Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner and a method for controlling the same.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes: a panel that is disposed at a lower side of a case having an open lower side, and has a plurality of outlets; a fan disposed in the case and configured to generate an airflow from the inlet to the plurality of outlets; airflow direction adjusters disposed in each of the outlets, and configured to adjust an airflow direction of flowing air in up and down directions; a camera that obtains an image of an indoor space; and a controller that adjusts the airflow direction adjusters on the basis of, image information obtained from the camera. The controller is configured to divide the plurality of outlets into a first area outlet facing a living area and a second area outlet facing a non-living area on the basis of accumulated data of the image information obtained from the camera, and adjust each of the airflow direction adjusters such that the airflow discharged through the first area outlet and the airflow discharged through the second area outlet are formed differently in the up and down directions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner and a control method thereof, and more particularly to an air conditioner and a control method thereof that divides a space detected by a camera and adjusts airflow for each divided area.

[0002] Related Art This application claims priority under Article 4 of the Paris Convention based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0096540 (filing date: July 22, 2021), and the present application is based on the contents disclosed in that Korean patent application. For reference, the contents of the specification, claims and drawings of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Depending on the structure, the air conditioner can be installed on the wall, floor, or ceiling of the indoor space.

[0004] A ceiling-mounted air conditioner is attached to a ceiling and can discharge air that has undergone heat exchange downward. Also, since a ceiling-mounted air conditioner includes a plurality of outlets that open in different directions, it can discharge air that has undergone heat exchange to a plurality of regions.

[0005] In a ceiling-mounted air conditioner, when the air direction control devices installed at the multiple outlets are controlled in the same way, the same airflow is formed over the entire area. This air discharge forms the same airflow over the entire area, and can change the temperature in multiple directions in the indoor space in the same way.

[0006] Korean Patent No. KR10-2034663B1 (Patent Document 1) discloses a method of detecting the temperature of the floor and controlling airflow direction control devices arranged at multiple outlets based on the temperature of the floor. However, although the control in the above document can be performed according to the temperature of the floor, there is a problem that it may result in unnecessary air control in areas where the user does not mainly live or cannot live. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent No. KR10-2034663B1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner and a control method thereof that maintains an indoor space comfortable while taking into consideration the living environment of users returning to the room.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner and a control method thereof that quickly reaches the desired temperature of the indoor space in the living area of ​​a returning person, minimizes air flow in the direction of the returning person when the desired temperature is approaching, and maintains the comfort level of the indoor space.

[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner and a control method thereof that can improve accuracy in dividing an indoor space into a living area and a non-living area.

[0011] The object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] [One aspect of the present invention] In one embodiment of the present invention, the following invention is proposed. [1] An air conditioner comprising: A case having an internal space and an open bottom; a panel disposed under the case, the panel having an intake port and a plurality of exhaust ports disposed around the intake port; a fan disposed inside the case and generating an air flow from the intake port to the plurality of exhaust ports; an airflow direction adjusting device arranged at each of the plurality of outlets and configured to adjust the airflow direction of the air flowing through each of the plurality of outlets in an upward or downward direction; a camera disposed on one side of the panel for capturing an image of an indoor space; and a control unit that adjusts the airflow direction adjustment device based on image information acquired from the camera, The control unit is The plurality of outlets are divided into a first area outlet facing the living area and a second area outlet facing the non-living area based on accumulated data of image information acquired by the camera, the air conditioner adjusting each of the plurality of air direction adjustment devices so that the air discharged from the first area outlet and the air discharged from the second area outlet are formed in different vertical directions. [2] Further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the indoor space; The air conditioner described in [1], wherein the control unit adjusts the air direction adjustment device so that the airflow in the vertical direction of the first area outlet is changed when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches within a set temperature range. [3] The air conditioner described in [2], wherein the control unit adjusts the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged to the first area outlet is lower in the vertical direction than the air discharged to the second outlet when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is outside a set range. [4] The air conditioner described in [2], wherein the control unit adjusts the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first outlet is formed higher in the vertical direction than the air discharged from the second area outlet when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is within a set range. [5] The control unit is When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is outside a preset range, an airflow direction adjusting device is adjusted so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a first direction toward the ground, The air conditioner described in [2], wherein when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range, the air direction adjustment device is adjusted so that the air discharged to the first area outlet is discharged in a second direction that is directed upward from the first direction. [6] The air conditioner described in [5], wherein the control unit adjusts the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged to the second area outlet is discharged in a third direction that is between the first direction and the second direction in an upward and downward direction. [7] The airflow direction adjustment device includes a vane that is disposed at the outlet and changes its position to adjust the airflow direction of the air flowing through the outlet, The air conditioner according to [1], wherein the control unit changes an arrangement of vanes arranged at each of the first area outlet and the second area outlet. [8] The airflow direction adjustment device is disposed on one side of the outlet and includes an airflow direction adjustment fan that adjusts a rotation speed to adjust the direction of the air discharged to the outlet, The air conditioner according to [1], wherein the control unit changes the rotation speed of the air direction control fans arranged at each of the first area outlet and the second area outlet. [9] The camera further includes a timer for measuring the time for acquiring an image; The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the control unit divides the user's living area from accumulated image information acquired by the camera after a set time measured by the timer.

[10] Further comprising an output unit for outputting an image acquired by the camera, The air conditioner described in [1], wherein the control unit divides the image displayed on the output unit into a plurality of areas to distinguish between the living area and non-living area of ​​the person returning to the room.

[11] The air conditioner according to

[10] , wherein the image displayed on the output unit is divided based on the direction in which the outlet faces.

[12] A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising: The air conditioner includes an intake port and a plurality of exhaust ports arranged around the intake port, and the plurality of exhaust ports exhaust air to different areas from each other, capturing images of a plurality of areas through which the plurality of outlets expel air with a camera; A step of determining a living area and a non-living area based on accumulated data of image information acquired by the camera; A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising the step of adjusting a wind direction adjustment device so that the vertical airflows discharged from each of a first area outlet facing the living area and a second area outlet facing the non-living area are set differently.

[13] The step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device includes: A step of detecting a temperature of an indoor space by a temperature sensor; The air conditioner control method of

[12] includes a step of adjusting the air direction adjustment device so that the airflow discharged from the first area outlet is changed based on the relationship between the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor and a set temperature range.

[14] A control method for an air conditioner as described in

[13] , wherein when the temperature of the indoor space detected by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range, a wind direction adjustment device is adjusted so that the airflow of air discharged from the first area outlet is set higher than the airflow of air discharged from the second area outlet.

[15] A control method for an air conditioner as described in

[13] , further comprising adjusting a wind direction adjustment device so that the airflow of air discharged from the first area outlet is set lower than the airflow of air discharged from the second area outlet when the temperature of the indoor space detected by the temperature sensor is outside a set temperature range.

[16] The step of determining the living area and the non-living area includes: The method for controlling an air conditioner according to

[12] , wherein the plurality of outlets are divided into a first area outlet arranged in a living area and a second area outlet arranged in a non-living area.

[17] The step of determining the living area and the non-living area includes: A step of dividing an area displayed on an output unit into a plurality of areas based on the direction in which the plurality of outlets face; accumulating image information acquired by the camera for a set period of time or more; A method for controlling an air conditioner as described in

[12] , comprising a step of determining living areas and non-living areas based on cumulative image information acquired by the camera.

[18] The step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device includes: Maintaining a constant airflow discharged from the second region outlet; The method for controlling an air conditioner according to

[12] , wherein the airflow discharged from the first area outlet is formed to be higher or lower than the airflow discharged from the second area outlet.

[19] The step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device includes: The method for controlling an air conditioner according to

[12] , further comprising arranging the vanes at the first area outlet and the vanes at the second area outlet so that they are different from each other.

[20] The method for controlling an air conditioner described in

[12] , wherein the step of adjusting the air flow direction adjustment device adjusts the rotation speeds of the air flow direction adjustment fan arranged at the first area outlet and the air flow direction adjustment fan arranged at the second area outlet to be different.

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes (has; constitutes; constructs; sets; contains; includes; contains) a plurality of outlets opened downward and a plurality of air direction adjustment devices arranged at the plurality of outlets, and a control unit divides the plurality of outlets into a first area outlet facing the living area and a second area outlet facing the non-living area based on accumulated data of image information acquired by the camera, and adjusts each of the plurality of air direction adjustment devices so that the air discharged from the first area outlet and the air discharged from the second area outlet are formed differently in the vertical direction, thereby forming different airflows discharged into the living area and the non-living area.

[0014] In addition, the air conditioner further includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the indoor space, and the control unit controls the air direction adjustment device so that the airflow in the vertical direction of the first area outlet is changed when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches a set temperature range, and can set the airflow differently depending on whether the indoor temperature is inside or outside the set temperature range.

[0015] When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is outside a set range, the control unit adjusts the air direction adjusting device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is lower in the vertical direction than the air discharged from the second outlet, thereby forming an airflow directly in the living area.

[0016] When the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within a set range, the control unit can adjust the air direction adjusting device so that the air discharged from the first outlet is formed higher in the vertical direction than the air discharged from the second area outlet, thereby forming an indirect airflow in the living area.

[0017] The control unit can adjust the airflow range in an upward or downward direction depending on the temperature of the indoor air by adjusting the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a first direction toward the ground when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is outside a set range, and adjusts the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a second direction upward from the first direction when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range.

[0018] The control unit can adjust the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged from the second area outlet is discharged in a third direction that is between the first direction and the upward and downward directions of the second direction, thereby forming a constant airflow in the non-living area.

[0019] The air direction adjustment device includes a vane that is arranged at the outlet and adjusts the direction of the air flowing through the outlet by changing its position, and the control unit can change the position of the vanes arranged at each of the first area outlet and the second area outlet to form different airflows of air discharged into the living area and the non-living area.

[0020] The airflow direction adjustment device includes an airflow direction adjustment fan disposed on one side of the outlet and adjusting a rotation speed to adjust the direction of the air discharged from the outlet, and the control unit can change the rotation speed of the airflow direction adjustment fans disposed at each of the first area outlet and the second area outlet to form different airflows of the air discharged to the living area and the non-living area.

[0021] The control unit may further include a timer that measures the time it takes for the camera to capture images, and after a set time measured by the timer, the control unit may distinguish the user's living area from accumulated image information captured by the camera, thereby improving the accuracy of distinguishing between the living area and the non-living area.

[0022] The device further includes an output unit that outputs an image captured by the camera, and the control unit divides the image displayed on the output unit into a plurality of regions to distinguish a living area from a non-living area of ​​the resident.

[0023] The image displayed on the output unit can be divided based on the direction in which the outlet faces, and a living area and a non-living area can be divided based on an area in which air is controlled through the outlet.

[0024] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the air conditioner control method of the present invention includes the steps of: acquiring images of a plurality of areas from which the plurality of outlets discharge air by a camera; determining a living area and a non-living area based on accumulated data of image information acquired by the camera; and adjusting an air direction adjustment device so that the vertical airflows discharged from each of a first area outlet facing the living area and a second area outlet facing the non-living area are set differently, thereby dividing an indoor space into a living area and a non-living area and controlling the airflow for each divided area.

[0025] The step of adjusting the airflow direction control device includes a step of grasping the temperature of the indoor space by a temperature sensor, and a step of adjusting the airflow direction control device so that the airflow discharged from the first area outlet is changed based on the relationship between the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor and a set temperature range, and the airflow can be adjusted in detail based on whether the temperature of the indoor space reaches the set temperature range.

[0026] When the temperature of the indoor space detected by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range, the airflow direction adjusting device can be adjusted to set the airflow of the air discharged from the first area outlet higher than the airflow of the air discharged from the second area outlet, thereby sending indirect airflow to the living area.

[0027] When the temperature of the indoor space detected by the temperature sensor is outside the set temperature range, the airflow direction adjusting device is adjusted to set the airflow discharged from the first area outlet lower than the airflow discharged from the second area outlet, so that the airflow can be sent directly to the living area.

[0028] The step of determining the living area and the non-living area can divide the multiple outlets into a first area outlet arranged in the living area and a second area outlet arranged in the non-living area, and distinguish between outlets arranged to face the living area and the non-living area.

[0029] The step of determining the living area and the non-living area includes a step of dividing the area displayed on the output unit into multiple areas based on the direction in which the multiple outlets are facing, a step of accumulating image information acquired by the camera for more than the set time, and a step of determining the living area and the non-living area based on the accumulated image information acquired by the camera.

[0030] The step of adjusting the air direction adjustment device can maintain the airflow discharged from the second area outlet constant and make the airflow discharged from the first area outlet higher or lower than the airflow discharged from the second area outlet, thereby changing the airflow of the first area outlet located in the living area in an upward or downward direction.

[0031] The step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device can be performed by arranging the vanes arranged at the first area outlet and the vanes arranged at the second area outlet in different positions from each other, thereby forming different airflows of air discharged into the living area and the non-living area.

[0032] The step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device can adjust the rotation speeds of the airflow direction adjustment fan arranged at the first area outlet and the airflow direction adjustment fan arranged at the second area outlet to be different, thereby forming different airflows of air discharged into the living area and the non-living area.

[0033] Further details of the embodiments are included in the detailed description and the drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0034] According to the air conditioner and the control method thereof of the present invention, one or more of the following effects are obtained.

[0035] First, it has an advantage that the airflow discharged to the living area of ​​the returning occupant and the non-living area of ​​the indoor space can be set differently, thereby increasing the comfort level of the living area of ​​the returning occupant.

[0036] Secondly, the airflow discharged to the living area of ​​the indoor space can be adjusted in height relative to the airflow discharged to the non-living area, thereby enabling the desired temperature to be reached in the living area more quickly.

[0037] In addition, when the indoor space is close to the desired temperature, the airflow discharged into the living area can be adjusted in height relative to the airflow discharged into the non-living area, minimizing discomfort felt by return visitors due to direct friction of the discharged air.

[0038] Thirdly, there is an advantage in that the accuracy of determining the living area can be improved by distinguishing the living area from the non-living area based on the accumulated position detection of the human body.

[0039] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an outlet and an air direction adjusting device of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4a] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of a first position of the airflow direction adjustment device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the airflow direction adjustment device in a second position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4c] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the airflow direction adjustment device in a third position according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] 4 is a diagram illustrating an airflow range according to the arrangement of airflow direction control devices in a heating mode of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5b]4 is a diagram illustrating an airflow range according to the arrangement of airflow direction control devices in a cooling mode of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram of a control unit and related configurations of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7a] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the corresponding areas of an air conditioner and an output unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram of a first embodiment in which the output unit is partitioned, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the air conditioner's outlet ports. [Figure 7b] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the corresponding areas of an air conditioner and an output unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a diagram of a second embodiment in which the output unit is partitioned, and (b) is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the air conditioner's outlet ports. [Figure 8a] 1 is a diagram showing an image obtained by dividing an image output to an output unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b shows the accumulated sensing area of ​​the human body in the accumulated image of FIG. 8a; [Figure 8c] This is a diagram showing the division of the living area and the non-living area in the output section based on the drawing in FIG. 8b. [Figure 9] This data shows changes in airflow settings for each outlet due to changes in temperature in the indoor space. [Figure 10a] 10 is a diagram for explaining air currents for each outlet port in the indirect air current of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 10b] 10 is a diagram for explaining airflows for each outlet port in the case of a direct airflow in FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 12 is a flowchart showing a control method for an air conditioner embodying the living area determination step of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 12 is a flowchart showing a control method for an air conditioner embodying the steps of controlling airflow for each outlet in FIG. 11. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15a]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a first position of an airflow direction adjustment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15b] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a second position of an airflow direction adjustment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15c] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of an airflow direction adjustment device in a third position according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17a] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a first position of an airflow direction adjustment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17b] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a second position of an airflow direction adjustment device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17c] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of an airflow direction adjustment device in a third position according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19a] 13 is a diagram illustrating an airflow at a first rotation speed of an airflow direction adjusting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 19b] 13 is a diagram illustrating an airflow according to a second rotation speed of an airflow direction adjusting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 19c] 13 is a diagram illustrating an airflow at a third rotation speed of an airflow direction adjusting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms, and the present embodiments are provided to fully disclose the present invention and fully inform those skilled in the art of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for explaining a method for controlling an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] First Embodiment The configuration of an air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4c.

[0044] The air conditioner 100 of the present invention may be an air conditioner 100 mounted on a ceiling.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioner 100 includes an inlet 122 that opens downward and an outlet 124 that is disposed around the inlet 122 and also opens downward.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner 100 includes a case 110 which forms a space inside and is open on the bottom, a panel 120 which is disposed under the case 110 and forms an intake port 122 and an exhaust port 124, a fan 112 disposed inside the case 110, a fan motor 114 which rotates the fan 112, a heat exchanger 116 which is disposed inside the case 110 and exchanges heat with the air moved by the fan 112, and a wind direction adjustment device 130 which is disposed at the exhaust port 124 and adjusts the direction of the air moving.

[0047] 1, the panel 120 is formed with a plurality of outlets 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d spaced apart from one another around the inlet 122. The outlets 124 include a first outlet 124a, a second outlet 124b, a third outlet 124c, and a fourth outlet 124d. The first outlet 124a, the second outlet 124b, the third outlet 124c, and the fourth outlet 124d are adjacent to one another in sequence and may be arranged in a direction perpendicular to one another with respect to the inlet 122. The first outlet 124a, the second outlet 124b, the third outlet 124c, and the fourth outlet 124d are provided with a first airflow adjustment device 130a, a second airflow adjustment device 130b, a third airflow adjustment device 130c, and a fourth airflow adjustment device 130d, respectively.

[0048] The configuration of one outlet 124 and the air direction adjustment device 130 arranged thereat, which will be described below, can also be applied to the remaining outlets and the air direction adjustment devices arranged thereat, so common identification numbers will be used.

[0049] 3, the airflow direction adjusting device 130 includes a first vane 140 connected to two links 160, 170, and a second vane 150 connected to one link connected to the first vane 140 and rotatably connected at one side to the panel 120. The first vane 140 and the second vane 150 disposed in each of the first outlet 124, the second outlet 124, the third outlet 124, and the fourth outlet 124 may be disposed at different positions.

[0050] The first vane 140 may cover the discharge port 124 or may be located below the discharge port 124. The first vane 140 is longer than the second vane 150.

[0051] 3, the first vane 140 is disposed below the second vane 150 when the fan 112 is not in operation. The first vane 140 includes a first vane plate 142 that guides the direction of the flowing air, and a first link plate 144 that protrudes upward from both left and right ends of the first vane plate 142 and is connected to a plurality of links 160, 170.

[0052] The second vane 150 includes a second vane plate 152, a second link plate 154 that protrudes upward from both left and right ends of the second vane plate 152 and is connected to a third link 180, and a connector 156 that is disposed in the left and right direction of the second vane plate 152 and is connected to the panel 120. The second vane plate 152 can be formed in a curved shape. However, in other embodiments, the second vane plate 152 can have a flat shape.

[0053] 3, the wind direction adjustment device 130 includes a first link 160 rotatably connected to the panel 120 and the first vane 140, and a second link 170 spaced apart from the first link 160 and rotatably connected to the panel 120 and the first vane 140. Referring to FIG. 3, the wind direction adjustment device 130 includes a third link 180 rotatably connected to one end of the first link 160 and the second vane 150.

[0054] The first link 160 is rotatably connected to the first vane 140 and the second vane 150. The first link 160 is connected to a vane motor (not shown) and can rotate. The first link 160 includes a panel connection part 162 rotatably connected to the panel 120, a first link bar 164 extending from the panel connection part 162 toward the first vane 140 and having an end rotatably connected to the first vane 140, and a second link bar 166 extending from the panel connection part 162 toward the second vane 150 and having an end rotatably connected to the second vane 150.

[0055] 4a, the length 164L of the first link bar 164 is longer than the length 166L of the second link bar 166. The length 164L of the first link bar 164 is shorter than the length 170L of the second link 170. The length 164L of the first link bar 164 is longer than the length 180L of the third link 180.

[0056] The first link 160 is disposed adjacent to the intake port 122 relative to the second link 170 .

[0057] The position of the first vane 140 can be changed by the first link 160 and the second link 170. Since the position of the first vane 140 is changed by the first link 160 and the second link 170, the first vane 140 can be disposed so as to be spaced downward from the discharge port 124. The first vane 140 is elevated downward from the discharge port 124, and then the inclination is changed to a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0058] The second vane 150 has a first end 151a that moves downward, and thereafter, due to the arrangement of the third link 180, the first end 151a can move inward and outward.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, each of the first vane 140 and the second vane 150 has an end portion positioned far away from the intake port 122 as a first end portion 141a, 151a, and an end portion positioned adjacent to the intake port 122 as a second end portion 141b, 151b. The first vane 140 and the second vane 150 will be described below.

[0060] The second vane 150 is rotatably connected to the panel 120 from the inner side of the first vane 140. Here, the direction adjacent to the suction port 122 can be set as the inner direction, and the direction away from the suction port 122 can be set as the outer direction.

[0061] 4a to 4c, the airflow direction adjusting device 130 according to the first embodiment can adjust the direction of air discharged through the air outlet 124 depending on its arrangement.

[0062] Referring to Fig. 4a, the airflow direction adjustment device 130 may be disposed at a first position (P1) to send air discharged to the outlet 124 in a direction horizontal to the ground. Referring to Fig. 4a, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the first position (P1), the first vane 140 may be disposed substantially horizontal to the ground. Referring to Fig. 4a, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the first position (P1), the first vane 140 may form a first inclination angle (θ1) of 30 degrees or less with an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground. Here, the first inclination angle (θ1) is an inclination angle formed between the first vane 140 and an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground, and may vary depending on the arrangement of the first vane 140.

[0063] 4a, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed in the first position (P1), the second end 141b of the first vane 140 may be disposed adjacent to the first end 151a of the second vane 150. The second end 141b of the first vane 140 may be disposed facing the first end 151a of the second vane 150.

[0064] 4a, when the airflow direction adjusting device 130 is disposed at the first position (P1), the first tilt angle (θ1) between the first vane 140 and the imaginary horizontal line may be smaller than the second tilt angle (θ2, or 'the second tilt angle between the second vane and the imaginary horizontal line') between the imaginary line connecting the first end 151a and the second end 151b of the second vane 150 and the imaginary horizontal line. Here, the second tilt angle (θ2) is the tilt angle formed between the imaginary line connecting the first end 151a and the second end 151b of the second vane 150 and the imaginary horizontal line, and may vary depending on the arrangement of the second vane 150.

[0065] Therefore, the air flowing downward through the outlet 124 can sequentially flow through the second vane 150 and the first vane 140. Referring to Fig. 4a, when the air direction adjusting device 130 is disposed at the first position (P1), the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in a direction horizontal to the ground.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 4b, the first vane 140 and the second vane 150 can be disposed at a second position (P2) to direct the air discharged from the outlet 124 in a direction perpendicular to the ground. Referring to Fig. 4b, when the air direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the first vane 140 can be disposed substantially perpendicular to the ground. Referring to Fig. 4b, when the air direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the first vane 140 can form a first inclination angle (θ1) of 60 degrees or more with an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground.

[0067] 4b, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the second end 141b of the first vane 140 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first end 151a of the second vane 150. Referring to FIG. 4b, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the second end 141b of the first vane 140 may be disposed above the first end 151a of the second vane 150.

[0068] 4b, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the second end 141b of the first vane 140 is disposed to face upwardly relative to the second end 151b of the second vane 150. Referring to FIG 4b, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the first vane 140 and the second vane 150 can be disposed substantially parallel to each other.

[0069] 4b, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the first tilt angle (θ1) between the first vane 140 and the imaginary horizontal line is formed to be similar to the second tilt angle (θ2) between the second vane 150 and the imaginary horizontal line. Referring to FIG 4b, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0070] 4c, the first vane 140 and the second vane 150 can be disposed in a third position (P3) that directs the air discharged from the outlet 124 in an inclined direction toward the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 130 is disposed in the third position (P3), the air discharged through the first vane 140 and the second vane 150 can form an inclined wind that is directed downward from the horizontal wind of the first position (P1) and upward from the vertical wind of the second position (P2).

[0071] 4c, when the wind direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the third position (P3), the first vane 140 can be disposed at an inclination angle between the first vane 140 when the wind direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the first position (P1) and the first vane 140 when the wind direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2). Referring to FIG 4c, when the wind direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the third position (P3), the first vane 140 can form a first inclination angle (θ1) of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground.

[0072] When the air direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the third position (P3), the distance between the second end 141b of the first vane 140 and the first end 151a of the second vane 150 is longer than the distance between the second end 141b of the first vane 140 and the first end 151a of the second vane 150 at the first position.

[0073] When the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the third position (P3), the distance between the second end 141b of the first vane 140 and the first end 151a of the second vane 150 is shorter than the distance between the second end 141b of the first vane 140 and the first end 151a of the second vane 150 when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is positioned at the second position (P2).

[0074] When the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is located at the first position (P1), it can generate an indirect wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet in a direction horizontal to the ground. When the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is located at the second position (P2), it can generate a vertical wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is located at the third position (P3), it can generate an inclined wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet between the indirect wind and the vertical wind.

[0075] 5a and 5b, the air discharged through the outlet 124 can be divided into three directions in the vertical direction by the air direction adjusting device 130.

[0076] When the air direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the first position (P1), the air discharged from the outlet 124 may flow in an upward direction. When the air direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the air discharged from the outlet 124 may flow in a downward direction. When the air direction adjustment device 130 is disposed at the third position (P3), the air discharged to the outlet 124 may flow in an intermediate direction between the upward and downward directions.

[0077] The range of the vertical airflow according to the first position (P1), second position (P2), and third position (P3) of the air direction adjustment device 130 is formed lower at the third position (P3) than the airflow at the first position (P1) and higher than the airflow at the second position (P2).

[0078] The range of the vertical airflow according to the first position (P1), the second position (P2), and the third position (P3) of the airflow direction adjustment device 130 may be different depending on whether the air condition is cooling or heating.

[0079] 5a and 5b, when the air direction control device 130 is disposed at the first position (P1), the air discharged from the outlet 124 may flow in a first direction (D1). Here, the first direction (D1) may mean that the angle formed between the direction in which the main airflow of the air discharged from the outlet 124 flows and the ground is in the range of 0 degrees to 30 degrees. The first direction (D1) may be formed in the same manner under heating and cooling conditions.

[0080] 5a and 5b, when the airflow direction adjusting device 130 is disposed at the second position (P2), the air discharged from the outlet 124 can flow in a second direction (D2).

[0081] The second direction (D2) may be formed to have different ranges depending on the heating condition and the cooling condition. Referring to Fig. 5a, in the heating condition, the second direction (D2) may mean that the angle formed between the direction of the main airflow of the air discharged from the outlet 124 and the ground is in the range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees. Referring to Fig. 5b, in the cooling condition, the second direction (D2) may mean that the angle formed between the direction of the main airflow of the air discharged from the outlet 124 and the ground is in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0082] 5a and 5b, when the airflow direction adjustment device 130 is disposed in the third position (P3), the air discharged from the outlet 124 may flow in a third direction (D3).

[0083] The third direction (D3) may be formed to have different ranges depending on the heating condition and the cooling condition. Referring to Fig. 5a, in the heating condition, the third direction (D3) may mean that the angle formed between the direction of the main airflow of the air discharged from the outlet 124 and the ground is in the range of 30 degrees to 60 degrees. Referring to Fig. 5b, in the cooling condition, the third direction (D3) may mean that the angle formed between the direction of the main airflow of the air discharged from the outlet 124 and the ground is in the range of 45 degrees to 60 degrees.

[0084] The angle ranges of the first direction (D1), the second direction (D2), and the third direction (D3) are according to one embodiment, and may be set differently depending on the space in which the air conditioner is installed and the structure of the air conditioner.

[0085] Also, although the area is divided into three regions in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b, it is possible to further divide the area into four to six regions.

[0086] <Control Unit Related> The air conditioner of the present invention includes a camera 510 arranged on one side of the panel 120 to acquire image information of the indoor space, an output unit 530 to output the image information acquired from the camera 510, a temperature sensor 520 to sense the temperature of the indoor space, and a control unit 500 to adjust the air direction control device 130 based on the image information acquired from the camera 510.

[0087] Referring to Fig. 7a (a), the output unit 530 can be divided into a plurality of regions. The output unit 530 in Fig. 7a (a) can be divided into a plurality of regions (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) based on the direction in which the plurality of outlets 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d arranged in the air conditioner in Fig. 7a (b) face.

[0088] 7a(a), the area displayed on the output unit 530 can be divided into a first area (I), a second area (II), a third area (III), and a fourth area (IV) based on the outlets 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d shown in Fig. 7a(b). Also, the screen display of the output unit 530 can divide the area into an additional fifth area (V) and a sixth area (VI) outside the second area (II) and fourth area (IV).

[0089] Referring to (a) of FIG. 7b, the area displayed on the output unit 530 can be divided into 1 region (I), 2 region (II), 3 region (III), and 4 region (IV) based on the outlets 124a, 124b, 124c, and 124d shown in (b) of FIG. 7a, and can also be divided into an additional 5 region (V) and 6 region (VI) outside the 2 region (II) and 4 region (IV) portions, and an additional 7 region (VII) and 8 region (VIII) outside the 1 region (I) and 3 region (III) portions.

[0090] The control unit 500 may determine the living area of ​​the person returning home based on an image acquired by the camera 510. The control unit 500 may perform image capture of the image taken by the camera 510 and detect a human body based on the acquired image. In addition, the control unit 500 may accumulate position information of the human body based on accumulated image information and determine the area where the position information of the human body is accumulated as the living area.

[0091] The camera 510 may include an image sensor (not shown) that converts light into an electrical signal. The image sensor may include a plurality of photodiodes corresponding to a plurality of pixels that form an image. The image sensor may be implemented as a charged coupled device (CCD) sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0092] Meanwhile, the air conditioner may further include a lens through which light emitted from a subject passes, a digital signal processor that configures and processes an image based on a signal output from the image sensor, etc. Here, the digital signal processor may be configured as at least a part of the control unit 500, or may be configured as a separate processor that operates independently of the control unit 500. For example, when the digital signal processor is configured as a separate processor, the image processed by the digital signal processor may be stored in the storage unit 540 after being directly or additionally processed by the control unit 500.

[0093] The controller 500 may process an image acquired through an image sensor. For example, the controller 500 may remove noise from the image or perform signal processing such as gamma correction, color filter array interpolation, color matrix, color correction, and color enhancement on the image.

[0094] The control unit 500 may detect an object included in an image using at least one method. For example, the control unit 500 may extract feature points included in an image using a method such as scale invariant feature transform (SIFT) or histogram of oriented gradient (HOG), and may detect an object included in an image based on the extracted feature points. In this case, the control unit 500 may detect an object included in an image by determining a boundary of the object using an algorithm such as support vector machine (SVM) or Adaboost.

[0095] The control unit 500 may detect the movement of an object included in a plurality of images based on the results of processing the plurality of images. For example, the control unit 500 may calculate a motion vector for a plurality of pixels constituting an object detected from an image using a dense optical flow method, and may calculate the movement of the object based on the calculated motion vector. Although the present embodiment is described as using the dense optical flow method, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a sparse optical flow method that calculates a motion vector for a characteristic portion of pixels may also be used.

[0096] The control unit 500 may determine an activity amount of an object detected from an image. For example, the control unit 500 may determine the activity amount of an object included in an image as a value obtained by dividing the sum of the sizes of motion vectors for pixels constituting the object by the number of pixels constituting the object.

[0097] The air conditioner of the present invention may include a storage unit 540 for storing images acquired from the camera 510, and a timer 550 for measuring an image acquisition time of the camera 510. The storage unit 540 may sequentially store the images acquired from the camera 510.

[0098] After a set time measured by the timer 550, the control unit 500 can distinguish the user's living area from the accumulated image information acquired by the camera, thereby improving the accuracy of distinguishing the living area from the non-living area.

[0099] 8a to 8c, the first area (I), the fourth area (IV), and the sixth area (VI) can be determined as living areas, and the second area (II), the third area (III), and the fifth area (V) can be determined as non-living areas based on image information acquired from the camera 510. In this case, the outlets 124a and 124d arranged to face the first area (I), the fourth area (IV), and the sixth area (VI) can be set as the first area outlet 124-1, and the outlets 124b and 124c arranged to face the second area (II), the third area (III), and the fifth area (V) can be set as the second area outlet 124-2.

[0100] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8a, the screen displayed on the output unit 530 is divided into a number of regions based on the regions where the outlets are arranged. The image displayed in Fig. 8a is an image captured from the ceiling by a camera 510 arranged on one side of the panel 120.

[0101] Based on the accumulated image information as shown in Fig. 8b, an area where a human body is detected is extracted, and based on the data extracted in Fig. 8b, the area classified in the output unit 530 is classified into a living area and a non-living area as shown in Fig. 8c.

[0102] The control unit 500 may receive human body detection data including a result of re-entering person's position recognition from image information acquired from the camera 510, and accumulate the received human body detection data. The control unit 500 may count the human body detection data while accumulating it, and may generate a histogram if a certain number of data or more are accumulated.

[0103] The control unit 500 may classify the living area and the non-living area based on machine learning using the generated histogram as input data. The machine learning may use techniques such as SVM (Support Vector Machine) and Adaboost, and more preferably, may use a deep learning technique.

[0104] The control unit 500 includes an artificial neural network that has already been trained by machine learning, and can generate histograms for each region and use the generated histograms as input data for the artificial neural network to distinguish between the living region and the non-living region.

[0105] In addition, the control unit 500 can repeatedly perform the above process, combine multiple classification results, and finally classify multiple areas of the indoor space into living areas and non-living areas based on the combined result. That is, when a certain number of living area classification results are accumulated, a final result is derived, thereby ensuring the reliability of the living area recognition result and eliminating temporary errors in the non-living area caused by human body detection errors.

[0106] The control unit 500 can adjust the first area air direction adjustment device 130 arranged at the first area outlet 124-1 arranged in the living area. The control unit 500 can adjust the second area air direction adjustment device 130 arranged at the second area outlet 124-2 arranged in the non-living area.

[0107] The control unit 500 can adjust the second airflow direction adjusting device 130 so that the airflow direction of the second area outlet 124-2 arranged in the non-living area is constant. The control unit 500 can adjust the first area airflow direction adjusting device 130 so that the airflow direction of the first area outlet 124-1 arranged in the living area is higher or lower than the airflow direction of the second area outlet 124-2.

[0108] The control unit 500 can control the airflow direction control device 130 based on the indoor temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 520 and a desired temperature set by the user.

[0109] The control unit 500 may control the airflow direction control device 130 depending on whether the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is within a set temperature range.

[0110] The set temperature range can be set to a value that takes into account the desired temperature set by the user and the compensation temperature. The desired temperature can be set by the user. The compensation temperature can be set depending on the usage environment, etc.

[0111] That is, the set temperature range can be set to the desired temperature ± the correction temperature. Referring to Fig. 9, when the correction temperature is set to 2 degrees, the control unit 500 can grasp the set temperature range from an area 2 degrees higher than the desired temperature.

[0112] The control unit 500 can control the second region air direction adjusting device 130 so that the air discharged from the second region outlet 124-2 flows in the third direction (D3). Referring to Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b, the air discharged from the second region outlet 124-2 can be formed to be constant regardless of the temperature of the indoor space. However, the air discharged from the second region outlet 124-2 can be formed to have different vertical airflows depending on the cooling condition or heating condition.

[0113] The control unit 500 may adjust the first region air direction adjusting device 130 so that the air discharged from the first region outlet 124-1 flows in the first direction (D1) or the third direction (D3). Referring to Fig. 10a, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is outside the set temperature range, the first region air direction adjusting device 130 may adjust so that the air discharged from the first region outlet 124-1 flows in the second direction (D2) which is lower than the third direction (D3). Referring to Fig. 10b, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is within the set temperature range, the first region air direction adjusting device 130 may adjust so that the air discharged from the first region outlet 124-1 flows in the first direction (D1) which is higher than the third direction (D3).

[0114] Hereinafter, a method for controlling the air conditioner will be described with reference to Figs.

[0115] The air conditioner is operated, and the camera 510 acquires image information (S100). The camera 510 is disposed on one side of the panel 120 and can capture an image of the interior space from the ceiling down.

[0116] Thereafter, the control unit 500 performs a step (S200) of determining a living area for the space photographed by the camera 510 based on the accumulated data of the image information acquired by the camera 510. The step (S200) of determining the living area may classify a part of the human body with a large amount of accumulated sensing as the living area and the remaining area as the non-living area. The step (S200) of determining the living area may classify the plurality of outlets 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d into a first area outlet 124-1 facing the living area and a second area outlet 124-2 facing the non-living area.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 12, the step of determining whether the area is a living area or a non-living area (S200) may include the step of detecting a human body from an image acquired from a camera 510 (S210) and the step of accumulating position information of the human body (S220).

[0118] The control unit 500 may capture an image taken by the camera 510 and detect a human body based on the acquired image. Also, the control unit 500 may accumulate position information of the human body based on accumulated image information and determine an area where the position information of the human body is accumulated as a living area.

[0119] The control unit 500 can determine an area where human body information has been accumulated based on the multiple areas partitioned by the output unit 530 as a living area, and determine the remaining areas as non-living areas.

[0120] The step of determining whether the living area is a non-living area (S200) may include a step of determining whether the time during which the camera 510 acquires image information exceeds a set time (S230). When the time during which the camera 510 acquires image information exceeds the set time, the control unit 500 may classify the indoor space into a living area and a non-living area based on accumulated data of human body position information. When the accumulated human body position information is grasped based on data for a certain period of time or more, the accuracy of determining the actual living area and non-living area of ​​the person in the room may be improved.

[0121] The control unit 500 may perform the step of controlling the airflow of each outlet (S300).

[0122] The control unit 500 can set the outlet arranged in the direction facing the living area as the first area outlet 124-1, and the outlet arranged in the direction facing the non-living area as the second area outlet 124-2, among the multiple outlets formed in the air conditioner.

[0123] The control unit 500 adjusts the airflow direction adjusting device 130 so that the airflow of the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 and the airflow of the air discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 are set in different vertical directions.

[0124] The airflow direction adjustment device 130 can be divided into a first area airflow direction adjustment device 130 disposed at the first area outlet 124-1 and a second area airflow direction adjustment device 130 disposed at the second area outlet 124-2.

[0125] The step of adjusting the air direction adjustment device (S300) can maintain the airflow discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 constant and make the airflow discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 higher or lower than the airflow discharged from the second area outlet 124-2.

[0126] The step of controlling the airflow for each outlet (S300) may include a step of detecting the temperature of the indoor space using a temperature sensor (S310), and a step of determining whether the temperature of the indoor space detected by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range (S320).

[0127] When the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is within a set temperature range, the airflow direction adjusting device 130 can be adjusted to set the airflow of the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 higher than the airflow of the air discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 (S330). That is, referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the airflow direction adjusting device 130 can be adjusted so that the air discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 flows in the third direction (D3) and the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 flows in the first direction (D1).

[0128] In addition, when the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor 520 is outside the set temperature range, the airflow direction adjusting device 130 may be adjusted so that the airflow of the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 is lower than the airflow of the air discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 (S340). That is, referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the airflow direction adjusting device 130 may be adjusted so that the air discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 flows in the third direction (D3) and the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 flows in the second direction (D2).

[0129] However, if the user sets the indirect wind as the preferred wind, the wind direction adjustment device 130 can be adjusted so that the air discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 flows in the first direction (D1) and the air discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 flows in the second direction (D2). The user can set the preferred wind through an input unit such as a remote control (not shown). Here, the indirect wind is a case where the vanes are arranged so that the airflow is not directly delivered to the user.

[0130] If the user sets the indirect airflow as the preferred airflow, the first area outlet 124-1 that discharges air into the living area is set to only indirect airflow. Therefore, the first area outlet 124-1 discharges air in the first direction (D1). However, when the indoor temperature is outside the set temperature range, the second area outlet 124-2 that discharges air into the non-living area can discharge air in the second direction (D2) to quickly reach the set temperature.

[0131] The step of adjusting the air direction adjustment device (S300) can maintain the airflow discharged from the second area outlet 124-2 constant and make the airflow discharged from the first area outlet 124-1 higher or lower than the airflow discharged from the second area outlet 124-2.

[0132] <Second embodiment> The configuration of an air conditioner 200 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 14 to 15c.

[0133] The air conditioner 200 according to the second embodiment differs from the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the air direction adjustment device 230.

[0134] Therefore, the remaining configuration excluding the airflow direction adjustment device 230 can be substituted with the description of the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0135] The airflow direction adjustment device 230 of the air conditioner 200 according to the second embodiment includes one vane 240 disposed in each outlet 224, and a vane motor (not shown) for driving the vane 240. The position of the vane 240 changes according to the operation of the vane motor.

[0136] 15a to 15c, the airflow direction adjusting device 230 can adjust the airflow direction of the air flowing through the outlet 224 by changing the inclination angle of the vane 240 arranged in the outlet 224. The vane 240 is arranged to close the outlet 224 or adjust the airflow direction of the air flowing through the outlet 224.

[0137] 15a, the wind direction adjustment device 230 can be disposed in a first position (P1) where the vane 240 is disposed approximately parallel to an imaginary horizontal line parallel to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 230 is disposed in the first position (P1), the vane 240 can form an inclination angle (θ) of 30 degrees or less with respect to the imaginary horizontal line (HL). The inclination angle (θ) is formed between the vane 240 and the imaginary horizontal line (HL) and can vary depending on the arrangement of the vane 240.

[0138] 15b, the wind direction adjustment device 230 can be disposed in a second position (P2) where the vane 240 is disposed approximately perpendicular to a horizontal line parallel to the ground. When the wind direction adjustment device 230 is disposed in the second position (P2), it can form an inclination angle (θ) of 60 degrees or more with respect to a virtual horizontal line (HL).

[0139] 15c, the airflow direction adjustment device 230 can be disposed in a third position (P3) in which the vane 240 forms an angle between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). When the airflow direction adjustment device 230 is disposed in the third position (P3), it can form an inclination angle (θ) of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less with respect to an imaginary horizontal line (HL).

[0140] When the airflow direction adjustment device 230 is located at the first position (P1), it can generate an indirect wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet in a direction horizontal to the ground. When the airflow direction adjustment device 230 is located at the second position (P2), it can generate a vertical wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the airflow direction adjustment device 230 is located at the third position (P3), it can generate an inclined wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet between the indirect wind and the vertical wind.

[0141] The air conditioner according to the second embodiment can also direct air discharged from the outlet 224 in a first direction (D1), a second direction (D2), or a third direction (D3) depending on the first position (P1), second position (P2), or third position (P3) of the air direction adjustment device 230, as shown in Figures 5a to 5b.

[0142] <Third embodiment> The configuration of the air conditioner according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 16 to 17c.

[0143] The air conditioner 300 according to the third embodiment differs from the air conditioner according to the first embodiment in the configuration and operation structure of the air direction adjustment device. Also, there are differences in the shape of the outlet and the arrangement of the vanes. Therefore, the description of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment can be substituted for the remaining configuration except for the shape of the outlet and the air direction adjustment device.

[0144] In the air conditioner 300 according to the third embodiment, a plurality of discharge ports 324 are formed on the outer periphery of the suction port 322. Here, the suction port 332 is rectangular in shape, and the discharge ports 324 may be formed spaced apart from each side of the suction port 332 toward the outside. The suction port 332 may also have a circular shape. In this case, a plurality of discharge ports 324 may be formed at positions spaced apart from the outer periphery of the circular suction port 332 in the radial direction.

[0145] An outer end 324b of an outlet 324 formed in an air conditioner 300 according to the third embodiment is disposed above an inner end 324a. Also, an outlet flow passage 335 formed above the outlet 324 has a structure that extends outward from the top to the bottom.

[0146] The air direction adjustment device 350 of the air conditioner according to the third embodiment includes a vane 340 arranged on the panel 320 and whose length protruding into the outlet 324 is variable, a vane motor (not shown) arranged on the panel 320 for driving the vane 340, and a vane gear 350 rotated by the vane motor and meshing with the vane 340 to change the position of the vane 340.

[0147] The vane 340 may have a rack gear structure at one end that meshes with the vane gear 350 .

[0148] The vane 340 is disposed at the inner end 324a of the discharge port 324. The vane 340 is disposed so as to protrude outward from the inner end 324a of the discharge port 324. The length of the vane 340 protruding into the discharge port 324 changes by operation of a vane motor.

[0149] The airflow direction adjusting device 330 can adjust the direction of air flowing through the outlet 324 according to the length of the vane 340 protruding into the outlet 324 .

[0150] 17a to 17c, the airflow direction adjusting device 330 can adjust the airflow direction of the air flowing through the outlet 324 by changing the length of the vane 340 protruding into the outlet 324.

[0151] 17a, the airflow direction adjusting device 330 can be disposed at a first position (P1) where the vane 340 protrudes to the outlet 324 to the maximum extent. When the airflow direction adjusting device 330 is disposed at the first position (P1), the vane 340 can protrude to the maximum extent of the protruding range. Therefore, when the airflow direction adjusting device 330 is disposed at the first position (P1), the air flowing through the outlet passage 335 can be guided in a direction horizontal to the ground. When the airflow direction adjusting device 330 is disposed at the first position (P1), the vane 340 is disposed lower than the outer end 324b of the outlet 324, so that the air discharged to the outlet 324 can flow along the vane 340 in a direction horizontal to the ground.

[0152] 17b, the airflow direction adjusting device 330 may be disposed in a second position (P2) in which the vane 340 does not protrude into the outlet 324. When the airflow direction adjusting device 330 is disposed in the second position (P2), it is disposed so as not to be exposed to the outlet 324. Therefore, when the airflow direction adjusting device 330 is disposed in the second position (P2), the air flowing through the outlet passage 335 may be discharged in a direction approximately perpendicular to the ground through the outlet 324. However, depending on the shape of the outlet passage 335, the air flowing through the outlet 324 may also flow so as to be partially inclined toward the ground.

[0153] 17c, the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is disposed at a third position (P3) where the vane 340 protrudes shorter than the protruding length when the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is disposed at the first position (P1). When the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is disposed at the third position (P3), the vane 340 protrudes longer than the length by which the vane 340 protrudes toward the outlet 324 when the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is disposed at the second position (P2). When the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is disposed at the third position (P3), the vane 340 may protrude to a length that is 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the length by which the vane 340 protrudes toward the outlet 324 when the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is disposed at the second position (P2).

[0154] When the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is located at the first position (P1), it can generate an indirect wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet in a direction horizontal to the ground. When the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is located at the second position (P2), it can generate a vertical wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the airflow direction adjustment device 330 is located at the third position (P3), it can generate an inclined wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet between the indirect wind and the vertical wind.

[0155] As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the air conditioner according to the third embodiment can also direct air discharged from the outlet 324 in a first direction (D1), a second direction (D2), or a third direction (D3) depending on the first position (P1), second position (P2), or third position (P3) of the air direction adjustment device 330.

[0156] <Fourth embodiment> The configuration of an air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figs. 18 to 19c.

[0157] The air conditioner 400 according to the fourth embodiment is different from the air conditioner 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the air direction adjustment device. In the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment, the air inlet 422 has a circular shape, and the air outlet 424 can be formed in a ring shape around the air inlet 422.

[0158] The air conditioner's air direction adjusting device 430 according to the fourth embodiment includes an air direction adjusting fan 440 disposed on one side of the outlet 424. The air direction adjusting fan 440 is disposed on one side of the direction in which the inlet 422 is disposed in the area in which the outlet 424 is formed, and can adjust the direction of air discharged to the outlet 424.

[0159] The airflow direction adjusting fan 440 is disposed on one side of the outlet 424 and can adjust the direction of air discharged to the outlet 424. A plurality of airflow direction adjusting fans 440 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the ring in which the outlet 424 is formed.

[0160] The air direction adjusting fan 440 can adjust the direction of the air flowing through the outlet 424 by sucking in the air around the outlet 424 and changing the pressure. The air direction adjusting fan 440 can control the amount of air sucked in around the outlet 424.

[0161] The air direction adjusting device 430 can adjust the direction of the air discharged from the outlet 424 by adjusting or stopping the rotation speed of the air direction adjusting fan 440. When the air direction adjusting fan 440 is stopped, the air flowing through the outlet 424 is affected by the shape of the outlet flow passage 425 and the opening direction of the outlet 424. Therefore, when the air direction adjusting fan 440 is stopped, the air flowing through the outlet 424 can be discharged in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0162] However, when the direction control fan 440 is operated, a part of the air discharged to the outlet 424 is affected by the direction control fan 440, so that the air discharged to the outlet 424 may flow in a direction inclined to a direction parallel to the ground. At this time, the flow direction of the air flowing through the outlet 424 may be adjusted depending on the amount of air sucked into the direction control fan 440. When the rotation speed of the direction control fan 440 increases, the amount of air sucked into the direction control fan 440 increases, so that the air may flow in a direction parallel to the ground.

[0163] 19a to 19c, the airflow direction adjusting device 430 can adjust the direction of air discharged from the air outlet 424 by adjusting the operation or rotation speed of the airflow direction adjusting fan 440.

[0164] 19a, the airflow direction adjusting device 430 may rotate at a first set speed that maximizes the rotation speed of the airflow direction adjusting fan 440. When the airflow direction adjusting device 430 rotates at the first set speed, it may generate an indirect wind that blows air discharged through the outlet in a horizontal direction to the ground.

[0165] 19b, the airflow direction adjusting device 430 may rotate at a second set speed that adjusts the rotation speed of the airflow direction adjusting fan 440 to a minimum value or to a stopped state. Here, the second set speed corresponds to a speed including '0'. Therefore, the second set speed of the airflow direction adjusting device 430 may include a state in which the airflow direction adjusting fan 440 is stopped. When the airflow direction adjusting device 430 rotates at the second set speed, a vertical wind may be formed that blows the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground.

[0166] 19c, the airflow direction adjusting device 430 can rotate at a third set speed that rotates the rotation speed of the airflow direction adjusting fan 440 in a range between the first set speed and the second set speed. When the airflow direction adjusting device 430 rotates at the third set speed, it can form an inclined wind that directs the air discharged through the outlet between the indirect wind and the vertical wind.

[0167] When the airflow direction adjusting device 430 rotates at a first rotation speed, which is the maximum speed, it can generate an indirect wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet in a direction horizontal to the ground. When the airflow direction adjusting device 330 rotates at a second rotation speed, which is the minimum speed or stops, it can generate a vertical wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet in a direction perpendicular to the ground. When the airflow direction adjusting device 330 rotates at a third rotation speed, which is between the first and second rotation speeds, it can generate an inclined wind that sends the air discharged through the outlet between the indirect wind and the vertical wind.

[0168] The air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment can also direct air discharged from the outlet 324 in a first direction (D1), a second direction (D2), or a third direction (D3) depending on the first, second, and third rotation speeds of the air direction adjustment device 330, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b.

[0169] The air conditioner control methods according to Figs. 11 to 13 can also be applied to the air conditioners according to the second to fourth embodiments described above.

[0170] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood separately from the technical ideas and perspectives of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0171] 100, 200, 300, 400 Air conditioner 124, 224, 324, 424 outlet 130, 230, 330, 430 Wind direction adjustment device 500 Control section 510 Camera 520 Temperature Sensor 530 Output section 540 Storage Unit 550 Timer

Claims

1. An air conditioner, A case having an internal space and an open bottom; a panel disposed under the case, the panel having an intake port and a plurality of exhaust ports disposed around the intake port; a fan disposed inside the case and generating an air flow from the intake port to the plurality of exhaust ports; an airflow direction adjusting device arranged at each of the plurality of outlets and configured to adjust the airflow direction of the air flowing through each of the plurality of outlets in an up-down direction; a camera disposed on one side of the panel for capturing an image of an indoor space; a control unit that adjusts the airflow direction control device based on image information acquired from the camera; A timer that measures the time it takes for the camera to capture an image; and and an output unit that outputs an image acquired by the camera, The control unit is The plurality of outlets are divided into a first area outlet facing a living area and a second area outlet facing a non-living area based on accumulated data of image information acquired by the camera, adjusting each of the plurality of airflow direction adjusting devices so that the air discharged from the first area outlet and the air discharged from the second area outlet are formed in different vertical directions; The control unit classifies a living area of ​​the user from accumulated image information acquired by the camera after a set time measured by the timer, The control unit is Dividing an image displayed on the output unit into a plurality of regions; An image displayed on the output unit is divided based on a direction in which the ejection port faces; The air conditioner determines, based on the plurality of partitioned areas, an area in which human body information has been accumulated as the living area, and determines the remaining areas as the non-living area.

2. Further comprising a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the indoor space, The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the airflow direction adjusting device so that the airflow in the vertical direction of the first region outlet is changed when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor reaches a preset temperature range.

3. 3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts the air direction adjusting device so that the air discharged to the first area outlet is vertically lower than the air discharged to the second area outlet when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is outside a set range.

4. 3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts the air direction adjusting device so that the air discharged to the first area outlet is formed higher in a vertical direction than the air discharged to the second area outlet when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within a set range.

5. The control unit is adjusting a wind direction adjusting device so that air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a first direction toward the ground when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is outside a preset range; 3. The air conditioner of claim 2, further comprising: an air direction adjusting device that adjusts the air direction so that the air discharged from the first area outlet is discharged in a second direction that is directed upward from the first direction when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein the control unit adjusts the air direction adjustment device so that the air discharged to the second area outlet is discharged in a third direction that is between the first direction and the second direction, above and below.

7. The airflow direction adjustment device includes a vane that is disposed at the outlet and changes its position to adjust the airflow direction of the air flowing through the outlet, The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes an arrangement of vanes disposed at each of the first area outlet and the second area outlet.

8. the airflow direction adjusting device includes an airflow direction adjusting fan disposed at one side of the air outlet and configured to adjust a rotation speed to adjust a direction of air discharged to the air outlet, The air conditioner according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit changes rotation speeds of the airflow direction control fans arranged at the first area outlet and the second area outlet, respectively.

9. A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising: The air conditioner includes an intake port and a plurality of exhaust ports arranged around the intake port, and the plurality of exhaust ports exhaust air to different areas from each other, capturing images of a plurality of areas through which the plurality of outlets expel air with a camera; A step of determining a living area and a non-living area based on accumulated data of image information acquired by the camera; and and adjusting the airflow direction adjusting device so that the airflows in the vertical direction discharged from the first area outlet facing the living area and the second area outlet facing the non-living area are set differently, The step of determining the living area and the non-living area includes: A step of dividing an area displayed on an output unit into a plurality of areas based on the direction in which the plurality of outlets face; accumulating image information acquired by the camera for a set period of time or more; determining the living area and the non-living area based on cumulative image information acquired by the camera; The step of dividing the area displayed on the output unit into multiple areas based on the direction in which the multiple outlets face includes determining, based on the multiple divided areas, the area in which human body information is accumulated as the living area, and determining the remaining areas as the non-living area.

10. The step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device includes: A step of detecting a temperature of an indoor space by a temperature sensor; The method for controlling an air conditioner according to claim 9, further comprising a step of adjusting the air direction adjustment device so that the airflow discharged from the first area outlet is changed based on a relationship between the temperature of the indoor space sensed by the temperature sensor and a set temperature range.

11. 11. The method for controlling an air conditioner according to claim 10, further comprising adjusting a wind direction adjustment device so as to set the airflow of the air discharged from the first area outlet higher than the airflow of the air discharged from the second area outlet when the temperature of the indoor space detected by the temperature sensor is within a set temperature range.

12. The method for controlling an air conditioner according to claim 10, further comprising adjusting a wind direction adjustment device so as to set the airflow of the air discharged from the first area outlet lower than the airflow of the air discharged from the second area outlet when the temperature of the indoor space detected by the temperature sensor is outside a set temperature range.

13. The step of determining the living area and the non-living area includes: The method for controlling an air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of outlets are divided into a first area outlet arranged in a living area and a second area outlet arranged in a non-living area.

14. The step of adjusting the airflow direction control device includes: Maintaining a constant airflow discharged from the second region outlet; The method for controlling an air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the airflow discharged from the first area outlet is made higher or lower than the airflow discharged from the second area outlet.

15. The step of adjusting the airflow direction adjustment device includes: The method for controlling an air conditioner according to claim 9 , further comprising the step of: disposing the vanes at the first region outlet and the vanes at the second region outlet so as to be different from each other in disposition.

16. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of adjusting the airflow direction control device adjusts the rotation speeds of the airflow direction control fan disposed at the first area outlet and the airflow direction control fan disposed at the second area outlet to be different from each other.

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