Air conditioner comprising detection sensor and control method therefor

Abstract

Provided, according to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, is an air conditioner comprising: a detection sensor; an air conditioning module; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor. The at least one processor executes the at least one instruction so as to: based on a sensor detection value of the detection sensor, acquire coordinate information and a moving path of a person detected in a target space; based on the moving path of the detected person, if at least one among the moving distance or moving speed of the detected person satisfies a path detection condition, perform context awareness using the moving path; and, when performing the context awareness, based on determining that the detected person has been staying in a first specified area for a first reference time or longer, control the air conditioning module by an operation mode corresponding to the first specified area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an air conditioner including a detection sensor, a method of controlling the air conditioner, and a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing, on a computer, the method of controlling the air conditioner are provided.Background Art

[0002] Various types of air conditioners have been widely used in indoor spaces. An air conditioner may be equipped with various sensors, such a human presence sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a temperature sensor. By using these sensors, the air conditioner may regulate the environment of an air-conditioned space and control an operation of the air conditioner. Because the air conditioner regulates the temperature and environment of an indoor space, the operation of the air conditioner significantly affects a user's condition. However, when detection sensors of the air conditioner incorrectly determine the user's situation or perform excessive automatic operations, a problem may arise in that this may cause user discomfort.Disclosure of Invention Solution to Problem

[0003] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an air conditioner including a detection sensor, an air conditioning module, memory storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to obtain, based on sensor detection values of the detection sensor, coordinate information and a movement path of a person detected in a target space, perform situation recognition using the movement path when at least one of a movement distance or a movement speed of the detected person satisfies a path detection condition based on the movement path of the detected person, and when performing the situation recognition, based on a determination that the detected person stays in a first designated area for a first reference time or longer, control the air conditioning module in an operation mode corresponding to the first designated area.

[0004] Furthermore, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling an air conditioner, the method including detecting a person in a target space using a detection sensor, obtaining, based on sensor detection values of the detection sensor, coordinate information and a movement path of the person detected in the target space, performing situation recognition using the movement path when at least one of a movement distance or a movement speed of the detected person satisfies a path detection condition based on the movement path of the detected person, and when performing the situation recognition, based on a determination that the detected person stays in a first designated area for a first reference time or longer, controlling an air conditioning module in an operation mode corresponding to the first designated area.

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

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be readily understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which reference numerals denote structural elements. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of controlling an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of determining a path detection condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a structure of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, and a server, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a designated area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting a designated area and a graphical user interface (GUI) of an external device. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a process of performing situation recognition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating operation parameter values of an air conditioning module to be set according to a situation operation mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an air conditioner operates based on the number of occupants, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an air conditioner identifies occupants, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the number of occupants increases, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the number of occupants decreases, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation of initializing the number of occupants to 0, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting an entrance / exit door area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting an entrance / exit door area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of automatically setting an entrance / exit door area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a process of obtaining first movement path data and second movement path data, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a process of automatically setting an entrance / exit door area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Mode for the Invention

[0007] It should be understood that various embodiments set forth in this document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to particular embodiments and that the present disclosure includes various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the embodiments.

[0008] With regard to the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used to represent like or related elements.

[0009] A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

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

[0011] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of associated elements listed, or any one of the plurality of associated listed elements.

[0012] Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements and do not limit the elements in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0013] It will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term "functionally" or "communicatively", as being "coupled" or "connected" to another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be coupled to the other element directly (e.g., in a wired manner), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0014] The terms such as "comprise," "include," or "have" are intended to specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0015] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected," "coupled," "supported," or "in contact" with another element, this includes not only when the elements are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also when they are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact via a third element.

[0016] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element, or intervening elements may also be present therebetween.

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

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may include a heat pump system to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump system may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated through a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of a heat pump system may be built into a single housing that forms an external appearance of an air conditioner, and window-type air conditioners or portable air conditioners are examples of such an air conditioner. On the other hand, components of the heat pump system may be split into several parts and built into a plurality of housings that form a single air conditioner, and examples of such an air conditioner include wall-mounted air conditioners, stand-type air conditioners, and system air conditioners.

[0019] An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, an air conditioner may include one outdoor unit and one indoor unit connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, an air conditioner may include one outdoor unit and two or more indoor units connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, an air conditioner may include two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0020] An outdoor unit may be electrically connected to an indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling an air conditioner may be input via an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to a user input.

[0021] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger.

[0022] An outdoor heat exchanger may exchange heat between a refrigerant and outdoor air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, the refrigerant may release heat into the outdoor air during condensation of the refrigerant in the outside heat exchanger, and the refrigerant may absorb heat from the outdoor air during evaporation of the refrigerant flowing in the outside heat exchanger.

[0023] An indoor unit is installed indoors. For example, indoor units may be classified into ceiling-mounted indoor units, stand-type indoor units, wall-mounted indoor units, etc., depending on how they are arranged. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units may be subdivided into 4-way cassette indoor units, 1-way cassette indoor units, duct-type indoor units, etc. depending on an air discharge method.

[0024] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger may exchange heat between a refrigerant and indoor air using a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor air is cooled as it passes through the cold indoor heat exchanger and then blown out to cool the indoor space. Furthermore, while a refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant may release heat into the indoor air, and the indoor air is heated as it passes through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger and then blown out to heat the indoor space.

[0025] That is, the air conditioner performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process undergone by the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and for this circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor may suck in refrigerant gas through a suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas via a discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0026] The refrigerant may circulate, via a refrigerant pipe, through the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the indoor heat exchanger in the stated order, or through the compressor, the indoor heat exchanger, the expansion device, and the outdoor heat exchanger in the stated order.

[0027] For example, when the air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected via a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may circulate between the one outdoor unit and the one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0028] For example, when the air conditioner has one outdoor unit connected to two or more indoor units via a refrigerant pipe, refrigerants may flow into the plurality of indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerants discharged from the plurality of indoor units may be combined together and circulated in the outdoor unit. For example, the plurality of indoor units may each be directly connected to the one outdoor unit in parallel via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0029] Each of the plurality of indoor units may operate independently according to an operating mode set by a user. That is, some of the plurality of indoor units may operate in a cooling mode, and others may operate in a heating mode simultaneously. In this case, the refrigerant may be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at a high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow path diverter valve as described below, and then discharged from the indoor unit and circulated to the outdoor unit.

[0030] For example, when the air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes, refrigerants discharged from the plurality of outdoor units are combined and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, and then diverge again at a certain point to enter the plurality of indoor units.

[0031] The plurality of outdoor units may all be driven, or at least some of the outdoor units may not be driven, depending on an operating load corresponding to the amount of operation of the plurality of indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may flow into and circulate in an outdoor unit that is selectively driven via a flow path diverter valve. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant entering a heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside an indoor unit, inside an outdoor unit, or both.

[0032] For example, the expansion device may lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant using a throttling effect. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing a cross-sectional area of a flow path. The temperature and pressure of the refrigerant that passes through the orifice may be lowered.

[0033] For example, the expansion device may be implemented as an electronic expansion valve capable of adjusting an opening ratio (a ratio of a cross-sectional area of a flow path in a valve in a partially open state to a cross-sectional area of a flow path in the valve in a fully open state). The amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device may be controlled depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve.

[0034] The air conditioner may further include a flow path diverter valve provided on a refrigerant circulation flow path. The flow path diverter valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The flow path diverter valve may determine a path of circulation of the refrigerant depending on an operating mode of an indoor unit (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow path diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0035] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated from an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may flow into the accumulator.

[0036] When a mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas flows into the accumulator, the accumulator may separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0037] An outdoor fan may be provided in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air into the outdoor heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0038] An outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, an outdoor unit sensor may be provided as an environment sensor. An outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location on the inside or outside of the outdoor unit. For example, outdoor unit sensors may include, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting humidity in the air around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature inside a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting a refrigerant pressure inside the refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0039] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication interface. The outdoor unit communication interface may be provided to receive a control signal from an indoor unit controller of the air conditioner, as described later. The outdoor unit may control, based on a control signal received via the outdoor unit communication interface, an operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow path diverter valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan. The outdoor unit may transmit, via the outdoor unit communication interface, a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the indoor unit controller.

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

[0041] The housing may include an air inlet. Indoor air may be drawn into the housing via the air inlet.

[0042] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter provided to filter out foreign substances from the air drawn into the housing via the air inlet.

[0043] The housing may include an air outlet. Air flowing inside the housing may be discharged from the housing via the air outlet.

[0044] The housing of the indoor unit may include an airflow guide that guides a direction of air discharged through the air outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include a blade located on the air outlet. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for regulating an exhaust airflow. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the airflow guide may be omitted.

[0045] Inside the housing of the indoor unit, the indoor heat exchanger and the blower may be provided on a flow path connecting the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0046] The blower may include an indoor fan and a fan motor. For example, indoor fans may include an axial fan, a diagonal fan, a crossflow fan, and a centrifugal fan.

[0047] The indoor heat exchanger may be placed between the blower and the air outlet, or between the air inlet and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the air inlet or transfer heat to air drawn in through the air inlet. The indoor heat exchanger may include a heat exchange tube in which a refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins that are in contact with the heat exchange tube to increase the heat transfer area.

[0048] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray located below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate water generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate water collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside via a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

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

[0050] The input interface may be connected to an external input device. For example, the input interface may be electrically connected to a wired remote controller. The wired remote controller may be installed at a specific location in an indoor space (e.g., a portion of a wall). The user may operate the wired remote controller to input setting data regarding an operation of the air conditioner. An electrical signal corresponding to setting data obtained via the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. The user may remotely input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input via the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0051] Also, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be obtained via the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the electrical signal to the indoor unit controller. The indoor unit controller may control components of the air conditioner to perform a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) obtained via the input interface may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller as described later. For example, the setting data obtained via the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, i.e., an outdoor unit or a server, via an indoor unit communication interface as described below.

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

[0053] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environment sensor placed inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or one or more humidity sensors arranged in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature inside a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include refrigerant temperature sensors that respectively detect temperatures at an inlet, a middle, and / or an outlet of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0054] For example, pieces of environment information respectively detected by the indoor unit sensors may be transmitted to the indoor unit controller as described below, or may be transmitted to the outside via the indoor unit communication interface as described below.

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

[0056] The short-range communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication (NFC) communication module, a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., Wi-Fi) communication module, a ZigBee communication module, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0057] The long-range communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range communications, and include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits or receives a wireless signal to or from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0058] The indoor unit communication interface may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device, or another home appliance via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN, to which the air conditioner or a user device is connected, to a wide area network (WAN), to which a server is connected. The air conditioner or user device may be connected to the server via the WAN. The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include the indoor unit controller that controls the components of the indoor unit, including the blower. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit controller that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor. The indoor unit controller may communicate with the outdoor unit controller via the indoor unit communication interface and the outdoor unit communication interface. The outdoor unit communication interface may transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit controller to the indoor unit communication interface, or may transmit, to the outdoor unit controller, a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit communication interface. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may communicate in both directions. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit and receive various signals generated during an operation of the air conditioner.

[0059] The outdoor unit controller may be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit and control an operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit controller may adjust a frequency of the compressor and control a flow path diverter valve to change a circulation direction of a refrigerant. The outdoor unit controller may adjust a rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit controller may generate a control signal for adjusting the degree of opening of an expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit controller, the refrigerant may circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow path diverter valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0060] Various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may each transmit an electrical signal corresponding to a temperature detected by each of the temperature sensors to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller. For example, each of humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit and the indoor unit may transmit an electrical signal corresponding to its detected humidity to the outdoor unit controller and / or the indoor unit controller.

[0061] The indoor unit controller may obtain a user input from a user device including a mobile device or the like via the indoor unit communication interface, and obtain a user input directly via the input interface or through a remote controller. The indoor unit controller may control the components of the indoor unit, including the blower, etc., in response to the received user input. The indoor unit controller may transmit information about the received user input to the outdoor unit controller of the outdoor unit.

[0062] The outdoor unit controller may control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, etc., based on information about a user input received from the indoor unit. For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operating mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, blowing operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit controller may control the components of the outdoor unit to perform an operation of the air conditioner, corresponding to the selected operating mode.

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

[0064] The memory may record / store various pieces of information necessary for operations of the air conditioner. The memory may store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for operations of the air conditioner. For example, the memory may store various programs for cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidifying operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner. The memory may include volatile memories, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic RAM (DRAM), for temporarily storing data. Furthermore, the memory may include non-volatile memories for long-term storage of data, such as read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM).

[0065] The processor may generate control signals for controlling operations of the air conditioner, based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor is a hardware component and may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor may process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as a plurality of circuits.

[0066] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit controller and may output information related to an operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit controller. For example, the output interface may output information such as operating mode, wind direction, air volume, and temperature selected by a user input. In addition, the output interface may output sensing information and warning / error messages obtained from the indoor unit sensor or the outdoor unit sensor.

[0067] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker is an audio device and may output a variety of sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphical elements. For example, operation information about the air conditioner may be displayed as at least one of an image or text. The display may also include indicators that provide specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode panel (LED) panel, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0068] Hereinafter, air conditioners according to various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0069] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner 100 performs an air conditioning operation for a target space 120. The air conditioning operation may include, for example, cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or ventilation. The air conditioner 100 may be implemented in the form of a cooler, a heater, a cooling / heating device, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier. In the present disclosure, a case where the air conditioner 100 corresponds to a cooler is mainly described. However, this is for convenience of description, and an embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] The air conditioner 100 may include a detection sensor 110. The detection sensor 110 detects an object within the target space 120. The air conditioner 100 may determine whether a person 130 is present in the target space 120 using a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110.

[0072] The target space 120 refers to an indoor space in which the air conditioner 100 may be installed. The target space 120 may correspond to various types of indoor spaces, such a house, an office, a store, a guest room, a commercial space, and a working space. The target space 120 may include at least one entrance / exit door 150.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may identify position information of a person 130 within the target space 120 and obtain a movement path of the person 130 using sensor detection values from the detection sensor 110. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may detect a real-time position of the person 130 with high accuracy using, as the detection sensor 110, a sensor such as a radio detection and ranging (radar) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor.

[0074] In operation 160, the air conditioner 100 may detect a moving distance or moving speed of the person 130 using the position information or the movement path. Based on the moving distance or moving speed, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether to perform a situation recognition operation according to the movement path of the person 130.

[0075] When the air conditioner 100 determines to perform a situation recognition operation, the air conditioner 100 determines an operation mode according to a situation recognition result in operation 162. When performing situation recognition, the air conditioner 100 may recognize a user's situation based on the movement path of the person 130. For example, the air conditioner 100 may recognize situations such as a situation in which the person 130 is sleeping, a situation in which the person 130 is working or studying, a situation in which the person 130 is exercising, or a situation in which the person 130 is applying makeup. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 prestores a designated area 140 corresponding to each situation, and when it is determined that the person 130 stays in the designated area 140 for a first reference time or longer, the air conditioner 100 determines that this situation corresponds to the designated area 140. For example, in a case where the designated area 140 is pre-designated as an area corresponding to a working or studying situation, when the air conditioner 100 detects that the person 130 stays in the designated area 140 for the first reference time or longer while performing the situation recognition operation, the air conditioner 100 determines that the user is in a working or studying situation.

[0076] When recognizing a situation, the air conditioner 100 operates in an operation mode corresponding to the recognized situation. The air conditioner 100 may operate in a situation operation mode corresponding to each situation. The situation operation mode may be a mode for specifying conditions related to an air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 100. For example, when the user is in a working or studying situation, the air conditioner 100 may operate in a wind-free mode and set a target temperature to be 1 °C higher than a user-set temperature set by the user.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 determines whether to perform a situation recognition operation using a movement distance or movement speed of the user 130, and performs the situation recognition operation when it is determined that the situation recognition operation is to be performed. Due to this configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when recognizing a situation based on the detection sensor 110, it is possible to prevent the situation recognition from being incorrectly performed . In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by having conditions for performing situation recognition, it is possible to prevent the air conditioner 100 from providing excessive automatic operation, which may cause user discomfort.

[0078] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 includes a detection sensor 110, a processor 210, an air conditioning module 212, and a memory 214. A block diagram of the air conditioner 100 in FIG. 2 may correspond to a block diagram of an indoor unit.

[0080] The air conditioner 100 may be implemented in various installation types. For example, the air conditioner 100 may be implemented as a stand-type, a wall-mounted typer, a ceiling-embedded system air conditioner type, or a home multi air conditioner type.

[0081] The detection sensor 110 may detect an object in the target space 120. The detection sensor 110 may include, for example, a time of flight (ToF) sensor, an ultrasound sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a radar sensor, a LiDAR sensor, or the like. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 110 may correspond to a radar sensor. The detection sensor 110 is positioned to output a signal toward the target space 120 and detect a reflected signal therefrom. The detection sensor 110 may be positioned at a front of the air conditioner 100 toward the target space 120. The detection sensor 110 generates a sensor detection value and transmits the sensor detection value to the processor 210.

[0082] The processor 210 controls all operations of the air conditioner 100. The processor 210 may be implemented as one or more processors. The processor 210 may execute instructions or commands stored in the memory 214 to perform predetermined functions. Furthermore, the processor 210 controls operations of components included in the air conditioner 100. The processor 210 may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, etc.

[0083] The processor 210 determines whether a moving object is present using a sensor detection value from the detection sensor 110, and when the moving object is present, the processor 210 determines that a person is present in the target space 120. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 determines whether the detected object is a person using the sensor detection value. For example, when the detection sensor 110 corresponds to an infrared sensor, the processor 210 determines that a person is present in the target space 120 if an infrared value corresponding to a person is detected. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 determines whether a detected object has a human shape based on a sensor detection value, and when the detected object corresponds to the human shape, determines that a person is present in the target space 120.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 110 may correspond to a radar sensor, and the processor 210 may determine whether a detected object has a human shape using a sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The radar sensor outputs a radar signal toward the target space 120 and detects, as a sensor detection value, a signal reflected from an object in the target space 120. The processor 210 detects the object in the target space 120 using the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The processor 210 detects the object in the target space 120 at a predetermined frame rate, and detects movement of the object. When a movement value of the object in the target space 120 is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor 210 determines that a person is present in the target space 120. For example, the processor 210 may detect an object in the target space 120 at a frame rate of 30 frames per second, and determine that a person is present in the target space 120 when a per-second movement value of the object is greater than or equal to a reference value. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 determines whether the recognized object is a person based on an object recognition result derived based on the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The processor 210 may determine whether the recognized object is a person based on a shape of the recognized object. When the recognized object corresponds to a person and the movement value is greater than or equal to the reference value, the processor 210 determines that a person is present in the target space 120. When the processor 210 determines that the recognized object does not correspond to a person, the processor 210 determines that no person is present in the target space 120. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 may also determine that a person is present in the target space 120 even when the recognized object corresponds to a pet. Therefore, the processor 210 may determine that a person is present in the target space 120 when the detected object corresponds to a person or a pet and the movement value is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 may obtain position information and a movement path of a person in the target space 120 using sensor detection values of a radar sensor. The processor 210 may set a predetermined coordinate system for the target space 120. For example, a two-dimensional (2D) xy coordinate system may be set for the target space 120. The processor 210 may obtain coordinate information of the person based on a sensor detection value of the radar sensor. In addition, the processor 210 may obtain the movement path of the person by accumulating the coordinate information of the person.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 210 may calculate a movement distance and a movement speed based on the movement path of the person over time. The processor 210 may measure the movement distance by measuring a length of the movement path. The processor 210 may calculate the movement speed by calculating a movement distance per hour.

[0087] The processor 210 may determine whether to perform a situation recognition operation based on at least one of the movement distance or the movement speed. The processor 210 may perform the situation recognition operation when the movement distance is greater than or equal to a reference distance and the movement speed falls within a reference speed range. The movement distance may be defined as a distance sufficiently large to effectively recognize the movement of the detected person. For example, the movement distance may be defined as a range of 1 m to 3 m. The movement distance may be, for example, 2 m. The reference speed range may be a speed range corresponding to the movement speed of the person. The reference speed range may be defined, for example, as a speed range of at least 2 km / h but not more than 6 km / h. Depending on an embodiment, a lower limit and an upper limit of the reference speed range may be determined differently.

[0088] When the processor 210 determines to perform the situation recognition operation, the processor 210 performs situation recognition based on the movement path of the detected person. The processor 210 determines whether the movement path of the detected person leads into the pre-designated area 140. When the movement path of the detected person leads into the designated area 140, the processor 210 determines whether the detected person stays in the designated area 140 for a first reference time or longer. When the detected person stays in the designated area 140 for the first reference time or longer, the processor 210 recognizes this as a situation corresponding to the designated area 140. When the detected person moves to the designated area 140 but does not stay therein for the first reference time or longer, the processor 210 may not recognize this as the situation corresponding to the designated area 140.

[0089] The designated area 140 may be designated for the target space 120. For example, the designated area 140 may be defined as a circle having a predetermined radius, an ellipse, a rectangle, a polygon, or the like. The designated area 140 may correspond to, for example, a desk area, a bed area, an exercise area, a dressing table area, or the like. Information about the designated area 140 may be prestored in the air conditioner 100. For example, the air conditioner 100 may prestore in the memory 214 information about the designated area 140 of the corresponding target space 120.

[0090] The air conditioning module 212 performs an air conditioning operation. The air conditioning module 212 adjusts cooling operation, cooling intensity, heating operation, heating intensity, air volume, and the like based on control signals or driving signals input from the processor 210. The air conditioning module 212 may include a heat exchanger, a motor, an inverter, a fan, a filter, etc. The air conditioning module 212 may be equipped with a heat exchanger and perform heat exchange between a refrigerant and indoor air using a phase change (e.g., expansion or compression) of the refrigerant within the heat exchanger. For example, while the refrigerant expands in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor space may be cooled. While the refrigerant is compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant may release heat into the indoor air, and the indoor space may be heated.

[0091] When it is determined that a person stays in the designated area 140 for a first reference time or longer, the processor 210 controls the operation of the air conditioning module 212 in an operation mode corresponding to the designated area. When it is determined that the person stays in the designated area 140 for the first reference time or longer, the processor 210 recognizes this as a situation corresponding to the designated area 140. The processor 210 may control the air conditioning module 212 to operate in the operation mode corresponding to the recognized situation. For example, when the situation corresponds to a working or studying situation, the processor 210 may control the air conditioning module 212 to operate in a concentration mode corresponding to the working or studying situation. When the air conditioning module 212 is operated in the concentration mode, the processor 210 may control the air conditioning module 212 to operate in a wind-free mode and increase a target temperature by 1 °C above a user-set temperature.

[0092] The processor 210 may adjust the set temperature by changing a temperature setting value of an indoor unit and controlling a rotation speed of a motor in an outdoor unit compressor or an indoor unit compressor. For example, when the temperature is set by the user, the processor 210 may adjust a motor revolutions per minute (RPM) according to the set temperature. The processor 210 may control an RPM of a compressor motor to increase when an indoor temperature detected by a temperature sensor is higher than the set temperature, and may decrease the RPM of the compressor motor or stop the compressor motor when the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature. The processor 210 may generate a control signal for adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor and output the control signal to the air conditioning module 212. The air conditioning module 212 may regulate the cooling degree of air by adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor according to the control signal from the processor 210. The indoor temperature may follow the set temperature by adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor. By increasing the RPM of the compressor motor, the air conditioning module 212 may discharge an airflow at a lower temperature than before into the indoor space, thereby lowering the indoor temperature. In addition, by decreasing the RPM of the compressor motor or stopping the compressor motor, the air conditioning module 212 may discharge an airflow at a higher temperature than before into the indoor space, thereby raising the indoor temperature. In the air conditioner 100, the compressor of the outdoor unit accounts for a large portion of power consumption. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when performing power-saving control, power consumption may be significantly reduced by adjusting the set temperature.

[0093] To adjust an airflow intensity, the processor 210 may switch to a wind-free mode by controlling an air outlet or blades of the indoor unit. The indoor unit operates in the wind-free mode by discharging air with the air outlet closed. The processor 210 generates a control signal for closing the air outlet and outputs the control signal to the air conditioning module 212. The air conditioning module 212 operates in the wind-free mode by closing the air outlet in response to the control signal received from the processor 210. Furthermore, to adjust the airflow intensity, the processor 210 may control a fan speed of the indoor unit. The processor 210 generates a control signal for adjusting the fan speed and output the control signal to the air conditioning module 212. The air conditioning module 212 may then adjust the fan speed in response to the control signal received from the processor 210.

[0094] The memory 214 stores various pieces of information, data, instructions, programs, etc. necessary for the operations of the air conditioner 100. The memory 214 may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory 214 may include at least one type of storage medium from among a flash memory-type memory, a hard disk-type memory, a multimedia card micro-type memory, a card-type memory (e.g., a Secure Digital (SD) card or an eXtreme Digital (xD) memory), RAM, SRAM, ROM, EEPROM, PROM, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disc, and an optical disc. In addition, the memory 214 may correspond to a web storage or cloud server that performs a storage function on the Internet.

[0095] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of controlling an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] The method of controlling the air conditioner, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, may be performed by the air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] In operation S302, the air conditioner 100 detects a person in the target space using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110. The air conditioner 100 determines whether a moving object is present using the sensor detection value, and when the moving object is present, determines that a person is present in the target space 120. The moving object may include an animal.

[0098] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether a detected object is a person using a sensor detection value.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may detect a moving object using a sensor detection value of a radar sensor, and when a movement speed of the moving object corresponds to a movement speed of a person, may determine that the object is a person. For example, when the movement speed of the moving object is within a range of at least 2 km / h but not more than 6 km / h, the air conditioner 100 may determine that the moving object is a person.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the detection sensor 110 corresponds to an infrared sensor, the air conditioner 100 may determine that a person is present in the target space 120 if an infrared value corresponding to a person is detected. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether the detected object has a human shape based on the sensor detection value, and when the detected object corresponds to the human shape, determines that a person is present in the target space 120.

[0101] Operation S302 performed by the air conditioner 100 includes an operation of detecting a person using the sensor detection value or based on the sensor detection value. In this case, the operation of detecting a person may include detecting a person by identifying the sensor detection value, detecting a person by determining a result of person detection, detecting a person by analyzing the sensor detection value, detecting a person by searching for the sensor detection value, detecting a person by recognizing the sensor detection value, detecting a person by distinguishing the sensor detection value, detecting a person by classifying the sensor detection value, and detecting a person by separating the sensor detection value.

[0102] Next, in operation S304, the air conditioner 100 obtains position information and a movement path of the person based on a result of the person detection. The air conditioner 100 sets a predetermined coordinate system corresponding to the target space 120 and identifies coordinate information of the detected person in the coordinate system. The position information of the person may be represented as the coordinate information. Additionally, the air conditioner 100 may obtain a movement path of the detected person by accumulating the position information of the detected person. The air conditioner 100 may update the position information and movement path of the detected person each time a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110 is generated.

[0103] Subsequently, in operation S306, the air conditioner 100 determines whether at least one of a movement distance or a movement speed of the detected person satisfies a path detection condition.

[0104] The air conditioner 100 may calculate a movement distance of the detected person using the obtained movement path. The air conditioner 100 may calculate the movement distance by measuring a distance between a start point and an end point of the movement path. Additionally, the air conditioner 100 may calculate a movement speed of the detected person using a movement path over time. The processor 210 may calculate the movement speed by calculating a movement distance per hour. The air conditioner 100 may update the movement distance or movement speed each time the position information and movement path of the detected person are updated.

[0105] In addition, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether the movement distance or movement speed satisfies a path detection condition. The path detection condition may include at least one of a first condition in which the movement distance is a reference distance or more, or a second condition in which an average movement speed of the detected person is within a reference speed range. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may determine that the path detection condition is satisfied when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. The reference distance may be, for example, 2 m. The reference speed range may be, for example, a speed range of at least 2 km / h but not more than 6 km / h.

[0106] When it is determined in operation S306 that the movement distance or movement speed satisfies the path detection condition, the air conditioner 100 performs a situation recognition operation using the movement path in operation S308. When the movement distance or movement speed does not satisfy the path detection condition, the air conditioner 100 does not perform the situation recognition operation using the movement path. In this case, even when a person is detected in a designated area, the air conditioner 100 may not determine that this situation corresponds to the designated area.

[0107] While performing the situation recognition operation, the air conditioner 100 determines in operation S310 whether the person stays in a designated area for a first reference time or longer. By using the position information or the movement path of the detected person, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether the detected person stays in the designated area for the first reference time or longer. The first reference time may be set to, for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or the like.

[0108] When it is determined in operation S310 that the person stays in the designated area for the first reference time or longer, the air conditioner 100 may control an operation of the air conditioning module 212 in an operation mode corresponding to the designated area in operation S312. At least one parameter of the air conditioning module 212 may be preset for each operation mode. The air conditioner 100 may control the air conditioning module 212 to operate according to the parameter set for each operation mode. For example, when the situation corresponds to a working or studying situation, the air conditioner 100 may control the air conditioning module 212 to operate in a concentration mode. In the concentration mode, the air conditioning module 212 may operate in a wind-free mode and operate by setting a target temperature to be 1 °C higher than a user-set temperature.

[0109] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process of determining a path detection condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a result of the person detection within the target space 120 satisfies a path detection condition, the air conditioner 100 may perform situation recognition based on path detection. The path detection condition may include at least one of a first condition in which a movement distance of the detected person is a reference distance or longer, or a second condition in which an average movement speed of the detected person is within a reference speed range. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 determines that the path detection condition is satisfied when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied.

[0111] The air conditioner 100 senses or scans the target space 120 at a predetermined field of view 440 using the detection sensor 110 and obtains a sensor detection value. The air conditioner 100 detects a person in the target space 120 using the sensor detection value and obtains position information and path information (or a movement path) 410 of the person. The air conditioner 100 may calculate a movement distance 420 and a movement speed using path information 410 of the person over time. The air conditioner 100 measures the movement distance 420 by measuring a distance between a start point and an end point of the path information 410. Based on a change in the position information as the person moves within the target space 120, the air conditioner 100 updates the movement distance 420 and the movement speed.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement distance 420 refers to a straight-line distance between the start point and the end point of the movement path 410. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the movement distance 420 refers to an actual movement distance indicated on the movement path 410.

[0113] To determine the first condition, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the movement distance 420 is the reference distance or longer. For example, when the reference distance is 2 m, the air conditioner 100 may determine that the first condition is satisfied when the movement distance 420 reaches 2 m. By determining the first condition, the air conditioner 100 may filter out simple movements of the user and detect that the user intentionally moves toward a specific area.

[0114] The air conditioner 100 may calculate the movement speed by calculating the movement distance 420 per hour. The air conditioner 100 may calculate an average speed for the movement path 410.

[0115] To determine the second condition, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the movement speed is within the reference speed range. For example, a description is provided assuming that the reference speed range is a speed range of at least 2 km / h but not more than 6 km / h. In this case, the air conditioner 100 determines that the second condition is satisfied when the movement speed is 3 km / h. In addition, the air conditioner 100 determines that the second condition is not satisfied when the movement speed is 0.5 km / h. By determining the second condition, the air conditioner 100 determines that only a movement corresponding to the movement speed of the person is a valid movement path, thereby achieving an effect of filtering out simple movements of the person or movements of non-human objects.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the path detection condition may further include a third condition in which the person moves from outside to inside a designated area 430 or moves from inside to outside the designated area 430. According to the third condition, the air conditioner 100 satisfies the path detection condition when the person moves along a path that includes the designated area 430. Because the air conditioner 100 performs situation recognition based on the designated area 430, the efficiency of situation recognition processing may be increased using only the movement path 410 associated with the designated area 430.

[0117] The designated area 430 may have a predetermined area size 432. For example, the designated area 430 may be defined as a circle with a radius of 1 m. In addition to a circle, the designated area 430 may have various shapes, such as an ellipse, a rectangle, or a polygon. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may perform situation recognition based on the designated area 430 having a predetermined size rather than a point, thereby increasing the stability of situation recognition.

[0118] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a structure of an air conditioner, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] In FIG. 5, to avoid redundant description, descriptions overlapping with those of the air conditioner 100 described with reference to FIG. 2 are omitted, and differences are mainly described.

[0120] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner 100 includes a detection sensor 110, a processor 210, an air conditioning module 212, a memory 214, a speaker 510, and a communication module 520. Although FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the air conditioner 100 includes both the speaker 510 and the communication module 520, an embodiment in which the air conditioner 100 includes only one of the speaker 510 and the communication module 520 is also possible.

[0121] The speaker 510 converts an electrical signal into an audio signal and outputs the audio signal. The speaker 510 receives an electrical signal from the processor 210, and the speaker 510 outputs an audio signal based on the electrical signal received from the processor 210. The speaker 510 may be located in the air conditioner 100 to output the audio signal to the target space 120.

[0122] The communication module 520 may communicate with at least one external device by wire or wirelessly. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 520 communicates wirelessly with a remote controller. The communication module 520 may receive, from the remote controller, a power on / off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a fan speed selection signal, a sleep timer signal, a scheduled operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, and the like. The communication module 520 may transmit status information of the air conditioner 100 to the remote controller to synchronize the status information of the air conditioner 100 with the remote controller.

[0123] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 520 may receive a user input for setting a situation operation mode. For example, the communication module 520 may receive a user input for setting a concentration mode, a sleep mode, an exercise mode, a powdering mode, or the like.

[0124] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 520 may communicate with an outdoor unit. For example, the communication module 520 may communicate with the outdoor unit using RS-485 serial communication.

[0125] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 520 may communicate with a server through a network. The communication module 520 may connects to the network via an AP device and communicate with the server. Furthermore, the communication module 520 may receive, from the server, a power on / off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a fan speed selection signal, a sleep timer signal, a scheduled operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, and the like. The communication module 520 may transmit status information of the air conditioner 100 to the server to synchronize the status information of the air conditioner 100 with the server. In addition, the communication module 520 may receive, from the server, an operation mode or setting information of the air conditioner 100 that is set using a user terminal or the like.

[0126] The communication module 520 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a LAN communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). In addition, the communication module 520 may perform short-range communication using, for example, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, WLAN (e.g., Wi-Fi), ZigBee, IrDA communication, WFD, UWB, Ant+ communication, etc. Furthermore, for example, the communication module 520 may perform long-range communication, and communicate with an external device over, for example, a legacy cellular network, a 5th generation (5G) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN).

[0127] In addition, for example, the communication module 520 may use mobile communication, and transmit and receive a wireless signal to and from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0128] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module 520 is connected to an AP in the home via Wi-Fi communication. The communication module 520 may communicate with an external device via the AP.

[0129] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, and a server, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 communicates with an external device 610 and a server 620 through a communication module (not shown). The air conditioner 100 may be connected to other home appliances, the external device 610, or the server 620 via a network NET.

[0131] The server 620 may manage user account information and information on the air conditioner 100 connected to a user account. The server 620 may store the user account information. Additionally, the server 620 may store the information on the air conditioner 100 associated with the user account. For example, a user may access the server 620 via the external device 610 to create a user account. The user account may be identified by an identifier (ID) and a password set by the user. The server 620 may store the user account information including the ID and the password set by the user. The server 620 may register the air conditioner 100 to the user account according to a predetermined procedure. For example, the server 620 may register the air conditioner 100 by associating identification information (e.g., a serial number or a Medium Access Control (MAC) address) of the air conditioner 100 with the user account.

[0132] The external device 610 may include a communication module capable of communicating with the air conditioner 100 and the server 620, a user interface for receiving a user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling an operation of the external device 610, and at least one memory for storing a program for controlling the operation of the external device 610.

[0133] The external device 610 may be carried by the user or may be located in the user's home, office, or the like. The external device 610 may include, for example, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smartphone, a handheld device, a wearable device, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0134] A program (e.g., an application) for controlling the air conditioner 100 may be stored in the memory of the external device 610. The external device 610 may be sold with an application for controlling the air conditioner 100 installed, or may be sold without the application installed. When the external device 610 is sold without the application for controlling the air conditioner 100 installed, the user may download the application from an external server providing the application and install the application on the external device 610.

[0135] The user may control the air conditioner 100 using an application installed on the external device 610. For example, when the user executes the application installed on the external device 610, identification information of the air conditioner 100 associated with the same user account as that of the external device 610 may appear on an application execution window. The user may perform desired control of the air conditioner 100 through the application execution window. When the user inputs a control command for the air conditioner 100 via the application execution window, the external device 610 may transmit the control command directly to the air conditioner 100 through a short-range network, or transmit the control command to the air conditioner 100 via the server 620.

[0136] The application of the external device 610 may receive various user inputs for controlling the air conditioner 100. The application provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving various user inputs and receives a user input through the GUI. While communicating with the server 620, the external device 610 updates status information of the air conditioner 100, and provides the updated status information to the user through the application. Additionally, the external device 610 communicates with the server 620 to transmit, to the air conditioner 100, a user input received through the application.

[0137] The network NET may include both a wired network and a wireless network. The wired network includes a cable network, a telephone network, or the like, and the wireless network may include any network that transmits and receives signals through radio waves. The wired network and the wireless network may be connected to each other.

[0138] The network NET may include a WAN such as the Internet, a LAN formed around an AP, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) that does not pass through an AP. The short-range wireless network may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth ™< (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.1), ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4), WFD, NFC, Z-Wave, and the like.

[0139] The AP may connect a LAN, to which the air conditioner 100 and the external device 610 are connected, to a WAN, to which the server 620 is connected. The air conditioner 100 or the external device 610 may be connected to the server 620 through the WAN.

[0140] An AP may include a device that allows devices to be connected using relevant standards utilizing Wi-Fi in a computer network.

[0141] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP may include an AP implemented in hardware and an AP implemented in software.

[0142] For example, the AP may relay data between a wireless device and a wired device on a network. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the AP may relay data between wired devices or between wireless devices. Moreover, the AP may also be referred to as a relay device.

[0143] The AP may communicate with the air conditioner 100 and the external device 610 using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi ™< (IEEE 802.11), and connect to a WAN using wired communication.

[0144] The air conditioner 100 may transmit information regarding an operation or a status thereof to the server 620 through the network NET. For example, the air conditioner 100 may transmit the information regarding the operation or the status to the server 620 through Wi-Fi ™< (IEEE 802.11) communication.

[0145] When a Wi-Fi communication module is not provided in the air conditioner 100, the air conditioner 100 may transmit information regarding an operation or status thereof to the server 620 via another home appliance having a Wi-Fi communication module. For example, when the air conditioner 100 transmits the information regarding the operation or status thereof to another home appliance via a short-range wireless network (e.g., BLE communication), the other home appliance may transmit the information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner 100 to the server 620. In addition, for example, when a Wi-Fi communication module is not provided in the air conditioner 100, the air conditioner 100 may be connected to a communication relay device by wire, and may perform Wi-Fi communication and RS-485 communication through the communication relay device.

[0146] The air conditioner 100 may provide the information regarding the operation or the status of the air conditioner 100 to the server 620 based on a prior approval from the user. The transmission of the information to the server 620 may be performed when a request is received from the server 620, when a specific event occurs in the air conditioner 100, or periodically or in real time.

[0147] When the information regarding the operation or the status is received from the air conditioner 100, the server 620 may update previously stored information related to the air conditioner 100. The server 620 may transmit the information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner 100 to the external device 610 through the network NET.

[0148] When a request is received from the external device 610, the server 620 may transmit, to the external device 610, information regarding an operation or a status of the air conditioner 100. For example, when the user executes an application connected to the server 620 on the external device 610, the external device 610 may request and receive the information regarding the operation or the status of the air conditioner 100 from the server 620 through the application. When the information regarding the operation or the status of the air conditioner 100 is received from the air conditioner 100, the server 620 may transmit the information regarding the operation or the status of the air conditioner 100 to the external device 610 in real time. The server 620 may also periodically transmit, to the external device 610, the information regarding the operation or the status of the air conditioner 100. The external device 610 may provide the information regarding the operation or the status of the air conditioner 100 to the user by displaying the information on an application execution window.

[0149] The air conditioner 100 may obtain various pieces of information from the server 620 and may provide the obtained information to the user. In addition, the air conditioner 100 may receive, from the server 620, a file for updating pre-installed software or data related to the pre-installed software, and update the pre-installed software or the data related to the pre-installed software based on the received file.

[0150] The air conditioner 100 may operate according to a control command received from the server 620. For example, when the air conditioner 100 obtains the user's prior approval to operate according to the control command from the server 620 even without a user input, the air conditioner 100 may operate according to the control command received from the server 620. The control command received from the server 620 may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through the external device 610 or a control command generated by the server 620 based on a preset condition.

[0151] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the server 620 may perform at least one of the operations S304, S306, S308, S310, or S312 in the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0152] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, operation S302 of FIG. 3 may be performed by the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 may detect a person in a target space using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110. The air conditioner 100 may transmit a result of the person detection to the server 620.

[0153] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, operation S302 of FIG. 3 may be performed by the air conditioner 100 and the server 620. The air conditioner 100 may obtain a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110 and transmit the obtained sensor detection value to the server 620. The server 620 may perform person detection processing using the received sensor detection value. In the description below, an embodiment in which operation S302 is performed by the air conditioner 100 and the server 620 may be combined with an embodiment in which operation S302 is described as being performed by the air conditioner 100.

[0154] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, operation S302 of FIG. 3 may be performed by the air conditioner 100, and operations S304, S306, S308, and S310 may be performed by the server 620. The server 620 may receive the result of the person detection in operation S302 from the air conditioner 100, and in operation S304, determine whether to perform power-saving control based on the received result of person detection. In operation S304, the server 620 may obtain position information and path information of the person based on the result of the person detection. Furthermore, in operation S306, the server 620 may determine whether a movement distance and a movement speed calculated based on the position information and the path information satisfy a path detection condition. When the path detection condition is satisfied, the server 620 may perform situation recognition using a movement path in operation S308. In addition, in operation S310, the server 620 may determine whether the user stays in a designated area for a first reference time or longer, and when the user stays in the designated area for the first reference time or longer, the server 620 may control the air conditioner 100 to operate in an operation mode corresponding to the designated area in operation S312.

[0155] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the external device 610 may receive a designated area setting input, an operation mode setting input for the designated area, an operation parameter setting input for the operation mode, an entrance / exit door position setting input, and the like, and transmit the received inputs to the server 620. Additionally, the external device 610 may output a designated area setting guide or an entrance / exit door position setting guide. The external device 610 may perform functions related to the air conditioner 100 through a predetermined application.

[0156] Next, a process of setting a designated area is described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0157] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting a designated area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting a designated area, and a graphical user interface (GUI) of an external device.

[0159] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may provide a designated area setting mode for setting a designated area. A user may enter the designated area setting mode to set a designated area for automatic operation according to situation recognition. Operations under the designated area setting mode may be performed by the air conditioner 100 or the server 620.

[0160] First, in operation S702, the air conditioner 100 enters the designated area setting mode. The air conditioner 100 may enter the designated area setting mode based on a user input for selecting a menu for setting automatic operation using situation recognition. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user input for selecting the menu may be received through a remote controller of the air conditioner 100. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user input for selecting the menu may be received through an application of the external device 610.

[0161] Upon entering the designated area setting mode, the air conditioner 100 guides, in operation S704, a user 810 to move to a point to be set as a designated area 820.

[0162] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 outputs, through the speaker 510, a guide voice message 840 requesting movement to the designated area 820. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide voice message 840 may request the user to move to the designated area and to perform movement therein .

[0163] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the external device 610 may output, through the application in a GUI view 830, a message instructing the user to move to a designated position and then perform movement therein. The external device 610 may receive, via the server 620, a result of person detection by the detection sensor 110 of the air conditioner 100 and provide a GUI based on the result of the person detection.

[0164] Subsequently, in operation S706, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether a movement path of the user 810 moving into a predetermined area has been detected within a designated time. The detection of the movement path of the user 810 indicates that the user 810 has completed movement to the designated area 820 after moving along a predetermined path. When the movement of the user 810 is suspended in a predetermined area after the user 810 has moved along the predetermined path, the air conditioner 100 may determine that movement of the user 810 to the designated area 820 is completed . For example, when 5 seconds have elapsed after the user 810 moves to the predetermined area, the air conditioner 100 may determine that the movement of the user 810 is completed.

[0165] When it is determined in operation S706 that the movement path of the user has been detected, the air conditioner 100 guides the user to move around the designated area 820 in operation S708. The air conditioner 100 may output, through the speaker 510, a voice message 840 including a movement guide. For example, the air conditioner 100 guides the user 810 to wave a hand in the designated area 820. The motion of waving a hand is merely an example for inducing movement of the user 810, and the movement guide may guide the user to perform various motions other than the motion of waving a hand.

[0166] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the external device 610 may output the movement guide for the user in the GUI view 830. For example, the external device 610 may guide the user to wave a hand at a designated position in the GUI view 830. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the GUI view 830 may receive a user input for setting a current position of the user 810 as the designated area 820. When the server 620 receives, from the external device 610, the user input for setting the current position of the user 810 as the designated area 820, the server 620 may set the current position of the user 810 as the designated area 820 and transmit designated area setting information to the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 may store the designated area setting information received from the server 620.

[0167] Next, in operation S710, the air conditioner 100 determines whether movement has been detected at a first point where the user 810 is located for a second reference time. The second reference time may be set to various values, for example, within a range of 3 seconds to 10 seconds.

[0168] When it is determined in operation S710 that the movement has been detected at the first point for the second reference time, the air conditioner 100 sets the first point as the designated area 820 in operation S712. The air conditioner 100 may store coordinate information for the designated area 820.

[0169] Next, in operation S714, the air conditioner 100 may set a situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820. The air conditioner 100 may provide a user interface for setting the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820. For example, the air conditioner 100 may provide, via the application of the external device 610, a GUI for setting the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820. For example, the external device 610 may receive, via the application, a user input for setting the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820 to a study mode.

[0170] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the external device 610 may store a plurality of preset situation operation modes. The external device 610 may receive a user input for selecting one of the plurality of situation operation modes for the designated area 820. The external device 610 may set the situation operation mode selected by the user as the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820. The external device 610 may transmit information on the situation operation mode selected by the user to the server 620 and store the information in the server 620. The server 620 may transmit, to the air conditioner 100, the information on the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820. The air conditioner 100 may store the information on the situation operation mode received from the server 620.

[0171] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, operations S702, S704, S706, S708, S710, S712, and S714 may be performed by the server 620. In operations S706 and S710, the server 620 may use the result of the person detection or the sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110, which is received from the air conditioner 100. In operation S704, the server 620 may control the air conditioner 100 to output a guide for moving to the designated area as a voice message. In addition, in operation S710, the server 620 may control the air conditioner 100 to output, as a voice message, a movement guide for guiding movement around the designated area. The server 620 may transmit information on the designated area and information on a situation operation mode to the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 may store the information on the designated area and the information on the situation operation mode, which are received from the server 620.

[0172] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the server 620 may store at least one piece of user account information, and store, in association with a predetermined user account, information on the designated area 820 and information on the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820. The air conditioner 100 may be registered in association with the predetermined user account. The user may log in to the application of the external device 610 or the server 620 using the user account. The external device 610 or the server 620 may store, for the logged-in user account, information on the designated area and the information on the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820, which are input while the user is logged in. Situation recognition information includes information on at least one designated area of a target space and a situation operation mode corresponding to each designated area. The external device 610 or the server 620 may store the situation recognition information registered for the user account.

[0173] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a new air conditioner is registered for a predetermined user account, the new air conditioner may operate using information on the designated area 820 and information on the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820, which are prestored for the user account. For example, a first air conditioner may be installed in a bedroom, and the server 620 may store, for a first user account associated with the first air conditioner, information on the designated area 820 and information on the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820. Subsequently, when a second air conditioner is installed in the same bedroom and registered to the first user account, the server 620 may transmit, to the second air conditioner, the information on the designated area 820 and the information on the situation operation mode, which are stored for the first user account. The second air conditioner may store and use the information on the designated area 820 and the information on the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820 received from the server 620. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second air conditioner may calibrate, modify, or update information on a position of the designated area 820, which is received from the server 620, based on a position of a detection sensor of the second air conditioner. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second air conditioner may recognize an object (e.g., furniture, a wall, etc.) in an indoor space and calibrate the information on the position of the designated area 820 based on a position of the recognized object. Additionally, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second air conditioner may calibrate the position of the designated area 820 received from the server 620 by executing a designated area setting mode.

[0174] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a process of performing situation recognition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0175] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may detect that a user 810 has moved to a designated area 820, and operate in a situation operation mode. The air conditioner 100 detects a movement path 910 of the person 810 in a target space 120. The air conditioner 100 may determine whether the movement path 910 satisfies a path detection condition. When the movement path 910 satisfies the path detection condition, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether the detected person 810 is moving to the designated area 820.

[0176] When it is detected that the detected person 810 moves from outside to inside the designated area 820, the air conditioner 100 may determine, in operation 920, whether the person 810 stays in the designated area 820 for a first reference time or longer. The air conditioner 100 may set the first reference time, for example, within a range of 30 seconds to 5 minutes. When movement of the person 810 is detected in the designated area 820, the air conditioner 100 may determine that the person 810 stays in the designated area 820. When the detected person 810 moves outside the designated area 820 before reaching the first reference time, the air conditioner 100 may determine that the person 810 has not stayed in the designated area 820 for the first reference time or longer.

[0177] When the detected person 810 stays in the designated area 820 for the first reference time or longer, the air conditioner 100 may operate in a situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820 in operation 930. For example, when the situation operation mode corresponding to the designated area 820 is a study mode, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the study mode by detecting that the detected person 810 stays in the designated area 820 for the first reference time or longer. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may output a guide message indicating that it automatically operates in the study mode through the speaker 510, the remote controller, or the external device 610.

[0178] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating operation parameter values of an air conditioning module to be set according to a situation operation mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0179] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, operation parameter values of the air conditioning module 212 may be preset for each situation operation mode. The parameters of the air conditioning module 212 may include at least one of a target temperature, an airflow rate, an airflow direction, or a wind-free mode.

[0180] The situation operation mode may include, for example, a sleep mode, a study mode, an exercise mode, a powdering mode, or the like. Each situation operation mode may be prestored in the air conditioner 100 or the server 620. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 or the server 620 may, based on a user input received through the air conditioner 100 or the external device 610, generate a situation operation mode and set parameter values for the generated situation operation mode.

[0181] In the sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 may control a target temperature, an airflow rate, and an airflow direction according to a preset sleeping mode. The sleeping mode may include, for example, a falling-asleep mode, a sound-sleep mode, and a wake-up mode, and a target temperature may be adjusted in each mode. For example, in the falling-asleep mode, the target temperature may be set lower than a user-set temperature, in the sound-sleep mode, the target temperature may be set approximately 1 °C to 2 °C higher than the user-set temperature, and in the wake-up mode, the target temperature may be set approximately 1 °C to 2 °C higher than the user-set temperature. Additionally, in the sleep mode, the air conditioner 100 may operate in the wind-free mode.

[0182] In the study mode, the air conditioner 100 may set the target temperature 1 °C higher than the user-set temperature, set the airflow direction to an indirect wind, and operate in the wind-free mode.

[0183] In the exercise mode, the air conditioner 100 may set the airflow rate to high, set the airflow direction to rotation, and deactivate the wind-free mode.

[0184] In the powdering mode corresponding to a makeup situation, the air conditioner 100 may set the target temperature 1 °C lower than the user-set temperature, set the airflow direction to an indirect wind, and deactivate the wind-free mode.

[0185] In addition to the situation operation modes shown in FIG. 10, various other modes may be set, and parameter values may also be set in various ways.

[0186] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an air conditioner operates based on the number of occupants, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may control an air conditioning operation according to the number of occupants in the target space 120.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 11, in operation S1102, the air conditioner 100 identifies the number of occupants in the target space 120. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may identify the number of occupants using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may identify the number of occupants using the position information or movement path of the detected person, which is information obtained in operation S304 described above with reference to FIG. 3.

[0189] Subsequently, in operation S1104, the air conditioner 100 may control the operation of the air conditioning module 212 according to the number of occupants. The air conditioner 100 may control, based on the number of occupants, a setting value of at least one of whether to operate, a target temperature, an airflow rate, an airflow direction, or a wind-free mode.

[0190] When the number of occupants is greater than a reference number of occupants, the air conditioner 100 may set the target temperature to be higher than a user-set temperature. For example, when the number of occupants is three or more, the air conditioner 100 may set the target temperature 1 °C lower than the user-set temperature.

[0191] Furthermore, for example, when the number of occupants is greater than a reference number of occupants, the air conditioner 100 may set the airflow direction to a rotation mode. For example, when the number of occupants is two or more, the air conditioner 100 may set the airflow direction to the rotation mode.

[0192] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the number of occupants is 0, the air conditioner 100 may switch to a power-saving mode or be turned off. When the air conditioner 100 is turned off, the air conditioner 100 is maintained in a soft-off state and may continuously monitor the number of occupants.

[0193] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an air conditioner identifies the number of occupants, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may identify the number of occupants based on the movement path identified in operation S304 of FIG. 3 above. The process of identifying the number of occupants in FIG. 12 may correspond to operation S1102 of FIG. 11.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 12, in operation S1202, the air conditioner 100 may set an initial number of occupants. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the initial number of occupants may be set to 0 when the air conditioner 100 is first installed. Also, when a person is detected while the initial number of occupants is set to 0, the air conditioner 100 may increase the number of occupants by one (1). In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the air conditioner 100 is installed in the target space 120, the initial number of occupants may be set by an installation technician or a user. After the initial number of occupants is set, the air conditioner 100 may continuously monitor the number of occupants by detecting a decrease or increase in the number of occupants.

[0196] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 maintains a soft-off state even after being turned off by the user. In the soft-off state, the detection sensor 110 is turned on and continuously performs a person detection operation. Accordingly, the air conditioner 100 may continuously monitor an increase or decrease in the number of occupants even in a turned-off state.

[0197] Subsequently, in operation S1204, the air conditioner 100 identifies a movement route and coordinate information of the detected person. Operation S1204 may correspond to operation S304 of FIG. 3 described above. The air conditioner 100 continuously performs operation S1204 using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor 110.

[0198] Next, operations S1206, S1208, S1210, and S1212 are described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 in conjunction with FIG. 12.

[0199] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the number of occupants increases, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a case in which the number of occupants decreases, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in operation S1206, the air conditioner 100 determines whether a movement route 1320 has been detected around (in a vicinity of)f an entrance / exit door area 1310. The entrance / exit door area 1310 is an area corresponding to an entrance / exit door of the target space 120. The entrance / exit door area 1310 may be preset. A process of setting the entrance / exit door area 1310 is described below. The vicinity of the entrance / exit door area 1310 may correspond to an inside of the entrance / exit door area 1310. In addition, the vicinity of the entrance / exit door area 1310 may refer to an area within a predetermined distance (e.g., within 0.5 m) from a boundary of the entrance / exit door area 1310.

[0202] When it is determined in operation S1206 that the movement route 1320 has been detected in the vicinity of the entrance / exit door area 1310, the air conditioner 100 determines, in operation S1208, whether a detected person 820 has moved from outside to inside. When the movement route 1320 indicates that the detected person 820 has moved from outside to inside, the air conditioner 100 increases the number of occupants by 1 in operation S1210.

[0203] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 14, when it is determined in operation S1208 that a movement route 1410 indicates that the person 820 has moved from inside to outside, the air conditioner 100 decreases the number of occupants by 1 in operation S1212. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a current number of occupants is set to 0, the air conditioner 100 may not decrease the number of occupants even when it is determined that the movement route 1410 indicates that the person 820 has moved from inside to outside. By not decreasing the number of occupants when the number of occupants is set to 0, the air conditioner 100 may prevent an error of setting the number of occupants to a negative value.

[0204] The air conditioner 100 may continuously monitor the number of occupants while increasing or decreasing the number of occupants based on the movement route and coordinate information.

[0205] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an operation of initializing the number of occupants to 0, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may initialize the number of occupants to 0 when no person is detected in the target space for a long period of time.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 15, in operation S1502, the air conditioner 100 measures an absence time. The absence time refers to a duration during which no movement is detected in the target space 120. While counting the absence time, when movement is detected in the target space 120, the air conditioner 100 may reset the absence time to 0.

[0208] Next, in operation S1504, the air conditioner 100 determines whether the absence time exceeds a reference absence time. The reference absence time may be set, for example, within a range of 1 hour to 5 hours. When it is determined in operation S1504 that the absence time exceeds the reference absence time, the air conditioner 100 resets the number of occupants to 0 in operation S1506.

[0209] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 has an effect of correcting an error in measuring the number of occupants by initializing the number of occupants to 0 when no person is detected in the target space 120 for a long period of time.

[0210] Next, a process of setting an entrance / exit door area is described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0211] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting an entrance / exit door area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0212] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting an entrance / exit door area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0213] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may provide an entrance / exit door setting mode for setting the entrance / exit door area 1310 of the target area 120. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may provide the entrance / exit door setting mode through the remote controller and the speaker 510. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may provide the entrance / exit door setting mode via the external device 610. The entrance / exit door setting mode may be provided as a menu or a function of a remote controller or an application of the external device 610.

[0214] Referring to FIG. 16, the air conditioner 100 enters the entrance / exit door setting mode in operation S1602. The air conditioner 100 may select a menu for entering the entrance / exit door setting mode through the remote controller or the application of the external device 610, and enter the entrance / exit door setting mode based on a user selection.

[0215] When entering the entrance / exit door setting mode, the air conditioner 100 may output a movement guide for guiding the user to move to an entrance / exit door in operation S1604. Referring to FIG. 17, the air conditioner 100 may output, through the speaker 510, a voice message 1710 guiding the user to move to an entrance / exit door. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an application of the external device 610 may output, in a GUI view 1720, a message guiding the user to move to the entrance / exit door.

[0216] Subsequently, in operation S1606, the air conditioner 100 may determine whether a movement path of the user 810 moving into a predetermined area has been detected within a designated time. The detection of the movement path of the user 810 indicates that the user 810 has completed movement to the entrance / exit door area 1310 after moving along a predetermined path. When the movement of the user 810 is suspended in a predetermined area after the user 810 has moved along the predetermined path, the air conditioner 100 may determine that movement of the user 810 to the entrance / exit door area 1310 is completed. For example, when 5 seconds have elapsed after the user 810 moves to the predetermined area, the air conditioner 100 may determine that the movement of the user 810 is completed.

[0217] When it is determined in operation S1606 that the movement path of the user has been detected, the air conditioner 100 guides the user to move around (in the vicinity of) the entrance / exit door area 1310 in operation S1608. The air conditioner 100 may output, through the speaker 510, a voice message 1710 including a movement guide. For example, the air conditioner 100 guides the user 810 to wave a hand in the entrance / exit door area 1310. The motion of waving a hand is merely an example for inducing a motion of the user 810, and the movement guide may guide the user to perform various motions other than the motion of waving a hand.

[0218] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the external device 610 may output the movement guide for the user in the GUI view 1720. For example, the external device 610 may guide the user to wave a hand at a position of an entrance / exit door in the GUI view 1720. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the GUI view 1720 may receive a user input for setting a current position of the user 810 as the entrance / exit door area 1310. When the server 620 receives, from the external device 610, the user input for setting the current position of the user 810 as the entrance / exit door area 1310, the server 620 may set the current position of the user 810 as the entrance / exit door area 1310 and transmit entrance / exit door area setting information to the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 may store the entrance / exit door area setting information received from the server 620.

[0219] Next, in operation S1610, the air conditioner 100 determines whether movement has been detected at a first point where the user 810 is located for a second reference time. The second reference time may be set to various values, for example, within a range of 3 seconds to 10 seconds.

[0220] When it is determined in operation S1610 that the movement has been detected at the first point for the second reference time, the air conditioner 100 sets the first point as the entrance / exit door area 1310 in operation S1612. The air conditioner 100 may store coordinate information for the entrance / exit door area 1310.

[0221] Next, in operation S1614, the air conditioner 100 determines whether to additionally set an entrance / exit door. The air conditioner 100 may output an inquiry message asking whether to additionally set an entrance / exit door via a voice message from the speaker 510, the remote controller, or the application of the external device 610. The air conditioner 100 determines whether to additionally set an entrance / exit door, based on a user input corresponding to the inquiry message. When it is determined, based on the user input, that the entrance / exit door is to be additionally set, the air conditioner 100 additionally performs operations S1604, S1606, S1608, S1610, S1612, and S1614. When the entrance / exit door is not to be additionally set based on the user input, the air conditioner 100 terminates the entrance / exit door setting mode.

[0222] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the entrance / exit door setting is completed, the user may enter the entrance / exit door setting mode again to additionally set an entrance / exit door, edit entrance / exit door settings, or delete entrance / exit door setting information.

[0223] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process of automatically setting an entrance / exit door area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may automatically set an entrance / exit door area. When a movement route of a person is detected, disappears in a specific area, and then is detected again from a corresponding point after a predetermined reference time has elapsed, the air conditioner 100 may automatically set the corresponding point as the entrance / exit door area.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 18, in operation S1802, the air conditioner 100 stores first movement path data DATA1. The first movement path data DATA1 may have a start position p_s1, an end position p_e1, and an end position detection time t1. When a detected person stops moving in a predetermined area, the air conditioner 100 may store, as the first movement path data DATA1, data for a predetermined time from a time point the person stops moving. For example, the air conditioner 100 may store, as the first movement path data DATA1, a movement path for the previous 5 seconds from the time point the person stops moving.

[0226] Subsequently, in operation S1804, when movement is detected after the first movement path data DATA1 is stored, the air conditioner 100 stores second movement path data DATA2. The second movement path data DATA2 may have a start position p_s2, an end position p_e2, and a start position detection time t2. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may store, as the second movement path data DATA2, latest movement path data for a predetermined length of time from the start position detection time t2. For example, the air conditioner 100 may store, as the second movement path data DATA2, movement path data for 5 seconds from the start position detection time t2.

[0227] Next, in operation S1806, the air conditioner 100 determines whether a time difference between the start position detection time t2 of the second movement path data DATA2 and the end position detection time t1 of the first movement path data DATA1 exceeds a fifth reference time t_I. The fifth reference time t_I may be set, for example, to a time within a range of about 1 hour to about 7 hours. For example, the fifth reference time t_I may be set to 5 hours.

[0228] When it is determined in operation S1806 that the time difference between t2 and t1 exceeds the fifth reference time t_I, the air conditioner 100 determines whether a distance between the end position p_e1 of the first movement path data DATA1 and the start position p_s2 of the second movement path data DATA2 is within a reference distance. The reference distance may be set, for example, within a range of 50 cm to 1.5 m. For example, the reference distance may be set to 1 m.

[0229] When it is determined in operation S1808 that the distance between the end position p_e1 of the first movement path data DATA1 and the start position p_s2 of the second movement path data DATA2 is within the reference distance, the air conditioner 100 may, in operation S1810, set an entrance / exit door area or entrance / exit door coordinates, based on the end position p_e1 of the first movement path data DATA1 and the start position p_s2 of the second movement path data DATA2. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the end position p_e1 of the first movement path data DATA1 as entrance / exit door coordinates. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set the start position p_s2 of the second movement path data DATA2 as the entrance / exit door coordinates. In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may set a midpoint between the end position p_e1 of the first movement path data DATA1 and the start position p_s2 of the second movement path data DATA2 as the entrance / exit door coordinates. The air conditioner 100 may set the entrance / exit door area to include the entrance / exit door coordinates.

[0230] When it is determined in operation S1806 that the time difference between t2 and t1 does not exceed the fifth reference time t_I, the air conditioner 100 may store the current second movement path data DATA2 as the first movement path data DATA1 in operation S1812. The air conditioner 100 may store a subsequently detected movement path as the second movement path data DATA2.

[0231] In addition, when it is determined in operation S1808 that the distance between the end position p_e1 of the first movement path data DATA1 and the start position p_s2 of the second movement path data DATA2 is not within the reference distance, the air conditioner 100 may store the current second movement path data DATA2 as the first movement path data DATA1 in operation S1812. The air conditioner 100 may store a subsequently detected movement path as the second movement path data DATA2.

[0232] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a process of obtaining first movement path data and second movement path data, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0233] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in operation 1930, the air conditioner 100 stores a movement route and last position information. The air conditioner 100 detects a movement route 1920 and, when the movement route 1920 stops in an area 1910, stores the movement route 1920 as first movement path data DATA1. The air conditioner 100 stores an end position p_e1 and an end position detection time t1 of the first movement path data DATA1.

[0234] Next, in operation 1932, the air conditioner 100 may detect a movement route 1922 when movement is observed within a third reference time. The air conditioner 100 may store the movement route 1922 as second movement path data DATA2. When the movement route 1922 is detected within the third reference time, the air conditioner 100 may delete the existing first movement path data DATA1 and update the second movement path data DATA2 as the first movement path data DATA1.

[0235] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a process of automatically setting an entrance / exit door area, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0236] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 detects a movement path 2020 moving toward an area 2010. After detecting the movement path 2020, the air conditioner 100 determines in operation 2030 that no movement is detected for the third reference time. When no movement is detected for the third reference time, the air conditioner 100 sets the area 2010 as a temporary entrance / exit door position. Next, in operation 2032, after the fifth reference time has elapsed, the air conditioner 100 may re-observe a movement route 2022 from the temporary entrance / exit door position of the movement path 2020. In operation 2034, the air conditioner 100 may set the area 2010 including the temporary entrance / exit door position as the entrance / exit door area.

[0237] A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. In this regard, the term 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium does not include a signal and is a tangible device, and the term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium. For example, the 'non-transitory storage medium' may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0238] According to an embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be included in a computer program product when provided. The computer program product may be traded, as a product, between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM)) or distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) on-line via an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). For online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be at least transiently stored or temporally generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

[0239] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an air conditioner 100 including a detection sensor 110, an air conditioning module 212, memory 214 storing at least one instruction, and at least one processor 210, wherein the at least one processor 210 is configured to execute the at least one instruction to obtain, based on sensor detection values of the detection sensor 110, coordinate information and a movement path of a person detected in a target space, perform situation recognition using the movement path when at least one of a movement distance or a movement speed of the detected person satisfies a path detection condition based on the movement path of the detected person, and when performing the situation recognition, based on a determination that the detected person stays in a first designated area for a first reference time or longer, control the air conditioning module 212 in an operation mode corresponding to the first designated area.

[0240] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor 110 may include a radar sensor.

[0241] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the path detection condition may include at least one of a first condition in which the movement distance of the detected person is a reference distance or longer, or a second condition in which an average movement speed of the detected person is within a reference speed range.

[0242] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the reference distance may be between 1 m and 3 m, and the reference speed range may be between 2 km / h and 6 km / h.

[0243] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to determine the number of occupants present in the target space, based on the coordinate information and the movement path of the person detected in the target space, and control an operation of the air conditioning module 212 based on the number of occupants.

[0244] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include a speaker 510 configured to output an audio signal, and the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to enter an entrance / exit door setting mode, output, through the speaker 510, a voice message guiding a user to move to an entrance / exit door and to move in the vicinity of the entrance / exit door, and when movement of the person is detected at a first point for a second reference time, set the first point as an entrance / exit door position of the target space.

[0245] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include a communication module 520 configured to communicate with an external device, and the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to enter an entrance / exit door setting mode, transmit, to a server, via the communication module 520, coordinate information and movement information of the person in the target space detected by the detection sensor, and receive, from the server, entrance / exit door position information of the target space generated by the server.

[0246] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the memory 214 may store entrance / exit door position information of the target space, and the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to decrease the number of occupants in the target space when a person is detected in the target space, the detected person moves to a point corresponding to the entrance / exit door position information, and then the person is not detected for a third reference time, and increase the number of occupants in the target space when a new person is detected at the point corresponding to the entrance / exit door position information and the new person moves into the target space.

[0247] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to initialize the number of occupants to 0 when movement of a person is not detected in the target space for a fourth reference time.

[0248] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to, when the movement path of the person detected in the target space stops at a first point and the person is not detected at the first point for a third reference time, set the first point as a temporary entrance / exit door position, and when a movement path is detected from the temporary entrance / exit door position after a fifth reference time has elapsed since the temporary entrance / exit door position was set, set the temporary entrance / exit door position as an entrance / exit door position of the target space.

[0249] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to adjust, based on the number of occupants, at least one of whether the air conditioning module is to operate, a set temperature, an airflow rate, or an airflow direction of the air conditioning module.

[0250] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner 100 may further include a communication module 520 configured to communicate with an external device, and the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to enter a situation recognition setting mode, transmit, to a server, via the communication module 520, coordinate information and movement information of the person in the target space detected by the detection sensor, and receive situation recognition information of the target space from the server, wherein the situation recognition information may include at least one designated area and situation operation modes respectively corresponding to the at least one designated area.

[0251] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the situation operation modes may include at least one of a sleep mode, a study mode, an exercise mode, or a powdering mode, and each of the situation operation modes may set at least one of a set temperature, an airflow rate, an airflow direction, or a wind-free mode of the air conditioning module 212.

[0252] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first designated area may be a circular area defined with a radius of 1 m from center coordinates, and the at least one processor 210 may be configured to execute the at least one instruction to determine, when the detected person moves from outside to inside the first designated area while the situation recognition is performed, that the detected person stays in the first designated area.

[0253] Furthermore, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of controlling an air conditioner, the method including detecting a person in a target space using a detection sensor, obtaining, based on sensor detection values of the detection sensor, coordinate information and a movement path of the person detected in the target space, performing situation recognition using the movement path when at least one of a movement distance or a movement speed of the detected person satisfies a path detection condition based on the movement path of the detected person, and when performing the situation recognition, based on a determination that the detected person stays in a first designated area for a first reference time or longer, controlling an air conditioning module in an operation mode corresponding to the first designated area.

[0254] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor may include a radar sensor.

[0255] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the path detection condition may include at least one of a first condition in which a movement distance of the detected person is at least a reference distance, or a second condition in which an average movement speed of the detected person is within a reference speed range.

[0256] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include determining the number of occupants present in the target space, based on the coordinate information and the movement path of the person detected in the target space, and controlling an operation of the air conditioning module based on the number of occupants.

[0257] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include entering an entrance / exit door setting mode, outputting, through a speaker, a voice message guiding a user to move to an entrance / exit door and to move in the vicinity of the entrance / exit door, and when movement of the person is detected at a first point for a second reference time, setting the first point as an entrance / exit door position of the target space.

[0258] Furthermore, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing, on a computer, a method of controlling an air conditioner.

Claims

1. An air conditioner (100) comprising: a detection sensor (110); an air conditioning module (212); memory (214) storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor (210), wherein the at least one processor (210) is configured to execute the at least one instruction to obtain, based on sensor detection values of the detection sensor (110), coordinate information and a movement path of a person detected in a target space, perform situation recognition using the movement path when at least one of a movement distance or a movement speed of the detected person satisfies a path detection condition based on the movement path of the detected person, and when performing the situation recognition, based on a determination that the detected person stays in a first designated area for a first reference time or longer, control the air conditioning module (212) in an operation mode corresponding to the first designated area.

2. The air conditioner (100) of claim 1, wherein the detection sensor (110) comprises a radio detection and ranging (radar) sensor.

3. The air conditioner (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the path detection condition includes at least one of a first condition in which the movement distance of the detected person is a reference distance or longer, or a second condition in which an average movement speed of the detected person is within a reference speed range.

4. The air conditioner (100) of claim 3, wherein the reference distance is between 1 m and 3 m, and the reference speed range is between 2 km / h and 6 km / h.

5. The air conditioner (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to determine a number of occupants present in the target space, based on the coordinate information and the movement path of the person detected in the target space, and control an operation of the air conditioning module (212) based on the number of occupants.

6. The air conditioner (100) of claim 5, further comprising: a speaker (510) configured to output an audio signal, wherein the at least one processor (210) is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to enter an entrance / exit door setting mode, output, through the speaker (510), a voice message guiding a user to move to an entrance / exit door and to move in the vicinity of the entrance / exit door, and when movement of the person is detected at a first point for a second reference time, set the first point as an entrance / exit door position of the target space.

7. The air conditioner (100) of claim 5, further comprising: a communication module (520) configured to communicate with an external device, wherein the at least one processor (210) is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to enter an entrance / exit door setting mode, transmit, to a server, via the communication module (520), coordinate information and movement information of the person in the target space detected by the detection sensor, and receive, from the server, entrance / exit door position information of the target space generated by the server.

8. The air conditioner (100) of claim 5, wherein the memory (214) stores entrance / exit door position information of the target space, and the at least one processor (210) is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to decrease the number of occupants in the target space when a person is detected in the target space, the detected person moves to a point corresponding to the entrance / exit door position information, and the person is not detected for a third reference time, and increase the number of occupants in the target space when a new person is detected at the point corresponding to the entrance / exit door position information and the new person moves into the target space.

9. The air conditioner (100) of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor (210) is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to initialize the number of occupants to zero when movement of a person is not detected in the target space for a fourth reference time.

10. The air conditioner (100) of claim 5, wherein the at least one processor (210) is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to, when the movement path of the person detected in the target space stops at a first point and the person is not detected at the first point for a third reference time, set the first point as a temporary entrance / exit door position, and when a movement path is detected from the temporary entrance / exit door position after a fifth reference time has elapsed since the temporary entrance / exit door position was set, set the temporary entrance / exit door position as an entrance / exit door position of the target space.

11. The air conditioner (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a communication module (520) configured to communicate with an external device, wherein the at least one processor (210) is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to enter a situation recognition setting mode, transmit, to a server, via the communication module 520, coordinate information and movement information of the person in the target space detected by the detection sensor, and receive, from the server, situation recognition information of the target space, wherein the situation recognition information includes at least one designated area and situation operation modes respectively corresponding to the at least one designated area.

12. The air conditioner (100) of claim 11, wherein the situation operation modes comprise at least one of a sleep mode, a study mode, an exercise mode, or a powdering mode, and each of the situation operation modes sets at least one of a set temperature, an airflow rate, an airflow direction, or a wind-free mode of the air conditioning module (212).

13. The air conditioner (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first designated area is a circular area having a radius of 1 m from center coordinates, and the at least one processor (210) is further configured to execute the at least one instruction to, when the detected person moves from outside to inside the first designated area while the situation recognition is performed, determine that the detected person stays in the first designated area.

14. A method of controlling an air conditioner, the method comprising: detecting a person in a target space using a detection sensor; obtaining, based on sensor detection values of the detection sensor, coordinate information and a movement path of the person detected in the target space; performing situation recognition using the movement path when at least one of a movement distance or a movement speed of the detected person satisfies a path detection condition based on the movement path of the detected person; and when performing the situation recognition, based on a determination that the detected person stays in a first designated area for a first reference time or longer, controlling an air conditioning module in an operation mode corresponding to the first designated area.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing the method of claim 14 on a computer.

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