Air conditioner for performing power saving control, and control method therefor

Abstract

An air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner comprises a detection sensor. In addition, the air conditioner comprises: an air conditioning module for performing an air conditioning operation for a target space; a memory for storing at least one instruction; and at least one processor including processing circuitry. By executing the at least one instruction, the at least one processor performs a power saving control operation of detecting a person in the target space by using a sensor detection value detected by the detection sensor, and, on the basis of an absence time determined to be when a person is not in the target space, adjusting the wind strength and / or set temperature of the air conditioning module according to the satisfying of a power saving control performance condition that indicates the condition for performing the power saving control operation.

Description

Air conditioner performing power saving control and control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner that performs energy-saving control, an air conditioner control method, and a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing the air conditioner control method on a computer.

[0002] Various types of air conditioners are widely used in indoor spaces. Because air conditioners consume a lot of power, methods to reduce their power consumption are needed. Air conditioners can be equipped with various sensors, such as occupancy sensors and temperature sensors. Using these sensors, air conditioners can control the environment of the air-conditioned space and control its operation. Air conditioners can perform energy-saving control using occupancy sensors. However, there is a problem that energy-saving control may not be effective depending on the operating patterns of each user.

[0003] According to an aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a detection sensor. Furthermore, the air conditioner includes an air conditioning module that performs an air conditioning operation for a target space. Furthermore, the air conditioner includes a memory that stores at least one instruction. Furthermore, the air conditioner includes at least one processor that includes a processing circuit. The at least one processor individually and / or collectively executes at least one instruction to detect a person in the target space using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor, and perform a power-saving control operation of adjusting at least one of a wind speed or a set temperature of the air conditioning module when a power-saving control execution condition indicating a condition for performing a power-saving control operation is satisfied based on an absence time during which it is determined that the person is absent from the target space, and in the power-saving control operation, one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels is set according to a performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps of the power-saving control operation, and a duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps is adjusted according to the set power-saving learning level, and at least one of the wind speed or the set temperature is adjusted while performing the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time.

[0004] In addition, according to an aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method for controlling the air conditioner includes a step of detecting a person in a target space using a sensor detection value of a detection sensor. In addition, the method for controlling the air conditioner includes a step of performing a power-saving control operation for adjusting at least one of a wind speed or a set temperature of an air conditioning module when a power-saving control execution condition indicating a condition for performing a power-saving control operation is satisfied based on an absence time during which it is determined that a person is absent in the target space. In addition, the step of performing the power-saving control operation includes a step of setting one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels according to a performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps of the power-saving control operation; a step of adjusting a duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the set power-saving learning level; and a step of adjusting at least one of the wind speed or the set temperature while performing the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time.

[0005] In addition, according to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing an air conditioner control method on a computer is provided.

[0006] The present invention can be readily understood by the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which reference numerals designate structural elements. Furthermore, other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an exemplary operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary preliminary judgment step, a plurality of intermediate driving steps, and a plurality of power saving learning levels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a table showing the durations of an exemplary preliminary judgment step and a plurality of intermediate driving steps according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in power consumption when performing power saving control at a basic level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a graph showing changes in power consumption when performing power saving control at the third learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a chart showing a process of adjusting the set temperature and wind speed at each driving stage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a chart showing a process of adjusting the set temperature and wind speed at each driving stage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a chart illustrating exemplary durations of a preliminary judgment step and a plurality of intermediate driving steps in each user-specified mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for performing power saving control and increasing a power saving learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for performing power saving control and reducing a power saving learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for adjusting a set temperature during power saving control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for adjusting a power-saving learning level based on a user's usage time information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for controlling a detection sensor while performing a soft-off according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process for entering an absence schedule through an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process in which an air conditioner operates based on an absence schedule according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process in which an air conditioner detects a person in a target space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process for adjusting sensor sensitivity when a person is detected in a target space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a WiFi frequency channel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a Wi-Fi signal being transmitted through a Wi-Fi channel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating exemplary CSI values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating exemplary CSI values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the result of detecting motion based on CSI values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining exemplary motion detection results according to the location of a connection relay according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining exemplary motion detection results according to the location of a connection relay according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 32 is a graph showing experimental results according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 33 is a flowchart illustrating an air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of activating an absent power saving function and outputting guide information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process for outputting guide information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for outputting a message indicating that the power saving control function is unavailable when the air conditioner becomes unable to perform the power saving control function while performing the power saving control function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary GUI that outputs a power saving control function unavailable message according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the various embodiments.

[0045] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0049] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure 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 having at least one of these functions.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner 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 housed in a single housing forming the exterior of the air conditioner, such as a window air conditioner or a portable air conditioner. On the other hand, some components of the heat pump device may be housed separately in multiple housings forming a single air conditioner, such as a wall-mounted air conditioner, a standing air conditioner, a system air conditioner, etc.

[0056] An air conditioner including a plurality of housings may include at least one outdoor unit installed outdoors and at least one indoor unit installed indoors. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit and one indoor unit are connected via a refrigerant pipe. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes. For example, the air conditioner may be configured such that two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units are connected via a plurality of refrigerant pipes.

[0057] The outdoor unit can be electrically connected to the indoor unit. For example, information (or commands) for controlling the air conditioner can be input through an input interface provided on the outdoor or indoor unit, and the outdoor and indoor units can operate simultaneously or sequentially in response to user input.

[0058] The air conditioner may include an outdoor heat exchanger provided in the outdoor unit, an indoor heat exchanger provided in the indoor unit, and a refrigerant pipe connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Indoor units are installed indoors. For example, indoor units can be categorized into ceiling-mounted, stand-alone, and wall-mounted types depending on their placement. For example, ceiling-mounted indoor units can be categorized into four-way, one-way, and duct-type indoor units depending on how air is discharged.

[0061] Similarly, an indoor heat exchanger can utilize the phase change of the refrigerant (e.g., evaporation or condensation) to exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. For example, while the refrigerant evaporates in the indoor unit, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the indoor air. The cooled indoor air can then be blown through the cooled indoor heat exchanger, thereby cooling the room. Furthermore, while the refrigerant condenses in the indoor heat exchanger, the refrigerant can release heat to the indoor air. By blowing the heated indoor air through the high-temperature indoor heat exchanger, the room can be heated.

[0062] That is, the air conditioner 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. To circulate the refrigerant, the air conditioner may include a compressor that compresses the refrigerant. The compressor can suck in refrigerant gas through the suction port and compress the refrigerant gas. The compressor can discharge the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas through the discharge port. The compressor may be placed inside the outdoor unit.

[0063] 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.

[0064] For example, if an air conditioner has one outdoor unit and one indoor unit directly connected through a refrigerant pipe, the refrigerant may be arranged to circulate between one outdoor unit and one indoor unit through the refrigerant pipe.

[0065] For example, in an air conditioner, if one outdoor unit is connected to two or more indoor units via refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant can flow to multiple indoor units via refrigerant pipes branching from the outdoor unit. The refrigerant discharged from the multiple indoor units can be combined and circulated to the outdoor unit. For example, multiple indoor units can be directly connected in parallel to a single outdoor unit via separate refrigerant pipes.

[0066] Multiple indoor units can operate independently, each according to a user-defined operating mode. That is, some indoor units can operate in cooling mode, while others operate simultaneously in heating mode. In this case, the refrigerant can be selectively introduced into each indoor unit at either high or low pressure along a designated circulation path via a flow switching valve, described below, and then discharged to circulate to the outdoor unit.

[0067] For example, when an air conditioner has two or more outdoor units and two or more indoor units connected through multiple refrigerant pipes, the refrigerant discharged from the multiple outdoor units may merge and flow through a single refrigerant pipe, then branch off again at some point and flow into multiple indoor units.

[0068] Multiple outdoor units may all be operated, or at least some may not be operated, depending on the operating load of the multiple indoor units. In this case, the refrigerant may be introduced into the outdoor unit, which is selectively operated, through a flow switching valve and circulated there. The air conditioner may include an expansion device to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat exchanger. For example, the expansion device may be located within the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The air conditioner may further include a flow diverter valve positioned along the refrigerant circulation path. The flow diverter valve may include, for example, a four-way valve. The flow diverter valve may determine the refrigerant circulation path depending on the indoor unit's operating mode (e.g., cooling operation or heating operation). The flow diverter valve may be connected to the discharge port of the compressor.

[0072] The air conditioner may include an accumulator. The accumulator may be connected to the suction port of the compressor. The accumulator may receive low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant vaporized in an indoor heat exchanger or an outdoor heat exchanger.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include at least one sensor. For example, the sensor of the outdoor unit may be provided as an environmental sensor. The outdoor unit sensor may be positioned at any location inside or outside the outdoor unit. For example, the outdoor unit sensor may include a temperature sensor for detecting the air temperature around the outdoor unit, a humidity sensor for detecting the air humidity around the outdoor unit, a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit, or a refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the refrigerant pressure of a refrigerant pipe passing through the outdoor unit.

[0076] An outdoor unit of an air conditioner may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may be configured to receive a control signal from a control unit of an indoor unit of the air conditioner, which will be described later. The outdoor unit 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 communication unit. The outdoor unit may transmit a sensing value detected by an outdoor unit sensor to the control unit of the indoor unit through the outdoor unit communication unit.

[0077] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a housing, a blower for circulating air into or out of the housing, and an indoor heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the housing.

[0078] The housing may include an intake port through which indoor air may be drawn into the interior of the housing.

[0079] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a filter that is provided to filter foreign substances in the air that flows into the housing through the intake port.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The housing of the indoor unit 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.

[0082] An indoor heat exchanger and a blower may be provided inside the housing of the indoor unit, which are arranged on a path connecting the intake and exhaust ports.

[0083] Blowers may include indoor fans and fan motors. For example, indoor fans may include axial fans, diffusion fans, crossflow fans, and centrifugal fans.

[0084] 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.

[0085] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a drain tray positioned 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.

[0086] The indoor unit of the air conditioner 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 can directly input setting data (e.g., desired indoor temperature, operating mode settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air flow settings) through the input interface.

[0087] 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 by operating the wired remote controller. Electrical signals corresponding to the configuration data obtained 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 using the wireless remote controller. The configuration data input through the wireless remote controller may be transmitted to the input interface as an infrared signal.

[0088] Additionally, 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 an indoor unit control unit. The indoor unit control unit may control components of the air conditioner 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 settings for cooling / heating / dehumidification / air purification, outlet selection settings, and / or air volume settings) may be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit, which will be described later. In one example, the setting data acquired through the input interface may be transmitted externally, i.e., to an outdoor unit or a server, through an indoor unit communication unit, which will be described later.

[0089] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include a power module. The power module may be connected to an external power source to supply power to the components of the indoor unit.

[0090] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an indoor unit sensor. The indoor unit sensor may be an environmental sensor positioned in a space inside or outside the housing. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include one or more temperature sensors and / or humidity sensors positioned in a predetermined space inside or outside the housing of the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include a refrigerant temperature sensor for detecting a refrigerant temperature of a refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor unit. For example, the indoor unit sensor may include respective refrigerant temperature sensors for detecting the inlet, middle, and / or outlet temperatures of the refrigerant pipe passing through the indoor heat exchanger.

[0091] For example, each environmental information detected by an indoor unit sensor can be transmitted to the indoor unit control unit described later or transmitted externally through the indoor unit communication unit described later.

[0092] The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit communication unit. The indoor unit communication unit may include various communication circuits, for example, including at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module. The indoor unit communication unit may include at least one antenna for wirelessly communicating with another device. The outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit may also include at least one of a short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote 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.

[0095] The indoor unit communication unit can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the air conditioner or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The air conditioner or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN). The indoor unit of the air conditioner may include an indoor unit control unit that controls components of the indoor unit, including a blower, etc. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner may include an outdoor unit control unit that controls components of the outdoor unit, including a compressor, etc. The indoor unit control unit can communicate with the outdoor unit control unit through the indoor unit communication unit and the outdoor unit communication unit. The outdoor unit communication unit can transmit control signals generated by the outdoor unit control unit to the indoor unit communication unit, or transmit control signals transmitted from the indoor unit communication unit to the outdoor unit control unit. In other words, the outdoor unit and the indoor unit can communicate bidirectionally. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit can transmit and receive various signals generated during the operation of the air conditioner.

[0096] The outdoor unit control unit can be electrically connected to components of the outdoor unit and can control the operation of each component. For example, the outdoor unit 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 control unit can adjust the rotation speed of the outdoor fan. In addition, the outdoor unit control unit can generate a control signal to adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve. Under the control of the outdoor unit 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.

[0097] The various temperature sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected temperatures to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit. For example, the humidity sensors included in the outdoor and indoor units can transmit electrical signals corresponding to the detected humidity to the outdoor unit control unit and / or the indoor unit control unit.

[0098] The indoor unit control unit can obtain user input from a user device, including a mobile device, via the indoor unit communication unit, and can obtain user input directly through the input interface or via a remote controller. The indoor unit control unit can control components of the indoor unit, including a blower, in response to the received user input. The indoor unit control unit can transmit information regarding the received user input to the outdoor unit control unit of the outdoor unit.

[0099] The outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit, including the compressor, based on information regarding user input received from the indoor unit. 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 dehumidification operation, is received from the indoor unit, the outdoor unit control unit can control the components of the outdoor unit so that the air conditioner performs an operation corresponding to the selected operation mode.

[0100] The outdoor unit control unit and the indoor unit control unit may each include a processor and a memory. The indoor unit control unit may include at least one first processor and at least one first memory, and the outdoor unit control unit may include at least one second processor and at least one second memory.

[0101] The memory can store / remember various information necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. The memory can store instructions, applications, data, and / or programs necessary for the operation of the air conditioner. For example, the memory can store various programs for the cooling, heating, dehumidifying, and / or defrosting operations of the air conditioner. The memory can include volatile memory such as Static Random Access Memory (S-RAM) and Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) for temporarily storing data. In addition, the memory can include non-volatile 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.

[0102] A processor includes various processing circuitry and may generate control signals for controlling the operation of an air conditioner based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in a memory. The processor may be hardware and may include logic circuitry and arithmetic circuitry. The processor may 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. A processor according to various embodiments may include various processing circuitry and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used herein, including in the claims, may include various processing circuitry including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor is configured to individually and / or collectively perform the various functions described herein in a distributed manner. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform various functions, these terms encompass, for example and without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions, other processor(s) perform other functions of the recited functions, and even situations where a single processor performs all of the recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may comprise a combination of processors that perform the various functions enumerated / disclosed, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0103] An indoor unit of an air conditioner may include an output interface. The output interface is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit and can output information related to the operation of the air conditioner under the control of the indoor unit control unit. For example, information such as an operating mode selected by a user input, wind direction, wind volume, and temperature may be output. Additionally, the output interface may output sensing information obtained from an indoor unit sensor or an outdoor unit sensor, as well as warning / error messages.

[0104] 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 an air conditioner may be displayed as at least an image or text. The display may also 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.

[0105] Hereinafter, air conditioners according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0106] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) performs an air conditioning operation for a target space (120). The air conditioning operation may include, for example, cooling, heating, air purification, dehumidification, or ventilation. The air conditioner (100) may be implemented in the form of an air conditioner, a heater, an air conditioner, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier. In the present disclosure, the case where the air conditioner (100) corresponds to an air conditioner is mainly described. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0108] The air conditioner (100) may include a detection sensor (110). The detection sensor (110) detects an object (e.g., 130) within a target space (120). The air conditioner (100) may determine whether a person (130) exists within the target space (120) using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110). The air conditioner (100) may control the on / off of the air conditioning operation or control the wind speed or the set temperature based on whether a person (130) exists within the target space (120).

[0109] The target space (120) refers to an indoor space in which an air conditioner (100) can be installed. The target space (120) can correspond to various types of indoor spaces such as a house, office, store, guest room, commercial space, or work space.

[0110] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) performs a power-saving control operation based on whether a person (130) is present in a target space (120). The power-saving control is an operation of controlling the air conditioner (100) to reduce power consumption of the air conditioner (100) when the detection sensor (110) determines that a user is absent from the target space (120). The air conditioner (100) can reduce power consumption by performing the power-saving control and adjusting a set temperature or a wind speed. For example, when the air conditioner (100) is an air conditioner, power consumption can be reduced by increasing a set temperature or lowering a wind speed. When the air conditioner (100) is a heater, power consumption can be reduced by lowering a set temperature or lowering a wind speed. Additionally, for example, when the air conditioner (100) operates in a dehumidifying mode, power consumption can be reduced by increasing the set humidity or lowering the wind speed. Additionally, for example, when the air conditioner (100) operates in an air purifying mode, power consumption can be reduced by lowering the wind speed.

[0111] The power saving control of the air conditioner (100) may be performed as one of the power saving modes (or standby modes). The power saving mode is a mode in which the air conditioner (100) operates at lower power than the normal mode in which it operates normally, and at least one of the plurality of components included in the air conditioner (100) may be turned off (or deactivated) or the setting value of at least one component may be adjusted. In this case, the power saving mode may be referred to as a low power mode, a standby mode, etc.

[0112] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of intermediate operation steps are sequentially performed in a power-saving control operation. The plurality of intermediate operation steps are steps in which at least one of a set temperature or wind speed is set differently from one another. The power-saving control can sequentially reduce power consumption by sequentially performing the plurality of intermediate operation steps. For example, the air conditioner (100) can switch to a wind-free mode in the first intermediate operation step and lower the set temperature by 2°C in the second intermediate operation step.

[0113] Each intermediate driving stage has a preset duration. The preset durations may be the same or different. For example, multiple intermediate driving stages may have three stages, and the duration of each intermediate driving stage may be set to 30 minutes. The number and combination of multiple intermediate driving stages may vary. An intermediate driving stage may also be referred to as an intermediate driving operation.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) operates at one of multiple power-saving learning levels. Each power-saving learning level is a level that sets a different duration for each of multiple intermediate operation steps. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the preset duration for each intermediate operation step can be adjusted according to the power-saving learning level. The air conditioner (100) can set one of the multiple power-saving learning levels based on the performance history of the multiple intermediate operation steps. For example, the air conditioner (100) can increase the power-saving learning level when it reaches the soft-off stage after passing through the multiple intermediate operation steps. The degree to which the air conditioner (100) reduces power consumption varies depending on the power-saving learning level. For example, a high power-saving learning level can reduce power consumption more quickly by quickly reaching the soft-off stage. On the other hand, a low power-saving learning level reduces power consumption relatively slowly, but can reduce the possibility of malfunction by reducing the possibility of incorrectly determining that a person is absent from the target space.

[0115] The soft-off stage is an operation in which the operation of the air conditioning module (212) is stopped while the detection sensor (110) of the air conditioner (100) is activated. The soft-off stage is performed while it is determined that no one is present in the target space. If a person is detected while operating in the soft-off state and it is determined that a person is present in the target space, the soft-off state is stopped, the air conditioner (100) wakes up, and the air conditioning operation is performed again. When woken up from the soft-off state, the air conditioner (100) can perform the air conditioning operation again according to the set temperature and wind speed set by the user before the power-saving control. The soft-off stage may also be referred to as a soft-off operation.

[0116] If the reference time for which the air conditioner (100) determines that a person is absent is excessively long, the air conditioner (100) may operate unnecessarily even when a person is absent in the target space (120), resulting in a low energy saving effect. On the other hand, if the reference time for which the air conditioner (100) determines that a person is absent is excessively short, the indoor temperature may rise due to early switching to energy-saving operation, and the air conditioner (100) may not be able to provide a comfortable environment to the user. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by learning the actual user's absence time pattern and adjusting the reference time for determining energy-saving control based on the reference time for absence energy-saving set by the user or the manufacturer, there is an effect of reducing energy consumption while increasing comfort.

[0117] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner (100) includes a detection sensor (110), a processor (210, including, for example, a processing circuit), an air conditioning module (212, including, for example, a heat pump device), and a memory (214). The block diagram of the air conditioner (100) of FIG. 2 may correspond to the block diagram of an indoor unit.

[0119] The air conditioner (100) can be implemented in various installation forms. For example, the air conditioner (100) can be implemented in a stand form, a wall-mounted form, a system air conditioner built into the ceiling form, or a home multi-air conditioner form.

[0120] The detection sensor (110) can detect an object in a target space (120). The detection sensor (110) may include, for example, a ToF (Time of Flight) sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, an optical sensor, a radar (radio detection and ranging) sensor, or a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor. The detection sensor (110) is arranged to output a signal to the target space (120) and detect a reflected signal. The detection sensor (110) may be arranged in front of the air conditioner (100) toward the target space (120). The detection sensor (110) generates a sensor detection value and transmits it to the processor (210).

[0121] The processor (210) may include various processing circuits and controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (100). The processor (210) may be implemented with one or more processors. The processor (210) may execute instructions or commands stored in the memory (214) to perform a predetermined operation. In addition, the processor (210) controls the operation of components provided in the air conditioner (100). The processor (210) may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, etc. The processor (210) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used in this document, including the claims, may include various processing circuits including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor is configured to individually and / or collectively perform various functions described herein in a distributed manner. As used herein, when "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" are described as being configured to perform various functions, these terms encompass, for example and without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions, other processor(s) perform other functions of the recited functions, and even situations where a single processor performs all of the recited functions. Additionally, the at least one processor may comprise a combination of processors that perform the various functions enumerated / disclosed, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0122] The processor (210) determines whether there is a moving object using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110), and if there is a moving object, determines that there is a person in the target space (120). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) determines whether the detected object is a person using the sensor detection value. For example, if the detection sensor (110) corresponds to an infrared sensor, the processor (210) determines that there is a person in the target space (120) if an infrared value corresponding to a person is detected. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) determines whether the detected object has a human shape based on the sensor detection value, and if the detected object corresponds to a human shape, determines that there is a human in the target space (120).

[0123] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection sensor (110) corresponds to a radar sensor, and the processor (210) can determine whether a detected object is a human shape using a sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The radar sensor outputs a radar signal to a target space (120) and detects a signal reflected from an object in the target space (120) as a sensor detection value. The processor (210) detects an object in the target space (120) using the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The processor (210) detects an object in the target space (120) at a predetermined frame rate and detects movement of the object. The processor (210) determines that a human exists in the target space (120) if the movement value of the object in the target space (120) is greater than or equal to a reference value. For example, the processor (210) detects an object in the target space (120) at a cycle of 30 frames / sec, and determines that a human exists in the target space (120) if the movement value per second of the object is greater than or equal to the reference value. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) determines whether the recognized object is a person based on the result of object recognition based on the sensor detection value of the radar sensor. The processor (210) can determine whether the recognized object is a person based on the shape of the recognized object. If the recognized object corresponds to a person and the movement value is greater than or equal to a reference value, the processor (210) determines that a person exists in the target space (120). If the processor (210) determines that the recognized object does not correspond to a person, it determines that a person does not exist in the target space (120). In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can determine that a person exists in the target space (120) even when the recognized object corresponds to a pet. Therefore, the processor (210) can determine that a person exists in the target space (120) if the detected object corresponds to a person or a pet and the movement value is greater than or equal to a reference value.

[0124] The air conditioning module (212) may include a heat pump device and performs an air conditioning operation. The air conditioning module (212) controls whether to cool, the cooling intensity, whether to heat, the heating intensity, the air volume, etc. based on a control signal or a driving signal input from the processor (210). The air conditioning module (212) may include a heat exchanger, a motor, an inverter, a fan, a filter, etc. The air conditioning module (212) is provided with a heat exchanger and may perform heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air by utilizing a phase change (e.g., expansion or compression) of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger. For example, while the refrigerant expands in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant may absorb heat from the indoor air, and the indoor air may be cooled. While the refrigerant is compressed in the heat exchanger, the refrigerant may release heat to the indoor air, and the indoor air may be heated.

[0125] The processor (210) counts the absence time determined to be a person's absence in the target space (120). The processor (210) continuously counts the time determined to be a person's absence as the absence time. If a person is detected in the target space (120), the absence time is reset to 0. If a person is determined to be absent in the target space (120) again, the absence time is counted again from 0.

[0126] The processor (210) determines whether to perform power-saving control based on the absence time. Power-saving control is an operation of sequentially adjusting the wind speed or set temperature through a plurality of intermediate operation steps. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) performs a preliminary determination step of determining whether to perform power-saving control. The processor (210) counts the absence time during the duration of the preliminary determination step. For example, the duration of the preliminary determination step may be 60 minutes. If the absence time exceeds the duration while performing the preliminary determination step, the processor (210) determines to perform power-saving control. That is, if no person is continuously detected during the duration set corresponding to the preliminary determination step while performing the preliminary determination step, the processor (210) determines to perform power-saving control. If the absence time ends before reaching the duration while performing the preliminary determination step, the processor (210) ends the preliminary determination step and does not perform power-saving control. That is, if a person is detected while the processor (210) is performing the preliminary judgment step and the absence time is reset to 0, the preliminary judgment step is terminated and power saving control is not performed. The preliminary judgment step may also be referred to as a preliminary judgment operation.

[0127] When the processor (210) determines to perform power-saving control, the processor (210) performs power-saving control through a plurality of intermediate operation steps. The processor (210) adjusts at least one of the set temperature or wind speed in each intermediate operation step. The processor (210) controls the air conditioning module (212) to adjust the set temperature or wind speed.

[0128] The processor (210) can adjust the set temperature by changing the temperature setting value of the indoor unit and adjusting the motor rotation speed of the outdoor unit compressor or the indoor unit compressor to adjust the set temperature. For example, when the set temperature is set by the user of the processor (210), the motor RPM (Revolutions per minute) can be adjusted according to the set temperature. If the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is higher than the set temperature, the processor (210) can control the compressor motor RPM to increase, and if the indoor temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the set temperature, the processor can decrease the compressor motor RPM or stop the compressor motor. The processor (210) can generate a control signal for adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor and output it to the air conditioning module (212). The air conditioning module (212) can adjust the RPM of the compressor motor according to the control signal of the processor (210), thereby adjusting the degree of cooling of the air. By adjusting the RPM of the compressor motor, the indoor temperature can follow the set temperature. By increasing the RPM of the compressor motor, the air conditioning module (212) discharges airflow at a lower temperature than before into the room, which may lower the indoor temperature. In addition, by reducing the RPM of the compressor motor or stopping the compressor motor, the air conditioning module (212) discharges airflow at a higher temperature than before into the room, which may raise the indoor temperature. In the air conditioner (100), the compressor of the outdoor unit accounts for a large proportion of the power consumption. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when performing power-saving control, the power consumption can be significantly reduced by adjusting the set temperature.

[0129] The processor (210) can control the wind door or blade of the indoor unit to switch to the wind-free mode in order to control the wind speed. The indoor unit operates in the wind-free mode by discharging air with the wind door closed. The processor (210) generates a control signal for closing the wind door and outputs it to the air conditioning module (212). The air conditioning module (212) closes the wind door in response to the control signal input from the processor (210) and operates in the wind-free mode. In addition, the processor (210) can control the fan speed of the indoor unit in order to control the wind speed. The processor (210) generates a control signal for controlling the fan speed and outputs it to the air conditioning module (212). The air conditioning module (212) controls the fan speed in response to the control signal input from the processor (210).

[0130] When performing power-saving control, the processor (210) operates at one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels. The higher the power-saving learning level, the shorter the duration of the plurality of intermediate operation stages, resulting in a faster power consumption reduction rate and a soft-off reaching rate. The lower the power-saving learning level, the longer the duration of the plurality of intermediate operation stages, resulting in a slower power consumption reduction rate and a soft-off reaching rate. The processor (210) adjusts the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages according to the power-saving learning level.

[0131] The power-saving learning level may be determined based on the performance history of the intermediate operation steps. When determining the performance history of the intermediate operation steps, the processor (210) may consider criteria such as which intermediate operation step was previously performed, whether a soft-off state was reached, or at which intermediate operation step it was stopped. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) may increase the power-saving learning level if the air conditioner (100) is maintained in the soft-off state for a preset duration by power-saving control. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) may increase the power-saving learning level if a person is detected and the air conditioner (100) wakes up before the preset duration is reached in the soft-off state.

[0132] The memory (214) stores various information, data, at least one command, at least one program, etc. required for the operation of the air conditioner (100). The memory (214) may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. The memory (214) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. In addition, the memory (214) may correspond to a web storage or cloud server that performs a storage function on the Internet.

[0133] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] An air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed by an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0135] In step S302, the air conditioner (100) detects a person in the target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110). The air conditioner (100) determines whether a moving object exists using the sensor detection value, and if a moving object exists, determines that a person exists in the target space (120). The moving object may include an animal. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the detected object is a person using the sensor detection value. For example, if the detection sensor (110) corresponds to an infrared sensor, the air conditioner (100) determines that a person exists in the target space (120) when an infrared value corresponding to a person is detected. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the detected object has a human shape based on the sensor detection value, and if the detected object corresponds to a human shape, determines that a person exists in the target space (120).

[0136] The air conditioner (100) includes an operation of detecting a person using a sensor detection value or based on a sensor detection value in step S302. At this time, the operation of detecting a person may include an operation of detecting a person by identifying a sensor detection value, an operation of detecting a person by determining a person detection result, an operation of detecting a person by analyzing a sensor detection value, an operation of detecting a person by searching a sensor detection value, an operation of detecting a person by recognizing a sensor detection value, an operation of detecting a person by distinguishing a sensor detection value, an operation of detecting a person by distinguishing a sensor detection value, and an operation of detecting a person by separating a sensor detection value.

[0137] In step S304, the air conditioner (100) determines whether to perform power-saving control based on the absence time, which is the time when no one is present in the target space. The air conditioner (100) performs a preliminary determination step, and when the absence time reaches the duration of the preliminary determination step, the air conditioner (100) can perform power-saving control. The duration of the preliminary determination step may represent the absence time that serves as a standard for determining whether to perform power-saving control in the preliminary determination step. The air conditioner (100) may not perform power-saving control if the absence time is stopped before reaching the duration of the preliminary determination step. That is, the air conditioner (100) may perform power-saving control when the absence time is longer than the standard time for determining power-saving control, and may not perform power-saving control when the absence time is shorter than the standard time for determining power-saving control.

[0138] If it is determined that the air conditioner (100) is performing power-saving control, in step S306, one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels can be set based on the performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the air conditioner (100) reaches a soft-off state by power-saving control and is maintained in the soft-off state for a duration, the power-saving learning level can be increased. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if a person is detected and the air conditioner (100) is woken up before the duration in the soft-off state is reached, the power-saving learning level can be increased.

[0139] In step S308, the air conditioner (100) adjusts the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages according to the set power-saving learning level. The duration of each intermediate operation stage indicates the duration for which the operation of each intermediate operation stage continues according to the set value corresponding to each intermediate operation stage. The operation of adjusting the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages can be expressed as an operation of changing the duration, increasing the duration, decreasing the duration, setting the duration, or specifying the duration. The duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages can be set differently according to the power-saving learning level.

[0140] In step S310, the air conditioner (100) adjusts at least one of the wind speed or the set temperature through a plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time. The air conditioner (100) can sequentially perform a plurality of intermediate operation steps. The air conditioner (100) adjusts the wind speed or the set temperature in each intermediate operation step. The air conditioner (100) performs the intermediate operation step for the duration of each intermediate operation step, and when the duration of the intermediate operation step expires, performs the next intermediate operation step. The air conditioner (100) adjusts the wind speed or the set temperature when the intermediate operation step is switched. The air conditioner (100) performs the air conditioning operation by maintaining the adjusted wind speed or the set temperature for the duration of the intermediate operation step.

[0141] When a person is detected while performing power saving control, the air conditioner (100) stops the intermediate operation stage and terminates the power saving control. When power saving control is terminated by detecting a person, the air conditioner (100) can operate at the wind speed and temperature set before the power saving control.

[0142] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary preliminary judgment step, a plurality of intermediate driving steps, and a plurality of power saving learning levels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can perform a preliminary judgment step for determining whether to perform energy-saving control based on the absence time, and a plurality of intermediate operation steps corresponding to energy-saving control. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of intermediate operation steps may include an absence wind-free stage, a first absence energy-saving stage, and a second absence energy-saving stage. However, this is merely exemplary, and the number of intermediate operation steps and the names of each step may be determined in various ways.

[0144] The preliminary judgment step is a step for determining whether the air conditioner (100) will perform energy-saving control. During the duration of the preliminary judgment step, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the user is absent, and if the absence time reaches the duration of the preliminary judgment step, the air conditioner (100) initiates energy-saving control. If a person is detected in the target space during the preliminary judgment step, the preliminary judgment step ends, and the air conditioner (100) returns to normal operation without performing energy-saving control.

[0145] When the air conditioner (100) starts power saving control, it sequentially performs the absence wind-free stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage. The duration of each of the absence wind-free stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage can be preset. The power saving control is performed while it is determined that no one is present in the target space, and if a person is detected in the target space during the power saving control, the power saving control is stopped.

[0146] When the absence wind-free stage, the first absence power-saving stage, and the second absence power-saving stage are completed, the air conditioner (100) performs a soft-off operation. The soft-off operation is a state in which the detection sensor (110) of the air conditioner (100) is activated and the operation of the air conditioning module (212) is stopped. The soft-off operation is performed while it is determined that a person is absent in the target space. If a person is detected during operation in the soft-off state and it is determined that a person is present in the target space, the soft-off state is stopped, the air conditioner (100) wakes up, and performs the air conditioning operation again. When woken up from the soft-off state, the air conditioner (100) can perform the air conditioning operation again according to the set temperature and wind speed set by the user before the power-saving control.

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the soft off state is maintained for a preset duration, the air conditioner (100) can perform a hard off operation. The hard off state means an operation in which the detection sensor (110) of the air conditioner (100) is deactivated and the operation of the air conditioning module (212) is stopped.

[0148] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may set one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels when performing power-saving control. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of power-saving learning levels include a basic level, a first learning level, a second learning level, and a third learning level. As described above, the air conditioner (100) may set one of the plurality of power-saving learning levels according to the performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps may be set differently according to the set power-saving learning level. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the durations of the preliminary judgment step, the absent wind-free step, the first absent power-saving step, and the second absent power-saving step in the basic level may be set to T01, T10, T11, and T12, respectively. Additionally, in the first learning level, the durations of the preliminary judgment stage, the absence windless stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage may be set to T02, T20, T21, and T22, respectively. Additionally, in the second learning level, the durations of the preliminary judgment stage, the absence windless stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage may be set to T03, T30, T31, and T32, respectively. Additionally, in the third learning level, the durations of the preliminary judgment stage, the absence windless stage, the first absence power saving stage, and the second absence power saving stage may be set to T04, T40, T41, and T42, respectively.

[0149] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations of the preliminary judgment stages of each power-saving learning level, T01, T02, T03, and T04, may all be set to be the same. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations of the absence wind-free stage of each power-saving learning level, T10, T20, T30, and T40, may be set to be different. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations of the first absence power-saving stage of each power-saving learning level, T11, T21, T31, and T41, may be set to be different. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations of the second absence power-saving stage of each power-saving learning level, T12, T22, T32, and T42, may be set to be different.

[0150] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations of the first absence power saving stage (T11, T21, T31, and T41) and the durations of the second absence power saving stage (T12, T22, T32, and T42) of each power saving learning level can be set to the same value in the same power saving learning level.

[0151] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating exemplary durations of a preliminary judgment step and a plurality of intermediate operation steps according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the plurality of intermediate operation steps include an absent wind-free step and a first absent power-saving step. If the plurality of intermediate operation steps include an absent wind-free step, a first absent power-saving step, and a second absent power-saving step, the duration of the second absent power-saving step may be additionally defined.

[0152] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the durations of the preliminary judgment stage and the multiple intermediate operation stages can be defined according to each power-saving learning level. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the durations of the absence wind-free stage, the first absence power-saving stage, and the soft-off state can be maintained or decreased as the learning level increases. Furthermore, as the power-saving learning level increases, the sum of the durations of the absence wind-free stage, the first absence power-saving stage, and the soft-off state decreases. Therefore, as the power-saving learning level increases, the time until the soft-off state is reached when no one is present in the target space is set to be shorter.

[0153] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the duration of the preliminary judgment phase may be set to be longer than the durations of the absence wind-free phase, the first absence power-saving phase, and the soft-off state. Furthermore, the duration of the preliminary judgment phase may be set to be the same for each power-saving learning level.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 5, at the basic level, the duration of the preliminary judgment stage may be set to 60 minutes, the duration of the absence wind-free stage may be set to 20 minutes, the duration of the first absence power-saving stage may be set to 40 minutes, and the duration of the soft-off stage may be set to 40 minutes. In addition, at the first learning level, the duration of the preliminary judgment stage may be set to 60 minutes, the duration of the absence wind-free stage may be set to 15 minutes, the duration of the first absence power-saving stage may be set to 30 minutes, and the duration of the soft-off stage may be set to 30 minutes. In addition, at the second learning level, the duration of the preliminary judgment stage may be set to 60 minutes, the duration of the absence wind-free stage may be set to 10 minutes, the duration of the first absence power-saving stage may be set to 20 minutes, and the duration of the soft-off stage may be set to 20 minutes. Additionally, in the third learning level, the duration of the preliminary judgment stage can be set to 60 minutes, the duration of the absence wind-free stage can be set to 10 minutes, the duration of the first absence power-saving stage can be set to 10 minutes, and the duration of the soft-off stage can be set to 10 minutes.

[0155] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of the preliminary judgment step according to the power saving learning level and the duration of the plurality of intermediate driving steps may be stored in advance in the memory (214).

[0156] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of the preliminary judgment step according to the power-saving learning level and the duration of the multiple intermediate operation steps can be input or modified by user input. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) includes an input interface (see FIG. 16, 1610) for receiving user input, and can receive user input through the input interface (1610). In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) includes a communication module (see FIG. 16, 1620), and can receive user input through the communication module (1620).

[0157] FIG. 6 is a graph showing changes in power consumption when performing power saving control at a basic level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0158] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) can be gradually reduced by performing power saving control of the air conditioner (100). The air conditioner (100) performs a preliminary judgment step in step 602. If the air conditioner (100) determines that a person is absent from the target space for a sustained period of time through the preliminary judgment step, the air conditioner (100) detects an absence state in step 604.

[0159] The air conditioner (100) performs power saving control by detecting an absence state. The air conditioner (100) performs an absence wind-free stage for T10 hours (e.g., 20 minutes) in step 606. Next, the air conditioner (100) performs a first absence power saving stage for T11 hours (e.g., 40 minutes) in step 608. Next, the air conditioner (100) performs a second absence power saving stage for T12 hours (e.g., 40 minutes) in step 610. Next, the air conditioner (100) performs a soft-off operation in step 612 after continuing the second absence power saving stage for T12 hours, and is maintained in a soft-off state.

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) switches to the windless mode while maintaining the set temperature in the windless stage. The windless mode is a mode in which the wind door is closed and air conditioning is performed.

[0161] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) raises the set temperature by a reference level in the first absence power saving stage and the second absence power saving stage. The air conditioner (100) can raise the set temperature by a first reference level in the first absence power saving stage and raise the set temperature by a second reference level in the second absence power saving stage. The first reference level and the second reference level can be set to the same value or different values. The air conditioner (100) can significantly reduce the power consumption of the compressor by raising the set temperature in the first absence power saving stage and the second absence power saving stage. The power consumption of the compressor accounts for the highest proportion of the power consumption of the air conditioner (100). Therefore, the air conditioner (100) has the effect of significantly reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) by raising the set temperature.

[0162] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) operates in a wind-free mode in the absence wind-free stage, thereby allowing the user to recognize that power-saving control has been performed. Since the closing operation of the wind door in the absence wind-free stage is visually visible to the user, the user can easily recognize that power-saving control has been performed by recognizing that the wind door is closed. In addition, the air conditioner (100) can significantly reduce power consumption by adjusting the set temperature in the first absence power-saving stage and the second absence power-saving stage. In addition, when the air conditioner (100) performs a soft-off operation, the operation of the air conditioning module is stopped, so that power consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0163] FIG. 7 is a graph showing an exemplary change in power consumption when performing power saving control at the third learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] When the power-saving learning level is set to the third learning level, the air conditioner (100) can perform the preliminary judgment stage, the absence wind-free stage, the first absence power-saving stage, and the second absence power-saving stage with durations corresponding to the third learning level. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the air conditioner (100) can maintain the absence wind-free stage for 10 minutes, the first absence power-saving stage for 10 minutes, and the second absence power-saving stage for 10 minutes. In addition, the air conditioner (100) can gradually reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100) by performing the first absence power-saving stage, the second absence power-saving stage, and the soft-off operation. When operating at the third learning level, since the duration of each intermediate stage is short, the power consumption is reduced at a faster rate than in the basic level described above with reference to FIG. 6.

[0165] Figure 8 is a table illustrating an exemplary process for adjusting a set temperature and wind speed at each operating stage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment in which an air conditioner corresponds to a refrigerator.

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) reduces power consumption by adjusting the wind speed or set temperature in the absence wind-free stage, the first absence power-saving stage, and the second absence power-saving stage. The operation of adjusting the wind speed or set temperature is performed when the corresponding intermediate operation stage is started, and the state in which the wind speed or set temperature is adjusted by the adjustment operation is maintained while performing the corresponding intermediate operation stage.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) maintains the set temperature and wind speed during the preliminary judgment stage. For example, the air conditioner (100) may maintain the set temperature and wind speed prior to entering the preliminary judgment stage.

[0168] The air conditioner (100) switches to the windless mode in the windless mode. In the windless mode, the air conditioner (100) maintains the set temperature and switches to the windless mode by closing the wind door. When the air conditioner (100) closes the wind door, the wind door is visually visible to the user, so that the user can visually recognize the energy-saving control of the air conditioner (100). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the air conditioner (100) switches to the windless mode in the first stage of the energy-saving control, the user can easily recognize that the air conditioner (100) is operating in the energy-saving mode.

[0169] If the air conditioner (100) is already operating in the windless mode before entering the windless absence stage, it can maintain the windless mode in the windless absence stage.

[0170] Next, the air conditioner (100) raises the set temperature to a first reference level, for example, 2°C, in the first absence power saving stage and maintains the windless mode. Furthermore, the air conditioner (100) raises the set temperature to a second reference level, for example, 2°C, in the second absence power saving stage and maintains the windless mode. By raising the set temperature in the first absence power saving stage and the second absence power saving stage, the air conditioner (100) can significantly reduce the power consumption of the compressor.

[0171] If the air conditioner (100) corresponds to a heater, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the set temperature by a first reference level in the first absence power saving stage, and reduce the set temperature by a second reference level in the second absence power saving stage.

[0172] Figure 9 is a table illustrating an exemplary process for adjusting a set temperature and wind speed at each operating stage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the air conditioner corresponds to an air purifier, humidifier, air washer, dehumidifier, etc.

[0173] If the air conditioner (100) is a device without a temperature control function, the air conditioner (100) can reduce power consumption by controlling the wind speed at each intermediate operation stage of power saving control.

[0174] The air conditioner (100) can maintain the wind speed at the preliminary judgment stage.

[0175] Next, the air conditioner (100) can switch to the windless mode in the absence windless stage. If the air conditioner (100) is already operating in the windless mode before entering the absence windless stage, it can maintain the windless mode in the absence windless stage.

[0176] Next, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the wind speed by a reference level in each of the first and second absence power saving stages. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the air conditioner (100) can reduce the wind speed by one level in each of the first and second absence power saving stages.

[0177] FIG. 10 is a table showing the duration of a preliminary judgment step and a plurality of intermediate driving steps in each user-specified mode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when performing power-saving control, the air conditioner (100) may operate in a user-specified user-specified mode among a plurality of user-specified modes. Depending on the user-specified mode, the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages of the power-saving control is set differently.

[0179] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of user-defined modes include an eco mode, a normal mode, and a comfort mode. The duration of the plurality of intermediate operation stages increases in the order of the eco mode, normal mode, and comfort mode. When performing power-saving control in the eco mode, the air conditioner (100) reaches the soft-off stage in a relatively short time, thereby achieving a rapid power consumption reduction effect. On the other hand, when performing power-saving control in the comfort mode, the air conditioner (100) can prevent or reduce cases in which a comfortable environment is not provided by changing the set temperature through power-saving control even when a person is not actually absent, such as when the person is briefly away from the target space. Therefore, in the comfort mode, the power-saving control of the air conditioner (100) can be performed while minimizing or reducing user inconvenience. In the present disclosure, by changing the duration of each intermediate operation stage of the power-saving control according to the user-defined mode selected by the user, the user can select the desired form of power-saving control.

[0180] As illustrated in FIG. 10, for each of a plurality of user-defined modes, the duration of the intermediate operation stage at each power-saving learning level is pre-specified. When a user-defined mode is set by user input, the air conditioner (100) performs power-saving control using the duration of the intermediate operation stage corresponding to the set user-defined mode and the current power-saving learning level.

[0181] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of the preliminary judgment step can be maintained constant even if the user-specified mode is changed.

[0182] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of an intermediate driving stage according to a user-defined mode can be preset and stored. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of an intermediate driving stage according to a user-defined mode can be set or changed by user input. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user-defined mode can be added or deleted by the user.

[0183] Additionally, the duration of the soft-off state can be set differently for each custom mode.

[0184] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for performing power saving control and increasing a power saving learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0185] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may perform power-saving control in step S1102 and increase the power-saving learning level in step S1126 based on the power-saving control history. The air conditioner (100) may perform power-saving control in step S1102 and, if the absence time continues and the air conditioner (100) is soft-off, increase the power-saving learning level in step S1126.

[0186] First, step S1102 is described.

[0187] If the air conditioner (100) decides to perform power saving control in step S304 described above in FIG. 3, it performs the absence windless stage in step S1104.

[0188] The air conditioner (100) determines whether to maintain the absence wind-free stage in step S1106 while performing the absence wind-free stage. The air conditioner (100) determines whether to maintain the absence wind-free stage by determining whether the absence time after entering the absence wind-free stage has reached the duration of the absence wind-free stage. The absence time is counted based on the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110) while the air conditioner (100) is operating.

[0189] The air conditioner (100) determines that the absence wind-free stage is not maintained when the absence time reaches the duration of the absence wind-free stage or when a person is detected.

[0190] The air conditioner (100) determines whether a person is detected in step S1108 and the absence wind-free stage is stopped. If a person is detected and the absence wind-free stage is stopped, the air conditioner (100) terminates the power saving control in step S1124.

[0191] When the absence time reaches the duration of the absence wind-free stage, the air conditioner (100) performs the first absence power saving stage in step S1110.

[0192] The air conditioner (100) determines whether to maintain the first absence power saving stage in step S1112 while performing the first absence power saving stage. The air conditioner (100) determines whether to maintain the first absence power saving stage by determining whether the absence time since the first absence power saving stage was initiated has reached the duration of the first absence power saving stage. The absence time is counted based on the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110) while the air conditioner (100) is operating.

[0193] The air conditioner (100) determines that the first absence power saving stage is not maintained if the absence time reaches the duration of the first absence power saving stage or if a person is detected. The air conditioner (100) determines in step S1114 whether the first absence power saving stage is stopped due to the detection of a person. If the first absence power saving stage is stopped due to the detection of a person, the air conditioner (100) terminates the power saving control in step S1124.

[0194] When the absence time reaches the duration of the first absence power saving stage, the air conditioner (100) performs the second absence power saving stage in step S1116.

[0195] The air conditioner (100) determines whether to maintain the second absence power saving phase in step S1118 while performing the second absence power saving phase. The air conditioner (100) determines whether to maintain the second absence power saving phase by determining whether the absence time after initiating the second absence power saving phase has reached the duration of the second absence power saving phase. The absence time is counted based on the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110) while the air conditioner (100) is operating.

[0196] The air conditioner (100) determines that the second absence power saving stage is not maintained if the absence time reaches the duration of the second absence power saving stage or if a person is detected. The air conditioner (100) determines in step S1120 whether the second absence power saving stage is stopped due to the detection of a person. If the second absence power saving stage is stopped due to the detection of a person, the air conditioner (100) terminates the power saving control in step S1124.

[0197] The air conditioner (100) performs a soft off in step S1122 when the absence time reaches the duration of the second absence power saving stage.

[0198] The air conditioner (100) determines whether the soft-off state has been maintained for a duration in step S1126. If the soft-off state has been maintained for a duration, the air conditioner (100) increases the power-saving learning level in step S1128. For example, if the air conditioner (100) is currently operating at the basic level, the air conditioner (100) increases the power-saving learning level to the first learning level in step S1128. Step S1128 of FIG. 11 may correspond to or be included in the step of setting one of the power-saving learning levels in step S306 of FIG. 3.

[0199] If the soft-off state is terminated before the duration by detecting a person, the air conditioner (100) proceeds to step S1124, terminates the power saving control, and returns to normal operation.

[0200] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for performing power saving control and reducing a power saving learning level according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] The air conditioner (100) can increase the duration of multiple intermediate operation stages by reducing the power saving learning level when it is woken up by detecting a person before the duration of the soft off state expires while operating in the soft off state.

[0202] Referring to Fig. 12, the air conditioner (100) operates in a soft-off state when a soft-off is performed by power-saving control in step S1122. The air conditioner (100) determines whether a person has been detected before the duration of the soft-off state expires in step S1202. The air conditioner (100) detects a person based on the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110).

[0203] If the air conditioner (100) detects a person before the duration of the soft-off state in step S1202, it reduces the power-saving learning level in step S1204. As the power-saving learning level decreases, the duration of the intermediate operation phase increases.

[0204] Next, in step S1206, the air conditioner (100) terminates the power saving control and returns to normal operation. The air conditioner (100) wakes up from the soft-off state and terminates the power saving control. The air conditioner (100) operates at the set temperature and wind speed set prior to the power saving control.

[0205] Next, in step S1208, the air conditioner (100) initializes the absence time. The air conditioner (100) initializes the absence time to 0 by detecting a person.

[0206] Next, the air conditioner (100) proceeds to step S302 described in FIG. 3, and performs human detection using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110) in the target space.

[0207] Step S1204 in FIG. 12 may correspond to an operation of setting one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels based on the performance history of a plurality of intermediate driving steps in step S306 of FIG. 3. The order of steps S1204, S1206, and S1208 in FIG. 12 is not limited to the order illustrated in FIG. 12. Steps S1204, S1206, and S1208 may be performed in parallel with each other, or may be performed in a different order than the order illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0208] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for adjusting a set temperature during power saving control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can stop adjusting the set temperature if the set temperature reaches the maximum reference temperature during power-saving control. If the air conditioner (100) is a cooling device, if the set temperature is set too high (e.g., set to 29°C) during power-saving control, the set temperature may be set to a set temperature that is not suitable for cooling. In addition, if the air conditioner (100) is a heating device, if the set temperature is set too low (e.g., set to 18°C) during power-saving control, the set temperature may be set to a set temperature that is not suitable for heating. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can prevent or reduce the set temperature from being set to an inappropriate temperature while performing power-saving control.

[0210] Steps S1302, S1304, S1306, and S1308 of FIG. 13 may be performed while performing step S310 of FIG. 3, or may be performed while performing step S1102 of FIG. 11.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 13, in step S1302, the air conditioner (100) can increase the set temperature by power saving control. For example, the air conditioner (100) can increase the set temperature by 2°C when entering the first absence power saving stage or the second absence power saving stage.

[0212] Next, in step S1304, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the increased set temperature has reached the maximum reference temperature. If the increased set temperature is equal to or greater than the maximum reference temperature, the air conditioner (100) determines that the maximum reference temperature has been reached. The maximum reference temperature may be a preset value. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the maximum reference temperature may be set by a user input.

[0213] If the air conditioner (100) determines that the increased set temperature has reached the maximum reference temperature, the air conditioner (100) sets the maximum reference temperature to the set temperature in step S1306. For example, if the increased set temperature in step S1302 is 30°C and the maximum reference temperature is 29°C, the air conditioner (100) sets the set temperature to the maximum reference temperature of 29°C.

[0214] If the air conditioner (100) determines that the increased set temperature has not reached the maximum reference temperature, it uses the increased set temperature as is.

[0215] Next, in step S1308, the air conditioner (100) operates at the set temperature.

[0216] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for adjusting a power-saving learning level based on a user's usage time information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0217] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a power-saving learning level can be set using user usage time statistics. A typical user's average daily air conditioner usage time is approximately 8 to 10 hours. However, if a user uses the air conditioner for less than 1 hour per day on average, setting the power-saving learning level to the default level will result in the duration of the power-saving control being longer than the user's total daily usage time. In this case, the power-saving control becomes inappropriate for the user's usage pattern. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the user's average daily usage time is less than the standard usage time, the air conditioner (100) can set the power-saving learning level to a high level to perform power-saving control suited to the user's usage pattern.

[0218] Referring to FIG. 14, in step S1402, the air conditioner (100) obtains the average daily usage time information of the air conditioner (100), which indicates the average daily usage time of the air conditioner (100). The air conditioner (100) obtains the average daily usage time information for the device. If the air conditioner (100) includes multiple indoor units, the air conditioner (100) can obtain the average daily usage time information for each indoor unit. The air conditioner (100) can collect the daily usage time information for a predetermined period of time to calculate the average daily usage time of the air conditioner (100). For example, the air conditioner (100) can collect the daily usage time information for one week after installing the device, and calculate the average daily usage time. The daily usage time refers to the time that the air conditioner (100) is turned on and operates during the day. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the daily usage time may be calculated excluding soft-off times. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the daily usage time may be calculated including soft-off times.

[0219] Once the average daily usage time information is obtained, the air conditioner (100) then determines in step S1404 whether the average daily usage time is less than the standard usage time. The standard usage time is a preset value. The standard usage time may be set to, for example, 1 hour.

[0220] If the average daily usage time is less than the standard usage time, the air conditioner (100) may select a preset high power-saving learning level in step S1406. For example, if the average daily usage time is less than the standard usage time of 1 hour, the air conditioner (100) may set the third learning level regardless of the performance history of the intermediate operation stage.

[0221] If the average daily usage time is greater than the standard usage time, in step S1408, the air conditioner (100) can maintain the existing power-saving learning level determined based on the performance history of the intermediate operation stage.

[0222] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can set the lowest power-saving learning level based on the average daily usage time. For example, if the average daily usage time of the air conditioner (100) is less than 2 hours, the power-saving learning level can be set to a second learning level or higher. In this case, the air conditioner (100) sets the power-saving learning level to the second learning level or the third learning level based on the performance history of the intermediate operation stage. If the average daily usage time is less than 2 hours, the air conditioner (100) may not set the power-saving learning level to the basic level or the first learning level. In addition, for example, if the average daily usage time of the air conditioner (100) is less than 3 hours, the power-saving learning level can be set to the first learning level or higher.

[0223] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for controlling a detection sensor while performing a soft-off according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0224] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may temporarily turn off the detection sensor (110) while performing a soft-off operation. When performing the soft-off operation, vibration may occur in the air conditioner (100). For example, when performing the soft-off operation, vibration may occur in the air conditioner (100) due to the operation of switching the air conditioning module (212) to the turn-off state. When vibration occurs in the air conditioner (100), the detection sensor (110) may vibrate, causing a change in the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110). In this case, the air conditioner (100) may incorrectly determine that a person is present in a target space even though there is no person there due to the change in the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, to prevent or reduce the possibility of the air conditioner (100) incorrectly determining that there is a person in the target space due to vibration caused by the soft-off operation, the detection sensor (110) may be temporarily disabled while performing the soft-off operation.

[0225] Referring to FIG. 15, in step S1502, the air conditioner (100) enters a soft-off operation. Step S1502 means an operation in which the air conditioning module (212) performs an air conditioning operation and then switches to a turn-off state.

[0226] Next, in step S1504, the air conditioner (100) temporarily stops the detection sensor (110). For example, the air conditioner (100) may deactivate the detection sensor (110). By being temporarily stopped, the detection sensor (110) may not generate a sensor detection value. Additionally, in the soft-off state, the detection sensor (110) may temporarily not transmit the sensor detection value to the processor (210).

[0227] Additionally, in the soft-off state, the processor (210) may operate so as not to store or use the sensor detection value received from the detection sensor (110). Additionally, the air conditioner (100) may stop the process of performing human detection using the sensor detection value by temporarily stopping the detection sensor (110). The air conditioner (100) may temporarily stop the detection sensor (110) by cutting off the activation signal or power voltage input to the detection sensor (110).

[0228] Next, in step S1506, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the soft-off operation is completed and the air conditioner (100) is stabilized in the soft-off state. The air conditioner (100) being stabilized means that the air conditioner (100) has reached the soft-off state and has satisfied a predetermined condition. For example, the state of satisfying the predetermined condition means that a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed after the air conditioner (100) has reached the soft-off state. In addition, for example, the state of satisfying the predetermined condition means that the vibration of the air conditioner (100) has fallen below a reference value.

[0229] When the air conditioner (100) stabilizes after the soft-off operation, the air conditioner (100) reactivates the detection sensor (110) in step S1508. That is, the air conditioner (100) can release the paused state of the detection sensor (110). The air conditioner (100) can reactivate the detection sensor (110) by supplying an activation signal to the detection sensor (110) or supplying power voltage. When the detection sensor (110) is activated, the air conditioner (100) can perform a process of detecting a person using the sensor detection value of the monitoring sensor (110). In addition, in the soft-off state in which the soft-off operation is completed, the air conditioning module (212) can be stopped and the detection sensor (110) can remain activated.

[0230] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0231] In order to avoid and reduce duplication of explanation in Fig. 16, the explanation overlapping with the air conditioner (100) described in Fig. 2 is not repeated here, and the explanation focuses on the differences.

[0232] An air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a detection sensor (110), a processor (210), an air conditioning module (212), a memory (214), an input interface (1610), and a communication module (1620). Although FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the air conditioner (100) includes both an input interface (1610, for example, including an input circuit) and a communication module (1620, for example, including a communication circuit), an embodiment in which the air conditioner (100) includes only one of the input interface (1610) and the communication module (1620) is also possible.

[0233] The air conditioner (100) can receive various types of user inputs through an input interface (1610) or a communication module (1620).

[0234] The input interface (1610) includes various input circuits and receives input from a user. The input interface (1610) may include keys, a touch screen, a touch pad, a touch sensor, etc. The input interface (1610) receives user input and transmits it to the processor (210). The input interface (1610) may receive a power on / off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blower strength selection signal, a sleep reservation signal, a reservation operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, etc.

[0235] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input interface (1610) may receive user input for selecting a custom mode. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the input interface (1610) may receive user input for setting an absence schedule.

[0236] The communication module (1620) may include various communication circuits and may communicate with at least one external device, either wired or wirelessly. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) communicates wirelessly with a remote controller. The communication module (1620) may receive a power on / off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blower strength selection signal, a sleep mode reservation signal, a reservation operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, etc. from the remote controller. The communication module (1620) may transmit status information of the air conditioner (100) to the remote controller to synchronize the status information of the remote controller and the air conditioner (100).

[0237] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) may receive user input for selecting a custom mode. Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) may receive user input for setting an absence schedule.

[0238] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) can communicate with the outdoor unit. For example, the communication module (1620) can communicate with the outdoor unit using RS-485 serial communication.

[0239] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) can communicate with a server via a network. The communication module (1620) can connect to the network through an AP (Access Point) device and communicate with the server. The communication module (1620) can receive a user input for selecting a user-defined mode or a user input for setting an absence schedule from the server. In addition, the communication module (1620) can receive a power on / off signal, a temperature setting signal, an operation mode selection signal, a blower intensity selection signal, a sleep reservation signal, a reservation operation setting signal, a wind direction setting signal, etc. from the server. The communication module (1620) can transmit status information of the air conditioner (100) to the server to synchronize the status information of the server and the air conditioner (100). In addition, the communication module (1620) can receive the operation mode or setting information of the air conditioner (100) set using a user terminal, etc. from the server.

[0240] The communication module (1620) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). In addition, the communication module (1620) may perform short-range communication, and may use, for example, Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), near field communication, WLAN (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultrawideband), Ant+ communication, etc. In addition, for example, the communication module (1620) may perform long-range communication, and may communicate with an external device through, for example, a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a WAN).

[0241] Additionally, for example, the communication module (1620) can utilize mobile communication and transmit and receive wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0242] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication module (1620) is connected to an access point (AP) in the home via Wi-Fi communication. The communication module (1620) can communicate with an external device via the access point.

[0243] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) obtains absence schedule information set by a user and adjusts a power saving learning level based on the absence schedule information.

[0244] As a target schedule, it refers to a time period during which the user is absent from the space. The absence schedule may be designated, for example, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The absence schedule may be set by the user specifying the start and end of the time period. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the absence schedule may be designated with a day of the week or date. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the absence schedule may be designated for multiple time periods.

[0245] The air conditioner (100) may operate at a power-saving learning level that is higher than the power-saving learning level determined by the absence time when the time for performing the power-saving control corresponds to the absence schedule. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may operate at a level that is one level higher than the level determined according to the performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps when the time for performing the power-saving control corresponds to the absence schedule. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may operate at a designated high power-saving learning level when the time for performing the power-saving control corresponds to the absence schedule. For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may operate at a third learning level regardless of the performance history of the intermediate operation steps when the time for performing the power-saving control corresponds to the absence schedule.

[0246] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can perform power-saving control without performing a preliminary judgment step when the absence schedule corresponds to the absence schedule. For example, the air conditioner (100) can operate in a mode that performs power-saving control without a preliminary judgment step when the air conditioner (100) is turned on during a time period corresponding to the absence schedule. Accordingly, when the air conditioner (100) is turned on at a time corresponding to the absence schedule, the air conditioner (100) can immediately operate in the absence wind-free mode, and when a person is detected, the power-saving control can be stopped and the air conditioner can operate in a normal mode.

[0247] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an air conditioner, an external device, and a server according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0248] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) communicates with an external device (1710) and a server (1720) through a communication module (not shown). The air conditioner (100) may be connected to another home appliance, an external device (1710), or a server (1720) through a network (NET).

[0249] The server (1720) can manage user account information and information about the air conditioner (100) connected to the user account. For example, a user can access the server (1720) via an external device (1710) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server (1720) can register the air conditioner (100) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server (1720) can register the air conditioner (100) by connecting identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the air conditioner (100) to the user account.

[0250] The external device (1710) may include a communication module capable of communicating with the air conditioner (100) and the server (1720), a user interface for receiving user input or outputting information to the user, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the external device (1710), and at least one memory storing a program for controlling the operation of the external device (1710).

[0251] The external device (1710) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The external device (1710) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a portable telephone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, etc., for example.

[0252] The memory of the external device (1710) may store a program (e.g., an application) for controlling the air conditioner (100). The external device (1710) may be sold with the application for controlling the air conditioner (100) installed, or may be sold without the application installed. If the external device (1710) is sold without the application for controlling the air conditioner (100) installed, the user may download the application from an external server providing the application and install it on the external device (1710).

[0253] A user can control an air conditioner (100) using an application installed in an external device (1710). For example, when a user executes an application installed in an external device (1710), identification information of an air conditioner (100) connected to the same user account as the external device (1710) may appear in an application execution window. The user can perform desired control of the air conditioner (100) through the application execution window. When a user inputs a control command for the air conditioner (100) through the application execution window, the external device (1710) may transmit the control command directly to the air conditioner (100) through a short-range network, or may transmit the control command to the air conditioner (100) via a server (1720).

[0254] The application of the external device (1710) can receive various user inputs for controlling the air conditioner (100). The application provides a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various user inputs and receives the user inputs through the GUI. The external device (1710) communicates with the server (1720) and updates the status information of the air conditioner (100) and provides it to the application. In addition, the external device (1710) communicates with the server (1720) and transmits the user inputs received through the application to the air conditioner (100).

[0255] The application can receive a power-off signal or a shutdown reservation signal from the air conditioner (100). Furthermore, the application can receive a reservation setting signal and user input for setting a reservation end time. Furthermore, the application can receive a sleep mode setting signal and user input for setting a reservation end time. Furthermore, the application can receive user input for setting a noise reduction mode. Furthermore, the application can receive user input for setting an automatic drying function. Furthermore, the application can receive user input for setting a wind-free mode.

[0256] Additionally, the application may receive user input for selecting a custom mode. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the application may receive user input for setting an absence schedule.

[0257] A network (NET) can include both wired and wireless networks. Wired networks include cable networks or telephone networks, while wireless networks can include any network that transmits and receives signals via radio waves. Wired and wireless networks can be interconnected.

[0258] A network (NET) may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) that does not use an access point. Short-range wireless networks may include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth™ (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), Wi-Fi Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Z-Wave.

[0259] An access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which an air conditioner (100) and an external device (1710) are connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server (1720) is connected. The air conditioner (100) or an external device (1710) can be connected to a server (1730) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0260] An AP may include a device that enables devices to connect using Wi-Fi-related standards in a computer network.

[0261] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the AP may include a hardware-implemented AP and a software-implemented AP.

[0262] For example, an AP can relay data between wireless devices and wired devices on a network. However, this is not limited to this; an AP can also relay data between wired devices or between wireless devices. Meanwhile, an AP can also be referred to as a relay device.

[0263] The access point (AP) can communicate with the air conditioner (100) and external devices (1710) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi™, IEEE 802.11), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication.

[0264] The air conditioner (100) can transmit information about its operation or status to the server (1720) via a network (NET). For example, the air conditioner (100) can transmit information about its operation or status to the server (1720) via Wi-Fi™ (IEEE 802.11) communication.

[0265] If the air conditioner (100) is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner (100) can transmit information about its operation or status to the server (1720) through another home appliance having a Wi-Fi communication module. For example, if the air conditioner (100) transmits information about its operation or status to another home appliance through a short-range wireless network (e.g., BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication), the other home appliance can transmit information about the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the server (1720). In addition, for example, if the air conditioner (100) is not equipped with a Wi-Fi communication module, the air conditioner (100) can be connected to a communication relay device by a wire and perform Wi-Fi communication and 485 communication through the communication relay device.

[0266] The air conditioner (100) may provide information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the server (1720) with prior approval from the user. Information transmission to the server (1720) may be performed when a request is received from the server (1720), when a specific event occurs in the air conditioner (100), or periodically or in real time.

[0267] When information on the operation or status is received from the air conditioner (100), the server (1720) can update information previously stored in relation to the air conditioner (100). The server (1720) can transmit information on the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to an external device (1710) via a network (NET).

[0268] The server (1720) can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1710) when a request is received from the external device (1710). For example, when a user runs an application connected to the server (1720) on the external device (1710), the external device (1710) can request and receive information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) from the server (1720) through the application. When information regarding the operation or status is received from the air conditioner (100), the server (1720) can transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1710) in real time. The server (1720) can also periodically transmit information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the external device (1710). The external device (1710) can transmit information about the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) to the user by displaying information about the operation or status of the air conditioner (100) in the application execution window.

[0269] The air conditioner (100) can obtain various information from the server (1720) and provide the obtained information to the user. In addition, the air conditioner (100) can receive a file for updating pre-installed software or data related to pre-installed software from the server (1720) and, based on the received file, update the pre-installed software or data related to pre-installed software.

[0270] The air conditioner (100) can operate according to a control command received from the server (1720). For example, if the air conditioner (100) has obtained prior approval from a user to operate according to the control command of the server (1720) even without user input, the air conditioner (100) can operate according to the control command received from the server (1720). The control command received from the server (1720) may include, but is not limited to, a control command input by the user through an external device (1710) or a control command generated by the server (1720) based on preset conditions.

[0271] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the server (1720) may perform at least one of steps S304, S306, S308, or S310 of the flowchart of FIG. 3.

[0272] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, step S302 of FIG. 3 may be performed by an air conditioner (100). The air conditioner (100) may detect a person in a target space using a sensor detection value of a detection sensor (110). The air conditioner (100) may transmit the person detection result to a server (1720).

[0273] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, step S302 of FIG. 3 may be performed by the air conditioner (100) and the server (1720). The air conditioner (100) may obtain a sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110) and transmit the obtained sensor detection value to the server (1720). The server (1720) may perform a person detection process using the received sensor detection value. In the embodiment described below in which step S302 is performed by the air conditioner (100), it is also possible to combine the embodiment in which step S302 is performed by the air conditioner (100) and the server (1720).

[0274] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, step S302 of FIG. 3 may be performed by the air conditioner (100), and steps S304, S306, S308, and S310 may be performed by the server (1720). The server (1720) may receive the person detection result of step S302 from the air conditioner (100), and determine whether to perform power saving control in step S304 based on the received person detection result. The server (1720) may perform a preliminary judgment step based on the person detection result, and perform power saving control. In addition, if the server (1720) determines to perform power saving control, it may set one of the plurality of power saving learning levels according to the performance history of the plurality of intermediate operation steps in step S306. In addition, the server (1720) may adjust the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the learning level set in step S308. Additionally, the server (1720) can generate a control signal to adjust the wind speed or set temperature and transmit it to the air conditioner (100) through a plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time in step S310.

[0275] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps S302 and S304 of FIG. 3 may be performed by the air conditioner (100), and steps S306, S308, and S310 may be performed by the server (1720). The air conditioner (100) may detect a person in the target space (120) based on the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110) in step S302. In addition, the air conditioner (100) may determine whether to perform power saving control in step S304 based on the result of detecting a person in the target space (120). If the air conditioner (100) determines to perform power saving control, it may request power saving control to the server (1720) and transmit the result of detecting a person to the server (1720). The server (1720) may perform power saving control based on the result of detecting a person received from the air conditioner (100). The server (1720) may set one of the plurality of power-saving learning levels based on the performance history of the plurality of intermediate operation steps in step S306 based on the result of human detection. In addition, the server (1720) may adjust the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps based on the power-saving learning level set in step S308. In addition, the server (1720) may control the air conditioner (100) to adjust the wind speed or the set temperature through the plurality of intermediate operation steps based on the absence time determined based on the result of human detection in step S310.

[0276] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, step S302 may be performed by the air conditioner (100), step S304 may be performed by the air conditioner (100) or the server (1720), steps S306 and S308 may be performed by the server (1720), and step S310 may be performed by the air conditioner (100). If the server (1720) or the air conditioner (100) determines to perform power saving control in step S304, the server (1720) may set one of a plurality of power saving learning levels according to the performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps in step S306. In addition, the server (1720) may adjust the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the power saving learning level set in step S308. The server (1720) may transmit information about the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps to the air conditioner (100). The air conditioner (100) can adjust the wind speed or set temperature through a plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time in step S310 based on the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps received from the server (1720).

[0277] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process for entering an absence schedule through an external device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0278] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can input his / her absence schedule through an application of an external device (1710). The air conditioner (100) can receive the user's absence schedule input through the application of the external device (1710) through a server (1720).

[0279] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an application of an external device (1710) provides a first graphical user interface (GUI) view (1810) for entering an absence schedule. A user can select a menu for entering an absence schedule through the first GUI view (1810).

[0280] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the absence schedule is a schedule during which the user is absent from the home. That is, the absence schedule is not limited to the air conditioner (100), but may be an absence schedule applied to all home appliances registered with the server (1720). The air conditioner (100) can obtain absence schedule information from the home absence schedule.

[0281] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the absence schedule may be an absence schedule for an air conditioner (100). The user can individually input an absence schedule for each home appliance.

[0282] When the absence schedule input menu is selected, the external device (1710) provides a menu for selecting an absence schedule in the second GUI view (1820). The external device (1710) can receive input of the start time, end time, day of the week, or date of the absence schedule through the second GUI view (1820). The absence schedule can be defined by specifying a day of the week or a weekday / weekend. In addition, the absence schedule can be defined by specifying a date. In addition, the absence schedule can be set to repeat in a predetermined pattern. In addition, the absence schedule can be temporarily set for a specific day.

[0283] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an absence schedule may be defined by specifying a room or area within a home. When an absence schedule is defined by specifying a room or area within a home, the air conditioner (100) may obtain an absence schedule for the room or area in which the air conditioner (100) is installed.

[0284] When the absence schedule input is completed by the user, absence schedule information (1830) is generated and transmitted to the server (1720). The server (1720) can transmit the absence schedule information (1830) to the air conditioner (100).

[0285] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which an air conditioner operates based on an absence schedule according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0286] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can adjust the power-saving learning level based on the absence schedule, or omit the preliminary judgment step. Since the user is likely to be absent during the time period corresponding to the absence schedule, the air conditioner (100) can increase the rate at which power consumption is reduced through power-saving control to enhance the power consumption reduction effect.

[0287] Referring to FIG. 19, the air conditioner (100) obtains absence schedule information in step S1902. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may obtain absence schedule information by receiving a user input specifying absence schedule information through the input interface (1610) of the air conditioner (100). In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an external device (1710) may receive a user input specifying absence schedule information through an application, transmit the absence schedule information to a server (1720), and the air conditioner (100) may receive the absence schedule information from the server (1720).

[0288] Next, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the current time corresponds to the absence schedule in step S1906. If the current time corresponds to the absence schedule, the air conditioner (100) performs step S1908 or S1910.

[0289] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) selects a power-saving learning level that is higher than the currently set power-saving learning level in step S1908. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the time for performing power-saving control corresponds to an absence schedule, the air conditioner (100) may operate at a level that is one level higher than a level determined according to the performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps. For example, if the air conditioner (100) is set to operate at a first learning level according to the performance history of the intermediate operation steps, the air conditioner (100) may operate at a second learning level that is one level higher. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the time for performing power-saving control corresponds to an absence schedule, the air conditioner (100) may operate at a designated high power-saving learning level. For example, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the time for performing power-saving control corresponds to an absence schedule, the air conditioner (100) may operate at a third learning level regardless of the performance history of the intermediate operation steps.

[0290] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can perform power-saving control without performing a preliminary judgment step in step S1910. That is, the air conditioner (100) can operate in a mode in which power-saving control is performed without a preliminary judgment step when the air conditioner (100) is turned on during a time period corresponding to an absence schedule. Accordingly, when the air conditioner (100) is turned on at a time corresponding to an absence schedule, the air conditioner (100) can immediately operate in the absence wind-free mode, and when a person is detected, the power-saving control can be stopped and the air conditioner can operate in a normal mode.

[0291] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may perform only one of steps S1908 and S1910 if the current time corresponds to an absence schedule. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may perform both steps S1908 and S1910 if the current time corresponds to an absence schedule.

[0292] If it is determined in step S1906 that the current time does not correspond to the absence schedule, the air conditioner (100) maintains the current power saving learning level determined based on the performance history of the intermediate operation step in step S1912.

[0293] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process in which an air conditioner detects a person in a target space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0294] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an external detection sensor (2010) that detects a person (130) is placed in a target space (120), and whether a person is present or absent in the target space (120) can be determined using a sensor detection value of the external detection sensor (2010). The air conditioner (100) can receive the sensor detection value or the person detection result of the external detection sensor (2010), and perform power-saving control using the person detection result by the external detection sensor (2010).

[0295] The external detection sensor (2010) may be implemented in the form of a sensor device or may be incorporated into a specific electronic device. For example, the external detection sensor (2010) may correspond to a human detection sensor device. Furthermore, for example, the external detection sensor (2010) may be a sensor embedded in an external device such as an artificial intelligence speaker, refrigerator, television, or wall pad.

[0296] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an external detection sensor (2010) can generate and output a sensor detection value. The air conditioner (100) can receive the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (2010) and use the sensor detection value to detect a person in a target space.

[0297] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an external detection sensor (2010) or an external device equipped with an external detection sensor (2010) can generate and output a human detection result. The air conditioner (100) can receive a human detection result from the external detection sensor (2010) or an external device equipped with an external detection sensor (2010).

[0298] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an external detection sensor (2010) or an external device equipped with an external detection sensor (2010) transmits a sensor detection value or a person detection result to an air conditioner (100) via a server (1720). When a person (130) is detected by the external detection sensor (2010), the air conditioner (100) determines that a person (130) is present in the target space (120). When either the detection sensor (110) equipped in the air conditioner (100) itself or the external detection sensor (2010) detects a person (130) in the target space (120), the air conditioner (100) determines that a person (130) is present in the target space (120). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) has the effect of reducing blind spots within the target space (120) by additionally detecting a person using an external detection sensor (2010) placed in the target space (120). By reducing blind spots within the target space (120), the air conditioner (100) has the effect of preventing or reducing cases where inconvenience to the user is caused by not being able to provide the air conditioning operation desired by the user by performing power-saving control even when a person is present in the target space (120).

[0299] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process for adjusting sensor sensitivity when a person is detected in a target space according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0300] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the air conditioner (100) detects a person (130) in a target space (120), the air conditioner (100) can increase the sensitivity of an operation for detecting the person (130) using a detection sensor (110). When the air conditioner (100) determines that a person (130) is present in the target space (120), the air conditioner (100) can increase the sensitivity of an operation for detecting the person (130) in order to prevent and / or reduce an error in determining that the person (130) is absent when the person (130) is present.

[0301] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can increase the sensitivity of the detection sensor (110) in operation 2110. For example, the air conditioner (100) can increase the sensitivity of the detection sensor (110) by increasing the signal amplification strength of the detection sensor (110). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by increasing the sensitivity of the detection sensor (110), the sensor detection value changes even with a slight movement of a person (130), thereby preventing or reducing the erroneous judgment that a person (130) is absent when the person is present.

[0302] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can adjust a reference value for determining that a person (130) is present in a target space using a sensor detection value at operation 2120 by the processor (210). For example, the processor (210) calculates a movement value of an object using the sensor detection value, and compares the movement value of the object with the reference value to detect a person (130). At this time, if the processor (210) determines that a person (130) is present in the target space, the processor (210) can decrease the reference value compared to the movement value. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can detect even small movements by decreasing the reference value for determining that a person (130) is present, thereby preventing or reducing an erroneous determination that a person (130) is absent when the person is present.

[0303] Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 22 illustrates detailed operations of the air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 22 illustrates an example in which the intermediate operation stage includes an absent wind-free stage and a first absent power-saving stage.

[0304] The air conditioner (100) initializes the air conditioner (100) in step S2202 and loads the set values ​​and stored values. The air conditioner (100) can initialize the absence time to 0. In addition, the air conditioner (100) can load the duration of the preliminary judgment stage, the duration of the absence windless stage, the duration of the first absence power saving stage, and the soft-off setting time. In addition, the air conditioner (100) can load the power saving learning level.

[0305] Next, the air conditioner (100) reads the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110) in step S2204.

[0306] Next, the air conditioner (100) determines whether motion is detected by the detection sensor (110) in step S2206. The air conditioner (100) can determine whether motion is detected based on a change in the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110). If the air conditioner (100) uses an external detection sensor (2010) other than the detection sensor (110), the air conditioner (100) determines whether motion is detected by any of the detection sensors (2010) and the external detection sensors (2010).

[0307] If there is a sensor that detects movement in step S2206, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the air conditioner (100) is currently in a soft-off state in step S2208. If the air conditioner (100) determines that it is in a soft-off state in step S2208, the air conditioner (100) releases the soft-off state in step S2210 and returns to normal operation. Next, the air conditioner (100) reduces the power-saving learning level in step S2212 based on the history of releasing the power-saving control in the soft-off state. Next, the air conditioner (100) initializes the absence time to 0 in step S2214 and proceeds to step S2204 to continue the operation of reading the sensor detection value from the detection sensor (110).

[0308] If it is determined that the air conditioner (100) is not in a soft-off state in step S2208, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the air conditioner (100) is currently in the first absence power saving stage in step S2216. If it is determined that the air conditioner (100) is in the first absence power saving stage in step S2216, the air conditioner (100) releases the first absence power saving stage in step S2218 and returns to normal operation. Next, the air conditioner (100) initializes the absence time to 0 in step S2214 and proceeds to step S2204 to continue the operation of reading the sensor detection value from the detection sensor (110).

[0309] In step S2216, if it is determined that it is not the first absence power saving stage, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the air conditioner (100) is currently in the absence wind-free stage in step S2220. If it is determined that the air conditioner (100) is in the absence wind-free stage in step S2220, the air conditioner (100) releases the absence wind-free stage in step S2222 and returns to normal operation. Next, the air conditioner (100) initializes the absence time to 0 in step S2214, and proceeds to step S2204 to continue the operation of reading the sensor detection value from the detection sensor (110).

[0310] If no sensor detects motion in step S2206, the air conditioner (100) proceeds to operation A. Operations subsequent to operation A are described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 23.

[0311] Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary operation of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 23 describes in more detail the steps following operation A described above in Fig. 22.

[0312] If no sensor detects movement in step S2206, the air conditioner (100) determines whether to enter the absence wind-free stage in step S2302. If the absence time is longer than the duration of the preliminary determination step, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the entry condition for the absence wind-free stage is satisfied. If the absence time in step S2302 does not satisfy the entry condition for the absence wind-free stage, the air conditioner (100) proceeds to step S2204 and reads the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110).

[0313] If the air conditioner (100) determines in step S2302 that it has entered the absence wind-free stage, it determines in step S2304 whether to enter the first absence power-saving stage. If the absence time is longer than the first absence power-saving entry reference time, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the entry condition for the first absence power-saving stage is satisfied. The first absence power-saving entry reference time may correspond to the sum of the duration of the preliminary determination step and the duration of the absence wind-free stage.

[0314] If it is determined in step S2304 that the air conditioner (100) does not enter the first absence power saving mode, it determines in step S2306 whether the air conditioner (100) is in the windless operation support mode. For example, the windless operation support mode corresponds to a case where a windless panel is present and a mode other than heating is in use. If it is determined in step S2306 that the air conditioner (100) is in the windless operation support mode, it enters the absence windless operation mode in step S2308 and performs the operation of the absence windless operation mode. After entering the absence windless operation mode in step S2308, the air conditioner (100) proceeds to step S2204 and reads the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110).

[0315] If the air conditioner (100) satisfies the entry condition of the first absence power saving stage in step S2304, it determines whether the absence time satisfies the soft-off entry condition in step S2310. If the absence time is longer than the soft-off entry reference time, the air conditioner (100) can determine that the entry condition of the soft-off stage is satisfied. The soft-off entry reference time can correspond to the sum of the duration of the preliminary judgment stage, the duration of the absence wind-free stage, and the duration of the first absence power saving stage.

[0316] If it is determined that the soft-off entry condition is not satisfied in step S2310, the air conditioner (100) enters the first absence power saving stage in step S2312 and performs the operation of the first absence power saving stage. After entering the first absence power saving stage in step S2312, the air conditioner (100) proceeds to step S2204 and reads the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110).

[0317] If it is determined that the soft-off entry condition is satisfied in step S2310, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the soft-off termination condition is satisfied in step S2314. The air conditioner (100) can determine that the termination condition of the soft-off stage is satisfied if the absence time is longer than the soft-off termination reference time. The soft-off termination reference time may correspond to the sum of the duration of the preliminary determination stage, the duration of the absence wind-free stage, the duration of the first absence power-saving stage, and the duration of the soft-off stage.

[0318] If it is determined that the soft-off termination condition is not satisfied in step S2314, the air conditioner (100) enters the soft-off phase in step S2316 and performs the operation of the soft-off phase. In step S2316, the air conditioner (100) enters the soft-off phase and maintains the soft-off state. After entering the soft-off phase in step S2316, the air conditioner (100) determines whether it corresponds to the soft-off stabilization phase in step S2318. The soft-off stabilization phase is a phase in which a predetermined time has elapsed after the soft-off operation is completed. The soft-off stabilization phase is a state in which the vibration of the air conditioner (100) caused by the soft-off operation has ended.

[0319] If the air conditioner (100) determines that it is not in the soft-off stabilization phase in step S2318, it temporarily suspends the human detection operation using the detection sensor (110) in step S2320. After temporarily suspending the human detection operation in step S2320, the air conditioner (100) proceeds to step S2204 to read the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110).

[0320] If the air conditioner (100) is determined to be in the soft-off stabilization phase in step S2318, it proceeds to step S2204 and reads the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110).

[0321] If the air conditioner (100) determines that the soft-off phase has ended in step S2314, it increases the absence power-saving learning level in step S2322. If the absence time reaches the soft-off duration, the air conditioner (100) determines that there is a high possibility that a person is absent, and can increase the absence power-saving learning level to perform more active power-saving control.

[0322] Next, in step S2324, the air conditioner (100) is turned off, and the detection sensor (110) remains activated.

[0323] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0324] In order to avoid or reduce duplication of explanation in Fig. 24, explanations that overlap with the air conditioner (100) described in Fig. 2 may not be repeated here, and explanations will be made focusing on differences.

[0325] An air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a detection sensor (110), a processor (210), an air conditioning module (212), a memory (214), a Wi-Fi module (2410, for example, including a Wi-Fi circuit), and an output interface (2420, for example, including an output circuit).

[0326] The Wi-Fi module (2410) includes various Wi-Fi circuits and performs Wi-Fi wireless communication with external devices. The Wi-Fi module (2410) can connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN) based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The Wi-Fi module (2410) can communicate with an access point (AP) using Wi-Fi wireless communication. The Wi-Fi module (2410) can connect to the access point (AP) and communicate with a server (1720) or an external device (1710). The access point (AP) can be placed in an indoor space where an indoor unit of an air conditioner (100) is placed. For example, the air conditioner (100) can be placed in a living room of a home.

[0327] The Wi-Fi module (2410) can transmit Wi-Fi signals to an access point (AP) or receive Wi-Fi signals from the access point (AP). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can detect a person in a target space using the CSI (Channel State Information) value of the Wi-Fi signal received from the Wi-Fi module (2410).

[0328] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can detect a person from a target space using a sensor detection value of a detection sensor (110), or can detect a person from a target space using a CSI value of a Wi-Fi signal. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can determine that a person is present in the target space if a person is detected from one of the detection values ​​of the detection sensor (110) and the Wi-Fi module (2410).

[0329] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) may not include a detection sensor (110), but may include a processor (210), an air conditioning module (212), a memory (214), a Wi-Fi module (2410), and an output interface (2420). The air conditioner (100) may determine whether a person is present in a target space based on a CSI value of a Wi-Fi signal received by the Wi-Fi module (2410).

[0330] The output interface (2420) may include various output circuits and output various information or data. The output interface (2420) may be included in the indoor unit of the air conditioner (100). The output interface (2420) may include, for example, a display, a speaker, or a lamp.

[0331] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can determine whether the Wi-Fi signal received by the Wi-Fi module (2410) from the access point (AP) does not use a Wi-Fi network within a first frequency band or the quality of the Wi-Fi signal does not meet a predetermined standard. If the Wi-Fi signal received by the Wi-Fi module (2410) from the access point (AP) does not use a Wi-Fi network within the first frequency band or the quality of the Wi-Fi signal does not meet a predetermined standard, the processor (210) can generate a first message indicating that the fingerprint recognition cannot be performed using the Wi-Fi signal.

[0332] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) transmits a first message to the server (1720) via the Wi-Fi module (2410). The server (1720) can transmit the received first message to an external device (1710) corresponding to an account registered with the air conditioner (100), and control the external device (1710) to output the first message. For example, the external device (1710) can output the first message via an application that controls the air conditioner (100).

[0333] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can output a first message through an output interface (2420). The output interface (2420) can display the first message or output it as an audio message through a speaker.

[0334] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary WiFi frequency channel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0335] Wi-Fi signals can be transmitted using frequency channels within a predetermined frequency band. The predetermined frequency band can be selected from within the Wi-Fi frequency bands corresponding to Wi-Fi communications. Wi-Fi frequency bands can correspond to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands designated as the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Band (ISM band).

[0336] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a Wi-Fi module (2410) can communicate with an access point (AP) using a plurality of frequency channels (2510a, 2510b, 2510c, 2510d, and 2510e). The plurality of frequency channels (2510a, 2510b, 2510c, 2510d, and 2510e) can include a first frequency channel (2510a), a second frequency channel (2510b), a third frequency channel (2510c), a fourth frequency channel (2510d), and a fifth frequency channel (2510e). The plurality of frequency channels (2510a, 2510b, 2510c, 2510d, and 2510e) can have frequency bands set at intervals that do not interfere with each other. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of frequency channels (2510a, 2510b, 2510c, 2510d, and 2510e) can transmit information using a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) scheme. QAM is a scheme that uses two orthogonal carriers, respectively modulated with Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK), synthesizes the synthesized result, and transmits the synthesized result on the same transmission line, thereby enabling a doubling of the bit rate. The QAM scheme is a modulation scheme that digitally applies amplitude modulation to an I (In-phase) carrier and a Q (Quadri-phase) carrier, which have the same carrier frequency but are orthogonal in phase to each other, and synthesizes them.

[0337] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, 2 bits of information can be transmitted through each frequency channel (2510a, 2510b, 2510c, 2510d, and 2510e). In addition, the packet transmission period (T) of each frequency channel (2510a, 2510b, 2510c, 2510d, and 2510e) can be set to a time that can sufficiently interpret one QAM symbol. Each frequency channel (2510a, 2510b, 2510c, 2510d, and 2510e) can transmit 2 bits of data by modulating an I carrier and a Q carrier.

[0338] In the graph showing the QAM symbol in FIG. 25, the horizontal axis represents the value of the I carrier, and the vertical axis represents the value of the Q carrier. In the example of FIG. 25, each frequency channel (2510a, 2510b, 2510c, 2510d, and 2510e) can transmit 2 bits of data by a combination of the value of the I carrier and the value of the Q carrier. The first frequency channel (2510a) transmits a QAM symbol corresponding to data "00". The second frequency channel (2510b) transmits a QAM symbol corresponding to data "11". The third frequency channel (2510c) transmits a QAM symbol corresponding to data "01". The fourth frequency channel (2510d) transmits a QAM symbol corresponding to data "01". The fifth frequency channel (2510e) transmits a QAM symbol corresponding to data "11". In this way, the WiFi module (2410) can transmit predetermined data by a combination of a predetermined I carrier and Q carrier.

[0339] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of a Wi-Fi signal being transmitted through a Wi-Fi channel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0340] Wi-Fi signals can be transmitted via the frequency channels described above. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Wi-Fi signals can be transmitted from an air conditioner (100) to an access point (AP). Wi-Fi signals can be transmitted in various propagation environments. The characteristics of Wi-Fi signals can change due to obstacles such as objects and walls in the space where the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted. Wi-Fi signals propagate radially, penetrate walls and objects, overlap, and display distorted signals. For example, when a Wi-Fi signal is transmitted along the first path (2620), the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted in a straight line from the access point (AP) to the air conditioner (100) without interference from obstacles. In addition, for example, when a Wi-Fi signal is transmitted along the second path (2622), the Wi-Fi signal interferes with the refrigerator (2610), resulting in distortion of the Wi-Fi signal. In addition, for example, when a Wi-Fi signal is transmitted along the third path (2624), the Wi-Fi signal interferes with the TV (2612), resulting in distortion of the Wi-Fi signal. Additionally, the WiFi signal may be distorted when transmitted along path 2626 due to interference with the concrete wall (2614).

[0341] This transmission environment of radio waves is called a channel. The status information of each frequency channel can be defined as Channel State Information (CSI). CSI can be included as physical layer information in a Wi-Fi signal. The CSI value represents information such as scattering and attenuation diffraction according to the distance between a pair of transmitting and receiving antennas through multiple subcarriers of the channel. This CSI value can indicate whether there is a moving object in the space where the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can determine whether a person is present in the target space using the CSI value of the Wi-Fi signal received by the Wi-Fi module (2410).

[0342] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating exemplary CSI values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0343] The Wi-Fi module (2410) can obtain CSI through OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) subcarriers. The Wi-Fi module (2410) can extract CSI from the physical layer of a Wi-Fi signal. The CSI includes amplitude and phase information for multiple subcarriers, so the Wi-Fi module (2410) can obtain the status of a Wi-Fi signal using the CSI. The CSI indicates the characteristics of a Wi-Fi signal that are revealed by the arrangement of obstacles, walls, etc. in the corresponding space.

[0344] CSI indicates changes in the signals transmitted and received by the Wi-Fi module (2410). Since signal changes are determined by the channel, CSI indicates the state of the corresponding space. CSI is determined by a combination of factors such as the movement of the user equipment, the movement of objects along the signal path, natural noise, and multi-path signal effects. For example, if a user equipment such as a robot vacuum cleaner moves along the path of the Wi-Fi signal, the CSI value may change. Furthermore, the CSI value may change if there is movement of a person or animal along the path of the Wi-Fi signal. Interference with moving objects such as user equipment, people, or animals can cause distortion of the Wi-Fi signal due to the Doppler effect. Furthermore, the CSI value may change due to natural noise. Furthermore, the CSI value may change as the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted along multiple paths. The CSI value is expressed as the sum of these various factors.

[0345] CSI can be expressed as a change between a sent signal and a received signal on a complex plane. CSI can be obtained by transmitting a pre-arranged signal from a transmitter and measuring the deviation of the position of the point that should have been originally captured on the receiver. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitter may correspond to an access point (AP), and the receiver may correspond to a Wi-Fi module (2410) of an air conditioner (100). When the difference between the sent signal and the received signal is interpreted in polar coordinates on a complex plane, the change in angle indicates the degree of phase shift, and the change in radius corresponds to the degree of amplitude attenuation. Therefore, the degree of phase shift and the degree of amplitude attenuation can be quantified in a polar coordinate system. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 27, it is assumed that the sent signal corresponds to the first coordinate (2710) on the complex plane, and the received signal corresponds to the second coordinate (2712). In this case, the CSI can be represented as a vector (2714) representing the difference between the sent and received signals, or in polar coordinates 0.449112+ -0.101725j.

[0346] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating exemplary CSI values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0347] The CSI value may vary depending on the location of the access point (AP) and the air conditioner (100) in the target space. In addition, the CSI may vary when a person moves in the target space. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 28, let us assume that there is a concrete wall (2614) and a person (2810) in the space where the access point (AP) and the air conditioner (100) are located. Since the concrete wall (2614) is a fixed obstacle, the Wi-Fi signal transmitted along the fifth path (2820) has a constant signal characteristic. On the other hand, if interference occurs with the moving object, the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted along the sixth path (2822) or the seventh path (2824), so that the characteristics of the Wi-Fi signal vary over time. For example, if the outline of the person (2810) is at position 2812, the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted along the sixth path (2822), and the CSI phase appears as 2832. If the outline of a person (2810) is at position 2814, the Wi-Fi signal is transmitted through the seventh path (2824), and the CSI phase appears as 2830. In this way, since the CSI value changes according to the movement of the person (2810), it is possible to detect the person using the CSI value.

[0348] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a person can be detected in a target space using the CSI of a Wi-Fi signal received by a Wi-Fi module (2410). The processor (210) can obtain a CSI value of the Wi-Fi signal received by the Wi-Fi module (2410) and detect a person from the target space using the CSI value. The processor (210) can set a predetermined CSI reference value, and if the CSI value is equal to or greater than the CSI reference value, it can be determined that a person exists in the target space. In addition, if the CSI value is less than the CSI reference value, the processor (210) can be determined that a person does not exist in the target space. However, even if it is determined that a person does not exist based on the CSI value, if a person is detected by the detection sensor (110), the processor (210) can be determined that a person exists in the target space.

[0349] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an exemplary result of detecting motion based on CSI values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0350] The graph in Fig. 29 is a graph showing an adaptive reference value, a maxAcf value, an expected motion state, and an actual motion state over time in the process of detecting a person using a Wi-Fi signal of an air conditioner (100). The adaptive reference value is a CSI reference value that adaptively changes. The maxAcf (max autocorrelation function) value corresponds to the CSI value. The expected motion state is a motion detection result determined based on the CSI value. The motion detection result corresponds to the person detection result. The actual motion state is the actual motion state of the experimenter during the experiment, so it is information known during the experiment.

[0351] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can detect human motion using a CSI value and an adaptation reference value. The adaptation reference value is a CSI reference value determined through a reference value adaptation operation. The adaptation reference value can be changed, for example, from a default value of 0.35 (maximum value) to a minimum of 0.18. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can set the adaptation reference value based on statistical information collected through the detection sensor (110). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) can adaptively determine the CSI reference value based on a human detection result by the detection sensor (110). For example, the processor (210) can statistically collect a CSI value range in which a human is detected and a CSI value range in which a human is not detected to determine the adaptation reference value. The processor (210) can perform a CSI reference value adaptation operation for a predetermined time interval using the human detection result of the detection sensor (110).

[0352] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) may perform a CSI reference value adaptation operation (2910) for a predetermined time period after the air conditioner (100) is turned on. The processor (210) may perform the CSI reference value adaptation operation (2910) until a person is detected by the detection sensor (110). The processor (210) may lower the adaptation reference value as the non-detection state of the person continues. The adaptation reference value may start from a maximum value of 0.35 and may be lowered to a minimum value of 0.18. The processor (210) may set the adaptation reference value based on the CSI reference value when the person is detected. In the example of FIG. 29, the adaptation reference value is set to 0.28.

[0353] When the CSI reference value adaptation operation (2910) is completed, the processor (210) detects a person in the target space using the CSI value and the adaptation reference value. For example, the processor (210) can detect movement using the CSI value in section 2920, and determine that a person exists by detecting the movement. The processor (210) determines that a person exists if the CSI value is greater than or equal to the adaptation reference value. Since the CSI value increases by a moving object, the processor (210) can detect the movement of the person using the CSI value, and if movement is detected, determine that a person exists.

[0354] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) may determine whether the CSI value is greater than or equal to the adaptation reference value at predetermined time intervals. For example, the processor (210) may determine whether the CSI value is greater than or equal to the adaptation reference value every second. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the processor (210) determines that the CSI value is greater than or equal to the adaptation reference value for a first motion reference number of consecutive times in a motion-non-detected state, the processor (210) may determine that a person has been detected. For example, if the processor (210) determines that the CSI value is greater than or equal to the adaptation reference value four consecutive times, the processor (210) may determine that motion has been detected and that a person is present.

[0355] The processor (210) determines that no person is present when the CSI value is less than the adaptation criterion value. For example, the processor (210) may determine that no movement is detected in the 2930 section because the CSI value is less than the adaptation criterion value, and thus determine that no person is present.

[0356] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (210) may determine that no motion has been detected if the CSI value is determined to be less than the adaptive reference value for a number of consecutive second motion references in a motion detection state. For example, if the processor (210) determines that the CSI value is less than the adaptive reference value 20 consecutive times, the processor may determine that no motion has been detected and determine that a person is absent.

[0357] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining exemplary motion detection results according to the location of a connection relay according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0358] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the reliability of human detection may vary depending on the location of an access point (AP). Figure 30 illustrates the results of an experiment in which human movement was detected using CSI values ​​in a target space including the first area (3020a) to the 25th area (3020c). In the experiment, the subject moved for 10 to 20 seconds in the second area (3020b) to the 25th area (3020c), excluding the first area (3020a), and then remained in a fixed position for 50 seconds. While moving the location of the access point (AP) to the first location (3010a), the second location (3010b), the third location (3010c), the fourth location (3010d), the fifth location (3010e), the sixth location (3010f), and the seventh location (3010g), the experimenter repeated the action of moving for 10 to 20 seconds within the second area (3020b) to the 25th area (3020c) and waiting in a fixed position for 50 seconds. It was assumed that the access point (AP) was connected by a wire and was not located in the center of the testing room.

[0359] Table 3030 presents the experimental results. In Table 3030, GD indicates, for example, that human movement was properly detected, while NG indicates, for example, that human movement was not properly detected. If human movement was not detected using CSI values ​​despite the presence of the subject's movement, the detection result is marked as NG.

[0360] As a result of the experiment, at the 4th location (3010d), the distance between the access point (AP) and the air conditioner (100) was close, so the human movement was not properly detected by the CSI value, and thus the detection result was judged as NG. At the 4th location (3010d), the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value was detected as -34. In other words, at the 4th location (3010d), the reception strength of the Wi-Fi signal was detected to be very low, and therefore the human movement was not properly detected.

[0361] The third location (3010c) is located inside the drawer (3040). As a result of the experiment, in the third location (3010c), human movement was not properly detected by the CSI value due to the access point (AP) being placed inside the drawer, and thus the detection result was judged as NG.

[0362] When access point (AP) was placed at the first position (3010a), the second position (3010b), the fifth position (3010e), the sixth position (3010f), and the seventh position (3010g) other than the third position (3010c) and the fourth position (3010d), the movement of a person was normally detected by the CSI value.

[0363] As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that human movement was normally detected by the CSI value, except in cases where the distance between the access point (AP) and the air conditioner (100) was excessively close or in a location where the Wi-Fi signal was transmitted with low sensitivity, such as inside a drawer.

[0364] FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining exemplary motion detection results according to the location of a connection relay according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0365] In Fig. 31, the air conditioner (100) was placed 1 m further away from the wall than in Fig. 30, and the access point (AP) was placed further away from the wall from the seventh position (3010g). In addition, the experimenter moved in the first to 25th areas or lay down on the sofa (3120) to minimize / reduce movement during the experiment.

[0366] As a result of the experiment, human movement was detected normally in areas 1 to 25.

[0367] FIG. 32 is a graph showing exemplary experimental results according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0368] Figure 32 is a graph showing the results of an experiment using CSI values ​​and adaptation reference values ​​according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The horizontal axis of Figure 32 represents the number of CSI value detections, and the vertical axis represents the ACF (autocorrelation function) value. The ACF value corresponds to the CSI value.

[0369] As a result of the experiment, the processor (210) set the adaptation criterion value to 0.25, and determined that a person was detected when the ACF value was greater than or equal to the adaptation criterion value four consecutive times in the non-detection determination state. In addition, the processor (210) determined that a person was not detected when the ACF value was less than the adaptation criterion value 30 consecutive times in the person detection determination state. All of these detection results were determined to be normal detections.

[0370] FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0371] An air conditioner control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed by an air conditioner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0372] In step S302, the air conditioner (100) detects a person in a target space using a sensor detection value of a detection sensor (110). The air conditioner (100) determines whether a moving object exists using the sensor detection value, and if a moving object exists, determines that a person exists in the target space. The moving object may include an animal. The air conditioner (100) includes an operation of detecting a person using the sensor detection value or based on the sensor detection value in step S302.

[0373] In addition, the air conditioner (100) detects a person in the target space using the CSI value of the Wi-Fi signal in step S3302. As described above, the air conditioner (100) can determine that a person is present if the CSI value of the Wi-Fi signal is greater than or equal to the CSI reference value. In addition, as described above, the air conditioner (100) can adaptively determine the CSI reference value to generate an adaptive reference value, and then detect a person in the target space using the CSI value and the adaptive reference value.

[0374] If the air conditioner (100) determines that a person has been detected in at least one of steps S302 and S3302, it can determine that a person has been detected. If the air conditioner (100) determines that no person has been detected in both steps S302 and S3302, it can determine that no person has been detected.

[0375] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can detect a person in the target space by performing S3302 without performing step S302. In this case, the air conditioner (100) can determine the presence or absence of a person based on the result of the person detection in step S3302.

[0376] In step S304, the air conditioner (100) determines whether to perform power saving control based on the absence time, which is the time when there is no person in the target space. The air conditioner (100) performs a preliminary determination step, and if the absence time reaches the duration of the preliminary determination step, the air conditioner (100) can perform power saving control. If the absence time is stopped before reaching the duration of the preliminary determination step, the air conditioner (100) may not perform power saving control. That is, if the absence time is longer than the reference time for determining power saving control, the air conditioner (100) performs power saving control, and if the absence time is shorter than the reference time for determining power saving control, the air conditioner (100) may not perform power saving control.

[0377] If it is determined that the air conditioner (100) is performing power-saving control, in step S306, one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels can be set based on the performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the air conditioner (100) reaches a soft-off state by power-saving control and is maintained in the soft-off state for a duration, the power-saving learning level can be increased. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if a person is detected and the air conditioner (100) is woken up before the duration in the soft-off state is reached, the power-saving learning level can be increased.

[0378] Next, in step S308, the air conditioner (100) adjusts the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages according to the set power-saving learning level. The duration of each intermediate operation stage indicates the duration for which the operation of each intermediate operation stage continues according to the set value corresponding to each intermediate operation stage. The operation of adjusting the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages can be expressed as an operation of changing the duration, increasing the duration, decreasing the duration, setting the duration, or specifying the duration. The duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages can be set differently according to the power-saving learning level.

[0379] Next, in step S310, the air conditioner (100) adjusts at least one of the wind speed or the set temperature through a plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time. The air conditioner (100) can sequentially perform a plurality of intermediate operation steps. The air conditioner (100) adjusts the wind speed or the set temperature in each intermediate operation step. The air conditioner (100) performs the intermediate operation step for the duration of each intermediate operation step, and when the duration of the intermediate operation step expires, performs the next intermediate operation step. The air conditioner (100) adjusts the wind speed or the set temperature when the intermediate operation step is switched. The air conditioner (100) performs the air conditioning operation by maintaining the adjusted wind speed or the set temperature for the duration of the intermediate operation step.

[0380] When a person is detected while performing power saving control, the air conditioner (100) stops the intermediate operation stage and terminates the power saving control. When power saving control is terminated by detecting a person, the air conditioner (100) can operate at the wind speed and temperature set before the power saving control.

[0381] FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of activating an absent power saving function and outputting guide information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0382] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary process for outputting guide information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0383] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the process of activating the absence power saving function and outputting guide information is described.

[0384] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can turn on / off the power saving control function and output a related message through an external device (1710) or an output interface (2420). The power saving control function can be implemented as either a power saving control function that uses the sensor detection value of the detection sensor (110) and the CSI value of the Wi-Fi module (2410) as in the embodiment of FIG. 33 above, or a power saving control function that solely uses the CSI value of the Wi-Fi module (2410).

[0385] In step S3402, the air conditioner (100) receives a request to activate a power-saving control function. The request to activate the power-saving control function may be received from an external device (1710) or through an input interface (1610) of the air conditioner (100). The request to activate the power-saving control function may correspond to a user input through the external device (1710) or the input interface (1610).

[0386] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a request to activate the power-saving control function may be received through an application of an external device (1710). For example, the request to activate the power-saving control function may be received through a GUI such as S3502 of FIG. 35. A user may input a request to activate the power-saving control function by selecting "Activate Absent Power Saving" from a menu such as S3502.

[0387] When a request to activate power saving control is received, in step S3404, the air conditioner (100) determines whether the Wi-Fi module (2410) uses a Wi-Fi network within a first frequency band. The first frequency band may correspond to a 5 GHz band. Person detection using a CSI value can only operate properly with a Wi-Fi signal in the 5 GHz band. Therefore, when the Wi-Fi module (2410) performs Wi-Fi communication through a Wi-Fi channel in the 2.4 GHz band, person detection using the CSI value of the Wi-Fi signal cannot be implemented with appropriate performance. Therefore, when the Wi-Fi module (2410) communicates through a Wi-Fi channel in the 2.4 GHz band, in order to perform person detection using the CSI value of the Wi-Fi signal, the Wi-Fi module (2410) must reconnect to the Wi-Fi network in the 5 GHz band.

[0388] If it is determined in step S3404 that the Wi-Fi module (2410) is not connected to a Wi-Fi network in the 5 GHz band, the air conditioner (100) outputs connection guide information requesting connection to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network in step S3406. The air conditioner (100) can output the connection guide information through an external device (1710) or an output interface (2420).

[0389] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, connection guide information may be output through an application of an external device (1710). For example, the external device (1710) may output connection guide information requesting that the air conditioner (100) be connected to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network, as in S3506 of FIG. 35 . According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the application of the external device (1710) may output different connection guide information depending on the authority of the user of the external device (1710). The authority of the user of the external device (1710) may be determined based on the authority information of the user account logged into the application. For example, if the user of the external device (1710) is the owner of the corresponding space (e.g., house, room, office, etc.), the application of the external device (1710) may output connection guide information requesting that the air conditioner (100) be connected to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. The owner of the corresponding space may refer to, for example, a person with setting authority for an access point (AP). In addition, for example, if the user of the external device (1710) is not the owner of the space but is the owner of the air conditioner (100), the application of the external device (1710) may output connection guide information requesting the owner of the space to grant permission to connect the air conditioner (100) to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network. Since the owner of the air conditioner (100) does not have the authority to set the access point (AP) of the space, the application may request the owner of the space to change the settings of the Wi-Fi network of the access point (AP). In addition, for example, if the user of the external device (1710) is not the owner of the space and is not the owner of the air conditioner (100), the application of the external device (1710) may output connection guide information requesting the owner of the space to grant permission to connect the air conditioner (100) to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.

[0390] If it is determined in step S3404 that the air conditioner (100) is connected to a Wi-Fi 5GHz network, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the quality of the Wi-Fi signal satisfies a predetermined standard in step S3408. The quality of the Wi-Fi signal can be determined by determining whether the strength of the Wi-Fi signal is within a standard range. The strength of the Wi-Fi signal can be determined by an RSSI value. The air conditioner (100) can determine that the quality of the Wi-Fi signal does not satisfy the predetermined standard in at least one of the following cases: if the RSSI value exceeds a first RSSI reference value, if there is an additional amplifier between the access point (AP) and the air conditioner (100), or if the RSSI value is lower than a second RSSI reference value. The second RSSI reference value is a value lower than the first RSSI reference value.

[0391] If the air conditioner (100) determines that the Wi-Fi signal is not adequate because it does not meet a predetermined standard, it can output signal inadequacy guide information in step S3410. The air conditioner (100) can output signal inadequacy guide information through an external device (1710) or an output interface (2420).

[0392] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner (100) can output signal inappropriate guide information through the application of the external device (1710). Referring to S3508 of FIG. 35, when the strength of the Wi-Fi signal is strong, the application of the external device (1710) can output signal inappropriate guide information to check whether the distance between the air conditioner (100) and the access point (AP) is too close. In addition, when the strength of the Wi-Fi signal is strong, the application of the external device (1710) can output signal inappropriate guide information to request a change of location if there is a Wi-Fi amplifier, etc., that may cause signal interference between the access point (AP) and the air conditioner (100). Also, referring to S3510 of FIG. 35, when the strength of the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the application of the external device (1710) can output signal inadequacy guide information to check whether the distance between the air conditioner (100) and the access repeater (AP) is far or whether the 5GHz signal of the access repeater (AP) is too weak.

[0393] If the Wi-Fi signal is determined to be appropriate by satisfying a predetermined standard in step S3408, the air conditioner (100) may output a guidance message indicating that the power-saving control function is activated in step S3412. The air conditioner (100) may output the guidance message through an external device (1710) or an output interface (2420) of the air conditioner (100).

[0394] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the application of the external device (1710) may output a guidance message indicating that the power-saving control function is activated, as in step S3504, when the air conditioner (100) is connected to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network and the Wi-Fi signal is adequate. In addition, the application of the external device (1710) may output a guidance message indicating that the movement of a human may be detected, such as when there is a moving object such as a robot vacuum cleaner, a heat fan, or a pet, along with the guidance message indicating that the power-saving control function is activated.

[0395] FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for outputting a message indicating that the power saving control function is unavailable when the air conditioner becomes unable to perform the power saving control function while performing the power saving control function, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0396] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the air conditioner (100) performs a power saving control function and fails to successfully detect absence during an operating reference time, it determines that the absence detection function cannot be used and outputs a power saving control function unavailable message indicating that the power saving control function cannot be used.

[0397] In step S3602, the air conditioner (100) can perform a power saving control function.

[0398] In step S3604, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether absence detection has been successful. If absence detection has been successful, the air conditioner (100) continues to perform the power saving control function.

[0399] If the air conditioner (100) does not successfully detect absence, the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the operating reference time has elapsed since the last successful detection of absence. If the air conditioner (100) has not successfully detected absence even once since starting operation (e.g., after power is turned on), the air conditioner (100) can determine whether the operating reference time has elapsed since the air conditioner (100) started operation. The operating reference time can be set to, for example, between 24 and 40 hours. The operating reference time can be set to, for example, 34 hours.

[0400] If it is not determined in step S3606 that the operating reference time has elapsed, the air conditioner (100) continues to perform the power saving control function.

[0401] If it is determined in step S3606 that the operating reference time has elapsed, the air conditioner (100) may output a message indicating that the power saving control function cannot be used in step S3608. The air conditioner (100) may output the message indicating that the power saving control function cannot be used through the output interface (2420) or an application of an external device (1710).

[0402] FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a GUI that outputs a message indicating that the power saving control function is unavailable, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0403] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the application of the external device (1710) may output a message indicating that the power saving control function is unavailable. In step S3702, the application of the external device (1710) may output a pop-up message indicating that the absence power saving and power saving control functions are unavailable in an environment where absence is not detected. If the user selects the pop-up message or executes the application, in step S3704, the application of the external device (1710) may output a message indicating that the absence power saving and power saving control functions are unavailable in an environment where absence is not detected. In addition, the application of the external device (1710) may output a message indicating that there is a factor that interferes with absence detection, such as a robot vacuum cleaner or a pet, or that there is a problem with the access point (AP).

[0404] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0405] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0406] One embodiment of the present disclosure is to increase the power consumption saving effect while minimizing / reducing user inconvenience by adjusting the duration of power saving control according to the user's absence time pattern.

[0407] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by adjusting the duration of power saving control according to the user's absence time pattern, there is an effect of increasing the power consumption saving effect while minimizing / reducing user inconvenience.

[0408] According to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner includes a detection sensor. Furthermore, the air conditioner includes an air conditioning module that performs an air conditioning operation for a target space. Furthermore, the air conditioner includes a memory that stores at least one instruction. Furthermore, the air conditioner includes at least one processor that includes a processing circuit. The at least one processor individually and / or collectively executes at least one instruction to detect a person in the target space using a sensor detection value of the detection sensor, and, based on an absence time during which the person is determined to be absent from the target space, perform a power-saving control operation of adjusting at least one of a wind speed or a set temperature of the air conditioning module when a power-saving control execution condition indicating a condition for performing a power-saving control operation is satisfied, and in the power-saving control operation, one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels is set according to a performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps of the power-saving control operation, and a duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps is adjusted according to the set power-saving learning level, and, according to the absence time, at least one of the wind speed or the set temperature is adjusted while performing the plurality of intermediate operation steps.

[0409] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of power-saving learning levels may include a basic level, a first learning level, a second learning level, and a third learning level. At least one processor may operate at one of the plurality of power-saving learning levels based on the performance history of the plurality of intermediate operation steps by executing at least one instruction.

[0410] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may perform a preliminary judgment step for determining whether to perform power-saving control by executing at least one instruction. The preliminary judgment step may be a step for determining whether to perform power-saving control when the set temperature and wind speed of the air conditioning module are maintained and the absence time reaches the duration of the preliminary judgment step. The duration of the preliminary judgment step may be longer than the duration of each intermediate operation step.

[0411] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of intermediate operation stages may include an absent wind-free stage, a first absent power-saving stage, and a second absent power-saving stage. The plurality of intermediate operation stages may proceed in the order of the absent wind-free stage, the first absent power-saving stage, and the second absent power-saving stage as the absence time increases. The absent wind-free stage may be a stage of setting the air conditioning module to a wind-free mode and maintaining a set temperature. The first absent power-saving stage may be a stage of increasing the set temperature by a first reference level. The second absent power-saving stage may be a stage of further increasing the set temperature by a second reference level.

[0412] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power-saving control may include a soft-off phase. The soft-off phase may be a phase performed after a plurality of intermediate operation phases, activating a detection sensor, and suspending operation of the air conditioning module.

[0413] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may, by executing at least one instruction, operate by changing each of a plurality of intermediate operation stages among a plurality of power-saving learning levels to a level having a shorter duration when the air conditioner is maintained in a soft-off state for a preset duration.

[0414] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor, upon detecting a person in a soft-off state by executing the at least one instruction, may stop power-saving control and operate by changing to a level having a longer duration of each of a plurality of intermediate driving stages among a plurality of power-saving learning levels.

[0415] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of the preliminary judgment step may be the same for all multiple power-saving learning levels. The duration of each of the multiple intermediate driving steps may vary depending on the multiple power-saving learning levels.

[0416] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the duration of the preliminary judgment step may be longer than the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate driving steps. The duration of each of the plurality of intermediate driving steps may be the same.

[0417] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may, by executing at least one instruction, set the mode of the power saving control operation to one of a plurality of user-specified modes based on a user input, and change the duration of each of a plurality of intermediate driving steps for each of a plurality of power saving learning levels according to the plurality of user-specified modes.

[0418] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of intermediate operation stages may have at least one of the wind speed or set temperature of the air conditioning module (212) set to be different from each other.

[0419] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may sequentially perform a plurality of intermediate operation steps by executing at least one instruction, and increase a set temperature of an air conditioning module in at least one intermediate operation step, and if the set temperature of the air conditioning module reaches a maximum reference temperature while the plurality of intermediate operation steps are sequentially performed, set the set temperature to the maximum reference temperature without increasing it.

[0420] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may obtain average daily usage time information of an air conditioner by executing at least one instruction, and, based on the average daily usage time information, if the average daily usage time is lower than a reference usage time, select a power-saving learning level having a shorter duration than a level determined based on the performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps from among a plurality of power-saving learning levels.

[0421] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may obtain absence schedule information set by a user by executing at least one instruction, and, based on the obtained absence schedule information, if a time for performing a power-saving control operation corresponds to a time corresponding to the absence schedule, select a power-saving learning level having a shorter duration than a level determined based on the performance history of a plurality of intermediate driving steps among a plurality of power-saving learning levels.

[0422] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor may perform a preliminary judgment step of determining whether to perform power saving control by executing the at least one instruction, obtain absence schedule information set by a user, and, based on the obtained absence schedule information, if a time for performing the power saving control operation corresponds to a time corresponding to the absence schedule, perform a plurality of intermediate operation steps without performing the preliminary judgment step, and the preliminary judgment step may be a step of determining to perform power saving control when the set temperature and wind speed of the air conditioning module are maintained and the absence time reaches the duration of the preliminary judgment step.

[0423] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may further include a communication module. At least one processor may, by executing at least one instruction, receive a sensor detection value or a human detection result of an external detection sensor from an external device including an external detection sensor through the communication module, and detect a human in a target space based on the sensor detection value or the human detection result of the external detection sensor.

[0424] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor may increase the sensitivity of an operation of detecting a person in a target space by increasing the sensitivity of a detection sensor or adjusting a reference value for detecting a person using a sensor detection value when a person is detected in the target space by executing at least one instruction.

[0425] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner may correspond to at least one of an air conditioner, a heater, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier.

[0426] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner further includes a Wi-Fi module, and the at least one processor can detect a person in the target space using a CSI (Channel State Information) value of a Wi-Fi signal received through the Wi-Fi module.

[0427] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor may determine that a person is present in the target space when the CSI value is greater than or equal to a CSI reference value, and may determine that no person is present in the target space when the CSI value is less than the CSI reference value.

[0428] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one processor may generate a first message indicating that the Wi-Fi signal received by the Wi-Fi module from the access point (AP) does not use a Wi-Fi network within the first frequency band or the quality of the Wi-Fi signal does not meet a predetermined standard, and transmit the first message to the server through the Wi-Fi module.

[0429] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air conditioner further includes an output interface, and the at least one processor can generate a first message indicating that human detection cannot be performed using a Wi-Fi signal when the Wi-Fi signal received by the Wi-Fi module from an access point (AP) does not use a Wi-Fi network within a first frequency band or the quality of the Wi-Fi signal does not meet a predetermined standard, and output the first message through the output interface.

[0430] In addition, according to an aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air conditioner is provided. The method for controlling the air conditioner includes a step of detecting a person in a target space using a sensor detection value of a detection sensor. In addition, the method for controlling the air conditioner includes a step of performing a power-saving control operation for adjusting at least one of a wind speed or a set temperature of an air conditioning module when a power-saving control execution condition indicating a condition for performing a power-saving control operation is satisfied based on an absence time during which it is determined that a person is absent in the target space. In addition, the step of performing the power-saving control operation includes a step of setting one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels according to a performance history of a plurality of intermediate operation steps of the power-saving control operation; a step of adjusting a duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the set power-saving learning level; and a step of adjusting at least one of the wind speed or the set temperature while performing the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time.

[0431] In addition, according to one aspect of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing an air conditioner control method on a computer is provided.

Claims

1. Detection sensor (110); An air conditioning module (212) that performs air conditioning operations for a target space; A memory (214) storing at least one instruction; and At least one processor (210) including a processing circuit, wherein said at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes said at least one instruction, Using the sensor detection value of the above detection sensor (110), a person in the target space is detected, Based on the absence time determined to be when a person is absent in the target space, when the power-saving control execution condition indicating the condition for performing the power-saving control operation is satisfied, the power-saving control operation for adjusting at least one of the wind speed or set temperature of the air conditioning module (212) is performed. In the above power saving control operation, Set one of the multiple power-saving learning levels according to the performance history of multiple intermediate driving steps of the above power-saving control operation, Adjusting the duration of each of the multiple intermediate driving stages according to the set power saving learning level, An air conditioner (100) that controls at least one of the wind speed or the set temperature while performing the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time.

2. In paragraph 1, The above multiple power saving learning levels include a basic level, a first learning level, a second learning level, and a third learning level, An air conditioner (100) in which the at least one processor (210) operates at one of the plurality of power-saving learning levels according to the performance history of the plurality of intermediate operation steps by individually and / or collectively executing the at least one instruction.

3. In any one of paragraphs 1 and 2, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, A preliminary judgment step is performed to determine whether to perform the above power saving control, In the above preliminary judgment step, it is determined that the power saving control is performed based on the absence time reaching the duration of the preliminary judgment step while maintaining the set temperature and wind speed of the air conditioning module (212). The duration of the above preliminary judgment step is longer than the duration of each of the above multiple intermediate operation steps, the air conditioner (100).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above multiple intermediate driving stages include an absent wind-free stage, a first absent power-saving stage, and a second absent power-saving stage, The above plural intermediate driving stages proceed in the order of the absence wind-free stage, the first absence power-saving stage, and the second absence power-saving stage as the absence time elapses. The above-mentioned windless step is a step of setting the air conditioning module to windless mode and maintaining the set temperature. The above first absence power saving step is a step of increasing the set temperature by a first reference level, The second absence power saving step is an air conditioner (100) that further increases the set temperature by a second reference level.

5. In paragraph 4, The above power saving control includes a soft off step performed after the plurality of intermediate driving steps, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, An air conditioner (100) in which, in the above soft off stage, the detection sensor (110) is activated and the operation of the air conditioning module (212) is stopped.

6. In paragraph 5, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, An air conditioner (100) that operates by changing the duration of each of a plurality of intermediate operation stages among the plurality of power-saving learning levels to a level with a shorter duration as the air conditioner (100) is maintained in a soft-off state for a set duration.

7. In paragraph 5, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, An air conditioner (100) that, when a person is detected in the above soft-off state, stops the power-saving control and operates by changing to a level in which each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages among the plurality of power-saving learning levels has a longer duration.

8. In paragraph 3, The duration of the above preliminary judgment step is the same for all of the above multiple power saving learning levels, The duration of each of the above plural intermediate driving stages is different according to the above plural power saving learning levels, air conditioner (100).

9. In paragraph 3, The duration of the above preliminary judgment step is longer than the duration of each of the above multiple intermediate driving steps, An air conditioner (100) wherein the duration of each of the above multiple intermediate operation stages is equal to each other.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively performs the at least one instruction, Based on user input, set the mode of said power saving control operation to one of a plurality of user-defined modes, An air conditioner (100), wherein the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate operation stages for each of the plurality of power-saving learning levels is different depending on the plurality of user-defined modes.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, An air conditioner (100) in which at least one of the wind speed or set temperature of the air conditioning module (212) is set differently from each other in the above-described plurality of intermediate operation stages.

12. In paragraph 11, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, Based on the above multiple intermediate operation steps being sequentially performed, the set temperature of the air conditioning module (212) is increased in at least one intermediate operation step, An air conditioner (100) that maintains the set temperature at the maximum reference temperature when the set temperature of the air conditioning module (212) reaches the maximum reference temperature while the above-described multiple intermediate operation stages are sequentially performed.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, Obtain average daily usage time information indicating the average daily usage time of the above air conditioner (100), An air conditioner (100) that selects a power-saving learning level having a shorter duration than a level determined based on the performance history of the plurality of intermediate operation steps among the plurality of power-saving learning levels when the average daily usage time is shorter than the standard usage time based on the above-mentioned average daily usage time information.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, Obtaining the absence schedule information set by the user, which indicates the user's absence schedule, An air conditioner (100) that selects a power-saving learning level having a shorter duration than a level determined based on the performance history of the plurality of intermediate operation steps among the plurality of power-saving learning levels when the time for performing the power-saving control operation is a time corresponding to the absence schedule based on the acquired absence schedule information.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, A preliminary judgment step is performed to determine whether to perform the above power saving control operation, Obtaining the absence schedule information set by the user, which indicates the user's absence schedule, Based on the acquired absence schedule information, if the time for performing the power saving control operation is a time corresponding to the absence schedule, the preliminary judgment step is not performed and the plurality of intermediate operation steps are performed, The above preliminary judgment step is a step of determining that the set temperature and wind speed of the air conditioning module (212) are maintained and, if the absence time reaches the duration of the preliminary judgment step, the power-saving control operation is performed, the air conditioner (100).

16. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 15, The above air conditioner (100) further includes a communication module (1620) including a communication circuit, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, Through the above communication module (1620), the sensor detection value or human detection result of the external detection sensor (2010) is received from an external device including the external detection sensor (2010), An air conditioner (100) that detects a person in the target space based on a sensor detection value of the external detection sensor (2010) or the person detection result.

17. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 16, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, An air conditioner (100) that increases the sensitivity of an operation to detect a person in the target space by increasing the sensitivity of the detection sensor (110) when a person is detected in the target space or by adjusting a reference value for detecting the person using the sensor detection value.

18. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 17, The above air conditioner (100) corresponds to at least one of an air conditioner, a heater, an air purifier, or a dehumidifier.

19. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 18, The above air conditioner (100) further includes a WiFi module (2410) including a WiFi circuit, An air conditioner (100) in which at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes at least one instruction to detect a person in the target space by using the CSI (Channel State Information) value of a Wi-Fi signal received through the Wi-Fi module (2410).

20. In paragraph 19, An air conditioner (100) in which the at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction to determine that a person is present in the target space based on the CSI value being greater than or equal to a CSI reference value, and to determine that no person is present in the target space based on the CSI value being less than the CSI reference value.

21. In paragraph 19, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, The above WiFi module (2410) generates a first message indicating that the WiFi signal received from the access repeater (AP) does not use a WiFi network within the first frequency band or the quality of the WiFi signal does not meet a predetermined standard, and thus, the WiFi signal cannot be used for detection. An air conditioner (100) that transmits the above first message to a server via the Wi-Fi module.

22. In paragraph 19, The above air conditioner (100) further includes an output interface (2420) including an output circuit, The at least one processor (210) individually and / or collectively executes the at least one instruction, The above WiFi module (2410) generates a first message indicating that the WiFi signal received from the access repeater (AP) does not use a WiFi network within the first frequency band or the quality of the WiFi signal does not meet a predetermined standard, and thus, the WiFi signal cannot be used for detection. An air conditioner (100) that outputs the first message through the output interface (2420).

23. A step of detecting a person in a target space using the sensor detection value of the detection sensor; and A step of performing a power-saving control operation for adjusting at least one of the wind speed or set temperature of the air conditioning module according to a power-saving control execution condition indicating a condition for performing a power-saving control operation based on an absence time determined to be when a person is absent in the target space is satisfied, The steps for performing the above power saving control operation are: A step of setting one of a plurality of power-saving learning levels according to the performance history of a plurality of intermediate driving steps of the above power-saving control operation; A step of adjusting the duration of each of the plurality of intermediate driving stages according to the set power saving learning level; and An air conditioner control method, comprising a step of controlling at least one of the wind speed or the set temperature while performing the plurality of intermediate operation steps according to the absence time.

24. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for performing the method of Article 23 on a computer.

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