Air conditioner and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air conditioner that controls a cooling / heating temperature based on a position of an indoor person and a method of operation thereof. The air conditioner of the present invention includes a temperature sensor that measures an indoor temperature of a space in which an indoor unit is installed, a human body sensing section that calculates a position of an indoor person in the space, a storage section that stores an air flow speed set in the space of the air conditioner, and a controller that calculates a predicted mean vote (PMV) at the position of the indoor person using the measured indoor temperature and the air flow speed, and determines whether the calculated PMV is within a set comfortable range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to air conditioners, and more particularly to an air conditioner and its operating method that controls the cooling and heating temperature based on the position of people in the room. Background Technology

[0002] An air conditioner is a device designed to provide users with a more comfortable indoor environment. It cools or heats the room by compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant, and then expelling low-temperature air into the room, thereby regulating the indoor temperature and purifying the indoor air.

[0003] Typically, when the outdoor heat exchanger of an air conditioner functions as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, it can cool the room. Conversely, when the outdoor heat exchanger functions as an evaporator and the indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, it can heat the room.

[0004] Maintaining comfort for occupants in indoor spaces through heating and cooling control is crucial. Occupant comfort can change in real time based on the combination of temperature factors. The most representative temperature factor is indoor temperature.

[0005] Since the uniformity of temperature distribution in an indoor space has a significant impact on the comfort of occupants, it is necessary to evaluate the temperature distribution used to create a comfortable indoor environment for occupants.

[0006] Existing temperature distribution assessments are conducted during the building design phase and used to determine the optimal design for cooling and heating equipment. However, these are fixed values, therefore real-time temperature distribution assessments are needed to maintain indoor occupant comfort.

[0007] Typically, as a method for evaluating temperature distribution, multiple sensors need to be set up to measure the temperature distribution of a building in real time. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the location of the sensors, and due to the large number of sensors required, a lot of maintenance costs are incurred.

[0008] As an example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0082764 (Prior Document 1) discloses an apparatus and method for receiving temperature values ​​sensed by a plurality of indoor surface temperature sensors and outdoor air temperature sensors arranged separately in a space, and predicting the thermal environment of the space through machine learning.

[0009] However, the existing document 1 requires multiple temperature sensors, making it difficult to ensure proper installation and maintenance, and it fails to provide optimal comfort to indoor occupants because it does not take into account their location.

[0010] As another example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0049769 (Prior Document 2) discloses an automatic control system for an air conditioner that uses indoor sensing data to predict the user's future indoor probability information, uses indoor temperature and humidity data sensed by sensors to derive thermal sensation, and then calculates the temperature for optimal thermal sensation and controls the air conditioner.

[0011] However, existing literature 2 only confirms whether people are in the room or not, but does not know their location, so there are limitations in providing optimal comfort to people in the room. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem to be solved

[0013] The present invention provides an air conditioner and its operating method that adjust the set temperature of the air conditioner in accordance with the position of the indoor occupants, thereby providing the indoor occupants with optimal comfort.

[0014] This invention provides an air conditioner and its operating method that calculate the comfort level of indoor occupants in real time based on their location.

[0015] This invention provides an air conditioner and its operating method that adjusts the set temperature to a comfortable range based on the current comfort level of indoor occupants.

[0016] This invention provides an air conditioner and its operating method that provide optimal comfort to indoor occupants by calculating the PMV that matches the size of the indoor space and the model of the air conditioner.

[0017] This invention provides an air conditioner and its operation method for transmitting setting information, operation information, and status information of an air conditioner used to provide optimal comfort to indoor occupants to a user terminal.

[0018] Technical solutions to the problem

[0019] The air conditioning mechanism of this embodiment of the invention is such that, when it starts operating, it activates the refrigeration cycle and discharges air into the indoor space at a set airflow rate through heat exchange.

[0020] An air conditioner can consist of an indoor unit installed in an indoor space and an outdoor unit that delivers refrigerant to the indoor unit.

[0021] The air conditioner measures the indoor temperature of the space where the indoor unit is located.

[0022] The air conditioner uses a human body sensor to measure the position of people in the room and measures their activity level based on their position.

[0023] The storage section of the air conditioner pre-stores the size of the air conditioner and the space, as well as the airflow speed (velocity) for each area.

[0024] The controller uses the measured indoor temperature and airflow velocity in different areas of the space to calculate the predicted average thermal feeling (PMV) at the location of people in the room.

[0025] If the PMV is within the comfort range, the controller maintains its current operating state; if it deviates from the comfort range, the controller changes its operating state.

[0026] Air conditioners can calculate the amount of activity of people indoors based on their location.

[0027] At this point, the controller calculates PMV based on the activity level of the people in the room. The controller assigns different weights to indoor temperature and airflow speed based on the activity level of the people in the room, and then calculates PMV.

[0028] Here, as the activity level of people indoors increases, the controller can be assigned a relatively large weight.

[0029] The comfort range could be a PMV of 0. Alternatively, considering that the comfort level of each person in the room may differ, a PMV of 0 ± 0.5 could be considered a comfort range. Of course, the comfort range can be changed.

[0030] If the calculated PMV is outside the comfort range, the controller can change the set temperature of the air conditioner.

[0031] In this case, the controller can gradually change the set temperature from the existing set temperature to the first set temperature based on the human body's adaptation time.

[0032] In this embodiment, the set temperature is changed from the existing set temperature in 0.5°C increments according to the human body's adaptation time, and is gradually changed to the first set temperature.

[0033] If the indoor temperature reaches the first set temperature, the controller will gradually change the set temperature from the first set temperature to the second set temperature based on the human body's adaptation time.

[0034] In this embodiment, the set temperature is changed from the first set temperature in 0.5°C increments according to the human body's adaptation time, and then gradually changed to the second set temperature.

[0035] If the indoor temperature reaches the second set temperature, the controller will change the set temperature between the first and second set temperatures in 0.5°C increments based on the human body's adaptation time, and repeatedly increase and decrease the temperature.

[0036] Invention Effects

[0037] The air conditioner and its operating method according to the embodiments of the present invention have one or more of the following effects.

[0038] According to the present invention, the temperature and airflow are adjusted in accordance with the position of the people in the room, thus providing the people in the room with optimal comfort.

[0039] According to the present invention, the comfort of indoor occupants in an indoor space can be confirmed, and the set temperature can be controlled to keep the indoor occupants within a comfortable range.

[0040] According to the present invention, since the PMV is calculated to match the size of the indoor space and the model of the air conditioner, it is possible to provide optimal comfort to the occupants of the room.

[0041] According to the present invention, setting information, operation information, status information, etc. of an air conditioner used to provide optimal comfort to indoor occupants are transmitted to a user terminal, thereby enabling the user to confirm the information. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is an example diagram of a space in which an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a configuration diagram illustrating the cooling and heating operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating the configuration of a system with an apparatus for communicating with an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a simplified illustration of the appearance of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 6 This is an internal block diagram illustrating the control relationships between the main components of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 This is an example diagram illustrating the human adaptation time according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operating mode of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9 This is an example diagram illustrating the change of the set temperature in the comfort operation mode of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention, uses human body sensing to sense the position and distance of people indoors.

[0051] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the indoor area of ​​an embodiment of the present invention as a plurality of divided areas.

[0052] Figure 12 This is to explain the calculation. Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the example of the distance people move indoors.

[0053] Figure 13 This is to explain the calculation. Figure 12 A diagram illustrating the amount of activity of people indoors.

[0054] Figure 14 This shows the calculation. Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the distance a person moves.

[0055] Figure 15 This shows the calculation. Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the distance traveled by two or more people.

[0056] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 11 The diagram shows an example of one to three people moving without any distance.

[0057] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the airflow speed set according to the various positions of people in the room for the air conditioner in this embodiment of the invention.

[0058] Figure 18 This is an example diagram showing the airflow direction and air supply level in each indoor area when the air conditioner is operating in direct airflow mode in the fast zone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 19 This is an example diagram showing the airflow direction and air supply level in each indoor area when the air conditioner is operating in the indirect airflow mode in the comfort zone, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 20 This is an example diagram showing the airflow direction and air supply level in each indoor area when the air conditioner is operating in the indirect airflow mode in the comfort zone, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an air conditioner in a comfort operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figures 24 to 27This is a diagram illustrating the process of calculating the temperature and wind speed at a room location in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 28 This is an example diagram illustrating information displayed on a display of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 29 This is another example diagram illustrating information displayed on a display of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of each drawing, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible for the same constituent elements, even though they are labeled in different drawings. Furthermore, in the process of describing the embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 1 This is an example diagram of a space in which an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0069] Reference Figure 1 The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment can be installed in a designated indoor space S.

[0070] Air conditioner 100 may include an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit may be installed in an indoor space S and discharge air, while the outdoor unit may supply refrigerant to the indoor unit.

[0071] The air conditioner 100 can operate in cooling mode or heating mode by supplying refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit according to the user's requested operating status.

[0072] Air conditioner 100 can discharge cool or heated air into space S according to the internal temperature of space S, thereby providing comfort to the people P in the room.

[0073] The air conditioner 100 can take various forms. For example, it can be a ceiling-mounted type installed in the ceiling, a wall-mounted type installed in the wall, or a vertical type installed on the ground.

[0074] Figure 2 This is a configuration diagram illustrating the cooling and heating operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Reference Figure 2 The air conditioner 100 may have an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 20 connected to each other by refrigerant piping.

[0076] In the accompanying drawings, as an example, only one indoor unit 10 is connected to the outdoor unit 20, but in other embodiments, more than two indoor units 10 can of course be connected to one outdoor unit 20.

[0077] The outdoor unit 20 may be equipped with a compressor 1, an oil separator 2, a switching valve 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, an outdoor expansion valve E2, and a liquid receiver 6. The indoor unit 10 may be equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 5 and an indoor expansion valve E1.

[0078] A controller for operating the air conditioner 100 can be installed. Figure 6 (330).

[0079] The controller 330 can be electrically connected to each component of the air conditioner 100 and can perform heating or cooling operation by controlling the operation of the components of the air conditioner 100.

[0080] First, if a heating operation signal is input to the air conditioner 100, the controller 330 can execute the heating operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0081] When operating in heating mode, the low-temperature / low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the receiver 6 into the compressor 1 can be compressed by the compressor 1 to a high-temperature / high-pressure state and then discharged to the oil separator 2.

[0082] The refrigerant separated from the oil in the oil separator 2 can flow into the indoor heat exchanger 5 via the switching valve 3 and the first servo valve SV1. At this time, the indoor expansion valve E1 can open the flow path of the refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 5 and flowing to the outdoor heat exchanger 4.

[0083] As heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant can be condensed. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 5 can function as a condenser.

[0084] Therefore, the indoor space S can be heated by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air, and by the operation of the indoor fan 7.

[0085] Furthermore, the refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 5 can pass through the indoor expansion valve E and the second servo valve SV2, and then through the outdoor expansion valve E2. The refrigerant that expands in the outdoor expansion valve E2 can then be distributed to multiple parts of the outdoor heat exchanger 4 via the distributor 41.

[0086] As outdoor air heat is transferred to the refrigerant via outdoor heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant can evaporate. At this time, outdoor heat exchanger 4 functions as an evaporator. The refrigerant that evaporates through outdoor heat exchanger 4 flows sequentially through manifold 42, switching valve 3, and receiver 6 before flowing into compressor 1.

[0087] This refrigerant cycle enables the air conditioner to operate in heating mode.

[0088] In addition, if a cooling operation signal is input to the air conditioner 100, the controller 330 can also execute the cooling operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0089] In refrigeration operation, the low-temperature / low-pressure refrigerant flowing from the receiver 6 into the compressor 1 can be compressed into high-temperature / high-pressure refrigerant and discharged into the oil separator 2.

[0090] The refrigerant that has separated oil in the oil separator 2 can flow into the outdoor heat exchanger 4 after passing through the switching valve 3 and the manifold 42.

[0091] As heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant can be condensed. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 4 can function as a condenser.

[0092] The refrigerant condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger 4 can flow sequentially through the distributor 41, the outdoor expansion valve E2, and the second servo valve SV2 into the indoor expansion valve E1. At this time, the outdoor expansion valve E2 can be fully open.

[0093] Furthermore, the refrigerant that expands through the indoor expansion valve E1 can flow into the indoor heat exchanger 5.

[0094] As the heat energy of the indoor air is transferred to the refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 5, the refrigerant can evaporate. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 5 can function as an evaporator.

[0095] Therefore, the indoor space S can be cooled by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air, and by the action of the indoor fan 7.

[0096] Furthermore, the refrigerant that evaporates through the indoor heat exchanger 5 can flow into the compressor 1 sequentially through the first servo valve SV1, the switching valve 3, and the liquid receiver 6.

[0097] This refrigerant cycle enables the air conditioner to operate in a cooling mode.

[0098] Here, since the refrigerant flow direction differs depending on whether the air conditioner 10 is in cooling or heating operation, the meanings of the "inlet side" and "outlet side" of the indoor heat exchanger 5 can change depending on whether it is in cooling or heating operation. For ease of explanation, this embodiment is based on the case where the air conditioner 100 is in cooling operation.

[0099] Figure 3 This is an example diagram illustrating the configuration of a system with an apparatus for communicating with an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Reference Figure 3 The air conditioner 100 may have a communication module and communicate with the user terminal 120 and the server 140.

[0101] The air conditioner 100 can communicate directly with the user terminal 120, or it can connect to the network 130 via the access point (AP) 110, thereby communicating with the user terminal 120 and the server 140.

[0102] User terminal 120 is a device with communication capabilities, which can communicate with air conditioner 100 and server 140.

[0103] User terminal 120 can communicate with server 140 via network 130, such as LTE or 5G.

[0104] User terminal 120 can communicate with air conditioner 100 via AP device 110 using, for example, Wi-Fi communication, or via server 140 using network 130.

[0105] User terminal 120 can also be used, for example, to communicate directly with air conditioner 100 via Bluetooth.

[0106] User terminal 120 may be configured with a program or dedicated application (hereinafter referred to as "dedicated application" or "ThinQ application") for the operation and control of air conditioner 100.

[0107] User terminal 120 can send control commands to air conditioner 100 based on its operation by running a dedicated application, and receive data from air conditioner 100.

[0108] In this embodiment, the user terminal 120 can use electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, PDAs, computers, and laptops, or wearable devices such as smartwatches.

[0109] User terminal 120 can register air conditioner 100 with server 140 by transmitting the inherent information of air conditioner 100 to server 140.

[0110] User terminal 120 may include a display capable of showing various data, information, images, and videos.

[0111] Such displays can be implemented using, for example, LCD displays, OLED displays, AMOLED displays, Super AMLOED displays, Retina displays, etc.

[0112] User terminal 120 can receive and display web pages or application screens containing information about air conditioner 100 from server 140.

[0113] User terminal 120 can receive setting information, operation information, status information, etc. of air conditioner 100 from air conditioner 100 and / or from server 140 and display them on the screen.

[0114] Information about the indoor space where the air conditioner 100 is installed can also be received from the air conditioner 100 and / or the server 140 and displayed on the screen of the user terminal 120.

[0115] Server 140 can receive and store information by communicating with air conditioner 100 and user terminal 120, and can respond to requests from user terminal 120.

[0116] Server 140 can receive control commands for the operation of air conditioner 100 requested by user terminal 120, and control the operation of air conditioner 100 according to the control commands.

[0117] Server 140 can store the information of air conditioner 100 registered through user terminal 120 in a database (not shown), and update the information of air conditioner 100 in real time by receiving data transmitted from air conditioner 100 in real time.

[0118] Server 140 can be implemented as a single device, or it can be implemented as a distributed processing system in which multiple server devices are connected to each other and multiple server devices distribute the processing of requested data.

[0119] Server 140 can be a cloud-based server system or a web server. Therefore, it can provide data about web page displays related to the air conditioner 100 to the user terminal 120.

[0120] Server 140 can store firmware information and operating information for air conditioner 100, and can register product information for air conditioner 100.

[0121] Server 140 may be a server operated by the manufacturer of air conditioner 100 or home appliance manufacturer, or it may be a server operated by a public application store operator or a service provider that provides services related to air conditioner 100.

[0122] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a simplified illustration of the appearance of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of explanation, an indoor unit of a vertical air conditioner 100 is shown as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this; in addition to the aforementioned vertical air conditioner, wall-mounted air conditioners or ceiling-mounted air conditioners may also be included in the air conditioner 100 of the present invention.

[0124] The air conditioner 100 of the present invention may include an indoor unit 10 and an outdoor unit 20. The indoor unit 10 is disposed in an indoor space S and discharges air into the space S, while the outdoor unit 20 supplies refrigerant to the indoor unit 20.

[0125] Air conditioner 100 can operate in cooling or heating mode depending on the operating mode.

[0126] Referring to the attached drawings, a front outlet 111 can be formed on the front of the air conditioner 100, and side outlets 112 can be formed on the left and right sides respectively.

[0127] Air can be expelled from inside the air conditioner 100 into the room through the front outlet 111 and the side outlet 121.

[0128] Various components (not shown) for the inherent and additional functions of the air conditioner 100 can be installed inside the air conditioner 100.

[0129] The front panel 11 can form the front of the air conditioner 100, and the front outlet 111 can be formed on the upper side of the front panel 11.

[0130] The front door module 12 can open and close the front exhaust port 111 formed on the front panel 14 and change the direction of the airflow discharged through the front exhaust port 111.

[0131] The front door module 12 can be configured to move back and forth in the front-to-back direction between the last position that blocks the flow path of the air discharged through the front outlet 111 and the foremost position that forms the forward airflow.

[0132] When the front door module 12 protrudes to its foremost position, the forward airflow pattern can be defined as the direct wind mode to distinguish it from the indirect wind mode described later.

[0133] An outer panel 112 may be arranged on the front side of the front outlet 111. This outer panel 112 may be made of a translucent material, and the light generated by the display unit (not shown) located on the inner side may be irradiated to the outside through the outer panel 211.

[0134] The outer panel 121 can function as a display that provides users with information about the operating status of the air conditioner 100, the surrounding air quality, and so on.

[0135] The display 116 can also be formed independently of the outer panel 112.

[0136] The display 116 can show the operating status of the air conditioner 100, etc.

[0137] Side door modules 13 can be provided on both sides of the air conditioner 100, and side doors 131 can be provided on each side door module 13.

[0138] The side door 131 can open and close the side outlet 121. For this purpose, the side door 131 can be configured to move in the front-rear direction of the air conditioner 100.

[0139] Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, if the side door 131 is in the forward position, the side outlet 121 can be blocked; conversely, if... Figure 5 As shown, when the side door 131 is in a backward position, the side outlet 121 can be opened.

[0140] In order to expel air through the side outlet 121, the side outlet 121 can be opened by actuating the side door 131, thereby allowing the internal air to be expelled to the outside through the side outlet 121.

[0141] If air is not discharged through the side outlet 121, the side outlet 121 is blocked by the side door 131, which effectively prevents dust and other particles from flowing in through the side outlet 121 and becoming stuck inside, or prevents foreign objects that may cause malfunctions from flowing in.

[0142] The side door 131 and the side outlet 121 can be arranged on the side of the air conditioner 100, preferably on both sides, that is, the side door 131 and the side outlet 121 are arranged on both the left and right sides.

[0143] The air conditioner 100 can operate in a direct airflow mode, in which the exhaled air is discharged forward over a long distance, or in an indirect airflow mode, in which air is discharged radially outward from the front outlet 111.

[0144] A blade module (not shown) may be provided on the inner side of the front panel 11. This blade module can change the direction of the airflow discharged through the side outlet 121. In particular, it can convert the forward airflow into the lateral airflow.

[0145] The direction change of the forward airflow can be achieved by plate-shaped blades 132a and 132b arranged adjacent to the front side of the side outlet 121.

[0146] Through the movement of these blades 132a and 132b, the air conditioner 100 can switch from direct air mode to indirect air mode.

[0147] If the blades 132a and 132b move, the air expelled through the side outlet 121 will be resisted by the blades 132a and 132b. In particular, the air at the front end of the side outlet 121 will directly collide with the blades 132a and 132b, thereby changing the direction of movement.

[0148] Therefore, the airflow of the exhaled air can be completely changed, and the operating state of the air conditioner 100 can be changed from direct air mode to indirect air mode.

[0149] The side outlet 121 may also be equipped with a plurality of side blades 133a, 133b that guide the flow direction of the air when it is expelled in a lateral airflow.

[0150] The upper side of the air conditioner 100 may include a camera 115 for capturing indoor images and a display 116 for providing visual information about the air conditioner 100.

[0151] Figure 6 This is an internal block diagram illustrating the control relationships between the main components of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Reference Figure 6 The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment may include an input unit 311, a communication unit 312, a storage unit 313, a microphone 314, a sensor unit 315, a drive unit 314, an output unit 317, a movement distance calculation unit 318, an activity level calculation unit 319, a camera 115, a display 116, and a controller 330.

[0153] The controller 330 can control the overall operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0154] The input unit 311 can receive data such as the operating mode, set temperature, target temperature, air volume, and air speed of the air conditioner 100 and transmit them to the controller 330.

[0155] The input unit 311 may include at least one switch or button, or may be composed of a touch-operable touch key, touchpad or touch screen, and may receive data through button operation or touch input.

[0156] The communication unit 312 can communicate with other electronic devices via wired / wireless communication.

[0157] The communication unit 312 can be equipped with more than one communication module, and each of them can send and receive various signals by communicating with the user terminal 120 and the server 140.

[0158] The storage unit 313 can store information, data, programs, etc. required for the operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0159] The storage unit 313 can store human adaptation time, cooling speed, heating speed, user control input information, other algorithms, etc.

[0160] The storage unit 313 can store the initial target temperature for the energy-saving operation mode.

[0161] The storage unit 313 may also store information on a plurality of partitioned areas, the sensed location of indoor personnel (hereinafter referred to as "indoor location"), mapping information between partitioned areas and indoor locations, etc.

[0162] The storage unit 313 can store flow rate (airflow velocity) information for the air conditioner 100 in the divided area. The flow rate (airflow velocity) can vary depending on the model of the air conditioner 100, the size of the space S it is set in, and its location in the room.

[0163] For example, when a specific model of air conditioner 100 is installed in a space of a specific size S, the airflow speed at each location in the room is predetermined and stored in the storage unit 313.

[0164] Storage unit 313 may include volatile or non-volatile storage media.

[0165] Storage media are devices that store data that can be read by a microprocessor, and can include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Disk), SDD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), CD-ROM (Optical Disc Read-Only Memory), optical data storage devices, etc.

[0166] The drive unit 314 can be driven according to the control commands of the controller 330.

[0167] The drive unit 314 can control the amount of air expelled into the room by controlling the rotation of the motor connected to the blower fan.

[0168] The drive unit 314 can control the drive of the heat exchanger and exchange heat with the surrounding air by evaporating or condensing the refrigerant supplied by the heat exchanger.

[0169] The drive unit 314 can also control the amount and speed of airflow by adjusting the rotation speed of the blower fan.

[0170] The drive unit 314 can drive the blades 132a and 132b according to the control of the controller 330, thereby adjusting the direction (airflow) of the air expelled into the room up, down, left and right.

[0171] Driven by blades 132a and 132b, the air direction expelled through the front outlet 111 and the side outlet 121 can be adjusted.

[0172] The drive unit 314 can adjust the direction and range of the discharged air.

[0173] For example, by fixing the blades 132a and 132b to face a certain direction, air can be delivered in a certain direction. Alternatively, the direction of the blades 132a and 132b can be continuously changed within a set range (hereinafter referred to as "oscillation action"). Thus, air delivery within a set range can be formed in a manner where the air delivery direction continuously changes within a set range.

[0174] In addition, the air supply range can be further increased or decreased by adjusting the angle range formed by the oscillation action of blades 132a and 132b.

[0175] On the other hand, a fan is provided inside the air conditioner 100. The fan is used to control the flow of indoor air drawn in from the intake port and discharged into the indoor space S through the front exhaust port 111 and / or the side exhaust port 121. The rotation of the fan can be adjusted by the fan drive unit, and the operation of the fan drive unit can be controlled by the controller 330.

[0176] Therefore, the controller 330 can control the direction of airflow (airflow) emitted from the air conditioner 100 by controlling the drive unit and the fan drive unit.

[0177] The controller 330 can control the amount and speed of airflow by controlling the speed of the fan motor, and control the direction of airflow by controlling the blades.

[0178] The air conditioner 100 may include a microphone (MIC) 315 capable of receiving external audio signals and user voice commands.

[0179] The air conditioner 100 may include a sensor unit 316 for measuring various information.

[0180] The sensor unit 316 may include, for example, a temperature sensor for measuring indoor temperature, a humidity sensor for measuring indoor humidity, and a dust sensor for measuring indoor air quality. It may also include sensors for measuring outdoor temperature, humidity, and air quality.

[0181] Additionally, sensor unit 316 may include a radar sensor capable of sensing an indoor occupant P within space S. This radar sensor can also sense the location of people inside the room.

[0182] The radar sensor includes a transmitter and a receiver. The signal sent from the transmitter is reflected by people indoors and then received by the receiver.

[0183] In the receiving unit, the received signal is converted into digital information and input to the controller 330. The controller 330 uses the digital information to detect the person P in the room and calculate their location in the room.

[0184] In the controller 330, the location of the indoor occupant P can include the distance and direction (angle) information from the indoor occupant P with reference to the air conditioner 100.

[0185] The controller 140 can use the distance and direction (angle) information of the indoor person P to calculate the (X, Y) coordinate values ​​of the two-dimensional coordinates with the air conditioner 100 as the origin.

[0186] The controller 330 can control the operation of the air conditioner 100 based on the measured values ​​measured by the sensor unit 316.

[0187] The air conditioner 100 may include an output unit 317 that outputs audio signals.

[0188] The output unit 317 can output warning sounds, operation modes, operation status, error status, and other notification messages, as well as information corresponding to user command inputs and processing results corresponding to user command inputs, in audio form, according to the control of the controller 330.

[0189] The output unit 317 can convert the electrical signal from the controller 330 into an audio signal and output it.

[0190] The output unit 317 may include a speaker, and the output unit 317 may be appropriately arranged on the front or side of the air conditioner 100.

[0191] A display 116 may be installed on the front of the air conditioner 100.

[0192] The display 116 can display various information including the status information, temperature information, operation information, and action information of the air conditioner 100.

[0193] The display 116 can form a layered structure with the touchpad to constitute a touchscreen. In this case, the display 116 can also be used as an input device in addition to an output device, capable of inputting information based on the user's touch.

[0194] The air conditioner 100 may include a camera 115 capable of capturing images of the surrounding environment.

[0195] The camera 115 may include: an image sensor (e.g., a CMOS image sensor) that includes an optical lens and a photodiode; and a digital signal processor (DSP) that outputs signals from the photodiode to form an image.

[0196] Digital signal processors can not only generate still images, but also generate video composed of frames made up of still images.

[0197] Images captured by camera 115 can be stored in storage unit 313.

[0198] The controller 330 can identify the presence of people indoors and users located in a designated space based on images captured by the camera 115.

[0199] The camera 115 can be rotated according to the control instructions of the controller 330, and can also scan the indoor area during the rotation.

[0200] The mapping unit 322 maps the indoor position sensed by the sensor unit 316 or the camera 115 (hereinafter referred to as the human body sensing unit) to a pre-set division area. Here, the multiple areas that the indoor area that the human body sensing unit can sense, divided according to its position and distance, are referred to as the division area.

[0201] If the human body sensing unit senses the location of people in the room at a set period, the mapping unit 322 can map the sensed location to a plurality of divided areas. Thus, it can be determined which of the plurality of divided areas contains people in the room.

[0202] Information about the division of areas is pre-stored in the storage unit 313, and information (mapping information) based on the mapping of the room position and the division of areas sensed by the mapping unit 322 for each cycle is also stored in the storage unit. This mapping process will be described in detail below.

[0203] The movement distance calculation unit 318 calculates the movement distance of people inside the room. If the location inside the room is mapped to a specific subdivision area among a plurality of subdivision areas in each cycle, the movement distance of people inside the room is calculated using the distance between the subdivision area mapped to in the previous cycle and the subdivision area mapped to in the current cycle. This movement distance can be calculated in each cycle.

[0204] The activity calculation unit 319 calculates the activity level of the indoor person by using the movement distance of the indoor person calculated in each cycle as described above. Specifically, it calculates the total accumulated movement distance during the set time period by adding the movement distances calculated in each cycle during the set time period, and uses this as the activity level.

[0205] The airflow control unit 320 can control the airflow volume discharged through the front outlet 111 and the side outlet 121. This airflow control can be determined based on the rotational speed of the air supply fan.

[0206] The wind direction control unit 321 can control the direction of the expelled air by moving the blades 132a and 132b.

[0207] The air direction control unit 321 can control the opening and closing of the left outlet, the right outlet, and the front outlet according to the control command of the controller 330, thereby adjusting the direction of the air.

[0208] The controller 330 can control the operation of the air volume control unit 320 and the air direction control unit 321 to discharge air according to the room position when the room position is sensed.

[0209] If the input air supply mode is direct air mode, the controller 330 controls the air direction control unit 321 to direct the discharged air towards the indoor position. Conversely, if the input air supply mode is indirect air mode, the air direction control unit 321 controls the air direction to direct the air towards the non-indoor position.

[0210] The controller 330 can also control the operation of the airflow control unit 320 based on whether the sensed location in the room is far, medium, or near. For example, if the sensed location in the room is far, a strong airflow can be used; if the sensed location in the room is near, a weak airflow can be used.

[0211] As described above, the controller 330 controls the operation of the air volume control unit 320 and the air direction control unit 321 in accordance with the sensed room position and air supply mode, thereby discharging air with a matching air volume and air speed.

[0212] If the activity level information of the indoor occupants is received by the activity level calculation unit 319 during the air expulsion process, the controller 330 can control the air volume control unit 320 to readjust the air volume to match the activity level.

[0213] This is to adjust the airflow to match the level of activity of the people in the room. If the activity level increases, a stronger airflow is needed, thus increasing the airflow accordingly.

[0214] The controller 330 can calculate the predicted mean thermal velocity (PMV) at a room location based on the room temperature and airflow velocity. The controller 330 can adjust the set temperature and airflow so that the calculated PMV converges to 0.

[0215] Air conditioner 100 can operate according to multiple operating modes.

[0216] Operating modes can include rapid operating mode that prioritizes cooling (rapid cooling), operating mode that prioritizes comfort (comfort cooling), and energy-saving operating mode that prioritizes energy conservation (energy-saving cooling), etc.

[0217] The controller 330 can control the drive unit 314 according to the selected operating mode.

[0218] For example, the controller 330 can control the drive unit 314 according to the selected operating mode, thereby adjusting the air volume by controlling the rotation speed of the blower fan.

[0219] The controller 330 can process the user's voice signal input through the microphone 315 and perform voice recognition.

[0220] For simple voice signals from users, the controller 330 can handle them on its own. For complex voice signals that it cannot handle, the controller 330 can request and receive them from the server 140.

[0221] If a control signal is received via the communication unit 312, the controller 330 can control the air conditioner 100 to operate according to the control signal.

[0222] The controller 330 can calculate the temperature and wind speed at the indoor location based on the indoor location, i.e., the distance and direction (angle) from the air conditioner 100 to the indoor person P, as well as the indoor temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the wind intensity (wind speed), the wind direction (wind direction), and the air supply mode.

[0223] In one embodiment, the controller 330 can transmit the indoor temperature, wind speed, and wind direction information, along with the calculated temperature and wind speed information at the indoor location and PMV information, to the server 140 via the communication unit 312. In this case, the server 140 can transmit the information to the user terminal 120.

[0224] In another embodiment, the controller 300 may also transmit the information directly to the user terminal 120 via the communication unit 312.

[0225] User terminal 120 can display the information received from air conditioner 100 and / or server 140 on the screen.

[0226] For example, user terminal 120 can display information such as indoor temperature, air speed and direction of air conditioner 100, temperature and air speed at the indoor location, and PMV on the screen.

[0227] The air conditioner 100 can display information corresponding to the user's control commands, the processing results corresponding to the user's control commands, the operation mode, the operation status, the error status, etc. on the display 116.

[0228] The air conditioner 100 can also operate according to the input of the remote control device.

[0229] For example, the air conditioner 100 can receive signals input via a wired or wireless remote control or a user terminal 120 and perform actions corresponding to those signals.

[0230] Air conditioner 100 may also include a timer (not shown).

[0231] The timer can be set to a specific time, keep track of that time, and detect when the set time has elapsed. The timer's operation can be controlled by the controller 330.

[0232] If a set temperature is set, the air conditioner 100 can perform actions to match the indoor temperature to the set temperature. Once the indoor temperature is matched to the set temperature, the human body needs time to adapt to the set temperature, i.e., the human body adaptation time. Each set temperature has a corresponding human body adaptation time.

[0233] The human adaptation time is pre-stored in the storage unit 313. If the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature, the set time is maintained during the human adaptation time. After the human adaptation time has elapsed, the set temperature is reset to rise by a unit temperature equivalent to the set temperature. In this embodiment, the human adaptation time is divided in 0.5°C increments.

[0234] Figure 7 An example diagram illustrating the human adaptation time according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0235] Reference Figure 7 The human adaptation time of this invention is set in 0.5°C increments. That is, a human adaptation time is set for each set temperature in 0.5°C increments.

[0236] Referring to an example in the attached diagram, the human adaptation time is set in 0.5°C increments for each set temperature. For example, the human adaptation time is 10 minutes when the set temperature is 22°C, 11 minutes when the set temperature is 22.5°C, and 12 minutes when the set temperature is 23°C.

[0237] Figure 7 The example illustrates the human body's adaptation time from a set temperature of 22°C to 28°C.

[0238] For example, if the set temperature is 22°C, after 10 minutes (the human body's adaptation time), the set temperature is reset to 22.5°C, an increase of 0.5°C. Then, if it is set to 22.5°C, after another 11 minutes (the corresponding human body adaptation time), it is reset to 23°C. As described above, the human body adaptation time is divided in 0.5°C increments.

[0239] This feature differs from existing air conditioners. Existing air conditioners set the human body's adaptation time for each set temperature in 1°C increments.

[0240] This existing air conditioner has a problem where the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature causes the air conditioner to temporarily shut down due to thermostatic shutdown.

[0241] Thermo-off occurs when the set temperature is higher than the room temperature.

[0242] For example, suppose the set temperature is changed from 26°C to 28°C in stages when operating in energy-saving mode. After the human body adapts, the set temperature will change to 27°C when the indoor temperature is 26°C. Therefore, the set temperature is 1°C higher than the indoor temperature, so the air conditioner will temporarily stop due to thermo-off.

[0243] This thermo-off phenomenon occurs when the indoor temperature remains at 26°C until it reaches 27°C.

[0244] However, since this invention sets the human adaptation time in 0.5°C increments, under the same conditions as described above, the thermo-off function only maintains the temperature from 26°C to 26.5°C. That is, in this invention, the thermo-off time can be made very short.

[0245] If the thermo-off time is extended, the water cooled in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner may cause steam to flow into the indoor unit, which could cause the indoor humidity to rise sharply.

[0246] Therefore, existing air conditioners are highly likely to cause a sharp increase in indoor humidity, and this phenomenon has been confirmed in actual air conditioner products.

[0247] However, because the thermo-off time of the air conditioner of the present invention is very short, it can prevent or minimize the increase in humidity by restarting the air conditioner before the indoor humidity increases.

[0248] The human adaptation time can be preset during the manufacturing of the air conditioner 100. Alternatively, the user can set and change it through the input section 311 and display 116 of the air conditioner 100. Alternatively, the user can also set and change it through a dedicated application on the user terminal 120.

[0249] In addition to the functions and actions described above, the controller 330 can also have various expandability features.

[0250] The controller 330 can not only apply its own control functions to the internal devices of the air conditioner, but also apply the information received and transmitted through communication with various external devices to the control functions of the air conditioner.

[0251] Air conditioners can have communication modules capable of 5G Internet communication, and can also be designed to communicate not only with other external devices, such as refrigerators, air purifiers, LED modules, rice cookers and other electronic products, but also with smart devices, cars and servers of external organizations.

[0252] Various information required for air conditioning can be received from these electronic products or other devices or servers, and the air conditioner can be activated based on the received information.

[0253] For example, the air conditioner can connect to the meteorological bureau server via 5G Internet. If the confirmed weather information indicates rain, the controller 230 can also automatically perform the dehumidification function at the set time.

[0254] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operating mode of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0255] Reference Figure 8 The air conditioner 100 of this embodiment can operate in a plurality of operating modes. For example, it can operate in a rapid cooling operating mode and a comfort cooling operating mode.

[0256] The rapid cooling operation mode can be called the rapid zone, while the comfortable cooling operation mode can be called the comfort zone.

[0257] In this embodiment, the rapid zone or rapid cooling operation mode can refer to a zone or operation mode that rapidly cools down a preset initial temperature.

[0258] In this embodiment, the comfort zone or comfort cooling operation mode can refer to a zone or operation mode in which cooling is achieved by changing the set temperature after a period of human adaptation time, which is the time when the human body begins to feel uncomfortable due to continuously maintaining a specified temperature.

[0259] The rapid cooling operation mode and the comfort cooling operation mode can be executed continuously. For example, the air conditioner 100 can operate in rapid cooling operation mode and then in comfort cooling operation mode.

[0260] The mode that automatically switches from rapid cooling mode to comfortable cooling mode can be called automatic operation mode.

[0261] In the fast zone of automatic operation mode, the air conditioner 100 provides strong cooling at the internally set target temperature (e.g., 18°C) regardless of the set temperature, and then operates in the comfort zone to maintain the user's set temperature Ts (e.g., 26°C).

[0262] The purpose of the fast cooling zone is to achieve the fastest cooling speed. Therefore, users who dislike rapid cooling may experience discomfort if the system is set to operate at a strong fan speed of 18°C ​​in the fast cooling zone.

[0263] The powered fan can not only set the temperature to the lowest setting, but also the airflow to the maximum. The airflow direction can also be set to rapidly cool the entire space.

[0264] Therefore, the power consumption and cooling load are greatest when the fan is running at 18℃, which poses a risk of excessive energy waste.

[0265] Therefore, for users who want to save energy when cooling quickly, there is a need for customized control of an effective energy-saving function.

[0266] This energy-saving function may also be needed in the fast-speed range. That is, even during cooling operation in the fast-speed range that matches the user's set temperature Ts, customized control to match the energy-saving function may be required.

[0267] Therefore, the air conditioner 100 of the present invention can select an energy-saving operation mode in the fast range and the comfort range respectively.

[0268] The energy-saving operation mode can be input through the input unit 311, through the touch operation of the display 116, or through the user terminal 120.

[0269] If the energy-saving operation mode is entered, the controller 330 can control the air conditioner 100 to perform the operation corresponding to the energy-saving function.

[0270] Figure 9 This is an example diagram illustrating the change of the set temperature in the comfort operation mode of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0271] Figure 9This is an example diagram used to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values ​​or values ​​shown in the drawing are merely examples for the purpose of illustration and can of course be changed to other numerical values ​​or values.

[0272] Figure 9 This example illustrates how the system enters a comfort mode while operating at the existing set temperature of 24°C and then changes the set temperature to 26°C.

[0273] If the system enters the comfort mode while operating at the current set temperature of 24°C, the set temperature will increase from the current set temperature of 24°C to 26°C in increments of 0.5°C based on the human body's adaptation time, and will increase to 26°C in stages.

[0274] If the indoor temperature rises and reaches 26°C, the set temperature will be increased from 26°C to 28°C in 0.5°C increments based on the human body's adaptation time, and will be changed back to 28°C in stages.

[0275] If the indoor temperature rises from 26℃ to 28℃, the set temperature will be changed in 0.5℃ increments based on the human body's adaptation time, while repeatedly rising and falling between 26℃ and 28℃.

[0276] That is, repeat the following process: decrease from 28°C to 26°C in 0.5°C increments, and then increase from 26°C to 28°C again in 0.5°C increments.

[0277] As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the temperatures are exemplarily set to 24°C, 26°C, and 28°C, but these temperatures can of course be changed.

[0278] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present invention, uses human body sensing to sense the position and distance of people indoors.

[0279] Reference Figure 10 The human body sensor detects the location of an indoor person P present in the indoor area.

[0280] In direct wind mode, the airflow direction is adjusted to deliver air to the indoor location; in indirect wind mode, the airflow direction is adjusted to avoid delivering air to the indoor location.

[0281] If people are at a distance, the airflow can be adjusted to high; if people are at close range, the airflow can be adjusted to low.

[0282] As shown in the figure, the indoor area is divided into multiple zones based on distance and direction. It can be determined which zone within the indoor area corresponds to the sensed location within the room.

[0283] exist Figure 10In the diagram, areas ① to ③ can be considered close-range areas, areas ④ to ⑥ can be considered medium-range areas, and areas ⑦ to ⑨ can be considered close-range areas. From the perspective of the air conditioner, areas ①, ④, and ⑦ can be considered left-side areas, areas ②, ⑤, and ⑧ can be considered central areas, and areas ③, ⑥, and ⑨ can be considered right-side areas.

[0284] In this embodiment, air is discharged through the left side outlet formed on the left side of the air conditioner to reach the left area, air is discharged through the right side outlet formed on the right side of the air conditioner to reach the right area, and air is discharged through the front outlet formed on the front of the air conditioner to reach the central area.

[0285] In this embodiment, the air volume and direction are initially determined based on the location within the room, and air is expelled. Preferably, the air volume and direction can be determined based on distance and direction.

[0286] For example, if people indoors are in area 9, they are far to the right, so the wind direction can be turned to the right at the maximum angle, and the air volume can be set to strong wind.

[0287] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of setting the indoor area of ​​an embodiment of the present invention as a plurality of divided areas. Figure 12 This is to explain the calculation. Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the example of the distance people move indoors. Figure 13 This is to explain the calculation. Figure 12 A diagram illustrating the amount of activity of people indoors. Figure 14 This shows the calculation. Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the distance a person moves. Figure 15 This shows the calculation. Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the distance traveled by two or more people. Figure 16 It is shown Figure 11 The diagram shows an example of one to three people moving without any distance.

[0288] Reference Figures 11 to 16 In order to calculate the movement distance of people indoors, the indoor area is subdivided into multiple zones based on distance and direction.

[0289] In this embodiment, the location of the air conditioner is set as the imaginary origin. After dividing the space forming the indoor area into n equal parts, it is further divided into multiple subdivision areas based on the distance, medium distance, and short distance.

[0290] In the accompanying diagram, each divided zone is assigned a number to facilitate differentiation. The process of calculating the movement distance of people indoors using these divided zones is explained.

[0291] Figure 11The example illustrates a scenario where the room location in the first cycle is zone 17, and the room location in the second cycle, which is the next cycle, is zone 22.

[0292] The mapping between the room location and the partitioned region is determined by the mapping unit 322. As described above, the mapping unit 322 maps the room location sensed in each cycle to a specific partitioned region corresponding to a plurality of partitioned regions. In this embodiment, known image processing techniques can be used for this mapping.

[0293] like Figure 12 As shown in the example, during a period of time, the person moves from zone 17 to zone 22 in the room. Therefore, the movement distance calculation unit 318 uses the distance between zone 17 and zone 22 to calculate the movement distance of the person in the room.

[0294] The distances between the various partitioned areas are preset and stored in the storage unit 313. Using these distance relationships, the movement distance of people inside the room can be calculated from their positions mapped to all the partitioned areas.

[0295] Reference Figure 13 The process of calculating the activity level of people indoors is explained.

[0296] Figure 13 The example illustrates the partitioned regions mapped to each cycle. In this embodiment, it is confirmed that each cycle is mapped to a partitioned region in the room location during a preset time period.

[0297] For example, if room locations are mapped to partitioned areas at 30-second intervals over a 5-minute period, a total of 10 partitioned areas can be ensured. For each of these partitioned areas, the distance traveled by people in the room for each period can be calculated using the distance between the partitioned areas mapped in previous cycles and those mapped in subsequent cycles.

[0298] The activity calculation unit 318 can calculate the total cumulative movement distance by adding the movement distances together, and use the total cumulative movement distance as the activity amount of the indoor personnel.

[0299] Therefore, if the activity level of people indoors is calculated, the controller 330 can adjust the set temperature and / or air volume according to the activity level.

[0300] In this embodiment, as activity levels increase, the set temperature can be lowered while the airflow is increased. In another embodiment, a threshold value can be set to illustrate the basis for high activity levels. For example, if the activity level exceeds a preset threshold value, the set temperature can be lowered and the airflow increased.

[0301] Figure 14 This is an example of calculating the movement distance before and after the movement when only one person is detected indoors. In the attached diagram, the indoor positions before and after the movement are in zone 22 and zone 17, respectively. Therefore, the distance between the two zones is used as the movement distance of the person indoors.

[0302] This is the case where, in the case of a single person indoors, the distance between the area mapped to the indoor location sensed in a previous period and the area mapped to the indoor location sensed in the current period is used to calculate the person's movement distance.

[0303] Figure 15 This describes a scenario where two people are detected indoors. In the attached diagram, before moving, the first person is located in zone 22, and the second person is located in zone 26. After moving, the first and second persons are located in zones 12 and 9, respectively.

[0304] In this case, the distances between the various zones where the indoor personnel were located before the move and the various zones where the indoor personnel were located after the move can be calculated, and the distance between the two zones that are furthest apart can be calculated as the movement distance of the indoor personnel.

[0305] This method can also be applied to situations with more than three people. That is, for each of the three people, identify the division areas before and after the movement, calculate the distance between their respective division areas, and then calculate the distance between the two division areas with the greatest distance as the movement distance of the person in the room.

[0306] As described above, when there are two or more people, the distances between the division regions that map each indoor location sensed in the previous cycle and the division regions that map each indoor location sensed in the current cycle are compared, and the distance between the two division regions that are furthest apart is calculated as the movement distance of the people in the room.

[0307] Figure 16 This is an example of movement that is judged as having no indoor occupants. If the number of indoor occupants is the same before and after the movement, and the division of the room location mapped before and after the movement is the same, the movement distance of the indoor occupants is calculated as 0.

[0308] In the attached diagram, with 1 person, the area before and after the move is the same, number 22. With 2 people, the area before and after the move is the same, number 22 and number 26. With 3 people, the area before and after the move is the same, number 22, number 26, and number 19. Therefore, the movement distance of the person indoors is 0.

[0309] Even if there is movement within the same defined area, as long as the person is in the same defined area before and after the movement, it is considered that the person has not moved.

[0310] The accuracy of calculating the movement distance of people indoors can be improved by reducing the time interval between sensing locations in the room or reducing the range of individual division zones.

[0311] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the airflow velocity set according to each indoor position for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0312] Figure 17 The example shown is the airflow velocity (flow rate) set for each of the four (#1 to #4) air conditioners in the room.

[0313] The airflow velocity is preset based on the measured airflow velocity values ​​at various locations in the space according to the size, air volume, and airflow direction of each air conditioner model 100.

[0314] In addition, the storage unit 313 can store data such as the current air volume, air speed, and air direction of the indoor unit 10, and can also store the changed data when the air volume, air speed, and air direction change.

[0315] The controller 330 uses the real-time location of an indoor occupant P to measure the amount of activity of that occupant. The controller 330 can measure the amount of activity of the indoor occupant by analyzing the movement and positional changes of that occupant.

[0316] The controller 330 can calculate the PMV value at a location in the room based on the amount of activity of people in the room, using indoor temperature and air flow rate (air velocity).

[0317] The controller 140 can determine the level of comfort of indoor occupants based on the calculated PMV value.

[0318] If the comfort level of the people in the room meets the comfort conditions, the controller 140 can maintain the current indoor temperature and airflow speed control. If the comfort conditions are not met, the controller 140 can change the indoor temperature and airflow speed control by adjusting the temperature, air volume, air direction, etc.

[0319] In addition to the functions and actions described above, the controller 140 also has various expandability features.

[0320] Figure 18 This is an example diagram illustrating the airflow direction and air supply level in each indoor area when an air conditioner is operating in direct airflow mode in the fast zone, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 This is an example diagram illustrating the airflow direction and fan speed in each indoor area when an air conditioner is operating in indirect airflow mode in the comfort zone, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 20 This is an example diagram showing the airflow direction and air supply level in each indoor area when the air conditioner is operating in the indirect airflow mode in the comfort zone, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0321] Reference Figure 18 The air conditioner 100 of the present invention operates in a rapid cooling mode in the rapid zone. At this time, in the rapid zone, direct air is blown towards the room.

[0322] As described above, the indoor space S can be divided into multiple zones. The attached diagram illustrates an example of dividing the space into 15 zones centered on the air conditioner 100.

[0323] exist Figures 18 to 20 In this example, we assume that the air conditioner 100 is located on the upper right side of the indoor space and is divided into areas.

[0324] Therefore, it is obvious that different zones can be set according to the location of the air conditioner 100, and the number and range of zones can vary depending on the size of the indoor space.

[0325] In the fast range, the human body sensor can detect the position of an indoor person P in the indoor area and adjust the wind direction and speed (air supply level) to deliver air directly to the detected indoor position.

[0326] In one example of the distance side view in the attached figure, regions ① to ⑤ can be near-distance regions, and regions ⑥ to ⑩ can be medium-distance regions. ~ The region can be a distant region.

[0327] Furthermore, in terms of direction, ①, ⑥, The region can be the left-hand L region, ②-④, ⑦-⑨, - The region can be the central M region, ⑤, ⑩, The region can be the R region on the right.

[0328] In direct airflow mode, air needs to be blown towards the area where the people are located. Therefore, if the people are located in an area on the left (L region), the airflow direction can be adjusted to concentrate on the left. If the people are located in an area in the center (M region), the airflow direction can be adjusted to concentrate on the center. If the people are located in an area on the right (R region), the airflow direction can be concentrated on the right.

[0329] In the high-speed range, the direct airflow can operate at the lowest temperature and the maximum airflow setting. For example, it can operate at 18°C ​​power airflow.

[0330] Figure 19 This is an example diagram showing the airflow direction and air supply level in each indoor area when the air conditioner is operating in the indirect airflow mode in the comfort zone, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0331] Figure 19 Regional division and Figure 18 Same. However, because it is an indirect airflow operation mode in the comfort zone, the airflow direction and airflow level are different.

[0332] In indirect airflow mode, the system senses the location of people in the room and blows air out in the direction where there are no people in the room, so that people in the room are indirectly exposed to the air.

[0333] In one example of the attached diagram, with Figure 18 Similarly, in terms of distance, areas ① to ⑤ can be considered short-distance areas, while areas ⑥ to ⑩ can be considered medium-distance areas. ~ The region can be a distant region.

[0334] Furthermore, from a directional perspective, with Figure 18 Similarly, ①, ⑥, The region can be the left-hand L region, ②-④, ⑦-⑨, - The region can be the central M region, ⑤, ⑩, The region can be the R region on the right.

[0335] In direct airflow mode, air needs to be blown into the area where the occupants are located. Therefore, if the occupants are located in ①-②, ⑥-⑦, - In any area of ​​the zone, air can be supplied only to the right. If the people in the room are located in ④-⑤, ⑨-⑩, - In any area of ​​the zone, air can be supplied only to the left. If the people in the room are located in ③, ⑧, Any area within the region can be blown wide winds to both sides.

[0336] Indirect airflow within the comfort zone can deliver air at the user-set temperature and a lower setting than the maximum setting. As mentioned earlier, within the comfort zone, the temperature can be repeatedly set to increase or decrease by +2℃ based on the body's adaptation time.

[0337] Figure 20 This is an example diagram showing the airflow direction and air supply level in each indoor area when the air conditioner is operating in the indirect airflow mode in the comfort zone, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0338] Reference Figure 20 Indoor spaces can be divided into various forms.

[0339] In one example of the attached diagram, from a distance perspective, areas ① to ⑤ can be considered near-distance areas, while areas ⑥ to ⑩ can be considered medium-distance areas. ~ The region can be a distant region. This is consistent with... Figure 18 and Figure 19 same.

[0340] However, from a directional perspective, with Figure 18 and Figure 19 Differently, ①-③, ⑥-⑧, - The region can be the left L region, ⑨, The region can be the central M region, ④-⑤, ⑩, The region can be the R region on the right.

[0341] Because air needs to be blown into areas without occupants in the indirect airflow operation mode, if an occupant is located in an area on the left (L zone), airflow is only directed to the right; if an occupant is located in an area in the center (M zone), a wide airflow is blown; and if an occupant is located in an area on the right (R zone), airflow is only directed to the left.

[0342] and Figure 19 Similarly, the indirect airflow settings in the comfort zone can be configured to supply air at the user-set temperature and at a level lower than the maximum setting.

[0343] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0344] Reference Figure 21 If a comfortable operating mode is selected during the operation of the air conditioner 100 of the present invention in the fast operating mode (S101) (S102), the controller 330 can control it to operate in the comfortable operating mode (S105).

[0345] However, if the comfort operation mode is not selected, the system continues to operate in the fast operation mode. The controller 330 can control the system to perform rapid cooling operation at a set temperature in the fast operation mode (S103). The set temperature can be the temperature set in the comfort cooling operation, or it can be the lowest settable temperature of the air conditioner 100. In this embodiment, it can be, for example, 18°C.

[0346] Additionally, in the fast operation mode, the set temperature can be set to 18°C ​​and the cooling operation will run at 18°C ​​power fan speed. Here, 18°C ​​power fan speed operation can be the cooling operation at the lowest temperature and the maximum airflow.

[0347] If the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature, the controller 330 can switch to the comfort operation mode to perform comfort operation (S105).

[0348] Figure 22 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an air conditioner in a comfort operation mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0349] Reference Figure 22 If the air conditioner 100 is operating in comfort mode (S201), the controller 330 determines whether the set temperature is the first set temperature (S202).

[0350] If the set temperature is not the first set temperature, the controller 330 will change the set temperature from the existing set temperature to the first set temperature in stages based on the human body's adaptation time. (S203).

[0351] Preferably, the controller 33 adjusts the set temperature in 0.5°C increments from the existing set temperature based on the human body's adaptation time, eventually reaching the first set temperature.

[0352] Here, the existing set temperature can be a temperature preset in the air conditioner 100, or a temperature set by the user.

[0353] Alternatively, when switching from fast operating mode to comfortable operating mode, the existing set temperature can be changed from the set temperature before fast operating mode.

[0354] For example, in rapid cooling operation mode, the existing set temperature can be 18°C.

[0355] If the indoor temperature changes and reaches the first set temperature (S204), the controller 330 will change the set temperature from the first set temperature to the second set temperature in stages based on the human body's adaptation time (S205).

[0356] Preferably, the controller 330 adjusts the temperature from the first set temperature to the first set temperature in increments of 0.5°C based on the human body's adaptation time.

[0357] In this embodiment, the second set temperature is higher than the first set temperature. Preferably, the second set temperature is 2°C higher than the first set temperature.

[0358] If the indoor temperature changes and reaches the second set temperature (S206), the controller 330 controls the temperature to change in stages between the first set temperature and the second set temperature and to rise and fall repeatedly based on the human body's adaptation time (207).

[0359] In this case, the set temperature is changed in 0.5°C increments between the first set temperature and the second set temperature, and the temperature is repeatedly increased and decreased based on the human body's adaptation time.

[0360] As described above, the present invention changes the set temperature in 0.5°C increments based on the human body's adaptation time, thereby preventing or at least minimizing the thermo-off phenomenon caused by the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature.

[0361] Figure 23 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0362] Reference Figure 23 If the air conditioner 100 of the present invention starts to operate, it can drive the cooling cycle according to the cooling mode or the heating mode. During the cooling cycle, air can be discharged from the indoor unit 10 according to the set air volume, air speed, air direction and temperature.

[0363] The air conditioner 100 operates according to the input operating mode (S301).

[0364] The human body sensor of the air conditioner 100 senses the indoor person P (S302) and calculates the position of the indoor person P (S303).

[0365] The controller 330 calculates the activity level of the indoor person P based on the location of the indoor person P (S304).

[0366] The sensor unit 316 of the air conditioner 100 measures the indoor temperature (S305).

[0367] The controller 330 confirms the airflow velocity (air velocity) at the location of the indoor occupant P (S306). This airflow velocity (air velocity) is pre-stored in the storage unit according to each air conditioner model (type) and the size of the space, for each zone.

[0368] The controller 330 calculates the PMV (S307) of the location of an indoor occupant P based on the measured indoor temperature and flow rate. The PMV can be calculated using the following mathematical formula.

[0369] PMV = K + a × (indoor temperature) + b × (flow rate) + c × (indoor temperature) × (flow rate)

[0370] Here, regarding K, a is a coefficient related to the indoor temperature of the air conditioner, b is a coefficient related to the airflow rate of the air conditioner, c is a coefficient related to the product of the indoor temperature and the airflow rate of the air conditioner, and K is a constant preset for the air conditioner in order to calculate PMV.

[0371] a, b, c, and K are inherent values ​​set for each air conditioner 100, and are preset and stored in the storage unit 313 according to the model (type) of the air conditioner 100 and the size of the indoor space where the air conditioner 100 is set.

[0372] At this point, in the mathematical formula for calculating PMV, the coefficients and constants of the formula change according to the activity level of the indoor occupants, P. That is, the indoor temperature and airflow velocity are assigned different weights based on the activity level of the indoor occupants, thereby changing the coefficients and constants of the mathematical formula.

[0373] This is because comfort conditions or comfort ranges vary depending on the activity level of the people (P) in the room, so PMV needs to be calculated to take activity level into account. For example, in cases of increased activity, a relatively large weight can be assigned, thus increasing the constants and coefficients.

[0374] Controller 330 determines whether the calculated PMV is within the comfort range (S308). A PMV of 0 can be considered the most comfortable value for occupants indoors. If a range for indoor comfort is set, the range of 0 ± 0.5 can be called the comfort range. Therefore, in S308, it can be determined whether the PMV is within the range of 0 ± 0.5. Of course, this value can be changed.

[0375] If the PMV is within the comfort range, the controller 330 maintains control over the current air volume, air speed, temperature, and airflow velocity (S309).

[0376] If the comfort conditions are not met, the controller 330 can make the PMV converge to 0 by changing the control of air volume, air speed, temperature and airflow velocity (S310).

[0377] PMV, or Predicted Average Thermal Sensation, is calculated from the thermal balance equation between the human body and its surrounding environment by measuring the temperature and environmental factors of the human body and its environment. PMV can be expressed in values ​​from -3 to +3 to indicate the degree of hotness or coldness.

[0378] If PMV is 0, it indicates a comfortable state. In this invention, even with the application of a specified error, a value within the range of 0 ± 0.5 can be considered as meeting the comfort requirements.

[0379] Human thermal sensation is primarily related to the body's thermal balance. This thermal balance is influenced not only by physical environmental factors such as temperature, mean radiant temperature, airflow speed, and humidity, but also by activity level and clothing.

[0380] If this factor is quantified by measurement or approximation, as explained in Section 3, human thermal sensation can be predicted by calculating PMV.

[0381] PMV is the average of the predicted votes (also translated as reports, hereinafter referred to as votes) of a large population on the following 7-stage thermal sensation scale.

[0382] [Table 1]

[0383] When the amount of heat produced by the human body is equal to the amount of heat lost to the surrounding environment, the body is in a state of thermal equilibrium. In mild environments, the body's thermoregulatory system automatically regulates skin temperature and secretes sweat to maintain thermal equilibrium. PMV is statistically correlated with the physiological responses of the human thermoregulatory system and thermal sensation votes collected from multiple individuals.

[0384] Then, step S101 is performed again, and the process is repeated. Through this iterative process, the comfort level of the people in the room is tracked in real time to determine comfort conditions.

[0385] Figures 24 to 27 This is an example diagram illustrating the process of calculating the temperature and wind speed at a room location in an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0386] Reference Figures 24 to 27 The air conditioner 100 measures the position (indoor location) of an indoor occupant P, as determined by a radar sensor. Specifically, the radar sensor measures the distance and direction (angle) of the indoor occupant P, using the air conditioner 100 as a reference. Additionally, a temperature sensor measures the indoor temperature.

[0387] At this time, the controller 330 of the air conditioner 100 calculates the temperature, wind speed, and PMV at the indoor location based on the indoor location, i.e., the distance and direction of the indoor occupant P, the indoor temperature, and the wind speed and direction of the air conditioner 100. Here, the wind speed and direction of the air conditioner 100 can be determined according to the air supply mode and the operating mode.

[0388] The temperature and wind speed at the location of the person P in the room can be calculated based on the wind speed and direction of the air discharged from the air conditioner 100, the indoor temperature measured by the temperature sensor, and the distance and direction of the person P in the room relative to the air conditioner 100, and through a pre-set mathematical formula, algorithm or program.

[0389] exist Figure 24One example shows an indoor person located in zone ⑦ of 15 pre-defined zones. Here, the indoor temperature is 28.5°C, the wind speed is moderate to weak, the wind direction is wide, and the temperature and wind speed at the indoor location are 29°C and 0.15 m / s, respectively. The PMV is calculated to be -0.36.

[0390] exist Figure 25 Another example illustrates two indoor occupants located in zones ① and ⑥ of 15 pre-defined zones. Here, the indoor temperature is 29°C, the wind speed is moderate to weak, and the wind direction is wide. The temperature and wind speed at the location of the first occupant are 29.5°C and 0.15 m / s, respectively, with a PMV calculated as -0.07. The temperature and wind speed at the location of the second occupant are 28.3°C and 0.15 m / s, respectively, with a PMV calculated as -0.78.

[0391] exist Figure 26 Another example shows an indoor person located in zone ⑩ of 15 pre-defined zones. Here, the indoor temperature is 24°C, the wind speed is moderate, the wind direction is lateral (left side), the temperature and wind speed at the indoor location are 25°C and 0.15 m / s respectively, and the PMV is calculated to be -2.74.

[0392] exist Figure 27 In another example, three indoor individuals are shown located in zones ⑥, ⑧, and ⑨ of 15 pre-defined zones. Here, the indoor temperature is 23.5°C, the wind speed is moderate, and the wind direction is lateral to the left. The temperature and wind speed at the location of the first indoor individual are 24.5°C and 0.3 m / s, respectively, and the PMV is calculated to be -3.62. The temperature and wind speed at the location of the second indoor individual are 24.5°C and 0.15 m / s, respectively, and the PMV is calculated to be -3.04. The temperature and wind speed at the location of the third indoor individual are 24.5°C and 0.15 m / s, respectively, and the PMV is calculated to be -3.04.

[0393] On the other hand, preferably, air conditioner 100 will Figures 24 to 27 The information set and calculated in the middle is transmitted to server 140. At this time, it is also possible to... Figures 24 to 27 The image shown is transmitted along with the information.

[0394] In this case, server 140 can transmit the information and images to user terminal 120 according to the request of user terminal 120.

[0395] Alternatively, unlike the above, the air conditioner 100 may directly transmit the information and images to the user terminal 120 without going through the server 140.

[0396] User terminal 120 can display the information and images received from air conditioner 100 and / or server 120 on a monitor.

[0397] Figure 28 This is an example diagram illustrating information displayed on a display of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0398] Reference Figure 28 The display on the user terminal 100 can show information such as the location of the air conditioner 100 in the indoor space, the location of the user (the person carrying the user terminal 100) based on the air conditioner 100, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, wind speed, and dust.

[0399] In contrast, the display on the user terminal 100 may also display at least one of the following information: the user's location in the room, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, dust, the air speed and direction of the air conditioner 100, the temperature and air speed at the user's location in the room, PMV, the air supply mode and operating mode of the air conditioner 100.

[0400] As described above, the user terminal 100 can display information received from the air conditioner 100 and / or the server 140, and can display the information requested by the user on the display, so that the user can confirm it visually.

[0401] Figure 29 This is another example diagram illustrating information displayed on a display of a user terminal in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0402] Reference Figure 29 The user terminal 120 can display on the screen which area the user carrying the user terminal 120, i.e., the indoor person P, is located in.

[0403] For this purpose, the user terminal 120 can display a "Radar Monitoring" menu among multiple menus. If the user touches the Radar Monitoring menu, it can display which zone the user is currently located in, allowing the user to visually confirm their location.

[0404] At this point, the setting status of functions using radar sensors can also be added to the display. These functions may include AI wind, energy saving when not in use, home monitoring, and other features.

[0405] In addition, users can also adjust the desired temperature, wind direction, wind speed, operating mode, and air supply mode from their own location.

[0406] In the above description, even if all the constituent elements constituting an embodiment of the present invention are described as being combined into one or more, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the present invention, all constituent elements can be selectively combined into more than one. Furthermore, unless specifically stated to the contrary, the terms "comprising," "constituting," or "having," etc., described above indicate that the constituent element can be incorporated, and should therefore be interpreted as including other constituent elements, rather than excluding other constituent elements.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, wherein, include: Temperature sensor, used to measure the indoor temperature of the space where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed; Human body sensing unit, which senses the position of indoor occupants in the space; A storage unit stores the airflow velocity set in the space of the air conditioner; as well as The controller uses the measured indoor temperature and the stored airflow velocity to calculate the expected average thermal perception value (PMV) at the location of the indoor occupants, and determines whether the calculated PMV is within the set comfort range.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, If the PMV is within the comfort range, the controller maintains its current operating state.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, If the PMV deviates from the comfort range, the controller changes the current operating state.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, wherein, If the PMV deviates from the comfort range, the controller changes the set temperature of the air conditioner.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein, The controller gradually changes the set temperature from the existing set temperature to the first set temperature based on the human body's adaptation time.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein, The controller changes the set temperature from the existing set temperature in 0.5°C increments based on the human body's adaptation time, and then gradually changes it to the first set temperature.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein, If the indoor temperature reaches the first set temperature, the controller will change the set temperature from the first set temperature to the second set temperature in stages according to the human body's adaptation time.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein, The second set temperature is higher than the first set temperature.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 7, wherein, If the indoor temperature reaches the second set temperature, the controller will change the set temperature between the first set temperature and the second set temperature in 0.5°C increments, and repeatedly increase and decrease the temperature, based on the human body's adaptation time.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes an activity level calculation unit, which calculates the activity level of the indoor occupants using their positions. The controller calculates the PMV based on the activity level of the people in the room.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein, The controller assigns different weights to the indoor temperature and the airflow speed based on the activity level of the people in the room, and assigns greater weights as the activity level of the people in the room increases, and calculates the PMV.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the sensed location of the people in the room, the controller operates the air conditioner in direct airflow mode during the fast zone and in indirect airflow mode during the comfort zone.

13. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein, If the PMV is outside the comfort range, adjust the airflow direction or volume.

14. A method for operating an air conditioner, wherein, include: The steps for measuring the indoor temperature of a space equipped with an indoor unit; The steps for calculating the location of indoor occupants in the space; The step of determining the airflow velocity at the location of the indoor occupants; The step of calculating the expected average thermal perception PMV at the location of the indoor occupants using the indoor temperature and the airflow velocity; as well as The step of determining whether the PMV is within a preset comfort range.

15. The method of operating an air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein, If the PMV is within the comfort range, the controller maintains its current operating state.

16. The method of operating an air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein, If the PMV deviates from the comfort range, the controller changes the current operating state.

17. The method of operating an air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein, It also includes the step of calculating the activity level of the indoor occupants using their location; Calculate the PMV based on the activity level of the people in the room.

18. The method of operating an air conditioner according to claim 17, wherein, The controller assigns different weights to the indoor temperature and the airflow speed based on the activity level of the people in the room, and assigns greater weights as the activity level of the people in the room increases, and calculates the PMV.

19. The method of operating an air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein, Based on the sensed location of the people in the room, the controller operates the air conditioner in direct airflow mode during the fast zone and in indirect airflow mode during the comfort zone.

20. The method of operating an air conditioner according to claim 14, wherein, If the PMV deviates from the comfort range, the air volume or air speed is controlled.

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