Air conditioner including lighting and control method thereof

Abstract

According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: a detection sensor for detecting an object; an illuminance sensor for detecting illuminance in a target space; a lighting device; an air conditioning module including a compressor; at least one processor including processing circuitry; and a memory storing at least one instruction, which, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, causes the air conditioner to perform the following operations: determining whether an illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value; detecting a person in the target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor; and when the detected illuminance value is greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value and a person is detected in the target space, controlling the lighting device in a first mode for controlling at least one of the illuminance or illuminance variation patterns of the lighting device based on the compressor frequency of the air conditioning module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an air conditioner including a light, a method for controlling the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium thereon having a program for causing a computer to perform the method of controlling the air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Various types of air conditioners are widely used in indoor spaces. Air conditioners may include various sensors, such as human detection sensors, illuminance sensors, or temperature sensors. Air conditioners can use these sensors to regulate the environment of the space and control the operation of the air conditioner. Furthermore, air conditioners that include lights can provide various functions by using the lights. However, when the air conditioner's lights are only used for indoor lighting, the utilization rate of the lights is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Solution to the problem According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: a detection sensor configured to detect an object; an illuminance sensor configured to detect illuminance in a target space; a lamp; an air conditioning module including a compressor; at least one processor including processing circuitry; and a memory storing at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, causes the air conditioner to perform the following operations: determining whether an illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value; detecting a person in the target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor; and controlling the lamp in a first mode based on the detected illuminance value being greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value and the detection of a person in the target space, wherein, in the first mode, at least one of the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation pattern of the lamp is controlled based on the compressor frequency of the compressor of the air conditioning module.

[0004] Furthermore, according to one aspect of an embodiment of this disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method includes: detecting an illuminance value in a target space using an illuminance sensor; determining whether the detected illuminance value is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value; detecting a person in the target space using a sensor detection value; and controlling an air conditioning module in a first mode based on the detected illuminance value being greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value and the detection of a person in the target space. In the first mode, at least one of the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation patterns of lamps included in the air conditioner is controlled based on the compressor frequency of the compressor of the air conditioning module.

[0005] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium is provided having a program recorded thereon for performing a method of controlling an air conditioner on a computer. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure can be readily understood in conjunction with the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals denote structural elements.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating operation in a first mode and a second mode according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an air conditioner in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating power consumption learned based on environmental information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of providing abnormal operation notification according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the air conditioner when a new user is detected in the target space, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the particular embodiments, and include various changes, equivalents or alternatives for corresponding embodiments.

[0026] Regarding the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

[0027] Unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more things.

[0028] As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C” and “at least one of A, B or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase.

[0029] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one or a combination of the plurality of related enumerated elements.

[0030] As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” can be used to simply distinguish one component from another without limiting the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as “combined with another element (e.g., a second element)”, “combined to another element (e.g., a second element)”, “connected to another element (e.g., a second element)”, or “attached to another element (e.g., a second element)” when the terms “operably” or “communicating” are used, or when the terms “operably” or “communicating” are not used, it means that the element can be directly (e.g., wired) connected to another element, wirelessly connected to another element, or connected to another element via a third element.

[0032] As used herein, terms such as “comprising,” “including,” or “having” specify the presence of the said feature, number, stage, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] When a component is referred to as being “connected to,” “bonded to,” “supported by,” or “in contact with” another component, it means that the component is directly connected to, directly bonded to, directly supported by, or directly in contact with the other component, or that the component is indirectly connected to, indirectly bonded to, indirectly supported by, or indirectly in contact with the other component via a third component.

[0034] When an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it means that the element is in contact with the other element, or that there is another element between the element and the other element.

[0035] An air conditioner according to embodiments of the present disclosure is an apparatus configured to perform functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in a space having an air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as "indoor space"), and refers to an apparatus equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0036] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an air conditioner may include a heat pump device for performing a cooling or heating function. The heat pump device may include a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a refrigeration cycle through a second heat exchanger to circulate refrigerant. According to one or more embodiments, components of the heat pump device may be housed within a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, and window air conditioners or portable air conditioners are examples of such air conditioners. According to one or more embodiments, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and housed within multiple housings constituting an air conditioner; wall-mounted air conditioners, floor-standing air conditioners, system air conditioners, etc., are examples of such air conditioners.

[0037] An air conditioner comprising multiple housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed externally (e.g., in a space without air conditioning) and at least one indoor unit installed in an indoor space. For example, an air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to one indoor unit via a refrigerant pipe. For example, an air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, an air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units are connected to two or more indoor units via multiple refrigerant pipes.

[0038] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through input interfaces located on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0039] An air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger installed in an outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger installed in an indoor unit, and refrigerant pipes connecting the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0040] An outdoor heat exchanger can perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and outdoor air by using a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, when the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it can release heat to the outdoor air, and when the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it can absorb heat from the outdoor air.

[0041] Indoor units are installed in indoor spaces. For example, indoor units can be classified according to their arrangement as ceiling-type, floor-standing, and wall-mounted units. For example, ceiling-type indoor units can be classified according to their air exhaust method as 4-way, 1-way, and duct-type indoor units.

[0042] Similarly, indoor heat exchangers can perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by using a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation). For example, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air while evaporating in the indoor unit, and the indoor space can be cooled by blowing the already cooled indoor air through the cooling indoor heat exchanger. Furthermore, the refrigerant can release heat into the indoor air while condensing in the indoor heat exchanger, and the indoor space can be heated by blowing the already heated indoor air through the heating indoor heat exchanger.

[0043] In other words, an air conditioner performs cooling or heating functions through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger. For this refrigerant circulation, the air conditioner may include a compressor configured to compress the refrigerant. The compressor draws in refrigerant gas through an intake unit and compresses the refrigerant gas. The compressor discharges the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge unit. The compressor may be located inside the outdoor unit.

[0044] The refrigerant can circulate through refrigerant pipes to pass sequentially through the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and indoor heat exchanger, or it can circulate through refrigerant pipes to pass sequentially through the compressor, indoor heat exchanger, expansion device, and outdoor heat exchanger.

[0045] For example, in the case of an air conditioner having an outdoor unit and an indoor unit that are directly connected to each other via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can be supplied to circulate between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit via the refrigerant pipes.

[0046] For example, in an air conditioner with an outdoor unit that connects to two or more indoor units via refrigerant piping, refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant piping branching off from the outdoor unit. Refrigerant discharged from multiple indoor units can be combined and then circulated back to the outdoor unit. Alternatively, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to one outdoor unit via separate refrigerant piping.

[0047] Each of the multiple indoor units can operate independently according to an operating mode set by the user. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others can operate in heating mode simultaneously. Here, refrigerant is selectively introduced into each indoor unit at high or low pressure along a specified circulation path (described below) via a flow path switching valve, and is then discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit.

[0048] For example, in an air conditioner that has two or more outdoor units connected to two or more indoor units via multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units merges together, then flows through a refrigerant pipe, and then branches again at some point to be introduced into multiple indoor units.

[0049] Depending on the operating load based on the number of indoor units, all of the multiple outdoor units may be operational, or at least some of them may not be operational. Here, refrigerant may be supplied to flow into and circulate within an outdoor unit that is selectively operated via a flow path switching valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located inside the indoor unit or the outdoor unit, or both.

[0050] For example, an expansion device can reduce the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant by using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. This reduces the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant that has already passed through the orifice.

[0051] For example, the expansion device can be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting the opening ratio (e.g., the ratio of the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​a valve in a partially open state to that of a valve in a fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled according to the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0052] The air conditioner may also include a refrigerant path switching valve disposed in the refrigerant circulation path. The refrigerant path switching valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The refrigerant path switching valve determines the refrigerant circulation path according to the operating mode of the indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The refrigerant path switching valve may be connected to the compressor's discharge unit.

[0053] Air conditioners may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction unit of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant that evaporates in the indoor or outdoor heat exchanger may flow into the accumulator.

[0054] When the mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas flows into the receiver, the receiver can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and supply the compressor with the refrigerant gas that has been separated from the refrigerant liquid.

[0055] An outdoor fan can be installed adjacent to an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan blows outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0056] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may be configured as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be located anywhere inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include, for instance, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the air surrounding the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the air surrounding the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes passing through the outdoor unit, or combinations thereof.

[0057] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. This outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive control signals from the control unit of the indoor unit, as described below. The outdoor unit may control the operation of the compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion device, flow path switching valve, receiver, or outdoor fan based on the control signals received through the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit may also transmit sensed values ​​detected by outdoor unit sensors to the control unit of the indoor unit via the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0058] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a casing, a blower that circulates air inside or outside the casing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air flowing into the casing.

[0059] The housing may include an intake port. Indoor air can flow into the housing through the intake port.

[0060] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a filter configured to remove foreign objects from the air flowing into the housing through the intake.

[0061] The housing may include a vent. Air flowing inside the housing can be discharged to the outside of the housing through the vent.

[0062] The housing of the indoor unit may be provided with an airflow guide to direct the air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades arranged on the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. This disclosure is not limited thereto, and the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0063] The indoor heat exchanger and blower, arranged in the flow path connecting the inlet to the outlet, can be installed inside the housing of the indoor unit.

[0064] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, mixed flow fans, cross-flow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0065] An indoor heat exchanger can be positioned between the blower and the exhaust port, or between the intake port and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger can absorb heat from the air introduced through the intake port, or transfer heat to the air introduced through the intake port. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows and heat exchange fins that contact the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer area.

[0066] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated from the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate contained in the drain tray can be discharged to the outside via a drain hose. The drain tray may be configured to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0067] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input unit, including buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or touchpads. Users can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0068] The input interface can be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface can be electrically connected to a wired remote control. The wired remote control can be installed in a specific location in the indoor space (e.g., part of a wall). The user can input setting data for the operation of the air conditioner by operating the wired remote control. The electrical signal corresponding to the setting data obtained through the wired remote control can be sent to the input interface. Alternatively, the input interface may also include an infrared sensor. The user can remotely input setting data for the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote control. The setting data input via the wireless remote control can be sent to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0069] In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. User voice commands can be acquired via the microphone. The microphone can convert the user's voice commands into electrical signals and send these signals to the indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit can then control the air conditioning components to perform functions corresponding to the user's voice commands. Setting data obtained through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or airflow settings) can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, as described below. In the example, the setting data obtained through the input interface can be sent to the outside (i.e., the outdoor unit or a server) via the indoor unit communication unit, as described below.

[0070] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to power the components of the indoor unit.

[0071] The indoor unit of an air conditioner may include indoor unit sensors. These sensors may be environmental sensors disposed inside or outside the housing. For example, indoor unit sensors may include one or more temperature and / or humidity sensors disposed within a defined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, indoor unit sensors may include refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes passing through the indoor unit. For example, indoor unit sensors may include refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the temperature at the inlet, midpoint, and / or outlet of the refrigerant pipes passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0072] For example, environmental information detected by the indoor unit's sensors can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit (described below), or sent to the outside via the indoor unit's communication unit (described below).

[0073] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wireless communication with other devices. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may include at least one of a short-range wireless communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0074] Short-range wireless communication modules may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication modules, Near Field Communication (NFC) modules, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication modules, Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication modules, Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, and microwave (uWave) communication modules.

[0075] The long-distance communication module may include communication modules for performing various types of long-distance communication, and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits radio signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on the mobile communication network, and receives radio signals from at least one of the base station, external terminal, or server on the mobile communication network.

[0076] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices (such as servers, mobile devices, or other home appliances) via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can connect to the server via the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit configured to control the components of the indoor unit (including the blower). The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit configured to control the components of the outdoor unit (including the compressor). The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit via the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can send control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or can send control signals sent from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. That is, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can perform bidirectional communication. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can send and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0077] The outdoor unit control unit is electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit control unit can adjust the compressor frequency and control the flow path switching valve to change the refrigerant circulation direction. The outdoor unit control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate control signals for adjusting the opening ratio of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit control unit, the refrigerant circulates along the refrigerant circulation loop, which includes the compressor, flow path switching valve, outdoor heat exchanger, expansion valve, and indoor heat exchanger.

[0078] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can send electrical signals corresponding to their respective detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. Similarly, humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can send electrical signals corresponding to their respective detected humidity levels to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0079] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from user devices, including mobile devices, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can also obtain user input directly via an input interface or remote control. The indoor unit control unit can control the components of the indoor unit (including the blower) in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can also send information about the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit.

[0080] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit (including the compressor) based on information received from the indoor unit regarding user input. For example, when the outdoor unit control unit receives a control signal from the indoor unit corresponding to user input for selecting an operating mode (such as cooling operation, heating operation, fan operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidification operation), the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit to perform the air conditioning operation corresponding to the selected operating mode.

[0081] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0082] The memory can store various information required for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs required for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memory for temporary data storage, such as static random access memory (S-RAM) and dynamic RAM (D-RAM). Additionally, the memory may include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM).

[0083] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory. The processor is hardware and may include logic and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and processor can be implemented as one or more control circuits.

[0084] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. This output interface can be electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and, under the control of the indoor unit control unit, can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner. For example, it can output information selected by the user, such as operating mode, airflow direction, airflow rate, and temperature. Furthermore, the output interface can output sensing information obtained from indoor or outdoor unit sensors, as well as warning / error messages.

[0085] Output interfaces may include a display and speakers. Speakers are audio devices capable of outputting various sounds. The display may use various graphic elements to show information input by the user or information provided to the user. For example, air conditioner operation information may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. Additionally, the display may include indicators that provide specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro-LED panel, and / or multiple LEDs.

[0086] The air conditioner according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 performs air conditioning operations on target space 140. Air conditioning operations may include, for example, cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or ventilation. Air conditioner 100 may be implemented as a cooling device, a heating device, a cooling / heating device, an air purifier, a dehumidifier, etc. In this disclosure, the description will focus on the case where air conditioner 100 corresponds to a cooling device. However, this is for ease of description, and embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0089] Air conditioner 100 may include an indoor unit 118 and an outdoor unit 116. The indoor unit 118 is disposed inside a target space 140, discharging cooled air into the target space 140. The indoor unit 118 may be configured as a floor-standing, recessed, or window-mounted unit. The outdoor unit 116 is disposed outside the target space 140. The outdoor unit 116 cools the refrigerant via a compressor 120 and supplies the cooled refrigerant to the indoor unit 118. Refrigerant that has absorbed heat in the indoor unit 118 is supplied back to the outdoor unit 116. The indoor unit 118 and the outdoor unit 116 are interconnected via hoses, and heat exchange occurs as the refrigerant circulates through the hoses.

[0090] The compressor 120 of outdoor unit 116 absorbs heat from the refrigerant while rotating at a specific frequency according to the set temperature. The compressor frequency changes according to the set temperature of air conditioner 100. Therefore, the power consumption of outdoor unit 116 changes according to the compressor frequency. As the compressor frequency of outdoor unit 116 increases, the power consumption of air conditioner 100 increases. The compressor 120 of outdoor unit 116 typically accounts for the highest proportion of the power consumption of air conditioner 100.

[0091] Air conditioner 100 may include a detection sensor 110. The detection sensor 110 detects objects within the target space 140. Air conditioner 100 can detect the motion values ​​of a user 130 within the target space 140 using the sensor detection values ​​from the detection sensor 110. In this disclosure, user 130 may correspond to a person or pet in the target space 140.

[0092] In addition, the air conditioner 100 may include an illuminance sensor 112. The illuminance sensor 112 detects the illuminance of the target space 140. The air conditioner 100 can identify or obtain the illuminance value for the target space 140 by using the sensor detection value of the illuminance sensor 112. The illuminance value may vary depending on whether the indoor lighting fixture 150 in the target space 140 is on / off, the set luminous intensity and brightness of the indoor lighting fixture 150, and whether there are other light sources (such as windows or lamps) in the target space 140.

[0093] Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 may include a lamp 114. According to one or more embodiments, the air conditioner 100 may include multiple instances of the lamp 114 at various locations within the housing of the air conditioner 100. For example, the lamp 114 may be positioned around the exhaust vent of the air conditioner 100, at certain locations on the surface of the housing, etc. Furthermore, the lamp 114 may be provided in various forms, such as a linear lamp, a planar lamp, or a circular lamp.

[0094] The target space 140 refers to an indoor space where the air conditioner 100 can be installed. The target space 140 can correspond to various types of indoor spaces, such as homes, offices, shops, guest rooms, commercial spaces, or workspaces.

[0095] Air conditioner 100 determines whether the illuminance value detected by illuminance sensor 112 is greater than or equal to an illuminance reference value. According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 can control the operating mode of lamp 114 based on the illuminance value. According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 can increase the availability of lamp 114 by controlling its operating mode differently during the day and night, and improve user convenience by operating it according to the needs of user 130.

[0096] Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 uses a detection sensor 110 to determine whether the user 130 is in the target space 140. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can control the operating mode of the light 114 differently depending on whether the user 130 is in the target space 140.

[0097] In operation 160, when the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 is greater than or equal to the illuminance reference value and a user 130 is detected in the target space 140, the air conditioner 100 can control the lamp 114 in a first mode, wherein, in the first mode, at least one of the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation pattern of the lamp 114 is controlled based on the compressor frequency of the air conditioner 100. When the illuminance value is greater than the illuminance reference value and a user 130 is present in the target space 140, the air conditioner 100 can provide information about power consumption through the lamp 114. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can control the lamp 114 based on the compressor frequency of the compressor 120 of the outdoor unit 116, which accounts for the largest proportion of power consumption, thereby providing information or notification about power consumption through the lamp 114.

[0098] The compressor 120 of the outdoor unit 116 consumes most of the power consumption of the air conditioner 100. For example, if the outdoor unit 116 includes an inverter compressor, the compressor 120 consumes approximately 90% or more of the power consumption. The operating frequency of the compressor 120 (i.e., the compressor frequency) is typically determined by the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature. When the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is relatively large, the compressor 120 operates at a high frequency (Hz), and when the difference is relatively small, the compressor 120 operates at a low frequency (Hz). As the compressor frequency of the compressor 120 increases, the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 increases. However, because the compressor 120 is located in the outdoor unit 116, the user 130, who is the target space 140 of the indoor space, may not be aware of the operating status of the compressor 120. Furthermore, even when the compressor 120 operates continuously or is driven at a high frequency due to an open window or other abnormal conditions, the user 130 may not be aware of the abnormal state of the air conditioner 100. According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the illuminance of the target space 140 is greater than or equal to a predetermined illuminance reference value and a user 130 is present in the target space 140, information about the compressor frequency of the compressor 120 can be provided by using the lamp 114, thereby effectively providing the user 130 with information about power consumption and information about the operating status of the outdoor unit 116.

[0099] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 includes a detection sensor 110, an illuminance sensor 112, a lamp 114, a processor 210, an air conditioning module 212, and a memory 214. Figure 2 The block diagram of the air conditioner 100 may correspond to the block diagram of the indoor unit. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include an outdoor unit 116 and a compressor 120.

[0101] Air conditioner 100 can be implemented in various installation methods. For example, air conditioner 100 can be implemented as a floor-standing air conditioner, wall-mounted air conditioner, ceiling-embedded system air conditioner, or household multi-functional air conditioner.

[0102] The detection sensor 110 can detect objects in the target space 140. The detection sensor 110 may include, for example, a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a camera, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, etc. The detection sensor 110 is arranged to output signals to the target space 140 and detect reflected signals. The detection sensor 110 may be positioned in front of the air conditioner 100 facing the target space 140. The detection sensor 110 generates sensor detection values ​​and sends them to the processor 210.

[0103] Illuminance sensor 112 is a sensor configured to measure the brightness of target space 140. Illuminance sensor 112 may include, for example, a photoresistor, photodiode, phototransistor, etc. Illuminance sensor 112 may be arranged in front of air conditioner 100 facing target space 140 to detect the illuminance of target space 140. Illuminance sensor 112 may generate illuminance values ​​and send them to processor 210.

[0104] Lamp 114 is a device configured to output light toward target space 140. Lamp 114 may be embedded or integrated into the housing of air conditioner 100 to radiate or emit light around air conditioner 100. Lamp 114 may include, for example, an LED. Lamp 114 may be arranged in various shapes, such as linear, planar, or dot-shaped. Lamp 114 may include multiple LEDs. Processor 210 may control the on / off state, luminous intensity, or timing of each of the multiple LEDs. Lamp 114 may perform operations such as on / off, luminous intensity variation, dimming, or color variation.

[0105] Processor 210 controls the overall operation of air conditioner 100. Processor 210 can be implemented as one or more processors. Processor 210 can execute instructions or commands stored in memory 214 to perform specific operations. In addition, processor 210 controls the operation of components disposed in air conditioner 100. Processor 210 may include central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, etc.

[0106] Processor 210 determines the presence of a moving object by using sensor detection values ​​from detection sensor 110, and when a moving object is present, determines that a person is present in target space 140. According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 determines whether a detected object is a person by using sensor detection values. For example, if detection sensor 110 corresponds to an infrared sensor, processor 210 determines that a person is present in target space 140 when an infrared value corresponding to a person is detected. According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 determines whether a detected object has the shape of a person based on sensor detection values, and when the detected object corresponds to the shape of a person, determines that a person (i.e., user 130) is present in target space 140.

[0107] When there is no moving object in the target space 140, the processor 210 can determine that there is no person in the target space 140 by using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110.

[0108] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the detection sensor 110 may correspond to a radar sensor, and the processor 210 may determine whether a detected object is of human shape by using the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The radar sensor outputs a radar signal to the target space 140 and detects the signal reflected from an object in the target space 140 as a sensor detection value. The processor 210 detects objects in the target space 140 using the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The processor 210 detects objects in the target space 140 at a predetermined frame rate and detects the motion of the objects. When the motion value of an object in the target space 140 is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor 210 determines that a person is present in the target space 140. For example, the processor 210 detects objects in the target space 140 at a rate of approximately 30 frames per second, and determines that a person is present in the target space 140 when the motion value per second of the object is greater than the reference value.

[0109] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 determines whether the identified object is a person based on the result of object identification using sensor detection values ​​from a radar sensor. Processor 210 may determine whether the identified object is a person based on the shape of the identified object. When the identified object corresponds to a person and the motion value is greater than or equal to a reference value, processor 210 determines that a person exists in target space 140. When it is determined that the identified object does not correspond to a person, processor 210 determines that no person exists in target space 140. Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 can determine that a person exists in target space 140 even when the identified object corresponds to a pet. Therefore, when the detected object corresponds to a person or a pet and the motion value is greater than or equal to a reference value, processor 210 can determine that a person exists in target space 140.

[0110] Air conditioning module 212 performs air conditioning operations. Based on control signals or drive signals input from processor 210, air conditioning module 212 adjusts whether to perform cooling, cooling intensity, whether to perform heating, heating intensity, airflow, etc. Air conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger, motor, inverter, fan, filter, etc. Air conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger, and heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air can be performed by using a phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., expansion or compression). For example, when the refrigerant expands in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor space can be cooled. When the refrigerant is compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat into the indoor air, and the indoor space can be heated.

[0111] Furthermore, the air conditioning module 212 may include an outdoor unit 116, and the outdoor unit 116 may include a compressor 120. The processor 210 may set the compressor frequency of the compressor 120 of the outdoor unit 116 based on the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature. In addition, the processor 210 may monitor the status of the outdoor unit 116 and the compressor 120.

[0112] The memory 214 stores various information, data, instructions, programs, etc., required for the operation of the air conditioner 100. The memory 214 may include at least one or a combination of volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 214 may include at least one of flash memory, hard disk memory, multimedia card micro-storage media, card-type memory (e.g., Secure Digital (SD) or Extreme Digital (XD) memory), random access memory (RAM), static RAM (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), magnetic storage, magnetic disk, or optical disk. Furthermore, the memory 214 may correspond to web storage or a cloud server that performs storage functions on the Internet.

[0113] Processor 210 obtains an illuminance value from illuminance sensor 112. According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 can obtain the illuminance value by performing predetermined processing on the sensor detection value from illuminance sensor 112. Processor 210 determines whether the illuminance value is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value. The first illuminance reference value may be, for example, substantially 6 lux.

[0114] Furthermore, when the illuminance value is greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value, and user 130 is present in target space 140, processor 210 controls the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation pattern of lamp 114 based on the compressor frequency of air conditioning module 212. Luminous intensity refers to the brightness or light intensity of lamp 114. Processor 210 can control the luminous intensity of lamp 114 through a control signal used to control the brightness of lamp 114. Luminous intensity variation pattern refers to the pattern of luminous intensity variation of lamp 114. The change in luminous intensity can be defined by a combination of increasing, decreasing, or maintaining patterns. The luminous intensity variation pattern can have a specific period. For example, the luminous intensity variation pattern can be defined in the form of a sine (sin) function or a cosine (cos) function. The luminous intensity variation pattern can be defined by maximum luminous intensity, minimum luminous intensity, and period. For example, the luminous intensity variation pattern can be in the form of a sine (sin) function, and can be defined by maximum illuminance, minimum illuminance, and period.

[0115] Additionally, for example, the luminous intensity variation pattern may include the color variation pattern of lamp 114.

[0116] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 may define the illuminance value (i.e., light intensity) of lamp 114 based on compressor frequency. For example, processor 210 may increase the light intensity of lamp 114 as compressor frequency increases.

[0117] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 210 can define parameters of the luminous intensity variation pattern based on the compressor frequency. The parameters of the luminous intensity variation pattern can include at least one of a period, a maximum luminous intensity, or a minimum luminous intensity. For example, the processor 210 can adjust the period of the luminous intensity variation pattern based on the compressor frequency. Specifically, as the compressor frequency increases, the processor 210 can decrease the period of the luminous intensity variation pattern.

[0118] Additionally, for example, the processor 210 may change the color of the lamp 114 based on the compressor frequency. The lamp 114 may include multiple lighting elements with different colors, and the lighting color can be adjusted by selectively activating multiple lighting elements.

[0119] The pattern of light intensity variation can be defined by various combinations of period, maximum light intensity, minimum light intensity, or lighting color.

[0120] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the illuminance value is less than a first illuminance reference value or when the user 130 is not detected in the target space 140, the processor 210 may not operate in the first mode of controlling the lamp 114 according to the compressor frequency.

[0121] Figure 3This is a flowchart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an air conditioner 100 can perform a method for controlling the air conditioner. In this disclosure, embodiments focusing on the air conditioner 100 performing the method for controlling the air conditioner are described.

[0123] Reference Figure 3 In operation S302, the air conditioner 100 detects the illuminance value by using the illuminance sensor 112. The air conditioner 100 can detect the illuminance value of the target space 140 by using the illuminance sensor 112.

[0124] Next, in operation S304, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value. For example, the first illuminance reference value may be determined to be in the range of about 4 lux to about 8 lux. For example, the first illuminance reference value may correspond to approximately 6 lux.

[0125] When the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 is greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value, in operation S306, the air conditioner 100 can detect a person (i.e., user 130) in the target space 140 by using the detection sensor 110. The air conditioner 100 can detect the user 130 in the target space 140 by using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110.

[0126] Next, in operation S308, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the user 130 has been detected in the target space 140.

[0127] When a person is detected, in operation S310, the air conditioner 100 controls the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation pattern of the lamp 114 based on the compressor frequency of the outdoor unit 116. When the illuminance value of the target space 140 is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value and a user 130 is detected in the target space 140, the air conditioner 100 can control the air conditioning module 212 in a first mode. In the first mode, the air conditioner 100 controls the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation pattern of the lamp 114 based on the compressor frequency of the outdoor unit 116.

[0128] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can define the illuminance value (i.e., luminous intensity) of the lamp 114 based on the compressor frequency. For example, the processor 210 can increase the illuminance of the lamp 114 as the compressor frequency increases. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can define parameters of the luminous intensity variation pattern based on the compressor frequency. The parameters of the luminous intensity variation pattern can include at least one of a period, a maximum luminous intensity, or a minimum luminous intensity. For example, the processor 210 can adjust the period of the luminous intensity variation pattern based on the compressor frequency. Specifically, as the compressor frequency increases, the processor 210 can decrease the period of the luminous intensity variation pattern.

[0129] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 can provide information about the compressor frequency via the light 114 for a predetermined time period, and turn off the light 114 after the predetermined time period has elapsed. For example, in the first mode, the air conditioner 100 can control the light intensity or light intensity variation pattern of the light 114 according to the compressor frequency for approximately 30 seconds, and then turn off the light 114.

[0130] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 may provide information about the compressor frequency via the light 114 during a predetermined time period of each predetermined cycle, and then turn off the light 114. For example, the air conditioner 100 may provide information about the compressor frequency via the light 114 approximately every 10 minutes. Additionally, the air conditioner 100 may turn on the light 114 with a light intensity or light intensity variation pattern corresponding to the compressor frequency for approximately 30 seconds within the approximately 10-minute cycle, and turn off the light 114 for other time periods outside the approximately 30-second period of the approximately 10-minute cycle.

[0131] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, in a first mode, when the compressor frequency changes by a predetermined range or greater, the air conditioner 100 can provide information about the compressor frequency via light 114 for a predetermined time period. For example, in the first mode, when the compressor frequency increases by substantially 1.5 times or greater within substantially 30 seconds, the air conditioner 100 can provide information about the compressor frequency via light 114 for substantially 30 seconds. Additionally, for example, the air conditioner 100 can define a specific number of ranges for the compressor frequency, and when the compressor frequency changes to another range within those ranges, provide information about the compressor frequency via light 114.

[0132] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, in a first mode, when the compressor frequency is greater than a reference value, the air conditioner 100 can provide information about the compressor frequency via the light 114. For example, when the compressor frequency is greater than a value corresponding to approximately 50% of the total range of compressor frequencies, the air conditioner 100 can provide information about the compressor frequency via the light 114.

[0133] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the order in which operations S302 and S306 are performed is not limited to... Figure 3 The sequence shown can be repeated during the operation of the air conditioner 100, and operations S302 and S306 can be performed continuously or periodically. For example, operations S302 and S306 can be performed continuously or periodically while the air conditioner 100 is operating. Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, operation S306 can be performed first, and operation S302 can be performed later. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, operations S302 and S306 can be performed in parallel.

[0134] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the order in which operations S304 and S308 are performed is not limited to... Figure 3 The order shown is as follows. According to embodiments of this disclosure, operation S308 may be performed first, and operation S304 may be performed later. Alternatively, according to embodiments of this disclosure, operations S304 and S308 may be performed in parallel.

[0135] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can operate in a first mode that controls the lamp 114 based on the compressor frequency, and in a second mode that turns on the lamp 114 with a specific level of luminous intensity. When the illuminance value is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value, the air conditioner 100 can determine that this is a time when the user 130 is active, and therefore operates in the first mode, wherein, when the user 130 is detected, information about the operation of the compressor 120 of the outdoor unit 116 is provided via the lamp 114. Furthermore, when the illuminance value is less than or equal to a second illuminance reference value, the air conditioner 100 can determine that it is nighttime, and therefore operates in the second mode to provide indoor lighting via the lamp 114 to assist the user 130's activities when the user 130 is detected.

[0137] exist Figure 4 To avoid repetition, the above references will be omitted. Figure 3 The provided redundant description, and the description will focus on the related Figure 3 The differences.

[0138] Reference Figure 4 In operation S302, the air conditioner 100 uses the illuminance sensor 112 to detect the illuminance value of the target space 140.

[0139] Next, in operation S304, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value. When the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 is greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value in operation S304, in operation S306, the air conditioner 100 detects a person (i.e., user 130) in the target space 140 by using the detection sensor 110. When the air conditioner 100 determines in operation S308 that user 130 has been detected in the target space 140, in operation S310, the air conditioner 100 operates in a first mode based on at least one of the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation patterns of the compressor frequency control lamp 114 of the outdoor unit 116.

[0140] Next, in operation S414, while operating according to the first mode, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the user 130 has been detected in the target space 140. When the user 130 is not detected in the target space 140, in operation S416, the air conditioner 100 controls the light 114 in the first mode during the reference time period, and then turns off the light 114.

[0141] When operation S304 determines that the illuminance value detected by illuminance sensor 112 is less than a first illuminance reference value, in operation S402, air conditioner 100 determines whether the illuminance value detected by illuminance sensor 112 is less than or equal to a second illuminance reference value. The second illuminance reference value is less than or equal to the first illuminance reference value and greater than 0. For example, the second illuminance reference value can be determined in the range of 2 lux to 4 lux. For example, the second illuminance reference value can be set to 3 lux.

[0142] When the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 is less than or equal to the second illuminance reference value in operation S402, in operation S404, the air conditioner 100 detects the user 130 in the target space 140 by using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110. In operation S406, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the user 130 has been detected in the target space 140.

[0143] When user 130 is detected in target space 140 during operation S406, during operation S408, air conditioner 100 operates in a second mode where its lamp 114 is turned on at a first level of luminous intensity. The first level of luminous intensity may correspond to an illuminance in, for example, a range of approximately 10 to approximately 100 lux. The first level of luminous intensity may correspond to nighttime lighting or sleep lighting for assisting user 130 at night. Air conditioner 100 can provide nighttime lighting to user 130 by constantly controlling the luminous intensity of lamp 114 at the first level of luminous intensity.

[0144] Next, in operation S410, with the light 114 turned on in the second mode, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the user 130 has been detected in the target space 140. When the user 130 is detected in the target space 140 in the second mode, the air conditioner 100 proceeds to operation S408 to control the light 114 to continue operating in the second mode.

[0145] When user 130 is not detected in target space 140 in the second mode, in operation S412, air conditioner 100 maintains light 114 at a first level of luminous intensity for a reference time period and then turns off light 114.

[0146] The air conditioner 100 can repeatedly execute operations S302, S306, and S404, and can determine whether to operate in the first mode or the second mode. Furthermore, the order of operations S302, S306, and S404 is not limited to... Figure 4 The order shown is such that each operation can be repeated, and can be performed in accordance with... Figure 4 The operations can be executed in different orders, or they can be executed in parallel.

[0147] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the order in which operations S304 and S308 are performed is not limited to... Figure 4 The order shown is as follows. According to embodiments of this disclosure, operation S308 may be performed first, and operation S304 may be performed later. Alternatively, according to embodiments of this disclosure, operations S304 and S308 may be performed in parallel.

[0148] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the order in which operations S402 and S406 are performed is not limited to... Figure 4 The order shown is as follows. According to embodiments of this disclosure, operation S406 may be performed first, and operation S402 may be performed later. Alternatively, according to embodiments of this disclosure, operations S402 and S406 may be performed in parallel.

[0149] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating operation in a first mode and a second mode according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0150] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value, and a user 130 is detected in the target space 140, the air conditioner 100 operates in a first mode. For example, when the indoor lighting device 150 of the target space 140 is already turned on, or when natural light is incident on the target space 140 during the day, the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 may be greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value.

[0151] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, when the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 is less than or equal to a second illuminance reference value, and a user 130 is detected in the target space 140, the air conditioner 100 operates in a second mode. For example, when the indoor lighting device 150 of the target space 140 is turned off and natural light is not incident at a specific illuminance level or greater, the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 may be less than or equal to the second illuminance reference value.

[0152] In the first mode, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation pattern of the lamp 114 based on the compressor frequency of the compressor 120. The luminous intensity variation pattern may include at least one of a dimming pattern, a flashing pattern, a lamp direction variation pattern, or a lamp width variation pattern. A dimming pattern refers to a pattern where the luminous intensity gradually decreases and the lamp gradually brightens. A flashing pattern refers to a pattern where the lamp 114 is repeatedly turned on and off. A lamp direction variation pattern refers to a pattern where the direction of the lamp 114 changes over time. For example, if the lamp 114 includes multiple light-emitting elements, the air conditioner 100 can change the direction of the lamp 114 by changing the segment in which the light-emitting elements are turned on over time. A lamp width variation pattern refers to a pattern where the width of the on segment of the lamp 114 changes over time.

[0153] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 can control the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 over time, as in pattern 510. For example, pattern 510 corresponds to a sine function pattern and may have a period T1. Furthermore, pattern 510 may have a minimum level Lmin and a maximum level Lmax. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can adjust at least one of the period, minimum level, or maximum level of the luminous intensity variation pattern based on the compressor frequency. For example, the air conditioner 100 may decrease the period T1 as the compressor frequency increases and increase the period T1 as the compressor frequency decreases. Furthermore, for example, the air conditioner 100 may increase at least one of the minimum level Lmin or the maximum level Lmax as the compressor frequency increases and decrease at least one of the minimum level Lmin or the maximum level Lmax as the compressor frequency decreases.

[0154] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 may adjust the luminous intensity level of the lamp 114 based on an illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112. The air conditioner 100 may increase the luminous intensity level of the lamp 114 as the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 increases, and may decrease the luminous intensity level of the lamp 114 as the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112 decreases. For example, in style 510, the air conditioner 100 may adjust at least one of a minimum level Lmin or a maximum level Lmax based on the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in the first mode, the visibility of information about the compressor frequency through the lamp 114 can be improved by adjusting at least one of the minimum level Lmin or the maximum level Lmax based on the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor 112.

[0155] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in a second mode, the air conditioner 100 turns on the lamp 114 at a first level of luminous intensity. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the first level may correspond to a minimum luminous intensity that can be set for the lamp 114. In the second mode, the air conditioner 100 maintains the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 at the first level. In the second mode, the lamp 114 can be used as a night light or interior light.

[0156] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an air conditioner in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 can control the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 in the form of a sine function for dimming. During operation 610, while operating in the first mode, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the dimming cycle according to the compressor frequency.

[0158] According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 can control lamp 114 based on compressor frequency according to standard 612. According to standard 612, air conditioner 100 can divide the total range of compressor frequency into a specific number of ranges and control the intensity and dimming cycle of lamp 114 according to the range to which the compressor frequency belongs. For example, standard 612 can divide the range of compressor frequency into three segments: substantially 0% to substantially 33% of the total range, substantially 34% to substantially 66%, and substantially 67% to substantially 100%. It should be understood that other ranges may be used, and the example ranges described are not intended to be limiting. Standard 612 can define the light intensity and dimming cycle as “weak” for the compressor frequency segment of substantially 0% to substantially 33%. Furthermore, standard 612 can define the light intensity and dimming cycle as “medium” for the compressor frequency segment of substantially 34% to substantially 66%. Additionally, standard 612 can define the light intensity and dimming cycle as “strong” for the compressor frequency segment of substantially 67% to substantially 100%. For example, light intensity levels of "weak," "medium," and "strong" can each be defined as specific luminous intensity values. A "medium" level of light intensity can be defined as a luminous intensity value greater than that of a "weak" level, and a "strong" level of light intensity can be defined as a luminous intensity value greater than that of a "medium" level. Additionally, dimming cycles of "weak," "medium," and "strong" levels can each be defined as specific cycle values. A "medium" level dimming cycle can be defined as a cycle value smaller than that of a "weak" level, and a "strong" level dimming cycle can be defined as a cycle value smaller than that of a "medium" level.

[0159] Reference Figure 6As examples, patterns 620 and 630 for varying luminous intensity at two compressor frequencies (i.e., low and high frequencies) are described. When the compressor frequency corresponds to a relatively low frequency, the air conditioner 100 can control the intensity (i.e., luminous intensity) of the lamp 114 using pattern 620. In pattern 620, the period of luminous intensity variation corresponds to T1. Conversely, when the compressor frequency corresponds to a relatively high frequency, the air conditioner 100 can control the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 using pattern 630. In pattern 630, the period of luminous intensity variation corresponds to T2. T1 may be longer than T2. ​​According to embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 6 As shown, information about the compressor frequency can be provided to the user 130 through the lamp 114 by adjusting the dimming cycle of the lamp 114 according to the compressor frequency.

[0160] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, in operation 710, when operating in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the width of the open section of the lamp 114 according to the compressor frequency. According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the lamp 114 may correspond to a linear lamp and may include multiple light-emitting elements. For example, the lamp 114 may include multiple LED elements. The air conditioner 100 can adjust the width of the open section of the lamp 114 by turning on some of the multiple light-emitting elements. For example, if the lamp 114 includes multiple LED elements, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the width of the open section of the lamp 114 by adjusting the range of the turned-on LED elements.

[0162] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may increase the width of the light-on section as the compressor frequency increases, and may decrease the width of the light-on section as the compressor frequency decreases. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may define a specific number of compressor frequency ranges, and define the width of the light-on section for each range.

[0163] Reference Figure 7 Examples of high-frequency compressors, where the compressor frequency is considered relatively high, and examples of low-frequency compressors, where the compressor frequency is considered relatively low, are described. Additionally, refer to... Figure 7 An example of a linear lamp corresponding to lamp 114 is described. When the compressor frequency is high, the air conditioner 100 can set the lamp-on section to section 720a, and when the compressor frequency is low, the air conditioner 100 can set the lamp-on section to section 720b. Section 720a corresponds to a width that is wider than section 720b.

[0164] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may include a circular light 114. For example, the air conditioner 100 may be implemented as a vertical unit, and the light 114 may be arranged in a circular or elliptical shape around the air vent. Other shapes may be used in other examples. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in operation 810, the air conditioner 100 may adjust the width of the on section of the light 114 according to the compressor frequency of the compressor 120.

[0166] Reference Figure 8 Examples of high-frequency compressor frequencies (relatively high) and low-frequency compressor frequencies (relatively low) are described. When the compressor frequency corresponds to a high frequency, section 810a of the light 114 can be turned on by the air conditioner 100. When the compressor frequency corresponds to a low frequency, section 810b of the light 114 can be turned on by the air conditioner 100. According to embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 8 As shown, the width of the opening section of the circular or elliptical lamp 114 can be adjusted according to the compressor frequency.

[0167] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0168] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in operation 910, when operating in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the variation period of the width of the open section of the lamp 114. In the first mode, the air conditioner 100 can periodically change the width of the open section of the lamp 114. For example, the air conditioner 100 can change the width of the open section of the lamp 114 in the form of a sine function, as in styles 920 and 930. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the period of changing the width of the open section of the lamp 114 according to the compressor frequency. For example, the air conditioner 100 can decrease the variation period of the width of the open section of the lamp as the compressor frequency increases, and can increase the variation period of the width of the open section of the lamp as the compressor frequency decreases. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can define a specific number of compressor frequency ranges, and define the variation period of the width of the open section of the lamp for each range.

[0169] Reference Figure 9 Examples of high-frequency compressors, where the compressor frequency is considered relatively high, and examples of low-frequency compressors, where the compressor frequency is considered relatively low, will be described. Additionally, reference will be made to... Figure 9 An example of a linear lamp corresponding to lamp 114 is described. When the compressor frequency is high, the air conditioner 100 can set the changing period of the lamp on-state to T3, and when the compressor frequency is low, the air conditioner 100 can set the changing period of the lamp on-state to T4. T3 corresponds to a period shorter than T4.

[0170] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Reference Figure 10 An example of a lamp corresponding to a linear shape is described for lamp 114.

[0172] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in operation 1010, when operating in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the direction of the on-state of the lamp 114 according to the compressor frequency. The air conditioner 100 can adjust the direction of the on-state of the linear lamp 114 in a left-right direction. The air conditioner 100 can adjust the direction of the lamp 114 by adjusting the on-state of multiple elements of the lamp 114. For example, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the direction of the lamp 114 by adjusting the lamp in the low-frequency on-state 1020a and the lamp in the high-frequency on-state 1020c.

[0173] According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 may define a specific number of compressor frequency ranges, and define the direction of lamp 114 for each range. The number of compressor frequency ranges may be determined differently. For example, air conditioner 100 may define three compressor frequency ranges 1010a, 1010b, and 1010c. Frequency ranges 1010a, 1010b, and 1010c correspond to higher frequency ranges in this order. Other numbers of frequency ranges may be implemented in other examples. According to embodiments of this disclosure, lamp 114 in segment 1020a may be turned on in frequency range 1010a, lamp 114 in segment 1020b may be turned on in frequency range 1010b, and lamp 114 in segment 1020c may be turned on in frequency range 1010c. According to embodiments of this disclosure, by adjusting the direction of lamp 114 according to the compressor frequency, information about the compressor frequency can be visually provided in a first mode.

[0174] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] Reference Figure 11 Examples of lamps 114 corresponding to circular or oval lamps are described.

[0176] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when operating in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the direction of the on-state of the lamp 114 according to the compressor frequency. The air conditioner 100 can adjust the angle range of the on-state of the circular or elliptical lamp 114. The air conditioner 100 can adjust the angle range of the on-state of the lamp 114 by adjusting the on-state of multiple elements of the lamp 114.

[0177] According to embodiments of this disclosure, air conditioner 100 may define a specific number of compressor frequency ranges, and define an on-state segment for lamp 114 for each range. The number of compressor frequency ranges may be determined differently. For example, air conditioner 100 may define four compressor frequency ranges 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, and 1110d. Frequency ranges 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, and 1110d correspond to higher frequency ranges in this order. According to embodiments of this disclosure, lamp 114 in segment 1120a can be turned on in frequency range 1110a, lamp 114 in segment 1120b can be turned on in frequency range 1110b, lamp 114 in segment 1120c can be turned on in frequency range 1110c, and lamp 114 in segment 1120d can be turned on in frequency range 1110d. According to embodiments of this disclosure, information about the compressor frequency can be intuitively provided in a first mode by adjusting the angle range of the on-state of the compressor frequency light 114 according to the compressor frequency adjustment.

[0178] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the process of controlling a lamp in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] Reference Figure 12 An example of a lamp corresponding to a linear shape is described for lamp 114.

[0180] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in a first mode, the air conditioner 100 can periodically move the on / off section of the light 114. For example, the air conditioner 100 can reciprocate the on / off section of the light 114 between the left and right sides according to a predetermined cycle. In operation 1210, when operating in the first mode, the air conditioner 100 can adjust the reciprocating cycle of the on / off section of the light 114 according to the compressor frequency. For example, the air conditioner 100 can reciprocate the on / off section of the light 114 with a cycle T5 for high frequencies and with a cycle T6 for low frequencies. T5 may correspond to a cycle shorter than T6.

[0181] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may define a specific number of compressor frequency ranges, and for each range, define the reciprocating movement cycle of the on / off segment of the light 114. The number of compressor frequency ranges may be determined differently. For example, the air conditioner 100 may define three compressor frequency ranges. According to embodiments of this disclosure, by adjusting the reciprocating movement cycle of the on / off segment of the light 114 according to the compressor frequency, information about the compressor frequency can be intuitively provided in a first mode.

[0182] The following will refer to Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 17This invention describes an embodiment of an air conditioner 100 that learns power consumption based on environmental information and provides notifications about abnormal operation.

[0183] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0184] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may include a detection sensor 110, an illuminance sensor 112, a lamp 114, a processor 210, an air conditioning module 212, a memory 214, a temperature sensor 1310, a humidity sensor 1320, and a communication module 1330. Figure 13 The block diagram of air conditioner 100 can correspond to the block diagram of the indoor unit. In the description Figure 13 When, the above reference will be omitted. Figure 2 The provided redundant description, and the description will focus on the related Figure 2 Differences in the implementation examples.

[0185] The detection sensor 110 can detect objects in the target space 140. The detection sensor 110 generates sensor detection values ​​and sends them to the processor 210.

[0186] Illuminance sensor 112 is a sensor configured to measure the brightness of target space 140. Illuminance sensor 112 can generate illuminance values ​​and send them to processor 210.

[0187] Lamp 114 is a device configured to output light toward target space 140. Lamp 114 may be embedded in or attached to the housing of air conditioner 100 to radiate or emit light around air conditioner 100.

[0188] Processor 210 controls the overall operation of air conditioner 100. Processor 210 can be implemented as one or more processors. Processor 210 can execute instructions or commands stored in memory 214 to perform specific operations. In addition, processor 210 controls the operation of components disposed in air conditioner 100.

[0189] Air conditioning module 212 performs air conditioning operations. Based on control signals or drive signals input from processor 210, air conditioning module 212 adjusts whether to perform cooling, cooling intensity, whether to perform heating, heating intensity, airflow, etc. Air conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger, motor, inverter, fan, filter, etc. Furthermore, air conditioning module 212 may include outdoor unit 116, and outdoor unit 116 may include compressor 120. Processor 210 can set the compressor frequency of compressor 120 of outdoor unit 116 based on the difference between indoor temperature and set temperature.

[0190] The memory 214 stores various information, data, instructions, programs, etc. required for the operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0191] Temperature sensor 1310 detects the temperature of target space 140. Temperature sensor 1310 may include a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, resistance temperature device (RTD), thermistor, infrared thermometer, or bimetallic device. Temperature sensor 1310 outputs the detected temperature value to memory 214 or processor 210.

[0192] Humidity sensor 1320 detects the humidity of target space 140. Humidity sensor 1320 detects the humidity and outputs it as an electrical signal. Humidity sensor 1320 may include, for example, a resistive sensor or a capacitive sensor. Humidity sensor 1320 outputs the detected humidity value to memory 214 or processor 210.

[0193] The communication module 1330 can communicate with at least one external device via wired or wireless means. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 1330 performs wireless communication with a remote control. The communication module 1330 can receive power on / off signals, temperature setting signals, operating mode selection signals, fan speed selection signals, sleep scheduling signals, sleep mode control signals, scheduling operation setting signals, airflow direction setting signals, etc., from the remote control. The communication module 1330 can send the status information of the air conditioner 100 to the remote control to synchronize the status information of the remote control and the air conditioner 100.

[0194] Furthermore, the communication module 1330 can receive control signals from the remote controller for controlling the lamp 114. For example, the communication module 1330 can receive on / off control signals, luminous intensity control signals, automatic on / off control signals, etc., for the lamp 114 from the remote controller. Additionally, the communication module 1330 can receive control signals from the remote controller for activating or deactivating the lamp 114 according to the first and second modes described above.

[0195] Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 1330 can communicate with the outdoor unit 116. For example, the communication module 1330 can communicate with the outdoor unit 116 via RS-485 serial communication.

[0196] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 1330 can communicate with the server via a network. The communication module 1330 can access the network via an access point (AP) device and communicate with the server. In addition, the communication module 1330 can receive power on / off signals, temperature setting signals, operation mode selection signals, airflow intensity selection signals, sleep scheduling signals, sleep mode setting signals, scheduling operation setting signals, airflow direction setting signals, etc., from the server. The communication module 1330 can send the status information of the air conditioner 100 to the server to synchronize the status information of the server and the air conditioner 100. Furthermore, the communication module 1330 can receive operation mode or setting information of the air conditioner 100 set using a user terminal or the like from the server.

[0197] Additionally, the communication module 1330 can receive control signals from the server for controlling the lamp 114. For example, the communication module 1330 can receive on / off control signals, luminous intensity control signals, automatic on / off control signals, etc., for the lamp 114 from the server. Furthermore, the communication module 1330 can receive control signals from the server for activating or deactivating the lamp 114 according to the first and second modes described above.

[0198] The processor 210 can control the operation of each component of the air conditioner 100 according to the control signals received from the remote control or server via the communication module 1330.

[0199] The communication module 1330 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN communication module or a power line communication module). Furthermore, the communication module 1330 can perform short-range communication and can use, for example, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, WLAN (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, IrDA communication, WFD, UWB, Ant+ communication, etc. Additionally, for example, the communication module 1330 can perform long-range communication and can communicate with external devices via, for example, traditional cellular networks, 5G networks, next-generation communication networks, the Internet, computer networks (e.g., LANs or WANs), etc.

[0200] In addition, for example, the communication module 1330 can use mobile communication and can transmit wireless signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server and receive wireless signals from at least one of the base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0201] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the communication module 1330 is connected to an access point (AP) within the home via Wi-Fi communication. The communication module 1330 can communicate with external devices through the AP.

[0202] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can learn its power consumption based on environmental information about the target space 140, and detect abnormal operation of the air conditioner 100 by comparing the learned power consumption with the current power consumption. Furthermore, when abnormal operation is detected, the air conditioner 100 can provide notification of the abnormal operation via its output interface or an external device.

[0203] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating power consumption learned based on environmental information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14An embodiment of the air conditioner 100 of this disclosure is described, which learns power consumption based on environmental information and provides information about abnormal operation.

[0205] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 210 can collect environmental information about target space 140 and power consumption information about air conditioner 100 corresponding to each type of environmental information. The environmental information may include at least one of indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, or outdoor humidity. Processor 210 can collect indoor temperature information using temperature values ​​detected by temperature sensor 1310. Furthermore, processor 210 can collect indoor humidity information using humidity values ​​detected by humidity sensor 1320.

[0206] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the outdoor unit 116 may include a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The processor 210 can collect outdoor temperature information using temperature values ​​detected by the temperature sensor located in the outdoor unit 116. Furthermore, the processor 210 can collect outdoor humidity information using humidity values ​​detected by the humidity sensor located in the outdoor unit 116.

[0207] Air conditioner 100 may include a power module. The power module receives power from an external power source, converts current and voltage, and supplies power to each component of air conditioner 100. Processor 210 may collect information about power consumption from the power module.

[0208] like Figure 14 As shown, processor 210 can collect environmental information and power consumption of air conditioner 100, and learn the power consumption corresponding to each type of environmental information. Processor 210 can store the collected environmental information and power consumption in memory 214. Processor 210 can collect a specific number of power consumption information entries for the same environmental conditions, and learn the power consumption corresponding to each environmental condition. For example, processor 210 can accumulate approximately 20 or more power consumption information entries for each environmental condition, and define the power consumption information for each environmental condition using the accumulated data, such as... Figure 14 The first table 1410 is shown. "Same environmental conditions" refers to a situation where every parameter included in the environmental information (i.e., indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity) is the same. The processor 210 can learn from the collected data and populate the first table 1410 with power consumption values ​​for various environmental conditions. The processor 210 can store the first table 1410 in memory 214 and update the first table 1410 while performing the learning process.

[0209] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a server can perform power consumption learning for each environmental condition. The server can collect environmental information and power consumption information from the air conditioner 100, and learn the power consumption based on each environmental condition. The server can provide the learned power consumption information to the air conditioner 100 based on the environmental conditions.

[0210] Upon completing the learning of power consumption based on environmental conditions, the air conditioner 100 uses the learned data to determine whether the power consumption is normal under the current environmental conditions. The processor 210 can determine whether the power consumption is normal based on the difference between the power consumption under the current environmental conditions and the learned power consumption. For example, if the difference between the current power consumption and the learned power consumption is substantially 50% or greater than the learned power consumption, the processor 210 can determine that the power consumption is abnormal. Conversely, if the difference between the current power consumption and the learned power consumption is less than substantially 50% of the learned power consumption, the processor 210 can determine that the power consumption is normal. Depending on the embodiment, the criteria used to determine whether the power consumption is abnormal may vary.

[0211] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when an abnormal power consumption is detected, the air conditioner 100 provides a notification to the user. When an abnormal power consumption is detected, the processor 210 can provide an abnormal operation notification of the abnormal power consumption to an external device. The processor 210 can send the abnormal operation notification to a server via the communication module 1330. The server can provide the abnormal operation notification to the external device so that the abnormal operation notification can be output to the user via the external device. Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 210 can output the abnormal operation notification via an output interface provided in the air conditioner 100 or a remote control. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the processor 210 can output the abnormal operation notification via a light signal output by the lamp 114 in a defined pattern.

[0212] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0213] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 communicates with the external device 1510 and the server 1520 via the communication module 1330. The air conditioner 100 can be connected to other household appliances, the external device 1510, or the server 1520 via a network NET.

[0214] Server 1520 can manage user account information and information about air conditioners 100 connected to user accounts. For example, a user can connect to server 1520 via external device 1510 and create a user account. User accounts can be identified by an identifier (ID) and password set by the user. Server 1520 can register air conditioners 100 to user accounts according to a configured process. For example, server 1520 can register air conditioners 100 by linking identification information (e.g., serial number or Media Access Control (MAC) address) of air conditioners 100 to user accounts.

[0215] External device 1510 may include a communication module capable of communicating with air conditioner 100 and server 1520, a user interface configured to receive user input or output information to a user, at least one processor configured to control the operation of external device 1510, and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of external device 1510.

[0216] External device 1510 can be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office. External device 1510 may include, but is not limited to, personal computers, terminals, portable phones, smartphones, handheld devices, wearable devices, etc.

[0217] A program (e.g., an application) for controlling the air conditioner 100 may be stored in the memory of the external device 1510. The external device 1510 may be sold with the application for controlling the air conditioner 100 installed therein, or it may be sold without the application. If the external device 1510 is sold without the application for controlling the air conditioner 100, the user may download the application from an external server that provides the application and install it on the external device 1510.

[0218] Users can control the air conditioner 100 using an application installed on the external device 1510. For example, when a user executes an application installed on the external device 1510, identification information of the air conditioner 100 connected to the same user account as the external device 1510 can be displayed in the application execution window. Users can perform desired controls on the air conditioner 100 through the application execution window. When a user enters control commands for the air conditioner 100 through the application execution window, the external device 1510 can send the control commands directly to the air conditioner 100 via LAN, or it can send the control commands to the air conditioner 100 via the server 1520.

[0219] The application of external device 1510 can receive various user inputs for controlling air conditioner 100. The application provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to receive various user inputs and receives user inputs through the GUI. External device 1510 communicates with server 1520 to update the status information of air conditioner 100 and provides the status information through the application. Furthermore, external device 1510 communicates with server 1520 to send user input received through the application to air conditioner 100.

[0220] The application can receive power-off signals or reservation termination signals from the air conditioner 100. Additionally, the application can receive reservation setting signals and user input for setting the reservation end time. Furthermore, the application can receive sleep mode setting signals and user input for setting the reservation end time. Additionally, the application can receive user input for setting noise reduction mode. Furthermore, the application can receive user input for setting automatic drying function. Furthermore, the application can receive user input for setting windless mode.

[0221] Furthermore, the application can receive user input for selecting a user-specified mode. Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the application can receive user input for controlling the lights 114 of the air conditioner 100.

[0222] A network (NET) can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable television networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network used to send and receive signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0223] A network (NET) may include a WAN (such as the Internet), a LAN configured around an access point (AP), and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) that does not pass through an AP. Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), WFD, NFC, Z-Wave, etc.

[0224] The access point (AP) can connect the air conditioner 100 and external device 1510 to the LAN, which is connected to the server 1520, via the WAN. The air conditioner 100 or external device 1510 can also be connected to the server 1520 via the WAN.

[0225] An access point (AP) may include a device that allows devices to connect to each other using relevant standards by utilizing Wi-Fi in a computer network.

[0226] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an AP may include a hardware-implemented AP and a software-implemented AP.

[0227] For example, an access point (AP) can relay data between wireless and wired devices on a network. However, this disclosure is not limited to this, and an AP can relay data between wired devices or between wireless devices. Furthermore, an AP can also be referred to as a relay device.

[0228] The AP can communicate with the air conditioner 100 and external devices 1510 via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi™ (IEEE 802.11), and can also be connected to the WAN via wired communication.

[0229] Air conditioner 100 can send information about its operation or status to server 1520 via network NET. For example, air conditioner 100 can send information about its operation or status to server 1520 via Wi-Fi™ (IEEE 802.11) communication.

[0230] If the air conditioner 100 is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, it can send information about its operation or status to the server 1520 via another household appliance that has a Wi-Fi communication module. For example, when the air conditioner 100 sends information about its operation or status to another household appliance via a short-range wireless network (e.g., BLE communication), the other household appliance can send information about the operation or status of the air conditioner 100 to the server 1520. Alternatively, if the air conditioner 100 is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, it can connect to a communication relay device via a wired connection and perform Wi-Fi and RS-485 communication via the communication relay device.

[0231] Air conditioner 100 may provide information about its operation or status to server 1520 upon prior user approval. Information transmission to server 1520 may occur upon receiving a request from server 1520, upon the occurrence of a specific event in air conditioner 100, or periodically or in real-time.

[0232] When server 1520 receives information about the operation or status of air conditioner 100, server 1520 can update previously stored information related to air conditioner 100. Server 1520 can send information about the operation or status of air conditioner 100 to external device 1510 via network NET.

[0233] When a request is received from external device 1510, server 1520 can send information about the operation or status of air conditioner 100 to external device 1510. For example, when a user runs an application connected to server 1520 on external device 1510, external device 1510 can request and receive information about the operation or status of air conditioner 100 from server 1520 through the application. When information about operation or status is received from air conditioner 100, server 1520 can send the information about the operation or status of air conditioner 100 to external device 1510 in real time. Server 1520 can also periodically send information about the operation or status of air conditioner 100 to external device 1510. External device 1510 can convey information about the operation or status of air conditioner 100 to the user by displaying the information on the application's running window.

[0234] Air conditioner 100 can obtain various information from server 1520 and provide the obtained information to the user. In addition, air conditioner 100 can receive files from server 1520 for updating pre-installed software or data related to pre-installed software, and update the pre-installed software or data related to pre-installed software based on the received files.

[0235] Air conditioner 100 can operate according to control commands received from server 1520. For example, if air conditioner 100 has received prior approval from the user to operate according to control commands from server 1520, air conditioner 100 can operate according to control commands received from server 1520 even without user input. Control commands received from server 1520 may include, but are not limited to, control commands input by the user through external device 1510 or control commands generated by server 1520 based on preset conditions.

[0236] According to embodiments of this disclosure, server 1520 can store the results of learning power consumption based on environmental conditions. Server 1520 can store the results of learning power consumption based on environmental conditions in the user account to which air conditioner 100 is registered. When air conditioner 100 is learning, server 1520 can receive the results of learning power consumption based on environmental conditions from air conditioner 100 and store the received learning results in the user account to which air conditioner 100 is registered. Server 1520 can also store information such as the installation location and installation status of air conditioner 100 corresponding to the learning results. When server 1520 learns power consumption based on environmental conditions, server 1520 can store the learned power consumption in the user account to which air conditioner 100 is registered.

[0237] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of providing abnormal operation notification according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0238] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when abnormal operation is detected, the air conditioner 100 can provide an abnormal operation notification. The abnormal operation notification may include text and / or audio messages indicating that abnormal operation has been detected, air conditioner status check guidance, information about excessive power consumption, information about reduced cooling performance, etc. The air conditioner status check guidance may include requests to check windows, requests to check for refrigerant leaks, requests to check hose connections, requests to check the operation of the outdoor unit, requests to check the opening of the air conditioner outlet, requests to check for water leaks, etc.

[0239] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can output an abnormal operation notification through its output interface. The output interface of the air conditioner 100 may include, for example, a display, a speaker, a light 114, etc. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can display the abnormal operation notification on a display.

[0240] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can output an abnormal operation notification via an external device 1510. The air conditioner 100 can send abnormal operation information to a server 1520 via a communication module 1330. The server 1520 can request that the external device 1510, registered to the same user account as the air conditioner 100, output an abnormal operation notification. The external device 1510 can output the abnormal operation notification via an output interface. When the external device 1510 receives the abnormal operation notification, it can output the notification via an application used to control the air conditioner 100.

[0241] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an abnormal operation notification can be output by either the air conditioner 100 or the external device 1510. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 and the external device 1510 can output an abnormal operation notification together.

[0242] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0243] Reference Figure 17 In operation S1702, the air conditioner 100 collects environmental information about the target space 140 and the power consumption of the air conditioner 100. The environmental information is information indicating the environmental conditions of the target space 140. The environmental information may include, for example, at least one of indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, or outdoor humidity. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can obtain indoor temperature information using the indoor unit's temperature sensor 1310 and indoor humidity information using the indoor unit's humidity sensor 1320. Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, outdoor temperature information can be obtained using the outdoor unit's temperature sensor and outdoor humidity information can be obtained using the outdoor unit's humidity sensor.

[0244] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, after the air conditioner 100 is installed in the target space 140, in operation S1702, the air conditioner 100 can collect environmental information and power consumption. The air conditioner 100 can obtain identification information or location information about the target space 140, and collect environmental information and power consumption corresponding to the identification information or location information.

[0245] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can obtain environmental information by using an external temperature sensor or a humidity sensor. The air conditioner 100 can receive indoor temperature information, indoor humidity information, outdoor temperature information, or outdoor humidity information from the external temperature sensor or humidity sensor via a communication module 1330. For example, the air conditioner 100 can obtain indoor temperature information by using a temperature sensor arranged in the target space 140, or obtain indoor humidity information by using a humidity sensor arranged in the target space 140. Furthermore, for example, the air conditioner 100 can obtain outdoor temperature information by using a temperature sensor arranged outdoors, or obtain outdoor humidity information by using a humidity sensor arranged outdoors.

[0246] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can collect environmental information by using various combinations of temperature and humidity sensors disposed in the indoor or outdoor unit of the air conditioner 100 and temperature and humidity sensors disposed in an external device.

[0247] In addition, the air conditioner 100 collects power consumption information based on environmental information. The air conditioner 100 can obtain information about power consumption from its power module.

[0248] Next, in operation S1704, the air conditioner 100 learns its power consumption based on environmental information. The air conditioner 100 learns the power consumption defined by the environmental information for each environmental condition. The air conditioner 100 accumulates a defined number or more power consumption information points for each environmental condition. The air conditioner 100 learns its power consumption for each environmental condition by using the accumulated power consumption information for each environmental condition. The air conditioner 100 can learn its power consumption for each environmental condition by using various types of learning algorithms. Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 can learn its power consumption for each environmental condition by calculating the average value of training data on power consumption for each environmental condition.

[0249] According to embodiments of this disclosure, after initial installation, the air conditioner 100 can learn power consumption based on environmental conditions. When the air conditioner 100 completes the learning of power consumption for a specific environmental condition, it can use the learned power consumption value during operation S1706. For environmental conditions where power consumption learning has not yet been completed, the air conditioner 100 may not perform operation S1706.

[0250] Next, in operation S1706, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the current power consumption is greater than a reference range or larger than the power consumption learned for the current environmental conditions. The air conditioner 100 can obtain current environmental information and obtain the power consumption value learned for the environmental conditions corresponding to the current environmental information. Furthermore, the air conditioner 100 can obtain the current power consumption value. The air conditioner 100 determines whether the current power consumption value is greater than a reference range or larger than the power consumption value learned for the current environmental conditions. The reference range is, for example, a value corresponding to a predetermined proportion of the learned power consumption. For example, the reference range is a value corresponding to 50% of the learned power consumption. The air conditioner 100 can determine whether the current power consumption is 50% or more greater than the power consumption value learned for the current environmental conditions.

[0251] When it is determined in operation S1706 that the current power consumption is greater than the learned power consumption by a reference range or larger, in operation S1708, the air conditioner 100 determines that the air conditioner 100 is in abnormal operation.

[0252] When it is determined that the air conditioner 100 is operating abnormally, in operation S1710, the air conditioner 100 provides an abnormal operation notification. For example, the air conditioner 100 can provide the abnormal operation notification through an external device 1510. Alternatively, for example, the air conditioner 100 can provide the abnormal operation notification through its output interface.

[0253] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the air conditioner when a new user is detected in the target space, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0254] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when a new user 130 is detected while no user is present in the target space 140, the air conditioner 100 can output a lighting pattern corresponding to the entry of the user 130 using lamps 114. For example, the air conditioner 100 can output welcome lighting corresponding to the entry of the user 130.

[0255] In operation S1802, the air conditioner 100 can detect a new user 130 entering the target space 140 when the illuminance value of the target space 140 is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value. When the illuminance value is greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value, and the air conditioner 100 determines that no user 130 is detected in the target space 140 and therefore no user 130 exists, the air conditioner 100 keeps the light 114 in the off state.

[0256] When the illuminance value is greater than the first illuminance reference value, and a new user 130 is detected while the lamp 114 is turned off as described above, in operation S1804, the air conditioner 100 outputs a first-pattern optical signal through the lamp 114. The first-pattern optical signal is in response to the optical signal of the user 130 entering the space. The first pattern may correspond to a dimming pattern, a flashing pattern, a reciprocating movement pattern, a rotation pattern, etc.

[0257] After the first pattern of light signal is emitted by lamp 114 during the reference time period, in operation S1806, the air conditioner 100 can operate in the first mode of controlling the light intensity of lamp 114 or changing the light intensity pattern according to the compressor frequency.

[0258] A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" refers to a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term "non-transitory storage medium" does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer for temporarily storing data.

[0259] According to embodiments of this disclosure, methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be included in a computer program product and then provided. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., an optical disc ROM (CD-ROM)), or distributed online through an app store (e.g., download or upload) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable application) may be temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an app store's server, or a relay server).

[0260] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes: a detection sensor configured to detect an object; an illuminance sensor configured to detect illuminance in a target space; a lamp; an air conditioning module including a compressor; at least one processor; and a memory storing at least one instruction that, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, causes the air conditioner to perform the following operations: determining whether an illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value; detecting a person in the target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor; and controlling the lamp in a first mode based on the detected illuminance value being greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value and the detection of a person in the target space, wherein, in the first mode, at least one of the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation pattern of the lamp is controlled based on the compressor frequency of the compressor of the air conditioning module.

[0261] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one processor 210 may also be configured to execute at least one instruction to control the lamp 114 in a second mode of turning on the lamp 114 according to a first level of luminous intensity, based on a detected illuminance value being less than or equal to a second illuminance reference value that is smaller than a first illuminance reference value and a person being detected in the target space.

[0262] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the luminous intensity variation pattern may include at least one of a luminous intensity level pattern, a lamp flashing period, a lamp flashing pattern, or a change in the width of the on-screen section.

[0263] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the luminous intensity variation pattern may correspond to a periodic dimming pattern.

[0264] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the luminous intensity variation pattern may correspond to the directional variation pattern of lamp 114.

[0265] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, lamp 114 may include a linear LED, and at least one processor 210 may also be configured to execute at least one instruction to change the direction of lamp 114 by changing the on-state of the LED over time.

[0266] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one processor 210 may also be configured to execute at least one instruction to adjust the luminous intensity of the lamp 114 based on the ambient illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor 112.

[0267] According to embodiments of this disclosure, at least one processor 210 may also be configured to run at least one instruction to learn the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 based on the environment of the target space, determine that the air conditioner 100 is in abnormal operation based on the fact that the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 in the current environment is greater than the learned power consumption by a reference ratio, and provide an abnormal operation notification to the user based on the determination that the air conditioner 100 is in abnormal operation.

[0268] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include a temperature sensor 1310 and a humidity sensor 1320, and the environment of the target space may be defined by at least one of indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature or outdoor humidity.

[0269] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include a communication module 1330, and at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute at least one instruction to provide abnormal operation notification to an external device via the communication module 1330.

[0270] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include a temperature sensor 1310 and a humidity sensor 1320, and at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute at least one instruction to collect environmental information about the target space detected by the temperature sensor 1310 and the humidity sensor 1320 and the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 after the initial installation of the air conditioner 100, learn the power consumption of the air conditioner according to the environment of the target space based on the collected environmental information and power consumption, and determine whether the air conditioner 100 is in abnormal operation based on the environmental conditions of the target space after the learning is completed.

[0271] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one processor 210 may also be configured to execute at least one instruction to detect a new person based on a detected illuminance value greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value and a state in which no person is detected in the target space, output a first style of lighting, and then control lamp 114 in a first mode.

[0272] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method includes: detecting an illuminance value in a target space using an illuminance sensor; determining whether the detected illuminance value is greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value; detecting a person in the target space using a sensor detection value; and controlling an air conditioning module in a first mode based on the detected illuminance value being greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value and the detection of a person in the target space. In the first mode, at least one of the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation patterns of lamps included in the air conditioner is controlled based on the compressor frequency of the compressor of the air conditioning module.

[0273] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the method for controlling the air conditioner may further include: controlling the light in a second mode of turning on the light according to a first level of luminous intensity, based on the detected illuminance value being less than or equal to a second illuminance reference value that is smaller than a first illuminance reference value and a person being detected in the target space.

[0274] Additionally, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the luminous intensity variation pattern may include at least one of luminous intensity pattern, lamp flashing period, lamp flashing pattern, or lamp width variation.

[0275] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the luminous intensity variation pattern may correspond to a periodic dimming pattern.

[0276] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the luminous intensity variation pattern may correspond to the directional variation pattern of lamp 114.

[0277] In addition, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the method for controlling an air conditioner may further include: learning the power consumption of the air conditioner based on the environment of the target space; determining that the air conditioner is in abnormal operation based on the fact that the power consumption of the air conditioner in the current environment is greater than the learned power consumption by a reference ratio; and providing an abnormal operation notification to the user based on the determination that the air conditioner is in abnormal operation.

[0278] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the method for controlling the air conditioner may further include: detecting a new person based on a detected illuminance value greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value and a state in which no person is detected in the target space, outputting a first style of lighting, and then controlling the light in a first mode.

[0279] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium is provided having a program recorded thereon for performing a method of controlling an air conditioner on a computer.

Claims

1. An air conditioner (100), comprising: A detection sensor (110) is configured as a detection object; An illuminance sensor (112) is configured to detect the illuminance of the target space; Lamp (114); Air conditioning module (212), including compressor; At least one processor (210), including processing circuitry; and A memory (214) stores at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction, when executed individually or jointly by the at least one processor, causes the air conditioner to perform the following operations: Determine whether the illuminance value detected by the illuminance sensor (112) is greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value. A person is detected in the target space by using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110), and Based on the detected illuminance value being greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value and a person being detected in the target space, the lamp (114) is controlled in a first mode, wherein, in the first mode, at least one of the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation pattern of the lamp (114) is controlled based on the compressor frequency of the compressor of the air conditioning module (212).

2. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is also configured to run the at least one instruction to perform the following operation: based on the detected illuminance value being less than or equal to a second illuminance reference value that is smaller than a first illuminance reference value and a person being detected in the target space, controlling the lamp (114) in a second mode of turning on the lamp (114) according to a first level of luminous intensity.

3. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The light intensity variation pattern includes at least one of the following: light intensity level pattern, lamp flashing cycle, lamp flashing pattern, or change in the width of the on-screen section.

4. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The light intensity variation pattern corresponds to a periodic dimming pattern.

5. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The light intensity variation pattern corresponds to the direction variation pattern of the lamp (114).

6. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The lamp (114) includes a linear light-emitting diode (LED) lamp, and The at least one processor (210) is also configured to run the at least one instruction to change the direction of the lamp (114) by changing the on-state of the LED over time.

7. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is also configured to run the at least one instruction to adjust the luminous intensity of the lamp (114) according to the ambient illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor (112).

8. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is also configured to run the at least one instruction to perform the following operations: learn the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) based on the environment of the target space, determine that the air conditioner (100) is in abnormal operation based on the fact that the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) in the current environment is greater than the learned power consumption by a reference ratio, and provide an abnormal operation notification to the user based on the determination that the air conditioner (100) is in abnormal operation.

9. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 8 further includes a temperature sensor (1310) and a humidity sensor (1320). in, The environment of the target space is defined by at least one of indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, or outdoor humidity.

10. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 8 further includes a communication module (1330). in, The at least one processor (210) is also configured to run the at least one instruction to provide the abnormal operation notification to an external device via the communication module (1330).

11. The air conditioner (100) according to claim 8 further includes a temperature sensor (1310) and a humidity sensor (1320). in, The at least one processor (210) is also configured to run the at least one instruction to perform the following operations: after the initial installation of the air conditioner (100), collecting environmental information about the target space and the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) detected by the temperature sensor (1310) and the humidity sensor (1320), learning the power consumption of the air conditioner according to the environment of the target space based on the collected environmental information and power consumption, and determining whether the air conditioner (100) is in abnormal operation based on the environmental conditions of the target space after the learning is completed.

12. The air conditioner (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The at least one processor (210) is also configured to run the at least one instruction to perform the following operations: based on the detected illuminance value being greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value and the detection of a new person in the state where no person is detected in the target space, output lighting of a first style, and then control the lamp (114) in a first mode.

13. A method for controlling an air conditioner, the method comprising: The illuminance value of the target space is detected by using an illuminance sensor; Determine whether the detected illuminance value is greater than or equal to the first illuminance reference value; A person is detected in the target space by using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor; and Based on the detected illuminance value being greater than or equal to a first illuminance reference value and a person being detected in the target space, the air conditioning module is controlled in a first mode, wherein, in the first mode, at least one of the luminous intensity or luminous intensity variation patterns of the lamps included in the air conditioner is controlled based on the compressor frequency of the compressor of the air conditioning module.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: Based on the detected illuminance value being less than or equal to a second illuminance reference value that is smaller than a first illuminance reference value, and a person being detected in the target space, the lamp is controlled in a second mode where the lamp is turned on according to a first level of luminous intensity.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for performing the method according to any one of claims 13 and 14 on a computer.

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