Electronic device and control method therefor

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. This electronic device comprises: a first interface for performing two-way communication with an indoor controller; a second interface for providing a control signal to an indoor unit of an air conditioner via one-way communication; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and a processor connected to the memory to control the electronic device, wherein the processor, upon receiving indoor temperature information and configuration temperature information from the indoor controller through the first interface, generates control information to be applied to the air conditioner on the basis of the received indoor temperature information and configuration temperature information, and controls the second interface to provide a control signal corresponding to the generated control information to the indoor unit via one-way communication.

Description

Electronic device and method of controlling the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an electronic device for controlling an air conditioner and a control method thereof.

[0002] An air conditioner is a device that cools or heats air by utilizing the heat transfer generated by the evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant, and discharges the cooled or heated air to condition the air in indoor spaces. During cooling or heating operation, an air conditioner circulates refrigerant through a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, and an outdoor heat exchanger, and discharges the heat-exchanged air from the indoor heat exchanger into the indoor space, thereby cooling or heating the indoor space.

[0003] An air conditioner may include an indoor controller that generates a contact signal, and a main controller may control cooling and heating based on the contact signal input through the indoor controller. However, conventional main controllers control the air conditioner solely using the contact signal from the air conditioner, which hinders the application of control methods that improve energy efficiency.

[0004] An electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a memory storing at least one command for providing a control signal to an indoor unit of an air conditioner through unidirectional communication among a first interface air conditioner that performs bidirectional communication with an indoor controller, a second interface, and a processor connected to the memory to control the electronic device, wherein the processor, upon receiving indoor temperature information and set temperature information from the indoor controller through the first interface, generates control information to be applied to the air conditioner based on the received indoor temperature information and set temperature information, and controls the second interface to provide a control signal corresponding to the generated control information to the indoor unit through unidirectional communication.

[0005] A method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes: receiving indoor temperature information and set temperature information from an indoor controller using a two-way communication method; generating control information to be applied to the air conditioner based on the received indoor temperature information and set temperature information; and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the generated control information to an indoor unit of the air conditioner using the one-way communication method.

[0006] A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a control method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the control method comprising: receiving indoor temperature information and set temperature information from an indoor controller using a two-way communication method; generating control information to be applied to the air conditioner based on the received indoor temperature information and set temperature information; and transmitting a control signal corresponding to the generated control information to an indoor unit of the air conditioner using the one-way communication.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an air conditioning system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the interior of an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining communication between an electronic device (100) and an indoor controller (20), an outdoor unit (11), and an indoor unit (12) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 6 and 7 are drawings for explaining how an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure determines the operation of an air conditioner (10).

[0013] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0015] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0016] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0017] In this document, each of the phrases "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 that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0018] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0019] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0020] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0021] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0022] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0023] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an air conditioning system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, an air conditioning system (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may include an air conditioner (10), an indoor controller (20), and an electronic device (100). In addition, the air conditioner (10) may include an outdoor unit (11) and an indoor unit (12).

[0026] An air conditioner (10) according to various embodiments is a device that performs functions such as air purification, ventilation, humidity control, cooling or heating in an air-conditioned space (hereinafter referred to as “indoor”), and means a device equipped with at least one of these functions.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the air conditioner (10) may include a heat pump device to perform a cooling function or a heating function. The heat pump device may include a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant circulates along a compressor, a first heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a second heat exchanger. All components of the heat pump device may be built into a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner (10), and a window-type air conditioner or a portable air conditioner corresponds to such an air conditioner (10). On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be divided and built into a plurality of housings forming a single air conditioner (10), and this includes a wall-mounted air conditioner, a stand-type air conditioner, a system air conditioner, etc.

[0028] An air conditioner (10) including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit (11) installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit (12) installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner (10) may be provided such that one outdoor unit (11) and one indoor unit (12) are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner (10) may be provided such that one outdoor unit (11) is connected to two or more indoor units (12) via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner (10) may be provided such that two or more outdoor units (11) and two or more indoor units (12) are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0029] The outdoor unit (11) can be electrically connected to the indoor unit (12). For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner (10) can be input through an input interface provided in the outdoor unit (11) or the indoor unit (12), and the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to the user input.

[0030] The air conditioner (10) may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in an outdoor unit (11), an indoor heat exchanger provided in an indoor unit (12), and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0031] An outdoor heat exchanger can utilize a phase change (e.g., evaporation or condensation) of the refrigerant to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air. For example, while the refrigerant condenses in the outdoor heat exchanger, it releases heat to the outdoor air, and while the refrigerant flowing in the outdoor heat exchanger evaporates, it absorbs heat from the outdoor air.

[0032] The indoor unit (12) is installed indoors. For example, the indoor unit (12) can be classified into a ceiling-type indoor unit (12), a stand-type indoor unit (12), a wall-mounted indoor unit (12), etc., depending on the method of placement. For example, the ceiling-type indoor unit (12) can be classified into a 4-way indoor unit (12), a 1-way indoor unit (12), a duct-type indoor unit (12), etc., depending on the method of air discharge.

[0033] Likewise, the indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit (12), the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air, and by blowing the cooled indoor air through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, the indoor space can be cooled. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air, and by blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the indoor space can be heated.

[0034] That is, the air conditioner (10) performs a cooling or heating function through a phase change process of the refrigerant circulating between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger. For this circulation of the refrigerant, the air conditioner (10) may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor may suck in refrigerant gas through a suction portion and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor may discharge high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through a discharge portion. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit (11).

[0035] The refrigerant may circulate through the refrigerant pipes in the order of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger, or in the order of a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0036] For example, in the case where an air conditioner (10) has one outdoor unit (11) and one indoor unit (12) directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant can be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit (11) and one indoor unit (12) through the refrigerant pipe.

[0037] For example, in the case where an air conditioner (10) has one outdoor unit (11) connected to two or more indoor units (12) through refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units (12) through refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit (11). The refrigerants discharged from the multiple indoor units (12) can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit (11). For example, multiple indoor units (12) can be directly connected in parallel to one outdoor unit (11) through separate refrigerant pipes.

[0038] The plurality of indoor units (12) can be independently operated according to the operating mode set by the user. That is, some of the plurality of indoor units (12) can be operated in cooling mode, while others can be operated in heating mode. At this time, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit (12) at a high or low pressure along a designated circulation path through a flow switching valve described later, and discharged to be circulated to the outdoor unit (11).

[0039] For example, when an air conditioner (10) has two or more outdoor units (11) and two or more indoor units (12) connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, refrigerants discharged from multiple outdoor units (11) can merge and flow through one refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units (12).

[0040] The plurality of outdoor units (11) may all be driven or at least some may not be driven depending on the operating load according to the operating amount of the plurality of indoor units (12). At this time, the refrigerant may be arranged to be introduced into the outdoor unit (11) that is selectively driven through a flow switching valve and circulated. The air conditioner (10) may include an expansion device to lower the pressure of the refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be placed inside the indoor unit (12) or the outdoor unit (11), or may be placed in both.

[0041] An expansion device can, for example, utilize a throttling effect to lower the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. The expansion device may include an orifice capable of reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path. Refrigerant passing through the orifice may experience a decrease in temperature and pressure.

[0042] The expansion device may be implemented as, for example, an electronic expansion valve capable of controlling the opening ratio (the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when partially open to the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve's flow path when fully open). Depending on the opening ratio of the electronic expansion valve, the amount of refrigerant passing through the expansion device can be controlled.

[0043] The air conditioner (10) may further include a refrigerant circulation path diverting valve disposed on the refrigerant circulation path. The refrigerant circulation path diverting valve may include, for example, a 4-way valve. The refrigerant circulation path may be determined depending on the operating mode of the indoor unit (12) (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The refrigerant circulation path diverting valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0044] The air conditioner (10) may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant evaporated in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger may be introduced into the accumulator.

[0045] The accumulator can separate the refrigerant liquid from the refrigerant gas when a refrigerant mixture of refrigerant liquid and refrigerant gas is introduced, and provide the refrigerant gas from which the refrigerant liquid has been separated to the compressor.

[0046] An outdoor fan may be installed near the outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor fan may blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger to promote heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air.

[0047] The outdoor unit (11) of the air conditioner (10) may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit (11) may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit (11) sensor may be placed at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit (11). For example, the outdoor unit (11) sensor may include, for example, a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit (11), a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit (11), a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit (11), or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit (11).

[0048] The outdoor unit (11) of the air conditioner (10) may include an outdoor unit (11) communication unit. The outdoor unit (11) communication unit may be provided to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) to be described later. The outdoor unit (11) may control the operation of a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, a flow switching valve, an accumulator, or an outdoor fan based on the control signal received through the outdoor unit (11) communication unit. The outdoor unit (11) may transmit a sensing value detected from an outdoor unit (11) sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit (12) through the outdoor unit (11) communication unit.

[0049] The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) may include a housing, a blower that circulates air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0050] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0051] The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) may include a filter provided to filter foreign substances in the air flowing into the housing through the intake port.

[0052] The housing may include an exhaust port. Air flowing within the housing may be discharged to the exterior of the housing through the exhaust port.

[0053] The housing of the indoor unit (12) may be provided with an airflow guide that guides the direction of air discharged through the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include blades positioned above the exhaust port. For example, the airflow guide may include an auxiliary fan for controlling the exhaust airflow. However, the airflow guide is not limited thereto and may be omitted.

[0054] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit (12) and are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0055] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0056] An indoor heat exchanger may be positioned between the blower and the exhaust, or between the intake and the blower. The indoor heat exchanger may absorb heat from air drawn in through the intake or transfer heat to the air drawn in through the intake. The indoor heat exchanger may include heat exchange tubes through which refrigerant flows, and heat exchange fins in contact with the heat exchange tubes to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0057] The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) may include a drain tray disposed below the indoor heat exchanger to collect condensate generated in the indoor heat exchanger. The condensate collected in the drain tray may be drained to the outside through a drain hose. The drain tray may be provided to support the indoor heat exchanger.

[0058] The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad. The user may directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) through the input interface.

[0059] The input interface may also 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). A user may input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data acquired through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input configuration data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) using a wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0060] In addition, the input interface may include a microphone. A user's voice command may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice command into an electrical signal and transmit the converted electrical signal to the indoor unit (12) control unit. The indoor unit (12) control unit may control the components of the air conditioner (10) to execute a function corresponding to the user's voice command. Setting data acquired through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode setting of cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection setting, and / or wind speed setting) may be transmitted to the indoor unit (12) control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted to the outside, i.e., to the outdoor unit (11) or a server, through the indoor unit (12) communication unit, which will be described later.

[0061] The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) 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 (12).

[0062] The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) may include an indoor unit (12) sensor. The indoor unit (12) sensor may be an environmental sensor disposed in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit (12) sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors disposed in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit (12). For example, the indoor unit (12) sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit (12). For example, the indoor unit (12) sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of refrigerant pipes passing through an indoor heat exchanger.

[0063] For example, each environmental data detected by the indoor unit (12) sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit (12) control unit described later, or transmitted to the outside through the indoor unit (12) communication unit described later.

[0064] The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) may include an indoor unit (12) communication unit. The indoor unit (12) communication unit may include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit (12) communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit (11) may include an outdoor unit (11) communication unit. The outdoor unit (11) communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0065] The short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication module, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication module, an UWB (ultrawideband) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc.

[0066] The long-distance communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-distance communication and may include a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0067] The indoor unit (12) communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner (10) or the user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner (10) or the user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) can include an indoor unit (12) control unit that controls components of the indoor unit (12) including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit (11) of the air conditioner (10) can include an outdoor unit (11) control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit (11) including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit (12) control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit (11) control unit through the indoor unit (12) communication unit and the outdoor unit (11) communication unit. The outdoor unit (11) communication unit can transmit a control signal generated by the outdoor unit (11) control unit to the indoor unit (12) communication unit, or can transmit a control signal transmitted from the indoor unit (12) communication unit to the outdoor unit (11) control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) can perform two-way communication. The outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner (10).

[0068] The outdoor unit (11) control unit can be electrically connected to the components of the outdoor unit (11) and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit (11) control unit can adjust the frequency of the compressor and control the flow switching valve to change the circulation direction of the refrigerant. The outdoor unit (11) control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit (11) control unit can generate a control signal for adjusting the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit (11) control unit, the refrigerant can circulate along a refrigerant circulation circuit including the compressor, the flow switching valve, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0069] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit (11) control unit and / or the indoor unit (12) control unit, respectively. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit (11) control unit and / or the indoor unit (12) control unit, respectively.

[0070] The indoor unit (12) control unit can obtain user input from a user device including a mobile device, etc., through the indoor unit (12) communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through an input interface or through a remote controller. The indoor unit (12) control unit can control components of the indoor unit (12), including a blower, etc., in response to the received user input. The indoor unit (12) control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit (11) control unit of the outdoor unit (11).

[0071] The outdoor unit (11) control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit (11), including the compressor, etc., based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit (12). For example, when a control signal corresponding to a user input for selecting an operation mode such as cooling operation, heating operation, ventilation operation, defrosting operation, or dehumidifying operation is received from the indoor unit (12), the outdoor unit (11) control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit (11) so that the operation of the air conditioner (10) corresponding to the selected operation mode is performed.

[0072] The outdoor unit (11) control unit and the indoor unit (12) control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit (12) control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit (11) control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0073] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (10). The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner (10). For example, the memory can store various programs for cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, and / or defrosting operation of the air conditioner (10). The memory can include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (D-RAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include nonvolatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), and Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for long-term storage of data.

[0074] The processor can generate control signals for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (10) based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in the memory. The processor, as hardware, may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor can process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from the memory and generate control signals based on the processing results. The memory and the processor may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits.

[0075] The indoor unit (12) of the air conditioner (10) may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit (12) control unit and may output information related to the operation of the air conditioner (10) under the control of the indoor unit (12) control unit. For example, information such as an operation mode, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature selected by a user input may be output. In addition, the output interface may output sensing information and warning / error messages acquired from an indoor unit (12) sensor or an outdoor unit (11) sensor.

[0076] The output interface may include a display and a speaker. The speaker, as an audio device, can output various sounds. The display may display information input by the user or information provided to the user using various graphic elements. For example, operation information of the air conditioner (10) may be displayed as at least an image or text. In addition, the display may include an indicator that provides specific information. The display may include a liquid crystal display panel (LCD), a light emitting diode panel (LED), an organic light emitting diode panel (OLED), a micro LED panel, and / or a plurality of LEDs.

[0077] Additionally, the air conditioning system (1) may include an indoor controller (20) and an electronic device (100). The electronic device (100) may be electrically connected to the outdoor unit (11), the indoor unit (12), and the indoor controller (20). The electronic device (100) may be wirelessly or wiredly connected to the outdoor unit (11), the indoor unit (12), and the indoor controller (20).

[0078] The indoor controller (20) may be a device for obtaining user input for controlling an air conditioning system and transmitting information about the user input.

[0079] Here, the indoor controller (20) may include an input interface. The input interface may include any type of user input means, including buttons, switches, a touch screen, and / or a touch pad.

[0080] The indoor controller (20) can receive setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) from the user through the input interface (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operation mode setting for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection setting, and / or wind volume setting).

[0081] The input interface of the indoor controller (20) may also 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). A user may input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) by operating the wired remote controller. An electrical signal corresponding to the setting data acquired through the wired remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface. In addition, the input interface may include an infrared sensor. A user may remotely input setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) using a wireless remote controller. The setting data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0082] Additionally, the input interface of the indoor controller (20) may include a microphone. The user's voice commands may be acquired through the microphone. The microphone may convert the user's voice commands into electrical signals and transmit the converted electrical signals to the control unit of the indoor controller (20).

[0083] Alternatively, the indoor controller (20) can obtain user input from a user device, such as a mobile device, through a communication interface of the indoor controller (20).

[0084] The indoor controller (20) may include at least one sensor. In this case, the sensor of the indoor controller (20) may be provided as an environmental sensor. The sensor of the indoor controller (20) may be placed at any location inside or outside the indoor controller (20). For example, the sensor of the indoor controller (20) may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the indoor controller (20) and a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the indoor controller (20). That is, the indoor controller (20) may obtain indoor environmental data using the sensor of the indoor controller (20).

[0085] Meanwhile, the indoor controller (20) can obtain indoor environment data through a sensor included in the indoor controller (20), but this is only one embodiment, and the indoor controller (20) can communicate with an external sensor and obtain indoor environment data obtained from the external sensor.

[0086] In addition, the indoor controller (20) can transmit setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) and indoor environment data to the electronic device (100).

[0087] At this time, the indoor controller (20) can transmit setting data and environmental data to the electronic device (100) through a communication method that enables two-way communication rather than a contact communication method that can only transmit electrical signals in one direction.

[0088] Based on the setting data and environmental data, the electronic device (100) can control the configurations of the air conditioner (10).

[0089] The electronic device (100) can be electrically or wirelessly connected to the indoor controller (20), the outdoor unit (11), and the indoor unit (12). At this time, the electrical device (100) can receive data from the indoor controller (20) and transmit control data or control signals for controlling the air conditioner (10) to each component of the air conditioner (10). That is, the electronic device (100) can be a control device that controls the operations of the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12). Here, the electronic device (100) can be referred to as a 'main controller', but is not limited thereto.

[0090] The electronic device (100) can serve as an adapter that connects the outdoor unit (11) to the indoor unit (12). The electronic device (100) is designed to control not only an indoor unit (12) produced by the same manufacturer as the outdoor unit (11), but also an indoor unit (12) produced by a different manufacturer and / or an indoor unit (12) having a different communication protocol.

[0091] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] The electronic device (100) may include a memory (110), a communication interface (120), and a processor (130). Some of the above components may be omitted, and the electronic device (100) may further include other components.

[0093] The memory (110) can store at least one instruction regarding the electronic device (100). The memory (110) can store an operating system (O / S) for driving the electronic device (100). In addition, the memory (110) can store various software programs or applications for operating the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the memory (110) can include a semiconductor memory such as a flash memory or a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk.

[0094] Specifically, the memory (110) can store various software modules for operating the electronic device (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and the processor (130) can control the operation of the electronic device (100) by executing various software modules stored in the memory (110). That is, the memory (110) is accessed by the processor (130), and data reading / recording / modifying / deleting / updating, etc. can be performed by the processor (130).

[0095] Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the term memory (110) may be used to mean a memory (110), a ROM (not shown), a RAM (not shown) in a processor (130), or a memory card (not shown) (e.g., a micro SD card, a memory stick) mounted on an electronic device (100).

[0096] In addition, the communication interface (120) includes circuitry and is configured to communicate with the indoor controller (20), the outdoor unit (11), and the indoor unit (12). The communication interface (120) can communicate with the indoor controller (20), the outdoor unit (11), and the indoor unit (12) based on a wired or wireless communication method.

[0097] The communication interface (120) may include at least one interface capable of performing two-way communication and at least one interface capable of performing one-way communication.

[0098] That is, the communication interface (120) can communicate with at least one of the indoor controller (20), the outdoor unit (11), and the indoor unit (12) through an interface capable of performing two-way communication. For example, the communication interface (120) can include an interface capable of transmitting and receiving an RS 485 signal corresponding to the RS 485 communication standard. In this case, the communication interface (120) can perform two-way communication through an interface capable of transmitting and receiving an RS 485 signal.

[0099] Alternatively, the communication interface (120) may communicate with at least one of the indoor controller (20), the outdoor unit (11), and the indoor unit (12) via an interface capable of performing unidirectional communication. For example, the interface capable of performing unidirectional communication may include at least one contact terminal. In addition, the interface capable of performing unidirectional communication may control a switch or switching element to transmit a contact signal via the contact terminal. In this case, the contact signal may mean a signal indicating whether the contact is open or closed.

[0100] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the communication interface (120) can perform bidirectional communication with the indoor controller (20) via a first interface capable of performing bidirectional communication. That is, the communication interface (120) can receive data from the indoor controller (20) and transmit data to the indoor controller (20).

[0101] In addition, the communication interface (120) can perform two-way communication with the outdoor unit (11) through a second interface capable of performing two-way communication. That is, the communication interface (120) can receive data from the outdoor unit (11) and transmit data to the outdoor unit (11).

[0102] In addition, the communication interface (120) can perform unidirectional communication with the indoor unit (12) through a third interface capable of performing unidirectional communication. At this time, the communication interface (120) can transmit a control signal for controlling the indoor unit (12) to the indoor unit (12) in the form of a contact signal.

[0103] In addition, the communication interface (120) may include a Bluetooth module (not shown), a Wi-Fi module (not shown), an infrared (IR) module, a zigbee module, a local area network (LAN) module, an Ethernet module, etc. Here, each communication module may be implemented in the form of at least one hardware chip. In addition to the above-described communication method, the wireless communication module may include at least one communication chip that performs communication according to various wireless communication standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), MIPI CSI (Mobile Industry Processor Interface Camera Serial Interface), 3G (3rd Generation), 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (LTE Advanced), 4G (4th Generation), 5G (5th Generation), etc. However, this is only one embodiment, and the communication interface (120) may use at least one communication module among various communication modules. The communication interface (120) can communicate with user devices, including mobile devices, home appliances, external sensors, servers, etc., through the above-described communication module. In addition, the communication interface (120) can communicate with an indoor controller (20), an outdoor unit (11), an indoor unit (12), etc., through the above-described module, and can transmit or receive data and signals.

[0104] The processor (130) can control the overall operation and function of the electronic device (100). Specifically, the processor (130) is connected to the configuration of the electronic device (100) including the memory (110), and can control the overall operation of the electronic device (100) by executing at least one command stored in the memory (110) as described above.

[0105] The processor (130) may be implemented in various ways. For example, the processor (130) may be implemented as at least one of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a logic integrated circuit, an embedded processor, a microprocessor, hardware control logic, a hardware finite state machine (FSM), and a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0106] In particular, the processor (130) may include one or more processors. Specifically, the one or more processors may include one or more of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), a Many Integrated Core (MIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a Main Processing Unit (MPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The one or more processors may control one or any combination of other components of the electronic device, and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. The one or more processors may execute one or more programs or instructions stored in a memory. For example, the one or more processors may perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by executing one or more instructions stored in a memory.

[0107] When a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes multiple operations, the multiple operations may be performed by one processor or by multiple processors. That is, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one or more embodiments, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by the first processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by the first processor (e.g., a general-purpose processor) and the third operation may be performed by the second processor (e.g., an artificial intelligence-specific processor).

[0108] One or more processors may be implemented as a single core processor including one core, or may be implemented as one or more multicore processors including multiple cores (e.g., homogeneous multicores or heterogeneous multicores). When one or more processors are implemented as a multicore processor, each of the multiple cores included in the multicore processor may include internal processor memory, such as cache memory or on-chip memory, and a common cache shared by the multiple cores may be included in the multicore processor. In addition, each of the multiple cores (or some of the multiple cores) included in the multicore processor may independently read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, or all (or some) of the multiple cores may be linked to read and execute program instructions for implementing a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] When a method according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure includes a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations may be performed by one core among the plurality of cores included in a multi-core processor, or may be performed by the plurality of cores. For example, when a first operation, a second operation, and a third operation are performed by a method according to one or more embodiments, the first operation, the second operation, and the third operation may all be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, or the first operation and the second operation may be performed by a first core included in the multi-core processor, and the third operation may be performed by a second core included in the multi-core processor.

[0110] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor (130) may mean a system on a chip (SoC) in which one or more processors and other electronic components are integrated, a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, or a core included in a single-core processor or a multi-core processor, wherein the core may be implemented as a CPU, a GPU, an APU, a MIC, a DSP, an NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0111] The operation of the processor (130) for implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented through a plurality of modules.

[0112] Specifically, data for a plurality of modules according to the present disclosure can be stored in a memory (110), and the processor (130) can access the memory (110) to load the data for the plurality of modules into a memory or buffer within the processor (130), and then implement various embodiments according to the present disclosure using the plurality of modules.

[0113] However, at least one of the plurality of modules according to the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware and included in the processor (130) in the form of a system on chip.

[0114] Alternatively, at least one of the plurality of modules according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a separate external device, and the electronic device (100) and each module may communicate and perform operations according to the present disclosure.

[0115] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining the interior of an electronic device (100) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) may include a main circuit board (101) and a plurality of contact terminals (102). A memory (110) and a processor (130) may be mounted on the main circuit board (101). The processor (130) may also be referred to as a 'Micom'. In addition to the contact terminals (102), the communication interface (120) may communicate with an external device through terminal blocks for connection with other devices.

[0117] An outdoor unit (11), an indoor unit (12), and an indoor controller (20) can be connected to a plurality of contact terminals (102). The contact terminals (102) and the outdoor unit (11), indoor unit (12), and indoor controller (20) can each be connected with wires and / or cables.

[0118] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining communication between an electronic device (100) and an indoor controller (20), an outdoor unit (11), and an indoor unit (12) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring to Fig. 4, the outdoor unit (11) can be connected to the F1 terminal and the F2 terminal among the contact terminals (102). The processor (130) can transmit data to the outdoor unit (11) through the F1 terminal and receive data from the outdoor unit (11) through the F2 terminal.

[0120] In addition, the indoor controller (20) can be connected to the F3 terminal and the F4 terminal among the contact terminals (102). The processor (130) can transmit data to the indoor controller (20) through the F3 terminal and receive data from the indoor controller (20) through the F4 terminal.

[0121] That is, the indoor controller (20) according to the prior art is connected to the electronic device (100) through an interface capable of one-way communication, but the indoor controller (20) according to the present disclosure can be connected to the electronic device (100) through an interface capable of two-way communication. Accordingly, the electronic device (100) can receive setting data and indoor environment data related to the operation of the air conditioner (10) from the indoor controller (20), and can precisely control the outdoor unit (11) and the indoor unit (12) using the received data. Accordingly, the power consumption required by the air conditioner (10) to satisfy specific indoor environment conditions is reduced, and there is an effect in which energy can be used efficiently.

[0122] Meanwhile, the indoor unit (12) may be connected to a first cooling terminal (Y1 terminal), a second cooling terminal (Y2 terminal), a fan terminal (G terminal) for controlling an indoor fan, a four-way valve terminal (O / B terminal) for controlling a four-way valve, a first heating terminal (W1 terminal), a second heating terminal (W2 terminal), and an auxiliary heating terminal (D terminal) for controlling an auxiliary heater among the contact terminals (102). At this time, the processor (130) may control the operation of the indoor unit (12) by turning ON at least one of the contact terminals connected to the indoor unit (12) and turning OFF the remaining terminals.

[0123] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 5, the processor (130) can receive setting data and indoor environment data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) from the indoor controller (20) through a first interface that performs two-way communication (S510).

[0125] At this time, the processor (130) can receive setting data and environmental data from the indoor controller (20) through the F2 terminal.

[0126] In the present disclosure, the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) may be data regarding settings input by a user to control an indoor environment. For example, the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) may include at least one of a set temperature, a set humidity, a set wind speed, a set wind direction, whether the air conditioner is operating, and an operation mode of the air conditioner.

[0127] In the present disclosure, indoor environmental data may be sensing data detected by a sensor for detecting an indoor environment. For example, the indoor environmental data may include at least one of indoor temperature detected by a temperature sensor, indoor humidity detected by a humidity sensor, indoor air volume detected by an air volume sensor, and whether a door is open detected by a door opening detection sensor.

[0128] Meanwhile, the processor (130) may receive indoor environmental data from the indoor controller (20), but is not limited thereto, and may also receive indoor environmental data from an external sensor or external device. For example, the processor (130) may receive indoor environmental data from a user terminal device such as a smartphone.

[0129] When setting data and indoor environment data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) are received, the processor (130) can control the air conditioner based on the setting data and indoor environment data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10). That is, based on the setting data and indoor environment data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10), the processor (130) can generate control information to be applied to the air conditioner.

[0130] Specifically, based on the setting data and indoor environment data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10), the processor (130) can determine the operation of the air conditioner (S520). Here, the operation of the air conditioner (10) can include at least one of whether the air conditioner is operating, the operation mode of the air conditioner, and the operation strength of the air conditioner.

[0131] Here, whether the air conditioner (10) is driven may mean whether the air conditioner (10) is turned on or off.

[0132] And, the operation mode of the air conditioner (10) may include a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, a ventilation operation mode, a defrosting operation mode, a dehumidification mode, a balance mode, an energy saving mode, or an air purification mode.

[0133] Here, the driving force of the air conditioner (10) may include at least one of the compression speed of the compressor included in the air conditioner, the magnitude of the power applied to the air conditioner (10), and the strength of the wind discharged from the air conditioner (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0134] Once the operation of the air conditioner (10) is determined, the processor (130) can generate control information to be applied to the air conditioner (10) (S530). Here, the generated control information may be control information for controlling the air conditioner (10) so that the air conditioner (10) operates according to the determined operation.

[0135] For example, based on indoor temperature information and set temperature information, the processor (130) can determine the operation of the air conditioner (10). Specifically, based on the indoor temperature information and set temperature information, the processor (130) can determine the operation mode of the air conditioner (10) and determine the compression speed of the compressor in the determined operation mode. In addition, the processor (130) can generate control information corresponding to the determined operation mode and the determined compressor speed.

[0136] For example, when receiving air volume information from an indoor controller (20) through the first interface, the processor (130) can generate control information to be applied to the air conditioner (10) by reflecting the received air volume information.

[0137] Meanwhile, the processor (130) may receive signals or data from multiple indoor controllers. For example, the electronic device (100) may be connected to a first indoor controller via a first interface capable of two-way communication. Furthermore, the electronic device (100) may be connected to a second indoor controller via a fourth interface capable of one-way communication. In this case, if a signal received from the second indoor controller conflicts with a signal received from the first indoor controller, the processor (130) may generate control information using the data received from the first indoor controller.

[0138] When control information is generated, the processor (130) can control the air conditioner (10) based on the generated control information (S540).

[0139] Specifically, when control information is generated, the processor (130) can transmit the control information to the air conditioner (10). At this time, the processor (130) can transmit control information corresponding to each device to each device. Specifically, the control information can include control information for controlling the indoor unit (12) and control information for controlling the outdoor unit (11). At this time, the processor (130) can transmit control information for controlling the indoor unit (12) to the indoor unit (12) and control information for controlling the outdoor unit (11) to the outdoor unit (11).

[0140] At this time, the processor (130) can transmit control information through different interfaces to each device included in the air conditioner (10).

[0141] Specifically, the processor (130) can communicate with the indoor unit (12) through the second interface and communicate with the outdoor unit (11) through the third interface.

[0142] At this time, the second interface may be an interface that performs unidirectional communication. And, the third interface may be an interface that performs bidirectional communication.

[0143] That is, the processor (130) can transmit the control information generated to the indoor unit (12) through a second interface that performs one-way communication.

[0144] In addition, the processor (130) can transmit the generated control information to the outdoor unit (11) through a third interface that performs two-way communication.

[0145] And, based on the received control information, the indoor unit (12) and the outdoor unit (11) can perform operations.

[0146] Meanwhile, the air conditioner may receive control information generated by the electronic device (100) and perform operations based on the received control information, but this is merely an example and is not limited thereto. Specifically, the air conditioner (10) may receive indoor environment data and setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) from the electronic device (100). Based on the received data, the air conditioner (10) may generate control information. And, the air conditioner (10) may operate based on the generated control information.

[0147] For example, the processor (130) can transmit the received environmental data and the received setting data to the outdoor unit (11). At this time, the processor (130) can transmit the environmental data and the setting data to the outdoor unit (11) through an interface that enables two-way communication. Based on the received environmental data and the received setting data, the outdoor unit (11) can generate control information and operate according to the generated control information. At this time, the method by which the outdoor unit (11) generates the control information may be the same as the method by which the processor (130) generates the control information, but is not limited thereto.

[0148] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method by which an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure determines the operation of an air conditioner (10).

[0149] Referring to FIG. 6, the processor (130) can receive setting data and environmental data from the indoor controller (20) (S610).

[0150] And, the processor (130) can compare the difference between the setting data and the environment data with a preset value (S620).

[0151] Specifically, the processor (130) can identify whether the difference between the setting data and the environment data is greater than or equal to a preset value. At this time, information regarding the preset value may be stored in the memory (110).

[0152] And, based on the comparison result, the processor (130) can determine the operation of the air conditioner (10) (S630).

[0153] For example, if the difference between the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) and the indoor environment data is greater than a preset value, the processor (130) can determine whether to turn the air conditioner ON.

[0154] And, if the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) differs from the indoor environment data by a preset value or more, the processor (130) can determine the operation mode so that the indoor environment data becomes the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10).

[0155] For example, the indoor temperature may be 26 degrees and the set temperature may be 24 degrees. In this case, the preset value may be 1 degree. In this case, since the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is greater than the preset value, the processor (130) may determine the operation mode of the air conditioner to be the cooling mode so that the indoor temperature becomes the set temperature.

[0156] Alternatively, the indoor temperature may be 22 degrees and the set temperature may be 24 degrees. In this case, the preset value may be 1 degree. In this case, since the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is greater than the preset value, the processor (130) may determine the operation mode of the air conditioner to be heating mode so that the indoor temperature becomes the set temperature.

[0157] And, depending on the size of the difference between the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) and the indoor environment data, the processor (130) can determine the driving strength of the air conditioner.

[0158] Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the memory (110) can store information (700) on the driving strength corresponding to the section to which the difference between the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) and the indoor environment data belongs in the form of a lookup table.

[0159] At this time, if the difference between the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) and the indoor environment data belongs to the first section, the processor (130) can drive the air conditioner (10) at the first driving strength. And, if the difference between the setting data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) and the indoor environment data belongs to the second section, the processor (130) can drive the air conditioner (10) at the second driving strength.

[0160] For example, the first section may be less than 2 degrees, and the second section may be 2 degrees or more and less than 4 degrees. In addition, the driving intensity corresponding to the first section may be "weak", and the driving intensity corresponding to the second section may be "medium". In this case, when the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is 1 degree, the processor (130) may determine the driving intensity of the air conditioner to be "weak". Alternatively, when the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is 3 degrees, the processor (130) may determine the driving intensity of the air conditioner to be "medium".

[0161] Meanwhile, the setting data and indoor environment data regarding the operation of the air conditioner (10) may include multiple elements. Accordingly, the processor (130) may compare the setting data and environment data for each of the multiple elements. Based on the comparison results, the processor (130) may determine the operation of the air conditioner (10). At this time, based on the comparison results of each of the multiple elements, the processor (130) may comprehensively determine the operation of the air conditioner (10).

[0162] Specifically, the configuration data and environmental data may include data for a first element (e.g., temperature) and data for a second element (e.g., humidity). For example, data for the first element may include a set temperature and an indoor temperature. Data for the second element may include a set humidity and an indoor humidity.

[0163] And, the processor (130) can compare the setting data for the first element with the environmental data for the first element to determine the first operation of the air conditioner (10). And, the processor (130) can compare the setting data for the second element with the environmental data for the second element to determine the second operation of the air conditioner (10). And, the processor (130) can generate control information so that the air conditioner (10) performs the first operation and the second operation simultaneously.

[0164] For example, the indoor unit (12) may be equipped with a heater at the heat exchanger discharge end. In this case, if the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is equal to or less than a preset first value, and the indoor humidity and the set humidity are equal to or greater than a preset second value, the processor (130) may control the air conditioner (10) to perform heater operation and cooling operation simultaneously.

[0165] That is, based on the comparison results for each of the plurality of elements, the processor (130) can generate control information so that the air conditioner (10) performs composite operation. Here, the composite operation may be an operation mode that simultaneously performs operations according to two or more operation modes among the operation modes of the air conditioner.

[0166] Meanwhile, the electronic device (100) can receive operation information of the air conditioner (10) from the air conditioner (10) through an interface that performs two-way communication. Here, the operation information of the air conditioner (10) can include information on at least one of whether a malfunction occurs during operation of the air conditioner (10), whether an error occurs during operation of the air conditioner (10), the operation mode in which the air conditioner (10) is operating, and the outdoor temperature.

[0167] For example, when the electronic device (100) communicates with the outdoor unit (11) through an interface that performs two-way communication, the processor (130) can receive operation information of the outdoor unit (11) from the outdoor unit (11). At this time, the operation information of the outdoor unit (11) can include information on at least one of whether the outdoor unit (11) malfunctions during operation of the outdoor unit (11), whether an error occurs during operation of the outdoor unit (11), the operation mode in which the outdoor unit (11) is operating, and the outdoor temperature.

[0168] When the operation information of the air conditioner (10) is received, the processor (130) can transmit the operation information of the air conditioner to the indoor controller (20) through a first interface capable of two-way communication.

[0169] Accordingly, the indoor controller (20) can output operation information of the air conditioner (10). For example, the indoor controller (20) can include a display, a speaker, or a communication interface. At this time, the indoor controller (20) can control the display to display a screen for operation information of the air conditioner (10). Alternatively, the indoor controller (20) can control the speaker to output voice for operation information of the air conditioner (10). Alternatively, the indoor controller (20) can control the communication interface to transmit information for outputting a screen or voice for operation information of the air conditioner (10) to a user terminal device.

[0170] For example, the indoor controller (20) can control the speaker to output a voice such as, "The current indoor temperature is 25 degrees Celsius, and the set temperature is 23 degrees. Cooling operation mode will be performed until the indoor temperature reaches 25 degrees."

[0171] Meanwhile, the electronic device (100) can control the air conditioner (10) to operate when a preset event is detected, even if there is no setting data received through the indoor controller (20).

[0172] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a control method of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0173] Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device (100) can detect whether a preset event occurs (S810).

[0174] For example, a preset event may be a user entering a room. The processor (130) may detect the user's entry into the room through a motion sensor or a door opening detection sensor. At this time, the processor (130) may receive data indicating the user's entry into the room from the indoor controller (20) or an external sensor.

[0175] When a preset event is detected (S810-Y), the processor (130) can acquire indoor environmental data (S820). At this time, the processor (130) can acquire indoor environmental data from an indoor controller (20) or an external sensor.

[0176] When indoor environment data is acquired, the processor (130) can identify whether the difference between the indoor environment data and the preset environment data is greater than the preset difference (S830).

[0177] If the difference between the indoor environment data and the preset environment data is greater than the preset difference (S830-Y), the processor (130) can control the air conditioner based on the indoor environment data and the preset environment data (S840).

[0178] Specifically, the processor (130) can control the air conditioner (10) so that the indoor environment corresponds to preset environmental data. For example, when a user's entry into the room is detected, if the indoor temperature is 28 degrees and the preset indoor temperature is 25 degrees, the processor (130) can operate the air conditioner (10) so that the indoor temperature becomes 25 degrees.

[0179] And, if the preset event is not detected (S810-N) or the difference between the indoor environment data and the preset environment data is less than the preset difference (S830-N), the processor (130) can identify whether the preset event is detected (S810). That is, the processor (130) can continuously monitor whether the preset event is detected.

[0180] Meanwhile, the terms "part" or "module" used in the present disclosure include units composed of hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A "part" or "module" may be an integrally composed component, a minimum unit performing one or more functions, or a portion thereof. For example, a module may be composed of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0181] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software including instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium that can be read by a machine (e.g., a computer). The device, which is a device capable of calling instructions stored in the storage medium and operating according to the called instructions, may include an electronic device (100) according to the disclosed embodiments. When the instructions are executed by a processor, the processor may directly or under the control of the processor perform a function corresponding to the instructions using other components. The instructions may include code generated or executed by a compiler or interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" means that the storage medium does not contain signals and is tangible, but does not distinguish between data being stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0182] According to one or more embodiments, the methods according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or online through an application store (e.g., Play Store™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0183] Each component (e.g., a module or a program) according to various embodiments may be composed of one or more entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions as those performed by each of the respective components prior to integration. Operations performed by a module, program, or other component according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device controlling an air conditioner, A first interface for performing two-way communication with the indoor controller; A second interface for providing a control signal to an indoor unit of the above air conditioner through one-way communication; a memory storing at least one instruction; and A processor connected to the memory and controlling the electronic device; The above processor, An electronic device that receives indoor temperature information and set temperature information from the indoor controller through the first interface, generates control information to be applied to the air conditioner based on the received indoor temperature information and set temperature information, and controls the second interface to provide a control signal corresponding to the generated control information to the indoor unit through the one-way communication.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device that determines the operation of the air conditioner based on the received indoor temperature information and the set temperature information, and generates the control information when the operation of the air conditioner is determined.

3. In paragraph 1, An electronic device that determines the operation mode of the air conditioner and the compressor speed in the operation mode based on the received indoor temperature information and the set temperature information, and generates control information corresponding to the determined operation mode and the determined compressor speed.

4. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a third interface that performs two-way communication with the outdoor unit of the above air conditioner; The above processor, An electronic device that controls the third interface so that a control command for the outdoor unit corresponding to the generated control information is provided to the outdoor unit through the two-way communication.

5. In paragraph 4, The above processor, An electronic device that controls the first interface so that, when receiving operation information of the outdoor unit through the third interface, the operation information is provided to the indoor controller.

6. In paragraph 1, The above first interface is, An electronic device that performs bidirectional communication using the RS-485 communication method.

7. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a fourth interface for receiving a control signal using a contact signal from a second indoor controller other than the above indoor controller; The above processor, An electronic device that generates control information to be applied to the air conditioner based on the control information generated by the information received from the indoor controller when the control signal received from the second indoor controller conflicts with the generated control information.

8. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device that receives wind volume information through the first interface and generates control information to be applied to the air conditioner by reflecting the received wind volume information.

9. In paragraph 1, The above processor, An electronic device which, when receiving indoor humidity information and set humidity information through the first interface, determines whether the device is in a simultaneous operation mode for simultaneously performing heater operation and cooling operation based on the received indoor temperature information, the set temperature information, the indoor humidity information, and the set humidity information, and if determined to be in a simultaneous operation mode, generates control information corresponding to the heater operation and the cooling operation.

10. In paragraph 1, The above first interface is, An electronic device that performs bidirectional communication using the RS-485 communication method.

11. A method for controlling an electronic device that controls an air conditioner, A step of receiving indoor temperature information and set temperature information from an indoor controller using a two-way communication method; A step of generating control information to be applied to the air conditioner based on the received indoor temperature information and set temperature information; A control method comprising: a step of transmitting a control signal corresponding to the generated control information to an indoor unit of the air conditioner through the one-way communication; 12. In paragraph 11, The step of generating the above control information is: A control method for determining the operation of the air conditioner based on the received indoor temperature information and the set temperature information, and generating the control information when the operation of the air conditioner is determined.

13. In paragraph 11, The step of generating the above control information is: A control method for determining an operation mode of the air conditioner and a compressor speed in the operation mode based on the received indoor temperature information and the set temperature information, and generating control information corresponding to the determined operation mode and the determined compressor speed.

14. In paragraph 11, The above control method is, A control method further comprising: a step of controlling a third interface that performs bidirectional communication with an outdoor unit among the air conditioners so that a control command for the outdoor unit corresponding to the generated control information is provided to the outdoor unit through the bidirectional communication.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium including a program for executing a method of controlling an electronic device, The above control method is, A step of receiving indoor temperature information and set temperature information from an indoor controller using a two-way communication method; A step of generating control information to be applied to the air conditioner based on the received indoor temperature information and set temperature information; A control method, comprising: a step of transmitting a control signal corresponding to the generated control information to an indoor unit of the air conditioner through the one-way communication;

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