclosed functions in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to implement or perform various functions.

[0084] Processor 210 uses sensor detection values ​​from detection sensor 110 to determine the presence of a moving object, and when a moving object is present, determines that a person is present in target space 120. According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 uses sensor detection values ​​to determine whether the detected object is a person. For example, when detection sensor 110 corresponds to an infrared sensor, processor 210 determines that a person is present in target space 120 when an infrared value corresponding to a person is detected. According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 determines whether the detected object has a human shape based on sensor detection values, and determines that a person is present in target space 120 when the detected object corresponds to a human shape.

[0085] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the detection sensor 110 may correspond to a radar sensor, and the processor 210 may use the sensor detection value of the radar sensor to determine whether the detected object has the shape of a person. The radar sensor outputs a radar signal to the target space 120 and detects the signal reflected from an object in the target space 120 as the sensor detection value. The processor 210 uses the sensor detection value of the radar sensor to detect objects in the target space 120. The processor 210 detects objects in the target space 120 at a predetermined frame rate and detects the motion of the objects. When the motion value of an object in the target space 120 is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor 210 determines that a person exists in the target space 120. For example, the processor 210 detects objects in the target space 120 at a rate of 30 frames per second, and determines that a person exists in the target space 120 when the motion value per second of the object is greater than the reference value. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, based on the result of identifying an object according to the sensor detection value of the radar sensor, the processor 210 determines whether the identified object is a person. For example, the processor 210 may determine whether the identified object is a person based on the shape of the identified object. When the identified object corresponds to a person and its motion value is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor 210 determines that a person exists in the target space 120. When it is determined that the identified object does not correspond to a person, the processor 210 determines that no person exists in the target space 120. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, even when the identified object corresponds to a companion animal, the processor 210 can still determine that no person exists in the target space 120. Therefore, when the detected object corresponds to a person or companion animal and its motion value is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor 210 can determine that a person exists in the target space 120.

[0086] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 can use sensor detection values ​​from detection sensor 110 to obtain the location information of a person in target space 120. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the person's location information can be coordinate information within target space 120. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the person's location information can be a region or range within target space 120 where a person exists. The accuracy of the person's location information can vary depending on the type of detection sensor 110. For example, when detection sensor 110 corresponds to an infrared sensor, the person's location information can be a region or range. Furthermore, for example, when detection sensor 110 corresponds to a radar sensor, the person's location information can be coordinate information.

[0087] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 can use sensor detection values ​​from a radar sensor to obtain the location information of a person in target space 120. Processor 210 can set a specific coordinate system for target space 120. For example, a two-dimensional xy coordinate system can be set for target space 120. Processor 210 can obtain the coordinate information of a person based on sensor detection values ​​from the radar sensor.

[0088] Air conditioning module 212 may include at least one heat pump device and perform air conditioning operation. Based on control signals or drive signals input from processor 210, air conditioning module 212 adjusts whether to perform cooling, cooling intensity, whether to perform heating, heating intensity, airflow rate, airflow direction, etc. Air conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger, motor, inverter, fan, filter, airflow guide, damper, etc. Air conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger, and heat exchange may be performed between the refrigerant and indoor air using phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., expansion or compression). For example, when the refrigerant expands in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor space can be cooled. When the refrigerant is compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat into the indoor air, and the indoor space can be heated.

[0089] To adjust the set temperature, processor 210 can regulate the indoor temperature by changing the temperature setting value of the indoor unit and adjusting the motor speed of either the outdoor unit compressor or the indoor unit compressor. For example, when a user sets a user-defined temperature, processor 210 can adjust the motor's revolutions per minute (RPM) according to the set temperature. When the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than the user-defined temperature, processor 210 can control the RPM of the compressor motor to increase, and when the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the user-defined temperature, processor 210 can decrease the RPM of the compressor motor or stop the compressor motor. Processor 210 can generate a control signal for adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor and output the control signal to air conditioning module 212. Air conditioning module 212 can adjust the cooling level of the air by adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor according to the control signal from processor 210. By adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor, the indoor temperature can follow the user-defined temperature. By increasing the RPM of the compressor motor, air conditioning module 212 can discharge air with a lower temperature into the indoor space, thereby lowering the indoor temperature. In addition, by reducing the RPM of the compressor motor or stopping the compressor motor, the air conditioning module 212 can discharge air with a higher temperature into the indoor space, thereby raising the indoor temperature.

[0090] The processor 210 can control the dampers or blades of the indoor unit to switch to a windless mode. The indoor unit operates in windless mode by exhausting air with the dampers closed. The processor 210 generates a control signal for closing the dampers and outputs the control signal to the air conditioning module 212. The air conditioning module 212 closes the dampers in response to the control signal input from the processor 210 to operate in windless mode.

[0091] Furthermore, to adjust the airflow intensity, the processor 210 can control the fan speed of the air conditioning module 212. The processor 210 generates a control signal for adjusting the fan speed and outputs the control signal to the air conditioning module 212. The air conditioning module 212 adjusts the fan speed in response to the control signal input from the processor 210. The air conditioning module 212 can control the fan speed to blow a gentle airflow with low airflow intensity or a strong airflow with high airflow intensity.

[0092] Furthermore, to adjust the airflow direction, the processor 210 can control the direction of the airflow guide of the air conditioning module 212. The processor 210 can adjust the airflow direction by rotating or changing the direction of the airflow guide to the left, center, or right. Additionally, the processor 210 can perform an airflow direction rotation operation to rotate the airflow direction by reciprocating and rotating the airflow guide within a predetermined angle range. Furthermore, the processor 210 can control the airflow guide or damper to discharge upward airflow directed towards the ceiling. To discharge indirect airflow that does not directly face the user, the processor 210 can operate in a windless mode or blow upward airflow.

[0093] The memory 214 stores various information, data, instructions, programs, etc., used for the operation of the air conditioner 100. The memory 214 may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory. The memory 214 may include at least one of flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro-storage media, card-type memory (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) or Extreme Digital (XD) memory), random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, or optical disk. Furthermore, the memory 214 may correspond to a network storage device or cloud server that performs storage functions on the Internet.

[0094] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can operate in sleep mode. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can operate in sleep mode during a preset time period. For example, when user 130 sets the sleep start time to 11 PM and the sleep duration to 7 hours, the air conditioner 100 can operate in sleep mode from 11 PM to 6 AM the next morning. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can operate in sleep mode when it is detected that user 130 has started sleeping. The air conditioner 100 can detect the sleep start event of user 130 using motion and location information of user 130 detected by detection sensor 110, sleep state information detected by external devices, etc.

[0095] Sleep modes can include Sleep On Mode, Deep Sleep Mode, and Wake-up Mode. Sleep On Mode is the mode that encourages user 130 to begin sleep. Sleep On Mode executes for a preset period starting from the sleep onset time. Deep Sleep Mode is the mode that creates an environment conducive to deep sleep for user 130. Deep Sleep Mode can be executed during a predetermined time interval between Sleep On Mode and Wake-up Mode. Wake-up Mode is the mode that helps user 130 wake up. Wake-up Mode executes for a predetermined period before the planned wake-up time. For example, Sleep On Mode can execute for 1 hour starting from the sleep onset time, Deep Sleep Mode can execute for 6 hours after Sleep On Mode, and Wake-up Mode can execute from 1 hour before the planned wake-up time until the planned wake-up time.

[0096] In sleep on mode, deep sleep mode, and wake-up mode, the air conditioner 100 operates with a predetermined target temperature, airflow direction, rotation, and airflow intensity. The air conditioner 100 may blow direct airflow and strong rotating airflow during at least a portion of the time period in sleep on mode. The air conditioner 100 may blow gentle indirect airflow during deep sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 may blow direct airflow and strong rotating airflow during at least a portion of the time period in wake-up mode. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may blow direct airflow towards the user in sleep on mode and wake-up mode based on the user's location, and blow indirect airflow that does not directly reach the user in deep sleep mode. According to embodiments of this disclosure, by blowing direct or indirect airflow in sleep mode based on the user's location, it has the effect of creating an environment that more effectively helps the user sleep comfortably.

[0097] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating example methods for controlling an air conditioner according to various embodiments.

[0098] The method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed by an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Reference Figure 3 In operation S302, the air conditioner 100 uses the sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110 to identify the position of the user 130 in the target space 120. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the person's position information can be coordinate information within the target space 120. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the person's position information can be an area or range within the target space 120 where a person exists. The accuracy of the person's position information can vary depending on the type of detection sensor 110.

[0100] In operation S304, the air conditioner 100 enters sleep mode and operates in sleep mode. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can operate in sleep mode during a preset time period. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, when it is detected that user 130 has begun to sleep, the air conditioner 100 can operate in sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 can detect the sleep activation event of user 130 using motion and location information of user 130 detected by detection sensor 110, sleep state information detected by external devices, etc.

[0101] In operation S306, when operating in sleep-on mode, the air conditioner 100 blows a direct airflow based on the user's position during a first time period. The air conditioner 100 can discharge the direct airflow towards the user by adjusting the direction of the airflow guide based on the user's position. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can blow a direct airflow while rotating the airflow direction within a predetermined angle range. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can blow a strong rotating airflow during the first time period after entering sleep-on mode, and then blow a gentle indirect airflow after the first time period. For example, the air conditioner 100 can blow a strong rotating direct airflow for 5 minutes after entering sleep-on mode, and then blow a gentle indirect airflow after 5 minutes.

[0102] In operation S308, when operating in deep sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 blows indirect airflow based on the user's position. The air conditioner 100 can discharge indirect airflow in a direction not towards the user by adjusting the direction of the airflow guide based on the user's position. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can blow indirect airflow by operating in a windless mode. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can blow indirect airflow by discharging upward airflow towards the ceiling. The air conditioner 100 can blow a gentle indirect airflow in deep sleep mode.

[0103] In operation S306, when operating in wake-up mode, the air conditioner 100 blows a direct airflow based on the user's position during a second time period. The air conditioner 100 can discharge the direct airflow towards the user by adjusting the direction of the airflow guide based on the user's position. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can blow a direct airflow while rotating the airflow direction within a predetermined angle range. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can blow a strong rotating airflow during a second time period prior to the expected wake-up time, and blow a gentle indirect airflow before the second time period. For example, the air conditioner 100 can blow a strong rotating direct airflow for 10 minutes before the planned wake-up time, and blow a gentle indirect airflow before the 10-minute period.

[0104] Figure 4 It includes a graph illustrating example operations under sleep modes according to various embodiments.

[0105] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sleep mode may include a sleep on mode 410, a deep sleep mode 420, and a wake-up mode 430. The air conditioner 100 can operate in the sleep on mode 410, deep sleep mode 420, and wake-up mode 430 based on a predetermined target temperature, airflow intensity, airflow direction, and whether it rotates. The target temperature may be set to be equal to or different from the user-set temperature. When operating in sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 can set a separate target temperature based on the user-set temperature and operate to follow the target temperature.

[0106] exist Figure 4 In the graph, the horizontal axis represents the time elapsed in minutes since the sleep mode was activated, and the vertical axis represents the target temperature of the air conditioning module 212. Figure 4 In the curve graph, T represents the user-set temperature, which is the temperature set by the user.

[0107] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the target temperature of the air conditioning module 212 according to the sleep time. Furthermore, in sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 can control at least one of the following based on the sleep time: airflow direction, whether to rotate the airflow direction, airflow intensity, whether to blow indirect / direct airflow, or whether to perform windless operation.

[0108] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sleep on-mode 410, deep sleep mode 420, and wake-up mode 430 can be preset time intervals. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sleep on-mode 410 can be, for example, 60 minutes from the sleep on-time, the deep sleep mode 420 can be the time interval between the sleep on-mode 410 and the wake-up mode 430, and the wake-up mode 430 can be, for example, a time interval 60 minutes before the planned wake-up time. The planned wake-up time can be a user-defined time.

[0109] In sleep-on mode 410, the target temperature can be set lower than the user-set temperature T. For example, in sleep-on mode 410, the target temperature can be set 2°C lower than the user-set temperature. Furthermore, in sleep-on mode 410, a sleep-on promoting airflow can be circulated during a first time period. The sleep-on promoting airflow can correspond to, for example, a strong rotating airflow output intermittently. The first time period can be set to 5 minutes. Sleep-on mode 410 can promote rapid sleep onset through airflow used for rapid cooling and sleep onset. In sleep-on mode 410, the air conditioner 100 can induce deep sleep by maintaining a low temperature without sensing airflow. Additionally, in sleep-on mode, the air conditioner 100 can perform an air purification function to prevent and / or avoid the user catching a cold, even at low temperatures.

[0110] In sleep mode 410, the air conditioner 100 can blow a gentle, indirect airflow after the first time interval. Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 can stop rotating the airflow direction after the first time interval of sleep mode 410.

[0111] When transitioning from sleep on mode 410 to deep sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 raises the target temperature to above the user-set temperature T. For example, when the air conditioner 100 enters deep sleep mode 420, it raises the target temperature to 2°C above the user-set temperature T. In deep sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 can intermittently lower the target temperature to the user-set temperature T while maintaining the target temperature above T. For example, in deep sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 can lower the target temperature to the user-set temperature T every hour while maintaining the target temperature at 2°C above T. In deep sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 blows indirect airflow, setting the airflow intensity to a gentle flow and the airflow direction to upward or no airflow. In deep sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 can maintain a healthy skin temperature. Furthermore, in deep sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 can raise the temperature to save energy. Furthermore, in deep sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 can use avoidance airflow to minimize and / or reduce airflow at the sleep position and control airflow for air stratification. Additionally, in deep sleep mode 420, the air conditioner 100 can control the temperature in a wave-like pattern to allow the user to continue sleeping without waking up and to ensure rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

[0112] In wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 can set the target temperature higher than the user-set temperature T. In wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 controls the target temperature to correspond to the metabolic activation temperature and allows the user to wake up through airflow stimulation. For example, in wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 can set the target temperature at least 2°C higher than the user-set temperature T. Furthermore, in wake-up mode 430, the air conditioner 100 can generate a wake-up-promoting airflow during a second time segment. The second time segment can correspond to a preset time period before the expected wake-up time. For example, the second time segment can correspond to 10 minutes before the expected wake-up time. For example, the wake-up-promoting airflow can be an airflow used to output a strong rotating airflow for 10 minutes. In wake-up mode 430, during the segment before the second time segment, the air conditioner 100 can control the air conditioning module 212 to raise the target temperature while blowing a gentle, indirect airflow.

[0113] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process of blowing indirect airflow according to various embodiments.

[0114] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can blow indirect airflow in sleep mode. The air conditioner 100 can blow indirect airflow in certain sections of sleep-on mode, deep sleep mode, and wake-up mode. According to embodiments of this disclosure, when blowing indirect airflow, the air conditioner 100 can blow upward airflow or operate in windless mode depending on the distance to the user 130.

[0115] Reference Figure 5 In operation S502, the air conditioner 100 enters the indirect airflow blowing section. The indirect airflow blowing section includes, for example, the section after the first time section of the sleep mode, the section of the deep sleep mode, and the section before the second time section of the wake-up mode.

[0116] In operation S504, the air conditioner 100 determines the distance between the air conditioner 100 and the user 130. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the distance between the air conditioner 100 and the user 130 may be the straight-line distance between the detection sensor 110 and the user 130. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the distance between the air conditioner 100 and the user 130 may be the distance between the air conditioner 100 and the user 130 on the floor or ceiling of the target space 120.

[0117] When the distance to user 130 is less than or equal to a first reference distance, in operation S506, air conditioner 100 blows an upward airflow 510. The upward airflow 510 is an indirect airflow directed towards the ceiling. When the distance to user 130 is less than or equal to the first reference distance, operation in windless mode allows the airflow to reach user 130 directly. According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the distance to user 130 is short, air conditioner 100 blows an upward airflow 510 to prevent and / or reduce the direct arrival of airflow to user 130. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first reference distance can be determined within the range of 1.5m to 2.5m. For example, the reference distance can be determined to be 2m.

[0118] When the distance to user 130 is greater than the first reference distance, in operation S508, air conditioner 100 operates in windless mode. Air conditioner 100 operates in windless mode by blowing air while the vent is closed. In windless mode, the windless airflow 512 is directed towards the lower part of air conditioner 100, and therefore can be discharged as indirect airflow instead of directly reaching user 130.

[0119] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process of blowing a rotating direct airflow according to various embodiments.

[0120] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in operation S602, the air conditioner 100 can blow a rotating direct airflow in both sleep mode and wake-up mode. Operation S602 can be combined with... Figure 3Operations S306 and S310 correspond to each other. The air conditioner 100 can blow a direct airflow 610 in the direction 614 toward the user 130 based on the user 130's position information. The air conditioner 100 can blow a direct airflow 610 while rotating it within a predetermined first angle range 612.

[0121] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a predetermined first angle range 612 may be set to an angle range corresponding to a portion of the rotatable rotation angle range 630 of the airflow guide of the air conditioner 100. For example, when the rotatable rotation angle range 630 of the airflow guide corresponds to 165 degrees, the first angle range 612 may correspond to, for example, 55 degrees.

[0122] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may preset multiple sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624. The multiple sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be set within a rotation angle range 630. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the multiple sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be configured not to overlap with each other. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the multiple sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be configured to overlap with each other. The number of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be determined differently. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the number of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may be three, and the angle of each sub-angle range 620, 622, and 624 may correspond to 1 / 3 of the rotation angle range 630. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the multiple sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624 may correspond to the left, center, and right sides of the air conditioner 100, respectively. The air conditioner 100 can determine one of the multiple sub-angle ranges 620, 622 and 624 as the first angle range 612 based on the direction corresponding to the location information of the user 130.

[0123] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may be configured with a first angle range 612 having a predetermined angle size centered on the direction toward the user 130. When the detection sensor 110 includes a radar sensor, the air conditioner 100 can obtain coordinate information as the position information of the user 130. The air conditioner 100 may be configured with a first angle range 612 having a predetermined angle size centered on a direction 614 corresponding to the coordinate information of the user 130.

[0124] Air conditioner 100 can use the location information of user 130 to determine a first angle range 612 corresponding to the rotation range of the rotating airflow in a first time segment of the sleep mode. Furthermore, air conditioner 100 can use the location information of user 130 to determine a second angle range corresponding to the rotation range of the rotating airflow in a second time segment of the wake-up mode. Similar to the method of determining the first angle range 612, the second angle range can be determined as one of a plurality of sub-angle ranges 620, 622, and 624, or it can be determined as an angle range centered on a direction corresponding to the coordinate information of user 130 and having a predetermined angle size. The first angle range 612 and the second angle range can be set to be equal to or different from each other. The first angle range 612 can be determined based on the location information of user 130 in the sleep mode, and the second angle range can be determined based on the location information of user 130 in the wake-up mode.

[0125] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when user 130 selects the airflow direction rotation function, air conditioner 100 can blow rotating airflow. When air conditioner 100 blows rotating airflow in the airflow direction rotation function, air conditioner 100 can blow airflow while rotating airflow within a rotation angle range 630. The size of the third angle range, which is the rotation range of the airflow direction rotation function, can be an angle range greater than the first angle range 612 in sleep mode and the second angle range in wake-up mode.

[0126] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process of blowing a rotating airflow when multiple users are detected, according to various embodiments.

[0127] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the air conditioner 100 detects multiple users 130a and 130b in the target space, the air conditioner 100 can set a first angle range and a second angle range to include the positions of the multiple users 130a and 130b, and blow direct airflow 610 while rotating direct airflow 610 in the first time segment of sleep mode and the second time segment of wake-up mode.

[0128] Reference Figure 7 During operation S702, the air conditioner 100 can detect multiple users 130a and 130b in the target space. The air conditioner 100 can identify the location information of each of the multiple users 130a and 130b.

[0129] When air conditioner 100 detects multiple users 130a and 130b, in operation S704, air conditioner 100 sets a first angle range and a second angle range covering multiple users 130a and 130b. When air conditioner 100 detects the first user 130a and the second user 130b, air conditioner 100 can determine a first direction 714 towards the first user 130a and a second direction 716 towards the second user 130b. Air conditioner 100 can set a first angle range 712 including the first direction 714 and the second direction 716. Air conditioner 100 can simultaneously blow direct airflow 610 while reciprocating within the first angle range 712. For example, referring to the above... Figure 6 In the described embodiment, only one user 130 exists; therefore, the first angle range 612 can be set to 55 degrees. Referring above... Figure 7 In the described embodiment, the first angle range 712 can be set to 110 degrees to cover two users 130a and 130b. For example, in Figure 7 In this configuration, the first angle range 712 can be set to include sub-angle ranges 622 and 624. During the first time segment of the sleep-on mode, the air conditioner 100 can simultaneously rotate the direct airflow within the first angle range 712 and blow direct airflow.

[0130] The air conditioner 100 can obtain the location information of the first user 130a and the second user 130b again in wake-up mode, and set the second angle range in a similar manner to the process of setting the first angle range 712. In addition, during the second time segment in wake-up mode, the air conditioner 100 can rotate the direct airflow while blowing direct airflow within the second angle range.

[0131] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating example configurations of air conditioners according to various embodiments.

[0132] exist Figure 8 To avoid repetition, the above references are omitted here. Figure 2 The description of the provided air conditioner 100 is redundant, and the description will mainly focus on the differences.

[0133] An air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a detection sensor 110, a processor (e.g., including processing circuitry) 210, an air conditioning module (e.g., including at least one heat pump device) 212, a memory 214, a communication module (e.g., including communication circuitry) 802, and an input interface (e.g., including input circuitry) 804. Although Figure 8 An embodiment of the air conditioner 100 is shown that includes both an input interface 804 and a communication module 802, but it is also possible for the air conditioner 100 to include only one of the input interface 804 and the communication module 802.

[0134] Air conditioner 100 can receive various types of user input through input interface 804 or communication module 802.

[0135] Input interface 804 may include various input circuits and receive input from the user. Input interface 804 may include buttons, a touch screen, a touchpad, a touch sensor, etc. Input interface 804 receives user input and transmits it to processor 210. Input interface 804 may receive power on / off signals, temperature setting signals, operation mode selection signals, airflow intensity selection signals, sleep plan signals, planned operation setting signals, airflow direction setting signals, etc.

[0136] According to embodiments of this disclosure, input interface 804 may receive user input for setting a sleep mode. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, input interface 804 may receive user input for setting a sleep mode plan. The sleep mode plan may include at least one of, for example, bedtime, sleep duration, or wake-up time.

[0137] The communication module 802 may include various communication circuits and communicates with at least one external device in a wired or wireless manner. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 802 performs wireless communication with a remote controller. The communication module 802 can receive power on / off signals, temperature setting signals, operating mode selection signals, airflow intensity selection signals, sleep plan signals, planned operation setting signals, airflow direction setting signals, etc., from the remote controller. The communication module 802 can send the status information of the air conditioner 100 to the remote controller to synchronize the status information of the remote controller and the air conditioner 100.

[0138] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 802 can receive user input for setting a sleep mode. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 802 can receive user input for setting a sleep mode schedule.

[0139] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 802 can communicate with the outdoor unit. For example, the communication module 802 can communicate with the outdoor unit using RS-485 serial communication.

[0140] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 802 can communicate with the server via a network. The communication module 802 can access the network via an AP device and communicate with the server. The communication module 802 can receive power on / off signals, temperature setting signals, operation mode selection signals, airflow intensity selection signals, sleep plan signals, planned operation setting signals, airflow direction setting signals, etc., from the server. The communication module 802 can send the status information of the air conditioner 100 to the server to synchronize the status information of the server and the air conditioner 100. In addition, the communication module 802 can receive operation mode or setting information of the air conditioner 100 set using a user terminal or the like from the server. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 802 can receive user input for setting a sleep mode from the server. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 802 can receive user input for setting a sleep mode plan.

[0141] The communication module 802 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless 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). Furthermore, the communication module 802 can perform short-range communication and can use, for example, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, WLAN (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, IrDA communication, WFD, UWB, Ant+ communication, etc. Additionally, for example, the communication module 802 can perform long-range communication and can communicate with external devices via, for example, traditional cellular networks, 5G networks, next-generation communication networks, the Internet, computer networks (e.g., LANs or WANs), etc.

[0142] In addition, for example, the communication module 802 can use mobile communication and can transmit wireless signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network, and receive wireless signals from at least one of the base station, an external terminal, or a server.

[0143] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 802 is connected to an access point (AP) within the home via Wi-Fi communication. The communication module 802 can communicate with external devices through the AP.

[0144] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 can receive sleep activation information indicating that the user has begun to sleep via communication module 802. Processor 210 can receive the user's sleep activation information from, for example, a wearable device worn by the user, a smartphone, or a sensor located in the bed. Based on the received sleep activation information, processor 210 can activate a sleep mode.

[0145] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 210 can operate in sleep mode based on sleep plan information received via the communication module 802 or the input interface 804. The processor 210 can activate the sleep mode based on the sleep activation time included in the sleep plan information received via the communication module 802 or the input interface 804. Furthermore, based on the sleep duration or wake-up time of the sleep plan information, the processor 210 can adjust the duration of the deep sleep mode and determine the start and end times of the wake-up mode. For example, the processor 210 can set a time period of one hour before the expected wake-up time as the wake-up mode and set the time period between the sleep activation mode and the wake-up mode as the deep sleep mode. The processor 210 can store the sleep plan information received from the communication module 802 or the input interface 804 in the memory 214.

[0146] Figure 9 These are diagrams illustrating air conditioners, external devices, wearable devices, and servers according to various embodiments.

[0147] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 communicates with the external device 910 and the server 920 via the communication module 802. The air conditioner 100 can connect to other household appliances, the external device 910, or the server 920 via a network NET.

[0148] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can communicate with a wearable device 930 via a network NET. The wearable device 930 may correspond to, for example, a watch or glasses. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the wearable device 930 can connect to an external device 910 in the form of a smartphone or tablet PC via short-range communication, and can communicate with the air conditioner 100 via the external device 910 and a server 920. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the wearable device 930 can connect to the server 920 via mobile communication, and can communicate with the air conditioner 100 via the server 920.

[0149] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the wearable device 930 may include a motion sensor configured to detect the user's movements. The wearable device 930 may detect the user's sleep state or a wake-up event based on motion values.

[0150] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the wearable device 930 may include biosensors. Biosensors may include, for example, heart rate sensors, body temperature sensors, blood pressure sensors, oxygen saturation sensors, electrocardiogram sensors, etc. The wearable device 930 may use the sensor detection values ​​of the biosensors to detect the user's sleep state or wake-up events.

[0151] Wearable device 930 can use sensor values ​​from both motion sensors and biosensors to detect a user’s sleep state or wake-up events.

[0152] The wearable device 930 can send information about the detected sleep state of the user or the detected wake-up event to the server 920. The server 920 can send the sleep state information or wake-up event information received from the wearable device 930 to the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 can control the sleep mode based on the sleep state information or wake-up event information received from the wearable device 930.

[0153] The following will refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 A more detailed example process is described of receiving sleep state information from external devices 910, wearable devices 930, etc., and controlling sleep patterns.

[0154] Figure 10 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example process of receiving sleep state information from an external device and controlling a sleep mode according to various embodiments.

[0155] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example process of receiving sleep state information or wake-up event information from an external device, wearable device, or home appliance and controlling a sleep mode according to various embodiments.

[0156] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can receive sleep start time information from an external device 910 and activate a sleep mode. The external device 910 may correspond to a smartphone, a wearable device 930, or a home appliance 1110.

[0157] Reference Figure 10 During operation S1002, the external device 910 can detect the user's sleep activation time.

[0158] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the external device 910 may correspond to the wearable device 930. The external device 910 may use sensor detection values ​​from at least one of a motion sensor or a biosensor to detect the user's sleep state. When it is determined that the user has begun to sleep, the external device 910 identifies the sleep onset time when the user has entered a sleep state.

[0159] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the external device 910 can be connected to a smartphone. The external device 910 can obtain the user's sleep state information using sleep plan information, usage information, exercise information, illuminance detection values, etc. The external device 910 can identify the user's sleep activation time based on the sleep state information.

[0160] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the external device 910 may correspond to the home appliance 1110. The home appliance 1110 may use user usage information, setting information, etc., to obtain the user's sleep state information. For example, the home appliance 1110 may correspond to a lighting device, and may obtain the user's sleep state information based on the lighting device's on / off information, operating mode information, illuminance information, etc. The home appliance 1110 may identify the sleep activation time based on the sleep state information.

[0161] In operation S1004, the external device 910 can send the user's sleep activation time to the server 920. Furthermore, the external device 910 can send sleep state information to the server 920. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the external device 910 can also send sleep state information to the server 920, and the server 920 identifies the user's sleep activation time based on the sleep state information.

[0162] In operation S1006, server 920 sends the user's sleep start time to air conditioner 100. According to embodiments of this disclosure, server 920 may send at least one of the user's sleep start time or sleep status information to air conditioner 100.

[0163] When the air conditioner 100 receives the sleep start time, it operates in sleep mode in operation S1008. The air conditioner 100 can start the sleep mode from the sleep start time.

[0164] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, during operation S1010, the external device 910 can detect a wake-up event of a user waking up. For example, the external device 910 may correspond to a smartphone and can detect the wake-up event by receiving user input for stopping the alarm. Additionally, for example, the external device 910 may correspond to a wearable device 930, and the wearable device 930 may use sensor detection values ​​from at least one of a motion sensor or a biosensor to detect the user's wake-up event. Furthermore, for example, the external device 910 may correspond to a home appliance 1110, and the home appliance 1110 may use usage information of the home appliance 1110, sensor detection values, etc., to detect the user's wake-up event. For example, the home appliance 1110 may correspond to a lighting device and can detect the user's wake-up event based on the lighting device's on / off information, operating mode information, illuminance information, etc.

[0165] In operation S1012, the external device 910 sends a wake-up event to the server 920. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the external device 910 can send sleep state information to the server 920, and the server 920 can use the sleep state information to detect the user's wake-up event.

[0166] When the server 920 receives a wake-up event or sleep state information from the external device 910, in operation S1014, the server 920 can send the wake-up event information to the air conditioner 100.

[0167] When the air conditioner 100 receives a wake-up event information from the server 920, in operation S1016, the air conditioner 100 can terminate the sleep mode. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information, the air conditioner 100 can operate in wake-up mode for a predetermined time period and terminate the sleep mode. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, when the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information, the air conditioner 100 can perform operation in a second time segment. For example, when the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information, the air conditioner 100 can blow a strong rotating direct airflow for 10 minutes based on the user's location. Furthermore, when the air conditioner 100 receives the wake-up event information, the air conditioner 100 can set the target temperature to 2°C higher than the user-set temperature during the second time segment. When the operation in wake-up mode terminates, the air conditioner 100 can terminate the sleep mode and thus operate in normal mode. When the air conditioner 100 switches to normal mode, the air conditioner 100 can change the target temperature to the user-set temperature and operate with the airflow direction and intensity set by the user before the sleep mode.

[0168] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, during operation S1102, the air conditioner 100 can send sleep mode operation information to the server 920. The air conditioner 100 can send the sleep mode operation information to the server 920 to synchronize its operating state with the server 920. The server 920 can control the operation of the air conditioner 100 based on the sleep mode operation information. Furthermore, the server 920 can control at least one of the following based on the sleep mode operation information: an external device 910, a wearable device 930, or a home appliance 1110.

[0169] Figure 12 This is a signal flow diagram illustrating an example process of controlling a sleep mode based on sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information from an external device, according to various embodiments.

[0170] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can receive sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information from an external device 910 to control the sleep mode.

[0171] Reference Figure 12 During operation S1202, the external device 910 can receive sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information from the user.

[0172] Sleep schedule information may include at least one of, for example, bedtime, sleep duration, or wake-up time. For example, a user inputs a bedtime and wake-up time, and the sleep schedule information may include both bedtime and wake-up time. According to embodiments of this disclosure, sleep schedule information may be specified differently based on the day of the week or date. Sleep schedule information may include at least one of the day of the week, date, bedtime, sleep duration, or wake-up time.

[0173] The wake-up alarm information may include a wake-up alarm time specified by the user. For example, the user may specify the type of alarm as a wake-up alarm and specify the alarm time. The external device 910 may recognize the alarm time specified by the user for the wake-up alarm as the wake-up alarm time. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the wake-up alarm information may be specified differently based on the day of the week or the date. The wake-up alarm information may include at least one of the day of the week, the date, or the alarm time.

[0174] During operation S1204, external device 910 can send sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information to server 920.

[0175] When server 920 receives sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information, in operation S1206, server 920 can send the received sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information to air conditioner 100.

[0176] When the air conditioner 100 receives sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information, in operation S1208, the air conditioner 100 controls the sleep mode based on the received sleep plan information or wake-up alarm information.

[0177] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can determine the sleep activation time and expected wake-up time based on sleep plan information. The air conditioner 100 activates and deactivates the sleep mode based on the sleep activation time and expected wake-up time determined by the sleep plan information. When the sleep plan information is set differently according to the day of the week or date, the air conditioner 100 can set the sleep activation time and expected wake-up time differently according to the day of the week or date.

[0178] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can determine the expected wake-up time based on wake-up alarm information. The air conditioner 100 can activate the wake-up mode and execute the wake-up mode during a predetermined period before the expected wake-up time determined based on the wake-up alarm information, and then terminate the sleep mode at the expected wake-up time.

[0179] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example process of inputting sleep plan information via an external device according to various embodiments.

[0180] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a user can input their sleep plan through an application on external device 910. Air conditioner 100 can receive the user's sleep plan information input through the application on external device 910 via server 920.

[0181] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the application of external device 910 provides a first graphical user interface (GUI) view 1310 for inputting a sleep plan. The user can select a menu for inputting a sleep plan through the first GUI view 1310.

[0182] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a sleep plan can be a plan for the expected sleep of a user. For example, the sleep plan is not limited to air conditioner 100, but can correspond to sleep plans applied to all home appliances registered in server 920. Air conditioner 100 can receive sleep plan information from server 920 indicating input via an application through external device 910, and use the sleep plan information.

[0183] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the sleep plan can be a sleep plan for the air conditioner 100. Users can individually input a sleep mode plan for each household appliance, specifying which appliance will operate in sleep mode.

[0184] When the sleep plan input menu is selected, the external device 910 provides a menu for selecting a sleep plan in the second GUI view 1320. The external device 910 can receive input of the start time, end time, day of the week, or date of the sleep plan through the second GUI view 1320. The start time can correspond to bedtime, and the end time can correspond to wake-up time. The sleep plan can be defined by specifying the day of the week or weekday / weekend. Furthermore, the sleep plan can include specified dates. Additionally, the sleep plan can be repeated in a certain pattern. Furthermore, a sleep pattern plan can be temporarily set for a specific date.

[0185] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, a sleep plan may include a designated room or area within a home. When the sleep plan includes a designated room or area within a home, the air conditioner 100 can obtain a sleep plan for the room or area where the air conditioner 100 is installed.

[0186] When the user enters a complete sleep plan, sleep plan information 1330 is generated and sent to server 920. Server 920 can then send sleep plan information 1330 to air conditioner 100.

[0187] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 determines the sleep activation time and expected wake-up time based on sleep plan information received from the server 920. When a sleep plan is input based on the day of the week or date, the air conditioner 100 determines the sleep activation time and expected wake-up time based on the sleep plan information. The air conditioner 100 controls the sleep mode based on the determined sleep activation time and expected wake-up time.

[0188] According to embodiments of this disclosure, for a user account logged into the external device 910, sleep plan information indicating input via the external device 910 is stored. The sleep plan information can be used by an air conditioner 100 or other household appliance registered to the corresponding user account. For example, a refrigerator registered to the user account can operate in sleep mode using the registered sleep plan information.

[0189] Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. Here, "non-transitory storage media" refers to a tangible device and may not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term "non-transitory storage media" does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, "non-transitory storage media" may include buffers for temporarily storing data.

[0190] According to embodiments of this disclosure, methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be included in a computer program product and then provided. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc ROM (CD-ROM)), or distributed online through an app store (e.g., download or upload) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server).

[0191] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: a detection sensor; an air conditioning module including at least one heat pump device; a memory storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor including processing circuitry. The at least one processor is individually and / or collectively configured to execute the at least one instruction and cause the air conditioner to perform the following operations: using sensor detection values ​​from the detection sensor to identify the location of a user in a target space; entering a sleep mode including a sleep on mode, a deep sleep mode, and a wake-up mode; in the sleep on mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location during a first time period; in the deep sleep mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow indirect airflow to the user based on the user's location; and in the wake-up mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location during a second time period.

[0192] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the at least one processor is individually and / or collectively configured to: in the deep sleep mode, control the air conditioning module to blow an upward airflow based on the distance between the air conditioner and the user being less than or equal to a first reference distance, and control the air conditioning module to operate the air conditioner in a windless mode based on the distance between the air conditioner and the user being greater than the first reference distance.

[0193] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to control the air conditioning module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation while blowing a strong airflow during a first time segment of the sleep-on mode and a second time segment of the wake-up mode.

[0194] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to: control the air conditioning module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation within a first angular range including the identified user's location during a first time segment of the sleep-on mode; control the air conditioning module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation within a second angular range including the identified user's location during a second time segment of the wake-up mode; and control the air conditioning module to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a third angular range based on the user's selection of the airflow direction rotation operation, wherein each of the first and second angular ranges may be an angular range smaller than the third angular range.

[0195] According to an example embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to determine a first angle range and a second angle range as one of a plurality of sub-angle ranges specified for the airflow direction rotation operation, based on the identified position of the user.

[0196] According to an example embodiment, the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to: determine a first angular range and a second angular range as the locations including the two or more users based on the detection of two or more users in the target space according to the sensor detection values ​​of the detection sensor.

[0197] According to an example embodiment, the first time segment may be a time segment starting from the sleep start time, the second time segment may be a time segment starting before the expected wake-up time and ending at the expected wake-up time, and each of the first time segment and the second time segment may be determined to be within the range of 3 minutes to 20 minutes.

[0198] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to: set the target temperature of the air conditioning module to be lower than the user-set temperature in the sleep-on mode; set the target temperature of the air conditioning module to periodically increase and decrease within a temperature range between the user-set temperature and a temperature higher than the user-set temperature in the deep sleep mode; and set the target temperature of the air conditioning module to be higher than the user-set temperature in the wake-up mode.

[0199] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the air conditioner may further include a communication module, the communication module including communication circuitry, and the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to: receive sleep activation information from an external device via the communication module, indicating that the user in the target space has begun to sleep, and to activate a sleep mode based on the sleep activation information.

[0200] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to initiate the sleep mode from a bedtime set by the user.

[0201] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to: receive user input for setting a sleep duration, and calculate an expected wake-up time based on the sleep start time when the user begins to sleep and the sleep duration set by the user, wherein the wake-up mode may be a specified time segment prior to the expected wake-up time.

[0202] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the air conditioner may further include a communication module, the communication module including communication circuitry, and the at least one processor may be configured individually and / or collectively to: obtain wake-up alarm time information set by the user from the external device via the communication module, use the wake-up alarm time information to set the expected wake-up time, and operate in the wake-up mode during a specified time period prior to the expected wake-up time.

[0203] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method includes: using sensor detection values ​​from a detection sensor to identify the user's position in a target space; entering a sleep mode including a sleep on mode, a deep sleep mode, and a wake-up mode; in the sleep on mode, controlling an air conditioning module to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's position during a first time period; in the deep sleep mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow indirect airflow to the user based on the user's position; and in the wake-up mode, controlling the air conditioning module to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's position during a second time period.

[0204] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the method for controlling the air conditioner may further include: in the deep sleep mode, controlling the air conditioner module to blow an upward airflow based on the distance between the air conditioner and the user being less than or equal to a first reference distance, and controlling the air conditioner module to operate the air conditioner in a windless mode based on the distance between the air conditioner and the user being greater than the first reference distance.

[0205] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the method for controlling the air conditioner may further include: controlling the air conditioning module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation when blowing a strong airflow during a first time period of the sleep mode and a second time period of the wake-up mode.

[0206] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the method for controlling the air conditioner may further include: in the sleep-on mode, controlling the air conditioner module to perform an airflow direction rotation operation within a first angular range including the identified location of the user; in the wake-up mode, controlling the air conditioner module to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a second angular range including the identified location of the user; and based on the user selecting the airflow direction rotation operation, controlling the air conditioner module to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a third angular range, wherein each of the first angular range and the second angular range may be an angular range smaller than the third angular range.

[0207] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the method for controlling the air conditioner may further include: determining a first angle range and a second angle range as one of a plurality of sub-angle ranges specified for the airflow direction rotation operation based on the identified location of the user.

[0208] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the method for controlling the air conditioner may further include: determining a first angle range and a second angle range as positions including the two or more users based on the detection of two or more users in the target space according to the sensor detection value of the detection sensor.

[0209] Furthermore, according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, the first time segment may include a time segment starting from the sleep start time, the second time segment may include a time segment starting before the expected wake-up time and ending at the expected wake-up time, and each of the first time segment and the second time segment may be determined to be within a range of 3 minutes to 20 minutes.

[0210] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium is provided, on which a program is recorded, which, when executed by a computer, causes an air conditioner to perform a method for controlling the air conditioner.

[0211] While this disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that these exemplary embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will further understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of this disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It should also be understood that any embodiment described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment described herein.

Claims

1. An air conditioner (100), comprising: Detection sensor (110); Air conditioning module (212) includes at least one heat pump device; Memory (214) stores at least one instruction; as well as At least one processor (210), including processing circuitry, is individually and / or collectively configured to execute the at least one instruction and cause the air conditioner (100) to perform the following operations: using sensor detection values ​​from the detection sensor (110) to identify the user's location in the target space; entering a sleep mode including a sleep-on mode, a deep sleep mode, and a wake-up mode; in the sleep-on mode, controlling the air conditioning module (212) to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location during a first time period; in the deep sleep mode, controlling the air conditioning module (212) to blow indirect airflow to the user based on the user's location; and in the wake-up mode, controlling the air conditioning module (212) to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location during a second time period.

2. The air conditioner (100) as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to: in the deep sleep mode, control the air conditioning module (212) to blow an upward airflow based on the distance between the air conditioner (100) and the user being less than or equal to a first reference distance, and control the air conditioning module (212) to operate the air conditioner in a windless mode based on the distance between the air conditioner (100) and the user being greater than the first reference distance.

3. The air conditioner (100) as described in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to control the air conditioning module (212) to perform an airflow direction rotation operation while blowing a strong airflow during a first time segment of the sleep-on mode and a second time segment of the wake-up mode.

4. The air conditioner (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to: in a first time segment of the sleep-on mode, control the air conditioning module (212) to perform an airflow direction rotation operation within a first angular range including the identified user's location; in a second time segment of the wake-up mode, control the air conditioning module (212) to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a second angular range including the identified user's location; and, based on the user's selection of the airflow direction rotation operation, control the air conditioning module (212) to perform the airflow direction rotation operation within a third angular range. Each of the first and second angle ranges is an angle range smaller than the third angle range.

5. The air conditioner (100) as described in claim 4, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to determine, based on the identified location of the user, a first angle range and a second angle range as one of a plurality of sub-angle ranges specified for the airflow direction rotation operation.

6. The air conditioner (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to: determine a first angular range and a second angular range as the location including the two or more users based on the detection of two or more users in the target space according to the sensor detection value of the detection sensor.

7. The air conditioner (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first time segment is the time segment starting from the time sleep begins. The second time period is the time interval that begins before the expected wake-up time and ends at the expected wake-up time, and Each of the first and second time segments is defined as falling within a range of 3 minutes to 20 minutes.

8. The air conditioner (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to: in the sleep-on mode, set the target temperature of the air conditioning module (212) to be lower than the user-set temperature; in the deep sleep mode, set the target temperature of the air conditioning module (212) to periodically increase and decrease within a temperature range between the user-set temperature and a temperature higher than the user-set temperature; and in the wake-up mode, set the target temperature of the air conditioning module (212) to be higher than the user-set temperature.

9. The air conditioner (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 further includes a communication module (802), said communication module (802) including a communication circuit. in, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to receive sleep activation information from an external device via the communication module (802), indicating that the user in the target space has started to sleep, and to start the sleep mode based on the sleep activation information.

10. The air conditioner (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to initiate the sleep mode from the bedtime set by the user.

11. The air conditioner (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to: receive user input for setting a sleep duration, and calculate an expected wake-up time based on the sleep onset time when the user begins sleep and the sleep duration set by the user. The wake-up mode is a specified time period preceding the expected wake-up time.

12. The air conditioner (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 further includes a communication module (802), said communication module (802) including a communication circuit. in, The at least one processor (210) is individually and / or collectively configured to: obtain wake-up alarm time information set by the user from an external device via the communication module (802), use the wake-up alarm time information to set an expected wake-up time, and operate in the wake-up mode during a specified time period prior to the expected wake-up time.

13. A method for controlling an air conditioner, the method comprising: The sensor readings from the detection sensors are used to identify the user's location in the target space; Enter sleep mode, which includes sleep on mode, deep sleep mode, and wake-up mode; In the sleep-on mode, during the first time period, the air conditioning module is controlled to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location. In the deep sleep mode, the air conditioning module is controlled to blow indirect airflow towards the user based on the user's location; as well as In the wake-up mode, during the second time period, the air conditioning module is controlled to blow direct airflow to the user based on the user's location.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: In the deep sleep mode, Based on the fact that the distance between the air conditioner and the user is less than or equal to a first reference distance, the air conditioner module is controlled to blow upward airflow. as well as Based on the fact that the distance between the air conditioner and the user is greater than a first reference distance, the air conditioner module is controlled to operate the air conditioner in a windless mode.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon, the program causing an air conditioner to perform the method according to any one of claims 13 and 14 when executed by at least one processor.

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