Air conditioner control method and device, air conditioner and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an air conditioner control method and device, an air conditioner and a storage medium. The air conditioner control method comprises the steps that the day-night state of the environment where an air conditioner is located is obtained in response to an instruction for starting a target mode; the day and night state is a daytime state or a night state; based on the day and night state, the operation threshold value of at least one actuator of the air conditioner is determined; noise generated when the actuator operates according to the operation threshold value in the night state is lower than noise generated when the actuator operates according to the operation threshold value in the daytime state; and controlling the actuator to operate the target mode within the operation threshold. The noise influence of the air conditioner in the target mode can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to air conditioning control methods, devices, air conditioners, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of air conditioning technology, air conditioners have become an indispensable appliance in people's daily lives. In this technology, air conditioners can operate according to the user-set temperature and airflow. However, the operation of the air conditioner's actuators (such as the indoor unit's fan, the outdoor unit's fan, and the compressor) generates noise. This noise is especially pronounced in high-airflow or high-heating-demand modes, leading to a poor user experience.

[0003] Therefore, how to reduce noise while ensuring the cooling (or heating) effect of air conditioning is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, the present invention provides an air conditioning control method, device, air conditioner and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning control method is provided, comprising:

[0006] In response to the command to activate the target mode, the day and night status of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is obtained; the day and night status is either daytime or nighttime.

[0007] Based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner is determined; the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the day state.

[0008] The actuator is controlled to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

[0009] Optionally, determining the operating threshold of at least one actuator of the air conditioner based on the day-night state includes:

[0010] Based on the day / night state, a first operating threshold and a second operating threshold are determined for the actuator; the first operating threshold is used to limit the noise level generated by the actuator during operation under the day / night state; the second operating threshold is used to limit the actuator to operate within a safe range under the day / night state.

[0011] The operating threshold of the actuator is determined based on the first operating threshold and the second operating threshold.

[0012] Optionally, during the daytime state, the second operating threshold is lower than the first operating threshold; during the nighttime state, the second operating threshold is higher than the first operating threshold.

[0013] Optionally, the actuator includes: a fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, wherein the speed of the indoor unit fan in the target mode is greater than the speed of the indoor unit fan in other modes; the other modes are air conditioner operating modes other than the target mode;

[0014] And / or,

[0015] The actuator includes: a fan of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, wherein the speed of the outdoor unit fan in the target mode is greater than the speed of the outdoor unit fan in other modes;

[0016] And / or,

[0017] The actuator includes: the compressor of the air conditioner, wherein the frequency increase rate of the compressor in the target mode is greater than the frequency increase rate of the compressor in other modes;

[0018] And / or,

[0019] The target mode is a cooling target mode, and the actuator includes: the cooling capacity control expansion valve of the air conditioner. In the target mode, the closing speed of the cooling capacity control expansion valve is greater than the closing speed of the cooling capacity control expansion valve in other modes.

[0020] Optionally, before responding to the instruction to enable the target mode, the method further includes:

[0021] When the temperature of the environment where the air conditioner is located meets the target mode triggering condition, the instruction to activate the target mode is generated;

[0022] or,

[0023] Receive the user-triggered instruction to enable the target mode.

[0024] Optionally, controlling the actuator to run the target mode within the operating threshold includes:

[0025] The actuator is controlled to operate at a first power for a first preset duration;

[0026] After the first preset time period, the temperature within the target space is detected;

[0027] In response to the temperature difference between the target space temperature and the set temperature being greater than the preset temperature difference, and the air conditioner showing no abnormality after the first preset time, the actuator is controlled to run at the second power for the second preset time. The running threshold is used to characterize the second power, and the first power is less than the second power.

[0028] Optionally, the target space includes multiple rooms, each room being equipped with an indoor unit of the air conditioner. The actuator includes: an outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the indoor unit. Before controlling the actuator to operate the target mode within the operating threshold, the method further includes:

[0029] Based on the operating threshold of the outdoor unit and the weight of the room, the operating threshold of the indoor unit in the room is determined;

[0030] The control of the actuator to run the target mode within the operating threshold includes:

[0031] The outdoor unit is controlled to operate within its operating threshold, and the indoor unit is controlled to operate within its operating threshold, in the target mode.

[0032] Optionally, obtaining the day-night state of the environment where the air conditioner is located includes:

[0033] The day / night state of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is determined by the light intensity of the environment and / or the current time.

[0034] Optionally, the actuator includes: a fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, the target mode is a heating target mode, and after controlling the actuator to operate in the target mode within the operating threshold, the method further includes:

[0035] Obtain the air outlet temperature of the air conditioner;

[0036] In response to the air outlet temperature being lower than the set temperature, the fan speed of the indoor unit is reduced to the target speed.

[0037] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning control device is provided, comprising:

[0038] The acquisition module is used to acquire the day and night status of the environment where the air conditioner is located in response to the instruction to start the target mode; the day and night status is either daytime or nighttime.

[0039] A processing module is configured to determine, based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner; the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold under the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold under the day state.

[0040] The control module is used to control the actuator to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided, comprising:

[0042] processor;

[0043] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0044] The processor is configured as follows:

[0045] In response to the command to activate the target mode, the day and night status of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is obtained; the day and night status is either daytime or nighttime.

[0046] Based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner is determined; the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the day state.

[0047] The actuator is controlled to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

[0048] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein when instructions in the storage medium are executed by a processor of an air conditioner, the air conditioner is enabled to perform an air conditioner control method, the method comprising:

[0049] In response to the command to activate the target mode, the day and night status of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is obtained; the day and night status is either daytime or nighttime.

[0050] Based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner is determined; the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the day state.

[0051] The actuator is controlled to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

[0052] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of the first aspects.

[0053] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention can include the following beneficial effects: When the air conditioner enters the target mode, it first determines whether the environment in which the air conditioner is located is daytime or nighttime. By ensuring that the noise generated by the actuator operating at a threshold value at nighttime is lower than that generated by operating at a threshold value during the daytime, and considering the user's tolerance for noise under different daytime and nighttime conditions, the operating threshold of the air conditioner actuator is determined based on the daytime and nighttime conditions, so that the operating threshold can adapt to the user's needs under different daytime and nighttime conditions. Then, the actuator is controlled to operate in the target mode within the determined operating threshold, ensuring the operating effect of the air conditioner in the target mode. Through the above method, when the air conditioner enters the target mode (e.g., a rapid cooling or heating mode), the extreme operating capability of the actuator can be automatically adjusted according to the daytime and nighttime conditions. It can take full advantage of the higher noise tolerance during the day to achieve faster adjustment speed, and ensure low noise operation at night to improve the user experience. Thus, a balance between air conditioner performance and noise control is achieved under different daytime and nighttime conditions, ensuring the air conditioner's operating effect while reducing noise impact and improving the user experience.

[0054] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0055] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioning control method according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating another air conditioning control method according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an air conditioning control device according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an air conditioning control device 400 according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an air conditioning control device 500 according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a chip system for air conditioning control according to some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. Various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein will become apparent upon understanding the invention. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to those orders set forth herein, but can be changed as will become apparent upon understanding the invention, except for operations that must be performed in a specific order. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted.

[0063] The inventors discovered through research that people's tolerance for noise varies between day and night. During the day, the ambient sound environment is richer, and people are more active, resulting in a relatively higher noise perception threshold, allowing them to tolerate a certain level of noise, especially that related to daily activities. However, at night, during rest periods, the environment becomes quieter, and people tend to relax and sleep. At this time, continuous noise, such as the sound of an air conditioner running, can cause user dissatisfaction.

[0064] In view of this, the present invention proposes a method for noise control of air conditioners based on the day and night conditions of the environment in which the air conditioner is located. Using this method, different operating thresholds can be set for the air conditioner actuator during the day and night, enabling the air conditioner to operate in a target mode within different operating thresholds under different day and night conditions. This reduces noise impact while maximizing the cooling (or heating) effect of the air conditioner and improving the user experience.

[0065] The embodiments described in the following examples of the present invention do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0066] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioning control method according to some embodiments of the present invention. This air conditioning control method can be used in an air conditioner. In some embodiments, the air conditioner may include a processing module (also referred to as a processor, controller, or the main control board of the air conditioner, etc.). The executing entity of the air conditioning control method can be the processing module (or in some embodiments, the executing entity of the air conditioning control method can also be referred to as the air conditioner). The processing module can be, for example, any electronic module with processing capabilities, such as a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc. Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning control method may include the following steps:

[0067] In step S11, in response to the instruction to activate the target mode, the day and night status of the environment where the air conditioner is located is obtained.

[0068] Optionally, the target mode can be any operating mode of the air conditioner. For example, the target mode can be an operating mode that produces significant noise. Alternatively, the target mode can be a high-performance or rapid temperature-regulating operating mode. In some embodiments, the target mode can also be referred to as a "powerful mode," "rapid cooling mode," "rapid heating mode," or "strong mode," etc. This invention does not limit the target mode. In some embodiments, the aforementioned powerful mode can also be referred to as an enhanced mode. This enhanced mode can be used to control the air conditioner's actuator (e.g., the compressor) to operate based on a first frequency. Taking an actuator including a compressor as an example, the first frequency can be greater than a preset upper frequency limit for the compressor. For example, taking an upper frequency limit of 120 Hz as an example, after activating the enhanced mode, the compressor can operate at a frequency of 135 Hz.

[0069] Taking the target mode as the Frenzy Mode as an example, in Frenzy Mode, the compressor's operating frequency is greater than the preset frequency and / or the fan's (inner or outer) operating speed is greater than the preset speed. The preset frequency is the maximum value of the compressor's operating frequency in other modes, and the preset speed is the maximum operating speed of the fan in other modes; other modes are modes other than Frenzy Mode.

[0070] Other modes can be modes that meet noise requirements. For example, other modes may include gentle breeze mode, normal cooling / heating mode, and the highest fan speed setting. When the air conditioner is in these modes, the noise generated by the air conditioner needs to be lower than the preset noise level. For example, if the preset noise level of the indoor unit is 42 decibels and the preset noise level of the outdoor unit is 52 decibels, when the air conditioner is in these modes, the compressor and the indoor and outdoor fans will generate noise, but the noise levels of the indoor and outdoor units will still be within the preset noise levels of the indoor and outdoor units, respectively.

[0071] The preset noise levels of the indoor and outdoor units refer to the noise values ​​of the indoor and outdoor units as indicated on the nameplates, based on national standard testing.

[0072] In some embodiments, when the compressor's operating frequency is greater than a preset frequency, it indicates that the present invention targets the air conditioner's "extreme" mode. Specifically, the preset frequency is not the physical limit frequency that the compressor's hardware structure can withstand, but rather the maximum frequency among the normal frequencies set by the air conditioner in other modes to balance daily energy efficiency, equipment wear and tear, and operating noise. This normal frequency is based on scenarios of stable operation rather than extreme performance.

[0073] The core characteristic of the "Rampage Mode" is that the compressor operates at a frequency higher than the preset frequency. This is because the primary requirement of Rampage Mode is to rapidly reduce indoor temperature differences, thus exceeding the frequency limitations of normal mode. The compressor operates at a higher frequency to maximize cooling / heating capacity. In other words, Rampage Mode overcomes noise limitations to achieve maximum cooling or heating effects. This ensures that while the compressor's operating frequency exceeds the conventional upper limit, it remains below the compressor's hardware limits, achieving a balance between high-frequency efficiency and operational safety, precisely matching the usage scenarios of Rampage Mode.

[0074] In all operating modes except for the "Rampage" mode, the compressor's highest operating frequency at maximum load is n1. In Rampage mode, the compressor's operating frequency is n2. Under the same operating conditions, n2 > n1, where n1 is less than the upper frequency limit indicated on the compressor's nameplate, and n2 is less than or equal to the upper frequency limit indicated on the compressor's nameplate. For example, in all operating modes except for Rampage mode, taking a certain model of air conditioner as an example, in cooling mode, n1 is (80-90) Hz, and in heating mode, n1 is (100-110) Hz. In Rampage mode, in cooling mode, n2 is (91-140) Hz, and in heating mode, n2 is (111-140) Hz.

[0075] Taking a 1.5 horsepower air conditioner as an example, in all operating modes except for the "Raging Mode", the compressor operates at a maximum frequency of 108 Hz when at maximum load, reaching 77% of the upper limit of the compressor nameplate frequency. In "Raging Mode", the compressor is allowed to operate at a frequency exceeding 108 Hz, but less than or equal to 140 Hz. That is, in "Raging Mode", the compressor's maximum operating frequency can reach 100% of the upper limit of the compressor nameplate frequency.

[0076] The "Rampage Mode" can overcome the limitations of other modes, with at least one of the operating frequency and fan speed exceeding the preset values, or both simultaneously. However, compared to other modes, it also approaches the hardware limits of the compressor and fan. Prolonged operation may cause the temperature of electrical components and control systems to exceed their limits. Therefore, within the design margin, Rampage Mode is allowed to run for 5-60 minutes before exiting. The duration of Rampage Mode can be set by the user or left as a default value.

[0077] For example, the instruction to activate the target mode may be a command actively triggered by the user via a remote control, smart voice assistant, or mobile terminal application. Alternatively, the instruction may be automatically generated by the air conditioner based on environmental perception and prediction logic. This invention does not limit the source of the instruction to activate the target mode.

[0078] The aforementioned day / night state can be either a daytime state or a nighttime state. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the daytime state can also be referred to as a daytime period, and the nighttime state can also be referred to as a nighttime period.

[0079] As one possible implementation, the air conditioner can determine the day / night state of the environment by the light intensity of the surroundings and / or the current time.

[0080] Taking the determination of the day / night state of an environment by the light intensity of its surroundings as an example, the air conditioner can, for instance, detect the light intensity of the environment using a photosensitive sensor installed in the environment (e.g., inside a room or on the outdoor unit). Then, the air conditioner can, for instance, determine that the environment is in a daytime state when the light intensity is greater than or equal to a pre-set light intensity threshold. The air conditioner can, for instance, determine that the environment is in a nighttime state when the light intensity is less than the pre-set light intensity threshold. Alternatively, the air conditioner can also determine the day / night state based on the light intensity and a mapping relationship between light intensity and day / night state (this mapping relationship can, for example, be calibrated offline by a technician and pre-stored in the air conditioner controller).

[0081] Taking determining the day / night state of the environment where the air conditioner is located based on the current time as an example, the air conditioner can obtain the current time (e.g., through the air conditioner's built-in clock module, or by synchronizing the current time from the network), and determine the current day / night state based on preset time ranges for daytime (e.g., 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and nighttime (e.g., 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM the next day). For example, if the current time falls within the aforementioned daytime state, then the day / night state of the environment where the air conditioner is located is daytime. If the current time falls within the time range of nighttime, then the day / night state of the environment where the air conditioner is located is nighttime.

[0082] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the air conditioner can combine the aforementioned light intensity and current time information, and determine the day / night state through weighted judgment or logical AND / OR operations, thereby improving the accuracy of the day / night state determination for the environment in which the air conditioner is located. For example, the current time can be used as a more weighted criterion for determination, while light intensity can be used as an auxiliary verification or fine-tuning. For example, during a preset daytime period, the air conditioner can still determine that it is in daytime state even if the light intensity is temporarily lower than a threshold (such as on a cloudy or rainy day). During a preset nighttime period, if the light intensity is abnormal and continues to be higher than a threshold (such as when the room lights are on at night), it can be combined with other sensors (such as a human presence sensor) to determine whether it is a false judgment or to maintain the nighttime state.

[0083] In step S12, based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner is determined. The noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold under the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold under the day state.

[0084] The actuator can be, for example, any component in an air conditioner used to perform physical actions to regulate temperature, airflow, and other states. Examples of such actuators include, but are not limited to, compressors, indoor unit fans, outdoor unit fans, and cooling capacity control expansion valves.

[0085] Optionally, the aforementioned operating threshold can be the upper limit of the parameters allowed for the actuator to operate in the target mode. For example, taking the fan of the indoor or outdoor unit as an example, the operating threshold of the fan can be the maximum allowable speed. That is to say, the noise generated by the fan running at the maximum allowable speed at night is lower than the noise generated by the fan running at the maximum allowable speed during the day, i.e., the maximum allowable speed at night is lower than the maximum allowable speed during the day.

[0086] Taking a compressor as an example, the operating threshold of the compressor can be the maximum allowable frequency, etc. In other words, the noise generated by the compressor operating at the maximum allowable frequency at night is lower than the noise generated by the compressor operating at the maximum allowable frequency during the day. That is, the maximum allowable frequency at night is lower than the maximum allowable frequency during the day.

[0087] Optionally, the air conditioner can determine the operating threshold of at least one actuator based on the aforementioned day-night state and the mapping relationship between the day-night state and the actuator's operating threshold. This mapping relationship can, for example, be a mapping relationship calibrated offline by a technician and pre-stored in the air conditioner controller. An example, this mapping relationship can be shown in Table 1 below:

[0088] Table 1

[0089]

[0090] Taking the mapping relationship shown in Table 1 as an example, assuming that the day and night state of the environment where the air conditioner is located is night, the operating thresholds of actuator 1, actuator 2 and actuator 3 of the air conditioner are operating threshold 12, operating threshold 22 and operating threshold 32, respectively.

[0091] In step S13, the actuator is controlled to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

[0092] For example, taking the aforementioned "violent mode" as the target mode, the operating parameters of this target mode can be set to a higher level than those of the normal comfort mode. For instance, in the target mode during cooling operation, the operating parameters may include: higher indoor fan speed, higher outdoor fan speed, and a faster compressor frequency increase rate, etc., to achieve rapid cooling. Optionally, the air conditioner may, for example, pre-store the operating parameters of each actuator under various operating modes.

[0093] For example, the air conditioner can control the actuator to operate according to the operating parameters when the aforementioned operating parameters are less than or equal to the operating threshold. The air conditioner can also control the actuator to operate according to the operating threshold when the aforementioned operating parameters are greater than the operating threshold.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner enters the target mode, it first determines whether the environment is daytime or nighttime. By ensuring that the noise generated by the actuator operating at a threshold level at night is lower than that operating at a threshold level during the day, and considering the user's noise tolerance under different daytime and nighttime conditions, the operating threshold of the air conditioner actuator is determined based on this daytime / nighttime condition. This operating threshold adapts to the user's needs under different daytime / nighttime conditions. Then, the actuator is controlled to operate in the target mode within this determined operating threshold, ensuring the effective operation of the air conditioner in the target mode. Through this method, when the air conditioner enters the target mode (e.g., a rapid cooling or heating "frenzy" mode), the actuator's extreme operating capability can be automatically adjusted according to daytime / nighttime conditions. This allows for faster adjustment speeds by fully utilizing higher noise tolerance during the day, while ensuring low-noise operation at night to improve the user experience. This achieves a balance between air conditioner performance and noise control under different daytime / nighttime conditions, ensuring the air conditioner's operating effect while reducing noise impact and improving the user experience.

[0095] The following section details how an air conditioner determines the operating threshold of at least one actuator based on day and night conditions:

[0096] As one possible implementation, the air conditioner can, for example, determine a first operating threshold and a second operating threshold for the actuator based on day and night conditions. The first operating threshold can be used to characterize the noise level of the actuator under different day and night conditions. That is, the first operating threshold can be used to limit the noise level generated by the actuator under different day and night conditions. The second operating threshold can be used to characterize the safe operating range of the actuator under different day and night conditions. That is, the second operating threshold can be used to limit the actuator to operate within a safe range under different day and night conditions. Then, the air conditioner can determine the operating threshold of the actuator based on the first and second operating thresholds.

[0097] The aforementioned first operating threshold takes into account the user's tolerance for noise, and can be used as the upper limit of noise constraint set for the actuator. The noise generated by the actuator operating according to the first operating threshold in nighttime conditions can be lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating according to the first operating threshold in daytime conditions. Optionally, the method for the air conditioner to determine the first operating threshold of the actuator based on day and night conditions can refer to the method described in the foregoing embodiments for determining the operating threshold of at least one actuator of the air conditioner based on day and night conditions, which will not be repeated here.

[0098] The aforementioned second operating threshold takes into account both the reliability of the air conditioning system and the safety of its components, and can be used as the upper limit of the safe operating range for the actuators. This is because the reliability of each actuator in the air conditioning system is closely related to its workload and temperature. For example, during the day, the outdoor ambient temperature is high, the condensing pressure of the air conditioning system is high, and the overall load is heavy. Operating at extremely high parameters for extended periods under these conditions would exacerbate damage to components such as the compressor and motor. At night, the outdoor ambient temperature decreases, the condensing pressure of the air conditioning system decreases, and the overall operating load is reduced. Therefore, the actuators of the air conditioning system can have more relaxed operating conditions.

[0099] Optionally, the second operating threshold (safety upper limit) corresponding to the daytime state can be lower than the second operating threshold corresponding to the nighttime state. In other words, the safety of the actuator operating according to the second operating threshold in the daytime state can be higher than the safety of the actuator operating according to the second operating threshold in the nighttime state (i.e., the second operating threshold corresponding to the daytime state is more safe and conservative).

[0100] In some embodiments, during the daytime state, the second operating threshold can be lower than the first operating threshold. As mentioned earlier, the ambient noise background value is high during the daytime state, and users have a relatively high tolerance for noise. Therefore, the actuator can be configured to operate at a higher first operating threshold (i.e., the upper limit of noise constraints). However, the high ambient temperature during the daytime state may lead to a heavy load on the air conditioning system and relatively stringent heat dissipation conditions. Therefore, to ensure the safe operation of the air conditioning system, the second operating threshold can be relatively low. Using the above method, safe operation during the daytime state can be achieved based on the second operating threshold (i.e., the safe range).

[0101] In the aforementioned nighttime state, the second operating threshold can be higher than the first operating threshold. As mentioned earlier, the ambient noise background value is low at night, and users have a relatively low tolerance for noise. Therefore, the actuator can be configured with a lower first operating threshold (i.e., the upper limit of noise constraint). The ambient temperature is also lower at night, having less impact on the load and heat dissipation of the air conditioning system. Therefore, while ensuring the safety of air conditioning operation, the second operating threshold can be relatively higher. Through the above method, safe operation can be achieved at night based on the first operating threshold (i.e., noise constraint), reducing the impact of air conditioning noise at night.

[0102] For example, the air conditioner may pre-store a mapping relationship between day / night states and the aforementioned second operating threshold. The air conditioner can determine the second operating threshold of the actuator based on the aforementioned day / night states and the mapping relationship between the day / night states and the aforementioned second operating threshold.

[0103] As one possible implementation, the air conditioner can use the smaller of a first operating threshold and a second operating threshold as the operating threshold for the controller. This method ensures that the actual operation of the actuator does not exceed the user-acceptable noise level under day and night conditions (i.e., the constraint of the first operating threshold), nor does it exceed the range for safe and reliable system operation under the current day and night conditions (i.e., the constraint of the second operating threshold).

[0104] As another possible implementation, the air conditioner may, for example, use the average of the first operating threshold and the second operating threshold as the operating threshold of the controller.

[0105] In this embodiment, the actuator's operating threshold is determined by using a first operating threshold to characterize the noise level allowed for the actuator to operate under different day and night conditions, and a second operating threshold to characterize the safe operating range of the actuator under different day and night conditions. This achieves a balance between noise control and operational safety, reducing the problem of poor user experience or equipment risk caused by considering only one factor, and ensuring the safety of air conditioning use while improving the user experience.

[0106] As mentioned above, the actuator may include at least one of the following: an indoor unit fan of an air conditioner, an outdoor unit fan of an air conditioner, an air conditioner compressor, and a cooling capacity control expansion valve. The target mode will be described in detail below using examples of an actuator including an indoor unit fan, an outdoor unit fan, an air conditioner compressor, or a cooling capacity control expansion valve:

[0107] Taking the actuator, including the fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, as an example, as a possible implementation, the fan speed of the indoor unit in the target mode can be greater than the fan speed of the indoor unit in other modes. Here, the other modes can be any air conditioner operating mode other than the target mode.

[0108] For example, the other modes mentioned above can be any of the existing air conditioning operating modes such as automatic mode, comfort mode, or sleep mode.

[0109] Taking the target mode in cooling mode as an example, a higher fan speed in the indoor unit can accelerate the heat exchange rate between the indoor air and the air conditioner's evaporator, and enhance the circulation and diffusion of cool air in the room, thus causing the room temperature to drop faster. Taking the target mode in heating mode as an example, a higher fan speed in the indoor unit can quickly blow heat out and distribute it throughout the entire space, thus causing the room temperature to rise faster.

[0110] Taking the outdoor unit fan of the air conditioner as an example, the fan speed in this target mode can be higher than that in other modes. Optionally, the higher outdoor unit fan speed in the target mode can enhance the condenser's heat dissipation capacity. Taking cooling mode as an example, the higher outdoor unit fan speed in the target mode can improve the efficiency of reducing condenser temperature and pressure, thus laying the foundation for increasing the compressor's frequency. Taking heating mode as an example, the higher outdoor unit fan speed in the target mode can improve the efficiency of transferring heat to the room.

[0111] Taking the compressor of an air conditioner as an example, the compressor's frequency increase rate (or speed) in this target mode can be greater than the compressor's frequency increase rate in other modes.

[0112] For example, in the other modes mentioned above, the compressor frequency can be increased at a gradual rate of 5 Hz every 10 seconds. In the target mode, the compressor frequency can be increased at a rate of 10 Hz every 10 seconds, for example, to improve cooling or heating efficiency.

[0113] Taking the target mode as a cooling operation as an example, the actuator may further include, for instance, an air conditioning capacity control expansion valve. In this target mode, the closing speed of the capacity control expansion valve can be greater than the closing speed of the capacity control expansion valve in the other modes mentioned above.

[0114] Optionally, in target mode, by controlling the cooling capacity control expansion valve to close at a faster speed, the flow of refrigerant to the evaporator can be reduced, allowing more refrigerant to accumulate on the condenser side. This rapidly increases the condensing pressure and the overall refrigerant circulation of the refrigeration system, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner in target mode.

[0115] The following is an example illustrating the method for generating instructions to enable target mode:

[0116] As one possible implementation, the air conditioner can obtain the aforementioned instruction to activate the target mode before responding to the instruction to activate the target mode.

[0117] In some embodiments, the air conditioner may generate the above-mentioned instruction to activate the target mode when the temperature of the environment where the air conditioner is located meets the target mode triggering conditions.

[0118] For example, the temperature of the environment where the air conditioner is located can refer to the temperature of the environment where the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is located, or the temperature of the environment where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is located. The way to obtain the temperature of the environment where the air conditioner is located can refer to any existing method for obtaining the temperature of the environment where the air conditioner is located, such as obtaining the weather forecast temperature from the network as the temperature of the environment where the air conditioner is located, or detecting the temperature of the environment where the air conditioner is located through the air conditioner's temperature sensor, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0119] For example, the target mode triggering condition described above could be that the difference between the ambient temperature of the air conditioner and a preset temperature is greater than a preset difference. In some embodiments, the target mode triggering condition could also be related to the season. For example, in summer (when the outdoor temperature is high), the target mode triggering condition could be that the difference between the ambient temperature of the air conditioner and the preset temperature is greater than a preset difference. In winter (when the outdoor temperature is low), the target mode triggering condition could be that the difference between the preset temperature and the ambient temperature of the air conditioner is greater than a preset difference.

[0120] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the air conditioner can also receive a user-triggered command to activate the target mode. For example, the command to activate the target mode may be triggered by the user via a remote control, a smart voice assistant, or a mobile terminal application.

[0121] Using the above method, when the ambient temperature meets the target mode trigger conditions, the command to activate the target mode can be automatically generated, thereby triggering the air conditioner to automatically run the target mode, improving the flexibility of triggering the target mode. Alternatively, the target mode can also be activated by the user, enriching the interaction scenarios between the air conditioner and the user and improving the user experience.

[0122] In some embodiments, taking the air conditioner used to regulate the temperature in the target space as an example, the air conditioner can first determine the trigger confidence of the target mode based on the mode trigger parameters. These mode trigger parameters may include at least one of the following: environmental information of the environment in which the air conditioner is located, the predicted time when a human is in the target space, and the state parameters of the air conditioner.

[0123] The air conditioner can also obtain health monitoring results based on its status parameters.

[0124] The air conditioner can generate the above-mentioned instruction to start the target mode when the aforementioned trigger confidence level is greater than or equal to the preset confidence level, and the health monitoring result is used to characterize that the air conditioner is operating without abnormality.

[0125] For example, the environmental information of the environment where the air conditioner is located may include, but is not limited to: linkage signals from the smart home system, short-term strong sunlight or high temperature forecasts provided by weather applications (APPs), surface temperatures of walls or objects detected by indoor infrared sensors, and sensor signals from door, window, or curtain opening / closing status sensors. This environmental information of the air conditioner's environment can characterize the impending changes in indoor heat load.

[0126] For example, the predicted time when the human body is in the target space can be predicted based on the user's historical time in that target space. It should be understood that the air conditioner's backend server can, for example, predict the predicted time when the human body is in the target space based on the user's historical time in that target space, and synchronize this predicted time to the air conditioner. Alternatively, the air conditioner can, for example, predict when the user will return to the target space (e.g., "expected to arrive home in 10 minutes") based on monitoring data from intelligent interconnected devices such as millimeter-wave radar and smart door locks.

[0127] Optionally, the status parameters of the air conditioner may include, for example, real-time operating data of the air conditioner, such as starting current, condenser pressure, cooling or heating temperature, and historical data (such as the accumulated high-load operating time of the day).

[0128] Optionally, the trigger confidence of the aforementioned target mode can be used, for example, to characterize the accuracy of automatically determining whether the target mode needs to be activated based on the trigger parameters of that mode. A higher trigger confidence indicates higher accuracy in triggering the command to activate the target mode based on the trigger parameters of that mode. A lower trigger confidence indicates lower accuracy in triggering the command to activate the target mode based on the trigger parameters of that mode.

[0129] Optionally, the air conditioner can input the aforementioned mode triggering parameters into a confidence assessment model to obtain the triggering confidence of the target mode. This confidence assessment model can be, for example, a pre-trained deep learning model or machine learning model that "outputs a confidence level characterizing the accuracy of the air conditioner automatically entering the target mode under the input mode triggering parameters." Alternatively, the air conditioner can determine the triggering confidence of the target mode based on the mode triggering parameters, referring to any existing method for determining confidence, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0130] Optionally, the above health monitoring results can be used to characterize whether there are any abnormalities in the operation of the air conditioner.

[0131] In some embodiments, the air conditioner can input the aforementioned state parameters into an air conditioner health monitoring model to obtain the air conditioner's health monitoring results. This air conditioner health monitoring model can be, for example, a pre-trained deep learning model or machine learning model that "can output a judgment result on whether the air conditioner is operating abnormally under the input state parameters."

[0132] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the air conditioner may also obtain the health monitoring results based on the aforementioned state parameters and the mapping relationship between the state parameters and health monitoring results. The mapping relationship between the state parameters and health monitoring results may, for example, be a mapping relationship calibrated by technicians through offline experiments and pre-stored in the air conditioner.

[0133] Alternatively, for example, the air conditioner can also obtain the aforementioned health monitoring results by comparing the above-mentioned status parameters with corresponding preset safe operating thresholds. For instance, the air conditioner can perform at least one of the following checks: electrical safety (e.g., determining whether the air conditioner's starting current in the status parameters exceeds the upper limit of the safe starting current allowed by the hardware), system pressure safety (e.g., checking whether critical system pressures such as condenser pressure are within the allowable range), fault code checks (e.g., detecting whether the air conditioning system has any pre-stored fault alarm codes), and heat load and fatigue protection checks (e.g., based on the air conditioner's historical operating records, determining whether the cumulative high-load operating time for the day is greater than or equal to the protection threshold). If any of the above checks exceeds the safe allowable range, optionally, the air conditioner can determine that the health monitoring results can be used to characterize an abnormality in the air conditioner. If none of the above checks exceed the safe allowable range, optionally, the air conditioner can determine that the health monitoring results can be used to characterize that the air conditioner is operating normally.

[0134] Optionally, the aforementioned preset confidence level can be, for example, a confidence threshold calibrated by technicians through offline experiments. In some embodiments, the confidence level can be, for example, 0.7 (i.e., 70%).

[0135] If the aforementioned trigger confidence level is greater than or equal to the preset confidence level, and the health monitoring results indicate that the air conditioner is operating normally without any abnormalities, it means that the current trigger to activate the target mode is highly accurate, and the air conditioner is currently operating normally in the target mode. Therefore, by generating the aforementioned instruction to activate the target mode when the trigger confidence level is greater than or equal to the preset confidence level and the health monitoring results indicate that the air conditioner is operating normally without any abnormalities, the accuracy of automatically activating the target mode and the safety of its operation are ensured.

[0136] In some embodiments, if the aforementioned trigger confidence level is less than a preset confidence level (indicating that the accuracy of triggering the target mode is low), and if the health monitoring results are used to characterize an abnormality in the air conditioner's operation (indicating that the safety of the air conditioner operating in the target mode is low), the air conditioner can terminate the generation of the command to activate the target mode to avoid automatically activating the target mode. Through the above method, the safety of the air conditioner's operation and the accuracy of automatically entering the target mode are ensured.

[0137] The following is a detailed explanation of how an air conditioner controls its actuators to operate within the target threshold and in the target mode:

[0138] As one possible implementation, the air conditioner can first control the actuator to operate at a first power for a first preset time. After the first preset time, the temperature in the target space (used by the air conditioner to regulate the temperature in the target space) is detected. Then, the air conditioner determines whether the temperature difference between the target space temperature and the set temperature is greater than a preset temperature difference.

[0139] If the temperature difference between the target space and the set temperature is greater than the preset temperature difference (indicating that the air conditioner needs to further adjust the temperature in the target space), and the air conditioner operates normally after the first preset time (indicating that the air conditioner has the ability to operate in the target mode), then the air conditioner can control the actuator to operate at the second power for the second preset time. The operating threshold can be used to characterize this second power. The first power is less than the second power.

[0140] Taking a compressor as the actuator, the first power and the second power mentioned above can be the power of the compressor. Taking a fan of an outdoor or indoor unit as the actuator, the first power and the second power mentioned above can be the rotational power of the fan (the higher the power, the higher the speed; the lower the power, the lower the speed). Taking the aforementioned cooling capacity control expansion valve as the actuator, the first power and the second power mentioned above can be the power of the cooling capacity control expansion valve (the higher the power, the faster the closing speed; the lower the power, the slower the closing speed).

[0141] Optionally, the first power can be a performance setting used to achieve "low-impact pre-adjustment". The first power can be higher than the power of the normal comfort mode, but lower than the limit allowed by the operating threshold (second power). For example, the air conditioner can control the compressor to run at a moderately fast up-frequency rate to an intermediate frequency, and control the indoor and outdoor fans to run at a relatively high (but not maximum) speed.

[0142] Optionally, the aforementioned first preset duration can be a fixed value, such as 2 minutes or 3 minutes, pre-stored in the air conditioner. In some embodiments, the first preset duration can also be dynamically calculated and determined by the air conditioner based on the temperature difference between the initial temperature and the set temperature in the target space. For example, the rule is "for every 1°C decrease (or increase) (i.e., the temperature difference between the initial temperature and the set temperature in the target space), run for 1 to 3 minutes (i.e., the first preset duration)" to dynamically determine the first preset duration, ensuring that the first preset duration is less than or equal to the maximum preset duration.

[0143] The above methods avoid causing users drastic temperature differences and airflow shocks, and ensure the comfort of the human activity area by gently and quickly adjusting to the set temperature.

[0144] For example, an air conditioner can detect the temperature in the target space through a built-in room temperature sensor or an environmental sensor connected to the air conditioner.

[0145] Optionally, the aforementioned second preset duration can be a fixed duration value, such as the maximum duration for which the actuator operates at the aforementioned second power. For example, this maximum duration can be no more than 5 minutes of continuous operation in a single run. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the second preset duration can also be a duration dynamically determined by the air conditioner based on its current safe operating state. For example, the air conditioner can determine the remaining safe operating time based on state parameters that can characterize the safe operating state of the air conditioner, such as the current temperature or condensing pressure of the compressor.

[0146] By controlling the actuator to operate at the second power for the second preset duration, the actuator is prevented from working continuously under high load for a long time, thereby improving the safety of the air conditioner's target operating mode.

[0147] If the temperature difference between the target space and the set temperature is less than or equal to the preset temperature difference (indicating that the air conditioner does not need to further adjust the temperature in the target space more drastically), and the health monitoring result of the air conditioner after the first preset time period is used to characterize that the air conditioner is operating abnormally (indicating that the air conditioner does not have the ability to operate safely in the target mode), if either of these two situations occurs, the air conditioner may not control the actuator to operate according to the second power control (for example, the air conditioner may control the actuator to operate according to the power corresponding to the set temperature).

[0148] By employing the aforementioned operational logic, combining the temperature difference between the target space and the set temperature, and using a second safety and health check as a prerequisite for entering the second power control mode, a safe and gradual entry into the target mode is achieved. This method reduces energy waste caused by over-adjustment and minimizes user discomfort. Furthermore, the safety of the air conditioning's target operating mode is further ensured through safety checks and the limitation of a second preset time.

[0149] The following section provides a detailed explanation of how an air conditioner determines the trigger confidence of a target mode based on mode trigger parameters:

[0150] Taking the aforementioned triggering parameters, including environmental information of the air conditioner's environment, the predicted time when a human is in the target space, and the air conditioner's state parameters, as an example, one possible implementation is that the air conditioner can, for example, determine a first initial confidence level for triggering the target mode based on the environmental information of the air conditioner's environment. The air conditioner can, for example, determine a second initial confidence level for triggering the target mode based on the predicted time when a human is in the target space. The air conditioner can, for example, determine a third initial confidence level for triggering the target mode based on the air conditioner's state parameters.

[0151] Then, the air conditioner can, for example, obtain the trigger confidence of the target mode based on the weighted sum of the first initial trigger confidence, the second initial trigger confidence, and the third initial trigger confidence.

[0152] For example, the air conditioner can determine the initial confidence level of the first trigger based on environmental information of the environment in which the air conditioner is located, and a mapping relationship between environmental information and confidence levels (this mapping relationship can be, for example, calibrated offline by a technician and pre-stored in the air conditioner controller). For instance, if the environmental information of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is used to characterize a "short-term high temperature red warning" or a "strong sunlight alarm," then the initial confidence level of the first trigger can be a high confidence level (e.g., 0.9). If the environmental information of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is used to characterize "west-facing wall temperature exceeding 35°C," then the initial confidence level of the first trigger can be a moderately high confidence level (e.g., 0.7). If the environmental information of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is used to characterize a normal temperature rise, then the initial confidence level of the first trigger can be a low confidence level (e.g., 0.3).

[0153] For example, the air conditioner can determine the second initial trigger confidence level based on the interval between the predicted time when a person is in the target space and the current time. For example, this second initial trigger confidence level can be negatively correlated with the interval length. That is, the shorter the interval length, the higher the second initial trigger confidence level; the longer the interval length, the lower the second initial trigger confidence level.

[0154] For example, an air conditioner can input its state parameters into any existing large language model to obtain the third trigger initial confidence of the target mode. For instance, the air conditioner can construct a prompt word based on its state parameters (this prompt word can be used to indicate the confidence of activating the target mode based on the air conditioner's state parameters, considering factors such as meeting user needs and ensuring the safe operation of the air conditioner), and then input this prompt word into the large language model to obtain the aforementioned third trigger initial confidence.

[0155] For example, if the air conditioner's status parameters are used to characterize that the air conditioner is currently in a fully cooled standby state, and the cumulative high-load operation time for the day is very short (e.g., less than 10 minutes), then the initial confidence level of the third trigger can be relatively high (e.g., 0.8). If the air conditioner's status parameters are used to characterize that the air conditioner has just finished a long period of operation, the component temperature is high, or the cumulative high-load time has approached the safety threshold, then the initial confidence level of the third trigger can be relatively low (e.g., 0.5).

[0156] Optionally, the weights corresponding to the first, second, and third initial trigger confidence levels can be pre-stored in the air conditioner. The air conditioner can then input the first, second, and third initial trigger confidence levels, along with their corresponding weights, into a weighted sum calculation formula to obtain the trigger confidence level of the target mode.

[0157] Using the above method, the environmental information of the air conditioner's location, the predicted time of the human being in the target space, and the air conditioner's state parameters are transformed into a first initial trigger confidence level, a second initial trigger confidence level, and a third initial trigger confidence level, respectively. These are then weighted and summed to obtain the trigger confidence level of the target mode. Because signals from different sources contribute differently and have varying reliability to the prediction of whether the target mode needs to be automatically activated, weighted fusion allows for the comprehensive utilization of multi-source heterogeneous information to quantitatively assess the necessity of triggering the target mode. This method ensures that the decision to trigger the target mode is not based on a simple judgment of a single condition, but rather on an evaluation based on multi-dimensional data fusion, thus further improving the robustness and accuracy of the decision on whether to automatically activate the target mode.

[0158] In some embodiments, the weights of the first initial confidence level, the second initial confidence level, and the third initial confidence level can also be dynamically updatable weights.

[0159] For example, after the air conditioner controls the actuator to run in target mode within the operating threshold, it can also obtain the runtime of target mode in response to an instruction to exit target mode. Then, based on this runtime and the predicted runtime of target mode, the air conditioner can update the weights of the first trigger initial confidence, the second trigger initial confidence, and the third trigger initial confidence.

[0160] Optionally, the command to exit the target mode can be triggered in various ways, and this is not limited in the application. For example, the air conditioner may generate a command to exit the target mode when the temperature in the target space has reached the set temperature, or when the duration of the target mode operation reaches the aforementioned second preset duration, or when the air conditioner's health monitoring shows an abnormality. Alternatively, the air conditioner may also receive the aforementioned command to exit the target mode triggered by the user. In response to the command to exit the target mode, the air conditioner may record the duration of the current target mode operation from start to finish.

[0161] Optionally, the predicted runtime could be, for example, a duration pre-stored in the air conditioner. Alternatively, the air conditioner could also predict the runtime required for the target mode based on the aforementioned mode trigger parameters using a runtime estimation model (e.g., a pre-trained deep learning model).

[0162] Then, the air conditioner can, for example, calculate the absolute value of the difference between the runtime and the predicted runtime. Then, based on this absolute ratio, the air conditioner can update the weights of the first initial confidence level, the second initial confidence level, and the third initial confidence level by a preset step size.

[0163] Optionally, the updated logic may include, for example, reducing the weight of factors that cause the error between the actual runtime and the predicted runtime, and increasing the weight of factors that align with the actual results. For instance, if the actual runtime is significantly longer than the predicted runtime (i.e., severely underestimated), it indicates that the air conditioner may have underestimated the environmental heat load or the performance degradation of the air conditioner when making its decision, while the weight of the user's immediate needs may have been too high. Therefore, the weight of the initial confidence level of the first trigger and / or the initial confidence level of the third trigger can be increased, and the weight of the initial confidence level of the second trigger can be decreased accordingly. If the actual runtime is significantly shorter than the predicted runtime (i.e., overestimated), it indicates that the environmental heat load has been overestimated or the actual capacity of the equipment is stronger. In this case, the weight of the initial confidence level of the first trigger and / or the initial confidence level of the third trigger can be decreased, and the weight of the initial confidence level of the second trigger can be increased.

[0164] Using the above method, after exiting the target mode, the weights of each confidence component (the first, second, and third initial trigger confidence levels) are dynamically updated based on the target mode's runtime and the predicted runtime. This enables the air conditioner to adaptively learn the importance of different signal sources (environmental information of the air conditioner's location, the predicted time when the human body is in the target space, and the air conditioner's state parameters) during operation. Therefore, online self-learning and continuous optimization of the target mode trigger timing are achieved, allowing the air conditioner to predict the target mode trigger timing more and more accurately, further improving the user experience.

[0165] In some embodiments, the target space may include multiple rooms. Each of these multiple rooms may be equipped with an indoor air conditioning unit. Taking an actuator comprising an outdoor air conditioning unit and an indoor unit as an example, before controlling the actuator to operate in the target mode within an operating threshold, the air conditioner may also determine the operating threshold of the indoor unit of each room based on the operating threshold of the outdoor unit and the weight of the room.

[0166] Then, the air conditioner can control the outdoor unit to operate in the target mode within its operating threshold. The air conditioner can also control the indoor unit to operate in the target mode within its operating threshold.

[0167] Optionally, the weights of the rooms described above can be used to characterize the priority of cooling (or heating) the rooms. For example, these weights can be generated according to pre-configured room priorities. For instance, the higher the priority of a room for cooling (or heating), the greater its weight. The lower the priority of a room for cooling (or heating), the smaller its weight.

[0168] Optionally, the air conditioner can, for example, proportionally decompose the total capacity operating threshold of the outdoor unit based on the weight of each room, and allocate the operating threshold of the indoor unit in each room accordingly. For example, taking a target space that includes rooms 1, 2, and 3 as an example, assuming that the weight ratio of rooms 1, 2, and 3 is 2:2:6, then the operating threshold of the indoor unit in each room can be 2:2:6.

[0169] Alternatively, the air conditioner can first determine the operating threshold of the indoor unit in the room with the highest weight based on the weight of each room and the day / night cycle. The air conditioner can then determine the remaining operating capacity of the outdoor unit after deducting the operating threshold of the indoor unit in the room with the highest weight. The air conditioner then, for example, distributes this remaining operating capacity evenly (or according to weight ratios) to the other rooms besides the room with the highest weight, thereby obtaining the operating thresholds for the other rooms.

[0170] Optionally, the method for controlling the outdoor unit to operate in the target mode within the outdoor unit's operating threshold, and the method for controlling the indoor unit to operate in the target mode within the indoor unit's operating threshold, can refer to the method described in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0171] As one possible implementation, taking the actuator as an example (e.g., the fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner) and the target mode as heating mode, after the air conditioner controls the actuator to operate within the operating threshold and operates in the target mode, it can, for example, first obtain the air outlet temperature. Then, when the air outlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, the air conditioner can reduce the speed of the indoor unit fan to the target speed.

[0172] Alternatively, the air conditioner can monitor the air outlet temperature in real time, for example, by using a temperature sensor installed at the air outlet of the indoor unit.

[0173] When the outlet air temperature is lower than the set temperature, it indicates that the air conditioner's outlet air temperature does not meet the user's desired heating temperature, resulting in a poor user experience. By reducing the indoor unit's fan speed to the target speed, the airflow of the air conditioner can be reduced, thereby increasing the perceived temperature for the user and improving the user experience.

[0174] For example, the target speed can be a preset fan speed value of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

[0175] Optionally, if the air outlet temperature is higher than or equal to the set temperature, it indicates that the heating effect is sufficient. Optionally, the air conditioner may continue to run the target mode and stop running the target mode in response to the exit command of the target mode.

[0176] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating another air conditioning control method according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, taking the aforementioned target mode, also known as the "frenzy mode" for rapid cooling or heating, as an example, when entering frenzy mode, the execution sequence of the air conditioner's actuators can be divided into cooling mode and heating mode. In cooling or heating mode, cooling or heating can be performed from multiple aspects, including reliability, comfort, and noise experience. In cooling or heating mode, reliable air conditioner operation can be ensured through frequency range (high, medium, low). Noise control is achieved by detecting daytime and nighttime conditions. In cooling mode, cooling comfort is ensured through inner loop range detection. In heating mode, heating comfort can be determined through outlet air temperature and inner loop range.

[0177] As mentioned earlier, the entry method for the "Rampage Mode" can be determined by daytime or nighttime logic (e.g., through a photosensitive sensor or built-in clock), automatically adjusting the entry method accordingly. Taking cooling mode as an example, when starting up during the day / night, rapid cooling and comfortable cooling are achieved within a reliable range. Comfortable cooling is achieved in normal mode, meaning all actuators operate normally. In rapid cooling (Rampage Mode), the indoor unit fan speed and outdoor unit speed are increased, and the compressor frequency is rapidly increased (in addition, the compressor's frequency ramp-up rate can differ under different outdoor environments, such as different outdoor temperatures), and the cooling capacity control expansion valve closes more quickly.

[0178] Taking cooling mode as an example, when the unit is turned on during the day or night, the operating threshold of the actuator can be considered from the perspective of noise. For example, in stun mode, the indoor unit fan speed is increased (maximum speed during the day / night while taking noise into account), the outdoor unit fan speed is increased (maximum speed during the day / night while taking noise into account)), and the compressor frequency is increased rapidly (in addition, the compressor frequency ramp-up rate can be different under different outdoor environments, such as different outdoor temperatures, with maximum frequency during the day / night while taking noise into account), and the cooling capacity control expansion valve closes faster.

[0179] The "Raging Mode" for heating is similar to the cooling mode described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] In this embodiment, the upper limit thresholds for each actuator can differ between day and night, adjusting the actuator's operation from multiple perspectives, including noise and reliability. Reliability refers to the fact that during the day, when outdoor temperatures are high and loads are heavy, the upper limit thresholds for each actuator can be lower. At night, when outdoor temperatures are low and loads are light, the upper limit thresholds for each actuator can be higher (different outdoor environments can have different thresholds). Noise control takes into account the acceptable high noise levels during the day, allowing for higher upper limit thresholds for each actuator, and the acceptable low noise levels at night, allowing for lower upper limit thresholds for each actuator.

[0181] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an air conditioning control device according to some embodiments of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The air conditioning control device 30 includes an acquisition module 31, a processing module 32, and a control module 33.

[0182] The acquisition module 31 is configured to acquire the day and night status of the environment where the air conditioner is located in response to the instruction to enable the target mode; the day and night status is either daytime or nighttime.

[0183] The processing module 32 is configured to determine the operating threshold of at least one actuator of the air conditioner based on the day and night state; the noise generated by the actuator operating according to the operating threshold under the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating according to the operating threshold under the day state.

[0184] The control module 33 is configured to control the actuator to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

[0185] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0186] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an air conditioning control device 400 according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, device 400 may be a mobile phone, computer, digital broadcasting terminal, messaging device, game console, tablet device, medical device, fitness equipment, personal digital assistant, air conditioner, etc.

[0187] Reference Figure 4 The device 400 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 402, a memory 404, a power component 406, a multimedia component 408, an audio component 410, an input / output (I / O) interface 412, a sensor component 414, and a communication component 416.

[0188] Processing component 402 typically controls the overall operation of device 400, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, data communication, camera operation, and recording. Processing component 402 may include one or more processors 420 to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described above. Furthermore, processing component 402 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 402 and other components. For example, processing component 402 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 408 and processing component 402.

[0189] Memory 404 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of device 400. Examples of this data include instructions for any application or method operating on device 400, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 404 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0190] The power supply component 406 provides power to the various components of the device 400. The power supply component 406 may include a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to the device 400.

[0191] Multimedia component 408 includes a screen that provides an output interface between device 400 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touchscreen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches, swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors may sense not only the boundaries of touch or swipe actions but also the duration and pressure associated with the touch or swipe operation. In some embodiments, multimedia component 408 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When device 400 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or rear-facing camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0192] Audio component 410 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 410 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when device 400 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 404 or transmitted via communication component 416. In some embodiments, audio component 410 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0193] I / O interface 412 provides an interface between processing component 402 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0194] Sensor assembly 414 includes one or more sensors for providing state assessments of various aspects of device 400. For example, sensor assembly 414 may detect the on / off state of device 400, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of device 400, changes in the position of device 400 or a component of device 400, the presence or absence of user contact with device 400, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of device 400, and temperature changes of device 400. Sensor assembly 414 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 414 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 414 may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0195] Communication component 416 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between device 400 and other devices. Device 400 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G, other communication standards, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, communication component 416 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In some embodiments of the invention, communication component 416 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0196] In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 400 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the methods described above.

[0197] In some embodiments of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 404 including instructions, which can be executed by a processor 420 of the device 400 to perform the above-described method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0198] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, when the instructions in the storage medium are executed by the processor of an air conditioner, enables the air conditioner to perform an air conditioner control method, the method including the air conditioner control method described in any of the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0199] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 500 for air conditioning control according to some embodiments of the present invention. For example, apparatus 500 may be provided as a server. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The apparatus 500 includes a processing component 522, which further includes one or more processors, and memory resources represented by memory 532 for storing instructions executable by the processing component 522, such as application programs. The application programs stored in memory 532 may include one or more modules, each corresponding to a set of instructions. Furthermore, the processing component 522 is configured to execute instructions to perform the air conditioning control method described in any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0200] Device 500 may also include a power supply component 526 configured to perform power management of device 500, a wired or wireless network interface 550 configured to connect device 500 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 558. Device 500 may operate on an operating system stored in memory 532, such as Windows Server™, Mac OS X™, Unix™, Linux™, FreeBSD™, or similar.

[0201] Some embodiments of the present invention also provide a chip system, such as Figure 6 As shown, the chip system includes at least one processor 601 and at least one interface circuit 602. The processor 601 and the interface circuit 602 are interconnected via lines. For example, the interface circuit 602 can be used to receive signals from other devices (e.g., the memory of an electronic device). As another example, the interface circuit 602 can be used to send signals to other devices (e.g., the processor 601). Exemplarily, the interface circuit 602 can read instructions stored in memory and send those instructions to the processor 601. When the instructions are executed by the processor 601, the air conditioning control device can perform the steps in the above embodiments. Of course, the chip system may also include other discrete components, and some embodiments of the present invention do not specifically limit this.

[0202] In some embodiments of the present invention, the interface circuit 602 can obtain data, program instructions and / or information from the internal storage area of ​​the chip system; it can also obtain data, program instructions and / or information from outside the chip system.

[0203] Optionally, the chip system also includes a memory 603 for storing necessary computer programs and data.

[0204] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented through hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0205] The present invention also provides a program product including executable instructions stored in a readable storage medium. At least one processor of an electronic device can read the executable instructions from the readable storage medium, and the at least one processor executes the executable instructions to cause the electronic device to implement the air conditioning control methods provided in the various embodiments described above.

[0206] In the above detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific aspects in which the invention can be practiced. In this regard, terms indicating direction or positional relationship, such as “center,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential,” can be used with reference to the orientation of the described figures. Since components of the described device can be positioned in multiple different orientations, directional terms are used for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. It should be understood that other aspects can be utilized and structural or logical changes can be made without departing from the concept of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be considered limiting.

[0207] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features of various embodiments of the invention described herein can be combined with each other. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more; similarly, “at least one of…” includes any one of the relevant listed items and any combination of any two or more.

[0208] It should be understood that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "joining," "attaching," "installing," "connecting," "linking," and "fixing," as used in the embodiments of the present invention, should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms herein according to the specific circumstances.

[0209] Furthermore, the term "above" as used herein with respect to components, elements, or material layers formed or located "above" a surface may be used to indicate that the component, element, or material layer is "indirectly" positioned (e.g., placed, formed, deposited, etc.) on the surface such that one or more additional components, elements, or layers are arranged between the surface and the component, element, or material layer. However, the term "above" as used with respect to components, elements, or material layers formed or located "above" a surface may also optionally have a specific meaning: that the component, element, or material layer is "directly" positioned (e.g., placed, formed, deposited, etc.) on the surface, for example, in direct contact with the surface.

[0210] Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, or sections, these components, parts, regions, layers, or sections are not limited to these terms. Rather, these terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or section from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the examples described herein, the first component, part, region, layer, or section mentioned in the examples may also be referred to as the second component, part, region, layer, or section. Furthermore, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description herein, “a plurality” means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0211] It should be understood that spatial relative terms, such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower,” are used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another shown in the figures. In addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, these spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “above” or “upper” relative to another element would be “below” or “lower” relative to that other element. Thus, depending on the spatial orientation of the device, the term “above” encompasses both above and below orientations. Devices may have other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0212] Furthermore, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous compared to other aspects or designs. Rather, the use of the term “exemplary” is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner. As used herein, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, “X applies A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive arrangements. That is, “X applies A or B” satisfies any of the foregoing instances if X applies A; X applies B; or both X applies A and B. Additionally, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to refer to the singular form, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims are generally understood to mean “one or more.”

[0213] Similarly, although the invention has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the scope of the claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the components described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terminology used to describe such components is intended to correspond to any component (functionally equivalent) that performs the specific function of the described component, even if structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structure. Furthermore, although specific features of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations, as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Moreover, with regard to the terms “comprising,” “owning,” “having,” “having,” or variations thereof as used in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “including.”

[0214] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This invention is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0215] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioning control method, characterized in that, include: In response to the command to activate the target mode, the day and night status of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is obtained; The day / night state refers to either daytime or nighttime. Based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner is determined; the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the day state. The actuator is controlled to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

2. The air conditioning control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the operating threshold of at least one actuator of the air conditioner based on the day-night state includes: Based on the day / night state, a first operating threshold and a second operating threshold are determined for the actuator; the first operating threshold is used to limit the noise level generated by the actuator during operation under the day / night state; the second operating threshold is used to limit the actuator to operate within a safe range under the day / night state. The operating threshold of the actuator is determined based on the first operating threshold and the second operating threshold.

3. The air conditioning control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the daytime state, the second operating threshold is lower than the first operating threshold; during the nighttime state, the second operating threshold is higher than the first operating threshold.

4. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The actuator includes: a fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, wherein the fan speed of the indoor unit in the target mode is greater than the fan speed of the indoor unit in other modes; the other modes are air conditioner operating modes other than the target mode; And / or, The actuator includes: a fan of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, wherein the speed of the outdoor unit fan in the target mode is greater than the speed of the outdoor unit fan in other modes; And / or, The actuator includes: the compressor of the air conditioner, wherein the frequency increase rate of the compressor in the target mode is greater than the frequency increase rate of the compressor in other modes; And / or, The target mode is a cooling target mode, and the actuator includes: the cooling capacity control expansion valve of the air conditioner. In the target mode, the closing speed of the cooling capacity control expansion valve is greater than the closing speed of the cooling capacity control expansion valve in other modes.

5. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Prior to responding to the instruction to enable the target mode, the method further includes: When the temperature of the environment where the air conditioner is located meets the target mode triggering condition, the instruction to activate the target mode is generated; or, Receive the user-triggered instruction to enable the target mode.

6. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The control of the actuator to run the target mode within the operating threshold includes: The actuator is controlled to operate at a first power for a first preset duration; After the first preset time period, the temperature within the target space is detected; In response to the temperature difference between the target space temperature and the set temperature being greater than the preset temperature difference, and the air conditioner showing no abnormality after the first preset time, the actuator is controlled to run at the second power for the second preset time. The running threshold is used to characterize the second power, and the first power is less than the second power.

7. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The target space includes multiple rooms, each room being equipped with an indoor unit of the air conditioner. The actuator includes: an outdoor unit of the air conditioner, and the indoor unit. Before controlling the actuator to operate the target mode within the operating threshold, the method further includes: Based on the operating threshold of the outdoor unit and the weight of the room, the operating threshold of the indoor unit in the room is determined; The control of the actuator to run the target mode within the operating threshold includes: The outdoor unit is controlled to operate within its operating threshold, and the indoor unit is controlled to operate within its operating threshold, in the target mode.

8. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the day-night state of the environment where the air conditioner is located includes: The day / night state of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is determined by the light intensity of the environment and / or the current time.

9. The air conditioning control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The actuator includes: a fan of the indoor unit of the air conditioner; the target mode is a heating target mode; after controlling the actuator to operate in the target mode within the operating threshold, the method further includes: Obtain the air outlet temperature of the air conditioner; In response to the air outlet temperature being lower than the set temperature, the fan speed of the indoor unit is reduced to the target speed.

10. An air conditioning control device, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire the day and night status of the environment in which the air conditioner is located in response to the instruction to start the target mode; The day / night state refers to either daytime or nighttime. A processing module is configured to determine, based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner; the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold under the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold under the day state. The control module is used to control the actuator to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

11. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured as follows: In response to the command to activate the target mode, the day and night status of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is obtained; the day and night status is either daytime or nighttime. Based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner is determined; the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the day state. The actuator is controlled to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, When the instructions in the storage medium are executed by the air conditioner's processor, the air conditioner is able to perform an air conditioner control method, the method comprising: In response to the command to activate the target mode, the day and night status of the environment in which the air conditioner is located is obtained; the day and night status is either daytime or nighttime. Based on the day / night state, an operating threshold for at least one actuator of the air conditioner is determined; the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the night state is lower than the noise generated by the actuator operating at the operating threshold in the day state. The actuator is controlled to run the target mode within the operating threshold.

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