Air conditioner and method for controlling air conditioner

Abstract

This air conditioner includes: a main body including a discharge port; a heat exchanger; a compressor that compresses a refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger; a fan that blows, to the discharge port, the air heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger; a first sensor that collects indoor environment data; a second sensor that collects outdoor environment data; and at least one processor that controls the compressor and the fan to perform an air conditioning operation on the basis of a set temperature, wherein, when the air conditioning operation is performed in an echo mode, the at least one processor determines a recommended temperature on the basis of the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature, transmits information on the recommended temperature to an external device on the basis of when an indoor temperature corresponding to the indoor environment data reaches the set temperature; and changes the set temperature to the recommended temperature on the basis of receiving, from the external device, a command that selects the recommended temperature, and when a termination command of the echo mode is received, the at least one processor determines a recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation on the basis of an air conditioning re-operation desired time, the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature, which are set by a user, after termination of the air conditioning operation, and transmits, to the external device, information on the recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation.

Description

Air conditioner and air conditioner control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner that performs air conditioning operation in eco mode and a control method for the air conditioner.

[0002] In general, an air conditioner is a device that cools or heats the air by utilizing the movement of heat generated during the evaporation and condensation of a refrigerant, and discharges the cooled or heated air to condition the air in a indoor space.

[0003] When operating in cooling or heating mode, an air conditioner circulates refrigerant and rotates a fan installed around an indoor heat exchanger to draw in indoor air. Furthermore, the air conditioner can exchange heat with the drawn-in air in the indoor heat exchanger and discharge the heat-exchanged air into the indoor space.

[0004] Conventional air conditioners perform air conditioning operations based on the set temperature without considering power consumption, resulting in inefficient air conditioning operations in terms of energy efficiency.

[0005] The present disclosure can provide an air conditioner and a control method of the air conditioner capable of controlling a set temperature reflecting an indoor environment and an outdoor environment.

[0006] An air conditioner according to the invention may include a main body including a discharge port; a heat exchanger; a compressor for compressing refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger; a fan for blowing air heat-exchanged in the heat exchanger to the discharge port; a first sensor for collecting indoor environmental data; a second sensor for collecting outdoor environmental data; and at least one processor for controlling the compressor and the fan to perform air conditioning operation based on a set temperature. When the air conditioning operation is performed in the eco mode, the at least one processor may determine a recommended temperature based on the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature, transmit information about the recommended temperature to an external device based on the indoor temperature corresponding to the indoor environment data reaching the set temperature, change the set temperature to the recommended temperature based on receiving a command to select the recommended temperature from the external device, and, when a command to terminate the eco mode is received, determine a recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation based on a desired air conditioning re-operation time set by a user after termination of the air conditioning operation, the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature, and transmit information about the recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation to the external device.

[0007] A control method of an air conditioner according to the invention may include collecting indoor environment data; collecting outdoor environment data; determining a recommended temperature based on the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and a set temperature when performing air conditioning operation in an eco mode; transmitting information about the recommended temperature to an external device based on the indoor temperature corresponding to the indoor environment data reaching the set temperature; changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature based on receiving a command to select the recommended temperature; determining a recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation based on a desired air conditioning re-operation time set by a user after termination of the air conditioning operation, the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature when receiving a command to terminate the eco mode; and transmitting information about the recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation to the external device.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, power consumption resulting from air conditioning operation can be saved.

[0009] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, power consumption can be saved through control of the air conditioning operation section and the air conditioning re-operation section.

[0010] According to one aspect of the disclosed invention, a comfortable indoor environment can be provided to a user by controlling a set temperature that reflects not only an indoor environment but also an outdoor environment.

[0011] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a control system of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 illustrates a refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioning system according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 illustrates the appearance of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates an air conditioner with an outlet opened according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates the A-A' cross-section of Figure 4.

[0018] Figure 7 illustrates a closed exhaust port of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 illustrates the B-B' cross section of Figure 6.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of obtaining various information using a machine learning model of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an example of air conditioning operation control when an air conditioner operates in eco mode according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of an interface for executing an eco mode of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an interface for changing a set temperature when performing air conditioning operation in eco mode, according to one embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 14 is a flowchart for explaining an example of air conditioning operation control when the eco mode of an air conditioner according to one embodiment is terminated.

[0026] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a method for obtaining a recommended maintenance time of air conditioning operation, according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an interface for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation, according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of an interface for determining whether to restart the air conditioning, according to one embodiment.

[0029] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0030] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0034] The terms "part," "module," and "member" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, multiple "parts," "modules," or "members" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "member" may include multiple components.

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Meanwhile, the terms "front", "back", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc. used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, but the shape and position of each component are not limited by the above terms. For example, the front side may be defined as the +X side, and the rear side may be defined as the -X side. For example, based on the drawing, the right side may be defined as the +Y side, and the left side may be defined as the -Y side. For example, based on the drawing, the upper side may be defined as the +Z side, and the lower side may be defined as the -Z side.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a control system of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a control system of an air conditioner according to one embodiment may include an air conditioner (1), a user device (6) and / or a computing device (7).

[0044] The air conditioner (1) may include a communication interface capable of communicating with a user device (6) and / or a computing device (7), a user interface device for receiving user input or outputting various types of information, at least one processor for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1), and at least one memory in which a program for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1) is stored.

[0045] The computing device (7) may include a server device.

[0046] The computing device (7) may include a communication interface capable of communicating with the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6). The computing device (7) may include at least one processor capable of processing data received from the air conditioner (1), another computing device (or another server device), and / or the user device (6), and at least one memory capable of storing a program for processing the data or processed data. The computing device (7) may be implemented as various computing devices such as a workstation, a cloud, a data drive, a data station, etc. The computing device (7) may be implemented as one or more servers that are physically or logically separated based on functions, detailed configurations of functions, or data, and may transmit and receive data and process the transmitted and received data through communication between each server.

[0047] The computing device (7) can store and / or manage user accounts, register an air conditioner (1) and / or a user device (6) by linking them to a user account, and perform functions of managing or controlling the registered air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6). For example, a user can access the computing device (7) through the user device (6) and create a user account. The user account can be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The user can access the computing device (7) through the user device (6) and manage the user account. The computing device (7) can register the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the computing device (7) can link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address, etc.) of the air conditioner (1) to the user account to register, manage, and control the air conditioner (1). Likewise, the computing device (7) may register and / or control the user device (6) to a user account.

[0048] According to various embodiments, the computing device (7) may include multiple servers.

[0049] For example, the computing device (7) may include a first server device and a second server device. The first server device may create and / or manage user account information, and register and / or manage information of the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) in the user account information. The second server device may receive registration information of the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) from the first server, and control the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6).

[0050] As another example, the second server device may perform the management function of the air conditioner (1) and / or user device (6) registered to the first server device on behalf of the first server device.

[0051] The number of computing devices (7) is not limited thereto, and the computing devices (7) may include multiple servers for performing the same operation and / or different operations.

[0052] The user device (6) may include a communication interface capable of communicating with the air conditioner (1) and / or the computing device (7). The user device (6) may include a user interface device for receiving user input or outputting information to the user. The user device (6) may include at least one processor for controlling the operation of the user device (6) and at least one memory for storing a program for controlling the operation of the user device (6).

[0053] The user device (6) may be carried by the user or placed in the user's home or office, etc. The user device (6) may include, but is not limited to, a personal computer, a terminal, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a handheld device, a wearable device, a display device, etc.

[0054] In one embodiment, the user device (6) may include a remote control device capable of remotely controlling the air conditioner (1). The remote control device may include various interfaces for controlling the air conditioner (1) or for configuring the air conditioner (1). In one embodiment, when the user device (6) corresponds to a remote control device configured to remotely control the air conditioner (1), the air conditioner (1) and the user device (6) may communicate directly.

[0055] The memory of the user device (6) may store a program, i.e., an application, for controlling the air conditioner (1) and / or the computing device (7). The application may be sold installed on the user device (6) or downloaded and installed from an external server.

[0056] A user can access a computing device (7) by executing an application installed on a user device (6), create a user account, and perform communication with the computing device (7) based on the logged-in user account to register the air conditioner (1) on the computing device (7).

[0057] For example, when the air conditioner (1) is operated so that the air conditioner (1) can be connected to the computing device (7) according to the procedure guided by the application installed on the user device (6), the air conditioner (1) can be registered in the user account by registering the identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the air conditioner (1) in the corresponding user account on the computing device (7). It goes without saying that the information required to register a device such as the air conditioner (1) in the user account may be other information that can identify the device in addition to the serial number or MAC address of the device.

[0058] A user can control an air conditioner (1) using an application installed on the user device (6). For example, when a user logs into a user account using an application installed on the user device (6), a visual indicator indicating an air conditioner (1) registered to the user account may appear. When a control command for the air conditioner (1) is input from the user device (6), the user device (6) can transmit the control command to the air conditioner (1) via the computing device (7).

[0059] The user device (6) can receive various information through the computing device (7) or directly from the air conditioner (1) registered to the user account.

[0060] A network 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.

[0061] A network may include a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN) formed around an access point (AP), and a short-range wireless network that does not use an access point (AP). 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), Z-Wave, etc.

[0062] An access point (AP) can connect the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) to a wide area network (WAN) to which the computing device (7) is connected. The air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) can be connected to the computing device (7) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0063] The access point (AP) communicates with the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) using wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4), and can connect to a wide area network (WAN) using wired communication, but the wireless communication method of the access point (AP) is not limited to this.

[0064] According to various embodiments, the air conditioner (1) may be directly connected to the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7) without going through an access point (AP).

[0065] The air conditioner (1) can be connected to a user device (6) and / or a computing device (7) via a long-range wireless network or a short-range wireless network.

[0066] For example, the air conditioner (1) may be connected to the user device (6) via a short-range wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth) and / or via a user device (6). As another example, the air conditioner (1) may be connected to the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7) via a wide area network (WAN) using a long-range wireless network (e.g., a cellular communication module).

[0067] The air conditioner (1) can transmit information about the operation or status of the air conditioner (1) to the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7) via a network. For example, the air conditioner (1) can transmit information about the operation or status to the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7) when a request is received from the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7), when a specific event occurs in the air conditioner (1), and / or periodically or in real time.

[0068] When information about the operation or status is received from the air conditioner (1), the computing device (7) can update the stored information about the operation or status of the air conditioner (1) and transmit the updated information about the operation and / or status of the air conditioner (1) to the user device (6) via the network. Here, the updating of information can include various operations in which existing information is changed, such as an operation of adding new information to existing information and an operation of replacing existing information with new information.

[0069] Information about the operation and / or status of the air conditioner (1) may include information related to the operation of the air conditioner (1).

[0070] For example, information related to the operation of the air conditioner (1) may include information about the operation time and operation end time of the air conditioner (1).

[0071] Information about the operation and / or status of the air conditioner (1) may include information collected by at least one sensor provided in the air conditioner (1).

[0072] For example, information about the operation and / or status of the air conditioner (1) may include humidity information and / or temperature information of the surrounding air.

[0073] The air conditioner (1) can obtain various information from the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7) and provide the obtained information to the user. For example, the air conditioner (1) can obtain information related to the function of the air conditioner (1) and various environmental information (e.g., weather, temperature, humidity, etc.) from the computing device (7) and output the obtained information through the user interface device.

[0074] The air conditioner (1) can receive electrical signals corresponding to various notifications from the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7), and provide notifications corresponding to the electrical signals to the user.

[0075] The user device (6) can receive electrical signals corresponding to various notifications from the air conditioner (1) and / or the computing device (7), and provide notifications corresponding to the electrical signals to the user.

[0076] The air conditioner (1) can operate according to control commands received from the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7). For example, if the air conditioner (1) has obtained prior approval from the user so that it can operate according to the control commands of the computing device (7) even without user input through the user device (6), the air conditioner (1) can operate according to the control commands received from the computing device (7). Here, the control commands received from the computing device (7) may include, but are not limited to, control commands input by the user through the user device (6) or control commands based on preset conditions.

[0077] The user device (6) can transmit information about the user to the air conditioner (1) and / or the computing device (7) via the communication interface. For example, the user device (6) can transmit information about the user's location, the user's health status, the user's preferences, the user's schedule, etc. to the computing device (7). The user device (6) can transmit information about the user to the computing device (7) with the user's prior consent.

[0078] In one embodiment, the user device (6) can transmit settings related to the air conditioner (1) (e.g., settings for dry operation) to the air conditioner (1) and / or the computing device (7) via the communication interface.

[0079] The air conditioner (1), the user device (6), and / or the computing device (7) can determine control commands using artificial intelligence technology. For example, the computing device (7) can process information regarding the operation or status of the air conditioner (1) and information regarding the user of the user device (6) using artificial intelligence technology, and transmit the processing result or control command to the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) based on the processing result.

[0080] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining an example of a control system for an air conditioner according to one embodiment in which an air conditioner (1), a user device (6) and / or a computing device (7) exchange information and / or control commands with each other, and the communication method of the air conditioner (1), the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7) or examples of information transmitted from the air conditioner (1), the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7) are not limited to the above-described description.

[0081] Figure 2 illustrates a refrigerant circulation circuit of an air conditioning system according to one embodiment.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 2, the air conditioning system includes an air conditioner (1) and an outdoor unit (2). The air conditioner (1) may also be referred to as an indoor unit, as it is located in an indoor space requiring air conditioning. The air conditioner (1) may be installed inside a space separated from the outside by a wall or partition, such as the interior of a house or an office, for example.

[0083] Indoor units can be classified into ceiling-mounted indoor units, stand-alone indoor units, and wall-mounted indoor units depending on how they are placed. However, for convenience of explanation, stand-alone indoor units will be described below.

[0084] The outdoor unit (2) may be located outside the air conditioning space. The outdoor unit (2) may be installed outdoors, for example.

[0085] An air conditioning system includes a refrigerant passage that circulates refrigerant between indoor and outdoor environments. The refrigerant circulates between indoor and outdoor environments along the refrigerant passage, and can absorb heat or release latent heat during a state change (e.g., from gas to liquid, or from liquid to solid).

[0086] In order to induce a change in the state of the refrigerant, the refrigerant circulation device may include a compressor (3), an outdoor heat exchanger (4), an expansion valve (5), and an indoor heat exchanger (20).

[0087] The compressor (3) compresses the gaseous refrigerant, thereby heating the refrigerant. The high-temperature / high-pressure gaseous refrigerant can be transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) by the compressor (3). In the outdoor heat exchanger (4), the high-temperature / high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is converted from a gaseous state to a liquid state and also releases heat. The liquid refrigerant can be transferred to the expansion valve (5). The expansion valve (5) reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, thereby cooling the refrigerant. The low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant can be transferred to the indoor heat exchanger (20). In the indoor heat exchanger (20), the low-temperature / low-pressure liquid refrigerant is converted from a liquid state to a gaseous state and also absorbs heat.

[0088] In this way, the refrigerant can release heat from the outdoor heat exchanger (4) and absorb heat from the indoor heat exchanger (20). The indoor heat exchanger (20) is installed in the air conditioner (1) together with the expansion valve (5), and the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can be installed in the outdoor unit (2) together with the compressor (3). Therefore, the indoor heat exchanger (20) can cool the air in the air-conditioned space (indoor).

[0089] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the indoor heat exchanger (20) is referred to as a 'heat exchanger (20)'. In addition, the components provided in the outdoor unit (2) may also be components of the air conditioner (1), and the air conditioner (1) may be a concept that includes both the indoor unit (1) and the outdoor unit (2).

[0090] Fig. 3 illustrates the exterior of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of an air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 illustrates an air conditioner with an outlet opened according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates a cross-section taken along line A-A' of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 illustrates an air conditioner with an outlet closed according to one embodiment. Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-section taken along line B-B' of Fig. 7.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, the air conditioner (1) includes a main body (10) having at least one discharge port (41), a heat exchanger (20) for exchanging heat with air flowing into the interior of the main body (10), a blower (30) for circulating air into or out of the main body (10), and a discharge unit (40) for discharging air blown from the blower (30) to the exterior of the main body (10).

[0092] The main body (10) may include a front panel (10a) in which at least one discharge port (41) is formed, a rear panel (10b) arranged at the rear of the front panel (10a), a side panel (10c) arranged between the front panel (10a) and the rear panel (10b), and upper / lower panels (10d) arranged at the upper and lower portions of the side panel (10c). At least one discharge port (41) may be formed in a circular shape, and at least two or more may be spaced apart from each other in the upper / lower direction of the front panel (10a). For example, the discharge port (41) may include a first discharge port (41a), a second discharge port (41b), and a third discharge port (41c).

[0093] An intake port (19) may be formed on the rear panel (10b) to allow external air to be sucked into the interior of the main body (10).

[0094] An intake port (19) is provided on the rear panel (10b) located at the rear of the heat exchanger (20) to guide air from outside the main body (10) to flow into the inside of the main body (10). Air flowing into the inside of the main body (10) through the intake port (19) absorbs or loses heat as it passes through the heat exchanger (20). Air that has exchanged heat while passing through the heat exchanger (20) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the discharge port (40) by the blower (30).

[0095] The blower (30) may include a fan (32) and a grill (34).

[0096] A grill (34) may be provided in the discharge direction of the fan (32). In one embodiment, the fan (32) is a diffusion fan, but the type of fan (32) is not limited, and any configuration that allows air flowing in from the outside of the main body (10) to be discharged back to the outside of the main body (10) is sufficient. For example, the fan (32) may be a cross fan, a turbo fan, or a sirocco fan. The number of fans (32) is not limited, and in one embodiment, at least one fan (32) may be provided to correspond to at least one discharge port (41). For example, the fan (32) may include a first fan (32a), a second fan (32b), and a third fan (32c).

[0097] A blower (30) may be provided at the center of the fan (32), and a fan motor (33) for driving the fan (32) may be provided. For example, the fan motor (33) may include a first fan motor (33a) for driving a first fan (32a), a second fan motor (33b) for driving a second fan (32b), and a third fan motor (33c) for driving a third fan (32c). The fan motor (53) may include a motor whose rotation speed can be controlled. For example, the fan motor (53) may be a BLDC motor.

[0098] In the present disclosure, controlling the fan (32) may include controlling the fan motor (53).

[0099] The grill (34) is positioned in front of the fan (32) to guide air flow. In addition, the grill (34) is positioned between the fan (32) and the outlet (41) to minimize external influences on the fan (32).

[0100] The grill (34) may include a plurality of blades (35). The plurality of blades (35) can adjust the number, shape, and arrangement angle to control the wind direction or wind volume of air blown from the fan (32) to the outlet (41).

[0101] A door actuator (66), which will be described later, may be positioned at the center of the grill (34). The door actuator (66) and the fan motor (33) may be positioned on the same line in the front-rear direction. Through this configuration, a plurality of blades (35) of the grill (34) may be positioned in front of the fan (32).

[0102] The blower (30) may include a duct (36). The duct (36) is provided in a circular shape surrounding the fan (32) and is provided to guide the flow of air flowing toward the fan (32).

[0103] A heat exchanger (20) is placed between a fan (32) and an intake port (19), and absorbs heat from air flowing in through the intake port (19) or transfers heat to air flowing in through the intake port (19). The heat exchanger (20) may include a tube (21) and a header (22) coupled to the upper and lower sides of the tube (21). However, the type of the heat exchanger (20) is not limited.

[0104] The number of heat exchangers (20) arranged inside the main body (10) may be provided at least one corresponding to the number of discharge ports (41). For example, the discharge ports (41) may include a first discharge port (41a), a second discharge port (41b), and a third discharge port (41c).

[0105] The air conditioner (1) can perform multiple operations. The multiple operations can include a cooling operation that discharges heat-exchanged air through the discharge port (41) and a drying operation that discharges non-heat-exchanged air through the discharge port (41). The drying operation can also be referred to as a blower operation because it discharges non-heat-exchanged air. According to various embodiments, the drying operation can include a blower operation that operates only the fan (32) without operating the compressor (3) and / or a heating operation that operates the fan (32) together with the operation of the compressor (3).

[0106] Dry operation may also be referred to as cleaning operation from the perspective that it can prevent mold growth by removing moisture inside the air conditioner (1) (e.g., moisture around the heat exchanger (20)).

[0107] In heating operation, the flow of refrigerant compressed by the compressor (3) can be controlled so that indoor air exchanges heat with the hot refrigerant of the heat exchanger (20).

[0108] The flow of refrigerant compressed by the compressor (3) can be changed by the operation of at least one valve (not shown) for changing the flow of refrigerant. For example, the control unit (160) can perform heating operation or cooling operation by controlling the flow of refrigerant compressed by the compressor (3) by controlling at least one valve.

[0109] In cooling operation, the compressor (3) operates and the fan (32) may rotate. In cooling operation, the flow of refrigerant compressed by the compressor (3) may be controlled so that indoor air exchanges heat with the cold refrigerant of the heat exchanger (20). In dry operation, only the fan (32) may rotate without the compressor (3) operating. In one embodiment, the compressor (3) may operate and the fan (32) may rotate even in dry operation. In dry operation, the flow of refrigerant compressed by the compressor (3) may be controlled so that indoor air exchanges heat with the hot refrigerant of the heat exchanger (20). That is, according to various embodiments, the dry operation may also include the heating operation.

[0110] The cooling operation may include a first cooling operation that discharges heat-exchanged air through at least one discharge port (41), and a second cooling operation that discharges heat-exchanged air through discharge holes (42) provided in a porous discharge plate (14). The size of the discharge port (41) may be larger than the size of the discharge holes (42). In addition, the number of discharge holes (42) is larger than the number of discharge ports (41), and the discharge holes (42) may be distributed approximately uniformly throughout the discharge plate (14).

[0111] Specifically, the heat-exchanged air in the first cooling operation can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner (1) through the open first discharge port (41a), second discharge port (41b), or third discharge port (41c). At this time, the air conditioner (1) can perform the first cooling operation by selectively opening the first discharge port (41a), second discharge port (41b), or third discharge port (41c) depending on the detected indoor temperature.

[0112] In the second cooling operation, the first discharge port (41a), the second discharge port (41b), and the third discharge port (41c) are all closed, and the heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge hole (42) provided in the discharge plate (14).

[0113] That is, the air that has been heat-exchanged by the heat exchanger (20) can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner through at least one discharge port (41) and discharge hole (42) by the fan (32).

[0114] In the first cooling operation, the heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge port (41), but not only through the discharge port (41), but also a portion of it may be discharged through the discharge hole (42). That is, in the first cooling operation, most of the heat-exchanged air may be discharged through the discharge port (41). In the second cooling operation, as in the first cooling operation, most of the heat-exchanged air may be discharged through the discharge hole (42).

[0115] Air passing through the blower (30) can be discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the discharge port (41).

[0116] When the air conditioner (1) performs the first cooling operation, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the discharge port (41). The discharge port (41) is provided so that the heat-exchanged air can be directly discharged to the outside. The discharge port (41) may be provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the main body (10). The discharge port (41) may be provided in the blowing direction of the fan (32) so that the heat-exchanged air can be directly discharged to the outside. The air blown by the fan (32) can flow through the first discharge path (41d) formed between the fan (32) and the discharge port (41). The first discharge path (41d) may be formed by a discharge guide (45).

[0117] The first discharge path (41d) can be formed by a discharge guide (45). The end (43) of the discharge guide (45) is connected to the discharge port (41), and the first discharge path (41d) can be formed along the inner surface of the discharge guide (45). The end (43) of the discharge guide (45) is exposed to the outside through the discharge port (41) of the main body (10), and the discharge guide (45) can be settled on the end (43) of the discharge guide (45) by moving the door (60) described later.

[0118] The outlet (41) can be opened and closed by the door (60).

[0119] The door (60) opens and closes the outlet (41), and heat-exchanged air can be selectively discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the outlet (41). For example, the door (60) may include a first door (60a) that opens and closes a first outlet (41a), a second door (60b) that opens and closes a second outlet (41b), and a third door (60c) that opens and closes a third outlet (41c).

[0120] The door (60) can move between an open position (P1) that opens the discharge port (41) and a closed position (P2) that closes the discharge port (41). The door (60) can move in the forward and backward directions between the open position (P1) and the closed position (P2).

[0121] In detail, each door (60) may include a door blade (62) and a door actuator (66) that operates the door blade (62).

[0122] The door blade (62) may be formed in a circular shape to correspond to the shape of the discharge port (41). When the door (60) is in the open position (P1), the door blade (62) is spaced apart from the end (43) of the discharge guide (45), and when the door (60) is in the closed position (P2), the door blade (62) may contact the end (43) of the discharge guide (45) to close the discharge port (41). For example, the door blade (62) may include a first door blade (62a) that opens and closes the first discharge port (41a), a second door blade (62b) that opens and closes the first discharge port (41a), and a third door blade (62c) that opens and closes the first discharge port (41a).

[0123] The door blade (62) may include a blade body (63) that is formed in a circular shape to correspond to the discharge port (41), and a blade coupling portion (64) that extends from the blade body (63) and is coupled to a door actuator (66).

[0124] The blade body (63) may be provided in a roughly circular plate shape. In addition, the blade body (63) may be provided so that one side faces the outside of the main body (10), and the other side faces the discharge port (41).

[0125] A display is provided on one side of the blade body (63), and the display can be provided to display the operating status of the air conditioner or to operate the air conditioner.

[0126] The door actuator (66) can move the door blade (62). The door actuator (66) can include a motor (not shown). The door actuator (66) is coupled to the blade coupling portion (64) of the door blade (62) and can move the door blade (62).

[0127] For example, the door actuator (66) may include a first door actuator (66a) that moves a first door blade (62a), a second door actuator (66b) that moves a second door blade (62b), and a third door actuator (66c) that moves a third door blade (62c).

[0128] The grill (34) described above can be arranged around the door actuator (66). Air blowing from a fan (32) provided on the rear surface of the grill (34) can be discharged forward through the grill (34).

[0129] When the air conditioner (1) performs the second cooling operation, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the discharge hole (42). Through this configuration, the heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside while reducing the wind speed. The discharge hole (42) may include a plurality of discharge holes (42) formed in a porous discharge plate (14) described later.

[0130] When the heat-exchanged air is discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the discharge hole (42), the air blown by the fan (32) can flow through the second discharge path (42a) formed between the fan (32) and the discharge hole (42). The second discharge path (42a) can be formed by the discharge guide (45) and the discharge panel (12) described later.

[0131] The discharge panel (12) can form a second discharge path (42a). The heat-exchanged air can be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner at a low speed through the second discharge path (42a) formed by the discharge panel (12) and the discharge plate (14) described later.

[0132] The discharge panel (12) may include a euro forming frame (13) and a discharge plate (14).

[0133] The flow path forming frame (13) can partition the interior of the main body (10) and the second discharge flow path (42a). The air exchanged through the flow path forming frame (13) can be prevented from flowing back into the interior of the main body (10). In one embodiment, the flow path forming frame (13) can be formed to extend from the grill (34) and be connected to the exterior panel (11).

[0134] A discharge hole (42) may be formed in the discharge plate (14). The shape of the discharge hole (42) is not limited, but in one embodiment of the disclosed invention, it may have a shape of a plurality of discharge holes (42). The discharge hole (42) may penetrate the front and rear surfaces of the discharge plate (14).

[0135] The discharge hole (42) can form a discharge area. A plurality of discharge holes (42) can be uniformly distributed in the discharge area, and can be concentrated in at least a portion. In one embodiment, a plurality of discharge holes (42) can be uniformly distributed in the discharge area.

[0136] The discharge area may be formed on at least a portion of the discharge plate (14). However, it is not limited thereto, and discharge may be performed through the entire surface of the discharge plate (14).

[0137] The discharge unit (40) may include a first discharge path (41d) and a second discharge path (42a).

[0138] The air blown by the fan (32) can flow through at least one of the first discharge path (41d) and the second discharge path (42a).

[0139] In the first cooling operation, air blown by the fan (32) can flow through the first discharge path (41d) formed between the fan (32) and the discharge port (41). In addition, in the second cooling operation, air blown by the fan (32) can flow through the second discharge path (42a) formed between the fan (32) and the discharge hole (42).

[0140] The discharge unit (40) may include a discharge guide (45). Air blown by the fan (32) may be controlled by the discharge guide (45). The discharge guide (45) is provided in front of the blower unit (30), and the discharge guide (45) is provided so that air flowing from the blower unit (30) can flow through at least one discharge path among the first discharge path (41d) and the second discharge path (42a).

[0141] The discharge guide (45) may include a guide body (46) and a guide groove (47).

[0142] The guide body (46) can form a first discharge path (41d) on its inner side. The guide body (46) can be provided in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion. Specifically, the guide body (46) can be provided in the shape of a tube, with one side facing the blower (30) and the other side facing the discharge port (41).

[0143] The guide groove (47) is formed so that the second discharge path (42a) passes through it. The guide groove (47) may be provided on the guide body (46). The shape of the guide groove (47) is not limited, and any configuration that allows air to flow in the outward direction of the guide body (46) is sufficient. In one embodiment, the guide groove (47) may have a plurality of hole shapes along the circumference of the guide body (46).

[0144] In the first cooling operation, the door (60) opens the discharge port (41). In this case, air blowing from the blower (30) passes through the first discharge path (41d) formed on the inside of the guide body (46) and is discharged through the discharge port (41).

[0145] In the second cooling operation, the door (60) closes the discharge port (41). In this case, one side of the guide body (46) is blocked by the door (60), so that the air blowing from the blower (30) passes through the guide groove (47) formed in the guide body (46) and is discharged through the discharge hole (42).

[0146] Below, an example of the operation of the air conditioner (1) of the present invention is described.

[0147] Air drawn into the main body (10) from the outside exchanges heat with the heat exchanger (20). The air heated or cooled by the heat exchanger (20) is discharged to the outside of the main body (10) by the blower (30).

[0148] The air conditioner (1) discharges air that has passed through the heat exchanger (20) to the outside through at least one of the discharge port (41) and the discharge hole (42). That is, as in the first cooling operation, the air may be discharged through the discharge port (41) to quickly achieve heating or cooling, or as in the second cooling operation, the air may be discharged through the discharge hole (42) to slowly achieve heating or cooling throughout the entire room.

[0149] The discharge port (41) can be opened and closed by the operation of the door (60). When the discharge port (41) is opened, heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge port (41), and when the discharge port (41) is closed, heat-exchanged air can be discharged through the discharge hole (42).

[0150] In the first cooling operation, heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge port (41). In the first cooling operation, the door blade (62) is positioned in the open position (P1), and the door blade (62) is spaced apart from the end (43) of the discharge guide (45), so that the discharge port (41) is opened.

[0151] In this case, the air flowing from the blower (30) flows to the discharge port (41) through the first discharge path (41d) formed by the guide body (46) of the discharge guide (45).

[0152] When discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the discharge port (41), it is discharged to the outside while maintaining the wind speed by the blower (30).

[0153] In the second cooling operation, heat-exchanged air is discharged through the discharge hole (42). In the second cooling operation, the door blade (62) is positioned in the closed position (P2), and the door blade (62) comes into contact with the end (43) of the discharge guide (45), so that the discharge port (41) can be closed.

[0154] In this case, the air flowing from the blower (30) passes through the guide groove (47) formed in the guide body (46) of the discharge guide (45) because the discharge port (41) is blocked by the door blade (62). Through this, the air flowing from the blower (30) passes through the second discharge path (42a) and flows into the discharge hole (42).

[0155] When air is discharged to the outside of the main body (10) through the discharge hole (42), the air passes through the multiple discharge holes of the discharge plate (14) and the wind speed is reduced, so that it is discharged to the outside at a low speed.

[0156] This configuration allows the user to cool or heat the room at a comfortable air speed.

[0157] In dry operation, air may be discharged to the outside of the air conditioner (1) through the open first discharge port (41a), second discharge port (41b) or third discharge port (41c), or may be discharged through the discharge hole (42) provided in the discharge plate (14) with the first discharge port (41a), second discharge port (41b) and third discharge port (41c) closed.

[0158] In the present disclosure, the discharge port provided in the main body (10) may be a concept including at least one of a discharge port (41) and a discharge hole (42).

[0159] Fig. 9 is a control block diagram of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 9, an air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment may include a user interface device (110), a sensor unit (120), a compressor (3), a fan (32), a communication interface (140) and / or a control unit (160).

[0161] The user interface device (110) can enable interaction between the user and the air conditioner (1).

[0162] The user interface device (110) may include an output interface (112) and an input interface (111).

[0163] At least one output interface (112) can transmit various information related to the operation of the air conditioner to the user by generating sensory information.

[0164] For example, at least one output interface (112) can transmit information related to the settings of the air conditioner (1) and the operating time of the air conditioner (1) to the user. Information related to the operation of the air conditioner (1) can be output by a display, an indicator, and / or a voice. The at least one output interface (112) can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0165] At least one input interface (111) can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0166] At least one input interface (111) may include a power button for turning on the air conditioner (1), a setting button for setting the operation mode of the air conditioner (1), a control button for adjusting the rotation speed of the compressor (3) and / or fan (32), a timer button, etc.

[0167] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, an icon, etc.) that indicates its function.

[0168] At least one input interface (111) may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0169] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0170] The power button is a button to turn the air conditioner (1) on or off.

[0171] The setting button is a button for changing the operation mode of the air conditioner (1). The operation mode of the air conditioner may include cooling operation, heating operation, drying operation, eco mode, etc.

[0172] Depending on each operating mode, the operating frequency of the compressor (3) and the rotation speed of the fan (32) may be different.

[0173] The control button is a button for controlling the operating frequency of the compressor (3) of the air conditioner (1) and / or the rotation speed of the fan (32). Depending on the operation of the control button, the operating frequency of the compressor (3) and / or the rotation speed of the fan (32) can be controlled.

[0174] The timer button is a button for setting the operating time of the air conditioner (1). The air conditioner (1) performs operation according to the operating mode selected by the user for the operating time set by the timer button, and can end operation when the operating time set by the timer button has elapsed.

[0175] The air conditioner (1) can process user input received through the input interface (111) or output information related to the air conditioner (1) through the output interface (112).

[0176] For example, user input received through the input interface (111) can be transmitted to the control unit (160). As another example, the control unit (160) can control the output interface (112) to output information related to the air conditioner (1).

[0177] The sensor unit (120) may include a first sensor (121) that collects indoor environmental data and / or a second sensor (122) that collects outdoor environmental information.

[0178] In one embodiment, the first sensor (121) can collect indoor environmental data. The indoor environmental data may include indoor temperature data, indoor humidity data, indoor wind direction data, indoor air volume data, etc.

[0179] The first sensor (121) may include an indoor temperature sensor that collects indoor air temperature data, a humidity sensor that collects indoor air humidity data, an indoor wind direction / wind speed sensor that collects indoor air wind direction / wind speed data, etc. The ambient air of the air conditioner (1) may be referred to as indoor air.

[0180] The first sensor (121) can transmit the collected indoor environment data to the control unit (160).

[0181] In one embodiment, the second sensor (122) can collect outdoor environmental data, which may include outdoor temperature data, outdoor humidity data, outdoor wind direction data, outdoor wind volume data, etc. The second sensor (122) may include an outdoor temperature sensor that collects outdoor air temperature data, an outdoor humidity sensor that collects outdoor air humidity data, an outdoor wind direction / wind speed sensor that collects outdoor air wind direction / wind speed data, etc. The surrounding air of the outdoor unit (2) may be referred to as outdoor air.

[0182] The second sensor (122) can transmit the collected outdoor environment data to the control unit (160).

[0183] The fan (32) can rotate according to the driving force provided by the fan motor (33).

[0184] Controlling the fan (32) by the control unit (160) may include controlling the fan motor (33) by the control unit (160). The control unit (160) may control the rotation speed of the fan (32) by controlling the fan motor (33). Terminating the air conditioning operation by the control unit (160) may include stopping the rotation of the fan (32) by controlling the fan motor (33) by the control unit (160).

[0185] The compressor (3) can operate based on a control signal from the control unit (160).

[0186] The control unit (160) can operate the compressor (3) based on the start of the cooling operation of the air conditioner (1). The control unit (160) can terminate the air conditioning operation.

[0187] Terminating the air conditioning operation may include stopping the operation of the compressor (3).

[0188] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may control the compressor (3) and the fan (32) to perform air conditioning operation based on a set temperature. For example, the at least one processor (161) may determine an indoor temperature corresponding to indoor environment data, and if the indoor temperature is different from the set temperature, control the rotation speed of the fan (32) so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature. In addition, the at least one processor (161) may control the operation of the compressor (3) so that the indoor temperature corresponding to the indoor environment data reaches the set temperature.

[0189] The communication interface (140) may include at least one of a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0190] The communication interface (140) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., a user device (6) and / or a computing device (7)) or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication interface (140) can establish communication with the user device (6) and / or the computing device (7) and transmit and receive various types of data.

[0191] To this end, the communication interface (140) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication interface (140) 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). Any of these communication modules may communicate with the external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These different types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0192] 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.

[0193] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0194] In one embodiment, the communication interface (140) may communicate with external devices such as a user device (6) and / or a computing device (7) via a peripheral access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the user device (6) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the computing device (7) is connected. The air conditioner may be connected to the computing device (7) via the wide area network (WAN).

[0195] The control unit (160) can process user commands received from the input interface (111).

[0196] The control unit (160) can process data collected from various sensors (e.g., first sensor (121), second sensor (122)).

[0197] The control unit (160) can process user commands received through the communication interface (140).

[0198] The control unit (160) can control various components of the air conditioner (1) (e.g., output interface (112), compressor (3), fan (32), and / or communication interface (140)).

[0199] The control unit (160) may include at least one processor (161) that controls the operation of the air conditioner (1) and at least one memory (162) that stores a program and data for controlling the operation of the air conditioner (1).

[0200] At least one memory (162) can store data required for various embodiments. The memory (162) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the air conditioner (1) or in the form of a memory that can be detachably attached to the air conditioner (1), depending on the purpose of data storage. For example, data for operating the air conditioner (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the air conditioner (1), and data for expanding the functions of the air conditioner (1) may be stored in a memory that can be detachably attached to the air conditioner (1). Meanwhile, in the case of memory embedded in the air conditioner (1), it may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, in the case of memory that can be attached or detached to the air conditioner (1), it may be implemented as a form of memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card)), external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory), etc. Can be.

[0201] At least one memory (162) can store an algorithm for performing air conditioning operation.

[0202] At least one processor (161) controls the overall operation of the air conditioner (1). Specifically, at least one processor (161) is connected to each component of the air conditioner (1) and can control the overall operation of the air conditioner (1). For example, at least one processor (161) is electrically connected to a memory (162) and can control the overall operation of the air conditioner (1). The processor (161) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0203] At least one processor (161) can perform operations of the air conditioner (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in the memory (162).

[0204] At least one processor (161) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an NPU (Neural Processing Unit), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (161) may control one or any combination of other components of the air conditioner (1) and may perform operations related to communication or data processing. At least one processor (161) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory (162). For example, at least one processor (161) may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory (162), thereby performing a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] At least one memory (162) can store an algorithm for controlling the compressor (3) and / or the fan (32) depending on the operating mode of the air conditioner (1).

[0206] The configurations illustrated in FIG. 9 are examples of configurations of an air conditioner (1), and the air conditioner (1) according to one embodiment may include some more configurations in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0207] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of obtaining various information using a machine learning model of an air conditioner according to one embodiment.

[0208] The control unit (160) may include a first machine learning model (163), a second machine learning model (164), a third machine learning model (165), and / or a fourth machine learning model (166).

[0209] The machine learning model can learn using data collected from the sensor unit (120) as learning data. The machine learning model can include a supervised learning model, an unsupervised learning model, and a reinforced learning model. The supervised learning model can learn through a regression model method, a classification model method, etc. The unsupervised learning model can learn through a clustering method, a dimensionality reduction method, etc.

[0210] The memory (162) may store a machine learning model. For example, the memory (162) may store an air conditioning application that can be downloaded from the computing device (6). The air conditioning application may be a downloadable app, at least in part, temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server's memory. The air conditioning application may include a machine learning model. The machine learning model included in the air conditioning application may be updated by an external server.

[0211] The memory (162) can store indoor environment data, outdoor environment data, data regarding set temperature, power consumption data, and / or air conditioning operation history data.

[0212] Data regarding the set temperature may include data regarding the set temperature set by the user when operating the air conditioning.

[0213] The power consumption data may include data regarding the amount of power consumed during air conditioning operation. For example, the power consumption data may include data regarding the amount of power consumed during the time from the start of air conditioning operation to the end of air conditioning operation. As another example, the power consumption data may include data regarding the amount of power consumed during a preset period of time (e.g., 1 hour) from the start of air conditioning operation. Here, the preset period of time may include the time from the start of air conditioning operation to the time a set temperature is reached, the time from the start of air conditioning operation to the time the operating frequency of the compressor (3) operates below a predetermined frequency, etc.

[0214] The history data of the air conditioning operation may include data regarding the start time of the air conditioning operation, data regarding the date of the air conditioning operation, data regarding the end time of the air conditioning operation, and / or data regarding the location where the air conditioning operation is performed.

[0215] The memory (162) can store indoor environment data and outdoor environment data for a preset period of time after the air conditioning operation is terminated.

[0216] In various embodiments, at least one processor (161) can input various data stored in memory (162) into a machine learning model to obtain various information.

[0217] This will be described later.

[0218] Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of air conditioning operation control when the air conditioner operates in eco mode according to one embodiment. Fig. 12 illustrates an example of an interface for executing the eco mode of the air conditioner according to one embodiment. Fig. 13 illustrates an example of an interface for changing a set temperature when performing air conditioning operation in eco mode according to one embodiment.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 11, at least one processor (161) may perform an air conditioning operation in eco mode based on receiving an execution command for eco mode (1000). Eco mode is an operating mode of air conditioning operation and may include a mode capable of saving power consumption during air conditioning operation. The terminology used is not limited thereto and may be referred to in various ways.

[0220] Below, various embodiments in which at least one processor (161) receives an execution command in eco mode are described.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 12, an interface (U1) for setting the operation mode of the air conditioning operation can be provided through an output interface (112) of the air conditioner (1) and / or an output interface of the user device (6).

[0222] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can control an output interface (112) to provide an interface (U1) for setting an operating mode of the air conditioning operation.

[0223] In one embodiment, the processor of the user device (6) can control an output interface of the user device (6) to provide an interface (U1) for setting an operating mode of the air conditioning operation.

[0224] In one embodiment, the processor of the computer device (7) can transmit electrical signals to the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) to provide an interface (U1) for setting the operating mode of the air conditioning operation.

[0225] In the present disclosure, providing an interface by a computing device (7) may include transmitting a control signal to the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) that causes the computing device (7) to provide the interface.

[0226] An interface (U1) for setting the operation mode of the air conditioning operation may include an interface element (U11) for turning the power of the air conditioner (1) on / off, an interface element (U12, U13) for turning the eco mode on / off, an interface element (U14) for turning the cooling mode or heating mode on / off, etc.

[0227] At least one processor (161) can receive an execution command of the eco mode through the input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1) and / or the input interface of the user device (6).

[0228] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may receive an execution command of the eco mode via the input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1).

[0229] In one embodiment, the user device (6) receives an execution command of the eco mode through the input interface of the user device (6) and transmits it to the air conditioner (1), and the air conditioner (1) can receive the execution command of the eco mode from the user device (6) through the communication interface (140).

[0230] The command to execute the eco mode can be generated by the user pressing an area corresponding to an interface element (U12) for turning the eco mode on. In addition, the command to execute the eco mode can be generated by the user pressing an area corresponding to an interface element (U11) for turning the power on / off for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 2 seconds).

[0231] Referring again to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may determine an indoor temperature based on indoor environmental data.

[0232] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may determine whether the indoor temperature has reached a set temperature (1010).

[0233] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can determine a recommended temperature based on indoor environmental data, outdoor environmental data, and a set temperature.

[0234] For example, at least one processor (161) may determine indoor temperature and indoor humidity based on indoor environmental data, determine outdoor temperature and outdoor humidity based on outdoor environmental data, and determine a recommended temperature based on indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, indoor humidity, and set temperature. In other words, the recommended temperature may be determined by considering not only the indoor environment but also the outdoor environment.

[0235] The indoor environment in which a user occupies a room can be determined not only by air conditioning operation but also by the outdoor environment. For example, indoor temperature can be changed by air conditioning operation, but also by outdoor temperature. For another example, indoor humidity can be changed by air conditioning operation, but also by outdoor humidity.

[0236] According to the present disclosure, a recommended temperature, which is an appropriate temperature for air conditioning operation, is determined by considering not only the indoor environment but also the outdoor environment, thereby providing a comfortable indoor environment to the user.

[0237] When users are indoors, maintaining an appropriate indoor humidity level is essential to provide a comfortable indoor environment. Indoor humidity can vary depending on indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity.

[0238] According to the present disclosure, a recommended temperature, which is an appropriate temperature for air conditioning operation, can be determined by considering indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, indoor humidity, and outdoor humidity, thereby providing a comfortable indoor environment to the user.

[0239] According to the present disclosure, when determining the recommended temperature, the set temperature can also be taken into consideration to save power consumption of air conditioning operation.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may input indoor environment data, outdoor environment data, and data regarding a set temperature into a first machine learning model (163) to determine a recommended temperature.

[0241] The first machine learning model (163) can learn using indoor environment data, outdoor environment data, and data regarding set temperature stored in the memory (162) as learning data. For example, the first machine learning model (163) can learn using indoor temperature data, indoor humidity data, outdoor temperature data, outdoor humidity data, and data regarding set temperature stored in the memory (162) as learning data.

[0242] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can use the second machine learning model (164) to determine an expected amount of power consumption that would be saved compared to not changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature.

[0243] The second machine learning model (164) can learn using power consumption data for air conditioning operation stored in memory (162) as learning data. For example, the second machine learning model (164) can learn using power consumption data for air conditioning operation according to set temperature as learning data.

[0244] Referring again to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may transmit information regarding a recommended temperature to an external device based on the indoor temperature reaching a set temperature (1010). The information regarding the recommended temperature may include information regarding the recommended temperature and an estimated amount of power savings that will be achieved by changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature compared to not changing the set temperature.

[0245] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may change the set temperature to the recommended temperature (1060) based on receiving a command to select a recommended temperature from an external device (1040).

[0246] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can change the set temperature based on a reference power consumption set by a user (example of 1020), an indoor temperature reaching a set temperature, and a power consumption of air conditioning operation being greater than or equal to the reference power consumption (example of 1030).

[0247] Referring to Fig. 12, when performing air conditioning operation in eco mode, an interface (U2) for changing the set temperature can be provided through the output interface (112) of the air conditioner (1) and / or the output interface of the user device (6).

[0248] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can control the output interface (112) to provide an interface (U2) for changing the set temperature when performing air conditioning operation in eco mode.

[0249] In one embodiment, the processor of the user device (6) can control an output interface of the user device (6) to provide an interface (U2) for changing the set temperature when performing air conditioning operation in eco mode.

[0250] In one embodiment, the processor of the computer device (7) can transmit an electrical signal to the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) to provide an interface (U2) for changing the set temperature when performing air conditioning operation in eco mode.

[0251] When performing air conditioning operation in eco mode, the interface (U2) for changing the set temperature may include an interface element (U21) for providing information about the set temperature, an interface element (U22) for providing information about the indoor temperature, an interface element (U23, U24) for providing information about the recommended temperature, an interface element (U25) for setting the reference power consumption, and / or an interface element (U26) for changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature.

[0252] An interface element providing information about a recommended temperature may include a recommended temperature interface element (U23) and / or an interface element (U24) providing information about an estimated power savings that will be achieved by changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature compared to not changing the set temperature.

[0253] An interface element (U24) providing information on expected power consumption savings may include an interface element (U24a) providing information on expected power consumption according to a set temperature, an interface element (U24b) providing information on expected power consumption according to a recommended temperature, and / or an element (U24c) providing information on energy savings.

[0254] A user can set a reference power consumption level via an interface element (U25) for setting a reference power consumption level. The reference power consumption level can be determined based on the power consumption of air conditioning operation over a given period of time.

[0255] At least one processor (161) can receive a command to select a recommended temperature via an input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1) and / or an input interface of the user device (6).

[0256] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may receive a command to select a recommended temperature via an input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1).

[0257] In one embodiment, the user device (6) can receive a command to select a recommended temperature through an input interface of the user device (6) and transmit the command to the air conditioner (1), and the air conditioner (1) can receive a command to select a recommended temperature from the user device (6) through a communication interface (140).

[0258] A command to select a recommended temperature may be generated by a user pressing a region corresponding to an interface element (U26) for changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature. For example, a command to select a recommended temperature may be generated by a user pressing a region corresponding to a predetermined region (e.g., "Accept") among the regions corresponding to an interface element (U26) for changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature.

[0259] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of air conditioning operation control when the eco mode of an air conditioner is terminated according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a method for obtaining a recommended air conditioning operation maintenance time according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of an interface for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 illustrates an example of an interface for determining whether to restart air conditioning operation according to one embodiment.

[0260] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, when at least one processor (161) receives a command to terminate the eco mode (example 1070 of FIG. 11), it can transmit information about the recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation to an external device (1080).

[0261] At least one processor (161) can receive a command to terminate the eco mode via the input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1) and / or the input interface of the user device (6).

[0262] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may receive an eco mode termination command via an input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1).

[0263] In one embodiment, the user device (6) receives a command to terminate the eco mode through the input interface of the user device (6) and transmits it to the air conditioner (1), and the air conditioner (1) can receive a command to terminate the eco mode from the user device (6) through the communication interface (140).

[0264] The command to exit the eco mode can be generated by a user pressing an area corresponding to an interface element (U13, see FIG. 12) for turning off the eco mode. Alternatively, the command to exit the eco mode can be generated by a user pressing an area corresponding to an interface element (U11, see FIG. 12) for turning the power on / off for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 2 seconds).

[0265] In one embodiment, when at least one processor (161) receives a command to end the eco mode, it can determine a recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation based on the desired air conditioning restart time after the end of the air conditioning operation set by the user, indoor environment data, outdoor environment data, and the set temperature.

[0266] For example, at least one processor (161) can determine a recommended maintenance time of air conditioning operation based on indoor temperature data, indoor humidity data, outdoor temperature data, outdoor humidity data, desired air conditioning re-operation time, and set temperature.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may determine a recommended maintenance time for air conditioning operation using a third machine learning model (165). The third machine learning model (165) may learn using indoor environment data, outdoor environment data, data regarding set temperature, and power consumption data for air conditioning operation stored in the memory (162) as learning data.

[0268] Referring to FIG. 15, in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may use a third machine learning model (165) to determine a time period during which the predicted power consumption is saved by maintaining the air conditioning operation compared to restarting the air conditioning. The recommended maintenance time period may include a time period during which the predicted power consumption is saved by maintaining the air conditioning operation compared to restarting the air conditioning after the desired air conditioning restart time has elapsed.

[0269] For example, at least one processor (161) may input data about indoor environment data, outdoor environment data, and desired air conditioning restart time (n) into a third machine learning model (165) to determine the indoor temperature (Ta) at the time of air conditioning termination, the indoor temperature (Ta+△Ta1) at the time of elapsed time (n) of desired air conditioning restart after the time of air conditioning termination, and the time (r) required for the indoor temperature (Ta+△Ta1) at the time of elapsed time (n) of desired air conditioning restart to reach the set temperature (Ts) again.

[0270] At least one processor (161) inputs data on indoor environment data, outdoor environment data, and desired air conditioning restart time (n) into a third machine learning model (165) to determine an indoor temperature (Tb) according to the maintenance of air conditioning operation, and can determine a predicted power consumption (P1=P11+P12) during air conditioning operation with the indoor temperature (Tb) according to the maintenance of air conditioning operation and a predicted power consumption (P2=P21+P22) after the air conditioning operation ends and the air conditioning restart to reach the set temperature (Ts) again.

[0271] If the predicted power consumption (P1) during air conditioning operation at the indoor temperature (Tb) according to the time (n+r) required to maintain the air conditioning operation until the desired air conditioning time and the set temperature (Ts) are reached again is smaller than the predicted power consumption (P2) required to reach the set temperature (Ts) again after the air conditioning operation ends and the air conditioning operation is restarted, the desired air conditioning time and the time (n+r) required to reach the set temperature (Ts) again can be determined as the recommended maintenance time for the air conditioning operation.

[0272] Referring again to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may terminate the air conditioning operation (1110) based on receiving a command to terminate the eco mode and then receiving a command to terminate the air conditioning operation (example of 1090).

[0273] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may perform air conditioning operation for a recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation based on not receiving a command to terminate the air conditioning operation (NO of 1090). Not receiving a command to terminate the air conditioning operation may include receiving a command to maintain the air conditioning operation.

[0274] Referring to FIG. 16, an interface (U3) for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation can be provided through an output interface (112) of the air conditioner (1) and / or an output interface of the user device (6).

[0275] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can control an output interface (112) to provide an interface (U3) for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation.

[0276] In one embodiment, the processor of the user device (6) can control an output interface of the user device (6) to provide an interface (U3) for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation.

[0277] In one embodiment, the processor of the computer device (7) may transmit an electrical signal to the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) to provide an interface (U3) for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation.

[0278] An interface (U3) for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation may include an interface element (U31) for setting a desired air conditioning restart time after air conditioning operation ends, an interface element (U32) for providing information on a set temperature, an interface element (U33) for providing information on an indoor temperature, and / or an interface element (U34) for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation according to a recommended maintenance time.

[0279] The user can input the desired air conditioning restart time through the interface element (U31) for setting the desired air conditioning restart time.

[0280] An interface element (U34) for determining whether to maintain air conditioning operation according to a recommended maintenance time may provide information about the recommended time (e.g., 4 hours) and guidance that maintaining air conditioning operation can save power consumption compared to re-operating the air conditioning.

[0281] At least one processor (161) can receive a command to terminate the air conditioning operation via the input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1) and / or the input interface of the user device (6).

[0282] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may receive a command to terminate air conditioning operation via an input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1).

[0283] In one embodiment, the user device (6) receives a command to terminate the air conditioning operation through an input interface of the user device (6) and transmits it to the air conditioner (1), and the air conditioner (1) can receive a command to terminate the air conditioning operation from the user device (6) through a communication interface (140).

[0284] A command to terminate the air conditioning operation can be generated by pressing a predetermined area (e.g., Accept) among the areas corresponding to the interface element (U34) for the user to determine whether to maintain the air conditioning operation according to the recommended maintenance time.

[0285] A command to maintain air conditioning operation can be generated by pressing a predetermined area and another area (e.g., cancel) corresponding to an interface element (U34) for the user to determine whether to maintain air conditioning operation according to a recommended maintenance time.

[0286] Referring again to FIG. 14 , in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may determine a predicted air conditioning restart time after the end of the air conditioning operation. The predicted air conditioning restart time may include a predicted time at which the air conditioning operation will be performed again by the user after the end of the air conditioning operation. For example, at least one processor (161) may determine the predicted air conditioning restart time based on a desired air conditioning restart time input by the user and / or historical data of the air conditioning operation.

[0287] Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may use a fourth machine learning model (166) to determine a predicted time for air conditioning re-operation after the end of air conditioning operation.

[0288] The fourth machine learning model (166) can learn using the history data of air conditioning operation stored in the memory (162) as learning data. For example, the fourth machine learning model (166) can learn using data regarding the start time of air conditioning operation, data regarding the date of air conditioning operation, data regarding the end time of air conditioning operation, and / or data regarding the location where air conditioning operation is performed, all stored in the memory (162).

[0289] Referring again to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, at least one processor (161) may receive an execution command for air conditioning re-operation according to an air conditioning re-operation prediction time through an external device (1120), and may perform air conditioning re-operation after the air conditioning re-operation prediction time has elapsed (1130).

[0290] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can restart the air conditioning so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature after the predicted air conditioning restart time has elapsed (1140).

[0291] Referring to FIG. 17, the interface (U4) for determining whether to restart the air conditioner can be provided through the output interface (112) of the air conditioner (1) and / or the output interface of the user device (6).

[0292] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can control an output interface (112) to provide an interface (U4) for determining whether to re-start the air conditioning.

[0293] In one embodiment, the processor of the user device (6) can control an output interface of the user device (6) to provide an interface (U4) for determining whether to re-operate the air conditioning.

[0294] In one embodiment, the processor of the computer device (7) may transmit an electrical signal to the air conditioner (1) and / or the user device (6) to provide an interface (U4) for determining whether to restart the air conditioning.

[0295] An interface (U4) for determining whether to restart the air conditioning system may include an interface element (U41) that provides information about a predicted time for restarting the air conditioning system and / or an interface element (U42) for determining whether to restart the air conditioning system according to a predicted time for restarting the air conditioning system.

[0296] An interface element (U41) providing information about the predicted resumption time of the air conditioning unit can display information about the end time of the air conditioning unit, information about the current time, and / or information about the predicted resumption time.

[0297] An interface element (U42) for determining whether to restart the air conditioning system based on the predicted restart time can provide guidance on information regarding the predicted restart time.

[0298] At least one processor (161) can receive an execution command for air conditioning re-operation according to an air conditioning re-operation prediction time through an input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1) and / or an input interface of the user device (6).

[0299] In one embodiment, at least one processor (161) can receive an execution command for air conditioning re-operation according to an air conditioning re-operation prediction time through an input interface (111) of the air conditioner (1).

[0300] In one embodiment, the user device (6) receives an execution command for air conditioning re-operation according to the predicted air conditioning re-operation time through the input interface of the user device (6), transmits the command to the air conditioner (1), and the air conditioner (1) can receive an execution command for air conditioning re-operation according to the predicted air conditioning re-operation time from the user device (6) through the communication interface (140).

[0301] An execution command for air conditioning re-operation according to the air conditioning re-operation prediction time can be generated by pressing a predetermined area (e.g., Accept) among the areas corresponding to the interface element (U42) for the user to determine whether to re-operate the air conditioning according to the air conditioning re-operation prediction time.

[0302] An air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a main body including an outlet;

[0303] A heat exchanger; a compressor for compressing refrigerant supplied from the heat exchanger; a fan for blowing air, on which heat has been exchanged in the heat exchanger, to the outlet; a first sensor for collecting indoor environmental data; a second sensor for collecting outdoor environmental data; and at least one processor for controlling the compressor and the fan to perform an air conditioning operation based on a set temperature; wherein, when the air conditioning operation is performed in an eco mode, the at least one processor determines a recommended temperature based on the indoor environmental data, the outdoor environmental data, and the set temperature, and transmits information about the recommended temperature to an external device based on the indoor temperature corresponding to the indoor environmental data reaching the set temperature, and changes the set temperature to the recommended temperature based on receiving a command for selecting the recommended temperature from the external device, and when a command to terminate the eco mode is received, determines a recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation based on a desired air conditioning re-operation time set by a user after termination of the air conditioning operation, the indoor environmental data, the outdoor environmental data, and the set temperature, and transmits information about the recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation to the external device.

[0304] The at least one processor may input data regarding the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature into a first machine learning model to determine the recommended temperature.

[0305] A memory for storing the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the data regarding the set temperature is further included, and the first machine learning model can learn by using the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the data regarding the set temperature stored in the memory as learning data.

[0306] The memory stores power consumption data of the air conditioning operation, and the at least one processor determines an expected power consumption savings that will be achieved when the set temperature is changed to the recommended temperature using a second machine learning model, compared to a case where the set temperature is not changed, and the second machine learning model is learned using the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data, and information about the recommended temperature may include information about the expected power consumption savings.

[0307] Based on a reference power consumption amount set by a user, the at least one processor can change the reference temperature based on the indoor temperature reaching the reference temperature and the power consumption of the air conditioning operation being greater than or equal to the reference power consumption amount.

[0308] A memory storing the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, the data regarding the set temperature, and the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation; further comprising: a memory storing the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, the data regarding the set temperature, and the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation; wherein the at least one processor determines a time for which the predicted power consumption is saved by maintaining the air conditioning operation compared to re-operating the air conditioning after the desired air conditioning re-operation time has elapsed using a third machine learning model, and the third machine learning model is learned using the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, the data regarding the set temperature, and the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data, and the recommended maintenance time may include a time for which the predicted power consumption is saved by maintaining the air conditioning operation compared to re-operating the air conditioning after the desired air conditioning re-operation time has elapsed.

[0309] The at least one processor may terminate the air conditioning operation based on receiving a command to terminate the air conditioning operation after receiving a command to terminate the eco mode.

[0310] A memory storing history data of the air conditioning operation is further included, wherein the at least one processor determines a predicted time for air conditioning re-operation after the end of the air conditioning operation using a fourth machine learning model, and the fourth machine learning model can learn using the history data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data.

[0311] The at least one processor may, based on receiving a command to execute air conditioning re-operation according to the air conditioning re-operation prediction time through the external device, restart the air conditioning after the air conditioning re-operation prediction time has elapsed.

[0312] The at least one processor may restart the air conditioning so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature after the air conditioning restart prediction time has elapsed.

[0313] A control method of an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: collecting indoor environment data; collecting outdoor environment data; determining a recommended temperature based on the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and a set temperature when performing air conditioning operation in an eco mode; transmitting information about the recommended temperature to an external device based on the indoor temperature corresponding to the indoor environment data reaching the set temperature; changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature based on receiving a command to select the recommended temperature; determining a recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation based on a desired air conditioning re-operation time set by a user after termination of the air conditioning operation, the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature when receiving a command to terminate the eco mode; and transmitting information about the recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation to the external device.

[0314] When performing the air conditioning operation in the eco mode, determining the recommended temperature based on the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature may include inputting the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and data regarding the set temperature into a first machine learning model to determine the recommended temperature.

[0315] In a control method of an air conditioner including a memory that stores the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and data regarding the set temperature, the first machine learning model can learn by using the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the data regarding the set temperature stored in the memory as learning data.

[0316] The above memory stores power consumption data of the air conditioning operation; and

[0317] The method further includes determining an expected power consumption savings compared to a case where the set temperature is not changed when the set temperature is changed to the recommended temperature using a second machine learning model, wherein the second machine learning model is learned using the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data, and information about the recommended temperature may include information about the expected power consumption savings.

[0318] It may further include changing the set temperature based on the indoor temperature reaching the set temperature and the power consumption of the air conditioning operation being greater than or equal to the standard power consumption, based on the standard power consumption set by the user.

[0319] In a control method of an air conditioner including a memory that stores the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, the data regarding the set temperature, and the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation, when a command to terminate the eco mode is received, determining a recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation based on a desired air conditioning restart time set by a user after termination of the air conditioning operation, the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature includes determining a time for which the predicted power consumption is saved by maintaining the air conditioning operation compared to restarting the air conditioning after the desired air conditioning restart time has elapsed using a third machine learning model; and the third machine learning model is learned using the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, the data regarding the set temperature, and the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data, and the recommended maintenance time may include a time for which the predicted power consumption is saved by maintaining the air conditioning operation compared to restarting the air conditioning after the desired air conditioning restart time has elapsed.

[0320] After receiving the command to end the eco mode, the method may further include terminating the air conditioning operation based on receiving the command to end the air conditioning operation.

[0321] A method for controlling an air conditioner further comprising a memory for storing history data of the air conditioning operation, the method further comprising: determining a predicted time for air conditioning re-operation after the end of the air conditioning operation using a fourth machine learning model; wherein the fourth machine learning model can learn using the history data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data.

[0322] It may further include: restarting the air conditioning after the air conditioning restart prediction time has elapsed, based on receiving an execution command for restarting the air conditioning according to the air conditioning restart prediction time through the external device.

[0323] Restarting the air conditioning after the above air conditioning re-run prediction time has elapsed may include: re-running the air conditioning after the above air conditioning re-run prediction time has elapsed so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature.

[0324] Meanwhile, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, may generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0325] Computer-readable storage media include all types of storage media that store instructions that can be deciphered by a computer. Examples include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disks, flash memory, and optical data storage devices.

[0326] Additionally, a computer-readable recording 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.

[0327] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document 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 recording medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play 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 on a machine-readable recording medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0328] The disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to the attached drawings as described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in forms other than the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit or essential features of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting.

Claims

1. A body including a discharge port; heat exchanger; A compressor for compressing the refrigerant supplied from the above heat exchanger; A fan that blows air in which heat exchange has taken place in the above heat exchanger to the above discharge port; A first sensor that collects indoor environmental data; a second sensor for collecting outdoor environmental data; and At least one processor for controlling the compressor and the fan to perform air conditioning operation based on a set temperature; When performing the above air conditioning operation in eco mode, at least one processor, Determine a recommended temperature based on the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data and the set temperature, transmit information about the recommended temperature to an external device based on the indoor temperature corresponding to the indoor environment data reaching the set temperature, and change the set temperature to the recommended temperature based on receiving a command to select the recommended temperature from the external device. An air conditioner that, when receiving a command to terminate the above eco mode, determines a recommended maintenance time for the air conditioning operation based on the desired air conditioning re-operation time after termination of the air conditioning operation set by the user, the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature, and transmits information about the recommended maintenance time for the air conditioning operation to the external device.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, An air conditioner that inputs the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the data regarding the set temperature into a first machine learning model to determine the recommended temperature.

3. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a memory for storing the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data and the data regarding the set temperature; An air conditioner in which the first machine learning model is learned by using the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the data regarding the set temperature stored in the memory as learning data.

4. In paragraph 3, The above memory stores power consumption data of the above air conditioning operation, At least one processor of the above, Using the second machine learning model, the expected power consumption savings are determined when the set temperature is changed to the recommended temperature compared to when the set temperature is not changed. The above second machine learning model is learned by using the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data. An air conditioner comprising information about the above recommended temperature and information about the above expected power consumption savings.

5. In paragraph 2, Based on a user-defined power consumption threshold, the at least one processor: An air conditioner that changes the set temperature based on the indoor temperature reaching the set temperature and the power consumption of the air conditioning operation being greater than or equal to the reference power consumption.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a memory storing the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, the set temperature data and the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation; At least one processor of the above, Using the third machine learning model, the predicted power consumption is saved by maintaining the air conditioning operation compared to re-operating the air conditioning after the desired air conditioning re-operation time has elapsed, and The third machine learning model is learned by using the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, the set temperature data, and the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data. An air conditioner in which the above recommended maintenance time includes the time during which the predicted power consumption is saved by maintaining the air conditioning operation compared to restarting the air conditioning after the desired air conditioning restart time has elapsed.

7. In paragraph 1, At least one processor of the above, An air conditioner that terminates the air conditioning operation based on receiving a command to terminate the air conditioning operation after receiving a command to terminate the eco mode.

8. In paragraph 7, Further comprising a memory for storing the history data of the above air conditioning operation; At least one processor of the above, Using the fourth machine learning model, the predicted time for air conditioning re-operation after the end of the air conditioning operation is determined, An air conditioner in which the fourth machine learning model is learned by using the history data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data.

9. In paragraph 8, At least one processor of the above, An air conditioner that restarts the air conditioning after the air conditioning restart prediction time has elapsed, based on receiving a command to restart the air conditioning according to the predicted air conditioning restart time through the external device.

10. In paragraph 9, At least one processor of the above, An air conditioner that restarts the air conditioning after the above-mentioned air conditioning restart prediction time has elapsed so that the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature.

11. Collect indoor environmental data; Collect outdoor environmental data; When performing air conditioning operation in eco mode, the recommended temperature is determined based on the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature; Transmitting information about the recommended temperature to an external device based on the indoor temperature corresponding to the indoor environment data reaching the set temperature; Changing the set temperature to the recommended temperature based on receiving a command to select the recommended temperature; When a command to terminate the above eco mode is received, the recommended maintenance time of the air conditioning operation is determined based on the desired air conditioning re-operation time after termination of the air conditioning operation set by the user, the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature; A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising: transmitting information about a recommended maintenance time of the above air conditioner operation to an external device.

12. In paragraph 11, When performing the air conditioning operation in the above eco mode, the recommended temperature is determined based on the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the set temperature. A method for controlling an air conditioner, comprising: inputting the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the data regarding the set temperature into a first machine learning model to determine the recommended temperature.

13. In paragraph 12, A method for controlling an air conditioner including a memory storing the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data and the data regarding the set temperature, A method for controlling an air conditioner, wherein the first machine learning model is learned by using the indoor environment data, the outdoor environment data, and the data regarding the set temperature stored in the memory as learning data.

14. In paragraph 13, The above memory stores power consumption data of the above air conditioning operation; and Further comprising: determining an expected power consumption savings when the set temperature is changed to the recommended temperature using a second machine learning model, compared to when the set temperature is not changed; The above second machine learning model is learned by using the power consumption data of the air conditioning operation stored in the memory as learning data. A method for controlling an air conditioner, wherein the information regarding the above recommended temperature includes information regarding the expected power consumption savings.

15. In paragraph 12, A control method for an air conditioner, further comprising: changing the set temperature based on the indoor temperature reaching the set temperature and the power consumption of the air conditioning operation being greater than or equal to the standard power consumption, based on the standard power consumption set by the user.

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